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Shifting Gears
Wesley Pierce, a Virginia State Trooper, is in search of the perfect log cabin to settle down in. After losing his brother and doing his best to care for the family he left behind he decides, a year after Nathan’s death, that he’s finally ready to move forward.
Olivia Michaels, a realtor in search of her own dream home and a way out of her parents’ attic, takes on a client who can help get her that much closer to affording her freedom. Little does she know that it isn’t the perfect home that she finds but through Wesley Pierce she manages to find herself. And maybe, if she’s capable of taking the leap, she might even manage to find love.
***
This novel, not unlike its predecessor in the Rider series, The Wanderer, is not a story about life altering suspense and mystery or a love that seemed impossible from the very start. Instead, this story is of love in its purest form. In life it isn’t mystery and excitement that drive our hearts but trepidation and the moment in which we all decide to jump unguarded into the arms of another.
Olivia Michaels, a realtor in search of her own dream home and a way out of her parents’ attic, takes on a client who can help get her that much closer to affording her freedom. Little does she know that it isn’t the perfect home that she finds but through Wesley Pierce she manages to find herself. And maybe, if she’s capable of taking the leap, she might even manage to find love.
***
This novel, not unlike its predecessor in the Rider series, The Wanderer, is not a story about life altering suspense and mystery or a love that seemed impossible from the very start. Instead, this story is of love in its purest form. In life it isn’t mystery and excitement that drive our hearts but trepidation and the moment in which we all decide to jump unguarded into the arms of another.
274 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2012
128 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Maravel
8 books254 followersIt is my hope to provide motivation for fellow authors who continue to polish their voice and work on their craft. I want to inspire as many writers as I can to view their work as an ongoing journey. You never know which step you are on in achieving your dreams, all you can do is to keep pressing forward. Looking back shows you how far you've come, and looking ahead gives you direction, but the most important part of the journey is where you are right now. Never stop striving, live without regret, and use both your experience and your dreams for the future to shape what you're doing right now.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 2, 2012
How many times does a person have to run into a person before they realize that they found the one? (Raiting 4.5 stars) Olivia a sweet woman who once dreamed about being a strong person defending the innocent in courts life is turned upside down as she takes on a new career path as a relator, moves into her parent's home with her dog Melon, and breaks up with her long term boyfriend. As Welsey is recovering of the lost of a brother who he was close with even a year later the two meet on a not so common mission. In this compainion novel to The Wanderer, Shawn Kirsten Marvavel creates a love story that will have the readers envolved in the world that she creates. Olivia and Welsey are both realistic characters as both are just living their lives and planning for the future despite the bumps in the road that they have been through in the past.
The book had just about scenes so that the story line was able to flow for the readers. Shawn had very descriptive words for the houses that Olivia was showing off, and what the characters were wearing so that the readers could visualize the scenes very well without it being too much. The crew of characters in Shifting Gears are memoriable and enjoyable, the overally protective father, the sweet daughter, heartbroken family members, and the Wesley who has some interesting quirks. The book was worth the wait, and I suggest others to pick it up :)
The book had just about scenes so that the story line was able to flow for the readers. Shawn had very descriptive words for the houses that Olivia was showing off, and what the characters were wearing so that the readers could visualize the scenes very well without it being too much. The crew of characters in Shifting Gears are memoriable and enjoyable, the overally protective father, the sweet daughter, heartbroken family members, and the Wesley who has some interesting quirks. The book was worth the wait, and I suggest others to pick it up :)
June 14, 2012
See Original Review @Insightful Minds Reviews
This is the second book in the Rider Series. The first book, The Wanderer, was an absolute hit with me, so I had pretty high expectations with this one. While it didn't touch my heart like the first one did, did definitely did not disappoint either!
Olivia and Wesley are two people trying to find themselves. Wesley finds himself looking to get out of his cramped apartment and into his very own home. He feels this is the first step he needs to take in order to begin moving on from his brothers death. Olivia, currently living with her parents until she finds the perfect home for herself, works as a realtor, after deciding that law just wasn't her thing, is also looking to move on from a past that just doesn't seem to want to let her go.
With the help of Olivia as his realtor, Wesley begins the search for his perfect home. Between house searching, holiday dinners, gun ranges and all things in between, the two of them start to notice the attraction hanging in the hair between them. If only things were so easy. Just when things seem to be going smooth and heading in the direction Wesley wants them to, he find his dream home. Which also happens to be Olivia's dream home, yet she keeps this to herself.
