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Carolina Rebels #1
Back to Me
Noah Ramsey has a great hockey career, wonderful parents, and a good best friend, but what he wants most is to be with the love of his life who walked away from him years ago. When he finds her at the airport, he realizes she's changed, and she's struggling with things she doesn't want to tell him about. Noah also realizes just how much she scarred him when she left.
Meredith Quick has always planned everything out. She chose her tennis career over love in order to better succeed, but her plan dissolves when an injury threatens her career and her fiancé leaves her. Struggling through pain and the uncertainty of her future, she realizes her first misstep was walking away from Noah. She impulsively decides to go back to him while she attempts to put her life back together.
Reacquainting isn't easy when Noah doesn't quite trust Meredith to stay and Meredith struggles with overcoming the pain she's endured without him. Can they work through their issues and move forward, or will their past ruin things between them forever?
Meredith Quick has always planned everything out. She chose her tennis career over love in order to better succeed, but her plan dissolves when an injury threatens her career and her fiancé leaves her. Struggling through pain and the uncertainty of her future, she realizes her first misstep was walking away from Noah. She impulsively decides to go back to him while she attempts to put her life back together.
Reacquainting isn't easy when Noah doesn't quite trust Meredith to stay and Meredith struggles with overcoming the pain she's endured without him. Can they work through their issues and move forward, or will their past ruin things between them forever?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2016
463 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Paige
64 books598 followersLindsay Paige is the author of multiple Young Adult, New Adult, and Sports romances. She also enjoys writing books with characters who deal with anxiety and depression, issues which are close to her heart. Lindsay is a North Carolinian who loves watching hockey, sharing puns, having conversations with her two dogs, rewatching episodes of M*A*S*H, and living her dream of writing books for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 26, 2017
[1.5 stars] so at chapter 1 meredith is flying off to raleigh because she is having some setbacks in her life and w/o any plans to find her ex-bf whom she left years ago to pursue her tennis career, like seriously?? who does dat?
and because meredith just came running to noah, noah accepts her willingly into his arms & slept together in chapter 3. like *roll eyes* isnt it kind of easy?
progression is a bit too fast for my taste.
ok~ so i finished the book, dont know why i bother to finish it because the book is just boring. not continuing the series.
and because meredith just came running to noah, noah accepts her willingly into his arms & slept together in chapter 3. like *roll eyes* isnt it kind of easy?
progression is a bit too fast for my taste.
ok~ so i finished the book, dont know why i bother to finish it because the book is just boring. not continuing the series.
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November 10, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2017)!
October 10, 2016
Back to Me by Lindsay Paige is a sweet second chance romance which introduces us to a Carolina Rebels hockey team. Meredith Quick doesn't make rushed decisions but after a couple of life changing events happen she can't help but feel drawn to her high school love that she left behind for her professional tennis career. Noah Ramsey has never forgot his first love so much that it's affected any relationship he's had since their break up years ago. A successful professional hockey player in the prime of his career, Noah focused on his career and making his mark in the NHL though seeing Meredith while waiting for his flight home has brought up old feelings and the need to have Meredith back in his life again. Is their love strong enough to overcome the past and find future together?
Lindsay Paige has created such a beautiful written story of emotional love and second chances between two complicated characters. Meredith is broken and unsure of herself and her place in the world anymore and Noah's strong need to care for her is just what she needs and soothes his own insecurities. This is a sweet romance and much tamer than my usual reads but I thoroughly enjoyed this entire story and can't wait to see where Lindsay takes this new series and read Marc's story next! 5 Stars for Back to Me by Lindsay Paige
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
Lindsay Paige has created such a beautiful written story of emotional love and second chances between two complicated characters. Meredith is broken and unsure of herself and her place in the world anymore and Noah's strong need to care for her is just what she needs and soothes his own insecurities. This is a sweet romance and much tamer than my usual reads but I thoroughly enjoyed this entire story and can't wait to see where Lindsay takes this new series and read Marc's story next! 5 Stars for Back to Me by Lindsay Paige
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
May 16, 2017
The characters are very shallow and Meredith desperately needs therapy. It is dangerous to say, in a book, that another person can/should make you happy and cure everything that is wrong in your life. A person needs to develop a healthy sense of self and learn to make themselves happy.
