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North Ridge #2

Maverick: A Small Town Romance

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"I can keep a secret...I bet you can keep a secret too."

MAVERICK is a hot & fun STANDALONE ROMANCE about one RUGGED ALPHA MOUNTAIN MAN and the feisty woman he needs to stay away from...from the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Pact and Wild Card.

Forget playing it safe.

John “Maverick” Nelson likes to live his life on the edge – literally. A crucial member of the search and rescue team in the mountainous British Columbian town of North Ridge, Maverick’s brash and bold attitude means he’s the first one to ascend into danger, no matter the risk.

When it comes to women, though, Maverick errs on the side of caution. For all his cocky charm, rugged good looks and sexual swagger, he remains as unreachable as the surrounding peaks. Hot, wild sex? He’ll tell you there’s no better way to spend a cold, wintry night. Relationships? He’d rather freeze.

That is until he lays his eyes on American Riley Clarke. Trading in the crippling expenses of Aspen for BC, Riley is North Ridge’s newest member of their search and rescue team and the only woman on the job, which means spending a lot of time with Mav in adrenaline-pumping situations.

With the chemistry between them hot enough to melt snow, keeping their hands off each other is detriment to the success of their team. Besides, Maverick’s her boss and she didn’t work her ass off in Colorado just to throw it all away for some mind-blowing sex.

But when the worst winter in years sweeps in, Riley and Maverick will have to battle the elements along with their attraction for each other. And if either of them slip up, both of them will be in for a deep freeze.

Maverick is a standalone novel and the second in the North Ridge series of standalones about the rough and rugged Nelson brothers. You do NOT need to read the previous book, Wild Card, you enjoy this story!

Canada’s never felt so hot.


WARNING: this novel contains explicit sex scenes and a lot of profanity. Reader discretion is advised,

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2017

907 people are currently reading
3030 people want to read

About the author

Karina Halle

122 books19.6k followers
Karina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.

When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.

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5 stars
1,321 (31%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,544 reviews35.9k followers
October 21, 2017
4 stars!!!

“description"/

Maverick is a lighter and HOTTER side of Karina! In fact, I’d say it’s one of her hottest books to date! I loved that it had just enough emotion to give me the feels that I need in a book, as well.

John ‘Maverick’ Nelson in the middle brother. He’s the leader of North Ridge search and rescue and takes his job very seriously. When he meets Riley Clarke, the newest member of his team, he struggles to not break all the rules. You see, members of this team can’t have relationships with other members. It could make things dangerous, cloud your vision. It’s a rule for a reason. But some rules were meant to be broken…
“You’re a lady’s man, apparently.”
“Not when it comes to the people I work with,” I point out. Riley’s mouth curves into a wicked smile before she covers it with her beer.
“But you’ve never worked with me before.”

Riley lost someone she cared about at her last job, and is looking for a fresh start here at North Ridge. I can’t say enough good things about this heroine! I loved her attitude and demeanor. She was strong, spoke her mind, and was forward in the best way possible. I love reading about women like that! Maverick struggled more than her in a lot of ways, but I understood his struggles. I liked him a lot as well.

Riley and Maverick’s chemistry was off the charts! From the first time they met, you could just feel it! I love when characters have that instant connection. Karina brought the heat with this book! There are moments you’ll be fanning yourself while reading!

I’ve enjoyed both of the books in the North Ridge series so far, and I’m ecstatic to read about Fox! I can just tell it’s going to be great! These books are about brothers and can be read as stand-alones, but you won’t want to miss out on any of the Nelson brothers!
“You’re mine. You’ve been mine from the start.”

“description"/
Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,784 followers
October 16, 2017
4.5 stars
➦I have been waiting for Maverick for a while now. Damn you (you know who you are) for making me wait for this beastly hunk of a man for so long! *stink eye*


➦Oh but he has a arrived and I have to say I couldn't be happier. Reading about snowy mountains and avalanches and just nature, in general, always fascinates me. The setting of this book is beautiful and... and... who wouldn't want to read about having hot monkey sex in remote places on earth?


