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Surviving Ravens Ridge
Shane Michaels has been a disappointment his whole life—a troublemaker, a screw-up, a lost cause.
On the verge of being expelled, he's sent to Ravens Ridge to live with his father, who is determined to straighten him out. Despite the nightmare that waits for him at home, the town—and the Ravens Ridge Riders—starts to feel a lot like where he belongs. That is, until the pain and torment push him down a dangerous path.
Nik Morrison has never been good at being quiet. Fiery, impulsive, and impossible to control, she's one fight away from throwing away her future when a misunderstood boy crashes into her lonely little world and something begins to shift. Like a moth to a flame, his darkness calls to hers. But he's her best friend's brother and a Ravens Ridge Rider. And he's drowning in demons of his own.
What starts as friendship quickly becomes something much more volatile. As two people make reckless choices in the name of love, they're forced to confront whether they are really capable of saving each other when they're both sinking.
On the verge of being expelled, he's sent to Ravens Ridge to live with his father, who is determined to straighten him out. Despite the nightmare that waits for him at home, the town—and the Ravens Ridge Riders—starts to feel a lot like where he belongs. That is, until the pain and torment push him down a dangerous path.
Nik Morrison has never been good at being quiet. Fiery, impulsive, and impossible to control, she's one fight away from throwing away her future when a misunderstood boy crashes into her lonely little world and something begins to shift. Like a moth to a flame, his darkness calls to hers. But he's her best friend's brother and a Ravens Ridge Rider. And he's drowning in demons of his own.
What starts as friendship quickly becomes something much more volatile. As two people make reckless choices in the name of love, they're forced to confront whether they are really capable of saving each other when they're both sinking.
Audible Audio
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
DJ Lavely
5 books88 followersDJ is a midwestern mom and wife who loves books so much she sat down and wrote one. Born with a wild imagination, that lives on through the words and worlds she’s created. In her spare time she likes to read, roller-skate, and yap, and can be seen telling anyone who’ll listen about her current read. She’s messy and chaotic, but life’s too short to be bored.
She grew up loving shows like One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, and Greek. So, to say she loves drama would be an understatement. She loves a book with juicy drama, heart stopping romance, and edge of your seat yearning. That’s what she aims to do with her books.
She grew up loving shows like One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, and Greek. So, to say she loves drama would be an understatement. She loves a book with juicy drama, heart stopping romance, and edge of your seat yearning. That’s what she aims to do with her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
DJ’s writing needs to be STUDIED because what do you mean this is only her second book & it is just as good as the first one!? Like hello!! She truly has a way of pulling you into these stories & never letting go. You grow to love these characters so deeply that it genuinely feels like you know them, like they’re your friends & you’re living through everything right alongside them. I’m actually so obsessed with that.I knew going into this that it was going to hurt. I knew Shane & Nik’s story was going to be toxic, messy & rough, but I was NOT expecting to fight for my fucking life 😭 I was shattered into pieces, kind of glued back together, given the tiniest bit of hope & then COMPLETELY SHATTERED ALL OVER AGAIN. Shane & Nik’s story starts out as the perfect besties-to-lovers romance and slowly turns into this beautiful disaster of a love story. They love each other SO fucking much, but sometimes love just isn’t enough to save someone &I think that’s what absolutely destroyed me the most. The addiction & mental health rep is handled so beautifully in this book. It’s raw, painful & uncomfortable at times, but it never feels like it’s there just for shock value. These characters are complicated, flawed & hurting, and DJ lets them be exactly that without trying to make their struggles pretty. I genuinely don’t think I ever stopped crying. Every time I thought I had pulled myself together, this book found another way to rip my heart out. And that ENDING??? I’m actually unwell. I finished it feeling completely hollow but somehow so full at the same time. DJ, respectfully, what the FUCK did you just do to me??? 😭
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to arc read book 1 & 2! I can’t wait to continue this journey of the Raven Ridge Rides 🖤
DJ’s writing needs to be STUDIED because what do you mean this is only her second book & it is just as good as the first one!? Like hello!! She truly has a way of pulling you into these stories & never letting go. You grow to love these characters so deeply that it genuinely feels like you know them, like they’re your friends & you’re living through everything right alongside them. I’m actually so obsessed with that.I knew going into this that it was going to hurt. I knew Shane & Nik’s story was going to be toxic, messy & rough, but I was NOT expecting to fight for my fucking life 😭 I was shattered into pieces, kind of glued back together, given the tiniest bit of hope & then COMPLETELY SHATTERED ALL OVER AGAIN. Shane & Nik’s story starts out as the perfect besties-to-lovers romance and slowly turns into this beautiful disaster of a love story. They love each other SO fucking much, but sometimes love just isn’t enough to save someone &I think that’s what absolutely destroyed me the most. The addiction & mental health rep is handled so beautifully in this book. It’s raw, painful & uncomfortable at times, but it never feels like it’s there just for shock value. These characters are complicated, flawed & hurting, and DJ lets them be exactly that without trying to make their struggles pretty. I genuinely don’t think I ever stopped crying. Every time I thought I had pulled myself together, this book found another way to rip my heart out. And that ENDING??? I’m actually unwell. I finished it feeling completely hollow but somehow so full at the same time. DJ, respectfully, what the FUCK did you just do to me??? 😭
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to arc read book 1 & 2! I can’t wait to continue this journey of the Raven Ridge Rides 🖤
September 28, 2026
This is a mostly character driven story, but the relationship itself is so intense that it kept me on the edge of my chair the whole time. The relationship between Nik and Shane started as a friendship that quickly turned into a love story that was as epic as it was toxic. There's an interesting plot, and I cared about the other characters' stories, too, but all of that was the background. In the center of the whole book were Nik and Shane and their struggle to overcome trauma - both old and new. Shane broke my heart a little bit more because I knew more about his childhood, but both characters have depth, and layers, and flaws, and I felt so much for them.
This was a very, very emotional read, and that is partially because of the themes and the characters, but it's also because of the phenomenal performance. Ivan Morea was new to me voice actor, and to say that I am impressed in an understatement. From a whisper to a shout and every nuance in between, with an incredible range of emotions and different voices, he was fantastic. Rachel Dane is one of my favorite voice actors and she is always amazing, but this was the best I've heard from her so far. Nik is such a complex character, trying to fight her own battles while being Shane's safe space and dealing with the consequences of his addiction, and she goes through so much and changes so much. Rachel took all of that from the words and transformed it into emotions. She was also amazing with the different voices, and I discovered that she has a fantastic kid's voice.
Both actors made me cry. Both actors made me check the credits to make sure there are only two people performing.
This is part one of Nik and Shane's story and ends with a cliffhanger.
