February 01 2014
**ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review***<br /><br />The Dividing Line is the second book in the series Space. It picks up where it last left off in The Space Between with the continuation of Lacey and Drake's story. I loved The Space Between and I was happy to see that Ms. Victoria Smith did a fabulous job in the continuation of Lacey and Drake. <br /><br />First and foremost, I love that this is a interracial book. I love that main characters were Asian American and African-American. I just love how the author did something different. It was refreshing to see characters reflect that there is nothing wrong being in an inter-racial relationship. LOVE is LOVE!! <br /><br />The Dividing Line showcases how strong Lacey and Drake's relationship. I loved how the author showcased that whether apart or together, their connection was strong. From Lacey fulfilling her dreams as an opera singer in Paris and Drake rediscovering his culture and identity. Though Lacey and Drake faces some struggles in their relationship, they were able to communicate and get through it together. <br /><br />The Space Between and The Dividing Line will be one of my favorite series. It was heartbreaking, touching, moving, and sexy. I just love that this book was able to incoporate romance, self-discovery, acceptance, and forgiveness all into the storyline. <br />
April 16 2013
**8/31/13** We have an expected release date my friends as well as the book trailer! Check it out for a sneak peek of what the book is about. Blurb will be coming soon and cover reveal is October 4, 2013.<br /><br />Book trailer: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FWsHf9PBr0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FWsHf...</a>
March 12 2014
4.5 Stars <br /><br />The Dividing Line picks up not too long after The Space Between Us ends. Lacy is pursuing her dreams as an opera singer and has accepted a role in a theater show in Paris. Drake has followed her to Paris as the supportive boyfriend. While Lacy is fulfilling and living her dream, Drake is struggling. He's working a lot and realizes he's not happy. He has sacrificed a lot and abandoned his family to be by Lacy's side. This couple struggles a lot. Not the petty silly struggles, but the real struggles when two people are in love and both are trying to find themselves and pursue their dreams. This left me a little worried about their HEA, because at this point I'm totally invested in Drake and Lacy.<br /><br />This sequel is truly so much more than the first book. After the first book there was still so much of Drake and Lacy's story to be told. They are very much in love and want to be supportive of each other, but sometimes I felt that they held back so as not to hurt one another's feelings. They spend a good deal apart in this book (this made me antsy!), but it was so important for each other's personal growth especially Drake. We are introduced to even more characters in this book that all played such an important part of the story. <br /><br />I loved it! Even at times when I was impatient and wanted to beg the author for my HEA! It was truly all worth it in the end. We already knew a lot about Drake and Lacy, but in The Dividing Line we get an even deeper connection to these two and their pasts. For me Drake was a standout! He's supportive and loyal and really willing to do anything for Lacy. I loved that even through their struggles and time apart, they both knew they were meant for one another. This was never questioned or jeopardized. There are a few twists and wow moments that kept the story moving and interesting. Of course it's also sexy and sweet. I loved those times between Lacey and Drake. Again I really enjoyed!
February 13 2014
Firstly, it should NOT have taken me 10 days to read this book. It is not that long and with such an captivating storyline it should have been finished in 3 days tops. I have now accepted the fact I have a "busy" life.<br /><br />Drake and Lacey are at it once again, the setting is Paris now. Lacey is a big time opera singer making a name for herself, becoming more famous, and making more financially than boyfriend Drake. Drake, who is not that use to manual labor thanks to his previous wealthy life has it a little bit harder. While he can speak the language of the land, unlike Lacey, he still is not happy with his current life placement. With Lacey's final show coming to an end Drake is more than happy to go back home to Chicago, but what will he do when Lacey's job has been extended for three more months and his has just been cut off?<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="8783472d-285e-4675-a4ad-b78698cc6168" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="8783472d-285e-4675-a4ad-b78698cc6168"> I really enjoyed this book. One thing that annoyed me a bit was how Drake constantly referred to Lacy as his girlfriend and not her name! I found Drake's storyline to be a lot more compelling than Lacey's for the most part. I like how he connected with new friends and the adoption kids. I still hate Drake's dad, but his mom doesn't seem all too bad. I would have also liked to see more of Adele but the novel did not revolve around her. I secretly kind of hoped that Drake and Natalia would end up together (hehe) I also really enjoyed hearing her story.</label><br /><br />I enjoyed how this novel as well as the last deals with the discrimination and judgement interracial couples deal with STILL. While Drake and Lacey love each other, not everyone loves that they are together. It's not even the family in this one, it's just one classmates and normal street people.
