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Shadow Crew #1
Redlined
Roxanne
Racing and Ross are the only two things I thought I could ever count on. That is, until one of them sends me far away, making me lose the other.
Now, stuck with a cousin I’m not sure even wants me here trying to pick up the scattered pieces of my life, all I want to do is find my own way.
Who cares if I’m slightly attracted to the asshole who seems to run these parts? Or that I’m starting to find his little tests exciting?
Who cares that the abandonment I felt from the people I thought were my family fades as I find a new group to grow close to.
It doesn’t mean anything. In the end, I’ll be gone, right?
Roman
I knew she was going to be trouble the minute I got the call she was coming. I didn’t expect her to light my blood on fire, though.
Now, she’s slowly integrating herself into my life, one irritatingly yet sexy glare at a time.
It doesn’t matter that I think the fact that she knows her cars is a huge turn on. Or that I crave having her near me.
The fact that I’m itching to protect her has nothing to do with the way she makes me feel.
There’s no room in the inner circle for new blood. So why does she seem to fit right in?
Racing and Ross are the only two things I thought I could ever count on. That is, until one of them sends me far away, making me lose the other.
Now, stuck with a cousin I’m not sure even wants me here trying to pick up the scattered pieces of my life, all I want to do is find my own way.
Who cares if I’m slightly attracted to the asshole who seems to run these parts? Or that I’m starting to find his little tests exciting?
Who cares that the abandonment I felt from the people I thought were my family fades as I find a new group to grow close to.
It doesn’t mean anything. In the end, I’ll be gone, right?
Roman
I knew she was going to be trouble the minute I got the call she was coming. I didn’t expect her to light my blood on fire, though.
Now, she’s slowly integrating herself into my life, one irritatingly yet sexy glare at a time.
It doesn’t matter that I think the fact that she knows her cars is a huge turn on. Or that I crave having her near me.
The fact that I’m itching to protect her has nothing to do with the way she makes me feel.
There’s no room in the inner circle for new blood. So why does she seem to fit right in?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
179 people are currently reading
1580 people want to read
About the author
Cala Riley
60 books747 followersCala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 28, 2021
You truly can't fail with Cala Riley books. This one was so good and a great start to a new series that will for sure be a winner.
Roxy and Roman's story was pretty darn good.
She's sent away to live with her cousin Hannah who's got ties to the crew in town, The Shadows. They are well known in town, even feared. Roxy is a free spirit who does and says whatever she wants. She doesn't care if you don't like that. She's not around to please you.
Roman is a jerk. Plain and simple. He knows he's hot stuff and everyone falls at his feet. Little by little the tough guy persona fades away and we get to see the real him and it's beautiful! His heart is big for his family and he will do ANYTHING to protect them. Anything.
So when those two start running into each other more and more the tension is HIGH and the lust is on FIRE!!
This read starts out intense and is that way until the very end. There are twists you didn't see coming, steam that will melt your panties off and fun one liners. You don't want to miss this series about a racing crew family that will steal your hearts. Can't wait to read book 2!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Roxy and Roman's story was pretty darn good.
She's sent away to live with her cousin Hannah who's got ties to the crew in town, The Shadows. They are well known in town, even feared. Roxy is a free spirit who does and says whatever she wants. She doesn't care if you don't like that. She's not around to please you.
Roman is a jerk. Plain and simple. He knows he's hot stuff and everyone falls at his feet. Little by little the tough guy persona fades away and we get to see the real him and it's beautiful! His heart is big for his family and he will do ANYTHING to protect them. Anything.
So when those two start running into each other more and more the tension is HIGH and the lust is on FIRE!!
This read starts out intense and is that way until the very end. There are twists you didn't see coming, steam that will melt your panties off and fun one liners. You don't want to miss this series about a racing crew family that will steal your hearts. Can't wait to read book 2!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
October 2, 2021
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
What a ride! Both Roxy and Roman were pretty kick butt and take names kind of people. She's basically a female alpha version of him. Roxy is a really spirited person, but arrived in town super angry at the world, her "family", and her circumstances. Roman is really kind of mean and controlling, but it was based in suspicions of who she was and what she wanted. The attraction was their right from the start and their continued fiery interactions was only throwing gasoline on the flames.
I want to say up front, that I LOVE Cala Riley's mafia romances. LOVE. This book definitely ticked all her usual boxes for me. Great storyline. Characters that grow on you till you're super invested. Great writing. All reasons I wanted to give this a go. It was definitely a 5 star read for me, despite it being "not my thing". It had a very Fast and the Furious vibe to it and if you like that sort of thing, you'll LOVE this. Turns out, that's not really my thing, lol. All the talk about "crews" was just not something I could relate to. Well honestly, I can't really relate to the mafia either, but 🤷🏻♀️. I still love her books and I'll definitely be reading more in the future. I'll likely even continue reading this series, maybe it'll grow on me :)
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
What a ride! Both Roxy and Roman were pretty kick butt and take names kind of people. She's basically a female alpha version of him. Roxy is a really spirited person, but arrived in town super angry at the world, her "family", and her circumstances. Roman is really kind of mean and controlling, but it was based in suspicions of who she was and what she wanted. The attraction was their right from the start and their continued fiery interactions was only throwing gasoline on the flames.
