Reviews

Blurred Red Lines by Cora Kenborn

75_sweetestbook's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow what a book this book blow me away and had me on edge of my seat .. I had a hard time put my kindle down and reading every chance I could get as I was hook from the first page all the way to the end.. this book is amazing and a fantastic read that will have you feeling the emotional ride of story that will have you feeling every emotion throughout the book.. this is a first book that I’ve read by this author and I’ve fallen in love with Cora Kenborn writing as it draws you in from the beginning all the way to the end...

allyreadsromance's review

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5.0

smoldering dark mafia

This was my first time reading/listening to anything by Cora, and I loved it!! Eden and Val were so hot, their chemistry undeniable, but also this semi-hatred was there that added to all the deliciousness! I loved how each book is a standalone, but I am looking forward to the next couple

rellimreads's review

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4.0

Note: There’s a box set available for the trilogy.

I’m participating in a challenge where I listen to a romance subgenre that I normally don’t listen to. While I have enjoyed some - I tend to shy away from mafia/cartel/organized crime/dark romances. I chose this purely because Brian Pallino is one of the narrators for book 1.

I was not disappointed at all. I was immediately immersed in the great world building and plot and I finished in two days. I loved Eden Lachey. She understandably goes a little unhinged a few times, but overall she’s a strong and competent character. This made her a great match and counterpoint for cartel leader, Valentin Carrera. This was a dark and twisted romance with strong suspense elements as well. At times the banter and interactions offered a bit of levity that I enjoyed.

I also really enjoyed the secondary characters that Kenborn crafted. I’m looking forward to their books as well.

Narration:
Brian Pallino & Sarah Puckett were absolute perfection as Val & Eden. I loved their accents and how well their performances complimented each other.

Alan Carlson only had a few chapters as ADA Brody Harcourt. I’m excited he’ll be reprising that role as a main character in book 3.

suzysuzy34's review

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3.0

Okay read, I think the audible narration helped me finish the book. I didn’t feel the connection between Val and Eden.

pattyfgd's review

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5.0

Blurred Red Lines
The Carrera Cartel, Volume 1
By: Cora Kenborn
Narrated by: Brian Pallino, Sarah Puckett, Alan Carlson

Dark, gritty and delicious, this is a fantastic listen. Blurred Red Lines is the first book I have heard by Cora Kenborn and I hope she keeps them coming! The Carrera Cartel is powerful, and they will do what needs to be done to keep their merchandise selling. When Eden is in the wrong place at the wrong time, she is taken and held by the Valentin. But who knew this little candy apple red haired woman would get under the tough skin of this commanding man. And our story begins. This is not a story for the light hearted. Kenborn does not weaken the violence, She writes with the ferocity of the content, and at the same time she humanizes the characters. I love Val. He is a conflicted boss, ready to deal with the problems occurring, yet he has a heart. Eden is a fabulous character. She's no pushover and is ready for revenge. Twists, turns and surprises fill the story with violence, suspense, passion and love. This is my kind of book and I can't wait for more.

This narration team is phenomenal. Brian Pallino scores as Val with a sensual, yet dangerous sounding Mexican accent. He is just so good! Sarah Puckett as Eden brings that vengeful powerhouse of a woman, ready to give as good as she gets in all aspects of her life. And Alan Carlson as Brody. He is fantastic, really enjoying his narration as he brings him to life. I loved them all, found they flowed well together and enjoyed this immensely!

amberloverful's review

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3.0

No feelings about it one way or another. I did somewhat enjoy the characters but the second half felt disjointed and I was losing interest. The romance felt sudden. Plot was interesting but I didn’t feel it. Maybe I’ll come back and finish this series but for now this is it

katrina_8505's review

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5.0

Love love this book. It is must read. It you love mafia then this one for you. You will love Val and Eden story..

maferg01's review

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5.0

In the mood for something dark and delicious, I decided to dip my toes into the world of the Carerra mafia and what a journey it was. This story had twists and turns and characters I wanted to know better. This story also left me wanting more and lucky for me, I can jump into the next two books whenever I want. The dynamic between Cherry and Val was perfect, with enough fight in it to make the steam really good. I also loved how the story kept me on my toes from start to finish and doesn’t shy away from being a true mafia story with all the on page violence that entails but is still a romance.

Val is the leader of the US branch of the Carrera cartel. He meets Eden in one of his bars and is smitten. Always avoiding entanglements, he walks away. But what neither of them know is that trouble is coming for Eden which draws her deeper into the Carrera world. When she finds herself in the crosshairs of a mafia war, the irresistible Carrera prince may be her only safe haven. But how safe can you be when you both become the center of the war?

I think the thing I loved most about this story is that Eden wasn’t some blushing innocent. She does struggle to figure things out when her world is turned on its head, but she comes out swinging. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and she is sassy. I think there should be more strong female leads in mafia stories. Additionally, the captive trope usually bothers me, but in this story it worked well since Eden kept her backbone. She also didn’t make Val’s life harder by making stupid decisions, which drives me crazy when authors make their heroines so stupidly naive that they are constantly putting themselves in danger. Can’t wait to see what else this series brings.

shedevilreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Blurred Red Lines by Cora Kenborn is a dark mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Brian Pallino, Sarah Puckett, and Alan Carlson. 

This is the first book in the Carrera Cartel series and each book can be read as a standalone. However, its recommend to read them in order to avoid spoilers. 

This is the first book of Cora’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship between Eden and Valentin. I liked that we got Eden, Valentin, and Brody’s points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life. 

I can’t wait for the next book in the series Faded Gray Lines to be released on audio so I can get Mateo and Leighton’s story. 

Brian, Sarah, and Alan did an amazing job on the narration. This trio really knows how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves mafia/cartel romances, dark romances, or romantic suspense. 


The Flock Team

bookishsteph's review

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5.0

Absolutely loved this story about the Mexican cartel. Val Carrera is a badass and he definitely meets his match when he meets Eden.