Friction

Shadow Crew #2

by Cala Riley

Susie
My whole life, I have always felt sheltered. My older brother was the definition of overprotective.
Maybe that's why I made the decision to rebel for once instead of being the good girl everyone thought I was.
Now, I'm damaged beyond repair and my brother is gone. One choice led to the carnage that is now my life.
Everyone tells me that time will heal me, but how can it when I'm still haunted by the ghosts of my past?

Axel
The day I met her, I knew my life had irrevocably changed. She was an angel that I plucked out of the depths of hell.
She's drowning, and I can't save her from herself.
Still, I watch her obsessively, hoping she will one day be ready for me. When things start popping off with the crew, all the evidence leads to her.
Is she the siren meant to lure me into a trap or the angel I always dreamt of her to be?

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Racing, New Adult

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2022

About the author

Cala 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.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Reviews

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this new world and crew by these authors! It's intriguing, fast paced, well thought out and has a set of characters you can't help but fall in love with!
Friction picks up right were Redlined ended. This story follows Axel and Suzie. Boy is there some following being done!

Axel is very persistent when he sets his mind or heart into something. He is not shy with his actions and refuses to let his Angel be hurt again under his watch. After their encounter he feels an instant pull towards her. He knows that she has to be in his life. You're gonna either like his brand of love or not. If you like alphas who have no shame than you'll be fine.

Susie is still reeling from everything that has happened to her. From being kidnapped, to losing her brother, to finding her knew normal now that the person who was keeping her so sheltered isn't able to do so anymore. Soon she'll find out that someone has stepped in to take on that role. Little by little her eyes will be opened to the possibilities that Axel and his family will bring. Things she so yearns for.

This very much felt like insta love (which I'm not a huge fan of usually), but the authors weaved a captivating story and made me a believer in this couple. The road for these two is far from perfect. There are bumps and dead ends along the way, but when they finally let down their guards, fully
---- You've got perfection!

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Stalker/protector
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥

Friction is the second book in the Shadow Crew series by Cala Riley. Shadow Crew is a Fast and the Furious type series that revolves around street racing and creating a family type environment for its crew members. In Friction, we have the story of Axel, the crew’s IT guy and Susie, the sister of one of the crew’s deceased members. When Susie is kidnapped by Shadow Crew’s enemies, Axel becomes obsessed with saving her and then keeping her safe once he saves her. Obsessed to stalker level: expert, lol. But there are some heavy secrets Axel is going to have to spill eventually, but is Susie going to be able to deal or will it be too much?

I really like Cala Riley’s books, but I can’t say this series is my favorite. It’s fast paced with an interesting storyline, but it’s very new adult (language used) and it’s hard for me to identify with the crew scene. I think I’m just too old for these and I was never a Fast and Furious fan 🤷🏻‍♀️, but if those movies ticked your boxes, you’ll likely enjoy this series. I did enjoy the hero a lot. He was super protective and loving in his stalkerish ways, lol. The couple I’ve been most interested in is Blaze and Hannah which is the next book. Friction ends on a series story arc cliffy, but not one for Axel and Susie.

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this world so after reading Redlined I was massively anticipating Friction.

Susie and Axel’s romance isn’t easy. He is an overprotective alpha and Susie is healing from her past. When they collide their chemistry is off the scale but I will say my favourite part was when we got to see soft and vulnerable Axel.

If you’ve read Redlined then you will already love this crew and I loved seeing more of them in Friction. Cala Riley transports you into the world as if you are part of the crew yourself and fighting every step of the way with them! The twists and turns kept me flipping through the pages and now I’m anticipating book 3! It can’t come soon enough.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW***

3 STARS

The pacing was a bit slow for me, and the climax and resolution was quickly resolved for how deep the betrayal was, but I did really like the couple and the characters. I still really love the whole crew.