Along this journey we watch as the two of them question just what the other person feels and if they should act on the feelings or not. Insert Jerry stage left. The one who let Olivia get away. With him in the picture, all bets are off. Olivia, not sure where her heart lies between these two men, gets one heck of a wake up call when Wesley finds himself in the very same situation that caused him to lose his brother in the line of duty.
This is not a love at first sight story. You truly get to watch through the pages as the two of them not only find themselves, but what is growing between them. The side characters in this novel were brilliant, especially Melon, Olivia's dog. Oh! Her father played quite an awesome part also! :)
This is the second book in the Rider Series. The first book, The Wanderer, was an absolute hit with me, so I had pretty high expectations with this one. While it didn't touch my heart like the first one did, did definitely did not disappoint either!
Olivia and Wesley are two people trying to find themselves. Wesley finds himself looking to get out of his cramped apartment and into his very own home. He feels this is the first step he needs to take in order to begin moving on from his brothers death. Olivia, currently living with her parents until she finds the perfect home for herself, works as a realtor, after deciding that law just wasn't her thing, is also looking to move on from a past that just doesn't seem to want to let her go.
With the help of Olivia as his realtor, Wesley begins the search for his perfect home. Between house searching, holiday dinners, gun ranges and all things in between, the two of them start to notice the attraction hanging in the hair between them. If only things were so easy. Just when things seem to be going smooth and heading in the direction Wesley wants them to, he find his dream home. Which also happens to be Olivia's dream home, yet she keeps this to herself.
Along this journey we watch as the two of them question just what the other person feels and if they should act on the feelings or not. Insert Jerry stage left. The one who let Olivia get away. With him in the picture, all bets are off. Olivia, not sure where her heart lies between these two men, gets one heck of a wake up call when Wesley finds himself in the very same situation that caused him to lose his brother in the line of duty.
This is not a love at first sight story. You truly get to watch through the pages as the two of them not only find themselves, but what is growing between them. The side characters in this novel were brilliant, especially Melon, Olivia's dog. Oh! Her father played quite an awesome part also! :)
June 1, 2012
I have to be honest and say that the first time I saw this book, I wasn't much interested. As you know, if you have been following The Book Bag for any amount of time, I am a sucker for a great cover. A guy on a motorcycle, even though he has a great looking body, just didn't grab me like some other covers have.
But then I kept seeing this book 'talked' about everywhere. I checked out the author's blog and she was appealing to bloggers for some help to get the word out about her book. Once I took a closer look at the story (and not just the cover) I liked what I saw and liked the idea of helping this author out.
I can now add Shawn to my list of authors that I am going to watch for future books. I loved this story! Wesley and Olivia are both great people who you, as the reader, want to get together and have a happy life. They are both just so nice that they don't want to sabotage what they think the other one has gong on in their life.
Shifting Gears is a very well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it for the time that I was in Olivia and Wesley's life. This is a book that was easy to read and hard to put down. And this is book #2 in The Rider Series. I decided that I kinda like a guy on a motorcycle so I am going to have to check out book #1, The Wanderer. Shawn has another series, the Volition series that I am going to have to check out too. Oh heck, I just need to read them all!
And I can't wait to see what Shawn writes next!
But then I kept seeing this book 'talked' about everywhere. I checked out the author's blog and she was appealing to bloggers for some help to get the word out about her book. Once I took a closer look at the story (and not just the cover) I liked what I saw and liked the idea of helping this author out.
I can now add Shawn to my list of authors that I am going to watch for future books. I loved this story! Wesley and Olivia are both great people who you, as the reader, want to get together and have a happy life. They are both just so nice that they don't want to sabotage what they think the other one has gong on in their life.
Shifting Gears is a very well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it for the time that I was in Olivia and Wesley's life. This is a book that was easy to read and hard to put down. And this is book #2 in The Rider Series. I decided that I kinda like a guy on a motorcycle so I am going to have to check out book #1, The Wanderer. Shawn has another series, the Volition series that I am going to have to check out too. Oh heck, I just need to read them all!
And I can't wait to see what Shawn writes next!
June 19, 2023
enjoy reading this book, it's so really interesting
June 6, 2012
I love a good romance and I'm glad I got the opportunity to read and review this one.
Olivia is a real estate agent, looking for a log cabin to call home. Wesley is a small town cop, looking for a log cabin to call home. When Olivia's mentor sends Wesley her way, she never expected that they'd be looking for the same log cabin to call home.