I want to say up front, that I LOVE Cala Riley's mafia romances. LOVE. This book definitely ticked all her usual boxes for me. Great storyline. Characters that grow on you till you're super invested. Great writing. All reasons I wanted to give this a go. It was definitely a 5 star read for me, despite it being "not my thing". It had a very Fast and the Furious vibe to it and if you like that sort of thing, you'll LOVE this. Turns out, that's not really my thing, lol. All the talk about "crews" was just not something I could relate to. Well honestly, I can't really relate to the mafia either, but 🤷🏻♀️. I still love her books and I'll definitely be reading more in the future. I'll likely even continue reading this series, maybe it'll grow on me :)
November 10, 2022
This was my first book by this duo. I really enjoyed it. Loved the characters, both the hero and heroine. I loved the crew and the whole concept of the story and conflict.
There were a few words and phrases they used a lot, so much so that it became distracting to me. I focused in on it every time I saw it. There were also a few spots where it seemed like a word might be missing.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it. Dove right into book 2.
There were a few words and phrases they used a lot, so much so that it became distracting to me. I focused in on it every time I saw it. There were also a few spots where it seemed like a word might be missing.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it. Dove right into book 2.
September 8, 2023
Why was this so good? Chef’s kiss and a round of applause, damn.
March 9, 2022
“If this is how you hate, then hate away, baby.” Redlined, Cala Riley
This was an utter surprise. I went into this completely blind and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
The enemies to lovers vibes, to the racing, to the secrets, this book kept me interested from start to finish. I read this in one sitting and just couldn’t get enough of Roxy and Roman. Their dynamic was so fresh, you could feel the sparks flying off the page from them.
And the scene on the railing? I was blushing harder than a sinner in church. The tension and spice in Redlined was “chefs kiss”.
What made this book stand out to me was the writing style, the easiness of reading this book, the plot, the main characters, the dual pov, and the overall feel of this story. I truly enjoyed this book and need to just rave about it.
The reason I gave it 4/5 stars is because I wish the ending was more drawn out, it just felt rushed and needed to be just a little longer. And I wish we got more of Roxy and Roman at the end too. But other than that, this adult contemporary racing/gang romance was a stand out.
TW included, so please read those before starting.
This was an utter surprise. I went into this completely blind and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
The enemies to lovers vibes, to the racing, to the secrets, this book kept me interested from start to finish. I read this in one sitting and just couldn’t get enough of Roxy and Roman. Their dynamic was so fresh, you could feel the sparks flying off the page from them.
And the scene on the railing? I was blushing harder than a sinner in church. The tension and spice in Redlined was “chefs kiss”.
What made this book stand out to me was the writing style, the easiness of reading this book, the plot, the main characters, the dual pov, and the overall feel of this story. I truly enjoyed this book and need to just rave about it.
The reason I gave it 4/5 stars is because I wish the ending was more drawn out, it just felt rushed and needed to be just a little longer. And I wish we got more of Roxy and Roman at the end too. But other than that, this adult contemporary racing/gang romance was a stand out.
TW included, so please read those before starting.
October 1, 2021
Redlined had me utterly obsessed from page one! It was everything I wanted from this book and went even beyond that, making me totally fall in love with it. And the amazing characters found their way into my heart almost instantly. Action, twists, street racing, bad boys and badass girls with a lotta angst and feels, there's literally nothing more I could've asked for!
Roxanne and Roman are seriously instant fire; the sizzling tension between them is incredible! There's so much angst and wow they are definitely intense, in the best possible way. You can really feel their chemistry and you can tell from afar how they are pretty much perfect for each other.
I'm a sucker for when one of the characters feels protective towards their love interest even when they're supposedly hating each other, and it's done amazingly in this! Both of them can't resist the other no matter how hard they try and I love it! It really brings the tension to a whole other level.
Me being a huge fan of the fast and furious franchise, I had major vibes to that from the races in this book, they're written so well and they were seriously some of my favorite scenes, besides pretty much every single perfect interaction between Roxy and Roman of course!
Roxy and Rome's story is truly a wild ride (no pun intended) that I adored with my whole heart! The ending left me needing the second book like ASAP, can't wait for more books in this world!
"Roman will legitimately run through all the circles of hell to get to you. To protect you. He would take his own life before allowing you to take your last breath."
*I received this ARC from Literary Designs but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Roxanne and Roman are seriously instant fire; the sizzling tension between them is incredible! There's so much angst and wow they are definitely intense, in the best possible way. You can really feel their chemistry and you can tell from afar how they are pretty much perfect for each other.
