BOOK 1 in the North Shore Crew Series. This can be read as a standalone. Over 93k word count.Lil & Gage.Sunshine & Batman.Vivacious, wild and full of life.Dark, broody and misunderstood.Opposites in every way. Together, they are the imperfect love story.Tragedy in Gage’s past tore his world apart. Three years of living in a constant state of desolation has left Gage a shell of the man he … desolation has left Gage a shell of the man he used to be. He’s content to be numb, never wanting to feel – to hurt – ever again.
After moving to a new city in a last ditch effort to turn his battered life around, Gage finds himself out of his depth when he meets his cousin’s group of friends. One in particular stirs forgotten feelings that Gage is desperate to keep suppressed. Lil.
Their connection is unexpected, unstoppable, and surpasses everything Lil’s ever felt before. However, she’s learned the hard way that men aren’t always what they seem, and Gage is no exception to the rule. He burns hot one minute then runs ice cold the next.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, or so Gage believed. Not when it came to loving hard then losing his entire world in a missed heartbeat. Once torn and resentful for what Lil makes him feel, Gage is now determined to stop pain-laced history repeating.
But will he be too late?
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4*
Lil meets Gage at the crews general get together he’s Mace cousin.
The two have an instant chemistry but she’s been hurt before and he’s not ready.
Gage can’t control the pull he has towards Lil, I loved how Lil stuck to what she knew she deserved.
These books are standalone stories but the characters appear in the other books just how I like them.
A new author for me and I have already downloaded the next book.
I hadn’t read any of VR’s books until now, but rest assured I will be after finishing this one. I loved the characters and the way VR writes. Thank you for introducing me to a new series I can devour.
Lily McMillan and Gage Westbrook, have tragic and emotional backgrounds but it is Gage who is hurting and unprepared for love. I loved their story and can’t wait to read more
I went into this book thinking it was one thing but it turned out to be so much more. VR has created characters you can’t help but root for. Gage has suffered a terrible tragedy and he is trying to start his life over in a new town. He meets his cousin’s friend and she awakens feelings he thought he’d never feel again. Lil has been through her share of heartbreak as well. This was a new to me author but I love her writing style and I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
Lil is left heartbroken after finding out she is the other woman to the man she thinks she loved. Turning to alcohol she drowns her pain.
Gage moves to town to work for the family business and escape his demons. His not so distant past is full of tragedy and heartbreak.
The two run into eachother at a party and is an instant love-hate relationship. Lust hits full force but both are torn, refusing to give in, and furious that this is even a spark. The problem is- lifes not done dishing out trauma.
This is a fantastic story about second chances, coping, facing your fears, and learning to embrace change. Angst and snark abound with these two and it is great! Life moves on and so must we!
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
VR Baucke is a new author for me, but I can wholeheartedly say I’m now a fan. I adore this author’s writing style and the way she weaves a story that’s both compelling and heartwarming. Ms. Baucke also uses quite a bit of Kiwi slang–some of which I had to look up, lol–and it was so fun to read something somewhat out of the norm from the colloquialisms I’m used to as a Midwestern American.
The North Shore Crew are a boisterous, crazy, lovable bunch of people who made me feel like I was hanging out with a bunch of friends. I’ve only read book 1 so far (I have book 2 waiting for me on my Kindle, squee!!) and I’m already extremely attached to these characters. It’s been a while since a new author has introduced me to characters I could see myself being friends with and I loved it.
There’s plenty of angst, heat, and humor within this story … not to mention a few surprises from the main characters’ pasts that added a nice level of suspense. I got plenty more than I bargained for with this book, and I mean that in the best way possible <3
Gage is the epitome of damaged, morose alpha. Of course, because of who I am–and if you’re at all familiar with my reviews, you’re already expecting this–I love me a strong asshole with a heart of gold. Therefore … Gage is just … ugh. I swooned over this moody bastard all the way through the book <3
It’s easy to get frustrated with Gage’s hot and cold attitude toward Lil, but I can’t say I totally fault him for it. I’m not sure I would be able to open my heart up again if I’d gone through the kind of loss and heartbreak he has, so it can’t be even remotely easy. Not to mention how bubbly and full of life Lil is … it’d be overwhelming even if you didn’t have the kind of baggage he does.
In any event, while his surly disposition is aggravating and there are times you want to shake him and ask him what the hell it is that he wants, it’s an understandable situation. Let me tell you, though; once Gage falls, he falls hard. Once he realizes he’s wanting something with Lil, he is all in–no turning back. And if that isn’t one of the sexiest qualities in a man, I don’t know what is.
Lil has been through a lot of crap. Because of this, she has some pretty major trust issues and baggage that comes from dealing with it all. So not only does she have to decide if she’s ready to put herself out there again, but she has to decide if Gage is worth taking a chance on. With how she’s seen both his asshole side and his super sweet side, she’s left wondering what he expects from her–and for good reason. While I completely sympathize with Gage, I can’t help but feel like he should’ve been a bit more transparent from the start and explained why he’s so jaded. But that’s one of those things that’s easy to look at with a critical eye when you aren’t in the situation.
Lil is spunky and doesn’t take any shit, which was so fun to read. She’s quite unpredictable and it’s fun getting inside her head and learning just what makes her tick. I do think her friends tend to underestimate her–her brother, in particular–and I don’t think they gave her enough credit for some things, but I also think that’s more realistic. Your friends may always have your back, but they aren’t always going to tell you that you’re making the right choices, nor will they always be aware of when they need to take a step back and let you live your life or have confidence in the decisions you make.
I also just want to point out that the twin connection Lil shares with her brother was extremely fascinating. I’m not a twin, so I can’t touch on how accurate that telepathic communication actually is, but it made for a pretty awesome addition to an already wonderful story. My favorite parts were when they would argue with each other while they’re with their friends, but because they’re arguing telepathically, no one knows what it is they’re arguing about, lol. That was such a great touch!
If you’re a contemporary romance fan … you definitely need to check out this book. Especially if you enjoy elements of angst and suspense with realistic characters who don’t take themselves too seriously. I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to continue with book 2 <3
Happy reading!
Original review: https://wp.me/p9XuOg-Zj
This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. ‘Ride For Me’ is the first book in The North Shore Crew series and is Lil and Gage’s story.
Immediately fell in love with Lil, like the first meeting of her and her damn sass of an attitude made me laugh added with the clumsy way she first meets Gage.
This book starts 4 months in the future so the prologue is a little confusion but it all makes sense as you read through the rest of the story.
Gage and Lil are two people who have experienced loss and pain in the past and they found each other when they both needed it most and were able to mend their hearts and break down the walls they both built up for themselves.
I can’t wait to read the next book!! I LOVE everyone of the Crew and I hope to see more of everyone in the near future.