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Parallel Lines

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Dishonesty and duty make a deadly pair.

Single mother Davina Alvarez should be preparing to hit a career high. Instead, a moment of teenage recklessness has returned to haunt her - and halt her aspirations of becoming the NYPD's youngest female detective. When Davina's boss offers her an under-the-table deal, she's ready to walk. Until her unstable ex, Tatsuya Yanaki, is implicated in dealings that threaten the safety of their seven-year-old daughter.

At least she has his brother, Izuna, to count on. Or so she thinks.

What she doesn't know is that Izuna Yanaki is at the helm of a criminal empire. Trapped within his father's control, he struggles to balance duty and doubt - but the Yanaki name comes with responsibilities he can't escape. Like wrangling the whims of his twin brother...

When both Izuna's lover and his righthand man disappear without trace, the only explanation is treachery. Meanwhile, Davina's investigations hit a suspicious number of dead ends that all point to high-level corruption within the NYPD. And as their pursuit of the truth draws nearer to its sickening conclusion, two paths collide - to horrifying effect.

Parallel Lines is a high-stakes crime thriller featuring unforgettable characters that will keep you at the edge of your seat.Get ready to unravel a story where every line is blurred and trust is a luxury you can’t afford.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

17 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Nadia Vanders

1 book10 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Nataliejade.
59 reviews
September 15, 2024
Thank you so much to Nadia for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked by line 1 ‘sometimes Davina wished it was legal to kill her ex’ - cause same.

A gritty crime thriller with some difficult themes that I think were handled really well by Nadia. This was paced really well and that helped build suspense throughout.

Davina is a badass and Izuna was perfectly written.

This will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The ending had me shook so much that I need the next book now. Thanks.

I Really enjoyed this 4/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Melanie.
58 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2024
Many thanks to the author for sending me the eARC to read in exchange for a review.

I really really enjoyed this, crime isn’t my normal genre so I’m not well versed.

It follows two characters, Davina Alvarez who is a cop for the NYPD, she’s a single mum trying to do right by her daughter, her ex, Izuma’s brother Tatsuya, is the definition of a deadbeat dad. I really enjoyed being in Davina’s head as it was interesting and I was on tenterhooks whether she was going to find out about her ex and his brother being part of one of the biggest criminal empires in New York.

It also follows Izuma Yanaki, next in line to inherit their father’s criminal empire, I really enjoyed being in his head, even when the story started taking a dark turn. I loved his relationship not only with Davina, but with Sadie too and genuinely enjoyed how he was written. I felt he was a very well-written character.

All in all, it’s a really well written book with fleshed out characters and an interesting plot, and I was so happy to be given the opportunity to read it before it came out. I couldn’t put it down towards the end.

If you enjoy the crime genre, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Daniel Munro.
Author 5 books22 followers
September 22, 2024

The first thing you should know about this book is its complexity, and it’s brilliant delivery. You all know I love multitude of genres in story’s, and this has the full package. Organised crime without becoming full blown mafia. Policing without becoming the next CSI. Family, romance, love, betrayal, action. It all merges into a well paced plot and the heroism behind our two leads.
Davina is sympathetic and well driven single mother, trying to keep her life in order while under strains of working for the NYPD. She starts to notice all may not seem as it is within the department, leading her down a rabbit hole that reveals those closer to her aren’t who they seem.
Izuna, loyal uncle, brother, and son, is next in line for a family run crime ring, and it’s hard not to like him. Walking the edge of badboy and vulnerable. When he thinks he can bite off more than he can chew, it comes back in harsh way, leading to devastating consequences to those close to him. Closer than he thought.
Profile Image for Lola Bodelier.
48 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2024
Parallel Lines is a captivating read that I couldn't put down! The characters are so deeply intriguing, each with their own complexities that kept me hooked from start to finish. Nadia Vanders weaves a brilliant narrative, blending suspense and emotion effortlessly. Every twist and turn left me wanting more, and the rich character development made me feel completely immersed in their world. If you're looking for a book that will grip you from the very first page, this is it. Absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Brooklyn L. Wolves.
340 reviews34 followers
September 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, it was beautifully written and the character development was very well done.
Profile Image for Amy.
23 reviews
October 2, 2024
I was hooked from page one. I love to read different genres and I have read my fair share of crime/thrillers but I can honestly say I have never read a story like the way this author put this together.
I enjoyed the double POV and that we followed both Izuna ánd Davina. It’s a dark story, but Nadia Vanders did an amazing job with it. There is character development, complexity, an edge of your seat story line, vivid storytelling and it leaves you with a hunger for more.