I'm a sucker for when one of the characters feels protective towards their love interest even when they're supposedly hating each other, and it's done amazingly in this! Both of them can't resist the other no matter how hard they try and I love it! It really brings the tension to a whole other level.
Me being a huge fan of the fast and furious franchise, I had major vibes to that from the races in this book, they're written so well and they were seriously some of my favorite scenes, besides pretty much every single perfect interaction between Roxy and Roman of course!
Roxy and Rome's story is truly a wild ride (no pun intended) that I adored with my whole heart! The ending left me needing the second book like ASAP, can't wait for more books in this world!
"Roman will legitimately run through all the circles of hell to get to you. To protect you. He would take his own life before allowing you to take your last breath."
*I received this ARC from Literary Designs but the thoughts are completely my own.*
September 27, 2021
Roxy has never felt more betrayed, she has been sent away to live with a cousin she barely knows and she isn't even so sure that Hannah wants her there. Her cousin is part of the elite Shadow crew. With Roxy's knowledge of racing and her love of cars, she immediately wants in... but Hannah has her reservations about letting her get too close to the crew... it's bound to only lead to trouble!
But Roxy doesn't seem to care if there is trouble to come, she needs a distraction and the Shadow crew seems like the perfect fit... especially after she meets their sexy leader Roman!
Redlined is an action packed little page-turner that is bound to have you at it's mercy from start to finish! It's fearless heroine and her sexy counterpart will wander onto the page, banter will ensue, trouble will be stirred up, as well as some serious sparks, and you will be hooked!
Roxy is a girl after my own heart, she loves cars as much as I do, and it was fun to see her show her skills on the track, and watch all those guys stand up and take notice! She was truly a fierce breath of fresh air!! I cannot wait to see where Roxy and her new crew take us next! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
But Roxy doesn't seem to care if there is trouble to come, she needs a distraction and the Shadow crew seems like the perfect fit... especially after she meets their sexy leader Roman!
Redlined is an action packed little page-turner that is bound to have you at it's mercy from start to finish! It's fearless heroine and her sexy counterpart will wander onto the page, banter will ensue, trouble will be stirred up, as well as some serious sparks, and you will be hooked!
Roxy is a girl after my own heart, she loves cars as much as I do, and it was fun to see her show her skills on the track, and watch all those guys stand up and take notice! She was truly a fierce breath of fresh air!! I cannot wait to see where Roxy and her new crew take us next! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 30, 2021
Redlined will have these characters and their storyline racing for your heart. The heat and the steam that radiates off these two will be felt deep under your skin. Roxy and Roman have a chemistry that lights up the night sky as these two strong characters tease us with the push and pull between them. A story that is filled with drama and has these characters walking the line between love and hate. Roxy is a sassy independent character that you just can't help like and Roman presents us with that strong confident alpha male type. Their story will at times have you hanging on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns that it takes along with the secrets and lies. A strong start to this new series has you eagerly awaiting more from the other characters.
November 20, 2022
This book was actually insanely good like goddawym 5/5 stars
I was actually sobbing for like the last quarter of the book like how could the author do this to me 😭
The tension was insane and the spice had me GOING CRAZY
and the tension and leading up to the next books with side characters had me so excited for the next books????
I actually quite liked this as some sort of palate cleanser from mafia romance without going fully contemporary romance
I will definitely come back to this book and this author
I was looking at this authors page and honestly I am kind of sold I might just binge it all
CALA RILEY YOU GOT A NEW FAN COMING YOUR WAY
5/5 im a lesbian but any book that makes me cry in the best way is great
I was actually sobbing for like the last quarter of the book like how could the author do this to me 😭
The tension was insane and the spice had me GOING CRAZY
and the tension and leading up to the next books with side characters had me so excited for the next books????
I actually quite liked this as some sort of palate cleanser from mafia romance without going fully contemporary romance
I will definitely come back to this book and this author
I was looking at this authors page and honestly I am kind of sold I might just binge it all
CALA RILEY YOU GOT A NEW FAN COMING YOUR WAY
5/5 im a lesbian but any book that makes me cry in the best way is great
September 25, 2021
Redlined is a Must Read! 📚
Hmmmm....Where do I begin?
This book was seriously good.
Roxy was sent to live with her cousin Hannah who is part of the shadow crew. Feeling rejected, roxy wanted nothing more than to get a job and buy a car and leave town and her past for good.
Things don't always go to plan though.
Roxy meets a local and attends a race meet, her love for cars draws her closer to the action.
The leader of the shadow crew, Roman. Drives one of those cars.
Despite he cousins warnings to stay away trouble keeps finding her.
Roman is attracted to Roxy. He finds her an unwelcome addition that he doesn't have time for.
After Hannah asks him to let Roxy join the family things between Roman and Roxy heat up.
Heat up they do, Roman is a sexy alphahole I was truly hooked on this book and didn't put it down until the very last page. It was seriously intense and the banter between Roxy and Roman. My word those two could set some pages on fire! 🔥
I have read a few books from these authors now and I'm becoming such a HUGE fan.
