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Pine Ridge #5

Noticing Nate

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Elias My life is a shambles. My long-term relationship just ended, I left the Air Force, I’ve been crashing on my buddy’s couch for the last three months, and now… I’ve lost the one person I loved more than any other. The only sense of direction I’m able to find is a wedding invitation from the cousin I haven’t seen in over sixteen years. I’ve nothing left to uproot, but will traveling to some place I’ve never heard of, to reconnect with the only relative I’ve got left that I give a damn about, be the answer to what’s next in my life? Will Pine Ridge, Wisconsin be the place where I find myself again? Nate I’ve spent the entirety of my life being overlooked, forgotten… invisible. You’d think a six-and-a-half-foot man wouldn’t go through life so unnoticed, but that seems to be my fate. All I want is for someone to finally see me, to want to get to know me, to not move on to someone more interesting. But I never would’ve anticipated that I’d be on my way to a friend’s wedding when someone finally does see me; so much so, he almost hits me with his car. But will Elias’ attention stay fixed on me or will he, like everyone else does, wind up forgetting I even exist?

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

21 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Shae Michaels

11 books68 followers
Shae 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.

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5 stars
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33 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Dani.
1,662 reviews313 followers
May 12, 2024
2.5

This was so frustrating to read and nothing really happens.

It took until past the 20% mark for them to walk two blocks, while managing to barely even say anything to each other!!! It was painful. I was optimistic that it'd get better but nope. I think it actually got worse.

It is drilled into you repeatedly that everyone ignores or forgets about Nate. His parents finally start paying him attention after twenty odd years of life, but only after a brief conversation that barely lasted a paragraph. There was so much potential for some really emotional content between Nate and his family but it ended with his parent's making him uncomfortable by talking about their sex lives and trying to justify why they basically ignored their kid his whole life.

In addition to there being zero emotional content there's endless sex scenes that go on and on and on but add fuck all to the story. Like, ok they're into each other, yay for them, but where was the emotional connection between them? They barely converse, it's all inner monologue and repetition of whatever they already said. Sex does not equal love, no matter how many times you shove a sex scene in and then have them say they love each other...

The friendship group never even notices they forget Nate all the time, Carter only remembers because Elias gets snappy with him at the very end of the book. Honestly what Nate needed was some self esteem and the confidence to back himself and say this isn't right. But nope, nothing happens so I lost any sympathy for Nate. He's constantly bemoaning the fact people forget him, but he never does anything about it and isn't willing to make changes, so it became very hard to care about the outcome of his story. If the characters don't care about their own lives or seem to have any investment in their story progressing, why on earth would the reader?

The whole 'best friend is in love with you' with Elias and Derek also went nowhere because it was never mentioned to Elias so he was clueless. Other than setting up the character for the next book presumably, what was the point of adding the 'tension' and doing nothing with it? I kept waiting for something to happen, ANYTHING to happen, but it never did. Why not just introduce him as the best friend without needing him to be in unrequited love and making Nate question his place in yet another person's life...

I feel kind of mean saying all this, but as much as writing a book is an investment of time on the author's side, it's also an investment of time on the readers side. This just felt lacking in every area - what actually was the point of the plot? Who were the characters really after you took away their job title and sexuality, and why was I supposed to care about them? I had high hopes that the next book in this series would be good after the last few books from this author have been really lacklustre, but now I don't think I'll be in any rush to read anything else from them in the near future.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,544 reviews104 followers
May 4, 2024
Sugary sweet and just adorable. Our gentle giant Nate finally gets noticed and it's by a hunky man of muscles named Elias. As in, Carter's estranged cousin Elias. It just so happens that reuniting with his cousin is what brings our dear Elias to Pine Ridge, where he has a very crazy meet-cute with the often Ill-remembered Nate.

I loved getting to know Nate and I also loved how good Elias was to him. He treated Nate like he was important and I don't think Nate had ever had that in his life before, sadly. They also had great chemistry. Every time Elias called Nate darlin' 🥵🥵. And he stuck up for him too, even when Nate wasn't around for it. It meant he truly cared.