This was a very, very emotional read, and that is partially because of the themes and the characters, but it's also because of the phenomenal performance. Ivan Morea was new to me voice actor, and to say that I am impressed in an understatement. From a whisper to a shout and every nuance in between, with an incredible range of emotions and different voices, he was fantastic. Rachel Dane is one of my favorite voice actors and she is always amazing, but this was the best I've heard from her so far. Nik is such a complex character, trying to fight her own battles while being Shane's safe space and dealing with the consequences of his addiction, and she goes through so much and changes so much. Rachel took all of that from the words and transformed it into emotions. She was also amazing with the different voices, and I discovered that she has a fantastic kid's voice.
Both actors made me cry. Both actors made me check the credits to make sure there are only two people performing.
This is part one of Nik and Shane's story and ends with a cliffhanger.
September 15, 2026
Happy Publishing Day DJ 💕
I was DEVASTATED when I finished the first book in the series, Returning to Ravens Ridge, and realised there wasn’t a second one out that I could immediately devour. 😭
I received Surviving Ravens Ridge as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing on NetGalley as an audiobook. Now, I’m not usually an audiobook girly because I feel like I don’t take it in the same way I do when I’m actually reading… BUT I couldn’t say no because I LOVED the first book in this series.
I tried to finish the audiobook before today and I’m about halfway through and once again, I’m LOVING the story. But I’m a girl who likes to devour a good book, so now that it’s officially out, I’ve immediately downloaded it to my e-reader so I can start again and binge the whole thing. 😂
HIGHLY recommend… even though I’m only 50% of the way through. But honestly, the fact that I’m willingly restarting it should be proof enough of how good it is. 🤷♀️💕
As DJ Lavely describes it, it’s Sons of Anarchy meets One Tree Hill and I genuinely can’t sum it up any better than that.
The banter and relationship between Nik and Shane is just 😍🔥
And BONUS it’s available on Kindle Unlimited! So if you’re looking for your next binge-worthy read, add this one to your TBR. 🌶️
I was DEVASTATED when I finished the first book in the series, Returning to Ravens Ridge, and realised there wasn’t a second one out that I could immediately devour. 😭
I received Surviving Ravens Ridge as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing on NetGalley as an audiobook. Now, I’m not usually an audiobook girly because I feel like I don’t take it in the same way I do when I’m actually reading… BUT I couldn’t say no because I LOVED the first book in this series.
I tried to finish the audiobook before today and I’m about halfway through and once again, I’m LOVING the story. But I’m a girl who likes to devour a good book, so now that it’s officially out, I’ve immediately downloaded it to my e-reader so I can start again and binge the whole thing. 😂
HIGHLY recommend… even though I’m only 50% of the way through. But honestly, the fact that I’m willingly restarting it should be proof enough of how good it is. 🤷♀️💕
As DJ Lavely describes it, it’s Sons of Anarchy meets One Tree Hill and I genuinely can’t sum it up any better than that.
The banter and relationship between Nik and Shane is just 😍🔥
And BONUS it’s available on Kindle Unlimited! So if you’re looking for your next binge-worthy read, add this one to your TBR. 🌶️
September 12, 2026
This one actually hurt my heart. The two main characters were so flawed, but in such a relatable way that makes you want to root for them (not just together but individually). There is so much in terms of MH representation in both characters. We get to see how addiction affects not just the one in active addiction, but those who love them as well. As someone who struggles a lot with MH and that comes from a home destroyed by addiction, this book meant a lot to me. I cried so much, but the emotional turmoil kind of gives you hope in a way? You see these flawed characters fight to survive and you get to see the people who love them support them the whole way.
I personally think this book is even better than the first one. The writing is so good and I cannot believe more people haven’t heard of DJs writing. I am (im)patiently waiting for the next book to see how Nik and Shane grow from that ending.
I personally think this book is even better than the first one. The writing is so good and I cannot believe more people haven’t heard of DJs writing. I am (im)patiently waiting for the next book to see how Nik and Shane grow from that ending.
October 6, 2026
Omg!!!! This was such a great follow up to book 1, but ummm ahhhh I need more closure on Shane and Nik! This had me totally jaw on the floor. The trauma bonding in this book is top tier and I was pulling for these two the whole time. Her love was so unwavering for him it pulled at my heart strings. Just when you think they are on the right path….. BAM! 😭 I can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dare I say a sequal just as good as the first!
The dynamic between Shane and Nik sinks it's claws into you and doesn't let go. Their story hits close to home and shows just how strong love can keep you in a place where many outsiders don't understand. Addiction is a BEAST and watching how it can change not only the addicts life but those close to them. I can't wait for the rest of Shane and Nik's story!
Another great book by DJ Lavely
The dynamic between Shane and Nik sinks it's claws into you and doesn't let go. Their story hits close to home and shows just how strong love can keep you in a place where many outsiders don't understand. Addiction is a BEAST and watching how it can change not only the addicts life but those close to them. I can't wait for the rest of Shane and Nik's story!
Another great book by DJ Lavely
September 17, 2026
This book drew me in and then stomped on my heart. Emotional damage!!! What was that ending. I need closure not a heart ache. Ugh I was so invested in Nik and Shane it's almost embarrassing.
Now I have to wait til April of 2027. Grrr...
Now I have to wait til April of 2027. Grrr...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH😭😭😭 you guys arent ready for Shane and Nik. Thats all im going to say. DJ had me crying on this one
Review of advance copy
This one absolutely GUTTED me. 😭
I went into Surviving Ravens Ridge expecting an emotional read, but I was not prepared for how deeply Shane and Nik’s story was going to hit me. I cried so many times throughout this book. And not just a few tears—I had those moments where I needed to put the book down for a second because my heart genuinely hurt for these characters.
Shane reminded me SO much of Joey from Saving 6 and Redeeming 6, and if you know how I feel about Joey, you know that’s basically the quickest way to emotionally destroy me. 😭 There’s something about a character who is carrying so much pain while still trying to survive, even when surviving feels almost impossible, that gets me every single time.
I just wanted to reach into the book and hug Shane. There were moments where I wanted to shake him, moments where I wanted to protect him, and so many moments where I just wanted someone to SEE him and everything he was carrying.
And then there’s Nik. ❤️
Her attitude made me LOVE her. 😂 She’s tough, she’s feisty, and she has that edge to her that makes her so much fun to read—but underneath all of that, my heart absolutely broke for her. The more you understand her, the more you realize that so much of that toughness exists for a reason.
Watching Shane and Nik navigate everything between them was beautiful and painful at the same time. They’re messy. They’re hurting. They don’t always make the choices you desperately want them to make. But that’s exactly why their story felt so real to me.
This wasn’t one of those romances where love magically fixes everything. Their love exists right alongside the pain, trauma, addiction, mistakes and all the ugly parts of trying to survive when life has dealt you a really shitty hand.
And I think that’s what got me the most.
Sometimes loving someone isn’t enough to take away what they’re fighting. Sometimes all you can do is love them while they fight it themselves.
😭😭😭
By the time I got toward the end, I already felt like this book had emotionally put me THROUGH IT.