I cannot wait to read more from this series and from the authors!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmmmm....Where do I begin?
This book was seriously good.
Roxy was sent to live with her cousin Hannah who is part of the shadow crew. Feeling rejected, roxy wanted nothing more than to get a job and buy a car and leave town and her past for good.
Things don't always go to plan though.
Roxy meets a local and attends a race meet, her love for cars draws her closer to the action.
The leader of the shadow crew, Roman. Drives one of those cars.
Despite he cousins warnings to stay away trouble keeps finding her.
Roman is attracted to Roxy. He finds her an unwelcome addition that he doesn't have time for.
After Hannah asks him to let Roxy join the family things between Roman and Roxy heat up.
Heat up they do, Roman is a sexy alphahole I was truly hooked on this book and didn't put it down until the very last page. It was seriously intense and the banter between Roxy and Roman. My word those two could set some pages on fire! 🔥
I have read a few books from these authors now and I'm becoming such a HUGE fan.
I cannot wait to read more from this series and from the authors!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2021
Wow! After reading this book I already know this series will be a favourite of mine! I started reading it at 10pm thinking oh I’ll read a couple chapters before bed & it’s now almost 1am & I have to be up so early for work tomorrow but I could not put this book down!
I love Roman. Seriously Cala & Riley write some of the best sexy, protective alpha male characters I’ve ever read! Roxy is the perfect queen to Roman’s king in a million different ways. I loved her badass spirit, her snarky sass & strong willed ways. I do wish we got to see more of her driving though. Fast & The Furious is one of my favourite movie series & this book gives me those kind of vibes! I loved it! That ending was intense & only left me more excited for the next book in this series!
I love Roman. Seriously Cala & Riley write some of the best sexy, protective alpha male characters I’ve ever read! Roxy is the perfect queen to Roman’s king in a million different ways. I loved her badass spirit, her snarky sass & strong willed ways. I do wish we got to see more of her driving though. Fast & The Furious is one of my favourite movie series & this book gives me those kind of vibes! I loved it! That ending was intense & only left me more excited for the next book in this series!
September 25, 2021
OMG Redlined… Yep this ticks all of my boxes. Cars – Sexy Alpha Men – Badass Women – Twists… it has everything!
Roxanne is trying to find her place she has been shipped off after being in an accident that could have been deadly. Moving from one unwanted crew to another Roxy is not sure where she fits in and is getting her ducks in a row to bail out of town. Roman knows she is different and 100% knows that she is his, he just has to get her to believe that. When betrayal rocks the entire crew their next moves could tear them apart, can they survive this?
I personally loved this story; I am obsessed with Fast and Furious and this has all the vibes from beginning to end. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. Cala & Riley need to write quicker!
Star Rating: Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Roxanne is trying to find her place she has been shipped off after being in an accident that could have been deadly. Moving from one unwanted crew to another Roxy is not sure where she fits in and is getting her ducks in a row to bail out of town. Roman knows she is different and 100% knows that she is his, he just has to get her to believe that. When betrayal rocks the entire crew their next moves could tear them apart, can they survive this?
I personally loved this story; I am obsessed with Fast and Furious and this has all the vibes from beginning to end. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. Cala & Riley need to write quicker!
Star Rating: Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
September 20, 2021
Once again Cala Riley has delivered an amazing book! From start to finish Redlined had me hooked and left me needing the next books in the series now!
Roman and Roxy's story kept me on my toes and turning page after page. Roxy is sent to live with her cousin after somethings happen in her hometown. Little does she know her cousin is part of the Shadow Crew. Things are tension filled right from the start between Roman and Roxy. But let's face it the big badass has to push her away. It's who he is. Roxy is her own person. She was burned in the past and isn't going to let anyone do it again.
The tension between Rome and Roxy is off the charts. These two could start fires if someone wasn't occasional thrown into water. The crew life isn't for everyone and it gets people hurt. There are many layers to the system most of which people don't understand.
Redlined is the perfect start to this series and leaves us needing more of these characters. While it's a standalone Cala and Riley leave you wondering about the other characters and can we say possible spin off series too?
There were moments in this book my heart literally stopped. They shock you to the core with some of their decisions but holy hell is it an amazing ride.
Redlined is a MUST read! You will not be sorry.
Roman and Roxy's story kept me on my toes and turning page after page. Roxy is sent to live with her cousin after somethings happen in her hometown. Little does she know her cousin is part of the Shadow Crew. Things are tension filled right from the start between Roman and Roxy. But let's face it the big badass has to push her away. It's who he is. Roxy is her own person. She was burned in the past and isn't going to let anyone do it again.
The tension between Rome and Roxy is off the charts. These two could start fires if someone wasn't occasional thrown into water. The crew life isn't for everyone and it gets people hurt. There are many layers to the system most of which people don't understand.
