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Pine Ridge #3
Remaking Raine
Raine
I have a job I tolerate but don’t really like—where my ex also still works and finds constant reasons to harass me. My love life is… depressing. Including a recent ‘boyfriend’ who thought I was just a convenient booty-call. But the final straw came when I showed up for a dinner at my parents’ house dressed in the same clothes as my middle-aged father. It was time for a whole new Raine Morrison. Being the logical man I am, I made a list. First up… getting a tattoo to symbolize my commitment to crafting a new me.
Carter
When he showed up for an appointment at my tattoo shop, I for sure thought the guy was lost or a government lackey come to bust my balls. Instead, I find out he’s just a guy looking for… something. To figure out who he is. I can sympathize. I spent so many years crafting my external image to be who I want people to think I am, to the extent that I still hide parts of myself—even from my closest friends—and I’m no longer sure how much of who I am is real or pretend. But Raine makes me feel like I don’t have to pretend. I can just be. And as our friendship grows… it seems like we might just find out who we really are… together.
CW: Mentions of parental homophobia, estranged relationships with parents, mention of parental and spousal abuse—not depicted on page—between relatives of one of the MCs, on-page workplace harassment, mention of cheating by an ex, and on-page alcohol usage to the point of intoxication.
I have a job I tolerate but don’t really like—where my ex also still works and finds constant reasons to harass me. My love life is… depressing. Including a recent ‘boyfriend’ who thought I was just a convenient booty-call. But the final straw came when I showed up for a dinner at my parents’ house dressed in the same clothes as my middle-aged father. It was time for a whole new Raine Morrison. Being the logical man I am, I made a list. First up… getting a tattoo to symbolize my commitment to crafting a new me.
Carter
When he showed up for an appointment at my tattoo shop, I for sure thought the guy was lost or a government lackey come to bust my balls. Instead, I find out he’s just a guy looking for… something. To figure out who he is. I can sympathize. I spent so many years crafting my external image to be who I want people to think I am, to the extent that I still hide parts of myself—even from my closest friends—and I’m no longer sure how much of who I am is real or pretend. But Raine makes me feel like I don’t have to pretend. I can just be. And as our friendship grows… it seems like we might just find out who we really are… together.
CW: Mentions of parental homophobia, estranged relationships with parents, mention of parental and spousal abuse—not depicted on page—between relatives of one of the MCs, on-page workplace harassment, mention of cheating by an ex, and on-page alcohol usage to the point of intoxication.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2023
37 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Shae Michaels
11 books66 followersShae lives in Wisconsin with her family and a cat named Stanley who tolerates them. She enjoys reading, watching ice hockey, and listening to music.
Her books are often sweet, frequently steamy, and full of perfectly imperfect men who somehow manage to bumble their way to a Happily Ever After.
Her books are often sweet, frequently steamy, and full of perfectly imperfect men who somehow manage to bumble their way to a Happily Ever After.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 11, 2023
This entire series is just packed with super sweetness. Raine and Carter were such a cute match. I loved that Carter was super supportive of Raine's plans to make some changes to himself, while still making sure he knew he liked him just fine as he was. Some of these attempts end up quite humorously disasterous, including a hair do that the author describes as akin to a grown up Johnny Test. If not for my 8yo daughter I would have had no idea who that was, but since I did I could picture it in perfect laughter inducing clarity. Relationship wise, the MCs progressed very organically with them growing close as friends before anything sexy began between them. Like it usually does, that friendship gave them a great foundation to build upon.
As usual I adored the entire cast of friends in this group of Pine Ridgers. We even get to meet the mysterious NATHAN!! You may have forgotten, as most everyone in this book does, that Nathan is the often unremembered son of Vita and John. Lets just say they are not the only ones who overlook Nathan in this book and it made me laugh every time it kept happening. That poor man. I really hope he's going to finally have someone notice him in his own book. We are also given a clue into Sawyers future. A BIG ONE. His love interest is not named, but after reading book two I am still thinking I'm right in who it is. OH and we can't forget Canada's big announcement!! I almost choked on my water! Hoping either of these lovely three men are next!
As usual I adored the entire cast of friends in this group of Pine Ridgers. We even get to meet the mysterious NATHAN!! You may have forgotten, as most everyone in this book does, that Nathan is the often unremembered son of Vita and John. Lets just say they are not the only ones who overlook Nathan in this book and it made me laugh every time it kept happening. That poor man. I really hope he's going to finally have someone notice him in his own book. We are also given a clue into Sawyers future. A BIG ONE. His love interest is not named, but after reading book two I am still thinking I'm right in who it is. OH and we can't forget Canada's big announcement!! I almost choked on my water! Hoping either of these lovely three men are next!
March 4, 2023
This was another great addition to this series. I loved all the glimpses we got of the characters in the past books. Rooney (MC from book 2) got a beautiful tattoo in this book and I loved how such an important thing happened in Carter and Raine’s book. These books can be read as stand-alones but I absolutely recommend reading the other two as well as these characters do appear in the prior books.
This is a slow-burn romance with the main characters really focusing on their friendship before anything progresses. I felt it was a little slow but I did enjoy seeing their friendship develop and seeing them really start to care for each other. I also really liked seeing the real Carter and Raine start to emerge and how they showed each other sides of themselves that other people don’t normally see.