January 15, 2018
Lindsay Paige did not give trigger warnings on depression and verbal or emotional abuse for Back to Me. Therefore, I’m saying it now. If you’re in your early stages of recovery and is sensitive on such topics, this may not be the book for you just yet. However, the flow directing to those themes were done in a tasteful manner. You are gradually eased to those issues in a way that you empathize with the characters because you relate to them.
Back to Me tackles how the characters deal with second chances. They’re back together and both are waiting for things to happen that would break them apart again. They’re happy and scared at the same time. He won’t let her leave him for a second time and she wants him to believe it will never happen again. Their story is about learning to trust again and how communication helps in healing. This is a story about a break up that happened when everything in their relationship was doing right and they were happy.
Back to Me tackles how the characters deal with second chances. They’re back together and both are waiting for things to happen that would break them apart again. They’re happy and scared at the same time. He won’t let her leave him for a second time and she wants him to believe it will never happen again. Their story is about learning to trust again and how communication helps in healing. This is a story about a break up that happened when everything in their relationship was doing right and they were happy.
April 12, 2018
I absolutely adored Noah & Meredith story. I honestly couldn't wait to see what will happen next. I most definitely read more of this series.
October 22, 2017
3.5 stars!
September 29, 2016
A second chance love story that will definite leave you craving for more!! this story was deep, emotional, heartbreaking and sweet all at the same time.. I fell in love with both characters at the same time because of how deep they feel with one another.. it makes you think that no matter how much time passes if love is there, it will always be there.. I can't wait to see where this series takes us and to see what the Rebels players do during the season!!!
October 4, 2016
Back to Me (Carolina Rebels #1) by Lindsay Paige Lindsay Paige’s BACK TO ME is an amazing start to the Carolina Rebels Series. Tennis star Meredith Quick suffers a potential career-ending injury. After reflecting on her situation, she realizes she made a mistake when she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, hockey player Noah Ramsey. She heads to Raleigh, North Carolina in hopes of rekindling their relationship. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
Lindsay Paige does a great job with her character development. My heart went out to Meredith. She had some difficult experiences. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and she had no direction. I admire her for going after the one person in her life she loved but gave up, Noah. It took a lot of guts to get on that plane. I could understand why she originally gave him up. They were young at the time they started dating. They had their entire lives ahead of them. Both of them had promising athletic careers; her in tennis and him in hockey. Sometimes it takes a tragedy in life for a person to reprioritize what is really important to them.
I really like Noah. He has always loved Meredith. Enough to have her name tattooed above his heart. I love that he never had it removed or tattooed over. I also appreciated that everyone knows about the tattoo and what their reaction is when they meet Meredith. I think it is great that he kept in touch with Meredith’s family. Noah has wonderful teammates who are like a family. I especially like Marc.
I really enjoy Lindsay Paige’s writing style. She does a great job of making you understand the characters. The plot is credible and heartfelt. I like how faith intervenes in the story. Erica and Vance both cause some interesting conflicts. There are a number of compelling things that happen in the story that kept it exciting. Lindsay Paige does a fabulous job with all her descriptions. She makes it easy to visualize everything that is happening, especially the sports. I really like Meredith and Noah together. I like how the story is resolved. BACK TO ME is an excellent foundation for the Carolina Rebels Series. I am looking forward to Elizabeth and Marc’s story in book two, BECAUSE IT’S YOU, and enjoyed the preview at the end of BACK TO ME.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsay Paige does a great job with her character development. My heart went out to Meredith. She had some difficult experiences. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and she had no direction. I admire her for going after the one person in her life she loved but gave up, Noah. It took a lot of guts to get on that plane. I could understand why she originally gave him up. They were young at the time they started dating. They had their entire lives ahead of them. Both of them had promising athletic careers; her in tennis and him in hockey. Sometimes it takes a tragedy in life for a person to reprioritize what is really important to them.
