Step into the wild, romantic world of North Ridge, where rugged landscapes and second chances spark steamy love stories! Karina Halle’s North Ridge series, set in the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia, follows the Nelson brothers—Shane, Maverick, and Fox—as they navigate dangerous jobs, passionate romances, and emotional journeys. This trio of standalone novels blends heart-pounding chemistry with the charm of a small-town setting, making it a must-read for romance fans.
With its mix of cowboy grit, forbidden love, and friends-to-lovers arcs, North Ridge captures the thrill of rekindled connections against a backdrop of untamed wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to angsty second-chance tales or sizzling romantic tension, this series delivers a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers hooked.
How North Ridge Began
Karina Halle, a former music and travel journalist turned New York Times bestselling author, crafted the North Ridge series to explore love in a rugged, isolated setting. Inspired by her own life on a British Columbia island, Halle wanted to write about strong, independent characters facing both personal and environmental challenges. Launched in 2017, the series reflects her knack for blending raw emotion with spicy romance, drawing readers into the lives of the Nelson brothers.
Halle’s transition from journalism to fiction allowed her to infuse North Ridge with vivid, cinematic descriptions of British Columbia’s mountains. Her goal? To create stories that feel as untamed and unpredictable as the landscape itself, while celebrating the resilience of love.
The Heart of North Ridge
The North Ridge series comprises three standalone novels, each centered on a Nelson brother and their romantic redemption. Wild Card (2017) kicks off with Shane Nelson, a rancher haunted by a past mistake that broke his soulmate Rachel Waters’ heart. When Rachel returns to North Ridge, their rekindled passion unravels dark secrets, making for an angsty, sexy second-chance tale. Maverick (2017) follows John ‘Maverick’ Nelson, a daring search-and-rescue member whose cautious heart melts for American Riley Clarke, sparking a lighter, chemistry-driven romance.
Hot Shot (2018) wraps up the trilogy with Fox Nelson, whose friends-to-lovers story with Delilah burns with intense passion and emotional depth. The series’ themes—forgiveness, redemption, and the courage to love again—shine through each book, amplified by the rugged North Ridge setting. Halle’s writing, packed with steamy scenes and coarse language, caters to mature readers, while her focus on strong, independent heroines adds depth to the romance. The British Columbia wilderness isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character, challenging the protagonists and mirroring their inner struggles.
Each novel stands alone but weaves a cohesive tapestry of family, love, and survival. The Nelson brothers’ distinct personalities—Shane’s loyalty, Maverick’s bravado, and Fox’s intensity—offer varied romantic flavors, ensuring there’s a story for every reader.
Why North Ridge Resonates
North Ridge has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its raw emotion and vivid setting. Fans praise Halle’s ability to balance steamy encounters with heartfelt storytelling, making the series a standout for readers who crave both heat and substance. Its focus on second-chance romance taps into universal themes of hope and healing, while the Canadian setting offers a refreshing change from typical romance locales.
The series’ impact lies in its relatability—characters face real trauma, from heartbreak to family struggles, yet find love through resilience. Halle’s diverse storytelling, honed across genres like horror and fantasy, ensures North Ridge feels fresh and unpredictable, cementing her status as a versatile romance author.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 3
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Western, New Adult
Ready to fall for the Nelson brothers? Grab Wild Card and dive into North Ridge’s steamy, heartfelt world today!