I'm still hoping for a Canada book. And I'm not a big fan of Elias' bestie. I'm wondering if we are going to be getting his story next because we never get a scene where he admits his secret to his best friend. I wanted him to wicked bad!! But the trade off was a super cute epilogue that shows these MC sweetie pies living their happy lives together. I'm so thrilled Nate finally got his man! And what a catch too!
1,036 reviews14 followers
May 5, 2024
I adored Shae's Pine Ridge series, all of her characters are so quirky and lovable. She has a way with creating characters that you just can't help but to cheer for, and want to see more of.

Nate's character is quite possibly the sweetest of Shae's characters, he's so kind hearted, adorable awkward, shy, and lovable. He's always getting forgotten, by his own family, and his friends. No one ever really remembers or sees him, until a man who almost hits him with their car that is.

Elias is driving to Pine Ridge to attend his cousin's wedding, while also bringing some bad news to share with the groom. The scene where Elias realized how close his mom and Carter were, and when he discovered that no one has notified his cousin, was crushing. That was rough for his character, and for Carter's. When he almost hits a viking driving into Pine Ridge, he wasn't expecting to stay that long. But that small town has a way of making it's members put down roots.

I adored this story, it's lighthearted but still discussed serious topics, both men are struggling with their own problems but are there for each other regardless. Even when they had only just met, they were trying to reassure one another and make each other feel a bit better. This was quite possibly the most unique meet-cute I've ever read, and I mean that in a positive way.

I thought the story progressed quite nicely, the pacing was great, the scenes just flowed together. I found the characters dialogue to be intriguing and it held my interest and made me laugh a time or two. These two may have started out with just benefits, but it was never just that for either of them, these two men were ensnared as soon as they met, they just weren't ready to admit that yet.

Overall a really great addition to The Pine Ridge series, it was wonderful to see past characters make appearances in this story! If you like unconventional meet-cutes, and found family, this is for you!!
Profile Image for Jeanette Buck.
383 reviews16 followers
May 7, 2024
This was such a sweet and quirky story about Elias and Nate. Elias has left the navy and is feeling lost so when he goes through his late mum's stuff he finds letters and a wedding invite from his estranged cousin and he decides that he wants to attend the wedding to tell Carter about his mum. Awkward Nate who is one of six children and is used to being forgotten. When his parents go to the wedding without him, he has no other option than to walk. Elias sees Nate walking and gets distracted and ends up in a ditch. They end up walking to the wedding together. There's chemistry between them and they spend a lot of time together. Elias decides to stay around and give the relationship a go. I really enjoyed reading this story. It has lots of sweet and funny moments.
504 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2024
This was an awesome 5th book in the Pine Ridge series by Shae Michaels. I’ve loved the first 4 books! I always look forward to the next book in the series. This one was my favorite because I definitely have a thing for a bearded “viking” stud with long hair. Think Chris Hemsworth as Thor in the first movie! Hawt!!!! If you have read “Remaking Raine”, you’ll know Carter since he’s in this one. I’d definitely give this one more than 5 stars! Loved this one!

The story focuses on Elias whose life was a mess! He had lost his mother. While going through some of her possessions, she found letters between her mother and his cousin, Carter. He also found a wedding invitation to Carter’s wedding. It was to happen in couple of days. He impulsively decided to do a road trip up north and let Carter know his favorite aunt had passed away.
While trying to find the site of the wedding, he inadvertently glanced at this gorgeous stud with beautiful golden hair that was past the shoulders. By doing this, he nearly ran over the stud who was simply walking on the side of the road. He found himself in a ditch.

The stud who nearly got run over was carrying a present. When he nearly got run over, he dropped the present and it inadvertently got under the vehicle. The reason he was walking on the road was because his parents never noticed Nate. They had planned to go to the wedding together but being the parents who never noticed Nate left without him. Think Kevin in Home Alone. So Nate was stuck walking to the wedding. After the incident, Elias and Nate walked to the wedding site together. That was the beginning of something. I’ll stop right here and have you pick up the book to read to find out!
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,839 reviews37 followers
May 6, 2024
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Let me tell you, if I saw Nate walking down the street, I’d probably crash my car too! I like me some Viking genes.

This is one pretty adorable story, where our sweet Nate finally finds someone who thinks he’s unforgettable.

Elias comes to town to make things right with his cousin Carter. He’s a bit adrift in life but he doesn’t expect a new start in Pineridge.

Nate is an absolute sweetheart who feels invisible, but Elias is different. They don’t just have great chemistry, Elias makes him feel important and loved, and boy does he deserve that.