I really like Noah. He has always loved Meredith. Enough to have her name tattooed above his heart. I love that he never had it removed or tattooed over. I also appreciated that everyone knows about the tattoo and what their reaction is when they meet Meredith. I think it is great that he kept in touch with Meredith’s family. Noah has wonderful teammates who are like a family. I especially like Marc.
I really enjoy Lindsay Paige’s writing style. She does a great job of making you understand the characters. The plot is credible and heartfelt. I like how faith intervenes in the story. Erica and Vance both cause some interesting conflicts. There are a number of compelling things that happen in the story that kept it exciting. Lindsay Paige does a fabulous job with all her descriptions. She makes it easy to visualize everything that is happening, especially the sports. I really like Meredith and Noah together. I like how the story is resolved. BACK TO ME is an excellent foundation for the Carolina Rebels Series. I am looking forward to Elizabeth and Marc’s story in book two, BECAUSE IT’S YOU, and enjoyed the preview at the end of BACK TO ME.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2017
New to me author. This book was not for me. I had no connection with MCs. This book is a MF contemporary story set in the sports world.
October 28, 2016
DISCLAIMER: I read an e-arc of this book.
I think I just found myself a team to root for. Granted, the Rebels may only exist in this book, but I am totally on board here.
Noah and Mere's second chance at love is so heartfelt. The troubles Mere goes through before realizing she should at least try to go back to Noah. It is pretty obvious that Noah has been waiting for her to come back. He didn't cover up the tattoo of her name across his heart. If that's not true love and patience to wait, I don't know what is.
I think Noah and Mere's story is a great look at people fighting through their fears and opening up about past hurts so they can be healed. I had my suspicions while reading this book, but only 1-2 of them were actually correct.
As always, the author knows how to take a subject and write about it as though she experienced it firsthand. Wonderfully written, and a total winner. Can't wait to find out with Rebel is next to tell his love story. I think I already know. ;)
I think I just found myself a team to root for. Granted, the Rebels may only exist in this book, but I am totally on board here.
Noah and Mere's second chance at love is so heartfelt. The troubles Mere goes through before realizing she should at least try to go back to Noah. It is pretty obvious that Noah has been waiting for her to come back. He didn't cover up the tattoo of her name across his heart. If that's not true love and patience to wait, I don't know what is.
I think Noah and Mere's story is a great look at people fighting through their fears and opening up about past hurts so they can be healed. I had my suspicions while reading this book, but only 1-2 of them were actually correct.
As always, the author knows how to take a subject and write about it as though she experienced it firsthand. Wonderfully written, and a total winner. Can't wait to find out with Rebel is next to tell his love story. I think I already know. ;)
October 8, 2016
LOVE this story! 10++ stars! Noah & Meredith sucked me in from page one. Their history, chemistry, and the way they work on their relationship throughout the story all work together perfectly to create an engaging and entertaining story. Marc is DEFINITELY an awesome "third wheel" *cough* character, and I'm SO looking forward to his book, which is next in the series.
Noah & Mere's story is full of humor, sweetness, and emotional depth WITHOUT being angsty. And I think that made me love it even more. There were tears (gosh, I hurt for them at some points!) but they were sympathetic and cleansing, not "WHY did you do this to my characters?" This is definitely a favorite story & gets a recommendation from me.
And oh yeah, there is an adorable puppy and also HOCKEY! *hearts* : )
Noah & Mere's story is full of humor, sweetness, and emotional depth WITHOUT being angsty. And I think that made me love it even more. There were tears (gosh, I hurt for them at some points!) but they were sympathetic and cleansing, not "WHY did you do this to my characters?" This is definitely a favorite story & gets a recommendation from me.
And oh yeah, there is an adorable puppy and also HOCKEY! *hearts* : )
October 13, 2016
Me gusta mucho ver como sale del pozo después de caer desde tan alto y tener que replantearse totalmente su vida.