AND THEN THAT EPILOGUE?!
EXCUSE ME?!?!
My jaw was literally on the FLOOR. 😳
I just sat there staring at the page like…there is absolutely NO WAY you’re ending this book after doing THAT to me.
If you love deeply emotional, beautifully messy characters who make you want to hug them and scream at them in equal measure, this one is going to hurt.
Shane and Nik completely broke my heart.
And somehow I loved every second of it. ❤️🩹
I went into Surviving Ravens Ridge expecting an emotional read, but I was not prepared for how deeply Shane and Nik’s story was going to hit me. I cried so many times throughout this book. And not just a few tears—I had those moments where I needed to put the book down for a second because my heart genuinely hurt for these characters.
Shane reminded me SO much of Joey from Saving 6 and Redeeming 6, and if you know how I feel about Joey, you know that’s basically the quickest way to emotionally destroy me. 😭 There’s something about a character who is carrying so much pain while still trying to survive, even when surviving feels almost impossible, that gets me every single time.
I just wanted to reach into the book and hug Shane. There were moments where I wanted to shake him, moments where I wanted to protect him, and so many moments where I just wanted someone to SEE him and everything he was carrying.
And then there’s Nik. ❤️
Her attitude made me LOVE her. 😂 She’s tough, she’s feisty, and she has that edge to her that makes her so much fun to read—but underneath all of that, my heart absolutely broke for her. The more you understand her, the more you realize that so much of that toughness exists for a reason.
Watching Shane and Nik navigate everything between them was beautiful and painful at the same time. They’re messy. They’re hurting. They don’t always make the choices you desperately want them to make. But that’s exactly why their story felt so real to me.
This wasn’t one of those romances where love magically fixes everything. Their love exists right alongside the pain, trauma, addiction, mistakes and all the ugly parts of trying to survive when life has dealt you a really shitty hand.
And I think that’s what got me the most.
Sometimes loving someone isn’t enough to take away what they’re fighting. Sometimes all you can do is love them while they fight it themselves.
😭😭😭
By the time I got toward the end, I already felt like this book had emotionally put me THROUGH IT.
AND THEN THAT EPILOGUE?!
EXCUSE ME?!?!
My jaw was literally on the FLOOR. 😳
I just sat there staring at the page like…there is absolutely NO WAY you’re ending this book after doing THAT to me.
If you love deeply emotional, beautifully messy characters who make you want to hug them and scream at them in equal measure, this one is going to hurt.
Shane and Nik completely broke my heart.
And somehow I loved every second of it. ❤️🩹
October 8, 2026
❤️🔥Surviving Ravens Ridge by DJ Lavely❤️🔥
🎧 Ivan Morea & Rachel Dane
WELL… I WAS NOT EMOTIONALLY PREPARED FOR THIS. 😭💔
This book grabbed me by the throat, dragged me through every possible emotion, and then casually left me staring at the ending like EXCUSE ME?! WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT?! 😂
I was SO invested in Nik and Shane. Their relationship, their trauma, their connection… ALL OF IT. The trauma bonding in this book was top tier, and I was desperately rooting for these two the entire time. There was just something about the way they understood each other through all the pain that completely got under my skin.
And her love for him?! 😭 The way she loved him so fiercely and unwaveringly absolutely broke my heart. She could see the hurt beneath everything, and watching her hold onto that connection had me emotionally attached to these characters before I even realized what was happening.
Then, just when I thought, Okay… maybe we’re finally getting somewhere. Maybe these two are going to catch a break…
WAM , BAM. 💥
NOPE.
DJ Lavely said, “You thought you were safe?” and proceeded to STOMP ON MY HEART.
That ending has me needing answers, closure, therapy, and possibly a strongly worded letter. 😂 I cannot just be left like this! I was too invested!
And the narration…… god was it just phenomenal!…..Ivan Morea and Rachel Dane absolutely brought these characters to life. Their performances pulled me even deeper into the story and made all the angst, tension, vulnerability, and chemistry hit that much harder. This audiobook was emotional, addictive, heartbreaking, and impossible to put down. I went in expecting a story and came out personally victimized. 😂😭
I NEED MORE. I NEED ANSWERS. I NEED CLOSURE.
Because after THAT ending, there is absolutely no way I’m not continuing. Nik and Shane have officially taken up residence in my brain, and apparently they’re not paying rent. 🫠💔
Give me the next book. Immediately….. please and Thankyou
Thankyou to the author and netgalley for the opportunity to review this.
🎧 Ivan Morea & Rachel Dane
WELL… I WAS NOT EMOTIONALLY PREPARED FOR THIS. 😭💔
This book grabbed me by the throat, dragged me through every possible emotion, and then casually left me staring at the ending like EXCUSE ME?! WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT?! 😂
I was SO invested in Nik and Shane. Their relationship, their trauma, their connection… ALL OF IT. The trauma bonding in this book was top tier, and I was desperately rooting for these two the entire time. There was just something about the way they understood each other through all the pain that completely got under my skin.
And her love for him?! 😭 The way she loved him so fiercely and unwaveringly absolutely broke my heart. She could see the hurt beneath everything, and watching her hold onto that connection had me emotionally attached to these characters before I even realized what was happening.
Then, just when I thought, Okay… maybe we’re finally getting somewhere. Maybe these two are going to catch a break…
WAM , BAM. 💥
NOPE.
DJ Lavely said, “You thought you were safe?” and proceeded to STOMP ON MY HEART.
That ending has me needing answers, closure, therapy, and possibly a strongly worded letter. 😂 I cannot just be left like this! I was too invested!
And the narration…… god was it just phenomenal!…..Ivan Morea and Rachel Dane absolutely brought these characters to life. Their performances pulled me even deeper into the story and made all the angst, tension, vulnerability, and chemistry hit that much harder. This audiobook was emotional, addictive, heartbreaking, and impossible to put down. I went in expecting a story and came out personally victimized. 😂😭
I NEED MORE. I NEED ANSWERS. I NEED CLOSURE.
Because after THAT ending, there is absolutely no way I’m not continuing. Nik and Shane have officially taken up residence in my brain, and apparently they’re not paying rent. 🫠💔
Give me the next book. Immediately….. please and Thankyou
Thankyou to the author and netgalley for the opportunity to review this.
October 7, 2026
Well, Surviving Raven's Ridge is easily one of my top reads this year. This book had me unwell MULTIPLE times, in the best way. DJ has built a world of beautifully flawed characters with realistic issues, which I always appreciate. This book, and Shane and Nik's story, is one that so many people can relate to. If you've ever loved someone who struggles with addiction, whether romantically or otherwise, you know the pain and turmoil that it causes.
I highly recommend Surviving Raven's Ridge for lovers of emotional & tense romance, spice, motorcycle club, black cat FMC, addiction & mental health rep, and found family.