➦I'll keep this short. A hot burly search and rescue team leader + hot new in town just got hired to work for the same team female = trying really hard to not break the no fraternization policy while going on overnight rescue missions in the middle of nowhere.


➦One last note - loved the heroine! She was very sexually forward and enjoyed taunting the hero in worst possible ways. I can't wait for the next book, looks like it's going to be about one sexy firefighter :D I'll be here. I'll be waiting.


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Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,406 followers
December 13, 2018
2.5 stars

I’m probably a shitty person, but I couldn’t find anything to click 3 stars. 
The book was well written, but I rate the story itself.
MCs had an amazing and honorable job – they were members of a rescue team.
But it was a love story, so I stick to the romance-part.

I guess the heroine was meant to come across as sexually experienced and confident…
There is a strong sexually open woman and a woman, who pathetically throws herself at a man… The h was the latter, IMO of course.

I always support open-minded and bold women, I loathe slut-shaming and dislike to read about virginal ‘shy’ wallflowers paired with ‘well-skilled’ men. But this one was, IMO, weak and extremely needy. Damn, she forced herself on him, she begged and begged – no actually strong and confident woman would pursue a man, who rejected her more than once.

Why did they bash her last sex-partner? She was drunk and hooked up with a man, but in order to make it more embarrassing for her and to emphasize hero’s ‘manhood’ they gave this man a micropenis.
WTF is micropenis? Under 5 inch? It was unnecessary cruel and unethical.

It’s how I saw it; but opinions are subjective…

He was a well-known town manwhore. Well, nothing new in romance… Another one, who f*cked almost all single women in his small town and its surroundings. I can only speak for myself, but I would never be able to be with such man and cope with his past. But the ‘positive’ side of his past adventures could be – you may speak about your sex-life with the half of the small town population: they know the score and the tool exactly…

Special for me the hero spoke about his last hook-up – threesome with French tourists. ‘Amazing’. Thanks! *gag*

I didn’t like the drama. Why to kill a good guy from their team?!
The issue with HR-man and their obvious ‘mistake’ was just OTT implausible. Kindergarten. Sorry.

Safety: the book was safe, since they were not with OP after they met each other. Little OM-drama. They skipped the condoms the 2nd time they had sex, coz he was ‘of course’ clean. I didn’t enjoy sex-scenes much – she begged too much, ‘offered’ herself and he liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,622 reviews10.9k followers
October 17, 2017
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MAVERICK: is a complete standalone novel and the second book within the series (North Ridge #2) by Karina Halle. About the rough and rugged Nelson brothers. Get ready for one wild alpha mountain man - Canada's never felt so hot! Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’

In this we meet Riley and Maverick. Riley’s story kick started us off in the ‘Prologue’ two years ago in a blink of an eye life pretty much ceased for Riley, a mountain disaster closed a chapter on her life so now she’s taking life by the horns and is the new comer to North Ridge, Columbia. She’s also the newest member of the North Ridge search and rescue team, and also the only woman the team has.

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Meeting her new boss Maverick the attraction between them sizzles off the pages, their flirtatious banter heats up each encounter, she pushes his buttons like no other.

BUT there is a non fraternising rule within their workplace, anyone caught in a compromising situation, is fired, no questions asked. Both have worked too hard to compromise their careers over an office fling that might not go any further than a one night stand.

I'm not about to fuck up my new position by getting involved with someone I work with.

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There are a few things that really get me raring when it comes to men, and a good, panty soaking voice is one of them, along with tattoos, large forearms, wide shoulders, a firm ass, and a big dick. So far Maverick is five out of six, though the way things are, I don't think I'll figure out the truth about number six.

The author turned up the heat on this one, scorching hot!! Maverick is as alpha as they come, sexy, tough, straight shooter, he has such a demanding presence in this book and pair him with Riley and he's met his match. These two were the perfect characters, sugar and spice. I've been stalking this book hard and was super excited when it landed on my kindle, the background setting of this book had me devouring the pages eating up every word the author threw at me. Now I can't wait for Fox's story. This series just gets better and better. A series I highly recommend!!