There still seem to be some proofreading issues, like missing words, and this is a final published copy I read.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going in to this story I knew it was going to be emotional and intense with how Redlined ended. Cala and Riley did more than just deliver the story - they nailed it out of the park and I loved every single word. I would strongly advise to read Redlined before diving into this to fully understand the storyline since the characters and plot overlap.
You know they say to always watch out for the quiet ones - Axel is the quiet one of the Shadow Crew. He’s the tech guy, always watching. But when he rescued Susie, something that had been missing within him clicked. He becomes her silent protector, always watching. I found his low key obsessive/stalker vibe made me swoon. Once his past was shared, it made complete sense and made my heart break.
Susie, this young woman has been thru Hell and is still going thru it but she is a fighter - I adored watching her become her own individual thru this story. She battled with her demons and took things in stride. I loved how Cala and Riley took a realistic approach with this young woman’s recovery. What I adore the most about Susie is that she never gave her up, even when the outlook was grim she kept fighting.
These two together? They are two broken souls who learn how to heal themselves and each other. I adored watching how Axel stayed loyal and respected Susie, along with how Susie wasn’t afraid to call him out. They are definitely each other’s perfect match.
This is one of those stories that I didn’t expect it to have such an emotional punch as it did. Cala and Riley kept with action and built the suspense perfectly, add in the emotional impact and just the right amount of steam - this second book of their Shadow Crew series is complete perfection. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The character development and plot execution had me devouring this, yet I found myself slowing down because I wasn’t ready to see the end of Susie and Axel’s story. Friction is definitely one I can see myself reading repeatedly and never getting tired of it.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*

4/5 ⭐️
2.25/5 🌶

Tropes:
- romantic suspense
- stalker romance
- obsession
- hero falls first
- insta-connection
- trauma (heroine)
- protective + possessive hero

POV: first person - dual

Type: interconnected stand-alone (book 2) *love story is complete but the plot ends on a cliffhanger*

Within a short amount of time, Susie has lost not only her brother but herself too. After being rescued by her white knight, she has to learn how to live life again. When Axel first set his eyes on Susie, he knew he’d never let anything harm her again…even if he has to cross a couple lines to make that happen.

I don’t know what I was expecting but this wasn’t even close. Ummm stalker romance? SIGN ME UP. Axel did not hesitate to pull all stops. He’s the IT guy so his resources are endless, just saying.

I would recommend reading book one since there was little to no world and character building in this book. This book also didn’t really include a lot of street racing since Axel is a behind the scenes kinda guy so I didn’t get the adrenaline rush I had gotten in the first book.

That aside, this was wonderful! Susie and Axel take you on a wild ride that is worth joining!

If you love wildly obsessed heroes, I think Axel takes the cake when it comes to the protective and possessive trope! He was on another level, I’m not exaggerating.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is book two in the Shadow Crew series. I fell in love with this new world the authors have created and was so excited to read book two. I have really come to love this crew who are also a family. This book is Axel and Susie’s story. Axel is obsessively in love with Susie from the second he lays eyes on her. He makes it his daily job to keep surveillance over her and keep her safe. He knows her every move and refuses to let anything happen to her, yet she doesn’t realize just how closely. They both fall for one another, but with so many secrets between them, and the trauma Susie is trying to learn how to navigate through , they have a lot on their plate that needs to be resolved and worked through.
Susie started out broken initially. Her growth as a character and the strength she gained, showed tremendous growth in her character development. She is so easy to love and its all you can do to not reach into the book and comfort her. Axel is so caring and protective over her, prepare to take him in as your next book boyfriend. It’s easy to see why Susie fell for him, his swoon level is at an ultimate high. I highly recommend this book, but definitely start with Redlined, book one in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Larissa Rye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I loved this world. Axel was way more obsessive & protective than I was expecting. But honestly I loved it, & in my opinion it was exactly what Susie needed. My heart hurt for Susie & everything she had to go through, plus everyone was trying to protect her but I knew she was stronger than everyone thought. So many secrets were kept from her & I didn’t love that but I understood.