Redlined is the perfect start to this series and leaves us needing more of these characters. While it's a standalone Cala and Riley leave you wondering about the other characters and can we say possible spin off series too?
There were moments in this book my heart literally stopped. They shock you to the core with some of their decisions but holy hell is it an amazing ride.
Redlined is a MUST read! You will not be sorry.
October 11, 2021
5 REDLINED STARS!! Wow, what a great ride this one was. Roxy and Roman where exciting to watch they will hit all the emotion buttons and more....just buckle up and be ready. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait for more.
March 19, 2025
This is my first book by Cala Riley. And I seriously couldn't put the book down! The steamy parts were 👌. It gives Fast and the Furious or Street Outlaw vibes. Definitely can't wait to read the second book to the series.
September 24, 2021
Omg this was so good. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first racing crew type book I have ever read and I really loved it. I love the alpha male character , he is such a jerk, yet you just can’t seem to get enough of him. I love this type of trope in a book. The main female character, Roxy, is such an independent bada**, and she refuses to take any crap from anyone, let alone Roman. They have some major sexu** tension happening between the two of them, its insane and 🥵🥵🥵. I loved how little by little she began to lose her hatred for him and starts to want to really belong with his crew/ family.
This is an amazing start to a new series and I’ll be here for all of it .
A one click 5⭐️ for me !!
October 15, 2021
I was supposed to get an ARC to review from @literary_designs but I didn’t. I emailed them and sent them a text and didn’t get an appropriate response. However, I still went on to read the book and review it because I really liked the synopsis.
Roxy is one of the best racer there is. She grew up with the Soulless, but was never really a part of it. However, that changed when she got into an accident and was later sent to live with her cousin.
The Shadows rule the town her cousin lives in. And their ringleader, Roman Carter, is an asshole and a jerk. He is a true alphahole on the outside, but a real sweetheart on the inside. Both of them try to stay away but find themselves back to each other like two ends of a magnet.
Roxy and Rome together are fire doused in kerosene. The spark between them is palpable, both characters created equally strong. The romance and intensity between them rose to a crescendo and remained the same until the end.
Both our hero and heroines were badass, but I felt Roxy lacking slightly. I would have loved to see her more in her element, like wiping out everybody else at the race. She is supposed to be the best racer, but we don’t see any of that in the book. Although she has embraced the ruggedness of growing up with a crew, I want to see her become a fearless leader, which I hope will see in book 2.
The writing style fit the tone of the plot and actions perfectly and it made me reach for the second book immediately (which apparently will be released next year 😭). I love the vibe of this book, the fast pace, the characters, the thrill. Looking forward to reading the next.
Roxy is one of the best racer there is. She grew up with the Soulless, but was never really a part of it. However, that changed when she got into an accident and was later sent to live with her cousin.
The Shadows rule the town her cousin lives in. And their ringleader, Roman Carter, is an asshole and a jerk. He is a true alphahole on the outside, but a real sweetheart on the inside. Both of them try to stay away but find themselves back to each other like two ends of a magnet.
Roxy and Rome together are fire doused in kerosene. The spark between them is palpable, both characters created equally strong. The romance and intensity between them rose to a crescendo and remained the same until the end.
Both our hero and heroines were badass, but I felt Roxy lacking slightly. I would have loved to see her more in her element, like wiping out everybody else at the race. She is supposed to be the best racer, but we don’t see any of that in the book. Although she has embraced the ruggedness of growing up with a crew, I want to see her become a fearless leader, which I hope will see in book 2.
The writing style fit the tone of the plot and actions perfectly and it made me reach for the second book immediately (which apparently will be released next year 😭). I love the vibe of this book, the fast pace, the characters, the thrill. Looking forward to reading the next.
January 14, 2022
5/5 ⭐️
2.75/5 🌶
Tropes:
- romantic suspense
- enemies to lovers
- street racing
- small town
- action packed
- secrets & betrayal
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: interconnected stand-alone (book one)
Roxy has been exiled by someone whom she considered to be her closest friend, from California to Middle-of-Nowhere. Forced to live with her estranged cousin Hannah, she soon discovers that Hannah runs with the local crew. When Roxy runs into the crew king Roman, their love-hate chemistry packs more heat than the cars racing the streets.
I don’t know what I was expecting but I was way off mark. This exceeded all expectations. The amount of emotions this book brought out of me is embarrassing. This is one of those books that you don’t stop thinking out. I needed time to process everything.
Roman was such a complex character that had me both hating and loving. Love won out in the end because I mean…he’s hard to resist.
This was action packed with perfect world building that didn’t feel like information overload. The ending had me f*cked up! Unforgettable for damn sure. Yes there’s a HEA but it doesn’t come easily.
Everyone has to read this book! You won’t regret it.