I especially liked Izuna’s chapters. I was not a big fan of Davina. I didn’t agree with her choices but you do care for her and that’s an amazing show of skill from the author and her portrayal of Davina.

Nadia’s storytelling was so vivid and accurate that I could easily imagine the movie or series playing in my head. I can’t wait to jump back into this story. Bring on part 2 please!
Profile Image for Benjamin Lund.
Author 3 books23 followers
November 28, 2024
I loved this book! I was hooked from the first page, and quickly became invested in the characters. The story is phenomenal and had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I felt a range of emotions as I made my way through this rollercoaster of a novel. The action kept me at the edge of my seat, and the handful of twists and turns kept me guessing. I cannot wait for the next book. This is an author worth keeping an eye on!
Profile Image for Jenn.
2 reviews
September 17, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and wow it did not disappoint! The story is an absolute roller coaster from beginning to end. I became obsessed with Izuna and drawn into his dark world. If you love thrillers with high suspense and interesting, complex characters—definitely check this out. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Rylee's Booknook..
1 review2 followers
September 17, 2024
Before I begin this review, I will say CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS. There is no messing about in this graphically violent book and it was everything I needed and so much more.

This dual POV book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! It follows two main characters, Davina and Izuna. Davina is a NYPD detective and has a 7 year old daughter named Sadie. She is currently following a lead for corruption within the NYPD, whilst also trying to combat her daughter’s absent father, who is the twin to the second main character, Izuna. He comes from a crime family and is looking into the disappearance of his lover and best friend. They both lead very different lives, but when their paths cross, it brings nothing but danger and intensity. Izuna is a complex and beautifully written character. Whilst he does have a softer side to him, his character development and story arch is truly breathtaking to see. A darker, more sinister side comes out to play and things get ugly quickly. I did slightly prefer Izuna’s chapters more, but it didn’t take away my reading experience. This book is fast paced, dark, intriguing and accurate. There is NO sugar coating and the author does a really good job at making sure you can vividly picture every gory detail.

This book gave me the chills. It’s hard to shock me when it comes to thrillers as I can almost always see them coming, but I couldn’t predict a single thing within this book. It’s hard to pick flaws in this masterpiece, but I will say that at times, the dialogue seemed a little stiff. However, you quickly forget about that as the action takes place. You won’t want to put this book down and I really hope that this book and any following pieces that Nadia writes gets seen by every crime, thriller or gore reader. She has a way of being hauntingly beautiful within the characters, the storyline and the depths of the book. No stone is left unturned. If this book doesn’t keep you awake at night, I am not sure what else will.

TROPES : morally grey, complicated family roots, found family, high/intense action, high stakes, ticking clock, dark themes, platonic MMC/FMC relationship.

POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: violence, blood, armed violence, substance abuse, sexual assault, explicit language, torture, descriptive death scenes, drug abuse.
Profile Image for Valeriya Lloyd.
733 reviews7 followers
September 25, 2024
Thank you, Nadia Vanders, for giving me an ARC copy of your book "Parallel Lines" in exchange for my review.

Davina Alvarez is building a career as a detective at NYPD. She is a single mum of a lovely seven-year-old Sadie, and her life is complicated enough with issues driven by her ex-boyfriend Tatsuya Yanaki. The guy is a piece of work, unstable and reckless. However, his brother Izuna is a mystery and has his reasons for supporting Davina. As much as Davina wishes to stay out of Tatsuya and everything that indicates his world, the circumstances insist otherwise. Her ongoing crime investigation leads her to shocking revelations and the involvement of people she thought would never be in that picture. For what is worse, the whole mess threatens not just Davina's safety but also her daughter's.

There are not so many books I read in the thriller genre as it isn't my corner, but for instance, sometimes I love to jump out and get into something different. The "Parallel Lines" gripped me instantly, and even after finishing the story, I have some scenes still lingering in my mind. Nadia Vanders has a natural talent for portraying complex characters and describing scenes between them in the best possible realistic way. I could imagine this story happening in NYC and those people's real existence. This book is so perfectly stitched that it is hard to believe it is the author's debut. I can see Nadya did great research before putting this book together and even though the story contains plenty of triggers, it still resonates in some dark harmony.