I loved the way Roxy explained the Shadows. The crew has definitely evolved from what it was in the first book. In a better way in my opinion. I liked learning more about their crew since it’s fascinating. Plus that ending leaves you on the edge of your seat! There’s more than I thought going on in the background & I can’t wait to find out what it is.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. Im enjoying this series more and more. I love these guys but I have feeling blaze will probably be my favorite. I miss Marco though badly. I loved Axel, he's protective it was really a huge turn on. Susie is just a sweetheart with a heart of gold. I have a feeling Hannah and Blaze will be next.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmm I love a good obsessive stalker, and Axel fits the bill. He fell for Susie with one look and because of his own issues he’s off the rails when it comes to protecting her. When they start to get involved, he’s too cautious about coming clean and she’s too resistant to acknowledging her trauma and need to work through it. I loved their emotional chemistry and when Axel gives in after trying sooo hard to behave.

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Story Where Axel Finds His Angel And We Get A Rinse, Repeat Relationship Story

This second book in the series takes up exactly where the last book ended.

This time Axel steps up to the plate.

It’s his turn to find the girl he can’t stop thinking about. His Angel.

Just so happens that the girl in question is, none other than Susie Perez, the younger sister of Marco.

Remember, the guy Roman killed to keep the honour code of the Shadow crew in tact.
Passing it of as a mercy killing to protect him from the heinous things the Devils Den Crew Would have done? …

Yeah THAT Guy.

Told in multiple person POV’s, from Axel, and Susie, this book revolves around Axel falling for, & obsessing over, his dead crew brothers little sis,.
The same one he rescued from the Devils Den.

Axels protective nature becomes a compulsive obsession.
He becomes preoccupied with her safety, to the point he has turned into a creepy stalker.

As the crew’s resident tech nerd, he has installed hidden cameras in her apartment, & he follows her movements when she’s in public through security cameras.


As for Susie, after her rescue, she is in denial about her recovery, suffering nightmares, with the occasional dream about he rescuer, Axel.

She ponders -

“ I have been having a recurring dream. One where a hero swoops in and saves me.”

This line is is just plain, straight up cheesy!

So.

Axel, Susie’s knight in Shining Armour, shows up at every opportunity, to wrap his big strong arms around her & keeping her safe , all while he uses the moments to get closer to her, eventually admitting that he has “ claimed her” as his women.

Next, he and the rest of the Shadow Crew have to slowly ease her into
“the family “.
The very same family that allowed her brother to give up his life for some stupid honour code.

( However, there are hints a mile wide that he just may not be pushing up daisies)

This is the direction the author)s are taking this, with the whole broken & damaged damsel in distress being nurtured back to living her life by the equally damaged Guy who happened to be the first through the door to “ save her”from the Big Bad Devil’s.

Basically Axel holds all the cards, as he is privy to a LOT of Susie’s personal S*** due to his stalker skills.

“ I can’t help it. I have this irrevocable need to protect her.” - Axel

When she questions him about his amazing knowledge about her, he just says -

“I have my ways “ ( ha!.. What Now? )

Then she leaves it at that and moves on. …come again?

In this book, just like the first about Roxy And Roman, the subject of abandonment issues is raised regularly in regards to Axel, as a lame explanation for his obsessive behaviour towards Susie.

And just like the FIRST book, a lot of the relationship narrative is suspicious very similar.
I’m talking same words, spoken to each other, almost identical to the ones Roman used with Roxy.

Even the possessive way in which Axel speaks to Susie.
You could just as easily insert Roxy and Ronan into those scenes.

Would it be fair to say that the author/s have fallen into a pattern with the Shadows love lives, and are just rinse and repeating lines from the previous book?

So by the time we get to the dramatic near ending, with Susie once again in peril, and Axel once again, to the rescue ( with the crew as back up)

The Big Bad Devils Crew is taken down ( maybe)…YAY KIDS!

