Review of Outside the Lines (Bluewater Bay #22) by Anna Zabo

Outside the Lines is the twenty-second book in the Bluewater Bay series.

Ian Meyers, a miniaturist for the television show Wolf's Landing, has one week to repair a destroyed set. He locates the supplies he needs at the comic book store owned by Simon Derry. Upon meeting, sparks fly. Before Ian can take Simon out for a beer, he meets Lydia Derry—Simon's wife. The pair explains that they have an open marriage, and if Ian wants Simon, Lydia is all for it.

With Lydia's support, Ian and Simon embark on a passionate affair that sweeps them both off their feet.

But as much as Ian is happy to share Simon, he wants what Lydia has—Simon's devotion and a home with him. Fearing heartbreak, Ian runs right when Simon and Lydia need him the most.

I loved this book. It was the first time I'd read about polyamory, several months before I read Maya Banks's Colters' Legacy series. I found the relationship among the trio to be warm and quite sweet.

For me, the speed at which Ian and Simon fell in love was very fast, but it didn't read as too fast. Others might not agree, but I have experience with falling that hard, that fast. It happens, though rarely. The comparison between Simon's relationship with Lydia and that with Ian put the relationships in perspective for me in a way Ian didn't understand. That made me want to shake Ian for his actions.

The fact that I got that involved in the story says a lot about how well-written the characters are. I found the plot very enjoyable, though the subplot at the very end felt tacked on and possibly unnecessary. It was good and I enjoyed it, but it might have been better worked into the rest of the book instead of on its own at the end.

Overall, I loved it. I loved the glimpse into polyamory and the strong bond between Simon and Lydia that kept Ian from threatening their relationship even as Simon fell in love with him. It was a sweet story with steamy sex scenes immersed in unexpected kink. The sweet and steamy aspects created opposing elements to the story, and I loved the push and pull of kink and tenderness.

I highly recommend this book.

Photo Credit Katherine Elizabeth

Stars Image Credit lovethenerddesigns