Five stars, and can we get the sequel soon, pretty please? After such a cliffhanger I need to know what's next for Davina & Izuna!


Profile Image for Tara.
88 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2024
4 Stars

This book has complex plots, interesting and excellent character building, all in the setting of gritty cartel and family dramas.
We follow two main characters in switching perspectives - one being Davina, a member of the NYPD. The second perspective is the brother of her daughter's abasent father - who happens to be a member of the Yanaki run cartel, run by his father. If it sounds complicated, that's because it is!
Vanders writes beautiful characters, she really explores them in a wonderful way, and I thoroughly enjoyed that exploration throughout. I love flawed characters, and everyone in this book (except Davina's daughter!) is flawed, but still likeable and interesting.

I found in a few moments I got a bit lost during plot points, I think the 'mystery' of the cartel alluded me in a few instances, but I could still generally follow along.

There was a small storyline and plot twist that I found a bit predictable - I think if more building went into this plot twist to begin with it might have been more punchy and shocking. But in a book filled with twists and turns perhaps I had become jaded?

Regardless the book ended without any true conclusion to the plot points, so for those who like crime/thrillers that can read as a standalone this may not be the book for you!
I however am very intrigued and can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for Witchetty Sophie.
254 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2024
4.5 🌟
Debut Novel

A crime thriller, yes please. With dark elements and organised crime I was keen to check this out.

This book kept me turning pages and was super interesting. I felt like I was watching a crime movie.

Can you imagine being tumbled into a world you didn’t even you she was already in. Well then this is your vibe.

If you like action and having no idea of who is on whose side, this is for you.

The self talk in chapter one of addiction was so realistic!

Nadia created some interesting characters and it was a good ride. There were moments I found confusing plot wise. But the book kept you going and wanting more.

Interesting characters and build up, interested to see where Nadia will take the storyline.

Keen to see where the story goes. Plus what the fudge is actually going on! I need answers!!!

Overall a fantastic debut.


Tropes
*Organised Crime
*Found Family
*Crime Thriller
*Dual POV
*Morally Grey
*Birthright family expectations
*Crime Family
*Single Mother
*Good cops and corrupt cops.
*Dark Themes
*Secrets

Triggers

-Police corruption.
-Mental health
-Organised Crime
-Violence
-Parental abuse
-Human trafficking
-Substance abuse
-Death/murder
-Torture
-Death of loved ones
-Trauma


Thanks to Books and Bitches, these are my totally honest and totally awesome opinions
Profile Image for Grada (BoekenTrol).
2,212 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book through BookSirens. Today I'm giving my honest review.

This book was a roller coaster ride.

It took me a few pages to get into it, but then the story grabbed me and didn't let go untill the last page. I especially liked Izuna. Not so much what he did, but the character itself. His thoughts, loyalty , the impossible choices he has to make.
The complicated family bonds, love, loss, grief, violence, this book has it all. And I must admit, this book isn't for the fainthearted.

I liked following Davina as well, although I found her a bit weak-ish. Don't get me wrong, I am glad she's not some kind of female Rambo, but I mean soft in het personal life. If you have a child and you're still bothered (that's to put it mildly) by the father of your child, why make the choices she's making?

I was really wondering if the story lines would cross, other than in personal lives. And if they did, when. I won't tell you if they did, you may find that out for yourself 😁

I would have gladly read on for another 100 pages, but alas, there weren't any left. In this book. So that leaves me with nothing but the wait for book 2.
I'm very impatient, because I really liked this first book. Can't wait to learn how the story goes on!
Profile Image for Wandering Bear.
153 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2024
I love a good crime thriller, and this debut by Nadia Vanders ticked all the boxes for me.

Full of corruption, organised crime, murder and betrayal, this story with its dark elements, grabbed me from the get-go. A single mum and NYPD cop who is on her way to becoming a detective, Davina struggles with her personal life - especially with her ex.

Then we have her ex's brother, Izuna, (who I immediately was drawn to) is caught between doing what is right and what is needed. Heir to a mafia empire and a successful businessman.

What happens when their lives cross?

Nadia has written two incredible characters and I am utterly impressed by her debut. I cannot wait until the next book in the series.