Shane's character is dealing with active addiction for a good portion of this book, and trying not to let it define him or overtake his life. After a trusted adult introduces him to substances as a teen, it becomes an ongoing struggle and his way of dealing with life's heaviness. Meeting Nik sends them on a toxic collision course that is an epic roller coaster of emotion. At the heart of him, Shane is someone desperate to be loved and accepted and I just want to squeeze him so hard.
Nik has her own ways of dealing with life, mainly her attitude. She's feisty and doesn't take crap from anyone, which are admirable qualities in an FMC. Having loved an addict, I see a lot of myself in her struggles and her choices - it's always nice to feel seen in that way. The way that she continually shows up for Shane, regardless of how much he hurts her and lets her down, is proof of how strong and tenacious she is.
HOLY CANNOLI, THESE NARRATORS. Rachel Dane is criminally underrated, and I will scream about her from the mountaintops. The way that she connects so deeply to her characters is incredible, and helps her to consistently deliver stellar performances that tug at the heart. Ivan Morea is fairly new to me, but he really leans into the rough and angry sides of Shane's character well. He has a great handful of characters and does a great job of making them unique.
I highly recommend Surviving Raven's Ridge for lovers of emotional & tense romance, spice, motorcycle club, black cat FMC, addiction & mental health rep, and found family.
Shane's character is dealing with active addiction for a good portion of this book, and trying not to let it define him or overtake his life. After a trusted adult introduces him to substances as a teen, it becomes an ongoing struggle and his way of dealing with life's heaviness. Meeting Nik sends them on a toxic collision course that is an epic roller coaster of emotion. At the heart of him, Shane is someone desperate to be loved and accepted and I just want to squeeze him so hard.
Nik has her own ways of dealing with life, mainly her attitude. She's feisty and doesn't take crap from anyone, which are admirable qualities in an FMC. Having loved an addict, I see a lot of myself in her struggles and her choices - it's always nice to feel seen in that way. The way that she continually shows up for Shane, regardless of how much he hurts her and lets her down, is proof of how strong and tenacious she is.
HOLY CANNOLI, THESE NARRATORS. Rachel Dane is criminally underrated, and I will scream about her from the mountaintops. The way that she connects so deeply to her characters is incredible, and helps her to consistently deliver stellar performances that tug at the heart. Ivan Morea is fairly new to me, but he really leans into the rough and angry sides of Shane's character well. He has a great handful of characters and does a great job of making them unique.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After one too many run-ins with the principal, Shane finds himself being sent to stay with his dad at Ravens Ridge Riders… and from the moment he arrives, I was hooked!
On his first day at his new school, the first lad he makes friends with just happens to be the son of a Rider — and the President no less! 👀
Then we meet Shane’s dad… and WOW. 😡 A wave of rage came over me because some of the things Shane has had to deal with absolutely broke my heart.
As Shane and Gabe come of age, they receive their Prospect badges and become part of the MC, and when Shane’s little sister’s friend comes into their lives… well, there was only ever going to be one way this was heading. 🥹❤️
Shane and Nik’s relationship slowly develops into something more in this friends-to-lovers romance, and I was absolutely here for it!
And then we get to that first spicy scene… 👀🔥
Shane is pierced.
DAMN. 🥵🔥
And that camping trip?! SHEEEEESH. 🫠
But this book isn't just about the spice. There are SO many heartbreaking twists that had me completely emotionally wrecked. 🥹
I loved seeing the family feel of the MC woven throughout the story. The loyalty, the friendships, the banter and the way they all look out for each other really made Ravens Ridge feel like a place I wanted to be part of.
This book took me on an absolute roller coaster of emotions. I found myself laughing at the banter one minute and sobbing my heart out the next. 😭❤️
DJ Lavely really knows how to put you through it!
If you love MC romance, friends-to-lovers, spice, emotional storylines, found family and characters who will have you feeling EVERYTHING, then add this one to your TBR!
⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to DJ Lavely for the ARC and allowing me to experience another trip to Ravens Ridge! 🏍️🖤
#SurvivingRavensRidge #DJLavely #RavensRidgeRiders #ARCReview #ARCReader
On his first day at his new school, the first lad he makes friends with just happens to be the son of a Rider — and the President no less! 👀
Then we meet Shane’s dad… and WOW. 😡 A wave of rage came over me because some of the things Shane has had to deal with absolutely broke my heart.
As Shane and Gabe come of age, they receive their Prospect badges and become part of the MC, and when Shane’s little sister’s friend comes into their lives… well, there was only ever going to be one way this was heading. 🥹❤️
Shane and Nik’s relationship slowly develops into something more in this friends-to-lovers romance, and I was absolutely here for it!
And then we get to that first spicy scene… 👀🔥
Shane is pierced.
DAMN. 🥵🔥
And that camping trip?! SHEEEEESH. 🫠
But this book isn't just about the spice. There are SO many heartbreaking twists that had me completely emotionally wrecked. 🥹
I loved seeing the family feel of the MC woven throughout the story. The loyalty, the friendships, the banter and the way they all look out for each other really made Ravens Ridge feel like a place I wanted to be part of.
This book took me on an absolute roller coaster of emotions. I found myself laughing at the banter one minute and sobbing my heart out the next. 😭❤️
DJ Lavely really knows how to put you through it!
If you love MC romance, friends-to-lovers, spice, emotional storylines, found family and characters who will have you feeling EVERYTHING, then add this one to your TBR!
⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to DJ Lavely for the ARC and allowing me to experience another trip to Ravens Ridge! 🏍️🖤
#SurvivingRavensRidge #DJLavely #RavensRidgeRiders #ARCReview #ARCReader
August 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Except 5 stars isn’t enough, so I’m giving it 1,000,000,000.
Surviving Ravens Ridge by D.J. Lavely didn’t just make me feel something—it made me feel EVERYTHING.
Shane and Nik’s journey from friendship into something so much deeper was beautifully done. Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt rushed. You get to watch these two become the people neither of them realized they needed, and then watch that relationship blossom into so much more. I absolutely loved it.
Shane has his struggles, and D.J. doesn’t just tell us about them she lets us experience them with him. There were moments when my heart genuinely hurt for him. And Nik? I LOVE HER. She’s strong, loves deeply, takes absolutely no shit from anyone, and is definitely not afraid to use her mouth. Their personalities complement each other so perfectly, and don’t even get me started on the banter. THE BANTER. 🫶🏽
What surprised me most was how deeply personal this story felt. There were parts that took me back emotionally to a place I once lived in my own life. But instead of making me sad, it gave me this incredibly deep connection to the story and its characters. That’s not something every author can accomplish.
And yes, there’s spice. 🌶️ The amount was perfect, but honestly? These characters and their story were so good that I would’ve devoured this book without a single spicy scene. The relationship itself was enough to keep me completely invested.
My only complaint?
Apparently I’m expected to WAIT MONTHS FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!