* Teasers used in my review are off the Authors Facebook page *

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Profile Image for Rachel  L.
2,138 reviews2,524 followers
October 20, 2017
3.75 stars!

“Love is chaos.”

Maverick is the story of Riley a young beautiful woman working in search and rescue. After a traumatic working experience where Riley lost a friend, she moves to Canada for a new job. John “Mav” Maverick is her new boss, and right off the bat they know there’s chemistry between them. But employees are forbidden from dating in search and rescue, so they must do what they can to keep away from each other.

“The feeling I have in my chest is completely unfamiliar. It’s like a combination of a warm bath and someone dropping a toaster in it. It’s both calming and electrifying and there’s no other way to explain it, but I have both feelings at once when I look at her.”

This book was a fun and hot break from reality. Riley and Mav had some serious chemistry and waiting for them to get together was everything! It was nice to revisit the true north world and see characters we met in Wild Card. While this is “second” in a series, you can easily read this book as a standalone novel, you don’t need any backstory. That being said I am excited for Del and Fox’s story, I hope it will be super angsty!

ARC provided by the author. All/any quotes in this review came from an advance unedited copy and may be subject to change in the final product.


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Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,104 followers
October 16, 2017
❤4 Hot Stars ❤

This is the second book in the North Ridge Series and one of my most anticipated books.I was so excited and intrigued to start Maverick's book.I enjoyed it a lot it was emotional,super hot,fun and flirty.

Both characters were enjoyable.They have a great chemistry and they shared some really intense and passionate moments.Riley is so good, I adored her from the beginning and Maverick is alpha male and so sexy.

Maverick is a light story in compare with Karina's previous books yet so good.I can't wait for the next book in the series!

 


  
Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
948 reviews1,157 followers
October 20, 2017
4.5 'Unreal Love' Stars!
ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.


Karina Halle is a writing machine! She is coming strong with her North Ridge series and Maverick is no exception. It seems these books are extremely emotional (and extremely sexy!) and I am definitely not complaining on any of it. Karina just delivered another fantastic love story that will stole your heart completely!

Maverick is the second instalment in the North Ridge series and it tells the story of two people who love to live life on the edge every single day (through their job and after through their connection), who love being with each other (even though it’s kind of forbidden) and who also are suffering in ways that not everybody is. John a.k.a Mav and Riley are still affected by their past and what happens in their work but they find their safe place in each other.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to think when it comes to you.”
Other than how badly I want you.
And how fucking wrong that is.


Holy crap! Karina Halle did say this is one of her sexiest books and I completely agree! The connection between Mav and Riley is instant and even though it’s forbidden to be together, they cannot stop themselves from teasing each other. Of course, all those sexy comments turn into crazy hot chemistry! It’s impossible for both of them to not act on their attraction and boy… when they do it’s explosive and all over the place!

The whole room vibrates with the sound of sex, our sex, his quick, heavy breaths, the slap of skin, the scrape of the table legs, my heart fluttering in my ears. Faster, harder, deeper, Mav doesn’t give in, doesn’t give up. He fucks me like it’s his job, like he’s trying to save me.

I love forbidden romances. I love heroes who have lots of emotions. I love strong as hell heroines. Well, Maverick has all of that and more! Besides how smoking hot this book is, what is even more beautiful to read is how this couple falls in love. Mav is kind of a playboy and Riley is suffering from unrequired love but together they heal and they love to the max. I really enjoyed (and loved) how gripping and emotional Maverick was, especially towards the end. Such a wonderful ending!

He’s at his most beautiful when he’s outside and there are trees and mountains behind him and natural light. The sky, the earth. He’s at home here in the elements. And I’m at home with him.