I really enjoyed Carter as a character, he seemed to be great for Raine. Raine I absolutely loved. His insane ramblings, how his dominant side emerged in the bedroom and how he described the symbolism of his first tattoo.
This book had so many funny one-liners that I ended up reading quite a few of them out loud to my husband. This was a low-angst romance, everything worked out so well for the two of them and they had a very cute HEA!
This is a slow-burn romance with the main characters really focusing on their friendship before anything progresses. I felt it was a little slow but I did enjoy seeing their friendship develop and seeing them really start to care for each other. I also really liked seeing the real Carter and Raine start to emerge and how they showed each other sides of themselves that other people don’t normally see.
I really enjoyed Carter as a character, he seemed to be great for Raine. Raine I absolutely loved. His insane ramblings, how his dominant side emerged in the bedroom and how he described the symbolism of his first tattoo.
This book had so many funny one-liners that I ended up reading quite a few of them out loud to my husband. This was a low-angst romance, everything worked out so well for the two of them and they had a very cute HEA!
April 4, 2023
i think if remaking raine had been a touch longer i would have liked it more. as it stands, the ending seemed a bit rushed. also, i really disliked carter's friend group … which, ahaha, i think books one and two are about them. sooooooo, yeah.
March 1, 2023
Another great story to add to this fun series, although it can be read as a standalone. As usual with Shae's books this one is Witty and amusing. I particularly loved the 'ratio of cat to baby' anology, just hilarious! This book is centred about two MC's who we have come across before. Raine is living behind his shadow, he appears socially awkward and ready for the next lightning bolt to strike him whilst he is down. You really feel he needs a big hug. Underneath is a man trying to break free, although he feels he needs to redevelop himself for this. This is how he meets Carter. Carter is much more sure of himself and that helps to balance Raine. This story is a slow burn and the sexy scenes don't happen until nearly half way through, but when they do, they go all out. The sex scenes were really well writen and steamy hot; you see a totally different side to Raine as a confident lover. I would have liked to see a bit more flirting earlier on in the story and the sexual attraction made more transparent just to edge the reader. It is great to catch up with the other guys from this series and to get a glimpse of what they are up to, they really are a funny and fun bunch and bring a lot to the narrative. The epilogue was 18 month on so we are given a lovely happy ending with gaps filled in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2023
I have loved the universe Shae has created with this beautiful series. I have read the other two in the series and it gave such a better experience going into reading this book. So, having said that, while this can be read as a standalone, I really recommend reading the other two books as well for maximum enjoyment.
Poor sweet Raine can't seem to get a break. After breaking up with his two timing ex Brian, he has had a string of bad guys coming and going. All of the guys he seems to 'date' has appeared nice on the outside but they aren't in for the long haul. After his most recent breakup and his ex insulting him, then that was followed by realizing he wears the exact same clothes his dad does, inspired Raine to switch things up a bit. To remake himself, first thing on his list is getting a tattoo. That didn't go as planned, but he ended up with something so much better than a tattoo.
When Carter saw Raine in his shop at first he thought the man must be lost. While Carter tries not to judge based on appearances, he had no idea why Raine would be in his tattoo shop. After a experience that left them both shaken up, Carter can't seem to get Raine out of his head. And that started their journey together of getting to know each, meeting rowdy friends, petting an adorable cat named Reba, and realizing your own worth. Even when people don't.
I'm always in love with the way Shae writes her characters; they have so much personality.. and well, character that it always blows me away. Her stories are sweet and inspiring. I have adored the other two books in this series but this book definitely stood out to me. I can just relate to Raine so much, and I personally love the idea of tattoos. I've been wanting to get one for a long time. I loved the attention to detail describing the tattoo Carter was doing for Rooney, that was incredible! And then, we also got an insiders look on how tattoo artist operate? Of course this is a work of fiction but I'm sure the detail that went into writing about a tattoo artist was real. This story is a feel good romance that I just adored. I can't even begin to tell you how much I can relate to Raine, I'm glad he got the happy after he deserved. And I really enjoyed reading about his self discovery of his own worth. The romance was so cute! It was definitely a slow burn romance that was so adorable to read about. Overall, a really great book!
If you want a really well written feel good romance, with relatable characters, bickering/meddling friends, a cat who's named after a country music star, and romance, this is the book for you!!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Poor sweet Raine can't seem to get a break. After breaking up with his two timing ex Brian, he has had a string of bad guys coming and going. All of the guys he seems to 'date' has appeared nice on the outside but they aren't in for the long haul. After his most recent breakup and his ex insulting him, then that was followed by realizing he wears the exact same clothes his dad does, inspired Raine to switch things up a bit. To remake himself, first thing on his list is getting a tattoo. That didn't go as planned, but he ended up with something so much better than a tattoo.
When Carter saw Raine in his shop at first he thought the man must be lost. While Carter tries not to judge based on appearances, he had no idea why Raine would be in his tattoo shop. After a experience that left them both shaken up, Carter can't seem to get Raine out of his head. And that started their journey together of getting to know each, meeting rowdy friends, petting an adorable cat named Reba, and realizing your own worth. Even when people don't.