D.J. , respectfully, what am I supposed to do with myself until then?
Surviving Ravens Ridge gave me romance, emotion, rawness, incredible characters, banter, spice, and a connection to a story that I wasn’t expecting to feel this deeply.
Five stars isn’t enough.
-Sara
Surviving Ravens Ridge by D.J. Lavely didn’t just make me feel something—it made me feel EVERYTHING.
Shane and Nik’s journey from friendship into something so much deeper was beautifully done. Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt rushed. You get to watch these two become the people neither of them realized they needed, and then watch that relationship blossom into so much more. I absolutely loved it.
Shane has his struggles, and D.J. doesn’t just tell us about them she lets us experience them with him. There were moments when my heart genuinely hurt for him. And Nik? I LOVE HER. She’s strong, loves deeply, takes absolutely no shit from anyone, and is definitely not afraid to use her mouth. Their personalities complement each other so perfectly, and don’t even get me started on the banter. THE BANTER. 🫶🏽
What surprised me most was how deeply personal this story felt. There were parts that took me back emotionally to a place I once lived in my own life. But instead of making me sad, it gave me this incredibly deep connection to the story and its characters. That’s not something every author can accomplish.
And yes, there’s spice. 🌶️ The amount was perfect, but honestly? These characters and their story were so good that I would’ve devoured this book without a single spicy scene. The relationship itself was enough to keep me completely invested.
My only complaint?
Apparently I’m expected to WAIT MONTHS FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!
D.J. , respectfully, what am I supposed to do with myself until then?
Surviving Ravens Ridge gave me romance, emotion, rawness, incredible characters, banter, spice, and a connection to a story that I wasn’t expecting to feel this deeply.
Five stars isn’t enough.
-Sara
September 15, 2026
Holy Moly! There’s alot packed into this book. This is book 2 of the series and I love how it ran on the same timeline (kind of) to book 1, Gabe and Ash’s story.
Shane starts off as a teenager who struggles at home. His mum doesn’t care about him. He’s always in trouble at school. His mum has finally had enough and tells him his going to live with his dad. This is a massive turning point for Shane’s story, sadly not in a positive direction. His dad, Adam, is part of the Raven Ridge Riders. He’s physically and verbally abusive and thus, Shane turns to illegal contraband, not all by choice. The one good thing to come out of moving? He meets Nik.
Nik is Ash, Shane’s little sisters, best friend. He notices her straight away but writes her off as ‘bitchy’ until he gets to know her better. She lives at home with her mum and drops out of school after a fight. Shane and her are the same kind of broken just in different ways. They mesh together and don’t feel so alone. The friendship turns to lovers not long after. He pulls her out of her depressive states and she tries to help keep him clean and loves him regardless. She stays through so much and so much longer than anyone would expect.
If you’ve read book one, you’ll know just how toxic their relationship is. They love each other so deeply but are stuck in a rut. Addiction and mental health play a massive part in this book. While it’s so well written, it’s heartbreaking at the same time. Some parts had me laughing and others had me in tears.
The only thing I would change - there was a lot of ‘winking’. Most of it didn’t fit the scene and what was happening. I cannot wait to read book 3 of the Raven Ridge Riders.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
Shane starts off as a teenager who struggles at home. His mum doesn’t care about him. He’s always in trouble at school. His mum has finally had enough and tells him his going to live with his dad. This is a massive turning point for Shane’s story, sadly not in a positive direction. His dad, Adam, is part of the Raven Ridge Riders. He’s physically and verbally abusive and thus, Shane turns to illegal contraband, not all by choice. The one good thing to come out of moving? He meets Nik.
Nik is Ash, Shane’s little sisters, best friend. He notices her straight away but writes her off as ‘bitchy’ until he gets to know her better. She lives at home with her mum and drops out of school after a fight. Shane and her are the same kind of broken just in different ways. They mesh together and don’t feel so alone. The friendship turns to lovers not long after. He pulls her out of her depressive states and she tries to help keep him clean and loves him regardless. She stays through so much and so much longer than anyone would expect.
If you’ve read book one, you’ll know just how toxic their relationship is. They love each other so deeply but are stuck in a rut. Addiction and mental health play a massive part in this book. While it’s so well written, it’s heartbreaking at the same time. Some parts had me laughing and others had me in tears.
The only thing I would change - there was a lot of ‘winking’. Most of it didn’t fit the scene and what was happening. I cannot wait to read book 3 of the Raven Ridge Riders.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you DJ for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
MMC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FMC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Mental health and addiction rep is so well represented in this book. The emotions felt in this book are the best of the best. Watching two people love one another so much during a time when they probably don’t love themselves is very hard to comprehend but somehow this author makes it work seamlessly. This is her second book and still amazes me how that’s possible. It’s is kinda unfair to other authors out there.
Shane and Nik’s relationship is the perfect best friends to lovers book. They start out simple and it turns such a beautifully tragic love story. Shane has endeared more trauma and let down in his short life than most people do their entire life. His parents are shit. It’s no wonder he turns to drugs for all he has been through. I am not condoning it but can understand why it happens. He has amazing sisters and a great brothers behind him.
Nik has her mom, Ash and a few friends. She struggles with mental health issues but doesn’t get them treated like she should. She has so much wit and sarcasm but deep down struggles more than she can handle on her own.
The spice is amazing in this book. Their relationship is truly a tragic struggle with more love than most people get in life. The push and pull is some of the best I have ever read.
I’ve struggled with writing this review because I feel like I won’t be able to properly give you a description of how great this book is. As someone who has family that struggles with addiction and mental health issues, this book is such a proper representation of how to work through it.
MMC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FMC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Mental health and addiction rep is so well represented in this book. The emotions felt in this book are the best of the best. Watching two people love one another so much during a time when they probably don’t love themselves is very hard to comprehend but somehow this author makes it work seamlessly. This is her second book and still amazes me how that’s possible. It’s is kinda unfair to other authors out there.
Shane and Nik’s relationship is the perfect best friends to lovers book. They start out simple and it turns such a beautifully tragic love story. Shane has endeared more trauma and let down in his short life than most people do their entire life. His parents are shit. It’s no wonder he turns to drugs for all he has been through. I am not condoning it but can understand why it happens. He has amazing sisters and a great brothers behind him.
Nik has her mom, Ash and a few friends. She struggles with mental health issues but doesn’t get them treated like she should. She has so much wit and sarcasm but deep down struggles more than she can handle on her own.
The spice is amazing in this book. Their relationship is truly a tragic struggle with more love than most people get in life. The push and pull is some of the best I have ever read.
I’ve struggled with writing this review because I feel like I won’t be able to properly give you a description of how great this book is. As someone who has family that struggles with addiction and mental health issues, this book is such a proper representation of how to work through it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Survive Ravens Ridge by DJ Lavely was another hit for me.
This time around, we get the story from the POVs of Shane and Nik… getting more Shane was exactly what I needed.