Therefore, I am rating Maverick with 4.5 STARS because it’s a brilliant new addition to the North Ridge series. Mav and Riley are absolutely amazing together: pure chemistry and all the feels! And man, I am so excited for the next story! Karina give me Fox and Del right now! I love me some friends to lovers romance too lol But seriously guys, check this book out. I definitely recommend it!

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Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
1,018 reviews1,186 followers
October 20, 2017



“I just know…. The moment I touch you, that’s all I’ll ever want”.

Just when I think that the Nelson brothers couldn’t get any better, we’re hit with the sexy rugged Maverick Nelson that completely stole the show! I didn’t think it was possible to outdo Shane in “Wild Card ” but damn it, he did.

Being the middle brother has never been easy for Maverick but if it’s one that’s true, is that he’s a leader. Running a rescue team is the one thing that he’s good at but being in a relationship? Not so much. But when the new hire arrives and tempts him in all the wrong places, things is about to get a lot more complicated .

Riley Clarke is in desperate need of a fresh start. Going through a life changing tragedy two years ago has made her see things a lot differently, and what’s a better way to move on than in a new place with a new job? Now the newest member and only woman of the North Ridge search and rescue team, Riley is finally ready to start her new adventure. That is until she meets the boss and their sexual tension gets explosive..

Karina Halle never fails to amaze me with her story telling. This story started out with one of the most intense prologues I’ve ever read and I really didn’t know how Riley was going to come back after that but she did. This girl was so head strong and determined in everything that she did and I loved that about her. Now can we talk about the hot as hell sex and the angst towards the end?!! I was practically on my knees begging for more and no, I’m not ashamed of that.

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, then you won’t be disappointed in this one


   
Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews847 followers
October 19, 2017



★4 STARS★

I’m fast becoming addicted to Karina Halle’s North Ridge series, and with brothers like the Nelsons, who can blame me.

Maverick in the middle heads up the mountainous towns the search and rescue team. He’s fully dedicated to his job and holds the safety of the public and his team as paramount. As lead it’s his duty to welcome the newest employee and he has high hopes she’ll fit in well to his already established team. What he doesn’t bank on is how well he wants to get to know her on a personal level.

Moving to North Ridge is the beginning of a fresh start for Riley Clarke. Mountain rescue is all she knows and what she does best, but after a traumatic experience she’s keen to rekindle the passion for her role. She’s never been one to hold back and after meeting her new boss, try as she might, (which isn’t very hard) she makes her attraction known.

Greater than the temptation of giving in to his attraction is the calling he has to his job. They are drawn to each other, and Mav is intrigued by not only her, but by how much he finds himself opening up to her.

Karina doesn’t hold back and makes it her personal mission to torture us with the sexual tension between Mav and Riley. The payoff is a great and it’s a wonder the fire crew were not called to put out the steam coming off these two.

Secondary to the romance is the recurring onus on the relationship dynamic between the brothers. I have to admit I’m slightly obsessed by it. We gain more insight and history with each brother’s perspective and as well as Fox promising to bring the heat, I’m really looking forward to him putting the last piece of the puzzle in place.



Profile Image for ~♡AB♡~.
986 reviews682 followers
October 16, 2017
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★

Really enjoyed this light and quick paced read!

Maverick and Riley meet when she joins his team at the Search and Rescue up in the mountains of Canada. At first I thought Mav would be moody and a bit hard to crack, but he was a lot of fun and he was 'Alpha' without being a complete brute - he was my favourite thing about this book. Riley was very forward and went after what she wanted, she did not care one bit about the no fraternization policy, life is for living after all!

A very steamy read, a nice bit of fun, and just the right amount of drama to make it interesting.

Maverick is a standalone contemporary romance told from dual POVs.

ARC Provided
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,127 followers
January 16, 2018
I wouldn't want their hard and emotional job...

I'm a height-fearing, risk-averse, cold-intolerant, humidity-hating, scaredy-cat and I have practically nothing in common with the characters in Maverick. I kind of knew this going in, but I like to observe how the other half live. Well, I observed...and I'm happy staying an observer. I just can't picture myself going into situations daily and risking my life. In some of those cases, they're risking their lives for idiots too. I'm just not that nice a person. But, I thank goodness that there are people out there doing it and I appreciate them taking risks to save lives.

