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Ride with Me
In this fun, scorching-hot eBook original romance by RITA finalist Ruthie Knox, a cross-country bike adventure takes a detour into unexplored passion. As readers will discover, Ride with Me is not about the bike! When Lexie Marshall places an ad for a cycling companion, she hopes to find someone friendly and fun to cross the TransAmerica Trail with. Instead, she gets Tom Geiger—a lean, sexy loner whose bad attitude threatens to spoil the adventure she’s spent years planning. Roped into the cycling equivalent of a blind date by his sister, Tom doesn’t want to ride with a chatty, go-by-the-map kind of woman, and he certainly doesn’t want to want her. Too bad the sight of Lexie with a bike between her thighs really turns his crank. Even Tom’s stubborn determination to keep Lexie at a distance can’t stop a kiss from leading to endless nights of hotter-than-hot sex. But when the wild ride ends, where will they go next? Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept In the Arms of the Law, Ivy Secrets, and Because of You.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2012
About the author
Ruthie Knox
43 books1,335 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller RUTHIE KNOX has published over a dozen contemporary romance novels to wide acclaim. A four-time RITA finalist and RT Reviewers Choice Award winner (writing as ROBIN YORK), she’s received positive review in Publisher’s Weekly, starred reviews in Library Journal, and six nods as a Library Journal best book of the year. Her novel Truly (Random House Loveswept) got over five million reads when serialized on Wattpad, and her subrights have been sold in audio, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Brazil.
Ruthie lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her wife. She co-writes contemporary romance with Annie Mare as MAE MARVEL and mystery as Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare.
Ruthie lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her wife. She co-writes contemporary romance with Annie Mare as MAE MARVEL and mystery as Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare.
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February 17, 2012
Ride With Me
was quite the journey, LITERALLY, and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a steamy romance where our hero/heroine meet on a cross country bike ride across the U.S . on the Trans-America Trail.
This is the journey Tom & Lexie went on:
Oregon --> Idaho --> Montana --> Wyoming --> Colorado --> Kansas --> Missouri --> Illinois --> Kentucky --> Virginia
This is the journey the readers went on:
Not With Me! --> Fight With Me --> Talk With Me? --> Not With Me --> Sleep With Me! --> Come With Me! --> Share More With Me --> Fight With Me --> Not With Me! --> Sleep With Me! --> Spend Forever With Me.
Overall I loved this book, I just would have like a bit less angst between Tom & Lexie. When Tom & Lexie got along, this was a great read and I couldn't put it down. I loved the sexual tension between these two, and I had no problem believing these two belonged together and would make a great couple. Their conversations were warm and funny, and could they burn up the sleeping bag! But when they were fighting or not speaking to one another, which was often, I found myself wondering why the heck are they continuing on this road trip. Especially Lexie, who I felt spent too many weeks on this trip in a miserable funk.
Tom had some real baggage from his past, and the guilt he carried was quite deep. I couldn't imagine being in his shoes and not feeling much of what he felt, so I never questioned his desire to be a loner on the bike trip.
I loved the conversation with his sister:
The Trans-America Trail
[image error]
This is the journey Tom & Lexie went on:
Oregon --> Idaho --> Montana --> Wyoming --> Colorado --> Kansas --> Missouri --> Illinois --> Kentucky --> Virginia
This is the journey the readers went on:
Not With Me! --> Fight With Me --> Talk With Me? --> Not With Me --> Sleep With Me! --> Come With Me! --> Share More With Me --> Fight With Me --> Not With Me! --> Sleep With Me! --> Spend Forever With Me.
Overall I loved this book, I just would have like a bit less angst between Tom & Lexie. When Tom & Lexie got along, this was a great read and I couldn't put it down. I loved the sexual tension between these two, and I had no problem believing these two belonged together and would make a great couple. Their conversations were warm and funny, and could they burn up the sleeping bag! But when they were fighting or not speaking to one another, which was often, I found myself wondering why the heck are they continuing on this road trip. Especially Lexie, who I felt spent too many weeks on this trip in a miserable funk.
Tom had some real baggage from his past, and the guilt he carried was quite deep. I couldn't imagine being in his shoes and not feeling much of what he felt, so I never questioned his desire to be a loner on the bike trip.
I loved the conversation with his sister:
“Please, Tom. You can’t ride your bicycle across the country alone. It’s insane. You’ll end up being slaughtered by a serial killer.”Lexie was a great heroine too. She gets him to open up and quit living in the past, and she discovers an amazingly wonderful guy beneath a gruff surface. Their attraction turns into a bone deep kind of love, but they refuse acknowledge what is changing between them. They have much to work out.
“Taryn, I’m thirty-five, single, tattooed, and antisocial. I’m the serial killer.
Somehow, she managed to be totally innocent and scorching hot at the same time, his Eve in the Garden of Eden. Tom was uncomfortably aware of her. Uncomfortably hard for her. You’re not Adam, asshole. You’re the snake.I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. While it was abrupt, I also thought it was soooo sweet and yummy. I do recommend this book, especially to fans of steamy road trip romances mixed with humor, angst, heat and great scenic details.
The Trans-America Trail
[image error]
March 8, 2012
This book took me on quite a ride. It was smart, funny, engaging, and very sexy!
I love a good road trip romance, and I haven't read a great one for a very long time. The wait is over....Ride With Me was awesome.
Tom Grainger was excited to get outdoors into the open country and tackle the TransAmerica Trail, a 4,262 mile cycling event that begins in Astoria, Oregon and ends in Yorktown, Virginia. Unknown to him, his sister advertises for a cycling partner to ride with him. She is concerned for his safety. Here's a quote from the book:
Please, Tom. You can't ride your bicycle across the country alone. It's insane. You'll end up being slaughtered by a serial killer." Tom replied, "Taryn, I'm thirty-five, single, tatooed, and antisocial. I am the serial killer!
Alex (Lexie) Marshall, a high school english teacher who's been burned by love, is also excited to embark on the TransAmerica Trail. She answers an ad to accompany Tom on the road trip as she is nervous about being a woman alone on the trail.
Tom believes that "Alex" is a guy, and when they meet for the first time, Tom is not pleased to see that Alex is very much a female!
This begins their 4,000 mile journey together, and I went right along with them. They start out as enemies, and then it morphs into a friends to lovers story. Tom was hot with a capital H, and I adored his abrasive, rough exterior. Lexie was also a fun character. I loved her rigidity and her attention to the smallest detail. The contrast between Lexie's OCD type personality and Tom's easy-going laid back approach had me smiling inside and out.
Ride With Me had some seriously hot moments with these two characters, and I felt fully engaged throughout this entire read.
For a light, fun, entertaining, and pure escape read, I can not recommend a book more highly. I loved every minute!
I love a good road trip romance, and I haven't read a great one for a very long time. The wait is over....Ride With Me was awesome.
Tom Grainger was excited to get outdoors into the open country and tackle the TransAmerica Trail, a 4,262 mile cycling event that begins in Astoria, Oregon and ends in Yorktown, Virginia. Unknown to him, his sister advertises for a cycling partner to ride with him. She is concerned for his safety. Here's a quote from the book:
Please, Tom. You can't ride your bicycle across the country alone. It's insane. You'll end up being slaughtered by a serial killer." Tom replied, "Taryn, I'm thirty-five, single, tatooed, and antisocial. I am the serial killer!
Alex (Lexie) Marshall, a high school english teacher who's been burned by love, is also excited to embark on the TransAmerica Trail. She answers an ad to accompany Tom on the road trip as she is nervous about being a woman alone on the trail.