Tropes: crime, thriller, organised crime, found family, dual pov, friends to lovers, mafia, high stakes, morally grey, crime family, single mother, secrets, dark themes, birthrite expectations, good cops/corrupt cops, action, suspense

Triggers: violence, organised crime, mental health, police corruption, substance abuse, needles/injections, dishonesty, grief, human trafficking, death, murder, death of loved ones, trauma, parental abuse.
Profile Image for Bo-Maree Stuart .
57 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2024
Parallel Lines, the first book in Nadia Vanders' Lines of Deception Series, is a high stakes crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Told from dual POV, the story introduces Davina, a single mother on the verge of becoming NYPDs youngest female detective and her brother-in-law Izuna, who helms a criminal empire. Unaware of Izuna's true professional, a series of events lead to their paths colliding with horrifying effect.

It doesn't take long for the action to start and pull you into a world of corruption, betrayal, and murder. Davina is a badass in her own right, but it was Izuna I found myself drawn to. While he is unhinged, the story told from his POV portrays a complex character caught between family expectations and duty, his own happiness, and the impossible choices he must make to balance his two worlds.

If you're looking for a character driven crime thriller full of action, suspense, tension, love, loss, grief, and violence, get your copy of Parallel Lines when it releases on 17 September.
Profile Image for Billie-Jean  H.
48 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2024
First up you should know that this is the first book in a series. I thought it was a stand alone and was not prepared for the open ending. That said this is a crime thriller mystery that shows both sides of the story and where they intersect. Davina is a single mum and New York City cop on track for detective who struggles with her own demons including a shady ex. Izuna is brother to the shady ex and a successful businessman man, to the public at least. Behind closed doors he is heir to a mafia empire and mixed up with some serious criminals. How the lives and loves of these two cross is the endpoint of this story of passion, revenge and finding the truth. The characters have depth, especially Izuna and they endear themselves to you as the story develops even as you realise that the lines between the good guys and the bad guys are particularly blurry. This story has platonic main characters with zero spice and all the triggers but is a story you won’t want to put down. Now to wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Jordie Slesarenko.
102 reviews13 followers
September 9, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of Parallel Lines through BookSirens, and it was an intriguing read from start to finish! Nadia Vanders weaves a fascinating story with complex characters that keep you hooked. I have to say, Izuna was easily my favorite—there’s something so compelling about unhinged characters, and Izuna is that to a T. The unpredictable energy made every scene with him electric. Davina, on the other hand, brought a whole different vibe—she was downright badass. Her confidence and sharp wit balanced the intensity of the story. The pacing was solid, and though it took a bit for the plot to fully grip me, once it did, I was all in. Parallel Lines is a book I’d recommend to anyone who loves complex, character-driven stories with a mix of tension and thrill.
Profile Image for R.M. Demeester.
Author 20 books474 followers
September 30, 2024
This is the first book from Nadia Vanders, and learning that it's her debut novel blew me away. It definitely won’t be the last one I read from her. I love dual POV, and I felt like she handled it very well. It helped that Davina and Izuna were two very likable characters, with complexity and great character development. Davina is a single mother who is about to become the youngest detective and is thrown into a tidal wave of organized crime, secrets, betrayal, violence, and much more. The carefully crafted plot twists and a very satisfying climax and ending made the book even better. If you're looking for a quick, complex, and well-written crime thriller, I highly recommend giving Parallel Lines a try. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Leisha 💗📚.
68 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2024
Such a great read and am so thankful to Nadia for allowing me to read as an ARC!

I was so excited to read a thriller that had mafia and crime syndicate involved! It had me on the edge of my seat awaiting the ball to trip for Davina to find out everything that is going on behind the scenes in Izunas life!

I am a dark romance girly, so Izunas chapters, I loved! Having a thriller book giving me the feel of a dark romance was everything to me!

I cannot wait to learn more about Davina in the next book, as I really got the feel there’s more to her story as she doesn’t believe in herself and is such a soft soul at heart!