Olivia first meets Wes as she's walking her dog through the cemetery where Wes is visiting his brother's grave. She meets him a second time when he pulls her over for speeding. The next time they meet is on the steps of the first cabin Olivia shows him. While they look at cabins together, sparks start flying between the two, even though they don't realize it.
In the meantime, Olivia's ex comes back to town, wanting her back and she agrees to give him a chance even though her heart isn't in it. Wes and Olivia spend more and more time together, he even teaches Olivia to shoot a gun.
It's really a classic romance and it kept me interested from beginning to end, especially since it wasn't the typical story where you can see what's coming a mile away. Just when you think you've figured out what's coming next, something twists the story into a new direction. If you're looking for a good romance, give Shifting Gears a shot.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine and have not been influenced by the author and/or publisher.
Olivia is a real estate agent, looking for a log cabin to call home. Wesley is a small town cop, looking for a log cabin to call home. When Olivia's mentor sends Wesley her way, she never expected that they'd be looking for the same log cabin to call home.
Olivia first meets Wes as she's walking her dog through the cemetery where Wes is visiting his brother's grave. She meets him a second time when he pulls her over for speeding. The next time they meet is on the steps of the first cabin Olivia shows him. While they look at cabins together, sparks start flying between the two, even though they don't realize it.
In the meantime, Olivia's ex comes back to town, wanting her back and she agrees to give him a chance even though her heart isn't in it. Wes and Olivia spend more and more time together, he even teaches Olivia to shoot a gun.
It's really a classic romance and it kept me interested from beginning to end, especially since it wasn't the typical story where you can see what's coming a mile away. Just when you think you've figured out what's coming next, something twists the story into a new direction. If you're looking for a good romance, give Shifting Gears a shot.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine and have not been influenced by the author and/or publisher.
July 30, 2012
My Review:
B-
This book, simply put, is a nice sweet romantic little read. It meanders along at a fairly sedate pace through the first 75% of the book before the action and romance picks up for a great ending.
I liked both Olivia and Wesley's characters and I loved the fact that both of them are searching for the perfect log cabin. I share that love with them so it made reading about the various houses a lot of fun. Olivia is Wesley's realtor and along the way they become friends too.
Wesley is a cop. Recently his brother, also a cop, was shot and killed in the line of duty. Olivia has a phobia about cops and I like the way Shawn Maravel wrote this book to show the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. We tend to look at them as the guys giving us speeding tickets without paying attention to the risk that puts them at daily.
Wesley is pretty hot. He drives a Harley and a big black truck....two of my personal weaknesses when it comes to guys. He also is amazing with his adorable two year old niece and his brother's widow. He's definitely stepped up to take care of them and there were several "melt my heart" type of scenes. I also LOVED the fact that he respected Olivia's relationship with her ex Jerry and didn't want to intrude on that. The fact that he'd rather have her as a friend than nothing at all....yep, LOVE!
Overall this was just a nice book to read. One of those that leaves you with a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
B-
This book, simply put, is a nice sweet romantic little read. It meanders along at a fairly sedate pace through the first 75% of the book before the action and romance picks up for a great ending.
I liked both Olivia and Wesley's characters and I loved the fact that both of them are searching for the perfect log cabin. I share that love with them so it made reading about the various houses a lot of fun. Olivia is Wesley's realtor and along the way they become friends too.
Wesley is a cop. Recently his brother, also a cop, was shot and killed in the line of duty. Olivia has a phobia about cops and I like the way Shawn Maravel wrote this book to show the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. We tend to look at them as the guys giving us speeding tickets without paying attention to the risk that puts them at daily.
Wesley is pretty hot. He drives a Harley and a big black truck....two of my personal weaknesses when it comes to guys. He also is amazing with his adorable two year old niece and his brother's widow. He's definitely stepped up to take care of them and there were several "melt my heart" type of scenes. I also LOVED the fact that he respected Olivia's relationship with her ex Jerry and didn't want to intrude on that. The fact that he'd rather have her as a friend than nothing at all....yep, LOVE!
Overall this was just a nice book to read. One of those that leaves you with a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
June 12, 2012
This book is another of what I would call a 'real' romance. By this I mean that there is no 'love at first sight' or other unrealistic relationship declarations that can occur in the majority of romance novels out there.