I'm always in love with the way Shae writes her characters; they have so much personality.. and well, character that it always blows me away. Her stories are sweet and inspiring. I have adored the other two books in this series but this book definitely stood out to me. I can just relate to Raine so much, and I personally love the idea of tattoos. I've been wanting to get one for a long time. I loved the attention to detail describing the tattoo Carter was doing for Rooney, that was incredible! And then, we also got an insiders look on how tattoo artist operate? Of course this is a work of fiction but I'm sure the detail that went into writing about a tattoo artist was real. This story is a feel good romance that I just adored. I can't even begin to tell you how much I can relate to Raine, I'm glad he got the happy after he deserved. And I really enjoyed reading about his self discovery of his own worth. The romance was so cute! It was definitely a slow burn romance that was so adorable to read about. Overall, a really great book!
If you want a really well written feel good romance, with relatable characters, bickering/meddling friends, a cat who's named after a country music star, and romance, this is the book for you!!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
March 13, 2023
I Love This Series
I have absolutely loved this series since book one and each book just continues to build on that. I laughed so much while reading this and even got to experience Mike, my favorite character, and his potty mouth quite a bit. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I have absolutely loved this series since book one and each book just continues to build on that. I laughed so much while reading this and even got to experience Mike, my favorite character, and his potty mouth quite a bit. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 1, 2023
I’m not ashamed to say I stayed up all night just so I could finish this book.
I don’t even know where to begin with this review, like all the other books in this series I loved the characters and their personalities. Reading Rains journey of self discovery was everything, I loved how Shae portrayed his eagerness to change but also his attempts that didn’t quite work out.Carter while also on his own little self discovery journey after trying to maintain an image, was such a good friend to Rain and really just wanted to support him and spend time with him after their first encounter.
This friends to lovers romance had so many amazing tropes like found family, small town and opposites attract. I really enjoyed the plot of the book, the author really showed the growth in the two characters through out the novel, how Rain learned to stand up for himself and not do things just because others told him too was a delight to read.
This book is also super witty and funny! Can’t say I could stop laughing when Ferdinand was brought up. And if you’ve read the other books in this series you’ll be happy to see peaks of the other MCs from the other books.
This book will have you laughing, cheering characters on and shedding a tear when Rain gets his happy ever after. Definitely a must read.
I don’t even know where to begin with this review, like all the other books in this series I loved the characters and their personalities. Reading Rains journey of self discovery was everything, I loved how Shae portrayed his eagerness to change but also his attempts that didn’t quite work out.Carter while also on his own little self discovery journey after trying to maintain an image, was such a good friend to Rain and really just wanted to support him and spend time with him after their first encounter.
This friends to lovers romance had so many amazing tropes like found family, small town and opposites attract. I really enjoyed the plot of the book, the author really showed the growth in the two characters through out the novel, how Rain learned to stand up for himself and not do things just because others told him too was a delight to read.
This book is also super witty and funny! Can’t say I could stop laughing when Ferdinand was brought up. And if you’ve read the other books in this series you’ll be happy to see peaks of the other MCs from the other books.
This book will have you laughing, cheering characters on and shedding a tear when Rain gets his happy ever after. Definitely a must read.
March 11, 2023
The author provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite being the third book in the Pine Ridge series, Remaking Raine can be read as a standalone. Characters from the two previous books make an appearance, but the focus is on Raine and Carter’s relationship.
This is a friends-to-lovers story between Raine, a young accountant (24), and tattoo artist and shop owner Carter (30). They struck a friendship when Raine tries to get a tattoo as some way to reinvent himself. Even though it doesn’t exactly go as planned, Raine gains an expanded group of friends and eventually a boyfriend. This was a sweet and uncomplicated story that I really enjoyed.
Despite being the third book in the Pine Ridge series, Remaking Raine can be read as a standalone. Characters from the two previous books make an appearance, but the focus is on Raine and Carter’s relationship.
This is a friends-to-lovers story between Raine, a young accountant (24), and tattoo artist and shop owner Carter (30). They struck a friendship when Raine tries to get a tattoo as some way to reinvent himself. Even though it doesn’t exactly go as planned, Raine gains an expanded group of friends and eventually a boyfriend. This was a sweet and uncomplicated story that I really enjoyed.
March 14, 2023
Just like the other books in the Pine Ridge series I absolutely loved reading Raine and Carter’s story. The characters in this book are really sweet and very relatable. It also had the right amount of spice with a nice build up. I highly recommend reading this book and the others in the series!!
April 21, 2024
Remaking Raine by Shae Michaels is the third book in the Pine Ridge series, a great addition to it. I loved this book as much as I loved the other two.
We meet Raine just at the beginning of the first book of the series, Finn's Fake Boyfriend, when Theo realizes that his boyfriend Brian was also Raine’s boyfriend Brian. We meet him again, later in the book. He’s depicted as a shy, bashful, sweet and adorable guy. Although being a really nice man, he’s not been lucky with his boyfriends, just his last one considering him a booty-call. Carter also appears in the first book. He’s one of the secondary characters in it. He’s best friends with Theo and owns a tattoo shop where he works as a tattoo artist with Theo’s twin sister Tessa and other artists.
Raine is tired of the life he’s living and he wants a change. What triggers him is realizing that he’s only 24 but he’s a copy of his middle-aged father, who has planned almost all his life. He writes a bucket list with new goals he’d like to achieve. The first challenge in the list is getting a tattoo. That’s how they meet, at Carter’s tattoo shop.
As they spend more and more time with each other, their friendship grows. They realize that when they are together they don’t have to feign who they are. Raine’s growing journey is amazingly depicted and Carter is such a good friend being there just for when Raine most needed him. Their friendship easily evolves to a friends-to-lovers relationship.