The story does revisit some of what we already saw in the first book through their eyes, but it doesn’t simply rehash everything. We get a little more insight into their characters, as well as being taken further into their future.
And Shane. My poor, battered, emotionally destroyed boy.
I absolutely adored him in the first book. There was just something about his tragic little soul that immediately called out to me, so getting to delve deeper into his character this time around was emotionally damaging but I loved every second of its.
This is a two-part story, and from what I understand, the third book is going to take us even further into what happens next for Shane and Nik.
Honestly I think I may have actually preferred this one to the first book… although I’m willing to admit that my severe Shane bias may have something to do with that.
Once again, if you’re looking for something that gives you that nostalgic teenage feeling, this series is definitely worth picking up.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me, and I genuinely cannot wait to see what happens next!
This time around, we get the story from the POVs of Shane and Nik… getting more Shane was exactly what I needed.
The story does revisit some of what we already saw in the first book through their eyes, but it doesn’t simply rehash everything. We get a little more insight into their characters, as well as being taken further into their future.
And Shane. My poor, battered, emotionally destroyed boy.
I absolutely adored him in the first book. There was just something about his tragic little soul that immediately called out to me, so getting to delve deeper into his character this time around was emotionally damaging but I loved every second of its.
This is a two-part story, and from what I understand, the third book is going to take us even further into what happens next for Shane and Nik.
Honestly I think I may have actually preferred this one to the first book… although I’m willing to admit that my severe Shane bias may have something to do with that.
Once again, if you’re looking for something that gives you that nostalgic teenage feeling, this series is definitely worth picking up.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me, and I genuinely cannot wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Small Town
Protective MMC
Black Cat FMC
Pierced MMC
Trauma/Addiction/MH Rep
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Rachel Dane & Ivan Morea
I love these two! Great voices.
Book #2 The Raven's Ridge Riders series
Deeply emotional read. These characters dig deep into your soul and grip onto you. If you are looking for a book that will make you feel something deep you have found it. This story is dark, emotional, and captivating.
Shane is dealing with so much internally. A crappy father, a mother who doesn't really care about him, and a new addiction. I feel so much for him. His inner monologue is heart wrenching.
Nik is a feisty and strong FMC and I love her. I enjoyed her sassiness. All around I like her as a character. She has a hard outer shell but underneath the attitude and strength she has a heart of gold she is trying to protect.
Overall, this one is going to stick with me for a while. I can't believe this is only DJ Lavely's second book. Her writing style is addictive and enthralling.
Thank you DJ Lavely, Blackstone Publishing, & NetGalley for this ALC.
Protective MMC
Black Cat FMC
Pierced MMC
Trauma/Addiction/MH Rep
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Rachel Dane & Ivan Morea
I love these two! Great voices.
Book #2 The Raven's Ridge Riders series
Deeply emotional read. These characters dig deep into your soul and grip onto you. If you are looking for a book that will make you feel something deep you have found it. This story is dark, emotional, and captivating.
Shane is dealing with so much internally. A crappy father, a mother who doesn't really care about him, and a new addiction. I feel so much for him. His inner monologue is heart wrenching.
Nik is a feisty and strong FMC and I love her. I enjoyed her sassiness. All around I like her as a character. She has a hard outer shell but underneath the attitude and strength she has a heart of gold she is trying to protect.
Overall, this one is going to stick with me for a while. I can't believe this is only DJ Lavely's second book. Her writing style is addictive and enthralling.
Thank you DJ Lavely, Blackstone Publishing, & NetGalley for this ALC.
August 9, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy Received from Author:
🖤 💜💙I knew when I read the first book in this series that I’d read anything DJ Lavely wrote. Book two took me on an emotional rollercoaster and left me begging for more.
This story hurt. Shane and Nik are so complex. There’s really no other way to describe them. This story had to be told in order for us to understand where they go next. I loved the banter between the two main characters as well as the banter between the side characters.
Truly, I loved every bit of this book regardless of what emotion it brought out. I was happy, sad, mad, and everything in between. Addiction and mental health have a safe space here. Healing isn’t linear. Everyone has their own timeline for their journey and I felt like this book allowed the feelings that come with it.
If you’ve struggled with addiction and mental health or if you’ve supported someone who has, you’ll find friends here because you see all sides.
Buckle up because DJ did it again! She left us ready for the next book and I cannot wait to continue this series. 😍
🖤 💜💙I knew when I read the first book in this series that I’d read anything DJ Lavely wrote. Book two took me on an emotional rollercoaster and left me begging for more.
This story hurt. Shane and Nik are so complex. There’s really no other way to describe them. This story had to be told in order for us to understand where they go next. I loved the banter between the two main characters as well as the banter between the side characters.
Truly, I loved every bit of this book regardless of what emotion it brought out. I was happy, sad, mad, and everything in between. Addiction and mental health have a safe space here. Healing isn’t linear. Everyone has their own timeline for their journey and I felt like this book allowed the feelings that come with it.
If you’ve struggled with addiction and mental health or if you’ve supported someone who has, you’ll find friends here because you see all sides.
Buckle up because DJ did it again! She left us ready for the next book and I cannot wait to continue this series. 😍
September 15, 2026
I signed up for this arc not realizing it was a second book in the series. That being said I obviously had to pick up the first book Returning To Ravens Ridge, and I loved the book! I was so happy that I applied for the second book, if I hadn’t i probably wouldn’t have picked up this series. I immediately jumped into this book and as someone whose parents are addicts this book hit a little to close to home for me. Don’t get me wrong I loved it!! It reminded me just because they pick things back up doesn’t meant they can’t eventually change for the better. The emotions I went through reading this book were insane. I loved every minute of it tho! I have to say I think I enjoyed the first book a little more, but the second book was just as good! I think spice wise there was more in this book than in Returning To Ravens Ridge. Who doesn’t love more spice? The rollercoaster of emotions in the series keeps you locked in while reading, but this book kept me glued to my kindle. I needed to know what happened next. I can’t wait for book three!! 10/10 recommend this series!!
September 16, 2026
Surviving Ravens Ridge is THAT GIRLLLL.
Full transparency: I was ADDicted to this book. I’ve been struggling to stay interested in books lately, so when I tell you this one had me LOCKED IN… I mean it.
I received this as an ARC and whew. DJ DID 👏 NOT 👏 COME 👏 TO 👏 PLAY.
There is A LOT of trauma in this book. Like… Shane has BEEN THROUGH ITTTT. I literally ended up messaging DJ begging them to give these characters the happy ending they deserved because I was emotionally invested at that point. 😭
If you love:
🖤 One Tree Hill vibes
🏍️ Sons of Anarchy energy
🔥 Complex FMCs
🥺 Rooting for the underdog
💀 Women who are absolutely ride-or-die for their men
🖤 Characters with baggage, trauma, and SO much heart
YOU NEED THIS BOOK.