October 17, 2016
Dnf - 16%
December 25, 2017
was likin it then it abruptly ended ....
August 14, 2022
There was a lot that bothered me about this book, and I think that I only liked one character from this whole book (it’s not even one of the main characters).
I really didn’t like how this book was insta-love. I understand that they knew each other years ago, but that’s the thing, it was years ago. They have both probably changed as people, so I really didn’t like how they see each other and in the next chapter they get back together, without even really talking to each other. Also, I didn’t like how they got back together before talking about their break-up.
Noah was fine, but I really hated Meredith. Everything had to be about her, so it felt like you don’t even see Noah’s personality as it was always him trying to appease Meredith. I don’t think that there was a single thing in this book that happened because Noah wanted it to. It was all about Meredith: her career, her secrets, her decisions. If Noah tries to say or ask something, Meredith quickly turns it into an argument or storms off acting as if he gravely insulted her, which turns into Noah going to her to apologise when it was Meredith who was in the wrong. For example, Noah is a bit scared that Meredith is going to leave again, which seems reasonable given the fact that she doesn’t really say anything to make Noah think otherwise and she makes it clear that she’s going to go back to being a professional tennis player. As soon as Noah says something about her PT or mentions that Meredith once left him, she starts shouting at him, making him feel guilty and in the end, he’s the one who goes to her to apologise, and she does nothing.
For most of this book, I was bored with the insta-love, and because of the fact that I really hated Meredith. However, there were some short scenes with Marc which I really liked because he was a funny character.
Despite the fact that I really liked Marc’s character, I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as I didn’t like how this book was written.
I really didn’t like how this book was insta-love. I understand that they knew each other years ago, but that’s the thing, it was years ago. They have both probably changed as people, so I really didn’t like how they see each other and in the next chapter they get back together, without even really talking to each other. Also, I didn’t like how they got back together before talking about their break-up.
Noah was fine, but I really hated Meredith. Everything had to be about her, so it felt like you don’t even see Noah’s personality as it was always him trying to appease Meredith. I don’t think that there was a single thing in this book that happened because Noah wanted it to. It was all about Meredith: her career, her secrets, her decisions. If Noah tries to say or ask something, Meredith quickly turns it into an argument or storms off acting as if he gravely insulted her, which turns into Noah going to her to apologise when it was Meredith who was in the wrong. For example, Noah is a bit scared that Meredith is going to leave again, which seems reasonable given the fact that she doesn’t really say anything to make Noah think otherwise and she makes it clear that she’s going to go back to being a professional tennis player. As soon as Noah says something about her PT or mentions that Meredith once left him, she starts shouting at him, making him feel guilty and in the end, he’s the one who goes to her to apologise, and she does nothing.
For most of this book, I was bored with the insta-love, and because of the fact that I really hated Meredith. However, there were some short scenes with Marc which I really liked because he was a funny character.
Despite the fact that I really liked Marc’s character, I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as I didn’t like how this book was written.
March 8, 2019
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
This isn't a book I would normally have picked up, but I am trying to branch out of my comfort zone and read more adult novels. If you are sensing a pattern of all the hockey related books I have been reading lately, it's because I'm looking for comps for my own WIP. So that's how I stumbled upon Lindsay Paige's adult hockey romance series Carolina Rebels. I actually got this one free on ebook, but I'm not sure if I really want to read the rest of the series.
I'm not real into detailed sex scenes in books, which is why I do shy away from adult romances a lot. I'll read them every once in a while, but just not all the time. I prefer "fade to black" scenes. One of the things I liked about this book was that the scenes were a bit subtle. Some of them got descriptive, but not too much, so I was pretty okay with it.
This book was a short one and easy to get through, and even though I enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The romance starts pretty much right away, so I think maybe that's why it rubbed me the wrong way. I do like a bit of a chase when it comes to romance books.
I also just didn't really like Meredith that much. I felt like I really didn't understand her motivations at all. I think she made bad decisions, especially when it came to her injury. I liked Noah, but I think he gave in to Meredith's impulses a little too much.