With the good guys out smarting them with the “ sassy” Roxy, the QUEEN, up front as is expected, for the HEA on the horizon.

As things start to settle, and the story winds down, we get them all dealing with trauma.

Mommy Perez, Axel, and, of course Susie all work through issues with some good old therapy.

Susie finally relishes in finally getting marked with her crew tattoo, with Axel getting his own for her.

So. The last last part of her becoming a shadow is now complete.
(Time for girly time with Roxy, Hannah, and now Susie..Whoopee!)

We get sappy moments with these two getting cheesecake together,and being all loved up.

As for the Shadows they have integrated themselves so far into Susie’s life, they are now doing gardening and cleaning for Mom.

( I kid you not. Just how syrupy SWEET are the author/s prepared to GO in this Epilogue wrap Up?)

Well we they ended up tying the Axel and Susie relationship UP in a nice little bow, with them all kissing and cute…It’s barf worthy.

THIS INFURIATED me.
Susie gushing all forgiveness over Marco’s death WTF! Was that about?

THESE authors really went for it, push the hearts & rainbows just that little bit far.

Now we move onto the annoying Gushy love sick Hannah.

Hannah the character I hated the most, which is a pity because I liked Blaze.
I just couldn’t stand Hannah staking her claim on him, then being in complete denial of her feelings.
I find her to be a bit if a sheep in the Shadow Crew.

IMO their weakest link.

What does Blaze see in her
Suffice to say, I’m in two minds whether to give the next book a read.
As I said, the authors follow the same generic plot narrative with these characters.
3 stars

[gena_bookish_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already knew that this book's FMC would be way more gentle and "toned down" in comparison to the one from the first book. Still though I wish she was more like her.

I mean.. I get it. Susie went through a lot. She was held against her will and lost her brother. She was saved the last second before these fuckers did something way worse to her. Trust me, I get it.

Axel is her guardian angel. He's the one who saved her and from the moment he set his eyes on her..it was a done deal. She was his. She may didn't know it yet but soon.. she'd find out. And she was in for a surprise.

Let's say it was difficult to hide that he was going to EXTREME lengths to protect her. The things this man did were questionable and will most certainly piss you off. I was so angry with his obsession and constant paranoia for her. He though that she was threatened 24/7 by everyone in this world!! Smh 🙄

Even if his fear had some kind of a logic I felt that his exaggeration ruined the whole mood. Let the girl take a breath asshole without filling her head with fear.

On a different note, I don't know how realistic it was the whole Susie and Roman thing. He killed your brother but you are just gonna suck it up because he's "friend" and he said he had no choice. Fuck my life. Who even does that when you see the murderer of your own sibling? I was ok with her being passive throughout the book but I definitely wanted to see her being fierce there.

Overall..

Characterwise I'm ok. Not disappointed but not pleased as well. I didn't hate them but at the same time I didn't love them. They could definitely do better.

Plotwise I'm happy. There was this thrilling adventure that kept you on edge. The enemies were literally coming back again and again.

As for smut? It was hot but I've read sexier.

I will finish my review with Roxy. The heroine of the 1st book. She's my all time favourite and I appreciated that she was part of this story as well. It was basically her that helped me like the book. Everytime I was dealing with sensitive Susie I waited patiently because I knew that soon Roxy would pop up from somewhere.

In the end this was a nice read. I just wish it was more intense and more dark.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie's older brother kept her in the dark about a lot of things in his life, mainly because he thought the less she knew the safer she would be... but that wasn't really the case at all. One night she decides to take her life into her own hands, and live it on her own terms, and it winds up costing them both dearly. Now she is a shell of the girl she once was, drowning herself in constant regret, and hoping that one day her heart won't hurt quite so much.

Every day is a struggle for her now, sometimes it's hard for her just to put one foot in front of the other, but she isn't alone in the journey. She has a new protector now, one that she wants to put her trust in, but with all the secrets that Axel keeps it makes it hard for her to let him in.