The side characters are great, as they’ve been in the other books. It was nice to see glimpses of them again.
Trigger and content warnings: Mentions of parental homophobia, estranged relationships with parents, mention of parental and spousal abuse—not depicted on page—between relatives of one of the MCs, on-page workplace harassment, mention of cheating by an ex, and on-page alcohol usage to the point of intoxication.
I recommend this book and I am waiting for the next one (still waiting for Sawyer’s).
It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other two where all the characters are introduced.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
We meet Raine just at the beginning of the first book of the series, Finn's Fake Boyfriend, when Theo realizes that his boyfriend Brian was also Raine’s boyfriend Brian. We meet him again, later in the book. He’s depicted as a shy, bashful, sweet and adorable guy. Although being a really nice man, he’s not been lucky with his boyfriends, just his last one considering him a booty-call. Carter also appears in the first book. He’s one of the secondary characters in it. He’s best friends with Theo and owns a tattoo shop where he works as a tattoo artist with Theo’s twin sister Tessa and other artists.
Raine is tired of the life he’s living and he wants a change. What triggers him is realizing that he’s only 24 but he’s a copy of his middle-aged father, who has planned almost all his life. He writes a bucket list with new goals he’d like to achieve. The first challenge in the list is getting a tattoo. That’s how they meet, at Carter’s tattoo shop.
As they spend more and more time with each other, their friendship grows. They realize that when they are together they don’t have to feign who they are. Raine’s growing journey is amazingly depicted and Carter is such a good friend being there just for when Raine most needed him. Their friendship easily evolves to a friends-to-lovers relationship.
The side characters are great, as they’ve been in the other books. It was nice to see glimpses of them again.
Trigger and content warnings: Mentions of parental homophobia, estranged relationships with parents, mention of parental and spousal abuse—not depicted on page—between relatives of one of the MCs, on-page workplace harassment, mention of cheating by an ex, and on-page alcohol usage to the point of intoxication.
I recommend this book and I am waiting for the next one (still waiting for Sawyer’s).
It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other two where all the characters are introduced.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
March 14, 2023
Carter and Raine were two of the cutest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The Pine Ridge crew owns my heart and getting to learn more about poor, sweet Raine was the highlight of my week.
For those of you who’ve read Finn’s Fake Boyfriend, you’ll recognize Raine as the other point in the triangle that didn’t know it was a triangle and was a key piece of the catalyst that got Finn and Theo together for real and not faking it for the Stage 5 Clinger that latched onto “Straight” Finn after a one night stand.
We officially meet Raine when he’s breaking up with his unsatisfactory boyfriend after finding out that said boyfriend isn’t really a boyfriend, just a quick… visit he’s made for the last few weeks. This leads to an even more unsatisfactory and thoroughly soul-crushing birthday meal at his parents’ house that makes Raine write a bucket list to change his life so that he can be happier and not look like his father anymore. The first thing on that list? A tattoo.
Carter is sweet, sexy and an incredibly laidback, respected and talented boss, tattoo parlour owner. His shop is busy, popular and is the location chosen by Raine to get his tattoo. After reassuring Raine that it will be relatively painless, Raine reacts to the tattoo needle like someone is trying to saw through his arm and he winds up with nothing more than a line that looks like a scratch. Carter can’t get the sweet, but slightly over-reactive client out of his head and breaks a rule – just a tiny one – by texting Raine to check on him.
Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers brings us more texting, bbq invites at friends, the quitting of a job Raine hates, making friends with one another’s friends, drunken kissing, sober everything (ev-ery-THANG) – which means more at-work rule breaking, run-ins with a very talkative cousin of not-so-talkative Canada and a really bad haircut to go with a rocking new wardrobe.
Remaking Raine was fun, sweet, spicy and romantic and I am so happy to see Raine find someone worthy of everything he has to give.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
For those of you who’ve read Finn’s Fake Boyfriend, you’ll recognize Raine as the other point in the triangle that didn’t know it was a triangle and was a key piece of the catalyst that got Finn and Theo together for real and not faking it for the Stage 5 Clinger that latched onto “Straight” Finn after a one night stand.
We officially meet Raine when he’s breaking up with his unsatisfactory boyfriend after finding out that said boyfriend isn’t really a boyfriend, just a quick… visit he’s made for the last few weeks. This leads to an even more unsatisfactory and thoroughly soul-crushing birthday meal at his parents’ house that makes Raine write a bucket list to change his life so that he can be happier and not look like his father anymore. The first thing on that list? A tattoo.
Carter is sweet, sexy and an incredibly laidback, respected and talented boss, tattoo parlour owner. His shop is busy, popular and is the location chosen by Raine to get his tattoo. After reassuring Raine that it will be relatively painless, Raine reacts to the tattoo needle like someone is trying to saw through his arm and he winds up with nothing more than a line that looks like a scratch. Carter can’t get the sweet, but slightly over-reactive client out of his head and breaks a rule – just a tiny one – by texting Raine to check on him.
Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers brings us more texting, bbq invites at friends, the quitting of a job Raine hates, making friends with one another’s friends, drunken kissing, sober everything (ev-ery-THANG) – which means more at-work rule breaking, run-ins with a very talkative cousin of not-so-talkative Canada and a really bad haircut to go with a rocking new wardrobe.