There are quite a few trigger warnings, so PLEASE check those before starting.
Surviving Ravens Ridge is part of an interconnected standalone series and is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Take it for a ride because this was an easy 5⭐️ read for me. I LOVED these characters, and this book completely pulled me out of my reading slump. 🖤
Full transparency: I was ADDicted to this book. I’ve been struggling to stay interested in books lately, so when I tell you this one had me LOCKED IN… I mean it.
I received this as an ARC and whew. DJ DID 👏 NOT 👏 COME 👏 TO 👏 PLAY.
There is A LOT of trauma in this book. Like… Shane has BEEN THROUGH ITTTT. I literally ended up messaging DJ begging them to give these characters the happy ending they deserved because I was emotionally invested at that point. 😭
If you love:
🖤 One Tree Hill vibes
🏍️ Sons of Anarchy energy
🔥 Complex FMCs
🥺 Rooting for the underdog
💀 Women who are absolutely ride-or-die for their men
🖤 Characters with baggage, trauma, and SO much heart
YOU NEED THIS BOOK.
There are quite a few trigger warnings, so PLEASE check those before starting.
Surviving Ravens Ridge is part of an interconnected standalone series and is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Take it for a ride because this was an easy 5⭐️ read for me. I LOVED these characters, and this book completely pulled me out of my reading slump. 🖤
September 16, 2026
An Emotional Ride I Couldn’t Put Down
Shane and Nik’s story completely pulled me in. Their relationship goes through the absolute gauntlet, and watching it evolve from best friend’s brother to the man I love made their connection feel especially meaningful.
If you love:
🏍️ Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
❤️🩹 Haunted Pasts
🔥 Friends to Lovers
💙 Emotional Healing
🫶 Found Family
…this one needs to be on your list.
The story also tackles heavier themes, including addiction and mental health, which add another layer to both the characters and their relationship. There were emotional moments, frustrating moments, and plenty of times when I was rooting for Shane and Nik to find their way through everything. I had a hard time putting this one down.
And that ending?! I’m VERY ready for the conclusion to their duet!
This is the second book in an amazing series, and I highly recommend starting with the first book so you can experience the entire journey.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shane and Nik’s story completely pulled me in. Their relationship goes through the absolute gauntlet, and watching it evolve from best friend’s brother to the man I love made their connection feel especially meaningful.
If you love:
🏍️ Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
❤️🩹 Haunted Pasts
🔥 Friends to Lovers
💙 Emotional Healing
🫶 Found Family
…this one needs to be on your list.
The story also tackles heavier themes, including addiction and mental health, which add another layer to both the characters and their relationship. There were emotional moments, frustrating moments, and plenty of times when I was rooting for Shane and Nik to find their way through everything. I had a hard time putting this one down.
And that ending?! I’m VERY ready for the conclusion to their duet!
This is the second book in an amazing series, and I highly recommend starting with the first book so you can experience the entire journey.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2026
I was not expecting for Shane and Nik’s story to hit me like this but man, did it ever 😭 I think this might be one of the most powerful books that I have ever read. It is so refreshing to read a book about a real relationship between two deeply flawed people. Love isn’t always pretty or simple and relationships take real work. Nick and Shane have a dynamic bordering on toxic codependency and neither one of them make the most healthy choices all the time and I think that was portrayed beautifully on these pages. And as someone who struggles with my own mental health and vices, I felt so seen throughout this book. It’s safe to say, I cried multiple times. 🤣
There is also a lot more character and world building in this book that offered a lot more perspective on the first book. I feel like I fell in love with every single character ten times more. I just loved this book so much, it’s a real work of art. I can’t wait for part 2 and to continue to watch both Shane and Nik continue to grow together AND as individuals. 🖤🏍️
There is also a lot more character and world building in this book that offered a lot more perspective on the first book. I feel like I fell in love with every single character ten times more. I just loved this book so much, it’s a real work of art. I can’t wait for part 2 and to continue to watch both Shane and Nik continue to grow together AND as individuals. 🖤🏍️
August 18, 2026
First, thank you so much for letting me an ARC reader for this book too, I am so grateful🥰🥰🥰
OMG, dare I say it? That I love this book even more than the first?! I absolutely loved hearing Nik and Shane’s story! It’s heavy, raw, and real! I was so captivated by their journey, it made feel all the things! It made me sad, mad, and happy all at the same time, it was definitely a roller coaster! My cousin was an addict and I know how absolutely hard it can be to love them and hate the choices they make and who they are when they aren’t clean and let me tell you, DJ wrote it so well! 👏🏻 Also HOW can you end it like that?! I cannot wait for the rest of their story I am SO invested!! Nik is SO strong I cannot fathom going through everything she went through! Shane had me wanting to beat his a** at times for what he put Nik through! But under it all you had a way of showing how good of a man he truly was! Absolute perfection ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‼️
OMG, dare I say it? That I love this book even more than the first?! I absolutely loved hearing Nik and Shane’s story! It’s heavy, raw, and real! I was so captivated by their journey, it made feel all the things! It made me sad, mad, and happy all at the same time, it was definitely a roller coaster! My cousin was an addict and I know how absolutely hard it can be to love them and hate the choices they make and who they are when they aren’t clean and let me tell you, DJ wrote it so well! 👏🏻 Also HOW can you end it like that?! I cannot wait for the rest of their story I am SO invested!! Nik is SO strong I cannot fathom going through everything she went through! Shane had me wanting to beat his a** at times for what he put Nik through! But under it all you had a way of showing how good of a man he truly was! Absolute perfection ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‼️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author! Thank you so much!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year because when I first met Shane and Nik in the first book, I was already completely obsessed with them. The way Nik stands by Shane through out the story and her own struggles just made me so emotional because it showed how much she truly loved him. Getting inside of Shane’s head to understand why he was choosing the drugs and how little he thought of himself had me SOBBING most of the time because I just wanted him to see the difference it would be if he got clean. Him going to rehab? BAWLEDDD and I truly felt SO proud of him for getting help and getting sober. I cannot wait for the next one in the series and I’m curious if it will be JT and Jess even though I do love JT with Katie! I 1000% cannot wait for a second book on Shane and Nik. Truly obsessed and will forever recommend this series!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year because when I first met Shane and Nik in the first book, I was already completely obsessed with them. The way Nik stands by Shane through out the story and her own struggles just made me so emotional because it showed how much she truly loved him. Getting inside of Shane’s head to understand why he was choosing the drugs and how little he thought of himself had me SOBBING most of the time because I just wanted him to see the difference it would be if he got clean. Him going to rehab? BAWLEDDD and I truly felt SO proud of him for getting help and getting sober. I cannot wait for the next one in the series and I’m curious if it will be JT and Jess even though I do love JT with Katie! I 1000% cannot wait for a second book on Shane and Nik. Truly obsessed and will forever recommend this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“ Shane makes me feel like I’m not alone anymore, and I had no idea how much I needed that. Like I’ve been sitting in the dark my whole life, and he just came in and turned the lights on. Apart, we’re broken, but together we have all of the right pieces.”- Nik
I had the pleasure and opportunity to be an ARC reader for Surviving Ravens Ridge. Before their story, I already knew I would love Nik and Shane. I love the friendship and relationship they have. I’m at a loss for words, and boy do I love a good cliffhanger. The circus of a life they both lived, the jaw-dropping moments. The points where I wanted to reach into the book and scream at both of them. I really like this book. It shows the good, the bad, and the really ugly. No relationship is perfect, and if anyone says that it is, yeah, okay. I can’t wait to read part two of their story. I really want to know how their relationship ENTIRELY will be.