Both Mav and Riley have faced heartache and in some ways, they have never dealt with it or got over it. Then again, how do you get over losing someone you love?

This is an office romance of a different kind. Their jobs are intense and they need to focus completely on the people they're saving and the environment they're navigating. One wrong step could take you over the edge. A slight hesitation could cost someone their life. It's not the right environment to not have your head in the game. Both Mav and Riley KNOW it's against the rules but decide to do it anyway. Their attraction to each other is overwhelming. It's like they were meant for each other. If only they didn't have to make a choice of job...or...relationship.

Neither Mav or Riley has been in serious relationships and have always put their work first. Being extremely good looking makes them both appealing to the opposite sex and they have no problems finding hook-ups. Mav's reputation precedes him and, unfortunately, Riley makes a monumental stuff up (picking a hook-up) the day before she is set to start her new job. They're both going to have to get over some obstacles before they can find their HEA.

I like this series and I like the characters. In Maverick, while I liked both Mav and Riley, I found it hard to relate to them. I still managed to enjoy the story, found the sexy times HOT and finished with a big smile on my face.

Can't wait to finally get Del and Fox's story.




Profile Image for Malene.
1,341 reviews758 followers
December 3, 2017
John Mav Nelson! You sexy, sweet and wonderful man. Damn how I enjoyed this story. Riley, a secure and strong woman who’s lost a colleague in a work accident is struggling with loneliness and putting the past behind her. When she starts to work for Maverick’s Search and Rescue Team sparks fly or should I say explode. They were incredible together. Hawt! but filled with so much emotion. When they have a near death experience emotions fly and they finally have to acknowledge their love and what they truly want.
Maverick was fabulous and I loved Fox and their wise ol’ grandpa. Their interactions were terrific. This series is only getting better and I’m so excited to read Fox and Delilah’s story. Bring it!

4 BadAssDirtyLittleMinxStars
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,712 reviews1,040 followers
September 15, 2022
I like Maverick. Miss Halle is proving herself to be versatile writer. Not only she can write angsy, dramatic romamce, she also can write rom com. Well, not exactly rom com, but the banter and conversation in this book, has a little bit of playful tone.

I like the chemistry between Reiley and Maverick. They both carry some burden from the past. Their sexual chemistry is hot. The twist and turn is light but the writing is entertaining.

4 stars
Profile Image for Sophie "Beware Of The Reader".
1,568 reviews390 followers
November 17, 2017
3,5 to 4 stars.

Nothing wrong with the writing or the book in general I just found it a little too sweet coming from that author.
Don't misunderstand me if you want sweet with a little angst and a handsome hero go for it!

I just wanted more angst, more ...suffering?

Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,840 reviews1,045 followers
January 5, 2022
This book takes place in Canada during the winter season. I'm cold sitting her reading it. Where I live we don't experience snow like they do in the mountains. Now, I want to curl up next to a fireplace and soak up the warmth.

● workplace romance
● Canada
● Search & Rescue team
● Boss / employee
● Maverick (31 years old) / Riley (25 years old)
● avalanche
● dual pov
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Alexander Cendese & Alexandra Shawnee
Length: 8H 02M
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,252 reviews317 followers
October 23, 2017
description

4 "Love is Chaos" stars.

Maverick. It's hot, it's alpha male, it's blushing in public places, it's fun, it's sweet, it's a must-read.

Karina Halle keeps on proving her talent book after book and has me charmed every single time. One minute I was fanning myself and blushing, and the next I was holding my breath and biting my nails.

"I want him to be my shelter through any storm. A shelter for my heart. But I'm in love with this man."


So am I, Riley. So am I. Sorry Shane, but Maverick used ropes and promised to gag me so... be happy with Rachel.