Remaking Raine was fun, sweet, spicy and romantic and I am so happy to see Raine find someone worthy of everything he has to give.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
March 18, 2023
I loved the first two books in the series and that is the only reason I continued this book after the first page. I absolutely hate sex scenes with other people, and I wasn’t expecting that from this author. The sex scene wasn’t very graphic or descriptive but had this been any other book I wouldn’t have kept reading.
I seem to be in the minority here because I’m sorry to say I didn’t enjoy this book like the others. I felt like nothing really happened. These two didn’t have the chemistry the other couples had. They didn’t have cute interactions or think sweet things about each other. They hung out, kissed and decided to try and date because they were friends. Where were the “aww” moments that we saw from the other books. There were chapters where the main MCs didn’t even interact or think about the other one. I felt like their relationship came out of no where. After they got together, two extra long sex scenes took up the rest of the book. It ends with them telling each other they adore one another and then it’s the epilogue? We didn’t even see their first declarations of love or when carter got to meet Raine’s parents! So many missed opportunities. In her other books I didn’t want the third act conflict but in this book I was hoping for any type of conflict because it was so boring!
I’m not sure what the deal was with Tessa and Luca? I thought Luca was going to end up with one of the guys and I hope he doesn’t now because we’ve seen him screw Tessa and I don’t want to see him with another character. Also, I don’t like Tessa. There’s always an annoying female bff in MM books and she’s it.
Sorry if this review seems harsh but I was soo excited for this book after the last one and I’m just more than a bit disappointed.
I will be reading the next one, looking forward to it.
I seem to be in the minority here because I’m sorry to say I didn’t enjoy this book like the others. I felt like nothing really happened. These two didn’t have the chemistry the other couples had. They didn’t have cute interactions or think sweet things about each other. They hung out, kissed and decided to try and date because they were friends. Where were the “aww” moments that we saw from the other books. There were chapters where the main MCs didn’t even interact or think about the other one. I felt like their relationship came out of no where. After they got together, two extra long sex scenes took up the rest of the book. It ends with them telling each other they adore one another and then it’s the epilogue? We didn’t even see their first declarations of love or when carter got to meet Raine’s parents! So many missed opportunities. In her other books I didn’t want the third act conflict but in this book I was hoping for any type of conflict because it was so boring!
I’m not sure what the deal was with Tessa and Luca? I thought Luca was going to end up with one of the guys and I hope he doesn’t now because we’ve seen him screw Tessa and I don’t want to see him with another character. Also, I don’t like Tessa. There’s always an annoying female bff in MM books and she’s it.
Sorry if this review seems harsh but I was soo excited for this book after the last one and I’m just more than a bit disappointed.
I will be reading the next one, looking forward to it.
March 14, 2023
"So, this is where we are now? We're boyfriends...with a capital B...who adore each other?"
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Shae Michaels has such a unique writing style that I am obsessed with, and creates a world where you instantly feel right at home in. This was the third book and my favourite so far, I will admit I started it way too late and chose to read it in one sitting rather than prioritise sleep, it was that good! It was a lovely strangers to friends to lovers scenario, and I loved how the author focused on their friendship before having them dive straight into more, it demonstrated how their care for one another developed and swelled before they explored the chemistry between them. It was a slow burn but once the steam began, it exploded and boy did I blush reading some of the scenes! Carter and Raine are the perfect match, despite being more opposite than not, and I always love how each book has character cameos from the previous books! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot wait for the rest of the series, I know whose books I want to read!!
Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ New Friends to Lovers
❣️ Found Family
❣️ Small Twn
❣️ Slow Burn
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Homophobia, estranged parental relationships, mention of parental and spousal abuse (not depicted on page) between relatives of one MC, workplace harassments, mention of cheating by an ex, alcohol usage.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Shae Michaels has such a unique writing style that I am obsessed with, and creates a world where you instantly feel right at home in. This was the third book and my favourite so far, I will admit I started it way too late and chose to read it in one sitting rather than prioritise sleep, it was that good! It was a lovely strangers to friends to lovers scenario, and I loved how the author focused on their friendship before having them dive straight into more, it demonstrated how their care for one another developed and swelled before they explored the chemistry between them. It was a slow burn but once the steam began, it exploded and boy did I blush reading some of the scenes! Carter and Raine are the perfect match, despite being more opposite than not, and I always love how each book has character cameos from the previous books! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot wait for the rest of the series, I know whose books I want to read!!
Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ New Friends to Lovers
❣️ Found Family
❣️ Small Twn
❣️ Slow Burn
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Homophobia, estranged parental relationships, mention of parental and spousal abuse (not depicted on page) between relatives of one MC, workplace harassments, mention of cheating by an ex, alcohol usage.
August 20, 2024
When a distressed accountant walks into a tattoo shop
Reading Remaking Raine felt like the first ray of sunshine after a storm. It is all about witty banter, entertaining situations, sweet feelings, and quirky, charming personalities. A tale of two opposites and their journey from a slightly unorthodox meeting through friendship to passion is a captivating and rewarding reading experience.
Skilled writing and an energetic and humorous narrative kept me glued to the book, feeling amused and invested in the story. Delving deep into Raine’s insecurities and intriguing thought process with sensitivity and humor compensates for a straightforward plot, low angst, and a lack of suspense.