February 10 2014
The Diving Line is even better than The Space Between. I've lived most of my life in the Mid-Atlantic area of the USA. There my ethnicity and having friends from various races wasn't abnormal. Now that I live in Texas, I'm in awe to the numerous individuals that don't have a "head-to-mouth" filter. Am I mixed or is that my real hair? I think Victoria addresses these issues and sets the stage in a city where you'd think race isn't an issue. The dividing line isn't just race but social status, but addresses issues that are become more prevalent.
July 09 2013
<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1388118073i/7742855._SX540_.jpg" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b><i>“Steamy, hot and oh so sexy Drake is back and this time the story is even steamier. You won’t want to miss this unique coming of age romance that warms your heart”<b></b></i> <br><br>I was so excited to start reading the second installment of Lacey’s and Drake’s lovely love story. If you read my reviews you know I love reading spicy, romantic and unique love stories that have you swooning, and I am happy to report this book will not let you down. It starts off right where the first book story left off. <br><br>(Spoiler Alert if you have not read the first book)<br><br>Ok, the story starts out reminding you about some pivotal points that happened in the past, but very quickly you get sucked in really quick and wanting to know what will happen next. <br><br>The backdrop of the story is that Drake and Lacey are in beautiful Paris and Lacey’s career is sky rocking, but just like any coming of age story, there is conflict in what is next for Drake’s and Lacey’s life. I love it when a story gives you both sides of the coin and you get both POV’s. <br><br>Lacey is sweet wants to be a supportive girlfriend, trying to make the right decisions. And Drake – well, he is still sexy as hell and just wants to live his life the way he wants. I really enjoyed seeing him grow and be a better man in this one. I also enjoyed the very steamy scenes that had me blushing while reading.<br><br>I am not going to say that this is a smooth sailing happy-go-lucky ride of a read, because there is a lot of depth and insight on real issues and real situations that this couple goes through - sometimes alone and sometimes together. But in the end you are left asking yourself “what would I have done”? <br><br>The story was rich with culture and I like that Drake ends up getting a better since of self, and he did it on his time and his terms. There were some moments that I screeched, when I thought he going to make the wrong decision, and some really good “what are you thinking” moments with both Drake and Lacey, which makes you want to finish the read fast. It was when I hit chapter 12 that I could not put the book down, and then in chapter 51 the story catapults, and there are some uncomfortable moments that draw you in and then it takes off to action packed adventure. The disruptions of the characters are superb.<br><br><i>“coco-colored skin bright with sunshine”<i></i><br><br>You also get introduced to a whole new set of pivotal people in this story. You ask who and what role do they have? Well, I can’t give you much so I don’t give away the book, but there is one character that had me gritting my teeth the whole time she (oops) is in the scene, I wanted to yell, scream or shake Drake to open his eyes. I mean, she is part of the rest of the story and I was pleading that Drake would open his eyes the whole time - I mean the whole time! Lacey also had some moments like that too but Drake’s really got to me. Lacey’s best friend is always there for comic relief and telling it like it is.<br><br><i>“You’re a fucking idiot”<i></i><br><br>I guess it felt so real too and I really fell into their world and wanted to read about what was next so quickly, so that I could relieve my jaw from tightening. Yes, this one had me wanting to finish in one setting, and if that ever happens I am so happy as a reader.<br><br>And then there is the end of the story that had my stomach in knots and had me shedding tears. <br><br><i>“If you ever need to talk don’t hesitate to call me; I’ve been there sweetheart. I’ve been there”.</i><br><br>I could not stop crying after I read this. I know you don’t understand this line yet, but when you read it you will understand where I am coming from. This was the moment in the book where you get it. What I mean by that is you get why they had to go through everything they did, and you get why everything that Drake and Lacey journey was the way it was, and it made me realize why I love this couple so much. In the end I got a nicely well-written, well thought of, and realistic view of what life and love is like for these two and the people around them.<br><br>*Was given a ARC for my honest review. <br><br>If you like this review you can follow me at:<br><br><b><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.itsandrea.net">http://www.itsandrea.net</a></b> <br><br></i></i></b>
April 27 2013
Originally posted at <a href="http://ecstatic-for-books.blogspot.sg/2014/02/review-dividing-line-by-victoria-h-smith.html" rel="nofollow noopener">City of Books</a><br /><br />The Dividing Line is an incredible follow-up to The Space Between. I had definitely missed these characters, and I was so happy to meet them again. This book is definitely deeper than the first, and a lot more happens. It's really well paced, so of course I couldn't stop myself from flying through the book until I reached the final page.<br /><br />What I liked most about this is that the multiracial aspect is explored a lot more. That's something I've found totally unique to this series, since I've never read anything like it before. People's reactions to Drake and Lacey's relationship really surprised me. Drake's Korean, adopted by a white American couple, and Lacey is half African-American. People whispering about them and glaring disapprovingly surprised me because I live in a multi-cultural country and I go to an international school, so I've never really witnessed or experienced racism in its hostile nature. Reading this novel definitely opened up my eyes to it, though, and I was appalled.<br /><br />In this novel, Drake and Lacey are in Paris and have spent almost a year there. But things aren't going as well as they should. Their roles seemed to have switched in a way, which I found really ironic. Lacey is making good money with her shows, and she's slowly become a big thing not only in Paris, but she's gaining international interest too. Meanwhile, Drake is working a poorly-paid job, and he's starting to feel the strain of it all. When the two realize that their lives belong in different countries, they have to do what's best, even if it means being apart for a while. And that tests their relationship even further.<br /><br />I've got to admit in the beginning part of the novel, I didn't like Lacey quite as much as before. I was glad to see she was doing really well, but she struck me as a little selfish, since she didn't bother to think whether Drake was happy in Paris. I mean, he did leave literally everything he had to be with her. But as the novel progressed the old Lacey came back, which was great. She has this amazing inner strength, and she faces everything that's thrown at her with courage. Lacey goes through a lot of emotional pain and stress in this book, and I think it's amazing that she gets through it all. Of course, having Drake by her side for some of it helps a lot.<br /><br />Speaking of Drake, my heart really went out to him throughout. He gave up so much to be with Lacey in Paris, and I felt so sorry that he wasn't following a dream of his own. I loved how supportive he is most of the time, though his jealous tendencies got on my nerves a little. Either way, it's very clear how much he loves Lacey and would do anything for her. I also loved that Drake aspires to discover more about his Korean heritage. Growing up, he wasn't exposed to it, so I'm glad he gets the chance now. And I'm definitely looking forward to their novella coming up, which features the two of them in Seoul! I've been to Seoul - it's a lovely city. So that makes me even more excited for this.<br /><br />Drake and Lacey's relationship is tested so much throughout. Not only on one side, but on both. The physical separation later on doesn't sit well with them, and things do get complicated. But it's Drake and Lacey, and I knew they'd work things out. It was awesome to see Lacey's cousin Derrick and Drake's sister Adele again. They're both so supportive of the couple, and they're always there when they need them. I wouldn't mind getting to read either of their stories someday!<br /><br />There are definitely a few shockers in this book - some smallish, some pretty big. And in fact there was a scene towards the end that had me on the edge of my seat, glued to the pages. The Dividing Line is definitely no fluffy NA romance! Yes, the romance is amazing and toes-curling, but there's so much more to this book. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to read and review this one, and I can't wait for more of Drake and Lacey.<br /><br />*Thank you to Victoria H. Smith for providing me with an eARC for review*
