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The North Shore Crew #1
Ride For Me
An enemies-to-lovers, broody, second-chance, romantic suspense.
BLURB:
Tragedy in Gage’s past tore his world apart.
Three years of heartbreak, of not wanting to feel, took its toll.
Content to be numb and bitter, he’s a shell of the man he used to be.
In a last-ditch effort to turn his life around, Gage gets thrust into his cousin’s world. The Crew’s world.
Out of his depth and reeling, one crew member stirs forgotten feelings. Feelings Gage is desperate to keep suppressed.
But his connection with Lil is consuming. Uncontrollable. Burning hot one minute, then running cold the next.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, or so Gage believed.
Not when it came to losing the love of his life.
Yet, it strikes again when Lil’s past comes back to bite, forcing Gage to confront his demons.
All while trying to stop pain-laced history from repeating.
Intended for readers 18+. The North Shore Crew series should be read in order.
Reading order:
1 - Ride For Me
2 - Break For Me
3 - Lie For Me
4 - Fight For Me
5 - Burn For Me
*NOTE - Originally published under pen name VR Baucke.
BLURB:
Tragedy in Gage’s past tore his world apart.
Three years of heartbreak, of not wanting to feel, took its toll.
Content to be numb and bitter, he’s a shell of the man he used to be.
In a last-ditch effort to turn his life around, Gage gets thrust into his cousin’s world. The Crew’s world.
Out of his depth and reeling, one crew member stirs forgotten feelings. Feelings Gage is desperate to keep suppressed.
But his connection with Lil is consuming. Uncontrollable. Burning hot one minute, then running cold the next.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, or so Gage believed.
Not when it came to losing the love of his life.
Yet, it strikes again when Lil’s past comes back to bite, forcing Gage to confront his demons.
All while trying to stop pain-laced history from repeating.
Intended for readers 18+. The North Shore Crew series should be read in order.
Reading order:
1 - Ride For Me
2 - Break For Me
3 - Lie For Me
4 - Fight For Me
5 - Burn For Me
*NOTE - Originally published under pen name VR Baucke.
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
153 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
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May 5, 2019
First off, this entire crew is absolutely amazing and I’m just going come out in say it now, but Mace is my favorite and I already want to claim him. Now, onto Mace’s cousin, Gage, and his best friend, Lil.
This book starts 4 months in the future so the prologue is a little confusion but it all makes sense as you read through the rest of the story. Thinking back to the prologue after finishing the book, it truly breaks my heart to know what happened.
I absolutely love Lil. As Mace puts it, she is hell on wheels. The girl is feisty and she gives as good as she gets. Though under that tough exterior she is broken, she has had her heart broken in a terrible way. She doesn’t give her heart easily or to just anyone. She is also a total badass, a fighter and stronger than she realizes. Gage is rough, rugged and has a total bad boy vibe, but he is also hiding his past, his heart break. He doesn’t want to be attracted with Lil, but he also can’t deny their chemistry.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I may have yelled at my kindle telling those men to hurry up! You’ll understand exactly what I mean once you’ve read the story.
Gage and Lil are two people who have experienced loss and pain in the past and they found each other when they both needed it most and were able to mend their hearts and break down the walls they both built up for themselves. But will the past destroy everything they built?
This story was unexpected. It had laughs, it had steaminess, it had drama and it had unexpected suspense. There are twists and turns you may not necessarily suspect and that is what makes this story stand out.
I CAN NOT wait for the rest of this series and to learn more about the others in the crew!
This book starts 4 months in the future so the prologue is a little confusion but it all makes sense as you read through the rest of the story. Thinking back to the prologue after finishing the book, it truly breaks my heart to know what happened.
I absolutely love Lil. As Mace puts it, she is hell on wheels. The girl is feisty and she gives as good as she gets. Though under that tough exterior she is broken, she has had her heart broken in a terrible way. She doesn’t give her heart easily or to just anyone. She is also a total badass, a fighter and stronger than she realizes. Gage is rough, rugged and has a total bad boy vibe, but he is also hiding his past, his heart break. He doesn’t want to be attracted with Lil, but he also can’t deny their chemistry.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I may have yelled at my kindle telling those men to hurry up! You’ll understand exactly what I mean once you’ve read the story.
Gage and Lil are two people who have experienced loss and pain in the past and they found each other when they both needed it most and were able to mend their hearts and break down the walls they both built up for themselves. But will the past destroy everything they built?
This story was unexpected. It had laughs, it had steaminess, it had drama and it had unexpected suspense. There are twists and turns you may not necessarily suspect and that is what makes this story stand out.
I CAN NOT wait for the rest of this series and to learn more about the others in the crew!
January 31, 2024
This is first VR Baucke novel and I’m really looking forward to reading her other books. I really enjoyed her writing style, it kept my interest and at times had me laughing out loud. I absolutely loved all the New Zealand slang throughout as well.
It started off a little confusing for me but as I kept reading things began falling into place.
Lil is as Mace puts it hell on wheels. She’s definitely a free spirit and has so much sass. Gage is such a broken man from all he has been through in his past, I really felt for him throughout the story and was cheering for him to get his HEA.
From their initial meeting they have an instant attraction and chemistry. They definitely have allot of ups and downs especially with Gage being so hot and cold due to his pain in his past and he struggles to believe he can fall in love again.
One of my favourite things about this story is the support characters and their relationships with one another. They were so likeable and fiercely loyal of one another. It is so easy to feel like you were part of their friendship group yourself.
I really enjoyed this angsty, suspense filled romance and I’m looking forward to reading more from VR Baucke.
It started off a little confusing for me but as I kept reading things began falling into place.
Lil is as Mace puts it hell on wheels. She’s definitely a free spirit and has so much sass. Gage is such a broken man from all he has been through in his past, I really felt for him throughout the story and was cheering for him to get his HEA.
From their initial meeting they have an instant attraction and chemistry. They definitely have allot of ups and downs especially with Gage being so hot and cold due to his pain in his past and he struggles to believe he can fall in love again.
One of my favourite things about this story is the support characters and their relationships with one another. They were so likeable and fiercely loyal of one another. It is so easy to feel like you were part of their friendship group yourself.
I really enjoyed this angsty, suspense filled romance and I’m looking forward to reading more from VR Baucke.
April 30, 2024
DNF
Prch Amz 3/23/2020
2 Stars
Dark Erotic BR April 2024
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I couldn't handle the idiotic behavior.
I tried multiple times but at chapter 7 page 58 I gave up.
Actually I gave up before that.
Every page was adults behaving like teenagers and college kids. No story. Just drinking, throwing things and saying ridiculous things that I suppose was meant to be funny.
It's a shame because the prologue was promising.
The prologue is the reason for the 2 Stars. Otherwise it would have been 1 star.
This was a buddy read in one of my groups and I nearly all of us dnf'd it.
It was that bad. That juvenile. That lacking in story and pace and character build.
Prch Amz 3/23/2020
2 Stars
Dark Erotic BR April 2024
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I couldn't handle the idiotic behavior.
I tried multiple times but at chapter 7 page 58 I gave up.
Actually I gave up before that.
Every page was adults behaving like teenagers and college kids. No story. Just drinking, throwing things and saying ridiculous things that I suppose was meant to be funny.
It's a shame because the prologue was promising.
The prologue is the reason for the 2 Stars. Otherwise it would have been 1 star.
This was a buddy read in one of my groups and I nearly all of us dnf'd it.
It was that bad. That juvenile. That lacking in story and pace and character build.
July 10, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================
=======================
Without warning, we weren’t alone; Lotte was in the room with us, watching us, surrounding me with her presence that had me flashing back to when she was beneath me, not Lil.
“Fuck. I… I’m so fucking sorry, Lil. I can’t do this. It’s not you, I swear. But I just can’t fucking do this.”
She looked at me now with unmistakable determination. “I won’t let myself be broken in order for you to heal.”
“I’ll always be broken, Lil. No matter how much I heal on the outside, I’ll forever be broken on the inside.”
“THE ONLY WAY your ass is touching that seat is while you’re behind me with your thighs squeezing mine.”
“Lotte was my everything, my entire goddamn world, and she fucking died.”
I wasn’t going to let her die in my arms like the last love of my life did.
“Lotte was my wife,” I blurted, thankfully before Lil took another sip because she gasped and jerked her hand.
“Together for nine years, married for six. We met at college and were inseparable, then married when we were twenty.”
I heard my bike start. I ran to the door just in time to see her tearing out onto the street, narrowly avoiding a passing car. She hadn’t bothered to put on her jacket or helmet. Where she was going, she wasn’t going to need them.”
“She had ridden into the path of an oncoming vehicle at over 120km/h, leaving no doubt in everyone’s mind that it was intentional.
When Gage loved, he loved with all his heart, and it left no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t replacing Lotte, but simply filling the large space he had made for me.
May 3, 2019
(¯`*•.¸,¤°´✿.｡.:* Ꮢ Ꭼ Ꮙ Ꭵ Ꭼ Ꮃ *.:｡.✿`°¤,¸.•*´¯)
This is not a new author to me, new-ish I would say, I have only read a couple of her books! So far I have been looking forward to this one very much!! I am a dye hard fan of biker anything!!
This started of a little confusing to me. I wasn't sure to what was happening right away but once I kept reading it all came together. When Gage meets Lily 'Lil' McMillan, a hell on wheels girl, it's a BANG! Both of these characters are a lot of fun & something more! Actually even the side characters, there is a lot happening and it's great you can relate to each one of them!
Their relation is a friends-to-lovers story. It is a slow burn but with a lot of action! When danger presents itself, Gage is the perfect biker hero!! Lil was no damsel in distress type of gal, but it was sweet to see that side of her even if it's just for Gage. She is always so strong and brave. Plus he calls her his sunshine :)
RATING 4.5
RECOMMEND? Yes
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G
This is not a new author to me, new-ish I would say, I have only read a couple of her books! So far I have been looking forward to this one very much!! I am a dye hard fan of biker anything!!
This started of a little confusing to me. I wasn't sure to what was happening right away but once I kept reading it all came together. When Gage meets Lily 'Lil' McMillan, a hell on wheels girl, it's a BANG! Both of these characters are a lot of fun & something more! Actually even the side characters, there is a lot happening and it's great you can relate to each one of them!
Their relation is a friends-to-lovers story. It is a slow burn but with a lot of action! When danger presents itself, Gage is the perfect biker hero!! Lil was no damsel in distress type of gal, but it was sweet to see that side of her even if it's just for Gage. She is always so strong and brave. Plus he calls her his sunshine :)
RATING 4.5
RECOMMEND? Yes
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G
May 5, 2019
Oh my word! I have a special place in my heart when I first meet authors who contact me and have me fall in love with their writing. I feel I have a special connection with them seeking me out and wanting to hear what I have to say about their words. It means a lot. The first time I read this author blew me away and now here, the third book I have read from her and I’m speechless. I had to shush my husband so freaking much because he kept talking during this book and I locked myself away to read!!!
Immediately fell in love with Lil, like the first meeting of her and her damn sass of an attitude made me laugh added with the clumsy way she first meets Gage!! I felt my spirit character in her. So much about her made me laugh, smile but also I couldn’t hold back my anger at times when she became too much and didn’t understand just what she was doing. I wasn’t expecting this to go the way it did and I even dreamt how I imagined it going and nothing would prepare me for what did happen. I held on edge at times while also wanting to cry my eyes out. This Crew and the connection they have to each other just makes my heart soar and scream FUCK YES! The Crew are consisted of friends and family but you can tell they are truly a family even if they aren’t blood. I have so many questions and I’m jumping up and down at the freaking epilogue!!!
I’m so damn impressed and can’t wait to read the next book!! I LOVE everyone of the Crew and I hope to see more of everyone in the near future!!!! I will try to be patient but oh my goodness woman, THAT ENDING!!!! I love it!! Congrats!! I hope that this will be an amazing best seller!! 💜💜
Immediately fell in love with Lil, like the first meeting of her and her damn sass of an attitude made me laugh added with the clumsy way she first meets Gage!! I felt my spirit character in her. So much about her made me laugh, smile but also I couldn’t hold back my anger at times when she became too much and didn’t understand just what she was doing. I wasn’t expecting this to go the way it did and I even dreamt how I imagined it going and nothing would prepare me for what did happen. I held on edge at times while also wanting to cry my eyes out. This Crew and the connection they have to each other just makes my heart soar and scream FUCK YES! The Crew are consisted of friends and family but you can tell they are truly a family even if they aren’t blood. I have so many questions and I’m jumping up and down at the freaking epilogue!!!
I’m so damn impressed and can’t wait to read the next book!! I LOVE everyone of the Crew and I hope to see more of everyone in the near future!!!! I will try to be patient but oh my goodness woman, THAT ENDING!!!! I love it!! Congrats!! I hope that this will be an amazing best seller!! 💜💜
July 9, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author, but my goodness, her writing just grabbed me and held me captive. I was so intrigued by what was happening that I didn't want to put it down at all. The characters all had such addictive personalites and it was written in a way that you felt like you were part of the crew too, not just an outsider looking in. I loved the fact that there was fun banter, the book had a light joking side but it also had the suspenseful side to it as well. I think this worked well together in this story.
Lili is such a fiesty woman. Her past has shaped who she is today, as everyone's pasts do, but she takes a while to trust. She is so close to her brother, which I love. She was a great heroine to introduce us into the world of the North Shore Crew. Batman aka Gage, he is so broody and hot! I felt so incredibly sad with his story. My heart ached for him. I loved that this book healed so many broken pieces of each character.
I will admit I may have teared up a bit while reading this book, I just felt my heart ache in certain parts of this story, but the story totally warmed my heart right back up. I just loved it. I can't wait for the next story in this series! Or all the stories for that matter!
This is my voluntary arc review.
Lili is such a fiesty woman. Her past has shaped who she is today, as everyone's pasts do, but she takes a while to trust. She is so close to her brother, which I love. She was a great heroine to introduce us into the world of the North Shore Crew. Batman aka Gage, he is so broody and hot! I felt so incredibly sad with his story. My heart ached for him. I loved that this book healed so many broken pieces of each character.
I will admit I may have teared up a bit while reading this book, I just felt my heart ache in certain parts of this story, but the story totally warmed my heart right back up. I just loved it. I can't wait for the next story in this series! Or all the stories for that matter!
This is my voluntary arc review.
May 6, 2019
Ride For Me is a book that will gut you to the core and heal you all in time. Gage and Lil will take you on a ride that is full of twists and turns, dips and peaks and have you needing to hang on tight. The connection between these two is like an electric storm brewing and the closer it gets the more sparks that will light up the darkness. Not only will these two find their way under your skin but the entire crew will be right there with them. This story had me angsty, frustrated, swooning and at the end owned me heart and soul. A passionate romance about two broken souls who learned to heal and love again. Tears were spilled but the love between these two and the passion they emit, will ultimately consume you and bring nothing but sunshine to your heart.
June 16, 2019
A new to me author, VR Baucke turned out to be quite a surprise. A story of second chances, Gage has experienced great loss and sorrow and decides to stop wallowing in his life and move with his cousin to work in his Uncle's construction business. What he was not prepared for was the "crew" that his cousin Mace was part of and I do not mean his work crew. Mace and his friends shared a deep bond. They were there for each other through thick and thin. He was most taken by Mace's friend Lil and her fiery spirit. Lil had also suffered from loss of love and her self esteem took a blow as well. When she met Gage, she was not sure why but he set her nerves on fire. The two of them "danced around each other" until the draw was too much. They must face some trials in order to see where this attraction will lead them. I was drawn into the suspense and steam that woven through this story. I look forward to Book 2!
July 29, 2019
I went into this book thinking it was one thing but it turned out to be so much more. VR has created characters you can't help but root for. Gage has suffered a terrible tragedy and he is trying to start his life over in a new town. He meets his cousin's friend and she awakens feelings he thought he'd never feel again. Lil has been through her share of heartbreak as well. This was a new to me author but I love her writing style and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. 💜
May 25, 2019
Ride For Me, is my first novel by VR Baucke and what an amazing start to a long lasting author addiction.
Being a kiwi girl myself, I feel it's easy to get hyped and bias when it comes to reading a kiwi authors book. However New Zealand folks are honest and straight forward, so all that I have to say in my review is based off of a readers POV not a loyal kiwis. In saying that I will make one bias comment, "I'm not at all surprised that a kiwi author delivered an incredible book hehe!!"
This book tells the story of Lil and Gage. A story that starts of a slightly confusing to me, but one I highly reccomend you stick with as everything unfolds and has you enthralled by every word.
I genuinely enjoy a heroine who is full throttle and has an abundance of sass and strength, as well as a alpha hero who is strong and falls hard. I love stories that involve characters finding love in the most unexpected circumstances and when they least expect it. Both hero and heroine were such great characters and made reading their story that much more addictive.
I especially loved reading the kiwi slang, this truly had me connecting with each character, it's very rare for me to find a book that I can connect with everyone on that level. I also loved each supporting character, I love nothing more than a book that involves a strong connection with each individual.
Overall, this will definitely NOT be the last book o read of VR Baucke, and am looking forward to the other books in the series. I highly reccomend you get yourself a copy of Ride For Me and enjoy the journey.
Being a kiwi girl myself, I feel it's easy to get hyped and bias when it comes to reading a kiwi authors book. However New Zealand folks are honest and straight forward, so all that I have to say in my review is based off of a readers POV not a loyal kiwis. In saying that I will make one bias comment, "I'm not at all surprised that a kiwi author delivered an incredible book hehe!!"
This book tells the story of Lil and Gage. A story that starts of a slightly confusing to me, but one I highly reccomend you stick with as everything unfolds and has you enthralled by every word.
I genuinely enjoy a heroine who is full throttle and has an abundance of sass and strength, as well as a alpha hero who is strong and falls hard. I love stories that involve characters finding love in the most unexpected circumstances and when they least expect it. Both hero and heroine were such great characters and made reading their story that much more addictive.
I especially loved reading the kiwi slang, this truly had me connecting with each character, it's very rare for me to find a book that I can connect with everyone on that level. I also loved each supporting character, I love nothing more than a book that involves a strong connection with each individual.
Overall, this will definitely NOT be the last book o read of VR Baucke, and am looking forward to the other books in the series. I highly reccomend you get yourself a copy of Ride For Me and enjoy the journey.
September 22, 2019
Heartbroken to TRUE LOVE ❤️
Lil and Gage found true love and both having their heart’s broken. This story will show you can find love again.
Lil and Gage found true love and both having their heart’s broken. This story will show you can find love again.
August 8, 2019
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
VR Baucke is a new author for me, but I can wholeheartedly say I’m now a fan. I adore this author’s writing style and the way she weaves a story that’s both compelling and heartwarming. Ms. Baucke also uses quite a bit of Kiwi slang–some of which I had to look up, lol–and it was so fun to read something somewhat out of the norm from the colloquialisms I’m used to as a Midwestern American.
The North Shore Crew are a boisterous, crazy, lovable bunch of people who made me feel like I was hanging out with a bunch of friends. I’ve only read book 1 so far (I have book 2 waiting for me on my Kindle, squee!!) and I’m already extremely attached to these characters. It’s been a while since a new author has introduced me to characters I could see myself being friends with and I loved it.
There’s plenty of angst, heat, and humor within this story … not to mention a few surprises from the main characters’ pasts that added a nice level of suspense. I got plenty more than I bargained for with this book, and I mean that in the best way possible <3
Gage is the epitome of damaged, morose alpha. Of course, because of who I am–and if you’re at all familiar with my reviews, you’re already expecting this–I love me a strong asshole with a heart of gold. Therefore … Gage is just … ugh. I swooned over this moody bastard all the way through the book <3
It’s easy to get frustrated with Gage’s hot and cold attitude toward Lil, but I can’t say I totally fault him for it. I’m not sure I would be able to open my heart up again if I’d gone through the kind of loss and heartbreak he has, so it can’t be even remotely easy. Not to mention how bubbly and full of life Lil is … it’d be overwhelming even if you didn’t have the kind of baggage he does.
In any event, while his surly disposition is aggravating and there are times you want to shake him and ask him what the hell it is that he wants, it’s an understandable situation. Let me tell you, though; once Gage falls, he falls hard. Once he realizes he’s wanting something with Lil, he is all in–no turning back. And if that isn’t one of the sexiest qualities in a man, I don’t know what is.
Lil has been through a lot of crap. Because of this, she has some pretty major trust issues and baggage that comes from dealing with it all. So not only does she have to decide if she’s ready to put herself out there again, but she has to decide if Gage is worth taking a chance on. With how she’s seen both his asshole side and his super sweet side, she’s left wondering what he expects from her–and for good reason. While I completely sympathize with Gage, I can’t help but feel like he should’ve been a bit more transparent from the start and explained why he’s so jaded. But that’s one of those things that’s easy to look at with a critical eye when you aren’t in the situation.
Lil is spunky and doesn’t take any shit, which was so fun to read. She’s quite unpredictable and it’s fun getting inside her head and learning just what makes her tick. I do think her friends tend to underestimate her–her brother, in particular–and I don’t think they gave her enough credit for some things, but I also think that’s more realistic. Your friends may always have your back, but they aren’t always going to tell you that you’re making the right choices, nor will they always be aware of when they need to take a step back and let you live your life or have confidence in the decisions you make.
I also just want to point out that the twin connection Lil shares with her brother was extremely fascinating. I’m not a twin, so I can’t touch on how accurate that telepathic communication actually is, but it made for a pretty awesome addition to an already wonderful story. My favorite parts were when they would argue with each other while they’re with their friends, but because they’re arguing telepathically, no one knows what it is they’re arguing about, lol. That was such a great touch!
If you’re a contemporary romance fan … you definitely need to check out this book. Especially if you enjoy elements of angst and suspense with realistic characters who don’t take themselves too seriously. I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to continue with book 2 <3
Happy reading!
Original review: Alated Bibliophile
VR Baucke is a new author for me, but I can wholeheartedly say I’m now a fan. I adore this author’s writing style and the way she weaves a story that’s both compelling and heartwarming. Ms. Baucke also uses quite a bit of Kiwi slang–some of which I had to look up, lol–and it was so fun to read something somewhat out of the norm from the colloquialisms I’m used to as a Midwestern American.
The North Shore Crew are a boisterous, crazy, lovable bunch of people who made me feel like I was hanging out with a bunch of friends. I’ve only read book 1 so far (I have book 2 waiting for me on my Kindle, squee!!) and I’m already extremely attached to these characters. It’s been a while since a new author has introduced me to characters I could see myself being friends with and I loved it.
There’s plenty of angst, heat, and humor within this story … not to mention a few surprises from the main characters’ pasts that added a nice level of suspense. I got plenty more than I bargained for with this book, and I mean that in the best way possible <3
Gage is the epitome of damaged, morose alpha. Of course, because of who I am–and if you’re at all familiar with my reviews, you’re already expecting this–I love me a strong asshole with a heart of gold. Therefore … Gage is just … ugh. I swooned over this moody bastard all the way through the book <3
It’s easy to get frustrated with Gage’s hot and cold attitude toward Lil, but I can’t say I totally fault him for it. I’m not sure I would be able to open my heart up again if I’d gone through the kind of loss and heartbreak he has, so it can’t be even remotely easy. Not to mention how bubbly and full of life Lil is … it’d be overwhelming even if you didn’t have the kind of baggage he does.
In any event, while his surly disposition is aggravating and there are times you want to shake him and ask him what the hell it is that he wants, it’s an understandable situation. Let me tell you, though; once Gage falls, he falls hard. Once he realizes he’s wanting something with Lil, he is all in–no turning back. And if that isn’t one of the sexiest qualities in a man, I don’t know what is.
Lil has been through a lot of crap. Because of this, she has some pretty major trust issues and baggage that comes from dealing with it all. So not only does she have to decide if she’s ready to put herself out there again, but she has to decide if Gage is worth taking a chance on. With how she’s seen both his asshole side and his super sweet side, she’s left wondering what he expects from her–and for good reason. While I completely sympathize with Gage, I can’t help but feel like he should’ve been a bit more transparent from the start and explained why he’s so jaded. But that’s one of those things that’s easy to look at with a critical eye when you aren’t in the situation.
Lil is spunky and doesn’t take any shit, which was so fun to read. She’s quite unpredictable and it’s fun getting inside her head and learning just what makes her tick. I do think her friends tend to underestimate her–her brother, in particular–and I don’t think they gave her enough credit for some things, but I also think that’s more realistic. Your friends may always have your back, but they aren’t always going to tell you that you’re making the right choices, nor will they always be aware of when they need to take a step back and let you live your life or have confidence in the decisions you make.
I also just want to point out that the twin connection Lil shares with her brother was extremely fascinating. I’m not a twin, so I can’t touch on how accurate that telepathic communication actually is, but it made for a pretty awesome addition to an already wonderful story. My favorite parts were when they would argue with each other while they’re with their friends, but because they’re arguing telepathically, no one knows what it is they’re arguing about, lol. That was such a great touch!
If you’re a contemporary romance fan … you definitely need to check out this book. Especially if you enjoy elements of angst and suspense with realistic characters who don’t take themselves too seriously. I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to continue with book 2 <3
Happy reading!
Original review: Alated Bibliophile
July 10, 2019
Talk about love at first sight!! These two had an instant connection and they both knew it. It takes these two broken people a little while to overcome their issues enough to be together, but when they do...fireworks!!! Lil and Gage have a twisty and angsty ride to get to their HEA. I really enjoyed reading about the connection that Lil and Mickey have as well as the family element. I loved this book. Highly recommend!!
August 16, 2019
Lil is left heartbroken after finding out she is the other woman to the man she thinks she loved. Turning to alcohol she drowns her pain.
Gage moves to town to work for the family business and escape his demons. His not so distant past is full of tragedy and heartbreak.
The two run into eachother at a party and is an instant love-hate relationship. Lust hits full force but both are torn, refusing to give in, and furious that this is even a spark. The problem is- lifes not done dishing out trauma.
This is a fantastic story about second chances, coping, facing your fears, and learning to embrace change. Angst and snark abound with these two and it is great! Life moves on and so must we!
Gage moves to town to work for the family business and escape his demons. His not so distant past is full of tragedy and heartbreak.
The two run into eachother at a party and is an instant love-hate relationship. Lust hits full force but both are torn, refusing to give in, and furious that this is even a spark. The problem is- lifes not done dishing out trauma.
This is a fantastic story about second chances, coping, facing your fears, and learning to embrace change. Angst and snark abound with these two and it is great! Life moves on and so must we!
October 18, 2020
Ride For Me is a second chance at love story set in New Zealand. Both lead characters, Lily McMillan and Gage Westbrook, have emotional backgrounds however it is Gage who is truly, truly hurting and unprepared for love this time around. His thoughts sum it up...’I wasn’t meant to want, to crave, to feel ever again.’
This author uses very descriptive expressions and meaningful sentences to clearly build images of each scene. Both lead characters tell the story from their own perspective, each character develops as the story continues and as we get to know them better we understand why they act and react the way they do. Their brutal self honesty is very refreshing too.
This is a slow burn romance in one way yet quick in another. Then there is the suspense element that has you guessing and wondering who is behind the scare tactics. The action is intense and has you on the edge of your seat, I literally couldn’t put the book down at this stage.
The story has a good dose of humour with the fun banter between characters zipping back and forth and zany antics of the crew. This balances the more serious elements which forms much of the book. I warn you though, you will laugh out loud, you will cringe with fear, you with get angry and you will probably cry BUT I am positive you will enjoy this amazing story just as much as I did!
This author uses very descriptive expressions and meaningful sentences to clearly build images of each scene. Both lead characters tell the story from their own perspective, each character develops as the story continues and as we get to know them better we understand why they act and react the way they do. Their brutal self honesty is very refreshing too.
This is a slow burn romance in one way yet quick in another. Then there is the suspense element that has you guessing and wondering who is behind the scare tactics. The action is intense and has you on the edge of your seat, I literally couldn’t put the book down at this stage.
The story has a good dose of humour with the fun banter between characters zipping back and forth and zany antics of the crew. This balances the more serious elements which forms much of the book. I warn you though, you will laugh out loud, you will cringe with fear, you with get angry and you will probably cry BUT I am positive you will enjoy this amazing story just as much as I did!
August 18, 2021
4 Stars
Ride For Me is the first book in the North Shore Crew series by Vi Summers. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Summers, so I was interested to see what she could do. It is a romantic suspense, with second chances, chemistry, steam, drama, danger, and a big dose of emotion.
I really felt for the characters and found myself rooting for them the whole way through. I was definitely invested in them and the outcome of their story. The heartache and emotion were palpable- Ms. Summers certainly knows how to tug on your heartstrings- while weaving a suspenseful tale.
If this first book is anything to go by, the rest of the series is set to be fantastic. Looking forward to book #2!
Thank you, Vi Summers!
Ride For Me is the first book in the North Shore Crew series by Vi Summers. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Summers, so I was interested to see what she could do. It is a romantic suspense, with second chances, chemistry, steam, drama, danger, and a big dose of emotion.
I really felt for the characters and found myself rooting for them the whole way through. I was definitely invested in them and the outcome of their story. The heartache and emotion were palpable- Ms. Summers certainly knows how to tug on your heartstrings- while weaving a suspenseful tale.
If this first book is anything to go by, the rest of the series is set to be fantastic. Looking forward to book #2!
Thank you, Vi Summers!
April 8, 2020
DNF...I didn't make it past 6%.
How old are these people? They act like middle schoolers. Bauvke forces the scenes with silly dialog. I suppose these people are good friends, but we don't know why. There are so many people at this drunken party that it is doughnut figure out who is who. There is some hints at bad things going on. Then There was Gage & Liv. And this was just 2 Chapters. Why do many 5 star reviews???
How old are these people? They act like middle schoolers. Bauvke forces the scenes with silly dialog. I suppose these people are good friends, but we don't know why. There are so many people at this drunken party that it is doughnut figure out who is who. There is some hints at bad things going on. Then There was Gage & Liv. And this was just 2 Chapters. Why do many 5 star reviews???
Want to read
March 24, 2023🎁 The complete North Shore Crew Series (3 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2020)! 🎁
May 12, 2019
Receive this ARC for an honest review.
This is my third book from this author and I am very surprised by this book, I love it and then I hated and then I loved it more.
I am not a huge fan of suspense and surprise in my romance book and yes this had both but I loved it....I held on too my seat and then I found myself yelling at the book.
This book has the real meaning of what a group of friends should be,they were honest, likeable, respectful and the love between them all was so well written I could feel it.
Lil and Gage had an amazing pull to each other from the first time they met yet each of them was broken in some way or another(can’t give too much away) their romance was hot plus the very cute names of Sunshine and Batman that Lil and Gage called each other made me laugh.
If you are looking for a book with twist and turn so heat and lots of amazing friends then I highly recommend this book to you.
I can not wait to read the rest of the books in the series..... hope we will get them soon.
This is my third book from this author and I am very surprised by this book, I love it and then I hated and then I loved it more.
I am not a huge fan of suspense and surprise in my romance book and yes this had both but I loved it....I held on too my seat and then I found myself yelling at the book.
This book has the real meaning of what a group of friends should be,they were honest, likeable, respectful and the love between them all was so well written I could feel it.
Lil and Gage had an amazing pull to each other from the first time they met yet each of them was broken in some way or another(can’t give too much away) their romance was hot plus the very cute names of Sunshine and Batman that Lil and Gage called each other made me laugh.
If you are looking for a book with twist and turn so heat and lots of amazing friends then I highly recommend this book to you.
I can not wait to read the rest of the books in the series..... hope we will get them soon.
July 22, 2019
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. 'Ride For Me' is the first book in The North Shore Crew series and is Lil and Gage's story.
Immediately fell in love with Lil, like the first meeting of her and her damn sass of an attitude made me laugh added with the clumsy way she first meets Gage.
This book starts 4 months in the future so the prologue is a little confusion but it all makes sense as you read through the rest of the story.
Gage and Lil are two people who have experienced loss and pain in the past and they found each other when they both needed it most and were able to mend their hearts and break down the walls they both built up for themselves.
I can’t wait to read the next book!! I LOVE everyone of the Crew and I hope to see more of everyone in the near future.
Immediately fell in love with Lil, like the first meeting of her and her damn sass of an attitude made me laugh added with the clumsy way she first meets Gage.
This book starts 4 months in the future so the prologue is a little confusion but it all makes sense as you read through the rest of the story.
Gage and Lil are two people who have experienced loss and pain in the past and they found each other when they both needed it most and were able to mend their hearts and break down the walls they both built up for themselves.
I can’t wait to read the next book!! I LOVE everyone of the Crew and I hope to see more of everyone in the near future.
June 16, 2019
A new to me author, VR Baucke turned out to be quite a surprise. A story of second chances, Gage has experienced great loss and sorrow and decides to stop wallowing in his life and move with his cousin to work in his Uncle's construction business. What he was not prepared for was the "crew" that his cousin Mace was part of and I do not mean his work crew. Mace and his friends shared a deep bond. They were there for each other through thick and thin. He was most taken by Mace's friend Lil and her fiery spirit. Lil had also suffered from loss of love and her self esteem took a blow as well. When she met Gage, she was not sure why but he set her nerves on fire. The two of them "danced around each other" until the draw was too much. They must face some trials in order to see where this attraction will lead them. I was drawn into the suspense and steam that woven through this story. I look forward to Book 2!
June 10, 2019
This is a new author to me and she did a great job of making me fall in love with Gage and Lil. They are both complicated characters with pasts they both are having trouble getting over. This book takes you through the turmoil they both are going through to let each other in their lives. This book takes you through some pretty strong emotions but you will appreciate the ride. A good read!
July 23, 2022
I really liked this one
It’s been a while since a book has gripped my attention enough to want more more more.
Both our MC are broken and slowly piece each other back together… the dead ex is always a tough trope but I think it was dealt with really well here. You never want to come away with feeling the h will always be second best
It’s been a while since a book has gripped my attention enough to want more more more.
Both our MC are broken and slowly piece each other back together… the dead ex is always a tough trope but I think it was dealt with really well here. You never want to come away with feeling the h will always be second best
May 13, 2019
Ride for Me is book 1 in The North Shore Crew. When two shattered hearts become one this book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering if Lil and Gage will ever get their HEA.
May 7, 2020
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I’m looking forward to reading much more. Lil and Gage were two people who were broken and in each other found the balm to soothe there soul that they never knew existed.
June 15, 2019
this book was fantastic, looking forward to reading the others in this series
May 6, 2019
This was a wild ride I'll tell ya, with all the little twists and turns you'll be kept on your toes
Lil was a firecracker, she was fiercely loyal to her friends but she has had her fair share of heartbreak and when she meets Gage its up and down from the start.
This was a real slow burn and you really got to feel for the characters, and the side characters.
Gage.. where do i start? He has his demons, vaild demons and he tries to keep Lil at arms length. I liked him though he was broody but loveable.
My 3rd book by this author and she sure has a way with words.
❤
Lil was a firecracker, she was fiercely loyal to her friends but she has had her fair share of heartbreak and when she meets Gage its up and down from the start.
This was a real slow burn and you really got to feel for the characters, and the side characters.
Gage.. where do i start? He has his demons, vaild demons and he tries to keep Lil at arms length. I liked him though he was broody but loveable.
My 3rd book by this author and she sure has a way with words.
❤
April 23, 2019
Getting to know The Crew in Ride For Me is quite a nail biting experience. These characters are so easy to fall in love with, relate to and I felt as though I was one of them.
They are simply perfection.
All throughout this novel I was caught giggling or in absolute fits of laughter, amazed by their bond and loyalty and totally blown away by the events VR Baucke has conjured up to make such an exquisite read.
My favourite parts were upon hitting those anticipating, heart throbbing scenes that have you so far gone your chest hurts! I simply couldn't keep my emotions in check.
For anyone wanting suspense, romance, laughter and amazing twists then I highly recommend this novel for you.
They are simply perfection.
All throughout this novel I was caught giggling or in absolute fits of laughter, amazed by their bond and loyalty and totally blown away by the events VR Baucke has conjured up to make such an exquisite read.
My favourite parts were upon hitting those anticipating, heart throbbing scenes that have you so far gone your chest hurts! I simply couldn't keep my emotions in check.
For anyone wanting suspense, romance, laughter and amazing twists then I highly recommend this novel for you.
May 30, 2019
That Prologue. It sucks you in right from the beginning. The author does a great job at making you fall in love with the whole crew of friends and sets it up for their books nicely. That last 25% was intense! Great book especially by a debut author.
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