Well, I think it's very clear that I loved Mav, right? Now, let's talk a little bit about Riley.

"Look, I'm not a wallflower when it comes to men or sex. I go after what I want. And I've made it perfectly clear to Mav that I want him."




Riley took me by surprise. Honestly, I wasn't expecting her to be this fun and straight-forward character. It was refreshing. And to top it all off, she was absolutely perfect for Mav. These two were inevitable; their story was written in the snow and the mountains. And that was that.

I'm loving the Nelson brothers! Maverick was such a great addition to the North Ridge Series. And unlike Wild Card, it grabbed my interest immediately.

For the love of coffee... this one was tremendously hot and totally engaging. Karina Halle will make you combust. Definitely what I needed right at this moment.

"Riley is unraveling me with every second we're together, like when you're climbing and there's too much slack in the ropes and you know it.
Eventually, they'll be nothing to hold you up."


description

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Profile Image for Jayme.
430 reviews465 followers
October 19, 2017
I fell in love with North Ridge series after the first book and I couldn't not continue it. I was excited for each of brothers, but especially the Maverick's story attracted me the most. And I was not disappointed.

You surely will like our heroine, Riley. She's just that kind of girl that we all want to be. She is confident and strong. Karina Halle gives us as usual to die for heroes. This time is no different. Maverick tries to keep away from Riley, he is her boss. But with such a woman, simply it's not possible to stay away long.

They have great chemistry. It is fast, addictive and of course sexy as hell. A bit forbidden, which makes it even more exciting for me. They have to make decisions and must find themselves, but the path through which they lead us in the story will bring you a lot of joy from reading.

As usual, I recommend Karina Halle books. And can not wait for another story.

***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!

Profile Image for Betül.
1,067 reviews292 followers
October 17, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

description

"You have me," he says. "All of me." He pauses. "Do I have all of you?"

I love the rough and rugged Nelson brothers! Maverick was such a great contemporary romance. It grabbed my interest immediately and I enjoyed Mav and Riley's story a lot. Riley was such a fun and straight-forward character, and I really loved her go-getter attitude. She knew what she wanted and went for it, which was very refreshing. The interaction between Riley and Mav was very entertaining and the sexual tension was hot. This book was more on the light-hearted side, but it also had a few emotional scenes which fit the story well. The sex scenes were so good, and as someone who sometimes skips them because of it being repetitive, I really enjoyed them in this book.

Karina does such a great job in creating interesting characters. It was also great to see what Shane, Rachel and the rest of the gang were up to. What I also enjoyed was the occupation of Mav and Riley. It isn't easy to be a member of a search and rescue team and I have so much respect for them. I was glad that there were a couple of search and rescue missions in the book, which added another layer to the story. Normally I am not a big fan of 'forbidden' romances, but it was done really well in this book. If you are looking for a fun and steamy contemporary romance, then Maverick is definitely a book you should get your hands on!
Profile Image for Jos.
1,832 reviews140 followers
October 24, 2017
4.5 Stars

I absolutely adored this story. I really loved both characters, Maverick and Riley. I loved that Riley wasn't the typical shy girl, she was sexually experienced and knew what she wanted and there was no flies on her when it came to what she wanted. It was different and yes, refreshing. Some may not like it but me, I loved it and I loved her. Her back story was sad, I mean so very sad and yet I felt like it was never really touched upon with her relationship with Maverick.

I would have liked to see "more" of their relationship, maybe delve deeper beyond the surface but all in all a terrific story. I am dying to read about Fox and Del:) I didn;t read this first book and I also didn't feel "lost" either but maybe one day I will go back and read Shane's story!
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
October 15, 2017
Karina Halle gives us the most AMAZING heroes - and John “Maverick” Nelson is one of my favorites! MAVERICK is book two in Halle’s North Ridge Series but it can be read as a standalone. I can completely vouch for that because this is the first book I’ve read in the series, but after devouring MAVERICK, I couldn’t purchase WILD CARD, book one, fast enough! Fast-paced, sexy as sin with plenty of suspense to go-round, MAVERICK was the complete package!