Friction is a captivating romance that will grab ahold of your heart and not let go! These characters are dealing with some heavy emotional demons and as they begin to unravel them it will break your heart... but know that there are happier times ahead for them. I loved watching these two find love when it truly seemed impossible for them, it took some time to get to the good stuff... but it was totally worth the wait!

I highly recommend you take a chance on this series, what you find waiting for you between the pages is certain to leave a mark!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of Cala Riley's Shadow Crew series, Susie and Axel's story of hurt, betrayal, protection and love. Redline is book one in the series and I suggest you read that one first, as you will get a better understanding of the crew as well as an insight into the characters and their lives. Cala Riley never disappoints with their storylines as well as the characters that are involved.

Susie is dealing with the loss of her brother and being rescued from her kidnappers. She is very hesitant to be out in public but her best friend Steph gets her to g to a race run by the Shadow Crew, which she finds out later that her brother was a member of. She meets Axel and is not sure if he can be trusted until he tells her that her brother was his best friend. Over time she begins to have feelings for him but when her life is in danger and finds out some secrets that break her heart. How can Marco's friends treat him the way they did? She grows from this scared beautiful woman to this strong woman that can stand up for herself.

Axel is definitely a man that is swoon-worthy. He has been obsessive and protective regarding Susie since the day he saw her. He does everything that he can to keep her safe, cameras in her place, guys for the crew following her to renting out the apartment beside her. When he finally gets the guts to talk with her and make a move so that she knows he wants her, he finds out some news that makes him even more protective of her. He keeps a few secrets that can break Susie's heart and he could lose her forever. Can he get her to understand why he has been keeping them? Will he convince her that she can trust him with her heart? When she is in danger, how will he deal with the situation?

Axel and Susie have this chemistry that is like no other. Their relationship starts off unconventional but in the end, this makes their love for each other even better. I am loving this series. The Shadow Crew is an interesting storyline and the way that they are a group of people that have come together to form a family.

[Teddi Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honored ARC Reader.

The Bear Review: Friction by Cala Riley
🏁🏁🏁
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶🌶🌶
❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹
Quick Synopsis:
Susie
My whole life, I have always felt sheltered. My older brother was the definition of overprotective. Maybe that's why I made the decision to rebel for once instead of being the good girl everyone thought I was. Now, I'm damaged beyond repair and my brother is
gone. One choice led to the carnage that is now my life. Everyone tells me that time will heal me, but how can it when I'm still haunted by the ghosts of my past?

Axel
The day I met her, I knew my life had irrevocably changed. She was an angel that I plucked out of the depths of hell. She's drowning, and I can't save her from herself. Still, I watch her obsessively, hoping she will one day be ready for me. When things start popping off with the crew, all the evidence leads to her. Is she the siren meant to lure me into a trap or the angel I always dreamt of her to be?

🐾🐾🐾
My thoughts: To be honest, I was skeptic about Axel and his obsession with Susie. I messaged the authors within the first 15% and said “Not me crying in the middle between counseling sessions with my students”. I don’t typically get teary eyed with a lot of books. But I already felt connected with Susie and Axel. Also I loved the patience that Axel had and not pressuring her to speed things up. I’m in love with this series.

[Paperbeautiful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel, you can stalk me anytime!!!

I love this Shadow series and was so excited to re-enter this world!! Axel is an alpha and extremely overprotective with Susie, he just wants her safe. Susie is having to overcome serious trauma and just wants her life back to normal. When her and Axel really meet and talk...explosions...their is no denying the chemistry between the two!

Axel is very overprotective with Susie and does some questionable things, but when you find out way it makes sense. Should he have done it no, but Susie understands why he does it. Axel will do whatever he has to in order to protect Susie, and that is what Susie needs. I loved how their relationship grew, it started how somewhat slow but moved quickly as well. The cookout was the best! Show that woman that Axel is your man!!