I had the pleasure and opportunity to be an ARC reader for Surviving Ravens Ridge. Before their story, I already knew I would love Nik and Shane. I love the friendship and relationship they have. I’m at a loss for words, and boy do I love a good cliffhanger. The circus of a life they both lived, the jaw-dropping moments. The points where I wanted to reach into the book and scream at both of them. I really like this book. It shows the good, the bad, and the really ugly. No relationship is perfect, and if anyone says that it is, yeah, okay. I can’t wait to read part two of their story. I really want to know how their relationship ENTIRELY will be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2026
that ending was rude and this book broke my heart but I loved it all at the same time. it gave me Joey & Aoife vibes and Shane & Nik hurt me just as bad as they did in Saving/Redeeming 6.
not going to lie, I did dnf book 1 and was worried that I would be confused going into this book but we had a great backstory for the past 7 years of their relationship that I didn’t feel confused and I would say that’s all because of how this was written.
I did feel like the motorcycle club was put on the back burner so to me this is way more relationship centered than anything else and I’m not mad about that but I do wish we had a little bit more of a plot with the MC.
I rooted for Nik & Shane together and as individual characters. they went through so much and sometimes their relationship was beautiful and then sometimes it was so toxic that I just wanted them to both walk away BUT I need them to be happy and I can’t believe we won’t get part 2 of their story next.
not going to lie, I did dnf book 1 and was worried that I would be confused going into this book but we had a great backstory for the past 7 years of their relationship that I didn’t feel confused and I would say that’s all because of how this was written.
I did feel like the motorcycle club was put on the back burner so to me this is way more relationship centered than anything else and I’m not mad about that but I do wish we had a little bit more of a plot with the MC.
I rooted for Nik & Shane together and as individual characters. they went through so much and sometimes their relationship was beautiful and then sometimes it was so toxic that I just wanted them to both walk away BUT I need them to be happy and I can’t believe we won’t get part 2 of their story next.
September 22, 2026
THIS BOOK DOES LEAVE OFF ON A HAPPY FOR NOW AS IT IS A DUET.
Did I need to yell that absolutely! Now that we got that out of the way.
I knew Shane and Nik were going to absolutely destroy me just from seeing them as side characters in book one. What i did not expect was how much I was going to love them to pieces.
This book is heavy on mental health rep. The things that happen in this book are real issues that so many face every day. While most of us romance readers expect to get the happy stories and the ride off into sunsets I am so glad there is authors like Dj who put real life things into their stories and make you fall in love with broken characters way before they even get their happy endings.
Anyways do I recommend this book 1000% do I also think you should definitely check the triggers before reading YES! Do i hope that you end up loving this as much as I do also YES!
Congrats on another fantastic book DJ!
Did I need to yell that absolutely! Now that we got that out of the way.
I knew Shane and Nik were going to absolutely destroy me just from seeing them as side characters in book one. What i did not expect was how much I was going to love them to pieces.
This book is heavy on mental health rep. The things that happen in this book are real issues that so many face every day. While most of us romance readers expect to get the happy stories and the ride off into sunsets I am so glad there is authors like Dj who put real life things into their stories and make you fall in love with broken characters way before they even get their happy endings.
Anyways do I recommend this book 1000% do I also think you should definitely check the triggers before reading YES! Do i hope that you end up loving this as much as I do also YES!
Congrats on another fantastic book DJ!
October 3, 2026
It is not a story to enter half-heartedly. There are very serious themes that deal with abuse, addiction, recovery, loss, impossible choices, mental health, and the results of extreme depression. The main characters are in a codependent relationship. They love one another to their own detriment. Although the topics were heavy, I felt equally codependent im in this relationship. I also could not walk away. I suffered with them, and I understood the struggles. This author knows how to write for those who struggle. She captured the experience of feeling like medicine doesn't work even though that is the sickness driving the victim. The self-harm descriptions felt real and made me want to save the characters from themselves. Nikki and Shane are a dark romance that is less physically dark and incredibly emotionally dark. The first book was hopeful the second was painful. I can't wait for the third. This was an ALC from #NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!!! The feelings that I went through during this book was insane. I loved Nik and Shane even while I wanted to put some sense into both of them. This book is wonderfully heartbreaking in the best way. The author did a great job with this book and capturing addiction and the effects it has on the person and their loved one. I really like how just because Shane got sober that it didn’t magically make him and Nik better. Nik, my poor girl I wanted to go through the book and shake her and save she deserved so much better than what Shane was putting her through. I’m so ready for their next book to see them finally get their happy ending after gaining each other’s trust and love again in a healthy way because right now, they are toxic for each other. Shane it’s time to win back your girl and stay sober and Nik, it’s time for you to work on yourself and put yourself first for once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Surviving Ravens Ridge
I love that we got Shane’s back story, Him meeting Gabe (who we love from book 1) and then reading what happened to pave the way for his future was hard but explains a lot and also makes it even more beautiful to see the turn-around.
This story is difficult as Shane felt unloved, unwanted and unsupported-i felt the emotion strongly as it was so well written, the abuse he faced from the person who was meant to be his caregiver and the drug use as an escape suddenly became very sadly understandable.
The narrators in this ALC did a really good job at getting the authors story across as it should be, with emotion and empathy.
‘Apart we are broken but together we have all the right pieces’ 😩 Nikki and Shane are just exactly what one another needed in their most difficult times 🥹
The ending? Oh hell noooooo- more needed immediately!
I love that we got Shane’s back story, Him meeting Gabe (who we love from book 1) and then reading what happened to pave the way for his future was hard but explains a lot and also makes it even more beautiful to see the turn-around.
This story is difficult as Shane felt unloved, unwanted and unsupported-i felt the emotion strongly as it was so well written, the abuse he faced from the person who was meant to be his caregiver and the drug use as an escape suddenly became very sadly understandable.
The narrators in this ALC did a really good job at getting the authors story across as it should be, with emotion and empathy.
‘Apart we are broken but together we have all the right pieces’ 😩 Nikki and Shane are just exactly what one another needed in their most difficult times 🥹
The ending? Oh hell noooooo- more needed immediately!
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