The book was fine, but I just didn't feel very wowed by it. It was enjoyable, but I don't think I am going to be reading any of the other books in this series.
This isn't a book I would normally have picked up, but I am trying to branch out of my comfort zone and read more adult novels. If you are sensing a pattern of all the hockey related books I have been reading lately, it's because I'm looking for comps for my own WIP. So that's how I stumbled upon Lindsay Paige's adult hockey romance series Carolina Rebels. I actually got this one free on ebook, but I'm not sure if I really want to read the rest of the series.
I'm not real into detailed sex scenes in books, which is why I do shy away from adult romances a lot. I'll read them every once in a while, but just not all the time. I prefer "fade to black" scenes. One of the things I liked about this book was that the scenes were a bit subtle. Some of them got descriptive, but not too much, so I was pretty okay with it.
This book was a short one and easy to get through, and even though I enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The romance starts pretty much right away, so I think maybe that's why it rubbed me the wrong way. I do like a bit of a chase when it comes to romance books.
I also just didn't really like Meredith that much. I felt like I really didn't understand her motivations at all. I think she made bad decisions, especially when it came to her injury. I liked Noah, but I think he gave in to Meredith's impulses a little too much.
The book was fine, but I just didn't feel very wowed by it. It was enjoyable, but I don't think I am going to be reading any of the other books in this series.
September 4, 2025
Meredith and Noah were high school sweethearts, but Meredith broke them up so she could pursue a pro tennis career. Eight years later, she has a career-ending injury, her fiancee dumped her, and she booked a flight to Raleigh to go see Noah, asking for a second chance. Noah is now a pro hockey player with the Rebels team, and he never forgot Meredith nor got over her. So, he receives her with open arms. And they got back together, just like that.
There are problems that arise, Noah is openly committed to make it work, but Meredith was full of issues. She was in denial over the end of her career, she keeps secrets, she’s aimless and in despair. To be honest, I thought she needed counseling before hooking up again.
I loved Noah, thought he was clueless with Meredith, I thought she was a hot mess and maybe didn’t deserve such a nice guy or should have gotten her issues resolved before getting with Noah.
The story dragged at times, so some skimming had to happen.
There are problems that arise, Noah is openly committed to make it work, but Meredith was full of issues. She was in denial over the end of her career, she keeps secrets, she’s aimless and in despair. To be honest, I thought she needed counseling before hooking up again.
I loved Noah, thought he was clueless with Meredith, I thought she was a hot mess and maybe didn’t deserve such a nice guy or should have gotten her issues resolved before getting with Noah.
The story dragged at times, so some skimming had to happen.
January 19, 2018
This one took a while to get through. Noah is a hockey player who has it all but the love of his life and one day while at the airport bam there she is. The one that walked away from him 8 years ago to start her dream of a tennis champion. She has been dealt some tough blows and is running back to find her one true love she left. When all of sudden she runs into him at the airport. The story from there goes quick, she moves in, the exes make an appearance, Noah fears she’s always going to run etc etc etc. this is one series I won’t finish. The story was just too pushed, expected and repetitive.
February 12, 2018
I did not care for this book as I feel like it could have ended within the first few chapters. I also didn't like how since there was no real conflict and you were just reading a day to day "in the life of Noah and Meredith" book that it just all of a sudden ended. I mean I was glad when it ended but since there was no climax to the story there was no real events or situations that let you know that the book was coming to an end. I thought I may want to read about Marco and his story but I don't know if I could put myself through 300 pages of that again.
February 24, 2018
Had potential....then poof
I cannot even begin to explain my disappointment. The blurb had me intrigued but at 3% I was like no why. Every chapter is in the first person which is annoying. Like who cares if you pour yourself cereal or talking on the phone. Their could have been chemistry but there was no build-up. Chapter 3 they we're already having sex then she moves in. I stop at 14% and fast forwarded and read a little and proved to be equally as bad. Don't recommend it. Thank God it was free. Sorry but the author needs vastly improve on story telling. Book deleted!