I could not resist loving both of them: Raine, an accountant with all of his insecurities, and Carter, a tattoo shop owner who maintains an image of a bad boy while being all sweet and soft inside.
Their first meeting, when Raine enters Carter’s tattoo shop determined to get a tattoo, could easily have ended in disaster. However, against all odds, Carter finds his hysterics and hilarious reaction charming and irresistible. The story conveys an important and subtle message that one does not need to change in order to find love; accepting yourself as you are is enough.
Main features of this book:
• Heartwarming, entertaining and engaging romance
• Skilled writing and an energetic and humorous narrative
• Endearing and relatable characters
This book is not about:
• Dark drama and troubled characters
• High tension, angst, violent themes, or action and adventures
• Complex and overbearing issues and emotions
Reading Remaking Raine felt like the first ray of sunshine after a storm. It is all about witty banter, entertaining situations, sweet feelings, and quirky, charming personalities. A tale of two opposites and their journey from a slightly unorthodox meeting through friendship to passion is a captivating and rewarding reading experience.
Skilled writing and an energetic and humorous narrative kept me glued to the book, feeling amused and invested in the story. Delving deep into Raine’s insecurities and intriguing thought process with sensitivity and humor compensates for a straightforward plot, low angst, and a lack of suspense.
I could not resist loving both of them: Raine, an accountant with all of his insecurities, and Carter, a tattoo shop owner who maintains an image of a bad boy while being all sweet and soft inside.
Their first meeting, when Raine enters Carter’s tattoo shop determined to get a tattoo, could easily have ended in disaster. However, against all odds, Carter finds his hysterics and hilarious reaction charming and irresistible. The story conveys an important and subtle message that one does not need to change in order to find love; accepting yourself as you are is enough.
Main features of this book:
• Heartwarming, entertaining and engaging romance
• Skilled writing and an energetic and humorous narrative
• Endearing and relatable characters
This book is not about:
• Dark drama and troubled characters
• High tension, angst, violent themes, or action and adventures
• Complex and overbearing issues and emotions
March 12, 2023
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Another cute romance by Shae Michaels.
Raine is a bit adrift in his life. His love life is not going well. He doesn’t much care about his job. And at not even 30, he’s already dressing like his dad.
He decides his life needs an overhaul. Which is how he finds himself in Carter’s tattoo shop. Where they form a tentative friendship. Carter steps up to support (and sometimes rescue) Raine through the list of changes he feels he needs to make.
But through the process (and adventures) they may both learn that they are good just the way they are, they just need to find the person that wants them that way.
Surrounded by the friends we’ve come to know and love, as well as Carter’s quirky employees, there are some fun shenanigans and supportive friendships. There was also some pretty fun teasing of other characters!
Another cute romance by Shae Michaels.
Raine is a bit adrift in his life. His love life is not going well. He doesn’t much care about his job. And at not even 30, he’s already dressing like his dad.
He decides his life needs an overhaul. Which is how he finds himself in Carter’s tattoo shop. Where they form a tentative friendship. Carter steps up to support (and sometimes rescue) Raine through the list of changes he feels he needs to make.
But through the process (and adventures) they may both learn that they are good just the way they are, they just need to find the person that wants them that way.
Surrounded by the friends we’ve come to know and love, as well as Carter’s quirky employees, there are some fun shenanigans and supportive friendships. There was also some pretty fun teasing of other characters!
March 28, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the “Pine Ridge” series by Shae Michaels. It is not necessary to read the first two books but always a good idea to do so because of the characters in the other books. This was a wonderful reading for me. Wouldn’t you like to “re-invent” yourself and push your envelope to do things you normally wouldn’t do. Raine made the attempt in this sweet story. Definitely 5 stars reading for me!
The story focuses on Raine who wasn’t happy with himself, his career, and the rut he was in so he decided to “re-invent” himself. The first dare was to get a tattoo so he went to a tattoo shop in town. Carter, the tattoo shop owner/tattooist thought Raine was here to a surprise audit or investigation because he didn’t have a guy like Raine come in. It turned out Raine wanted to get a tattoo. Carter obliged. However, something happened in the shop with Raine. But that’s where I’m going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to find out what happened! A wonderful reading!
The story focuses on Raine who wasn’t happy with himself, his career, and the rut he was in so he decided to “re-invent” himself. The first dare was to get a tattoo so he went to a tattoo shop in town. Carter, the tattoo shop owner/tattooist thought Raine was here to a surprise audit or investigation because he didn’t have a guy like Raine come in. It turned out Raine wanted to get a tattoo. Carter obliged. However, something happened in the shop with Raine. But that’s where I’m going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to find out what happened! A wonderful reading!
March 14, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really thoroughly enjoyed myself with this book. It was the first book I'd read by Shae Michaels and I was very impressed. I adore Carter and Raine both, and they were very engaging as characters. I loved the dynamic and relationship between them, both in their everyday lives and especially in the bedroom!
Easily the best thing about this book was the humour that pervades every page. I enjoyed the light-hearted prose and it was full of great lines and funny moments, and more than once I was reduced to uncontrollable giggling for several minutes. I definitely want to read more of this author's work.
This book came at a great time for me. I'd read a couple beforehand that I didn't get on with and I was sucked into this one from the very first page. It was a delightful experience and I enjoyed every page. This is a lovely, funny, sweet and low angst book, and I thought it was very nearly perfect.