The story revolves around two main characters, Wesley and Olivia. Throughout the story they are portrayed as two very realistic and determined individuals who meet and subsequently develop feelings for each other at what I would call a natural and consistent pace.
Wesley is a very likeable state trooper who lost his brother a year ago and now has to live with his grief over that incident plus help his sister-in-law and her young daughter deal with theirs.
Olivia is an ex law student turned realtor who has just come out of a lengthy relationship and is now in the process of finding her own feet and building her new career.
Wesley decides to start looking for his dream home and when Olivia becomes his realtor they end up realising that there may be more between them than just house hunting.
Similar to The Wanderer, the first book in the series, I really enjoyed Shifting Gears and feel that it is an engaging and feel-good story that has great character development and an ending that leaves you content and happy.
The story revolves around two main characters, Wesley and Olivia. Throughout the story they are portrayed as two very realistic and determined individuals who meet and subsequently develop feelings for each other at what I would call a natural and consistent pace.
Wesley is a very likeable state trooper who lost his brother a year ago and now has to live with his grief over that incident plus help his sister-in-law and her young daughter deal with theirs.
Olivia is an ex law student turned realtor who has just come out of a lengthy relationship and is now in the process of finding her own feet and building her new career.
Wesley decides to start looking for his dream home and when Olivia becomes his realtor they end up realising that there may be more between them than just house hunting.
Similar to The Wanderer, the first book in the series, I really enjoyed Shifting Gears and feel that it is an engaging and feel-good story that has great character development and an ending that leaves you content and happy.
November 27, 2012
Shawn's writing and books get better and better! I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed all of her books but I think this has to be my favorite book written by Shawn.
The characters of Shifting Gears, Wesley and Olivia, are so real. For me to really love a book i need to be invested in the characters. If I'm not I won't want to continue reading. But with this book i adored and loved them so much! I really love how Shawn wrote their progressing relationship. It felt real. It was not rushed. Olivia was hesitant on being in a relationship since her last one. So it was really captured in the way they progressed.
I was totally drawn to Wesley. I felt so bad for him with losing his brother and growing apart from his parents. And i LOVED how he was there for Maggie and Ally. He really is an amazing guy!
There is so much i loved about this book but its hard to explain in writing. It was just amazing so you need to read it!!!
I would love to have another book with these two characters! To see where their relationship has gone from where we left off. Maybe a 3rd book in the Rider Series?!? :)
The characters of Shifting Gears, Wesley and Olivia, are so real. For me to really love a book i need to be invested in the characters. If I'm not I won't want to continue reading. But with this book i adored and loved them so much! I really love how Shawn wrote their progressing relationship. It felt real. It was not rushed. Olivia was hesitant on being in a relationship since her last one. So it was really captured in the way they progressed.
I was totally drawn to Wesley. I felt so bad for him with losing his brother and growing apart from his parents. And i LOVED how he was there for Maggie and Ally. He really is an amazing guy!
There is so much i loved about this book but its hard to explain in writing. It was just amazing so you need to read it!!!
I would love to have another book with these two characters! To see where their relationship has gone from where we left off. Maybe a 3rd book in the Rider Series?!? :)
July 8, 2012
Shifting Gears is the first book that I have read from Shawn Kirsten Maravel. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely be looking for more from her.
I loved Wesley and Olivia and enjoyed their journey towards their HEA. It had a great cast of secondary characters that added to the story and I am hoping that Shawn will write a book about Maggie and her daughter--they need a HEA also. Shifting Gears entertained me from the beginning and I loved the ways that Wesley and Olivia kept running into each other. They didn't fall instantly in love with each other but instead their relationship grew from friendship.
While reading Shifting Gears, I couldn't help feeling that there was something missing and I think, for me, it was the lack of any intimate moments between Wesley and Olivia-without these moments between them, I didn't feel drawn into their romance as much as I normally would have. Just as it started to heat up the story ended.
Just a quick and easy read that I enjoyed a lot and has made me a fan of Shawn Kirsten Maravel. 4 out of 5 rating.
I loved Wesley and Olivia and enjoyed their journey towards their HEA. It had a great cast of secondary characters that added to the story and I am hoping that Shawn will write a book about Maggie and her daughter--they need a HEA also. Shifting Gears entertained me from the beginning and I loved the ways that Wesley and Olivia kept running into each other. They didn't fall instantly in love with each other but instead their relationship grew from friendship.
