Review: Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Out of Line 
(Out Of Line #1)
by Jen McLaughlin
ebook, first, 250 pages
Published September 6th 2013 (first published September 1st 2013)
ISBN139780989668408
ARC Courtesy of Publicist
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Desperate to break free…
I've spent my entire life under my father’s thumb, but now I'm finally free to make my own choices. When my roommate dragged me to my first college party, I met Finn Coram and my life turned inside out. He knows how to break the rules and is everything I never knew I wanted. A Marine by day and surfer by night, he pushes me away even as our attraction brings us closer. Now I am finally free to do whatever I want. I know what I want. I choose Finn. 
Trying to play by the rules...
I always follow orders. My job, my life, depends on it. I thought this job would be easy, all the rules were made crystal clear, but when I met Carrie Wallington, everything got muddy. She's a rule I know I shouldn't break, but damn if I don’t inch closer to the breaking point each time I see her. I’m ready to step out of line. And even worse? I’m living a lie. They say the truth will set you free, but in my case…
The truth will cost me everything.

Crystal's Thoughts:

Carrie Wallington has lived a sheltered life. Always under the watchful eye of her father, the Senator, and his security team. She cannot even sleep without someone looking over her. Going to college half way across the country is her chance at freedom. Room-mates, parties, cute boys - and no overprotective parents. But just because she is no longer under his roof does not mean that Carrie's father is not watching her. Undercover as a surfer and marine, which he kinda is, Finn Coram is sent to keep an eye on Carrie and he was given a very specific set of rules to follow and consequences if he fails to follow them. Stay hidden. Protect Carrie. And most importantly, don't touch her. But from the first meeting Finn is on the verge of breaking all of them. 

Carrie is probably the most caring and thoughtful leading lady that I have ever read. She has grown up privileged but is in no way spoiled because of it. She gives to those less fortunate and does it anonymously. She sees the good in everyone and seems surprised when they don't live up to that goodness. She is innocent and somewhat naive but in no way is she stupid. I really enjoyed the story until last half when the cat was let out of the bag. I understood Carrie's feelings of betrayal and distrust, it resurrected long buried fears and insecurities, but for her to use Finn to her own advantage afterwards, and her whole attitude about that just didn't mesh with the character that I had come to know. 

Finn, Finn, Finn. Even though he is keeping this immense secret from Carrie he has the best heart. Finn tries from the start to do the right thing, and he comes off as a jerk because of it, but he can't fight the connection he feels for Carrie for long and when he stops fighting. Oh wow. Hold on to your panties ladies! Not only is this man drop dead sexy and alpha, but he supports Carrie in her studies and even cooks for her during! His struggle with his growing feelings for Carrie and doing the right thing was a big part of what I liked about this book. 

Finn and Carrie's growing relationship from friendship to lovers will have you spell bound. Out of Line was also a breath of fresh air in the New Adult genre because there were no dark and traumatic pasts that the characters were struggling with. The plot was light on the angst but heavy enough on the drama to keep you reading. There is a cliffhanger at the end of the story, though it is a bit different then the usual cliffhangers found in this genre. And now I'm left on the edge of my seat until the following year when the next book is expected to release...All in all, Out of Line was an enticing read and I look forward to the next book. 

Rating: 3.5 Wine Glasses