I cannot even begin to explain my disappointment. The blurb had me intrigued but at 3% I was like no why. Every chapter is in the first person which is annoying. Like who cares if you pour yourself cereal or talking on the phone. Their could have been chemistry but there was no build-up. Chapter 3 they we're already having sex then she moves in. I stop at 14% and fast forwarded and read a little and proved to be equally as bad. Don't recommend it. Thank God it was free. Sorry but the author needs vastly improve on story telling. Book deleted!
January 22, 2019
It was an odd book, everything moved in stupidly fast time (our two main characters were living together, back together, in love by chapter three). When I got to chapter 5 everything was done, no build up or anything. The rest of the book keeps them on the same wave. I didn’t like the aspect that it was written as “if he loves me again, everything will be perfect”. Some of us out here are all alone and love it, I don’t need the acceptance of a man or knowing my “Noah” will fix me, what she needed was therapy and learning how to love herself again.
December 25, 2017
Slow start, great finish
Have a tough time getting started on this one. Things just seem too easy, with two people who had been apart for eight years moving in together with virtually no discussion or dissent. seemed odd and took some getting used to. But then the issues were exposed and the book started to fall in the place.Real people like enough to find each other and make it stick.
Have a tough time getting started on this one. Things just seem too easy, with two people who had been apart for eight years moving in together with virtually no discussion or dissent. seemed odd and took some getting used to. But then the issues were exposed and the book started to fall in the place.Real people like enough to find each other and make it stick.
January 19, 2019
I wanted to like this book
I rarely read blurbs, but this one I read. It sounded so good. I had high hopes for this book.
It felt like book was over before it started. At the chapter three it felt like book could end there. After that it felt like a diary. Actually ending was kind of sudden.
Almost drama-free. I am giving one star for the book and another for Marc, he was funny.
I rarely read blurbs, but this one I read. It sounded so good. I had high hopes for this book.
It felt like book was over before it started. At the chapter three it felt like book could end there. After that it felt like a diary. Actually ending was kind of sudden.
Almost drama-free. I am giving one star for the book and another for Marc, he was funny.
January 23, 2019
Overall assessment, I didn't hate the book, but I also wasn't overjoyed with love for it either. I don't even know if I can pinpoint the part where I can just say 'That's where it went south and made me not love it'. The story is there, but something was missing. I was looking forward to the book, being a lover of hockey and romance.. In the end I would suggest it only if you're wanting a nice little HEA that's light and fun.
December 26, 2017
I kept waiting for something exciting to happen but it never really did. The hockey also didn’t make the most sense or follow what actually happens in a hockey game in some of the parts. It was a good story but I felt like a lot of things didn’t make sense or could have been added into the story better. Like Vance and Erica’s parts in everything.
December 29, 2017
I'm not a huge fan of this book. I can put up with insta-love in some circumstances, but this story was too much, too fast for me. I didn't have much time to connect to either character before the romance totally took over. However, by the end of the story, I did enjoy the characters and their story. I just wish the story wouldn't have been rushed.
January 13, 2018
Disappointing! Hot hockey player, Noah Ramsey, has been hoping that his ex-love, Meredith Quick, comes back to him. And she does, bringing back so much baggage that you need a U-Haul truck to get through it all. The dialogue became tedious and annoying. The conflict between Erica and Meredith and Noah and Vance should have been explosive but instead just fizzled out like the rest of the story.
September 16, 2019
This book was just ok but didn’t really hold any substance for me. There wasn’t much to the story line. Noah was over the top sweet and understanding about everything! Including why Meredith left him eight years earlier. The story ended rather abruptly and even though it is a series I will not be continuing on with it.
December 24, 2017
Great fun read.
Okay a hockey story, that alone made it a great book for me. But it goes so much deeper than that. High School sweethearts with a major bump in the road. Noah and Meredith are the cutes couple. The story showed that real love always win.
Okay a hockey story, that alone made it a great book for me. But it goes so much deeper than that. High School sweethearts with a major bump in the road. Noah and Meredith are the cutes couple. The story showed that real love always win.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews