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A workplace, one-night stand contemporary/romantic suspense.

Dylan & Travis.
Goat & Freak.
Bold, headstrong, and a chameleon hiding in plain sight.
Charismatic, cocky, and single to mingle.
Together, they fall hard for the person behind the mask.

The day Dylan Jackson showed up out of the blue was the day Travis O'Brian became a ruined man.
She's a hot piece of woman who's easy to get a rise out of, and Trav’s innuendo-laced goading has Dylan uncharacteristically flustered.

Regardless of how irresistible Travis is, Dylan can't allow herself to succumb to his flirtatious antics and boyish charm; she's on borrowed time, and falling for him would cost her dearly.

Her heart and mind are continually at war; by day, aching for normality, then by night, shattering from the haunting screams she can’t escape from.

Just when Trav discovers why he’s so captivated by her, an unexpected visitor has Dylan running scared once more.

After she disappears with neither trace nor explanation, the crew reluctantly calls in an old acquaintance to help track her down.
But will Trav still want the girl behind the façade when he finds out who she really is?

*Book 3 of the North Shore Crew - this series should be read in order.

293 pages, ebook

Published November 7, 2019

38 people are currently reading
152 people want to read

About the author

V.R. Baucke

11 books280 followers
This pen name has been retired

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
894 reviews45 followers
November 8, 2019
Sugar & Bones
Goat & Freak
Dylan & Travis
"She was my absolute ruination and reincarnation rolled into one; weakening me in all the right places while building me stronger in all others"
Lie for me is my favorite book in the series. Trav has been a favorite of mine being the cocky player and jokester of the group. Dylan was a welcome addition to the Crew and could definitely hold her own with everyone. Dylan has secrets but Trav is determined to get the girl. This was a well written slow burn romance that showcases strong friendships. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments that made me want to be a part of the Crew. Trav and Dylan deserved their HEA after everything they went through.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
March 23, 2020
🎁 The complete North Shore Crew Series (3 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for C Exley Books (Cassandra).
730 reviews82 followers
November 10, 2019
Another awesome read by this author. I loved going back into the North Shore Crew world. This is Trav/Freak & Dylan/Goat/Ainsley's story. I have to say this is my favourite in the series so far.

Dylan is the female version of Trav. There is a bit of a mystery surrounding Dylan which had me on the edge of my seat and unable to stop reading. Her story is one for her to tell so I won't give any spoilers.

I highly recommend this book and this series. I can’t wait to read Nico’s story. Can I have it now?

I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
Profile Image for Mybookscafe.
497 reviews14 followers
November 11, 2019
For a first time reader of author VR Baucke, I was impressed with her writing and looking forward to reading more of her books. While reading this book, I had adjust to the slangs that are norms for New Zealand. Honestly, this made the book much more interesting for me.

Travis and Dylan's story is a very interesting suspenseful story but it was also very funny. I enjoyed the moments Travis and Dylan went back and fort with each other. Their chemistry was also very hot and yes steamy.

Dylan is a fierce female lead. She is a bad ass mechanic and has a fun loving personality. Dylan is the kind of character that you root for, she has a uniqueness to her that you can't help but love. Travis is such a big kid. He has a huge heart and everything he does, he brings passion to it. One of the best things about Travis is his determination, he doesn't give up easy.

Travis and he crew have a special relationship and I freaking loved how the meshed together. His crew is a tight unit, who supports each other but also can enjoy a few laughs at the expense of each other.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I would recommend this book to read.
Profile Image for Egle (readingfreakquotes).
113 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2019
I was delighted to get back to all the camaraderie and chabang of the North Shore Crew!!!

This is a book #3 in the series and we are given an emotional and epic story about sacrifices, friendship, support and loyalties.

Two strong and amazing characters, Travis and Dylan, are perfect for each other and hit it off the moment they meet, but because of Dylan's past, she can't let things go between them beyond the friendship line.

But Travis being Travis - a persistent, patient and big-hearted guy, keeps pushing Dylan's built boundaries until she gives in. Unfortunately, her past chases her back at the least expected moment and she is forced to make choices thal leaves them both aching...

Amazingly developed characters and well written suspenseful story makes this book a perfect weekend read.

Be prepared to be spoiled with sassiness, friendly banter, sexy and swoony moments but with plenty of emotion and angst added to keep you turning those pages until you get to the end of this amazing story.

Highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
June 27, 2020
Dylan and Travis’s story was great and there back and forth banter was perfect. Dylan is the type of heroine that I love to read about strong and fierce and Travis was equally great. These two are so similar but refuse to see it but when they butt heads, which is always lol, it made for absolutely great moments!!
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
827 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2019
This brilliant series for VR Baucke manages to get better with each read and grow so much closer to my heart. Fun loving, laid back, and life of the party, Travis shares an amazing night with a fellow party goer on Halloween. Flash forward one year filled with the most amazing memory of the night he had with that mysterious woman painted to be a skeleton. In walks the most beautiful woman he has seen in some time and she is to become a fellow employee at the garage he works at. It turns out that "Dylan" is an extremely talented mechanic giving all the men in the shop a run for their money. She really knows her way around an engine. She is also the most mysterious person he has ever met but he has to get to know her. He is so drawn to her that he quickly invites her into his circle of friends, The North Shore Crew. Dylan is completely enthralled with Travis but she is so haunted by the secrets of her past that she has had to construct this wall around her heart. It can not be climbed and can not be broken down. If she were to let anyone in it would spell disaster and the end of everyone involved. You too will be drawn to this woman and want to help her fight her demons so that she can be free to love this man.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,829 reviews44 followers
November 11, 2019
This brilliant series for VR Baucke manages to get better with each read and grow so much closer to my heart. Fun loving, laid back, and life of the party, Travis shares an amazing night with a fellow party goer on Halloween. Flash forward one year filled with the most amazing memory of the night he had with that mysterious woman painted to be a skeleton. In walks the most beautiful woman he has seen in some time and she is to become a fellow employee at the garage he works at. It turns out that "Dylan" is an extremely talented mechanic giving all the men in the shop a run for their money. She really knows her way around an engine. She is also the most mysterious person he has ever met but he has to get to know her. He is so drawn to her that he quickly invites her into his circle of friends, The North Shore Crew. Dylan is completely enthralled with Travis but she is so haunted by the secrets of her past that she has had to construct this wall around her heart. It can not be climbed and can not be broken down. If she were to let anyone in it would spell disaster and the end of everyone involved. You too will be drawn to this woman and want to help her fight her demons so that she can be free to love this man.
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,661 reviews43 followers
November 8, 2019
I'm not sure how she does it!
Travis had me smiling, swooning and falling in love with a fictional character. I knew there was more to him than being the funny, party animal.
Dylan is sassy, fierce and complicated. I'm not going to say anymore because I don't want to ruin the story for anyone. She is essentially Travis in a woman's body 😂

VR Baucke has a knack for creating wonderful stories that reel you in, tug at strings you didn't know you had, then -somehow, she wraps it up in a nice little package. This crew is so awesome, I wish they were my real friends.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
March 23, 2021
🎁 Books 1 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Rhonda Bodle.
65 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2019
Another great read

This book has all the feels, it can be read as a stand alone or in the series, Travis is a strong goofball and feel character that usually likes to be a whambam thank u man type person, but one stranger and a one night stand changes him. Enters Dylan and a gritty determined female that can just balls but has a soft side when things heat up between the two she figured out that they aren't strangers. Secrets can destroy but will love conquer all . This book is a great read grab it and see if they can overcome or whether secrets destroy what could have been. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
939 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2019
Aaahhh back with the North Shore Crew and it was truly magnificent!! VR Baucke has truly done it again!! This book instantly drew me in and I couldn’t put it down.. A chance meeting, some sexually charged and humorous banter, attraction, lies, suspense, the usual crew shenanigans that make you LOL, some mouthwash moments, and a mechanic with a heart of gold that refuses to give up on love creates a story that you won’t want to put down!! Lie for Me the book between Goat/Sugar/Dylan & Freak/Bones/Travis is a 5 star read all the way!!! Bring on the next book...
Profile Image for thehotmesslibrary.
826 reviews21 followers
November 6, 2019
VR Bauke is a new author for me and could quite possibly be someone that I continue to read after having read Lie For Me. This was such an amazingly sweet, hot read that I couldn’t out it down. It looks at the relationship between Travis ‘Freak’ O’ Brien and Dylan ‘Goat’ Jackson. Dylan has secrets, big secrets that she can’t tell anyone. She is a chameleon, living a lie but this is something she needs to do in order to stay safe and alive. Dylan ends up working at the same garage as Travis who feels like he’s seen Dylan before (he totally has) and is instantly attracted to this sassy, strong minded woman. But life takes a precarious turn when Dylan must make a choice…. stay or go.

The two characters were really well written in this book, you see the depths that they have and are really ensconced into their relationship and how they feel about each other. When Travis realises that Dylan has gone and falls apart was really heart-breaking as he tended to put on a facade for most people except for his gang (who are also amazing). Even though Travis is cocky and self-assured, there are definite moments where he is really sweet and unsure of himself.

This is in comparison to Dylan who is really mysterious and has had to be strong in order to survive. We see her struggles with alcohol and painkillers so that she can sleep and you actually feel like you are there being a part of her struggle. It is also really sad reading how she came to be and how she struggles to have a relationship with Travis and then leave him.

The banter between the two characters was awesome as well as with the rest of the gang and there always seems to be a slow burn of sexiness going on between the characters. The sexy scenes between the two were hot and placed really well. It certainly was nice to see them getting a HEA after everything they had been though.

I would totally recommend this book if you like laughs, angst, friendships, suspense and sexy times in your books!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
2,302 reviews91 followers
October 18, 2020
Travis O’Brian, or Trav as he prefers, and Dylan, aka Ainsley Jones, hit it off and feel an instant attraction but knowing that she has to be extremely careful she tries to keep her barriers up. Trav being who he is thinks nothing of trying to knock them down. They have a sizzling chemistry and you find yourself wanting them to get together and stay together.

The fun banter between the crew is absolutely hilarious but always real too, they don’t pull punches with each other. For example after Trav meets Dylan for the very first time Mace cheeks him by saying, “Reel your tongue back in, mate,” 😂 Funny and true.

There are some fantastic expressions throughout the story like this one where Trav is describing the refurbishment of his car.
“... body dent free and as straight as a homophobe.” 😆 You find yourself reading along then wham you get these amazing expressions and descriptions that are so accurate. It’s so easy to visualise each scene with each of the characters.

Travis is such a fun, life of the party type of guy but with a heart of gold. He dances to the beat of his own drum but at the same time tunes in to his friends around him. He is reliable, even if he does do irresponsible stuff occasionally, he’s caring and supportive. I absolutely adore him.

Dylan is a strong, sassy woman who can hold her own in the workplace but after the trauma she experienced life has certainly given her lemons. I love the way she doesn’t take any rubbish from Trav and is prepared to dish it out occasionally. I admire her character and in reality that’s a huge compliment to bestow.

The mystery that surrounds Dylan is gradually revealed and your heart goes out to her. Once again this story brings forth a full range of emotions and you experience them with the characters, this author takes you along for the ride as a participant not an observer! Yes!

I fully recommend this book but if you haven’t read the previous two books then do, they are fabulous and you do need to read these in order to gain a full understanding.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,670 reviews181 followers
November 3, 2019
Trav quickly moved into my second favorite member of the NSC, sorry not sorry Mace will always be my #1. I loved every single moment of this book, I couldn’t put it down.

Trav is the partier, the joker of the crew. He likes to have is fun. When he meets a skeleton while out celebrating, there is an instant attraction and this leads to one of the best nights of his life, however, he never see’s the girl again. Doesn’t know what she looks like or what her name is. Dylan Jackson just wants to blend in. She wants to live her life without fear and wants to be herself. When she starts working at the same shop as Trav there is an instant connection between the two of them. Trav may have met his match when it comes to Dylan but will they be able to make it through the secrets and lies?

I LOVED Dylan. She is sassy, snarky and not afraid to put Trav in his place when he needs it. She is a strong woman, despite being threatened. I loved Trav’s determination when it came to pursuing Dylan was great. He was intrigued by her and couldn’t stay away. I loved how easily and seamlessly Dylan fit in the with the crew. She is definitely a great fit with the bunch.

Lie for Me is full of suspense, angst, friendship, love and the craziness I’ve come to expect from the entire NSC. A MUST READ BOOK!
Profile Image for colelovesreading_nz.
247 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2019
An ultimate favourite!

Lie For Me is hands down my ultimate favourite of the NSC! Trav is just so damn HOT to read, I'm near melting.
There's no other way than to say VR Baucke has done a FAN-FREAKING-TASITC job with this stud of a man.. I mean book.
In the famous words of Trav "It's all gravy baby."

Travis O'Brian is known as the cocky jokester of the crew, so when there's any excuse to party he's there with his fun personality and wicked smirk on high beam.
Dylan Jackson is a strong minded woman who knows how to hold herself so when faced with Travis there's no doubt she can bypass his charming, flirtatious antics; or so she believes.
Taken aback and totally intrigued, Travis can't help but put himself on a mission to unlock Dylan's mysteriousness piece by piece; until one day she's gone - with no explanation, no word.
Will Travis be able to track down the one who's ruined him for all others, or will his luck finally run out?

Book three of the North Shore Crew series is full of quirks, loyalty, love, angst and suspense. VR Baucke has nailed this one!!
If you could witness my massive smile and overall reaction, you'd dive right in.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Samantha Love HEA Romance Book Blog.
826 reviews44 followers
November 3, 2019
Vr Baucke has done it again! This book was such a fantastic read. I love the bit of suspense that has you on edge through the book, the air of mystery that captivates you. The writing pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very last page. I could not put this book down at all. I devoured it so quickly. I just absolutely loved it.

I have been wanting to get inside Travis's head for a while now, he was always the Joker but he seemed to pull me in the most. Even though he is the joker of the group, he also has a serious side that I loved to see. There are so many layers to his personality which just made me love him more. Dylan is the female version of Trav, but she has that air of mystery about her. Her story is one for her to tell so no spoilers here from me!

This book had me tearing up in some parts, and all Trav's caring words made my heart flutter. I laughed a few times too at the crew's antics. I loved seeing the rest of the gang. I have missed them these last few months. Because of how well this book is written and pulls me in, I can't help but feel like these characters are real. I just need more! So much more. I am so excited for Neek's book!!! Lie For Me is definitely one I recommend to read!
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,829 reviews44 followers
October 21, 2020
This brilliant series for Vi Summers manages to get better with each read and grow so much closer to my heart. Fun loving, laid back, and life of the party, Travis shares an amazing night with a fellow party goer on Halloween. Flash forward one year filled with the most amazing memory of the night he had with that mysterious woman painted to be a skeleton. In walks the most beautiful woman he has seen in some time and she is to become a fellow employee at the garage he works at. It turns out that "Dylan" is an extremely talented mechanic giving all the men in the shop a run for their money. She really knows her way around an engine. She is also the most mysterious person he has ever met but he has to get to know her. He is so drawn to her that he quickly invites her into his circle of friends, The North Shore Crew. Dylan is completely enthralled with Travis but she is so haunted by the secrets of her past that she has had to construct this wall around her heart. It can not be climbed and can not be broken down. If she were to let anyone in it would spell disaster and the end of everyone involved. You too will be drawn to this woman and want to help her fight her demons so that she can be free to love this man.
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
742 reviews50 followers
November 5, 2019
She’s done it again!! This group of friends are just EVERYTHING! I am seriously going to be sad when this amazing author finishes this series! I can’t get enough of these guys and wow was this one SWOON FREAKING WORTHY!!!

We have all met Travis, if you’ve read the others in the series, and I have to say he’s not what I was expecting!!! He had me gasping for more and I mean 😏😏 more!!! He is completely my type of guy and boy is he gonna be a tough book boyfriend to top!! He’s sexy, funny, smart, great with his hands and above else he’s completely devoted to the ones he loves!!!

Dylan seemed a bit stuck up at the beginning but considering her circumstances I wholeheartedly understand! I loved how I underestimated her and others during this book! I still have a few questions but boy was I suspicious as heck!

I am in love completely with this duo! I laughed and swooned more than I have in months! This author really is EVERYTHING you need to read and should! She may have some different words than we use in US but I couldn’t care less. I loved it all! One day I hope to meet this wonderful lady in person and get all her books! 💜 congrats!!!!
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,523 reviews191 followers
November 5, 2019
I just binge read this series in the past few days, and I'm kicking myself for not finding this author sooner!! She sucks you in with her words from the very first page, and you're immediately immersed into such an amazing group of people.. I for one will be so heartbroken when this series comes to an end!

I'll be honest, I didn't think I could love anyone as much as Mace (he's my favorite!) But Travis stole my heart! I love watching the big, strong type who swears up and down that he's never going to fall in love, fall hard for the right woman. And he was so damn sweet! (And very, very sexy.)

Dylan is one of my favorite heroines. She's so tough, and understandably so regarding her situation. She's feisty, sassy, and loves so deeply. She puts Travis in his place when he needs it, (which lets be honest.. with this group of men, it's going to happen a lot!!) And she's guarded, but can't help but fall for him. They complement each other perfectly, and I loved seeing them get their HEA!!

I can't wait for the next book in this incredible series!!
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,008 reviews57 followers
November 7, 2019
The third book in the North Shore Crew series will have you on the edge of your seat and riding the fast lane to lies, secrets and questions. A chance meeting and a stunning set of eyes that drew him in and Travis was done for. When those eyes become someone else but the connection is the same can Travis put his rules about lies to one side for the right person. As drama, mayhem and chaos surround the crew again in the name of love, this family of friends will stop at nothing to ensure that Travis and his girl can finally be free of the secrets holding them hostage. An action packed emotional read that will have your mind working overtime and your heart jumping out of your chest. Travis will make your pulse race and will ensure that he gets your motor purring just right as this tattooed bad boy shows us just how big his heart is when it comes to the woman he loves. Their story made me laugh and had me swooning but also had my anxiety sitting high as this unpredictable love story gave me an ending that left me utterly fulfilled.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,319 reviews197 followers
November 5, 2019
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review
I Give this Book a 3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3 though.

No Spoilers.

The reason I couldn’t make this 4 Stars is that I did get a bit overwhelmed by side characters almost immediately when I opened the book and also a bit through the book also. This is the first book I read from this Author and I have not read the previous books, and that did hinder me a bit not knowing the other characters. But when I was able to get the flow near the middle, the book was pretty good.

Romance: 4/5
Heat: 3-3.5ish/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 4/5
HEA(?): Yes.

I would like to read more books from this Author :)
Profile Image for Samantha Turbyfill.
418 reviews
November 7, 2019
I love this group of friends and wasn’t sure the goof ball player was ever going to meet his match. ⁣Trav has no plans of changing his ways until he meets Dylan. She’s a badass mechanic with lots of secrets. The chemistry between them is insane and I love that they are both stubborn and have no idea what to do with the fire building between them

This is a stand alone but I’d suggest reading in the series order so you know all the friends and the crazy stuff that’s already happened. ⁣

Go get this started it’s super good and you get some of the hot steamy action really quick! Cue a gif of “YES” right there! So go read you’ll love it and then join me waiting for Neek’s story! ⁣


Profile Image for Kellie.
227 reviews
October 19, 2020
Book 3 in this series and what a damn hot read!! Trouble Trav, free spirit with an unlovable attitude meets his match in Dylan (Ainsley), a lady with more secrets than the FBI. Together they are HOT, apart he’s a mess and she’s a tangle of nightmares.

I loved this book, it veered away from the ‘nicer’ stories of book 1&2 and really focused on 2 troubled souls that found each other by chance and despite all the obstacles put before them, still found their way.

I also love hearing of the progression of relationships within the Crew through each book, making me feel more and more like one of the crew with each passing book.
201 reviews
November 4, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5 stars!

Travis and Dylan’s story was my favorite so far!! There is a bit of a mystery surrounding Dylan which had me on the edge of my seat and unable to stop reading. I couldn’t wait to see how their story unfolded and how everything would work out in the end. Not to mention Travis is usually a hit it and quit it kind of guy so I loved watching him fall hard for Dylan. The lengths he went to in order to be with her were swoon worthy! I really liked the banter between Travis and Dylan. Great story!

After reading this book I can’t wait to read Nico’s story.
Profile Image for CJ Patton.
38 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2019
Vick did a masterful job of continuing the North Shore Crew. Dylan and Travis' story was epic and had so much love and passion you can feel coming off in waves. But Travis knows Dylan is hiding something from him. When he finally admits his love for her to himself she is taken away and no one can know where. But will Travis drink himself to death with misery or will he get the courage to find her? Even if he can find her will she tell him the truth or just run? Safety is paramount to everyone so grab this great book and follow Travis and Dylan as they ride a roller coaster of emotions.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,677 reviews16 followers
November 18, 2019
Trav and Dylan ( Ainsley) are two peas in a pod both have a love of cars and dirty sense of humor. When they met the first time its a one time thing than she shows up again and makes his lose his top, But with things from aren't what they seem and secrets and lies are what is needed for the timewill it it ruin what they have started to build or will it all be too much? Such an emotional, with all the feels and a whole lot of twists and turns you can't stop reading it. Can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Amber Khan.
525 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2019
Trav and Dylan(Ainsley) meet and have a night full of fun before she disappears into thin air.
This book is easily the best of the series! The air of mystery throughout keeps you glued to the pages. The crew is a barrel of laughs and keeps you laughing out loud. Trav is just Hot! He is my favorite of the bunch.and that night they shared is magical (fans self). They deserve every bit of their HEA.
1,018 reviews13 followers
October 28, 2019
I absolutely loved loved Lie For Me! Trav/Freak & Dylan/Goat/Ainsley are more than perfect for each other, their banter the sexual and emotional attraction are on point! Love when the crew get together it's a laugh a minute and shenanigans they get up to so good! I think Trav might just be my favorite so far! Can't wait for Fight For Me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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