Tom believes that "Alex" is a guy, and when they meet for the first time, Tom is not pleased to see that Alex is very much a female!
This begins their 4,000 mile journey together, and I went right along with them. They start out as enemies, and then it morphs into a friends to lovers story. Tom was hot with a capital H, and I adored his abrasive, rough exterior. Lexie was also a fun character. I loved her rigidity and her attention to the smallest detail. The contrast between Lexie's OCD type personality and Tom's easy-going laid back approach had me smiling inside and out.
Ride With Me had some seriously hot moments with these two characters, and I felt fully engaged throughout this entire read.
For a light, fun, entertaining, and pure escape read, I can not recommend a book more highly. I loved every minute!
August 16, 2013
Sometimes I'll read a new-to-me author and wonder what the heck is wrong with me? Why did I wait sooooo long, when I've seen nothing but raves about their writing? Well, I'm doing that now - questioning and kicking myself - and this time the author is Ruthie Knox.
From the cover -Like I said, start to finish this is a great story. A bike ride across the United States? How fun is that! I love that Ms. Knox made me feel like I was included in the adventure, taking me places and showing me things I'll never have the chance to see. From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, and everything in between - mountains, deserts, plains, clear skies or torrential rains...instead of just reading words on a page, I wast there, riding right alongside Tom and Lexie. And. Loving. Every. Minute!
When Lexie Marshall places an ad for a cycling companion, she hopes to find someone friendly and fun to cross the TransAmerica Trail with. Instead, she gets Tom Geiger—a lean, sexy loner whose bad attitude threatens to spoil the adventure she’s spent years planning.
Roped into the cycling equivalent of a blind date by his sister, Tom doesn’t want to ride with a chatty, go-by-the-map kind of woman, and he certainly doesn’t want to want her. Too bad the sight of Lexie with a bike between her thighs really turns his crank.
Even Tom’s stubborn determination to keep Lexie at a distance can’t stop a kiss from leading to endless nights of hotter-than-hot sex. But when the wild ride ends, where will they go next?
And speaking of Tom and Lexie...
Tom and Lexie are so awesome! Total opposites, but this is one of those cases where opposites not only attract, they're helplessly drawn together. I say helpless because even when they didn't want to give into their attraction, they couldn't help it. It was out of their control, almost as if destiny demanded it. I enjoyed their push and pull, their struggle to deny the obvious, because when they finally give in, they did so with a vengeance!
It was also fun to spend time with the people they met along the way. Such interesting, quirky people!
The Bottom Line - I've seen review after review praising Ms. Knox's storytelling, and now I understand why. Ride with Me is one of those stories that, start to finish, grabs hold and doesn't let go. It's fun, sexy, romantic, poignant... the perfect feel-good read.
This spot is normally reserved for thanking authors or publishers for providing me with a copy of their book in exchange for an honest review, but since I bought this one for pleasure, I'll thank all the wonderful people on Goodreads whose reviews tempted me beyond reason, until I could no longer control myself and just had to buy this book! Loved it! Thank you!
May 7, 2012
Well, this is one heck of a debut, I'll say that! What an adorable, funny, sexy, well-written story!
I'm not much at all for bicycling, and didn't know what I would ultimately think of Ride With Me. But, wow, way to go, Ruthie Knox! I felt like I was seeing America on the backs of Tom's and Lexie's bicycles right along with them. This was a lot of fun, and a nice change of pace!
4 Happy Stars!
I'm not much at all for bicycling, and didn't know what I would ultimately think of Ride With Me. But, wow, way to go, Ruthie Knox! I felt like I was seeing America on the backs of Tom's and Lexie's bicycles right along with them. This was a lot of fun, and a nice change of pace!
4 Happy Stars!
February 20, 2012
A beautiful and scenic romance. I had a wonderful time with the story, the studly Hero and the cute-as-a-button heroine.
When I grow up I wanna be exactly like Sexy Lexie. She was so determined on cycling her way across the TransAmerica Trail that she even invented an imaginary husband so that her cycling companion would agree to take her on. And I just lurved how Tom was all jerk like in the beginning. You just can't help anticipating the moment when he'll wobble his jackass self at Lexie's feet.
And he can be very blunt with his plan:
And boy did he HAD her (sex in a tent had never been this HOT).
When I grow up I wanna be exactly like Sexy Lexie. She was so determined on cycling her way across the TransAmerica Trail that she even invented an imaginary husband so that her cycling companion would agree to take her on. And I just lurved how Tom was all jerk like in the beginning. You just can't help anticipating the moment when he'll wobble his jackass self at Lexie's feet.
And he can be very blunt with his plan:
"Let me make a suggestion," Tom said after a moment. "We don't have to make this complicated. You and I will be ... companions, let's say. We'll ride together, we'll sleep together, and when we get to Yorktown, it'll be over. You'll go home and find somebody else for your happily ever after. But until then, I get to have you."
And boy did he HAD her (sex in a tent had never been this HOT).
May 3, 2015
Beautiful scenery, beautiful and lovely story and lots of fun! Not to be missed! Highly recommended if you are on the lookout for a sweet, hot contemporary romance with awesome scenery. 4.5 sunshine stars!
March 16, 2013
Such a sweet, light and entertaining story. Tom is absolutely adorable! If you're up for a fun read, look no further because was truly fab.
March 2, 2012
This is a "Good Read". I really, really liked it.
Not sure what this says about my reading lately, but I liked this book as much for what it didn't have in it as much as what it did have in it.
It did have a great road trip across the US.
It did not have a complicated angst-ridden storyline. Great when you need an easy, breezy breather.
It did unfold in a way that kept me turning pages wanting to know the scoop.
It did have characters I liked. I wanted to see them happy and together.
It did not have any TSTL moments.
It did have a set of issues that had to be overcome between the two leads, but I felt the subtle psychological one in the latter half of the book was very well done and I totally bought into it.
It did not have an overly-contrived set of misunderstandings and deceptions. The secrets were revealed parallel to the intimacy. Or rather, they were forced out when the intimacy demanded it and I thought that felt like a natural tension. I didn't end up feeling manipulated so much as I felt the genuine angst that comes with having to "get over yourself" in order to reach out for something fabulous.
It did have a satisfying, albeit, abrupt ending. I would have enjoyed an epilogue or any additional glimpse of their life after the ride....
It did not have the writing issues I have been seeing so much lately. This writing was smooth, well-paced, comfortable to the eye, smart and delightful. I never pulled out of the story to stare at the words, which is unusual. I did have to google "chiaroscuro", however, especially in the context it was used ;)
Tell me you didn't google that sh*t!
I went back immediately and re-read several scenes.
Not sure what this says about my reading lately, but I liked this book as much for what it didn't have in it as much as what it did have in it.
It did have a great road trip across the US.
It did not have a complicated angst-ridden storyline. Great when you need an easy, breezy breather.
It did unfold in a way that kept me turning pages wanting to know the scoop.
It did have characters I liked. I wanted to see them happy and together.
It did not have any TSTL moments.
It did have a set of issues that had to be overcome between the two leads, but I felt the subtle psychological one in the latter half of the book was very well done and I totally bought into it.
It did not have an overly-contrived set of misunderstandings and deceptions. The secrets were revealed parallel to the intimacy. Or rather, they were forced out when the intimacy demanded it and I thought that felt like a natural tension. I didn't end up feeling manipulated so much as I felt the genuine angst that comes with having to "get over yourself" in order to reach out for something fabulous.
It did have a satisfying, albeit, abrupt ending. I would have enjoyed an epilogue or any additional glimpse of their life after the ride....
It did not have the writing issues I have been seeing so much lately. This writing was smooth, well-paced, comfortable to the eye, smart and delightful. I never pulled out of the story to stare at the words, which is unusual. I did have to google "chiaroscuro", however, especially in the context it was used ;)
Tell me you didn't google that sh*t!
I went back immediately and re-read several scenes.
July 1, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will go anywhere with Tom... ;)
Thanks to Crystal and Mirjana for the rec! Ruthie Knox has some great books out there!
I will go anywhere with Tom... ;)
Thanks to Crystal and Mirjana for the rec! Ruthie Knox has some great books out there!
December 14, 2012
Content: Cussing, profanity, explicit sex. No violence.
**********
Spoiler Free!! Commendations: Great story! I was absorbed from the beginning. The characters, Tom and Lexie, seemed authentic and likable. I laughed out loud several times, but mostly in the first third of the book. I also reflected on Thoreau's Walden Pond, reading the excerpts right along with Tom and Lexie. Also, I enjoyed the unique setting, riding bike from Oregon to Virginia, stopping along the way in Yellowstone, Steamboat Springs, etc.
The dialogue was natural and flowing, not wooden or forced. Lots of good interaction between Lexie and Tom. Gradually, as they biked across America, they went from strangers to companions, eventually to lovers. Physical intimacy came about half-way through the book, after rising sexual tension. Deeper trust and emotional sharing came after physical intimacy, primarily delayed because of Tom's hang-ups with his past.
POV changed from Lexie to Tom, but was more often with Lexie. I liked hearing Tom's thoughts occasionally.
Weaker areas: I'd like to have seen more of the funny scenes, like the hot sauce scene. That was hysterical. The sex scenes were hot, and Tom was ripped ;-), but I could do without quite so much lovemaking -- instead, I wanted more humor. No need for additional serious conversation. The book had plenty of that, with the focus on Tom's sad and guilt-ridden past, etc. (A bit overdone. Life could be worse, Tom.) The ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked more happy times at the end, given the long stretch of separation they endured. Also, I didn't think Lexie was fair to Tom, treating him like a leper for the last _____ miles, just because he...(no spoilers here).
February 26, 2012
Rating 3.5
I enjoyed this book, it was a fun contemporary read. The hero at the start was an anti-social hermit, angry at life and hiding. There was a time he had it all, a corporate career, wife but then he testified against his father's company, found out his wife was cheating on him with his brother and was left angry, hurt and bitter. So, he isn't happy that his sister has managed to find him a riding partner for the TransAmerica Trail and to his shock he finds out his partner is a woman.
The hero is really a jerk and boor at first but the heroine is no doormat, she gives him the silent treatment and is actually fun even if she does like to follow her charts and schedules.
The sexual tension was off the charts, I enjoyed the banter and seeing these both evolve, the hero taking an interest in being more human and coming to terms with his past gradually and the heroine becoming spontaneous and despite vowing to not let their emotions get in the way, they do.
I also liked the unique setting and a heroine who was not a stereotypical teacher, she was a modern woman with varied interests and I really respected her for the fact that after she pours her heart out she has self preservation instincts.
Enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fun contemporary read. The hero at the start was an anti-social hermit, angry at life and hiding. There was a time he had it all, a corporate career, wife but then he testified against his father's company, found out his wife was cheating on him with his brother and was left angry, hurt and bitter. So, he isn't happy that his sister has managed to find him a riding partner for the TransAmerica Trail and to his shock he finds out his partner is a woman.
The hero is really a jerk and boor at first but the heroine is no doormat, she gives him the silent treatment and is actually fun even if she does like to follow her charts and schedules.
The sexual tension was off the charts, I enjoyed the banter and seeing these both evolve, the hero taking an interest in being more human and coming to terms with his past gradually and the heroine becoming spontaneous and despite vowing to not let their emotions get in the way, they do.
I also liked the unique setting and a heroine who was not a stereotypical teacher, she was a modern woman with varied interests and I really respected her for the fact that after she pours her heart out she has self preservation instincts.
Enjoyable read.
December 3, 2017
I think I have found another new favorite author in the Contemporary Romance genre. I really really have enjoyed Ms. Knox's books.
In Ride with Me, We meet Alex (Lexie) and Tom. Tom has a past that has influenced who he has become when we meet him...
"Taryn, I'm 35, single, tattooed and antisocial. I'm the serial killer."
Tom is not a people person and that's keeping things light. He's a suit, working as a bike mechanic, where he doesn't have to deal with people and the possibility of being recognized.
Lexie is the single woman with a few failed relationships behind her and she wants to find a cycling partner to ride the TransAmerica Trail with her. She's looking to meet new people and go on an adventure... what she ends up with is Tom Geiger. He's gorgeous and sexy, but his bad attitude and bitterness practically assures she'll keep her distance. So they make a deal... he'll stick with her until they can find a new partner for her along the way.
I love love loved the banter between these two. Both of them gave just as good as they took and I found myself smiling while reading this. I think while the story itself was a bit predictable... it had all the elements of your typical romance, Ruthie Knox really grabs you with her characters. These were two people I could connect with and that I found myself liking.
I know I said it was typical above but let me clarify... only in the sense of what you expect from a romance. What is different about this book is the journey these characters make. We're basically taking this bike trip with them and that was unique and different and I truly enjoyed it.
Tom, even in all his surliness was a wonderful character. I really enjoyed him and the chemistry between him and Lexie... hot!
“—Right now you need to let go, sweetheart. Open your eyes and let go. I’ll keep you safe.”
He wouldn’t let her look away. When she came, his gaze held her in place, his eyes huge and black and unspeakably tender, and he didn’t allow her to shrink back from the tsunami of sensation that swept through her. He held her there and made sure she felt every last unbelievable second of it, and then he blinked and came himself with a helpless sound that was almost a roar. She watched him, holding on tight until it was over.
Still shuddering, her hot cheek pressed against his shoulder, Lexie closed her eyes and cursed him. Because now it was no longer possible to pretend.
Tom was going to break her heart, and she was going to let him.
So... opposites attract is the basis of this, but it ends up being so much more! A sexy story filled with humor, romance and adventure that you must give a read to. The only thing I was disappointed in was the end... it felt kind of abrupt to me, and I would have liked to see a bit more of them together there, but I still really enjoyed this.
Definitely go give this a read - you won't be disappointed. I'll be sitting here waitingpatiently for the next Ruthie Knox book to come out!
In Ride with Me, We meet Alex (Lexie) and Tom. Tom has a past that has influenced who he has become when we meet him...
"Taryn, I'm 35, single, tattooed and antisocial. I'm the serial killer."
Tom is not a people person and that's keeping things light. He's a suit, working as a bike mechanic, where he doesn't have to deal with people and the possibility of being recognized.
Lexie is the single woman with a few failed relationships behind her and she wants to find a cycling partner to ride the TransAmerica Trail with her. She's looking to meet new people and go on an adventure... what she ends up with is Tom Geiger. He's gorgeous and sexy, but his bad attitude and bitterness practically assures she'll keep her distance. So they make a deal... he'll stick with her until they can find a new partner for her along the way.
I love love loved the banter between these two. Both of them gave just as good as they took and I found myself smiling while reading this. I think while the story itself was a bit predictable... it had all the elements of your typical romance, Ruthie Knox really grabs you with her characters. These were two people I could connect with and that I found myself liking.
I know I said it was typical above but let me clarify... only in the sense of what you expect from a romance. What is different about this book is the journey these characters make. We're basically taking this bike trip with them and that was unique and different and I truly enjoyed it.
Tom, even in all his surliness was a wonderful character. I really enjoyed him and the chemistry between him and Lexie... hot!
“—Right now you need to let go, sweetheart. Open your eyes and let go. I’ll keep you safe.”
He wouldn’t let her look away. When she came, his gaze held her in place, his eyes huge and black and unspeakably tender, and he didn’t allow her to shrink back from the tsunami of sensation that swept through her. He held her there and made sure she felt every last unbelievable second of it, and then he blinked and came himself with a helpless sound that was almost a roar. She watched him, holding on tight until it was over.
Still shuddering, her hot cheek pressed against his shoulder, Lexie closed her eyes and cursed him. Because now it was no longer possible to pretend.
Tom was going to break her heart, and she was going to let him.
So... opposites attract is the basis of this, but it ends up being so much more! A sexy story filled with humor, romance and adventure that you must give a read to. The only thing I was disappointed in was the end... it felt kind of abrupt to me, and I would have liked to see a bit more of them together there, but I still really enjoyed this.
Definitely go give this a read - you won't be disappointed. I'll be sitting here waiting
April 24, 2012
Review of Ride With Me by Ruthie Knox
There are a lot of reasons I don't love contemporary romance. Too much reality. Recycled plot ideas. Lack of excitement. The ones that resonate with me usually have a real sweetness to them. Very romantic moments. I don't care about the sex as much as the love connection, baby.
Unfortunately, when I first read the blurb for this book, I thought to myself.....I'm never gonna read it. It just wasn't appealing to me. But because a lot of folks were chatting about how much they enjoyed this novel, I decided to read it for maybe 15 minutes? If I didn't like it by then, I would bag it.
It didn't take fifteen minutes.
Right from the start, the characters were engaging, the storyline was solid. There was a nice, slow simmer to this love story that was both believable and romantic. I don't care about biking. But I did relish the idea of a cross-country journey. I loved how Tom taught Lexie to loosen up and be more spontaneous. And I also liked the fact that Lexie was likable from the very beginning. Even as an uptight, by-the-book biker, she was a good person....someone who thought about others but also looked out for herself. A very modern heroine. I think it's pretty difficult to make a strong and determined contemporary heroine non-bitchy and appealing. Knox does a great job with Lexie. And Tom is utterly delicious. A tortured soul (my fav!) who gets all hot and bothered by his new riding partner.
The parallels between the bicycle trek and the romantic journey in this story worked out well. The sex was an integral part of their relationship. It made sense. It wasn't just thrown in for kicks. And it helped to solidify the growing bonds between these two unlikely partners.
Ruthie Knox is a talented writer. The story was addictive. The characters were wonderful. I was feeling pretty nervous about the end. But in spite of gigantic obstacles, Tom figures out a freakin' fabulous HEA for them. (Go, Tom! Go, Tom!) Which was just perfect. He finally admits his love for Lexie. I turned the digital page, ready for the next chapter.
And there wasn't one.
At first I thought Amazon had flubbed up and cut off the end of the book.
And then I realized that I had finished the story.
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this book hadn't been so damned good, I guess I wouldn't have felt so cheated at the end. But it was damned good. Really damned good. And so the abrupt ending really sucked. I sat with a super-sad look on my face for a couple of minutes.
Prior to the non-ending, this book was heading for a solid 5-star review. But getting gypped at the end was a big downer. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend this book. Especially for folks who enjoy contemporary romance. There are some very sweet and touching moments in this story. And Knox has a gift for bringing her characters to life.
Grade: B/B+
I'm really looking forward to reading her next book. And hoping that she gives the HEA the attention and time it deserves. If you are going to write romance, you can't skimp on the HEA.
Wondering what my hubby would look like in bicycle shorts,
Penelope
There are a lot of reasons I don't love contemporary romance. Too much reality. Recycled plot ideas. Lack of excitement. The ones that resonate with me usually have a real sweetness to them. Very romantic moments. I don't care about the sex as much as the love connection, baby.
Unfortunately, when I first read the blurb for this book, I thought to myself.....I'm never gonna read it. It just wasn't appealing to me. But because a lot of folks were chatting about how much they enjoyed this novel, I decided to read it for maybe 15 minutes? If I didn't like it by then, I would bag it.
It didn't take fifteen minutes.
Right from the start, the characters were engaging, the storyline was solid. There was a nice, slow simmer to this love story that was both believable and romantic. I don't care about biking. But I did relish the idea of a cross-country journey. I loved how Tom taught Lexie to loosen up and be more spontaneous. And I also liked the fact that Lexie was likable from the very beginning. Even as an uptight, by-the-book biker, she was a good person....someone who thought about others but also looked out for herself. A very modern heroine. I think it's pretty difficult to make a strong and determined contemporary heroine non-bitchy and appealing. Knox does a great job with Lexie. And Tom is utterly delicious. A tortured soul (my fav!) who gets all hot and bothered by his new riding partner.
The parallels between the bicycle trek and the romantic journey in this story worked out well. The sex was an integral part of their relationship. It made sense. It wasn't just thrown in for kicks. And it helped to solidify the growing bonds between these two unlikely partners.
Ruthie Knox is a talented writer. The story was addictive. The characters were wonderful. I was feeling pretty nervous about the end. But in spite of gigantic obstacles, Tom figures out a freakin' fabulous HEA for them. (Go, Tom! Go, Tom!) Which was just perfect. He finally admits his love for Lexie. I turned the digital page, ready for the next chapter.
And there wasn't one.
At first I thought Amazon had flubbed up and cut off the end of the book.
And then I realized that I had finished the story.
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this book hadn't been so damned good, I guess I wouldn't have felt so cheated at the end. But it was damned good. Really damned good. And so the abrupt ending really sucked. I sat with a super-sad look on my face for a couple of minutes.
Prior to the non-ending, this book was heading for a solid 5-star review. But getting gypped at the end was a big downer. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend this book. Especially for folks who enjoy contemporary romance. There are some very sweet and touching moments in this story. And Knox has a gift for bringing her characters to life.
Grade: B/B+
I'm really looking forward to reading her next book. And hoping that she gives the HEA the attention and time it deserves. If you are going to write romance, you can't skimp on the HEA.
Wondering what my hubby would look like in bicycle shorts,
Penelope
September 26, 2012
Huh. Would you look at that? The rating system goes up to five stars. I had no idea...
March 9, 2012
What a happy surprise! 'Ride with Me', the debut release by a talented Ruthie Knox, was super fun, super sexy and just plain great!
Knox takes the well-loved enemies-to-lovers romance formula and uniquely sets it on the TransAmerica Trail. After dipping her cycle in the Pacific Ocean, Lexie Marshall embarks on a west-east continental bike tour with the gruff, rude and more than reluctant to bike with her Tom Geiger as partner. Beyond irritated to have to "babysit" Lexie, Tom makes it clear he wants to load her off on someone else at the first available opportunity, but as they slowly get to know and admire one another their mutual attraction takes hold of them and they find love on the trail.
Filled with lots of humor (the hot sauce game was awesome!), feel-good moments and steamy to boot, 'Ride with Me' was thoroughly entertaining and very sweet. My one little nitpick is that I wish there had of been an epilogue (I guess I've been spoiled by Kristen Ashley), but unfortunately "Ruthie abhors an epilogue" (according to her bio). Nevertheless, this is one of those go-to contemporary romances I can see myself rereading when I need a pick-me-up. I can't wait to see what Ruthie Knox "knocks" out next!
Knox takes the well-loved enemies-to-lovers romance formula and uniquely sets it on the TransAmerica Trail. After dipping her cycle in the Pacific Ocean, Lexie Marshall embarks on a west-east continental bike tour with the gruff, rude and more than reluctant to bike with her Tom Geiger as partner. Beyond irritated to have to "babysit" Lexie, Tom makes it clear he wants to load her off on someone else at the first available opportunity, but as they slowly get to know and admire one another their mutual attraction takes hold of them and they find love on the trail.
Filled with lots of humor (the hot sauce game was awesome!), feel-good moments and steamy to boot, 'Ride with Me' was thoroughly entertaining and very sweet. My one little nitpick is that I wish there had of been an epilogue (I guess I've been spoiled by Kristen Ashley), but unfortunately "Ruthie abhors an epilogue" (according to her bio). Nevertheless, this is one of those go-to contemporary romances I can see myself rereading when I need a pick-me-up. I can't wait to see what Ruthie Knox "knocks" out next!
March 12, 2012
Fast paced contemporary romance. This is a road trip romance where the hero and heroine start out as strangers and fall in love while bicycling across the US. The characters were believable and interesting. The bicycling elements were well done and interesting. Good conflict and conflict resolution. The sexual tension was very good and the dialog was pretty good. There were some bits of action and dialog at the beginning that seemed childish but that smoothed out pretty soon and the book was an enjoyable ride.
March 12, 2012
5+ Stars - Keeper
This was such an incredible surprise! I absolutely LOVED this book, it was such a fantastic read and I never wanted it to end. Tom and Lexie were wonderful together and the author really made me feel like I was on the 4,000 mile bike trip with them!
Their relationship progressed naturally and when they finally got together - HOLY SMOKES - those scenes were HOT.
This book had all the things I love about a "keeper" romance, angst ridden hero, strong heroine, humor, steamy sex and a love story that sucks you right in!
I can't wait for Ruthi Knox's next book!
This was such an incredible surprise! I absolutely LOVED this book, it was such a fantastic read and I never wanted it to end. Tom and Lexie were wonderful together and the author really made me feel like I was on the 4,000 mile bike trip with them!
Their relationship progressed naturally and when they finally got together - HOLY SMOKES - those scenes were HOT.
This book had all the things I love about a "keeper" romance, angst ridden hero, strong heroine, humor, steamy sex and a love story that sucks you right in!
I can't wait for Ruthi Knox's next book!
February 16, 2012
Tom Geiger is ready to cycle across the United States on the TransAmerica Trail. Planning to start in Oregon and ending up in Virginia, he is looking forward to a couple of months of peaceful cycling and sightseeing as he heads east. But his sister, Taryn, has other plans for him. Worried that he is too much of a loner, she secretly places an ad for a riding companion for him and finds someone named Alex. She arranges for Alex to meet Tom at the starting point of the trip, much to Tom’s dismay. But since Taryn is really his only friend, he doesn’t want to disappoint her.
"Please, Tom. You can’t ride your bicycle across the country alone. It’s insane. You’ll end up being slaughtered by a serial killer."
"Taryn, I’m thirty-five, single, tattooed, and anti-social. I’m the serial killer."
But when Alex shows up, Tom gets a surprise. Alex is a woman.
Alex is also a control freak. A high school English teacher, she has been planning this trip her entire life. She has every hour of the trip mapped out. She has a special computer on her bike and other high-tech gear. One look at Tom and she knows there is going to be a problem. Tom has an old bike and isn’t even wearing proper riding gear. She tried really hard to find another woman to ride with, but no one showed interest. So now she is stuck with Tom, who is extremely anti-social and surly. She also doesn’t want Tom to get any ideas at night when their tents are pitched right next to each other, so she blurts out she is married, although she is very, very single. Off they go on their cross-country journey.
Ride with Me is the debut book by Ruthie Knox, and I really liked it. She does a great job pairing up two very stubborn protagonists and making it a fun, amusing story. Tom is so anti-social and cranky. His ex-wife cheated on him with his brother, and he has a lot of family drama in the past. He works now as a bike mechanic and goes on crazy bike rides all over the world. His downfall is that he feels guilty about a lot of things. He would feel very guilty if he left Alex behind so he grudgingly agrees to be her companion. They butt heads many, many times at the beginning as they are so different. Alex is prim and proper and refuses to be spontaneous. But Tom finds her very attractive and slowly gets her to lower her defenses.
When Tom can get her to look up from the 27 gears on her bike, he pushes her to take a side road and see the sights. They start to fall into a friendship of sorts, although with an intense edge because they each find the other extremely attractive. My one gripe with this book is that Alex hangs onto the pretend-husband story for a little too long. There comes a point where they both want to dive into the sleeping bag together, but Tom still thinks Alex is married. It takes a phone call to his sister to realize maybe she is lying and that seemed a little farfetched. I wish Alex would have just told him sooner. I did like her apology, though, when the truth finally comes out.
Once they get past all of that, there is some hot lovin’! Who knew sexy times in a tent could be so hot? When Tom starts to lighten up and Alex sees that side of him, their romance really takes off.
Ride with Me is a sexy, contemporary. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about two people who cycle across the country. I’m a sucker for road-trip books, and this one definitely fit the bill.
Rating: B
"Please, Tom. You can’t ride your bicycle across the country alone. It’s insane. You’ll end up being slaughtered by a serial killer."
"Taryn, I’m thirty-five, single, tattooed, and anti-social. I’m the serial killer."
But when Alex shows up, Tom gets a surprise. Alex is a woman.
Alex is also a control freak. A high school English teacher, she has been planning this trip her entire life. She has every hour of the trip mapped out. She has a special computer on her bike and other high-tech gear. One look at Tom and she knows there is going to be a problem. Tom has an old bike and isn’t even wearing proper riding gear. She tried really hard to find another woman to ride with, but no one showed interest. So now she is stuck with Tom, who is extremely anti-social and surly. She also doesn’t want Tom to get any ideas at night when their tents are pitched right next to each other, so she blurts out she is married, although she is very, very single. Off they go on their cross-country journey.
Ride with Me is the debut book by Ruthie Knox, and I really liked it. She does a great job pairing up two very stubborn protagonists and making it a fun, amusing story. Tom is so anti-social and cranky. His ex-wife cheated on him with his brother, and he has a lot of family drama in the past. He works now as a bike mechanic and goes on crazy bike rides all over the world. His downfall is that he feels guilty about a lot of things. He would feel very guilty if he left Alex behind so he grudgingly agrees to be her companion. They butt heads many, many times at the beginning as they are so different. Alex is prim and proper and refuses to be spontaneous. But Tom finds her very attractive and slowly gets her to lower her defenses.
When Tom can get her to look up from the 27 gears on her bike, he pushes her to take a side road and see the sights. They start to fall into a friendship of sorts, although with an intense edge because they each find the other extremely attractive. My one gripe with this book is that Alex hangs onto the pretend-husband story for a little too long. There comes a point where they both want to dive into the sleeping bag together, but Tom still thinks Alex is married. It takes a phone call to his sister to realize maybe she is lying and that seemed a little farfetched. I wish Alex would have just told him sooner. I did like her apology, though, when the truth finally comes out.
Once they get past all of that, there is some hot lovin’! Who knew sexy times in a tent could be so hot? When Tom starts to lighten up and Alex sees that side of him, their romance really takes off.
Ride with Me is a sexy, contemporary. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about two people who cycle across the country. I’m a sucker for road-trip books, and this one definitely fit the bill.