I really thoroughly enjoyed myself with this book. It was the first book I'd read by Shae Michaels and I was very impressed. I adore Carter and Raine both, and they were very engaging as characters. I loved the dynamic and relationship between them, both in their everyday lives and especially in the bedroom!
Easily the best thing about this book was the humour that pervades every page. I enjoyed the light-hearted prose and it was full of great lines and funny moments, and more than once I was reduced to uncontrollable giggling for several minutes. I definitely want to read more of this author's work.
This book came at a great time for me. I'd read a couple beforehand that I didn't get on with and I was sucked into this one from the very first page. It was a delightful experience and I enjoyed every page. This is a lovely, funny, sweet and low angst book, and I thought it was very nearly perfect.
March 7, 2024
Really full of fluff but I enjoyed it. Nothing much happened but I'm glad that Raine and Carter found each other and ended up not having to change themselves to be 'interesting' and find happiness. I liked both Raine and Carter but I felt like we could have gotten to know them even better than we did, it felt a bit surface level. I want to know more about Carter's history and how that affected him and why Raine was the way he was as well.
It was nice to see more of their friendship group and the dynamics of their relationships outside of their own books.
There did feel a couple of loose ends for me - why did they involve Nate and do nothing with it, it just felt like he got forgotten again by the author like he had been his own parents which just made me feel sad. And what was going on/wrong with his aunt and is she okay?
The epilogue was funny and gave a bit more context of what happened between Carter and Raine as the book ends fairly early in their relationship.
It was nice to see more of their friendship group and the dynamics of their relationships outside of their own books.
There did feel a couple of loose ends for me - why did they involve Nate and do nothing with it, it just felt like he got forgotten again by the author like he had been his own parents which just made me feel sad. And what was going on/wrong with his aunt and is she okay?
The epilogue was funny and gave a bit more context of what happened between Carter and Raine as the book ends fairly early in their relationship.
July 9, 2024
Wheeee! This was cute, sexy and hysterical! This was my second book by this author and still absolutely love her voice. The writing is snap, crackle and pop good. So I did not read the others in the series and while there are a lot of characters who were introduced in those earlier books, I was able to follow the plot. Raine is this poor schlub who is musing about his life, while getting plowed by a guy who is supposed to be his boyfriend. After he realizes this guy is no good and that his life is boring, Raine vows to make changes and first on his list is to get a tattoo. He meets Carter, the owner of a tattoo business. Carter is friends with several of the people who are from the earlier books. Strange bunch of people, particularly the very annoying Tessa. But that was fine since I loved Raine and Carter together. Loved the development of their friendship and their cute slide in couplehood. Great book!! Will definitely read the others.
March 4, 2023
I was given the opportunity to ARC review for Shae Michael’s and I’m so glad! This is my honest and voluntary review. This was a cute read about Raine and Carter and was fast enough to keep things moving at a good pace.
One day, Raine decides to shake up his “boring” life… by getting a tattoo. There, he meets the unexpected and charming Carter.
From there, adorableness ensues. I don’t want to give anything away, but it is worth the read. These men are so cute together and they grow together. Raine becomes the person he wants to be and Carter embraces some parts of himself that he believed were too embarrassing to share.
Lastly, that scene in his tattoo room. Yes. Just yes.
Give this a read if you like sweet characters, with low angst, and a HEA.
Thank you for the opportunity to read!
One day, Raine decides to shake up his “boring” life… by getting a tattoo. There, he meets the unexpected and charming Carter.
From there, adorableness ensues. I don’t want to give anything away, but it is worth the read. These men are so cute together and they grow together. Raine becomes the person he wants to be and Carter embraces some parts of himself that he believed were too embarrassing to share.
Lastly, that scene in his tattoo room. Yes. Just yes.
Give this a read if you like sweet characters, with low angst, and a HEA.
Thank you for the opportunity to read!
March 12, 2023
Shae really knows how to write sweet romances! This is more of a friends to lovers book as it is a bit slower than the last two. Raine is such a sweet guy. And a bit sassy too. I’ve been wanting his story since the first time he was mentioned. It took awhile for him and Casper to get to the romance part of their relationship but he got his HEA! I loved their first meeting because Raine was so awkward and Casper was so sweet to him and OMG the laughs you’ll get reading these twos first meeting is amazing. I don’t want to ruin anything but if you want a sweet slow burning book full of laugh out loud moments you need this in your life.
I’ve enjoyed reading Shae’s books from her first release until this one and I’m totally looking forward to the next!
I’ve enjoyed reading Shae’s books from her first release until this one and I’m totally looking forward to the next!
January 14, 2024
Whyyyyyy did I come back to this series??? 🤦♀️ LOL. It's cute enough, but Holy Mary, Mother Of Rambling Filler, does this author ever need a developmental editor. I probably read a third or less of this, even though I flipped from the first to the last page, all in order, but wading through the endless - and I do mean e n d l e s ssssssssss - paragraphs of rambling dialogue and truly pointless-from-a-plot-perspective filler details was physically impossible for me to do without wanting to throw my Kindle across the room, so skimming it was.