Elias in turn finds a home. It’s not something he’s felt in a very long time, and I loved that for him.

It’s also got a pretty cute epilogue to wrap it all up.
Profile Image for Steph.
741 reviews15 followers
May 2, 2024
I've read every Pine Ridge book from Shae and this one just feels so settled. I loved the characters, how could you not notice Nate. He is beautiful inside and out. So unsure of himself, people have missed out; but not Elias. The fact Nate's parents tended to forget about him, is borderline ridiculous, but it just adds to the humour that we get with this series. Nate is possibly my favourite of the series, and I'm so glad he and Elias found each other. This story just takes us through the paces of two people getting to know each other and realising feelings are very much involved. I was so glad Derek didn't cause the angst we could feel brewing, hopefully he gets a story soon. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kat Moreid.
437 reviews
July 5, 2024
I don't write a lot of 2 star reviews, it's not my thing but the side characters in this book infuriated me. Nate's parents are pure garbage. No, you don't get to forget you have a 6th kid for most of his life and give a half assed apology and that's it. Bullshit. Nate has value and you showed him none. Neither did any of his siblings. Or his friends or pretty much the entire town. Nate is ignored and forgotten his whole life and I was disappointed with how this was addressed. Saying I don't know how I forgot Nate or giving some lame excuse and apology doesn't cut it. I wanted more for Nate and I didn't get it. It was very unsatisfying for me because I wanted Nate to finally feel as loved as he deserves and I didn't feel that from this story.
Profile Image for Angel_2822.
228 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2024
Noticing Nate by Shae Michaels is the fifth book in the Pine Ridge series. It is a touching tale of unexpected connections and second chances.

Nate’s lifelong feeling of being overlooked resonates deeply, and Elias’ journey of self-discovery adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Their serendipitous meeting on the road to a wedding sets the stage for a beautiful unfolding romance. Michaels skilfully weaves together moments of sweetness and humour, making it impossible not to root for them as they navigate their feelings and pasts.

The chemistry between Elias and Nate is palpable, and their journey towards love is both heartwarming and believable. Despite the challenges they face, their connection shines through, offering hope and warmth to readers.

Overall, Noticing Nate is a charming and uplifting read that reminds us of the power of connection and the possibility of finding love when we least expect it. Michael’s storytelling is engaging and authentic, making this book an enjoyable addition to the series.

In spite of the fact that it can be read as a standalone, it’d be better reading the previous books. They are a great read. I recommend all of them.

I received an ARC from the author for free and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation. 
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
310 reviews16 followers
May 21, 2024
I'm fairly certain that Nate was put on this earth to make me cry. His resignation to being ignored, overlooked, and invisible despite his Viking-like stature was so real that I just wanted to hug him. Then we have Elias, who notices Nate immediately (crashes his car because of said notice) and continues to notice him when no one else does.

Nate deserved his happily ever after and Elias deserved to have love and trust with a partner and family.

I love the Pine Ridge series and I'm so glad Shae keeps bringing us more.
Profile Image for Dawn Siemer.
1,311 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2024
Nate!

Cinnamon rolls are my favorite, so I was really looking forward to Nate's story. He gets himself a sexy veteran. So, I'm happy.

Are these guys perfect for each other? Not in that puzzle piece way some romances have. These guys actually have little in common other than mutual attraction and respect. The conflict is in the relationship, in that Nate has very low self esteem and Elias isn't quite ready for a relationship when they meet.
337 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2024
What a story!

I absolutely love this series and I was so happy to see Nate finally get noticed. Shae Michaels is an insanely talented and entertaining author. I have loved every single one of the books I have found on Amazon and am constantly looking to see if the author has released something new. You can't go wrong with the Pine Ridge series or anything else written by this author. I hope this isn't the last we see of the characters from Pine Ridge. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Akasha721.
874 reviews
May 27, 2024
This is my first book in the series but I do like the characters. As large as Nate is, it seems it will be hard for anyone to not notice him. However, you have a whole town that does just that before Elias comes to town. He makes sure Nate is seen and remembered no matter what because that's what love will do for you!.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,062 reviews
June 17, 2024
💜💜💜💜💜