2.75/5 🌶
Tropes:
- romantic suspense
- enemies to lovers
- street racing
- small town
- action packed
- secrets & betrayal
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: interconnected stand-alone (book one)
Roxy has been exiled by someone whom she considered to be her closest friend, from California to Middle-of-Nowhere. Forced to live with her estranged cousin Hannah, she soon discovers that Hannah runs with the local crew. When Roxy runs into the crew king Roman, their love-hate chemistry packs more heat than the cars racing the streets.
I don’t know what I was expecting but I was way off mark. This exceeded all expectations. The amount of emotions this book brought out of me is embarrassing. This is one of those books that you don’t stop thinking out. I needed time to process everything.
Roman was such a complex character that had me both hating and loving. Love won out in the end because I mean…he’s hard to resist.
This was action packed with perfect world building that didn’t feel like information overload. The ending had me f*cked up! Unforgettable for damn sure. Yes there’s a HEA but it doesn’t come easily.
Everyone has to read this book! You won’t regret it.
January 16, 2022
I am speechless after reading this first installment in Cala and Riley’s Shadow Crew series. To be honest, I was a skeptical with this being a romance based around racing crews because I grew up fixing cars and around racetracks - but this story is everything I hoped for and it was delivered perfectly. It’s suspenseful, action packed, has just the right amount of heart-pounding steam.
Roxy is such a feisty firecracker, I loved her from the start! She is loyal, doesn’t hold back, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I adore how this young woman didn’t back down or crumble when danger came knocking, she learned from it.
Roman is the leader of his crew - he rules with an iron fist but he will do any and everything to keep his family safe.
He is smart, observant, protective - even if his decisions are off the wall crazy sometimes.
When these two collide, it’s like bring fireworks to a bonfire. Their banter had me grinning - but their intensity and chemistry had me melting. I loved watching these two go from butting heads to having one another’s backs.
This is an intensely fast paced read that I could not put down - I devoured it in one day. I love how Cala and Riley built this story so much. I didn’t just connect with the main characters, I was able to connect with the side characters as well and ended up loving them as much as the main. I found myself laughing so hard I had tears and then tearing up over the unexpected twist. I flipping loved this intro to this series and can’t wait to see what this talented duo has in store for the Shadow Crew because I have the feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Roxy is such a feisty firecracker, I loved her from the start! She is loyal, doesn’t hold back, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I adore how this young woman didn’t back down or crumble when danger came knocking, she learned from it.
Roman is the leader of his crew - he rules with an iron fist but he will do any and everything to keep his family safe.
He is smart, observant, protective - even if his decisions are off the wall crazy sometimes.
When these two collide, it’s like bring fireworks to a bonfire. Their banter had me grinning - but their intensity and chemistry had me melting. I loved watching these two go from butting heads to having one another’s backs.
This is an intensely fast paced read that I could not put down - I devoured it in one day. I love how Cala and Riley built this story so much. I didn’t just connect with the main characters, I was able to connect with the side characters as well and ended up loving them as much as the main. I found myself laughing so hard I had tears and then tearing up over the unexpected twist. I flipping loved this intro to this series and can’t wait to see what this talented duo has in store for the Shadow Crew because I have the feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
October 3, 2023
no, because I'm conflicted now. I genuinely haven't read in months, but I just read this in one sitting. It's not a literary masterpiece but it's very entertaining and that's the important part
It's kinda wattpad-y, but its good, it's just still wattpad-y in the way they kept referring to themselves as bad bitches, the constant time skips of like 3 dats later, a week later. Not explaining what happened in between that. I can't fault it cause I do the same things when I'm in my writing eras but I've never posted anything.
There are alot of things that don't get answered or explained that are super weird. I honestly got this book for free during a stuff your kindle thing but I'm kinda curious to get the rest of them and finish it...
SPOILERS:
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.
.
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ok, like so one of the first things? the glass of water? when she asked roman for it but then he just did her laundry and didn't get it for her but then said it was hannah and hannah said it wasn't her but Rox had a nightmare about seeing someone outside her window and then at the end she sees marco in the woods at his funeral? i so believe he wasnt acutally killed tbh but if he was like is girly seeing ghosts? thats what is so interesting to me rn is like is there a paranormal aspect? is it just unedited writing?
It's kinda wattpad-y, but its good, it's just still wattpad-y in the way they kept referring to themselves as bad bitches, the constant time skips of like 3 dats later, a week later. Not explaining what happened in between that. I can't fault it cause I do the same things when I'm in my writing eras but I've never posted anything.
There are alot of things that don't get answered or explained that are super weird. I honestly got this book for free during a stuff your kindle thing but I'm kinda curious to get the rest of them and finish it...
SPOILERS:
.
.
.
.
ok, like so one of the first things? the glass of water? when she asked roman for it but then he just did her laundry and didn't get it for her but then said it was hannah and hannah said it wasn't her but Rox had a nightmare about seeing someone outside her window and then at the end she sees marco in the woods at his funeral? i so believe he wasnt acutally killed tbh but if he was like is girly seeing ghosts? thats what is so interesting to me rn is like is there a paranormal aspect? is it just unedited writing?
