A workplace, one-night stand contemporary/romantic suspense.Dylan & Travis.Goat & Freak.Bold, headstrong, and a chameleon hiding in plain sight.Charismatic, cocky, and single to mingle.Together, they fall hard for the person behind the mask.The day Dylan Jackson showed up out of the blue was the day Travis O’Brian became a ruined man.She’s a hot piece of woman who’s easy to get a rise out … piece of woman who’s easy to get a rise out of, and Trav’s innuendo-laced goading has Dylan uncharacteristically flustered.
Regardless of how irresistible Travis is, Dylan can’t allow herself to succumb to his flirtatious antics and boyish charm; she’s on borrowed time, and falling for him would cost her dearly.
Her heart and mind are continually at war; by day, aching for normality, then by night, shattering from the haunting screams she can’t escape from.
Just when Trav discovers why he’s so captivated by her, an unexpected visitor has Dylan running scared once more.
After she disappears with neither trace nor explanation, the crew reluctantly calls in an old acquaintance to help track her down.
But will Trav still want the girl behind the façade when he finds out who she really is?
*Book 3 of the North Shore Crew – this series should be read in order. Intended for readers 18+
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VR Bauke is a new author for me and could quite possibly be someone that I continue to read after having read Lie For Me. This was such an amazingly sweet, hot read that I couldn’t out it down. It looks at the relationship between Travis ‘Freak’ O’ Brien and Dylan ‘Goat’ Jackson. Dylan has secrets, big secrets that she can’t tell anyone. She is a chameleon, living a lie but this is something she needs to do in order to stay safe and alive. Dylan ends up working at the same garage as Travis who feels like he’s seen Dylan before (he totally has) and is instantly attracted to this sassy, strong minded woman. But life takes a precarious turn when Dylan must make a choice…. stay or go.
The two characters were really well written in this book, you see the depths that they have and are really ensconced into their relationship and how they feel about each other. When Travis realises that Dylan has gone and falls apart was really heart-breaking as he tended to put on a facade for most people except for his gang (who are also amazing). Even though Travis is cocky and self-assured, there are definite moments where he is really sweet and unsure of himself.
This is in comparison to Dylan who is really mysterious and has had to be strong in order to survive. We see her struggles with alcohol and painkillers so that she can sleep and you actually feel like you are there being a part of her struggle. It is also really sad reading how she came to be and how she struggles to have a relationship with Travis and then leave him.
The banter between the two characters was awesome as well as with the rest of the gang and there always seems to be a slow burn of sexiness going on between the characters. The sexy scenes between the two were hot and placed really well. It certainly was nice to see them getting a HEA after everything they had been though.
I would totally recommend this book if you like laughs, angst, friendships, suspense and sexy times in your books!
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Travis O’Brian, or Trav as he prefers, and Dylan, aka Ainsley Jones, hit it off and feel an instant attraction but knowing that she has to be extremely careful she tries to keep her barriers up. Trav being who he is thinks nothing of trying to knock them down. They have a sizzling chemistry and you find yourself wanting them to get together and stay together.
The fun banter between the crew is absolutely hilarious but always real too, they don’t pull punches with each other. For example after Trav meets Dylan for the very first time Mace cheeks him by saying, “Reel your tongue back in, mate,” Funny and true.
There are some fantastic expressions throughout the story like this one where Trav is describing the refurbishment of his car.
“… body dent free and as straight as a homophobe.” You find yourself reading along then wham you get these amazing expressions and descriptions that are so accurate. It’s so easy to visualise each scene with each of the characters.
Travis is such a fun, life of the party type of guy but with a heart of gold. He dances to the beat of his own drum but at the same time tunes in to his friends around him. He is reliable, even if he does do irresponsible stuff occasionally, he’s caring and supportive. I absolutely adore him.
Dylan is a strong, sassy woman who can hold her own in the workplace but after the trauma she experienced life has certainly given her lemons. I love the way she doesn’t take any rubbish from Trav and is prepared to dish it out occasionally. I admire her character and in reality that’s a huge compliment to bestow.
The mystery that surrounds Dylan is gradually revealed and your heart goes out to her. Once again this story brings forth a full range of emotions and you experience them with the characters, this author takes you along for the ride as a participant not an observer! Yes!
I fully recommend this book but if you haven’t read the previous two books then do, they are fabulous and you do need to read these in order to gain a full understanding.
Vick did a masterful job of continuing the North Shore Crew. Dylan and Travis’ story was epic and had so much love and passion you can feel coming off in waves. But Travis knows Dylan is hiding something from him. When he finally admits his love for her to himself she is taken away and no one can know where. But will Travis drink himself to death with misery or will he get the courage to find her? Even if he can find her will she tell him the truth or just run? Safety is paramount to everyone so grab this great book and follow Travis and Dylan as they ride a roller coaster of emotions.
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review
I Give this Book a 3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3 though.
No Spoilers.
The reason I couldn’t make this 4 Stars is that I did get a bit overwhelmed by side characters almost immediately when I opened the book and also a bit through the book also. This is the first book I read from this Author and I have not read the previous books, and that did hinder me a bit not knowing the other characters. But when I was able to get the flow near the middle, the book was pretty good.
Romance: 4/5
Heat: 3-3.5ish/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 4/5
HEA(?): Yes.
I would like to read more books from this Author 🙂