I love this series, and I loved that Cala Riley also included some very sweet moments between the two. You also get some sweet swoon moments with Rox and Roman, my king and queen!
The girls are strong in this book and I love it! They are there for one another!! I feel like with need a book with just Rox, Hannah and Susie!

If you love strong alpha man, this book is for you!

Cannot wait for the next one!! Hannah and Blaze better end up together!!

[Tammy - · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friction by Cala Riley is the second book in the Shadow Crew series, but it could easily be read as a standalone. I haven't yet read book one, and although there was obvious backstory that I may have been missing from the first book, it didn't take away from this story at all.

This is Susie and Axel's story, and it drew me in from the very first page. Susie has been sheltered by her overprotective brother until her first act of defiance ruins her life as she knows it. She's broken and feels undeserving of the attention that Axel is giving her, but from the moment that Axel laid eyes on Susie, he has been obsessed with protecting her. He wants to claim her as his own, but he's afraid that he might just put her in more danger, and he's unsure if she'll be able to accept his lifestyle.

This story revolves around a race crew, but there isn't a whole lot of action at the race track and I was honestly hoping for more. I liked the overall storyline, and the story itself was well paced, but I just didn't feel the connection that I wanted between Axel and Susie. I needed a little more emotion. Overall though, I liked this story and I'll most likely be checking out the rest of the series.

[bookish.nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved!

“You’re mine now. I’ll never let you go.”
And in that moment, I’ve never felt happier.

——————————————————

⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 4/5

——————————————————

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a SUCKER for the nickname angel. Can��t really tell you why but if a guy uses angel or little one, I’m a goner. Almost immediate book boyfriend status. So, I was fan of Axel’s pretty much from page 1.

Friction is Axel and Susie’s story, and just like I theorized we did get to see the guys rescue Susie from the clutches of Devil’s Den.

Now, Axel and Susie were two halves of a whole. Axel was positively obsessed with Susie and her safety. And, Susie had absolutely no problem with Axel’s stalker tendencies as long as he didn’t try to control her movements. In fact, she welcomed his overbearing protectiveness because he made her feel safe. Axel is helping Susie heal from her trauma. And Susie makes Axel feel a little less alone in the world. Put them together, and they’re just adorable.

If you’re looking for a crew romance involving a scarred, grief stricken woman and an obsessively protective man, go ahead and add Friction to your TBR! Oh, it also involves Charlie - Susie’s adorable furry companion.

[Genesis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The moment I laid eyes on you, my whole world felt calm for the first time in my life.”

4/5 ⭐️

After reading Redlined I could not wait for the second book in the series. Friction follows Axel and Susie.

With her brother gone, she feels damaged and broken. All while trying to heal from the ghosts of her past, Axel watches her from afar. He does everything he can to protect her, but there’s only so much he can do.

Despite Susie feeling broken and lost, I loved how she had such amazing people beside her. She’s definitely a relatable character when dealing with trauma. My heart hurt for at times when talking about how she felt. But despite it all, she’s still a strong person.

Now Axel will have you swooning. His protectiveness of Susie is so strong. One of my favorite things about him was how he was always there for her. Anything she needed he was there and loved her deeply.

After the way this one ended I seriously can’t wait for the next one. I definitely recommend giving this series a read starting with the first book Redlined. Both books are free with KU.

Thank you again for the ARC!

[Stefanie Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cala Riley wasted no time in opening the fresh wounds Redlined left on my heart. And in my best Stephanie Tanner voice, I say, "how rude."

Now that that is out of the way. Holy Moly! This book, while different than the first in the series, still is able to pack a powerful punch. You can get so sucked in and obsessed (*wink face*) about these characters and where the authors are going to take them next.

It's the quiet ones you need to always watch out for. Going in to this book we really didn't know all that much about Axel. The genius quiet type just waiting for his match.