December 26, 2023
Hmmmm...
Weak plot, weak characters, but good writing.
Plot:
Barely anything happened. Not even the spice was that interesting. There were no high stakes. You could see the betrayal coming from a mile away. The other crew was no real threat. I just didn't feel anything for it.
Characters:
The characters were cookie cutter. Very specific personalities that you basically always see when you put three men and a woman together. The leader, the flirt, the jokester, and the tech genius. Hannah brought absolutely nothing to the plot. It was such a joke. And Roxy was so not like other girls? Ick, way to put other girls down. Also, Roxy was just as cookie cutter 'badass chick' as the other characters.
There was no chemistry. Nothing. Nada. It made the spicy scenes very awkward to read. And they love each other? Roxy is best friends with the others? Where on the page can I find that emotion because it couldn't be found in this book.
Writing:
A little bit too much telling instead of showing, but pretty solid writing overall. The writing and the fact that it's a short book are the only reason I completed this book.
This was such a boring book. 2 stars.
Weak plot, weak characters, but good writing.
Plot:
Barely anything happened. Not even the spice was that interesting. There were no high stakes. You could see the betrayal coming from a mile away. The other crew was no real threat. I just didn't feel anything for it.
Characters:
The characters were cookie cutter. Very specific personalities that you basically always see when you put three men and a woman together. The leader, the flirt, the jokester, and the tech genius. Hannah brought absolutely nothing to the plot. It was such a joke. And Roxy was so not like other girls? Ick, way to put other girls down. Also, Roxy was just as cookie cutter 'badass chick' as the other characters.
There was no chemistry. Nothing. Nada. It made the spicy scenes very awkward to read. And they love each other? Roxy is best friends with the others? Where on the page can I find that emotion because it couldn't be found in this book.
Writing:
A little bit too much telling instead of showing, but pretty solid writing overall. The writing and the fact that it's a short book are the only reason I completed this book.
This was such a boring book. 2 stars.
December 2, 2024
Obsessed
I am obsessed. These two had so much chemistry it was crazy. I loveeee their banter and back and forth. Even when they couldn't stand each other you can feel the chemistry between them.
A couple of stuff happened in this book one of them had me in tears. Like I was expecting that twist cause we kept getting hints of it but the end result still has me shook and in tears.
Apart from living Roxy and Roman. I absolutely love the entire crew. They are truly one small family and shows that not every family member has to be blood. Roxy fixing and having a relationship with her cousin (part of the crew and main group) made me super happy.
Roman was so down bad for Roxy it was hilarious. He tried to deny it so much while randomly kissing her or getting jealous over other people. They both fell for each other slowly and it took a lot of work for them to be able to trust but it was worth it. I can't see two people more perfect for one another than those two.
Need to check out the authors other books bc I need a book on every single crew member (inner circle especially)
I am obsessed. These two had so much chemistry it was crazy. I loveeee their banter and back and forth. Even when they couldn't stand each other you can feel the chemistry between them.
A couple of stuff happened in this book one of them had me in tears. Like I was expecting that twist cause we kept getting hints of it but the end result still has me shook and in tears.
Apart from living Roxy and Roman. I absolutely love the entire crew. They are truly one small family and shows that not every family member has to be blood. Roxy fixing and having a relationship with her cousin (part of the crew and main group) made me super happy.
Roman was so down bad for Roxy it was hilarious. He tried to deny it so much while randomly kissing her or getting jealous over other people. They both fell for each other slowly and it took a lot of work for them to be able to trust but it was worth it. I can't see two people more perfect for one another than those two.
Need to check out the authors other books bc I need a book on every single crew member (inner circle especially)
September 30, 2021
I'm a big fan of this dynamic duo, and I've read quite a few books of theirs, but honestly, I never saw Redlined coming, and I mean that in the very best of ways. Roxanne has run into some trouble, and is shipped off to her cousin which she's not happy about. Hannah (her cousin) has ties to the Shadow Crew, and Roxy is intrigued despite the fact that her cousin is warning her to stay away because of the trouble that is sure to follow. Roxy is a girl who marches to the beat of her own drum, and she really could care less what anyone thinks of her & she's instantly drawn to this crew, and the super sexy jerk, Roman. Things take a turn when she can't stay away from this crew, and Roman. Despite the fact that I wanted to slap him silly more than once, the more they ran into each other, the more it became apparent they were perfect for each other as their intense chemistry leapt off the pages to surround me. I think my favorite part of this story is the fact Roxy is a girl who loves cars & racing, she's able to force the boys to respect her talent. Redlined is the action packed, exciting start to a new series that I'm here for, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 1, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Redlined was phenomenal! This is a story full of my favorite things. Anyone who loves fast cars would be happy reading this. It is about Roxanne and Roman.
Roxy is sent away to live with her cousin, Hannah, when an accident occurs that could have been deadly. She tries to steer her clear of getting in further trouble but it's like fighting gravity. Once Roxy meets The Shadow Crew, the spark of interest is lit. I loved her badass personality. She knew what she wanted and wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in her way. Roman was the ultimate alphahole. He may have seemed hard-core but he had a good heart that would do anything for those he loved and considered family.
The heat between these two was off the charts. The plot kept my attention and became my obsession. I can’t wait to read more from this world and these authors. The witty banter, unpredictable outcomes and ability to make me forget the outside world make this an easy five star read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Redlined was phenomenal! This is a story full of my favorite things. Anyone who loves fast cars would be happy reading this. It is about Roxanne and Roman.
Roxy is sent away to live with her cousin, Hannah, when an accident occurs that could have been deadly. She tries to steer her clear of getting in further trouble but it's like fighting gravity. Once Roxy meets The Shadow Crew, the spark of interest is lit. I loved her badass personality. She knew what she wanted and wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in her way. Roman was the ultimate alphahole. He may have seemed hard-core but he had a good heart that would do anything for those he loved and considered family.
The heat between these two was off the charts. The plot kept my attention and became my obsession. I can’t wait to read more from this world and these authors. The witty banter, unpredictable outcomes and ability to make me forget the outside world make this an easy five star read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
dnf
July 23, 2022“Your gorgeous. Like you could turn a gay man straight gorgeous.”
Gross. Such a problematic sentence.
DNF at 22%. This is not only written so poorly, it’s rampant with assholes and misogynists. The girl is “not like other girls” because she races and wears chucks. The MMC is an absolute dick to the FMC for no reason other than him wanting to have sex with her but he sees her hanging around other guys - and that for some reason means he needs to belittle her?? If anyone has some actual well-written racing romances, let me know down below cause this was not IT.
Gross. Such a problematic sentence.
DNF at 22%. This is not only written so poorly, it’s rampant with assholes and misogynists. The girl is “not like other girls” because she races and wears chucks. The MMC is an absolute dick to the FMC for no reason other than him wanting to have sex with her but he sees her hanging around other guys - and that for some reason means he needs to belittle her?? If anyone has some actual well-written racing romances, let me know down below cause this was not IT.
March 1, 2022
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. This ky first book by these authors and I was truly impressed with this book. I'm hoping that I'm wrong about a certain scene but we have to wait and see. I love the crew especially Ronan and Marco. I think Hannah and Blaze need to just deal with her feelings or move on. I'm excited for the next book.
September 28, 2021
Everything Cala Riley writes is amazing. Every time they put something new out I love it even more than the last book.
Roxy is an amazing heroine. She doesn’t need anyone, she’s independent, but she’s also vulnerable in a way.
Rome is the perfect match for her. Their chemistry is amazing.
I loved the mystery, the steam, and the fast pace lifestyle they had.
This was not just a romance, but also a book about family that isn’t always blood.
Roxy is an amazing heroine. She doesn’t need anyone, she’s independent, but she’s also vulnerable in a way.
Rome is the perfect match for her. Their chemistry is amazing.
I loved the mystery, the steam, and the fast pace lifestyle they had.
This was not just a romance, but also a book about family that isn’t always blood.
October 9, 2021
Hot new series
Kickass take no bs heroine paired with a hot alpha leader😍😍😍😍
Great set of secondary characters. I can’t wait to read their stories next. Roxy reminds me a lot of Suzanne Wright’s heroines. She is strong, loyal, sarcastic with a vulnerable side. Rome started out as an asshole but slowly started to thaw out once he saw what Roxy was made of.
Sex scenes were fairly hot
A couple things I didn’t understand:
▪️Roxy’s business degree was mentioned a couple of times but nothing came of it.
▪️Roxy was this awesome pro behind the wheel but only got to ride once? In fact racing was not as big of a focus as I was expecting.
I loved the little bit of mystery/twist at the end.....
Kickass take no bs heroine paired with a hot alpha leader😍😍😍😍
Great set of secondary characters. I can’t wait to read their stories next. Roxy reminds me a lot of Suzanne Wright’s heroines. She is strong, loyal, sarcastic with a vulnerable side. Rome started out as an asshole but slowly started to thaw out once he saw what Roxy was made of.
Sex scenes were fairly hot
A couple things I didn’t understand:
▪️Roxy’s business degree was mentioned a couple of times but nothing came of it.
▪️Roxy was this awesome pro behind the wheel but only got to ride once? In fact racing was not as big of a focus as I was expecting.
I loved the little bit of mystery/twist at the end.....
Read
June 13, 2022i dnf’d. sorryyy! i think i would have LOVED this like last year or two years ago but it just felt bleh. like it wasn’t developed enough for me, basic tropes, i didn’t like the heroine and the hero was so wishy washy and some parts i was like what why
so yeah, dnf @ 55%
so yeah, dnf @ 55%
August 19, 2023
I wanted to love this because I love anything dealing with cars and racing, but this just fell short for me. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and the ending to me was really rushed. Won’t be continuing with this series.
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