”I just know...the moment I touch you, that’s all I’ll ever want.”

Mav and Riley were GREAT characters - individually and as a couple. Their intense chemistry flew off of the pages. Their banter was flirtatious and sexy. Their stories, heartbreaking and beautiful. MAVERICK was an all-around solid romance. The supporting characters were great too! They captured my heart from the first page, enough for me to want to go back and read Shane and Rachel’s second-chance romance, and get me super pumped for book three coming early next year! 

If you're looking for a heart-pounding, sexy, and sensual romantic escape, MAVERICK is the next book for you. I think you’ll fall HARD for Mav, Riley, and the rest of the crew, just as I did.

Maverick Teaser

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Profile Image for Belle.
608 reviews564 followers
October 28, 2017
3.5/5 stars

As soon as I saw this book was set in British Columbia, Canada, I was sold. I just got back from a holiday where I spent a great deal of time there, and I absolutely fell in love with the area.



I mean, literally everything looked like a postcard so it was pretty hard not to fall in love with that place.

This book focuses on the middle Nelson brother, John “Mav” Nelson, and his new Search and Rescue recruit, Riley Clark. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but Mav pushes Riley away, not wanting to put his career in jeopardy.

Despite his effort to keep the tough and gorgeous Riley away, it doesn’t work for long. But Mav fears that their relationship will put his career and work clarity at risk.

This book was exciting, it had the perfect balance between their action packed work and romance, I never found myself bored and I flew through this book in one day. The romance was short and sweet, with a little bit of drama to add to the excitement. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship, but it wasn't anything too spectacular or action packed.

It was a light and fluffy romance that did wonders for my book slump, I'm sure it will be a book that I come back to when I need help out of a slump.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,559 reviews235 followers
October 18, 2017
LOVED this book! Mav and Riley had off the charts HOT chemistry together! These characters are fantastic! Riley is a strong woman who doesn't shy away when she wants someone - life is short and she learned that lesson the hard way. Maverick can't resist Riley, even though he's her boss and he's not allowed to fraternize with his employee. Seriously, the two of them together made for some very sexy scenes! I loved everything about this book and can't wait for Fox's book!!!
Profile Image for -S♡.
322 reviews53 followers
October 27, 2017
★4 Stars! Maverick...
“Love is chaos.”
I give her an odd look. But she’s right. Love is chaos.
I think I might be falling in love with Riley and I’ve never felt more turbulent in all my life.”
Profile Image for Jessica Hull.
936 reviews652 followers
October 16, 2017
Karina Halle's Wild Card was one of my top favorite reads of 2017, which was why I was so freaking anxious to get more of the Nelson brothers. But Maverick, the second standalone novel in the North Ridge series, is not at all like the first... And that's not at all a bad thing. Maverick is just as addictive, just as sexy, just as romantic but it's got a completely different mood. It's lighter in many ways, a quick read that you can easily devour in one sitting. It's HOTTER, the chemistry between Maverick and Riley is SMOKING. It's not quite as deep as the second chance romance from Wild Card but it's no slouch in its romanticism by any means. It's emotional and angsty in its own right, completely refreshing and it gave me all the heart tugs I love so much, those deliciously brutal chest pangs that hurt so damn good. It's a total 180 from Wild Card and yet I loved it just as much. The North Ridge series has been a complete surprise for me. I never expected to love this series so much but I do. I so so so do. So far, both Wild Card and Maverick have The North Ridge series going down as one of my absolute favorite storylines from Karina Halle. I can't get enough.

I enjoyed every delicious second of Maverick. I don't know what I was expecting in John "Maverick" Nelson's story after having loved Shane's book so much, but it wasn't this. I wasn't expecting to feel so much, to feel just as consumed by the forces of nature in this book as I was by the forces of attraction. But isn't that just how Karina Halle operates, pulling her reader in with a lush romance full of steam and heat and fierce attraction but doing it in a way that's unlike anything she's written before? It is indeed. And that's Maverick... fresh, HOT, sweet and addictive and completely unlike anything that came before it.