Again Thankyou so much Nadia!
15 reviews
September 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed "Parallel Lines", a crime thriller that offers a fresh and exciting take on the genre. The dual POV structure keeps the reader engaged, providing contrasting perspectives that deepen the tension and mystery as the story unfolds. The characters are well-developed and enticing, each bringing their own unique layer to the plot, making it hard to put the book down. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of action and suspense, pulling the reader deeper into the intrigue with every chapter. Overall, I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it to any fan of crime thrillers!
Profile Image for Brittany T.
217 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2024
Absolutely loved this book!!! I started it yesterday and could not put it down. It had me in my emotions. I felt sorry for Davina, and her daughter and the things she had to take on as a mom because her daughters father was nothing of the kind to actually act like one. I also somewhat fell in love with Izuna as his responsibilities to the family business and his morals didint always align and I felt bad for the way he was treated. The twist and turns in this book kept me reading all through the night, I could not put the book down.I absolutely recommend this book and this author to you! As it was amazingly written!!!
Profile Image for Nini 🎀.
2 reviews
October 1, 2024
I wanted to start by thanking the author Nadia Vanders considering me for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest, I did not know what to expect being that this is my first book with a storyline like that of Parallel Lines. This was also the first book that I’ve read from the third person POV so it took some getting used to. The book was very eloquently written given the harsh reality of the content being discussed. I am looking forward to reading more Nadia Vanders books in the future.
Profile Image for Naiomi Cox.
323 reviews25 followers
Read
October 15, 2024
Where do I start. Nadia is a new author to me and I can not wait for book 2. I couldn't put this book down it just drew me in and kept me reading

Davina's world colide and she has no idea what is going on.

Tropes: friends to lovers, mafia, crime thriller, morally grey, ticking clock, high action higher stakes, dark themes, complicated family roots, found family, dual POV, addiction,

Triggers: drugs, human trafficking, death, gore, torture, needles/injections, gun violence, dishonesty, parental abuse, substance abuse, on page death, murder, grief, mental health struggles
Profile Image for biiancaa’sbooktok.
159 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The story is so beautifully written, and the emotions it evokes are just incredible. The characters felt real, like I could know them in real life, and the way the dual timelines wove together was seamless—it had me hooked from start to finish.

Vanders has such a way with words; every page pulled me in deeper and made me feel everything the characters were going through. This book isn’t just a read; it’s an experience, and it’s going to stay with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Thebooksisterss.
13 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
✨ Book Review: Parallel Lines by Nadia Vanders✨

I have so much to say about this book, yet I’m struggling to find the right words. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster—sadness, frustration, and everything in between. I don’t usually pick up thrillers, but this one... oh boy! 😮‍💨

The characters felt so real, it was like I could see them walking around in the real world. Nadia nailed it as a debut author! Honestly, if I hadn’t known it was her first novel, I would've thought she’d been writing for years. Sure, a few twists were predictable—but that’s probably because I’m a writer myself and my mind works a few steps ahead. 😏

And can we talk about Izuna? He is my new bookboyfriend. I’m so glad I'm one of the few people that got to meet him first. 💁‍♀️

*Parallel Lines* is a tense thriller with layers of intrigue, corruption, and family ties that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Profile Image for Kenia.
54 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2024
First of all can we talk ab out the names?! I love Davina and Izuna? I had never heard either name and I really liked them!

If you like suspense and crime and feeling like you are on the edge of your seat - pick this book up to read! I finished it pretty quickly.

The first line had me laughing ‘cause same girl - same. “Sometimes, Davina wished it was legal to kill her ex.“ Totally relatable! I enjoyed this book so much and will be waiting for the next!
Profile Image for Charlotte Dawes.
11 reviews
September 17, 2024
I received this as an arc read and I am so glad I did!
The story was amazing, it took me a few pages to get into but when I did I couldn’t stop.
Both characters made you love them and become affected by their difficult choices.
I well and truly recommend this book and hope people will give it a chance as it is an amazing read!
Profile Image for Amber.
183 reviews
September 4, 2024
I had a blast reading this crime thriller! Izuna was such an interesting character to be in the head of. I read this book in 2 sittings! I could tell Nadia must have done a ton of research while writing this book! I'm excited to see what else she writes in the future.
Profile Image for Kayla.
123 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2024
This was a roller coaster ride! There’s a lot going on and it’s very detailed. Crime, suspense, love interests, and all the things.

Who is the bad guy?! You will have to figure it out! This is book 1 of 3 in a series.
Profile Image for Sierra Fenwick.
398 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2024
I really liked this book and the dual pov. I liked the characters and I thought the pacing and overall story was well managed. Definitely recomend this read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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