January 22 2014
This book was gifted to bookdevour blogpot by the author in exchange for a fair review....<br /><br /><br /><br />Forgive me for taking Mrs. Flacks famous song lyrics and using them to my advantage, but as I lay reading Victoria H. Smith's "The Dividing Line" into the wee hours of the night I struggled to describe how I felt while reading. I'm very self reflective, so between sobs of joy and one-sided conversations with my e-reader I came to the conclusion that the strength, depth, and fluidity of the novel I was reading expertly played my emotions, so that I hung on every word of the page.<br /><br />Readers who enjoyed The space between, will enjoy the sequel, as Ms. Smith's style of writing continues from the first book two point of view characters, Drake and Lacey speak to the audience is first person; their voices are rich with the vivacity of bold lovers living in a world that is still young and fresh despite the harsh realties that they both have faced. For those who didn't read T.S.B., What were you doing? That books was Really good!! Download it now, I can wait......<br /><br />For the rest of us, let me just say that I love this book! And I have to tell you that I'm not really a "Epic romance" kind of girl, I don't even celebrate valentines day, but Ms. Smith's writing is so fresh and her voice is truly unique that I had to make an exception. Lacey's struggle is "real" to me, her talent and her family; I love the relationship that she has with Drake, the one she has with her BFF, and her family. She is such a great heroine; all the attributes I love about us woman without all the ridiculous drama and neck rolling many authors tend to add in to their characters. And did I mention her hair! I love it.<br /><br />Speaking of love, "I felt all flush with fever" at every description of Drake. Oh my word. I can't. I just can't. There is the cutest scene at a bar-b-que, its so Sassy of Lacey, but just the epitome of why Drake was one of my previous Book boyfriends of the month.<br /><br />Favorite lines:<br /><br />"My mama's smile was a familiar to me as the warmth of the sun, her touch as memorable as the crisp, light air of a summer breeze. My ears hummed with the memory of her voice. The one that was so though provoking and all consuming. I could sit forever listening to it, becoming lost in the powerful, melodic sound."<br /><br /><br />Favorite character:<br /><br />Drake's abs. Seriously, Smith's description of Drake's abdominal muscles makes my toes curl. Darn that Lacey is a lucky girl.<br /><br />Speaking of Lacey, her hair is another of my favorite characters; the way Drake describes how much her wild springy curls turn him; how often he runs his hands through it, and how the smell turns him on. He is one lucky guy.<br /><br />Margot is my girl, no I DO NOT condone her choice of employment, but she's smart, sassy, with just a dash of hood; and you have to love her "ride or die" support of her BFF.<br /><br />I'm jus sayin:<br /><br />Kudos to Ms. Smith for writing an awesome sequel that I love just as much as the original.<br />
February 13 2014
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />The Dividing Line is the second book in the Space series, and it the follow up to The Space Between, and for the most part it is the conclusion to Lacey and Drake’s story. Lacey and Drake are living in Paris and Lacey is doing what she has always wanted to do living her dream as an opera singer. Drake is finding it harder living in Paris, he is not truly happy, but as lacey is his world all he wants to do is support her. Their Relationship is tested when Drake and Lacey have to make some tough choices to work out what best for them and their future. <br /><br />The storyline was told from Lacey and Drake’s POV. It wasn’t too high on the drama and angst. Lacey and Drake are great characters. I loved them in the first book, and that didn’t change while reading this one. They are such a sweet couple together, and the love they have for each other is undeniable such passion and chemistry. <br /><br />Lacey and Drake’s journey isn't easy at times; misunderstandings, jealousy, and trust issue test the bond that they have. There were a few frustrating moments especially when they didn’t communication with each other. I wanted to shake them at times especially Drake I know his heart was in the right