The day he met his angel, his whole world shifted. Enter said Angel. Suzie is a strong heroine in her own ways. She has been through an unspeakable trauma and I was really impressed by how the author brought her into her own. The Suzie we met at the begining was not the same girl at the end.

Which without spoiling anything, I thought my heart was safe and that Cala and Riley were going to go easy on us. They blew smoke on their tires out of here leaving us wondering what the heck just happened and needing more.

This crew proves that family is more than just blood.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Cala Riley set out to take me on a ride of my life, and once again I wasn't disappointed. Friction was mesmerizing from start to finish.

I thought the first book in the Shadow Crew series was heart-stopping, on the edge of your seat and emotionally captivating but Fricton takes it to the next level and lives up beautifully to its title There is grudges, bad blood, conflict but all wrapped around a slow burn hot romance that was born out of tragedy. Cala and Riley simply smashed it with their ability to really draw out the character's thoughts and feelings. Axel and Susie's tragedy beginning's unfolded in book one and boy did I just want to put my arms around Susie because for all that she had been through she was a true warrior. Axel is your overprotective hero and some people might even call him a stalker, but does it work for this couple? you bet your socks it does. But the Shadow Crew are a group of people that are a family, that take care of each other even though war with another crew is hotting up, I for one can't wait for what is to come next.

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Shadow Crew Series, this is Axel and Susie’s story, it is recommended you read Redlined (Book 1) first as the storyline follows through each book.

First let’s just talk about all the heart eyes that Axel is going to give you, this man had my ovaries aching page after page. He is obsessive and very protective BUT this duo writes it so well- which in my opinion is not easily done. Susie isn’t your normal FMC from this duo but she’s perfect, she’s been through a lot and her growth and character development throughout the story makes me love her so much. Together they have a connection that is intense and undeniable- but is it for the right reasons?

The relationship doesn’t start in the most conventional manner but it’s those reasons that it ends as strongly as it does. There are secrets, trauma and healing, these two had to work on themselves before they could work together and I think this duo did an amazing job with their relationship. That ending has me eager for book 3!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friction

Friction is the second book in the Shadow Crew series and centers on Axel and Susie. After the trauma of being kidnapped by a rival gang, Susie learns her brother's death is connected and takes on the weight of his loss. It becomes clear in his death that she never really knew anything about his life because he sheltered her from it. His death was a traumatic experience, one she feels that she will never truly recover from. But she felt a connection when Axel stepped in and saved her. This mysterious man she knows nothing of ignited a new feeling she never wanted to leave due to the safety she felt around him. 

The moment Axel saw Susie, he knew he had to save her. Not only was she his best friend's sister, but something sparked deep inside him at the sight of her. Her safety becomes his sole obsession because he knows she isn't safe from the people who took her. There's more to the situation that she doesn't know, but he's terrified of her reaction when she does find out due to her unstable mental and emotional state.

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friction the 2nd book in The Shadow Crew Series by Cala Riley. 


This book is Axel and Susie's story and it was absolutely everything.


Susie is still struggling after being kidnapped  and losing her brother Marco who was part of the shadow crew. A part of his life Susie had no idea about. She blames herself for his passing. 


Axel is part of the shadow crew and he is watching Susie. For her safety, but it's more! 

He is absolutely taken with her. She has become his obsession!

“I’ll protect you, angel.” (SWOON)

I was hooked with thrilling anticipation and the steaming heat radiating from each interaction Axel and Susie had and it was HOT!


I absolutely loved the first book Roman and Roxy's story, Redlined.

I was VERY much Team Roman.🔥


BUT....I couldn't wait to read Axel’s story too. Now I'm VERY Team Axel! 

I can't wait for book 3
Shift and Book 4 Finish Line I just know they will be soooooo good.

ARC Review!! 5+ 🌟

[Amanda Davanzati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friction by Cala Riley was so so good! This crew is so amazing and so lovable that you feel like part of the family when you read them.