Raine was cute enough, but the romance was pretty lackluster, so between that and the slog of getting through the story itself, I think I've finally reached my breakup point with this series and author. ☹️
Raine was cute enough, but the romance was pretty lackluster, so between that and the slog of getting through the story itself, I think I've finally reached my breakup point with this series and author. ☹️
March 8, 2023
Not wanting to become a carbon copy of his dad and tired of dating losers, Raine decides to reinvent himself. First on his list is getting a tattoo. This turns into an epic fail. As does the new hairstyle and new clothes. But he garners the attention of the tattoo artist. And they become friends. And then, lovers.
This is a sweet, only slightly angsty story. And the angst is sweet as well as it comes from Raine's worry that he'll be too needy, that he's reading too much into his and Carter's relationship.
The first two couples from books one and two are supporting characters. As is Carter's cat.
A very enjoyable, quick read. Can't wait to see what this author does next.
This is a sweet, only slightly angsty story. And the angst is sweet as well as it comes from Raine's worry that he'll be too needy, that he's reading too much into his and Carter's relationship.
The first two couples from books one and two are supporting characters. As is Carter's cat.
A very enjoyable, quick read. Can't wait to see what this author does next.
March 10, 2023
This is a great addition to the Pine Ridge series. I felt for Raine at the beginning of this book. I forgot he was introduced in the first book, and it seems like he was just walked all over his whole life. It was so great to see him come out of his shell and realize who he wanted to be.
Carter was a lot of fun and super supportive! I loved how the book started off with them becoming friends first before they became romantic. It seemed much more realistic than meeting and instantly falling into bed.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. I have some thoughts on who it might be!
I was provided in advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
Carter was a lot of fun and super supportive! I loved how the book started off with them becoming friends first before they became romantic. It seemed much more realistic than meeting and instantly falling into bed.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. I have some thoughts on who it might be!
I was provided in advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
I’ve been waiting for Raine’s story for a while, and Carter is perfect for him. Like the other books in the series, the angst is minimal to none and the characters are fun and flirty. Both Raine and Carter were nearly overshadowed by some of their side characters’ revelations and actions, but when together they just fit. I liked them so much, though, I wish I’d been privy to a bit more of their individual stories rather than more recurring characters’ shenanigans at times. Overall, an enjoyable, light read.
I’ve been waiting for Raine’s story for a while, and Carter is perfect for him. Like the other books in the series, the angst is minimal to none and the characters are fun and flirty. Both Raine and Carter were nearly overshadowed by some of their side characters’ revelations and actions, but when together they just fit. I liked them so much, though, I wish I’d been privy to a bit more of their individual stories rather than more recurring characters’ shenanigans at times. Overall, an enjoyable, light read.
January 9, 2024
The book was perfectly okay, like a lot of the author's other books.
I do have one major problem with it: the epilogue. No tattoo artist worth anything would even think of tattooing someone who is "drunk off his tits", alcohol thins the blood and it can make getting a tattoo dangerous, not to mention the person would be unable to be in the right mind to tell the artist if something is wrong. It's more than just getting consent before to tattoo, it's health and safety.
Don't EVER get a tattoo while drunk, kids!!!
I do have one major problem with it: the epilogue. No tattoo artist worth anything would even think of tattooing someone who is "drunk off his tits", alcohol thins the blood and it can make getting a tattoo dangerous, not to mention the person would be unable to be in the right mind to tell the artist if something is wrong. It's more than just getting consent before to tattoo, it's health and safety.
Don't EVER get a tattoo while drunk, kids!!!
February 22, 2024
Sweet and funny, but what do you have against accountants?
Poor Raine. He's kind of a pushover, and feels boring. It doesn't help that he's been looking for love on Grindr. Of course, Raine has the most "boring" of all possible jobs: accounting.
Why, when an author wants someone to sound boring, do they make them an accountant?
Carter is a tattooist and owns his own business. Not the kind of guy you'd expect to go for an accountant. But maybe he's not that wild.
Poor Raine. He's kind of a pushover, and feels boring. It doesn't help that he's been looking for love on Grindr. Of course, Raine has the most "boring" of all possible jobs: accounting.
Why, when an author wants someone to sound boring, do they make them an accountant?
Carter is a tattooist and owns his own business. Not the kind of guy you'd expect to go for an accountant. But maybe he's not that wild.
June 11, 2024
💜💜💜💜💜
This is a modern queer romance, the third book in a series that should be read in order. I’m not sure if this book has a trope it was going for but it’s definitely a slower burning romance than the others. We met Raine in book one at one of his lowest points (until the opening of this book) but getting into his head over his desperate transformation was interesting for me and definitely endearing. I loved Carter for him
💜💜💜💜💜
This is a modern queer romance, the third book in a series that should be read in order. I’m not sure if this book has a trope it was going for but it’s definitely a slower burning romance than the others. We met Raine in book one at one of his lowest points (until the opening of this book) but getting into his head over his desperate transformation was interesting for me and definitely endearing. I loved Carter for him
💜💜💜💜💜
March 14, 2023
We often have stories where a character finds the love of their life has been right there under their nose all the time. What delighted me about this one, is that Raine and Carter discover through their friendship and eventual romance that the man they've always wanted to be has been right there inside them all the time. It was wonderful to get to see their self-confidence grow.
March 21, 2023
This is the first book I have have read by this author and although this is a part of a series, this can easily be read as a stand alone. But I'll go back and read the other books at some point. I enjoyed the writing and getting to know these main characters. I thought it was a sweet and quirky story about two men who focus on friendship first of all. I enjoyed reading this.
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