place, but he didn’t do himself any favors at times. There were also some very touching moments, and my heart went out for them particularly towards the end of the book. <br /><br />The issues that Lacey and Drake face as a multicultural couple were very realistic, and not over the top. Victoria H Smith did it in a way that showed that racism comes in all forms on many different levels, can be from people that you would have least expected it from. It doesn’t matter how small it maybe it is just as hurtful and upsetting. <br /><br />Overall I enjoyed this book it was well written and nicely paced. It was great to see some of the secondary characters back such as Lacey's cousin Derrick, her best friend Margot, and Drake's sister Adele. There were a few news ones that also added to the story. I love how the book ending for them, and how all what they faced and overcome made then stronger as a couple, and individually. <br /><br />I recommend you add The Dividing Line to your TBR List If you read and enjoyed The Space Between. <br /><br />At the start of my review I said that The Dividing Line for the most part is the conclusion to Lacey and Drake’s story, and I say this as one aspect of the storyline about Drake concludes in a bonus free novella called Heart and Seoul, it was an emotion, touching and a heartfelt story about Drake’s search for his identity, told from Lacey POV.<br /><br />4 Stars<br /><br /><b>“He had no idea the power he had over me. He had my heart and soul”<br /><br />“She was my world. She had become my life, and now, I had no clue what I had outside of that. I had no clue who I was outside of that” <br /><br />“Drake was my best friend, my everything and when type of person comes along its hard to remember life before them”. </b> <br />
February 01 2014
Reviewed at <a href="http://livesnbreathesbookblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-dividing-line-by-victoria-smith.html" rel="nofollow noopener">Lives and Breathes Book Blog</a><br /><br /><b>4.5 stars</b><br /><br />THE DIVIDING LINE is the follow-up novel to THE SPACE BETWEEN. When I read THE SPACE BETWEEN last year I loved it, I thought it was different with the topics it touched on. I also thought the ending was absolutely perfect and I was happy at the close of Lacey and Drake’s journey. I’m one of those people that get extremely nervous for sequels and what they mean to the characters’ relationships. I was anxious going into THE DIVIDING LINE but I was pleasantly surprised with the continuation of Lacey and Drake’s story!<br /><br />THE DIVIDING LINE picks up not long after THE SPACE BETWEEN. Lacey is following her dreams in Paris and Drake is by her side supporting her. Unfortunately, he’s not happy which causes them to make some decisions that put their relationship to the test. This made me extremely worried for this couple that I love so much, especially when Lacey has a new leading man in her opera and Drake finds a new friend. There were times I wanted to shake Drake and yell at him to open his eyes, and then Lacey, all I wanted her to do was actually pick up the phone and talk to Drake. But it seems Lacey and Drake had more faith in each other than I had in either of them. The problems they encounter are believable and not forced or overly dramatized. Both Lacey and Drake are trying to figure out what makes them happy. Lacey has to decide where her heart really lies and Drake is trying to find himself, his roots.<br /><br />The thing I loved so much in THE SPACE BETWEEN was the fact it’s a multicultural book. And THE DIVIDING LINE hits on this topic even more in a non-obvious way. As in, it is blended into the storyline in a beautiful way: the stares in the airport, the comments from acquaintances, the different languages spoken by friends. This is the world we live in today. There are many cultures all around, and some people are accepting of it, others are not. It’s so nice to see the reality of multicultural relationships showcased and explored. <br /><br />THE DIVIDING LINE is a lovely addition to the series; I loved it just as much as the first, if not more. It took turns I never expected and kept me glued to the pages. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking while still sweet and at times extremely sexy. Lacey and Drake go through so much in this book, both personally and as a couple. It was wonderful watching them overcome these struggles and, in the end, become stronger together as well as individually.<br /><br /><i>*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*</i>