Rating: B
April 2, 2012
Norma reviewed
Crista reviewed 3/9/12
Grade A-
I'm not surprised I enjoyed this book. I was pretty sure I would after reading several reviews. So I picked it up when I was feeling under the weather thinking I was getting a light, humorous, sexy contemporary to make my yucky day better. Well, it's sexy, contemporary, and at times humorous, plus it definitely made my day better, but it wasn't the "light" read I was expecting. That's not to say it was dark and heavy, but the books has real depth to it. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with past issues that, while not ordinary, were believable.
I love books that draw you in and make the reader feel a part of the story. I felt invested in the characters, and even when one or the other was acting stubborn or angry, it felt real. The dialogue was varied and believable. The information about bikes and biking was interesting without taking over the story.
The book was a little too short and the ending seemed too abrupt. It was begging for another chapter or an epilogue. (Although perhaps I should be happy the author didn't do what so many do in an epilogue, which is wrap up all the problems in a neat bow and dump a baby on the couple.)
Recommended, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Crista reviewed 3/9/12
Grade A-
I'm not surprised I enjoyed this book. I was pretty sure I would after reading several reviews. So I picked it up when I was feeling under the weather thinking I was getting a light, humorous, sexy contemporary to make my yucky day better. Well, it's sexy, contemporary, and at times humorous, plus it definitely made my day better, but it wasn't the "light" read I was expecting. That's not to say it was dark and heavy, but the books has real depth to it. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with past issues that, while not ordinary, were believable.
I love books that draw you in and make the reader feel a part of the story. I felt invested in the characters, and even when one or the other was acting stubborn or angry, it felt real. The dialogue was varied and believable. The information about bikes and biking was interesting without taking over the story.
The book was a little too short and the ending seemed too abrupt. It was begging for another chapter or an epilogue. (Although perhaps I should be happy the author didn't do what so many do in an epilogue, which is wrap up all the problems in a neat bow and dump a baby on the couple.)
Recommended, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
September 14, 2012
Looooved it! I had a blast going on the cross country adventure with these two. They were an unlikely pair in the beginning, but I loved watching them butt heads before slowly opening up and becoming a couple. The dynamic was great, the tension hot, and the writing smooth. What more could a girl ask for? ;)
February 3, 2012
I'll start with a confession: when I read the premise of Ride with Me I had reservations: how could a story about bicycles and riding crosscountry be romantic and exciting? I had serious doubts, but as the last LoveSwept title I read was fantastic I put my faith in them and boy was I blown away!
Ride with Me is terrific!! Ruthie Knox's fluent and engaging writing gripped my attention from the start and I devoured the book in no time. You want to know why? Because the colourful and well developed characterisation makes Tom and Lexie interesting and entertaining, they become real, flesh and blood people not just cardboard characters and their well developed personalities make the reader interested and invested in their story.
My favourite part of Ride with Me was hands down the pingpong paced sparring between Tom and Lexie and their off the chart sizzling chemistry. Their constant banter is witty and funny, their bickering repartee made me laugh out several times, the sparks sure flew between these two, and it was the amazing humour which made Ride with Me such an extraordinary and outstanding read for me (one of my favourite scenes which gave me hiccups I laughed so hard was when Tom was comparing his sexual prowess to Lexie's vibrator, wanting to convince her he is the better choice, it was such a funny scene!)
Just one of those chuckle-out-loud scenes:
He tore his mouth away and swore again.
"What?"
"It's your birthday," he said, his voice rough.
"So?"
"So I can’t screw you up against the wall on your birthday."
She burst out laughing, and he grinned back at her, utterly gorgeous. That smile knocked her for a loop every time. There was nothing she liked better than to see Tom happy.
"It's nice to know chivalry isn’t entirely dead," she joked.
Lexie is a very sunny person, she is a smiling, friendly, optimist young woman while Tom is her complete opposite: he is taciturn, grumpy, abrupt and very antisocial, so you can imagine the collision when these two meet and have to spend time together. The development of their relationship was done very naturally: first they come to tolerate each other (which part was so much fun!), then get comfortable around each other and then when their attraction and lust grows into more it is due to the fact that they got to know each other. They don't fall in love right after falling into bed, they fall in love because they got an understanding about what the other person was like. We see that behind Tom's rude and silent behaviour he is a kind hearted, deeply feeling and wounded man, and seeing how good Lexie is for his healing made me melt. And speaking of melting, Ruthie Knox sure packed some very steamy sensual scenes in Ride with Me! She described Tom's hot kisses in such a way that even just reading about them made my toes curl and gave me goosebumps!
Ruthie Knox managed to make the road trip part of the novel (the part that I dreaded and feared would be monotone and boring) sound interesting and colourful. I very much enjoyed reading the descriptions of the sights and locals that Tom and Lexie encountered on their trip.
The final conflict between Lexie and Tom, their emotional suffering was gut-clenchingly real and deep and I can only applaud Ruthie Knox for the terrific ending, for choosing not the usual overly glossed but still satisfactory happily-ever-after that sounds real and still leaves the reader with a conted sigh and a happy smile.
Verdict: I loved, loved, loved this book! It was witty, funny, sexy, well written and kept me engrossed in the story from beginning to end. A terrific debut for Ruthie Knox and I SO can't wait to read more stories written by her! Ride with Me will suck you in and take you on a spinning journey, and oh will it be fun! Take the plunge and start on this road trip with Tom and Lexie, you'll have the time of your life! :-)
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
Ride with Me is terrific!! Ruthie Knox's fluent and engaging writing gripped my attention from the start and I devoured the book in no time. You want to know why? Because the colourful and well developed characterisation makes Tom and Lexie interesting and entertaining, they become real, flesh and blood people not just cardboard characters and their well developed personalities make the reader interested and invested in their story.
My favourite part of Ride with Me was hands down the pingpong paced sparring between Tom and Lexie and their off the chart sizzling chemistry. Their constant banter is witty and funny, their bickering repartee made me laugh out several times, the sparks sure flew between these two, and it was the amazing humour which made Ride with Me such an extraordinary and outstanding read for me (one of my favourite scenes which gave me hiccups I laughed so hard was when Tom was comparing his sexual prowess to Lexie's vibrator, wanting to convince her he is the better choice, it was such a funny scene!)
Just one of those chuckle-out-loud scenes:
He tore his mouth away and swore again.
"What?"
"It's your birthday," he said, his voice rough.
"So?"
"So I can’t screw you up against the wall on your birthday."
She burst out laughing, and he grinned back at her, utterly gorgeous. That smile knocked her for a loop every time. There was nothing she liked better than to see Tom happy.
"It's nice to know chivalry isn’t entirely dead," she joked.
Lexie is a very sunny person, she is a smiling, friendly, optimist young woman while Tom is her complete opposite: he is taciturn, grumpy, abrupt and very antisocial, so you can imagine the collision when these two meet and have to spend time together. The development of their relationship was done very naturally: first they come to tolerate each other (which part was so much fun!), then get comfortable around each other and then when their attraction and lust grows into more it is due to the fact that they got to know each other. They don't fall in love right after falling into bed, they fall in love because they got an understanding about what the other person was like. We see that behind Tom's rude and silent behaviour he is a kind hearted, deeply feeling and wounded man, and seeing how good Lexie is for his healing made me melt. And speaking of melting, Ruthie Knox sure packed some very steamy sensual scenes in Ride with Me! She described Tom's hot kisses in such a way that even just reading about them made my toes curl and gave me goosebumps!
Ruthie Knox managed to make the road trip part of the novel (the part that I dreaded and feared would be monotone and boring) sound interesting and colourful. I very much enjoyed reading the descriptions of the sights and locals that Tom and Lexie encountered on their trip.
The final conflict between Lexie and Tom, their emotional suffering was gut-clenchingly real and deep and I can only applaud Ruthie Knox for the terrific ending, for choosing not the usual overly glossed but still satisfactory happily-ever-after that sounds real and still leaves the reader with a conted sigh and a happy smile.
Verdict: I loved, loved, loved this book! It was witty, funny, sexy, well written and kept me engrossed in the story from beginning to end. A terrific debut for Ruthie Knox and I SO can't wait to read more stories written by her! Ride with Me will suck you in and take you on a spinning journey, and oh will it be fun! Take the plunge and start on this road trip with Tom and Lexie, you'll have the time of your life! :-)
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
February 22, 2012
Also posted on my blog: A Buckeye Girl Reads
This was one of those books were I fell for all the hype. After seeing so many of my go to bloggers fall in love with it, I decided to take a chance on it. Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox had me right up until the very end of the book. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed with an ending, but more on that later.
I have to say that I didn't think a bike ride across country could be so entertaining. I loved the chemistry between Tom and Lexie. This is one of those romances where the "I can't be with you because.." actually works. I liked that they weren't friends right away. Both are stubborn and independent. Lexie has to do everything by the rules, and Tom doesn't do anything by the rules. I loved the eye rolling that Tom did every time Lexie would check her bike's computer, and watching Lexie cringe every time Tom did something the the biking rules said not to do.
I was pleasantly surprised by all the hot love scenes between Lexie and Tom. Once these two got together there was no stopping them. I also liked how what I thought would cause a fight didn't. When the two first met, Lexie lied to Tom and told him she was married. Once he found out she wasn't, he was more relieved then anything. I think I would have been a little more upset about that then he was, but still it was so nice for that not to be the cause of the dissension.
When the obligatory fight did happen, I have to say I didn't quite understand why it had to happen. The romance between the two was so nice, that the actual fight between them just seemed well, out of place for some reason. What made a really good book just meh for was the fact that they spent most of the last part of the book in the fight. When they finally do make up to have their happily ever after, it was Tom just saying sorry for being such a jerk and to be with him. I think that annoyed me so much because Lexie had been such a strong, independent character that her immediate acceptance just didn't feel right to me. The whole ending just felt rushed. I was so involved with these two, that I wanted more of them together after the fight. I felt robbed of their ending because the make up was basically a page. I thought I had 20% more to read, and instead it was promos for other Loveswept titles. I felt like they did the book an injustice by saving room for ads when instead it could have been a better conclusion. I've noticed that they now put a warning on goodreads that there are other titles, that go along with the book but I pre-ordered this book, and don't remember seeing that on there. I just hate it when an ending ruins an otherwise great book.
Despite my dislike of the ending, this was still a cute book, and one of the few contemporary romances that I've been able to finish.
Curran Crush Meter: Medium
Martini Sigh Meter: Medium
Barrons Hero Hotness Meter: Medium
Sizzle Meter: High
Finn and Swopes Sidekick Meter: Medium
This was one of those books were I fell for all the hype. After seeing so many of my go to bloggers fall in love with it, I decided to take a chance on it. Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox had me right up until the very end of the book. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed with an ending, but more on that later.
I have to say that I didn't think a bike ride across country could be so entertaining. I loved the chemistry between Tom and Lexie. This is one of those romances where the "I can't be with you because.." actually works. I liked that they weren't friends right away. Both are stubborn and independent. Lexie has to do everything by the rules, and Tom doesn't do anything by the rules. I loved the eye rolling that Tom did every time Lexie would check her bike's computer, and watching Lexie cringe every time Tom did something the the biking rules said not to do.
I was pleasantly surprised by all the hot love scenes between Lexie and Tom. Once these two got together there was no stopping them. I also liked how what I thought would cause a fight didn't. When the two first met, Lexie lied to Tom and told him she was married. Once he found out she wasn't, he was more relieved then anything. I think I would have been a little more upset about that then he was, but still it was so nice for that not to be the cause of the dissension.
When the obligatory fight did happen, I have to say I didn't quite understand why it had to happen. The romance between the two was so nice, that the actual fight between them just seemed well, out of place for some reason. What made a really good book just meh for was the fact that they spent most of the last part of the book in the fight. When they finally do make up to have their happily ever after, it was Tom just saying sorry for being such a jerk and to be with him. I think that annoyed me so much because Lexie had been such a strong, independent character that her immediate acceptance just didn't feel right to me. The whole ending just felt rushed. I was so involved with these two, that I wanted more of them together after the fight. I felt robbed of their ending because the make up was basically a page. I thought I had 20% more to read, and instead it was promos for other Loveswept titles. I felt like they did the book an injustice by saving room for ads when instead it could have been a better conclusion. I've noticed that they now put a warning on goodreads that there are other titles, that go along with the book but I pre-ordered this book, and don't remember seeing that on there. I just hate it when an ending ruins an otherwise great book.
Despite my dislike of the ending, this was still a cute book, and one of the few contemporary romances that I've been able to finish.
Curran Crush Meter: Medium
Martini Sigh Meter: Medium
Barrons Hero Hotness Meter: Medium
Sizzle Meter: High
Finn and Swopes Sidekick Meter: Medium
April 2, 2014
3 ½ stars. Above average. Kept my interest. But the ending was abrupt.
This was different for a romance novel. I liked the idea of a cross country bike ride. I liked the idea of Tom - angry, withdrawn, hermit of a guy. He had to see into his problems, accept things, and come back to life. That process was interesting. Lexie was a good influence. She would get mad at him, stick to her guns, and then not speak to him for a week or more, until he apologized or whatever was appropriate. She did this two or three times.
One part I did not like. But other readers might not mind. When Tom first meets Lexie, without knowing anything about her he says “I’m not going to sleep with you.” She had a great comeback and said “my husband will be so relieved when I pass that information along.” But later when they are hot for each other and want each other, he stops because she is married. That was the time she should have told him that she was not married. She does not tell him. She suffers silently. She wants him but she won’t tell him. So this goes on for a while, keeping her lie. I just did not like it. It did not fit her motivations. It felt like the author was dragging things out. Lexie feared that Tom would be mad because she lied. Finally when she tells him she’s not married, they get right to it. He was not mad. His interpersonal skills were much worse - and he caused it anyway.
I wish there was more time showing them together at the end. It was too quick. The author said she “abhors an epilogue.” I like them. They provide more “feel good.” Because the happy ending was abrupt, an epilogue might have helped.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 2,981 (222 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 8. Setting: current day crossing the U.S. from Oregon to Virginia. Copyright: 2012. Genre: contemporary romance, biking.
This was different for a romance novel. I liked the idea of a cross country bike ride. I liked the idea of Tom - angry, withdrawn, hermit of a guy. He had to see into his problems, accept things, and come back to life. That process was interesting. Lexie was a good influence. She would get mad at him, stick to her guns, and then not speak to him for a week or more, until he apologized or whatever was appropriate. She did this two or three times.
One part I did not like. But other readers might not mind. When Tom first meets Lexie, without knowing anything about her he says “I’m not going to sleep with you.” She had a great comeback and said “my husband will be so relieved when I pass that information along.” But later when they are hot for each other and want each other, he stops because she is married. That was the time she should have told him that she was not married. She does not tell him. She suffers silently. She wants him but she won’t tell him. So this goes on for a while, keeping her lie. I just did not like it. It did not fit her motivations. It felt like the author was dragging things out. Lexie feared that Tom would be mad because she lied. Finally when she tells him she’s not married, they get right to it. He was not mad. His interpersonal skills were much worse - and he caused it anyway.
I wish there was more time showing them together at the end. It was too quick. The author said she “abhors an epilogue.” I like them. They provide more “feel good.” Because the happy ending was abrupt, an epilogue might have helped.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 2,981 (222 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 8. Setting: current day crossing the U.S. from Oregon to Virginia. Copyright: 2012. Genre: contemporary romance, biking.
April 15, 2015
It was a quick, interesting and enyoable story.
I added the book on my TRB lsit very long time ago and I wasn't sure if I liked this book. Because a story on the road can be interesting or if author didn't do a good job, it can be a boring one too. Thank goodness, it was better than my expectation and I didn't know that there were so much hot scenes in it :)
Sometimes I felt that those scenes suddenly interrupted to progress of the story because I was so much in reading development of the couple's relationship. Though, I should confess hot scenes were quite steamy and well-written. I can say that easily one of the best sex scenes I've read in CR romances ;)
Overall, it was a very good, very fluent story that made me decide to read Ms Knox's other books too.
PS: I want to share this phrase.
"They were stuck with each other, companions who couldn’t work out how to be more and couldn’t stand to be less."
I added the book on my TRB lsit very long time ago and I wasn't sure if I liked this book. Because a story on the road can be interesting or if author didn't do a good job, it can be a boring one too. Thank goodness, it was better than my expectation and I didn't know that there were so much hot scenes in it :)
Sometimes I felt that those scenes suddenly interrupted to progress of the story because I was so much in reading development of the couple's relationship. Though, I should confess hot scenes were quite steamy and well-written. I can say that easily one of the best sex scenes I've read in CR romances ;)
Overall, it was a very good, very fluent story that made me decide to read Ms Knox's other books too.
PS: I want to share this phrase.
"They were stuck with each other, companions who couldn’t work out how to be more and couldn’t stand to be less."
February 26, 2012
I smiled on the first page and the last, and laughed, blushed and held my breath in between. The plot is fresh but familiar. The characters are flawed but lovable. And the romance, though you can feel the inevitability in their first conversation, is compelling and sweet. I loved this book, but something about it, even while I was reading it and immersed in the book - it felt like a shared experience, because it's just so accessible. It's so "yes, yes! That's how it is. That awkward, fluttery, love-y feeling. You nailed it."
My favorite scene happens kind of early... I will just say there is tongue-on-tire action. It made me squirm and laugh at the same time. I think that's when I really sat up and paid attention, like whoa, this is going to be good.
My favorite scene happens kind of early... I will just say there is tongue-on-tire action. It made me squirm and laugh at the same time. I think that's when I really sat up and paid attention, like whoa, this is going to be good.
September 4, 2012
3.5 stars
Update: Rebeca and I finally posted our joint review on Clear Eyes, Full Shelves.
(Sorry it's not more conducive to pasting into GR, but it's back and forth-style and I don't feel comfortable posting someone else's writing on my own review space on Goodreads.)
Rebeca aka Renegade and I are going to do a joint review of this one on the blog, but it's super fun, despite that I have some issues with a couple of things. A very fun romance akin to Shannon Stacey's Kowalski books.
Update: Rebeca and I finally posted our joint review on Clear Eyes, Full Shelves.
(Sorry it's not more conducive to pasting into GR, but it's back and forth-style and I don't feel comfortable posting someone else's writing on my own review space on Goodreads.)
Rebeca aka Renegade and I are going to do a joint review of this one on the blog, but it's super fun, despite that I have some issues with a couple of things. A very fun romance akin to Shannon Stacey's Kowalski books.
October 12, 2012
Tons of fun! The heroine I loved right from the start. The hero, I had to warm up to. He's such an ass early on, but once we get to know him and he gets to know Lexie, I liked him more and more as the story went on. Would have loved an epilogue to see where they ended up, but the ending was still very satisfying.
May 10, 2017
I went on a Ruthie Knox mini binge earlier last month and one of the books I read was Ride with Me. Man, I’ve become ridiculously obsessed with this author’s writing and once again, Ride with Me was a stellar novel. It features one of my favorite tropes of a grumpy hero falling hard for a happy-go-lucky heroine, and has a pretty unconventional story and setting, with the cycling around the country story line. I found myself being completely enamored by this book, and from start to finish, this was a book that was almost impossible to put down. Tom was a wonderful hero, a mega-grump, but who is dealing with the aftermath of being a rich guy who made mistakes. There were so many layers to his character, and I enjoyed watching those layers get peeled off as Ride with Me progressed. I instantly adored Lexie, who had a completely effervescent personality, with a strong sense of adventure. The banter and chemistry between Tom and Lexie was off-the-charts amazing. It had me smiling, swooning and laughing. Don’t you just love it when the grumpy hero who is initially constantly annoyed by the heroine, eventually turns into a melted puddle of goo around her? There’s just something about that trope that I adore, and Ruthie Knox does it well. Ride with Me was the perfect combination of hot, romantic and entertaining. 100% I would re-read this one!
April 15, 2012
I loved this one and got exactly what I was looking for. It was a fun and easy read and I will definitely go on to read more from Ruthie Knox.
Lexie wants to ride the cycle TransAm trail so advertised for a cycling partner. Tom was also riding the transAm and unfortunately for him, his sister thought it was time for him to move on and start living his life again. She emails Lexie pretending to be Tom and then at the last minute springs it on him that he has a riding partner. Needless to say he wasn't happy about it especially when he found out that partner was a woman and he would probably end up nursemaiding throughout the journey! From the start he was determined to put this woman off from joining him on the ride so he started out being rude and then when that didn't work he completely ignored her and refused to talk and even had thoughts of trying to offload he to another partner on the trail.Tom soon found out that Lexie was a strong and amazing woman with a great sense of humour and he slowly began to melt.
As well as thinking Lexie was amazing I also thought Tom was kind of special too despite him being moody and stroppy in the beginning.
Lexie wants to ride the cycle TransAm trail so advertised for a cycling partner. Tom was also riding the transAm and unfortunately for him, his sister thought it was time for him to move on and start living his life again. She emails Lexie pretending to be Tom and then at the last minute springs it on him that he has a riding partner. Needless to say he wasn't happy about it especially when he found out that partner was a woman and he would probably end up nursemaiding throughout the journey! From the start he was determined to put this woman off from joining him on the ride so he started out being rude and then when that didn't work he completely ignored her and refused to talk and even had thoughts of trying to offload he to another partner on the trail.Tom soon found out that Lexie was a strong and amazing woman with a great sense of humour and he slowly began to melt.
As well as thinking Lexie was amazing I also thought Tom was kind of special too despite him being moody and stroppy in the beginning.
August 22, 2012
There is something so seductive about Tom who is described as a loner, as a hermit, as a recluse. I loved Tom. He may be quiet but he is also sexy, protective, possessive, demanding without being controlling.
The steamy scenes between Lexie and Tom were unbelievably sexy. Even if they were figting, it was still hot. Then there were incredibly tender scenes that made my heart melt. Everytime he looked at her, kissed her, touched her... so sweet and hot.
This was a fantastic read. If you're looking for something short, sweet, sexy and lighthearted to read to read, then this is for you.
The steamy scenes between Lexie and Tom were unbelievably sexy. Even if they were figting, it was still hot. Then there were incredibly tender scenes that made my heart melt. Everytime he looked at her, kissed her, touched her... so sweet and hot.
This was a fantastic read. If you're looking for something short, sweet, sexy and lighthearted to read to read, then this is for you.
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