Riley is a heroine unlike most. She's the aggressor in this dynamic, the fiercely independent beauty who's unafraid to go after what she wants even when it's completely off limits. She's strong and so unlike most fictional heroines. While she shows brief glimpses of vulnerability and insecurity at times, she rebels against them instead of wallowing in them. She's the kind of woman we all wish we were, if we could just allow ourselves not to be so critical of our own flaws, if we were brave enough to just take what we want. She's tough and fun and sexy and fearless but she's also very relatable. I just adored her. It was easy to see why she makes Mav want to break all the rules. I'm a sucker for a good romance where the hero feels unattainable to the heroine, a heroine who secretly wants to crumble his emotional walls. In Maverick, it's Riley who's a bit closed off and it's Mav who longs to see her rough edges soften even though he'll never admit it. It's addictive and refreshing, what Halle does here with Maverick and Riley and this role reversal of sorts, and there's no words for how much I loved it.

Maverick is the full package. This book is full of adventure and steamy sex, loaded with romance, sexual tension, sharp witty banter and well timed humor, and it's rounded out with a good dose of emotion and angst that hit me right in the feels when I was least expecting it. I loved the pacing in this book. The push and pull, the slow burn, the building sexual tension, it evolves so exquisitely that you'll swear you're going to die just waiting for everything to finally explode. The chemistry between Riley and Maverick is FIERY and you'll burn and melt right along with them. I found myself giggling at times, swooning often, and despite the levity and decadent sensuality in much of this story, the heartache and heaviness really balanced it all out. It was just perfect! Fox was already going to have big shoes to fill after how much I loved Shane in Wild Card. But after how much I thoroughly enjoyed Maverick, I'm now more excited than ever to see what's in store for the oldest Nelson brother!
Profile Image for JadeC.
358 reviews68 followers
October 17, 2020
4 stars!!

talk about the cover!! 😌 it's so Maverick LOL! this book is a fast paced and thrilling story of Maverick and Riley. Both of them are members of a Search and Rescue team until a fatal accident left Riley traumatised. Mav needs another person on his team and Riley is confident enough to move past the incident after a break. She proceeds to apply for this position but Maverick isn't convinced. At the same time, he's intrigued by Riley.

With the chemistry between them hot enough to melt snow, keeping their hands off each other is detriment to the success of their team. i have to agree 100% with the blurb!

i enjoyed this book so much, Riley is a true badass and does not hide her feelings. I love how she makes her attraction known and constantly tests Maverick's patience. Mav tried his best to stay away from her because he's no good for her, he will bring trouble to the team, and blah blah but eventually he decided to give in. and its hot af. 🔥

"And most of all I gave a fuck about you! I gave a fuck about you Riley, when I didn’t even know if you’d care!”

“What?!” I screech. “You –”

I’m cutoff. His lips are mashed against mine, violent as a thunderstorm and I’m caught in the updraft."


4 stars! 😌
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,415 followers
October 19, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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A beautiful, sexy, and adrenaline pumping page turner!!! Maverick by Karina Halle is one of those reads that you have to devour in one sitting. This is definitely one of the most lighter romantic love stories written by Karina but don’t let that discourage you from reading this book because this book had me totally smitten with her characters. This book was dripping with lots of sexual chemistry, playfulness, and love. So if you are in the mood for a romance that will take you on a little vacation to Canada with hot mountainous alpha men then this book is for you.

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Profile Image for Giselle *Hopeless Book Lover*.
221 reviews68 followers
October 24, 2017
Karina Halle has produced yet another unputdownable read! Her novels never lack in angst, romance and love-able characters.

I'm loving the North Ridge series so far and if you haven't picked it up please do. Karina's writing is seriously so addicting and she's by far one of my favorite authors. If you're looking for a light and fun read with angst and some bad-ass main characters, hit that 1-click button!
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