This book was definitely emotional and intense. These main characters, Susie and Axel have dealt with a lot already in their life all you can do is wish the best for them. They have such a different dynamic in my opinion that it was nice to see compared to other couples in books. There is so much drama happening that you won’t know what is gonna happen on the next page. Axel and Susie are two broken solids trying to save each other. The end of Friction definitely sets up the characters for the next book!

I love this crew and everything they are about! I am so ready for more and to see where these authors take these characters next! I definitely think others should read this book. They should read this series! It is one that will draw you in instantly!

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Axel and Susie's book was full of friction. And if you haven't read book one you will want to go read that before going any further here.
At the end on book one we loose Marco and we get Susie back. But the crew lost a piece of themselves and Susie lost her brother, protector, best friend and she blames her actions for his death.
The story is not as fast paced as redline but the emotions are heavy and there is allot to unpack. The relationships are growing stronger and Susie really comes into her own. She needs to deal with everything she learns about her time with her captors, her brothers role in the crew and where she belongs now and if that place is with Axel or if she's just using him as a safety blanket. There was plenty of action at the end leading us up to what will become the next book.
Hannah and Blaze are up next and I can't wait to read their story.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this amazing series and continues straight on from when Redlined ended. Axel is the quiet one in the crew, who is the tech guy genius, and when he rescues Susie, he becomes her silent protector. Susie is healing from her past and battling her demons, but she is strong despite the unspeakable trauma that she endured. The person who sheltered her is no longer around, and she is unaware that someone else is prepared to fill those shoes. Axel is determined that his “Angel” will not get hurt again on his watch, but Susie is more than capable of holding her own against him, and the chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written fast paced story, which has challenges, emotions, family, twists, heartbreak, intrigue, and love, which leads to a riveting and captivating page turner. I look forward to reading more from these gifted authors whose work I highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is truly addicting to read.

With the aspects of racing, gangs, and romance, Cala Riley have written a series that unique in its own right.

In this installment we follow Susie and Axel while bringing the plot line from Redlined into this novel as well. Which I love when authors do that. It connects the books but also makes each one unique in their own right with the different couples. The writing style in Friction was as great as it was in Redlined, it flowed well, and it was easy to get lost into. I also loved the stalker aspects, the trauma that is addressed, and the overall plot/villain story.

The only reasons I gave it 3/5 stars was because there were a few minor plot holes in the beginning, the couple felt a little off to me, and I wish we got more unique spice like the first one had. But other than that, this was a great book and I will most definitely be continuing the series. And buying them in physical form. I really love these characters and the plot line. I cannot wait to see what the next book holds.

If you’re looking for a new series to pick up, that involves racing/gangs, romance, twists, and tension, then grab this contemporary romance series for your next read.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friction (Shadow crew 2)

This is the second book in this series by this author. This is the story of the characters Suzy and Axel, these two characters have their own battles to overcome to lead to their happy ending. This story is so intense and emotion filled from the start. Once you start this book you won’t want to put this book down till you get to the very last page. This story just sucks you in with the characters development and the storyline. This is an amazing addition to this series by this author.

I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review

Release date - 04 Feb 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Hollianne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🖤🖤

I absolutely love everything about the shadow crew series!

𝙾𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎. 𝙼𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚕.

Susie and Axel meet under horrible circumstances. Susie has been held captive by a rival gang/crew.. and during her captivity she loses her brother. Axel is sent to rescue her and unbeknownst to Susie.. Axel becomes obsessed and insanely protective.

Susie is trying to deal with life without her brother and the ptsd from being kidnapped. Axel steps in and makes sure Susie knows she doesn’t have to feel alone anymore.

Axel is everything. He loves hard, and is fiercely protective of Susie- even willing to go up against his best friend and leader Roman.

Friction was fast paced- full of action and suspense with revelations that had my heart breaking for Axel and Susie.