This is a modern queer romance, the fifth book in a series that should be read in order. I really felt for Nate in the first three books where you hear of him for the first time. He is largely ignored by the universe at large even being the tall large Viking of man he is! When Carter’s cousin, Elias literally runs into Nate, sparks fly from the very start! I loved seeing them finding their HEA! 💜💜💜💜💜
998 reviews41 followers
July 23, 2024
Oh sweet, sweet Nate. Love him. This might be my favorite in the series so far. Just because I love Nate. Elias was a good match for him. They round out each other's personality. Elias will make sure Nate isn't forgotten by anyone. I really hate that his parents and family treated him that way. No one should be looked over like that.
Profile Image for Jeremiah Hicks.
52 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2024
I really enjoyed Noticing Nate! It is such a sweet story with plenty of spice. Just like all of the other books in the Pine Ridge Series I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend checking it out. Nate and Elias make an amazing couple and they meet at a time when they both needed each other.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,605 reviews34 followers
May 8, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Pine Ridge series and I have been loving this place so much, this is a standalone but is really better reading the rest of the series. Nate and Elias are so sweet together and their chemistry is just great.
Profile Image for Alicia Meyer.
1,472 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2024
Nate and Elias

I liked the story overall. I felt like there was some missing weird anomalies with Derek that were not addressed but it felt like something that could legitimately happen and it was cute how they met.
Profile Image for Carrie.
35 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2024
Waiting for Nate

Ive been waiting for Nate and wasn’t disappointed in the least. He deserves someone who truly sees and appreciates him and he got it in Elias. I hope Derek is next :)
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,248 reviews26 followers
May 9, 2024
Nate & Elias

We finally get a story for Nate and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked Elias for him and I especially thought it was cute how they met.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for TUKricker.
311 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2024
Shae Michael drafts a loving story of two neurotic people who, if left to their own devices, would sabotage any relationship or encounter without thinking twice. It's a product of internal self deprication and prior life trauma, but it's painted in a humorous and easy going way that shows these two characters as wholly human.

Pine Ridge is painted in an idyllic light that would make any reader want to revisit with the other books in this series.
970 reviews
June 7, 2024
Little too much angst for me. I'm glad the guys worked things out. Also a whole lot of sex scenes, which I skipped. Made for a fast read.
Profile Image for Elise H.
1,128 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2024
3,5⭐️

Loved the first 3/4 but the end is too rushed
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,463 reviews30 followers
May 8, 2024
What a surprisingly sweet story! These two are just so right for each other. Nate has always been overlooked. No, does it on purpose, it just happens. Enter Elias, who, after his mama's death, needs to head North to let his cousin know and make ammends from a not so great past. From the moment these two collide, they will be forever interlaced forever cherished. Add to the fun the intimate times are fire! What an amazing addition to this already fun series.
Profile Image for KohoutReadsRomance.
250 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2024
Such a sweet one! Elias lost his mother to cancer and when he finds a box of keepsakes hidden in her room, he's surprised to see it's mostly letters from his cousin, Carter. He decides to drive halfway across the country to get to Carter's wedding, but he's running a bit late and when he notices what he thinks is a viking walking on the side of the road, he ends up driving right into a ditch. Nate, our gentle giant that usually gets forgotten by his friends and family, was also on his way to the wedding. They make the rest of the trek together and there's immediate attraction on both sides.

Elias stays in town to reconnect with his cousin and to enjoy as much time with Nate as he can, although he only wants a physical relationship since he's still getting over being betrayed by an ex. It doesn't take long before these two start harboring real feelings for each other, and they're just so damn cute!

🔥: Steamy and even a bit kinky at times! Their scenes are slowly paced with lots of graphic details and sooo much pining.
😆: Nate is so shy and adorable that he'll have you smiling at all his nervous rambling.
😭: My eyes did water a couple times with this one, as it just killed me to see Nate forgotten about all the time. Luckily, Elias sees him just fine❤️

This was a cute story and it was great to return to the small town of Pine Ridge.

CW: parent lost to cancer, alcoholism and domestic abuse (not MCs)
Profile Image for Susi June.
243 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2025
I always enjoy reading this book! It's not this swoony, grand love story, it's just very sweet.
Both mcs are lovely, especially Nate.
I hate how overlooked he is and I hate his parents so, so much. It makes me sad every time I read it. I just want to hug him and tell him how special he is.
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