While reading Shifting Gears, I couldn't help feeling that there was something missing and I think, for me, it was the lack of any intimate moments between Wesley and Olivia-without these moments between them, I didn't feel drawn into their romance as much as I normally would have. Just as it started to heat up the story ended.
Just a quick and easy read that I enjoyed a lot and has made me a fan of Shawn Kirsten Maravel. 4 out of 5 rating.
October 25, 2012
Romantic, Sexy, Sweet, Refreshing!! I couldn't put this book down. I loved Wesley and Oliva as they developed in front of my eyes. I was pulled in from the beginning with their meeting and the pull didn't stop until the last period.
Oliva, heart-broken from her recent breakup, meets Wesley in a string of events that are both funny, heart-wrenching, and sweet. Wesley was easy to love and I was rooting for him from the beginning.
The best part, this story was not only romantic and sexy, but clean! Can you have a romantic, sexy story without all the "garbage" in sex scenes? Yes!!! And Ms. Maravel pulled it off wonderfully!! I was so entranced I felt breathless by the end of their story.
I would have loved to hear what happened to Jerry a little more, his story was the only piece I felt needed explaining more, but it didn't detract horribly from the story.
I will be reading more of her work. Great job, Ms. Marvel!!
Oliva, heart-broken from her recent breakup, meets Wesley in a string of events that are both funny, heart-wrenching, and sweet. Wesley was easy to love and I was rooting for him from the beginning.
The best part, this story was not only romantic and sexy, but clean! Can you have a romantic, sexy story without all the "garbage" in sex scenes? Yes!!! And Ms. Maravel pulled it off wonderfully!! I was so entranced I felt breathless by the end of their story.
I would have loved to hear what happened to Jerry a little more, his story was the only piece I felt needed explaining more, but it didn't detract horribly from the story.
I will be reading more of her work. Great job, Ms. Marvel!!
November 14, 2012
A few things.
1. Shawn, you are very talented and are not afraid to address heavy issues. My dad was a cop and sometimes it was hard not to worry that he would make it home. There was always that chance and I love how raw the emotions were, I think you captured them well.
2. Some writers with multiple stories borrow a lot from previous works. For anyone who has also read Volition and Severance will not see carry over which is nice. If I did not know it was the same author then I would never have guessed. Each leading character is their own person.
3. There is the occasional head hopping. All of a sudden I know too much about too many people in the same chapter and I don't always know whose perspective I am at. It is an easy fix and does not draw away from the book.
All and all I would recommend the book.
1. Shawn, you are very talented and are not afraid to address heavy issues. My dad was a cop and sometimes it was hard not to worry that he would make it home. There was always that chance and I love how raw the emotions were, I think you captured them well.
2. Some writers with multiple stories borrow a lot from previous works. For anyone who has also read Volition and Severance will not see carry over which is nice. If I did not know it was the same author then I would never have guessed. Each leading character is their own person.
3. There is the occasional head hopping. All of a sudden I know too much about too many people in the same chapter and I don't always know whose perspective I am at. It is an easy fix and does not draw away from the book.
All and all I would recommend the book.
August 1, 2012
A real trademark of Maravel`s writing are her characters. Well presented and lively shaped they play an important role in the stories to make them even more enjoyable. As always filled with emotions we have a story which has a lot to offer for male readers this time. I like the whole cozy setup and the police / state trooper part in it. Maybe in her next book we get some detective parts in it? :D Anyways, I recommend it. It is an easy read which shows that there are still authors who put really effort into character development and story. Go and read it!
October 8, 2012
The magic of a meeting cannot be described better than this. Olivia's change in career paths not only puts her on a path of uncertainty, it paves the way to a romance that flourishes beyond expectations. The vivid images written in this book will keep you turning the pages to see more.
June 21, 2012
Ms Maravel is so good at creating real-world love stories with characters who become personal to the reader, taking us through all the twists and turns of romance where two people struggle to take that final step in love. Another heart-melting stop in the Rider series!
August 19, 2012
ahh so good! :D full review coming soon (:
January 15, 2018
Good romance but The Wanderer was better. Landon was a more complex character than Wesley and that is the same for Max (a girl) compared to Olivia.
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August 28, 2012I love motorcycles and men that ride them my husband that pasted away last year had a 2007 Harley. Would very much like to read these books! Agatha P. Townsend
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atownsendgf@yahoo.com
January 9, 2015
I prefered this book to the first one. Really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews