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Driven #1
Driven
Alternate cover edition for 9780989450218
From New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg comes the first book in an unforgettable series about lust, love, redemption, and healing . . .
Colton Donavan lives on that razor thin edge toward out of control. Whether it’s on the track or off of it, everything he wants is at his fingertips: success, willing women, media attention.
Everything that is, but me. I’m the exception this reckless bad boy can’t seem to win over.
My heart is healing. His soul is damaged. We both know the two of us could never work. But he crashes into my life without apology—disrupting my world, testing my boundaries, and uncovering the darkness of my past.
Our chemistry is undeniable. Our attraction is magnetic. Our ability to help each other heal obvious. And even though he won’t let me in, there’s something about Colton I can’t walk away from.
This is the beginning of our story.
Our fight.
Our perfectly imperfect love.
From New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg comes the first book in an unforgettable series about lust, love, redemption, and healing . . .
Colton Donavan lives on that razor thin edge toward out of control. Whether it’s on the track or off of it, everything he wants is at his fingertips: success, willing women, media attention.
Everything that is, but me. I’m the exception this reckless bad boy can’t seem to win over.
My heart is healing. His soul is damaged. We both know the two of us could never work. But he crashes into my life without apology—disrupting my world, testing my boundaries, and uncovering the darkness of my past.
Our chemistry is undeniable. Our attraction is magnetic. Our ability to help each other heal obvious. And even though he won’t let me in, there’s something about Colton I can’t walk away from.
This is the beginning of our story.
Our fight.
Our perfectly imperfect love.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2013
About the author
K. Bromberg
96 books19.2k followersNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary romance novels that make you work to get your happily ever after. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes, who we love to hate but can’t help but love.
Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Kristy has sold over two million copies of her books across twenty different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over thirty times.
A mom of three, Kristy finds the only thing harder than finishing the book she’s writing is navigating parenthood during the teenage years (send more wine!). She loves dogs, sports, a good book, and is an expert procrastinator. She lives in Southern California with her family.
Social Media Links:
https://facebook.com/AuthorKBromberg
http://pinterest.com/KBrombergWrites/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kbromberg13/
twitter: @KBrombergDriven
www.KBromberg.com
Completed Titles:
Series:
The Driven Series
Driven
Fueled
Crashed
Raced
Aced
The Player Duet
The Player
The Catch
Standalones
UnRaveled
Slow Burn
Sweet Ache
Hard Beat
Down Shift
Sweet Cheeks
Sweet Rivalry (novella)
Faking It
Then You Happened
Flirting with 40
Sweet Regret
Everyday Heroes Series
Cuffed
Combust
Cockpit
Control (novella)
Wicked Ways Duet
Resist
Reveal
The Play Hard Series
Hard to Handle
Hard to Hold
Hard to Score
Hard to Lose
Hard to Love
S.I.N. Series
Last Resort
On One Condition
Final Proposal
The Redemption Series
Until You
Full Throttle Series
Off the Grid
On The Edge
Over The Limit
Out of Control
Tangled Hearts Trilogy
Twisted Knight
Threaded Lies
Twined Fates
Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Kristy has sold over two million copies of her books across twenty different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over thirty times.
A mom of three, Kristy finds the only thing harder than finishing the book she’s writing is navigating parenthood during the teenage years (send more wine!). She loves dogs, sports, a good book, and is an expert procrastinator. She lives in Southern California with her family.
Social Media Links:
https://facebook.com/AuthorKBromberg
http://pinterest.com/KBrombergWrites/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kbromberg13/
twitter: @KBrombergDriven
www.KBromberg.com
Completed Titles:
Series:
The Driven Series
Driven
Fueled
Crashed
Raced
Aced
The Player Duet
The Player
The Catch
Standalones
UnRaveled
Slow Burn
Sweet Ache
Hard Beat
Down Shift
Sweet Cheeks
Sweet Rivalry (novella)
Faking It
Then You Happened
Flirting with 40
Sweet Regret
Everyday Heroes Series
Cuffed
Combust
Cockpit
Control (novella)
Wicked Ways Duet
Resist
Reveal
The Play Hard Series
Hard to Handle
Hard to Hold
Hard to Score
Hard to Lose
Hard to Love
S.I.N. Series
Last Resort
On One Condition
Final Proposal
The Redemption Series
Until You
Full Throttle Series
Off the Grid
On The Edge
Over The Limit
Out of Control
Tangled Hearts Trilogy
Twisted Knight
Threaded Lies
Twined Fates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,599 reviews
September 25, 2016
BR with Her Highness La-Lionne!! :D
FSoG, step aside! Make room for Driven, the new number 1 on The stupidest books ever written list!
I'll break it down for you with quotes:
1% - And that’s when I hear them. The flirty, feminine giggle floats through the air, followed by the deep timber of a masculine moan. I freeze instantly, shocked at the audacity of our party’s attendees, when I hear the unmistakable sound of a zipper followed by a breathless but familiar feminine gasp of, “Oh yes!” in the darkened alcove a few feet in front of me. You couldn’t pay me enough money to do something like that in public.
You'll be doing that in public in about 10 seconds.
2% - “Oh … um … I’m so sorry.” I hold my hands up in a flustered apology. “No apologies needed,” he responds in a cultured rasp of a voice with just a hint of edge. “I’m used to women falling at my feet.”
I have no time to register the confusion mingled with a heavy dose of desire that surges through me when I hear him mutter, “Oh fuck it,” seconds before his mouth is on mine. “Decide, sweetheart,” he commands. “A man only has so much restraint.”
WTF! Their first meeting and he sexually harasses her???
3% - Despite my submission, I know this is wrong. I can hear my conscious telling me to stop. That I don’t do these kinds of things. That I’m not that kind of girl. That I’m betraying Max with each continuing caress.
Excuse me, she has a boyfriend?
CHEATER!!
9% - I close my eyes momentarily, leaning my head back as “Oh God!” slips from my lips in a sigh. What an unbelievable night! “So that’s what it will sound like?” I open my eyes, confused at his comment, to see him regarding me with a bemused look on his face. “What?” I bark, my response harsh like a curse. “Those words, Oh God,” he mimics me, reaching out and running a finger down the side of my face, “Now I know exactly how you’ll sound when you say that while I’m buried deep inside of you.”
*gag*
9% - My computer pings and I click on my mailbox to see an incoming email. I don’t recognize the address, but can assume the person’s identity. Here we go again.
It's him, but I'm sure you knew that.
You have twenty-four hours to respond. Or else.
10% - If you refuse to give me availability, I may have to take matters in my own hands. Maybe someone taking control is exactly what you want? What you need?
Lemme think...How about
15% - “For the next several months and into the season, I will need a representative of Corporate Cares with me on numerous occasions.”
That's code for personal whore on the road.
It’s a means to an end, I remind myself.
That’s what a prostitute would say.
17% - Colton pushes off the wall and stalks toward me like a lion about to pounce on his prey.
A rich, insecure lion, that is.
“And believe me, sweetheart, I’m far from desperate.”
You’re blackmailing her!!! If that’s not desperate, I don't know what is!!
“You sure are full of yourself, aren’t you, Ace?” He cocks his head and looks at me. “I can arrange that it be you who’s full of me instead, if you’d like?”
21% - “Keep fightin’ me, sweetheart. The feistier you are, the harder you make me.” There is a dangerous amusement to his tone that scrapes over me and prickles my senses. Shit! How can he make those words sound like a seductive promise?
Rapist alert!
He presses his hips against mine, holding me against the hard, unforgiving wood.
Would that be the wood of the door or his erection? Not sure...
Had enough? Yeah, me too.
Fast forward to sex scene...
45% - a lot of That's it, baby., Look at me, Rylee. and Look at me, he growls.
Needless to say I didn't even finish reading the sex scene. It was so
Let's talk about the writing for a little bit. It's horrific! You can't even tell the difference between the voices of the author, the heroine and the hero.
The heroine: I know that I’ll be doing that later, FOR I can’t think of a single way to rebuke this overconfident yet completely correct man.
I rub my tired eyes and run my fingers through my hair, pulling it back off my shoulders. I exhale loudly, FOR it has been a long, tiring weekend, and I’m exhausted.
We work in sync, side-by-side, like an old married couple FOR we’ve had this shift together for the past two years.
He senses that I get his insinuation FOR the humor in his eyes is unmistakable.
I relish this kiss as much as he does, FOR all of my pent-up frustration over him from the past few days explodes within me.
The other boys in the room have all turned to watch, expectant expressions on their faces FOR this is the first time that Zander has ever purposely taken the initiative to interact with someone.
Variation of FOR: “FOR what reason? You and I come from different worlds, Colton, that have different rules.
The hero: - “Well, Ms. Thomas, I won’t need much from you from a business standpoint FOR I have a team that is very experienced in this type of thing.
Seriously, who talks like that?
We also have AS: “Look before you open,” I tell him AS I rise from the table and walk toward the hall. AS I reach the corner of the hall that leads to the foyer, Shane breezes past me, disappointment on his face.
I slip my hands into the rear pockets of my jeans AS I lean against the doorjamb.
Another one for the road: “You’re frustrating,” I sigh in frustration. ......
ETC. ETC. ETC.
Can't go on...
1 star!
***Looking forward to sharing more DNFs with you, Your Majesty! :D <3 You make the not-reading experience much more fun! Hahahaa
August 20, 2014
*BR with Alex. We should do it more often ;-)*
You've got to be kidding me? Couldn't even finish, gave up at 43%. What a mess.
The story is absolutely ridiculous. We get yet another stupid thing falling out of some place and bumping into her prince charming. Can any of them walk a straight line anymore?
First there was Anna who fell into Christian's office, looked up and there he was. Then there was Eva who ran into Gideon, fell to her knees spilling her purse, looked up and there he was. Don't forget Catherine who caught the toe of her boot on a jagged edge and stubbled forward, right into William's arms. This time you get Rylee who falls out of a freaking closet, looks up and there he is, Colton. F@cking hell!
At 2% main characters were already sucking each others faces off. They just looked at each other and next thing you know, there is saliva splashing all over the place.
It's oh-so-good, there are rainbows everywhere and unicorns flying around, somewhere in the background angels are singing "Amazing grace". You get the picture.
Then suddenly she snaps out of it and gets all up in his face.
WTF??!!! Come again???!!!!! I was expecting two nurses to jump out at any moment, one holding a straight jacked and the other one syringe with a sedative, to take Rylee back to where she escaped from.
From that point on all of their encounters were about her calling him a dick, arrogant prick, and accusing him of taking advantage of an innocent girl. I wasn't sure what girl she was referring to, because the chick that felt out of the closet wasn't it.
She says he is full of sh!t, but so is she. At least he was honest about it, I can't say the same about her.
Everytime he comes up with some kinky proposition she is all: who do you think I am, some slut?
But 2 seconds later, there are all kinds weird thing happening in her crotch area.
He buys her at the auction, well, not her, but a date with her. It's not as kinky as it sounds. It's all for a good cause, because money will go to charity. While Christian Grey is trying to cure worlds hunger, Colton is trying to save orphans. Good for you, dude! But she, good girl that she is *eye roll*, feels like a whore, or a cheep slut, that have been put on a display and sold like some sex slave. No one is asking you to spread your legs, jeeze, relax! Just meet the dude, have a cup of coffee, laugh it off and move on. But no, she goes on an on about how humiliating it was.
I wanted to DNF this book 5% into it, but I kept reading because I wanted to see if Colton could walk the walk. You see, he kept promising her mind blowing orgasms.
But when we finally got to see him in action, all you got was: yeah, that's it, oh god, look at me, that's right.
Rylee was in seven heaven, saw stars and the whole shebang. From where I was reading, it was "Meh" at best. Apparently, Rylee gets off on clichés.
That's all I have. Wasn't good, at all. Not even close to being mediocre in my opinion.
You've got to be kidding me? Couldn't even finish, gave up at 43%. What a mess.
The story is absolutely ridiculous. We get yet another stupid thing falling out of some place and bumping into her prince charming. Can any of them walk a straight line anymore?
First there was Anna who fell into Christian's office, looked up and there he was. Then there was Eva who ran into Gideon, fell to her knees spilling her purse, looked up and there he was. Don't forget Catherine who caught the toe of her boot on a jagged edge and stubbled forward, right into William's arms. This time you get Rylee who falls out of a freaking closet, looks up and there he is, Colton. F@cking hell!
At 2% main characters were already sucking each others faces off. They just looked at each other and next thing you know, there is saliva splashing all over the place.
It's oh-so-good, there are rainbows everywhere and unicorns flying around, somewhere in the background angels are singing "Amazing grace". You get the picture.
I move my hands over the rasp of his unshaven jaw to the back of his neck and tug my fingers in the hair that curls over the top of his collar.
(...)
I'm drowning in the sensation of him, and yet I'm not willing to come up for the air I so desperately need.
(...)
My body is ready to consent to his request because I want this man too. I want to feel his weight on me, his bare skin sliding on mine.
Then suddenly she snaps out of it and gets all up in his face.
"Who the hell do you think you are? Touching me like that? Taking advantage of me that way?"
WTF??!!! Come again???!!!!! I was expecting two nurses to jump out at any moment, one holding a straight jacked and the other one syringe with a sedative, to take Rylee back to where she escaped from.
From that point on all of their encounters were about her calling him a dick, arrogant prick, and accusing him of taking advantage of an innocent girl. I wasn't sure what girl she was referring to, because the chick that felt out of the closet wasn't it.
She says he is full of sh!t, but so is she. At least he was honest about it, I can't say the same about her.
Everytime he comes up with some kinky proposition she is all: who do you think I am, some slut?
I suppress my anger at the nerve of Colton. I can't believe he's just said this.
But 2 seconds later, there are all kinds weird thing happening in her crotch area.
I watch his eyes narrow as I lick my lips. for all of a sudden it is rather hot in this conference room.
He buys her at the auction, well, not her, but a date with her. It's not as kinky as it sounds. It's all for a good cause, because money will go to charity. While Christian Grey is trying to cure worlds hunger, Colton is trying to save orphans. Good for you, dude! But she, good girl that she is *eye roll*, feels like a whore, or a cheep slut, that have been put on a display and sold like some sex slave. No one is asking you to spread your legs, jeeze, relax! Just meet the dude, have a cup of coffee, laugh it off and move on. But no, she goes on an on about how humiliating it was.
I wanted to DNF this book 5% into it, but I kept reading because I wanted to see if Colton could walk the walk. You see, he kept promising her mind blowing orgasms.
"Just know, Rylee, the best sex you will ever have... will be with me." He says in a low, hypnotizing voice.
But when we finally got to see him in action, all you got was: yeah, that's it, oh god, look at me, that's right.
Rylee was in seven heaven, saw stars and the whole shebang. From where I was reading, it was "Meh" at best. Apparently, Rylee gets off on clichés.
That's all I have. Wasn't good, at all. Not even close to being mediocre in my opinion.
April 18, 2020
congratulations to this book for being 50 shades without the rich man
July 25, 2023
This guy read fifty shades of grey and said: "Well this is going to be my personality for the rest of the year."
First of all, Colton definitely does not know what consent is and when he started being so persistent about her I was getting so annoyed and just kept thinking 'why is he acting so fickle and possessive at the same time?'
I also just did not like the general relationship between Colton and Ryle. There was no sort of chemistry, no built up and no real tension. It seemed really forced and not natural. There was also that constant reminded that this man pretty much is Christian Grey:
- he was adopted
- his childhood with his biological family was horrible
- he has a fuck palace with contracts and certain bdsm aspects in his relationship
- Ryle is so not like other girls
- Colton has nightmares
- Colton has an ex that is still very close to him and tells Ryle that she has no chance
The similarities are endless and it was boring and just a carbon copy.
First of all, Colton definitely does not know what consent is and when he started being so persistent about her I was getting so annoyed and just kept thinking 'why is he acting so fickle and possessive at the same time?'
I also just did not like the general relationship between Colton and Ryle. There was no sort of chemistry, no built up and no real tension. It seemed really forced and not natural. There was also that constant reminded that this man pretty much is Christian Grey:
- he was adopted
- his childhood with his biological family was horrible
- he has a fuck palace with contracts and certain bdsm aspects in his relationship
- Ryle is so not like other girls
- Colton has nightmares
- Colton has an ex that is still very close to him and tells Ryle that she has no chance
The similarities are endless and it was boring and just a carbon copy.
August 15, 2017
★★★★! The Driven Trilogy, book 1, a Debut by K. Blomberg. Famous, rich, sexy & unattainable playboy & race car driver Colton Donavan’s fast and furious pursuit of broken and withdrawn regular girl, Rylee Thomas!
“I will revel in that moment with him which will be filled with reverent sighs and entangled bodies, and I’ll be devastated when he walks away after having his fill of me.”
The Driven Trilogy is the fast-paced whirlwind romance of an ordinary girl with a painful past, Rylee Thomas, working for a non-profit organization when her world collides with the beyond handsome, elusive and jaded, (in)famous playboy, sought after bachelor and successful race car driver with Hollywood family ties, Colton Donavan. After meeting at a fundraiser Colton sets out on a relentless seduction and chase of Rylee. Fasten your seatbelts to follow them in their saga spanning three books.
Books in The Driven Trilogy should be read in order:
Driven (book 1)
Fueled (book 2) – due August 2013
Crashed (book 3)
Driven (book 1) opens up with Rylee’s and Colton’s first encounter backstage at a fundraiser that she is organizing and he is attending.
“I freeze instantly, shocked at the audacity of our party’s attendees, when I hear the unmistakable sound of a zipper followed by a breathless but familiar feminine gasp of, “Oh yes!” in the darkened alcove a few feet in front of me.”
Before the night is over Rylee finds herself rescued, kissed, insulted, pursued, tempted, coerced and ultimately obligated to a date thanks to a donation paid for by Colton Donavan. Needless to say they are off to a bumpy start.
Rylee is very broken with a tragic past and she will fight his seduction every step of the way. Colton however is used to getting what he wants and “Driven” is his middle name. Her resistance only serves to fuel his determination. He ends up making a huge contribution to Corporate Cares and Rylee finds herself working side-by-side with Colton on the project.
Their attraction and sexual tension are palpable, but both are strong-willed and with an innate need for control. And Colton also has demons which he is determined to keep to himself. Add to that vindictive exes and the scrutinizing spotlight by the media and we have a story filled with intrigue and suspense, secrets and demons, twists and turns, villains and set-backs.
Colton’s and Rylee’s story moves along a break-neck speed only to come to a crashing halt with a cliff-hanger ending. I am not too worried as August is right around the corner plus there was a teaser for book 2, Fueled at the end.
With Driven’s cliff-hanger ending, lots of loose ends and unanswered questions it is my prediction for the rest of The Driven Trilogy there’ll be plenty of more drama and intrigue added to keep us guessing and fretting all the way to the finish line.
“He turns to go, but not before I watch the transition on his face from the Colton Donavan I know, to the public persona. Aloof and untouchable. Sexy and untamable.”
Colton Donavan has everything I could ever ask for in a hero with his larger-than-life personality, movie star good looks and sex appeal. From Hollywood royalty he grew up determined to make it on his own by becoming a successful race car driver and business man. The word no does not exist in his vocabulary. He is driven and relentless, in control yet out-of-control. Colton is also elusive and very much the unattainable playboy and sought after bachelor with a string of vindictive exes. But Colton also has secrets and a past which will unfold throughout the series so that maybe we will better understand the enigma that is Colton Donavan.
I might have wished he’d remained aloof and suave a little longer in his seduction. As much as I love his intense personality, some of the dialogue felt off; His. Words. Were. Too. Excessive. Too. Soon. and some reminded me of other popular heroes. However, I already saw huge progress in the last two-thirds of the book and my wish for the next-coming books is that he continues on the hot and cold path plus improves his dialogue.
Six words to describe Colton Donavan: Driven, charismatic, enigmatic, relentless, unattainable and broken.
“I know all about baggage, sweetheart. I have enough of it to fill up a 747 and then some.”
The greater the hero the tougher it is for the heroine to stand-out. I had a hard time connecting with Rylee Thomas at first. I found her difficult and complicated. But as the story unfolds we learn more about her tragic and painful past, which is mitigating. Plus I applaud her for diving into and dealing with some of her issues. Just like with Colton I saw a stark improvement in the second two-thirds of the story. My wish is for continued growth and less use of Colton’s nick-name “Ace”.
Six words to describe Rylee Thomas: Complicated, damaged, caring, stubborn, progressive and endearing.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” he murmurs, “you’re going to learn that sometimes, not being in control is extremely liberating.”
To explain my varying story execution rating: This is a debut novel and when story is good it’s great, way on its way to a 5-star read and Colton at his best is up there with my favorite heroes. But then there are moments that I touched on above, mostly in the first third of the book, where the dialogue feels a little off plus the story is long-winded.
An excellent debut by Ms. Blomberg! Interesting setting and plot! Refreshing storytelling! Captivating hero with HUGE potential! A very promising series! I am looking forward to book 2, Fueled. Thanks Ms. Blomberg!
“I know it won’t be enough. I don’t think any amount of time will be enough to love someone like Colton. He is one of those guys who consumes every part of you.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storyline execution rating: 3.5-5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 3 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
September 13, 2016
1 'LOGIC FAIL AHEAD!' star
Gaaahhhh!! I hate Alpha Jerks with CHEESY lines, and the doormat women who swoon over them! This was almost a DNF so many times, but I actually finished it. Maybe because it was such a train wreck, I actually found myself wondering just how fucked up these two really are. The answer? THEY ARE SERIOUSLY FUCKED UP.
FIRST, MEET COLTON:
He is the typical misogynist A-hole alpha-jerk hero who believes himself too damaged for love, so he commits to sex-only relationships. He has an endless supply of cheesy one liners, brags constantly about his cock size and prowess in bed, has no problems with sloppy-seconds, sends mixed signals til you go crazy, and has some seriously creepy stalker tendencies.
COLTON ONLY DOES THE SEX THING, NO EMOTIONS OR RELATIONSHIPS.
COLTON DECIDES WHAT HIS WOMEN WANT FROM HIM AND WHEN:
COLTON IS AN ENDLESS LIBRARY OF CHEESY, SMARMY PICKUP LINES!
COLTON GETS ALL OF HIS WOMEN BY BEING AN ASS, AND THEY LOVE IT!:
NOW, MEET RYLEE:
Our doormat extraordinaire heroine who piles on the excuses for Colton's asshole behavior, says one thing but always does another, spreads her legs at his commands, and believes she can fix this dude because she is sooooo special. Why does she bother? BECAUSE HE IS SO HOT!! (eye roll!)
RYLEE MAY SAY SHE WANTS CONTROL, BUT HER ACTIONS ARE PURE DOORMAT
COLTON CONTINUES TO MAKE HER CRY, AND YET RYLEE GOES BACK FOR MORE AND MORE...
SHE EMBRACES HER 'INNER SLUT', WHICH COLTON IS ALL TOO HAPPY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:
Yes, she REALLY has an inner slut. It is what her and her friend chat about, and it gives her the excuse to behave like a doormat with Colton. She tries to convince herself that she can do 'sex only', despite never doing it before, and (no surprise!) she can't do it. She gets emotionally attached (again, no surprise!) Which is why she cries and breaks down so often.
This is book 1 in a series, so there is no HEA nor do we get all of the answers as why they are so fucked up. There are hints of what has him so emotionally closed up, how her fiance died, and what A.C.E. stands for. But honestly, I don't really care anymore. This series did not work for me. It ends as expected, with Colton being a fucking douche bag. We already know Rylee can't resist him being an asshole to her, so of course she will take him back a few dozen more times.
There is a formula that many books are using these days, i.e. asshole hero + doormat heroine + a shit load of fighting over his inability to commit. I am not a person who believes that 'Severe Asshole Syndrome' can be fixed by some great sex with an airhead who should have ran for the hills when they first met. So, I am done with this series. Moving on...
July 23, 2015
5 AH-MAZING Stars*****
OMG what a Ride.... I don't know why its taken me so long to read this series, I'm telling you if you haven't just like me then STOP EVERYTHING and meet ACE!!!!!
I'm not going to write a big review as planning to do a series review at the end, but here are some of my thoughts so far.
Sigh and swoon. what I have loved so far about this book is how Kristy has made palpable characters that give us feelings of realism. You literally feel and need to know what it's like to be THEM so much so you feel like your intruding in a way to there life. Except you can't help but keep watching it move forward, you can see it happened and know it's shifting yet you keep on because you see their souls unravel.
In this book/series we are dealing with an emotional back story, that tore my heart open NO JOKE. Spoke to me in volumes.
Colton
Dominating, sensual, endearing in ways because he doesn't quite see it for himself. Yet he is able to connect and help the people around him, he loves easily except he's hurting on the inside.
Rylee
KICKASS heroine. Love her to bits, strong and giving at the same time.
I just love the writing and the message the story tells, the sex is HOT yet the story envelopes you.
Unputtadownable!! Period yeh kicking my ass for not reading this before...
Onto Fueled
That. Is. All
For more Reviews and blog posts
OMG what a Ride.... I don't know why its taken me so long to read this series, I'm telling you if you haven't just like me then STOP EVERYTHING and meet ACE!!!!!
I'm not going to write a big review as planning to do a series review at the end, but here are some of my thoughts so far.
Sigh and swoon. what I have loved so far about this book is how Kristy has made palpable characters that give us feelings of realism. You literally feel and need to know what it's like to be THEM so much so you feel like your intruding in a way to there life. Except you can't help but keep watching it move forward, you can see it happened and know it's shifting yet you keep on because you see their souls unravel.
In this book/series we are dealing with an emotional back story, that tore my heart open NO JOKE. Spoke to me in volumes.
Colton
Dominating, sensual, endearing in ways because he doesn't quite see it for himself. Yet he is able to connect and help the people around him, he loves easily except he's hurting on the inside.
Rylee
KICKASS heroine. Love her to bits, strong and giving at the same time.
I just love the writing and the message the story tells, the sex is HOT yet the story envelopes you.
Unputtadownable!! Period yeh kicking my ass for not reading this before...
Onto Fueled
That. Is. All
For more Reviews and blog posts
February 23, 2014
^^^ my casting for Colton
*** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ***
Well, I'm officially in love with Colton Donavan and hooked on this series!
I'd been looking forward to starting this series for quite a while now. Honestly, I'd loved the sound it from the day I first heard about it but because of the cliffhangers, I was waiting to be able to read them all at once. Now that I've started it though, I totally get why so many readers are obsessed with these books!
The story followed Colton and Rylee. Rylee was a strong woman who had control over life and who dedicated her time towards working for a wonderful cause helping children in need. Colton was a reckless bad boy -- a famous race car driver known for his skills both on the track and in the bedroom. They were polar opposites in so many ways and what she needed was something he couldn't give.
“Let’s face it, you’re not a spend the night kind of guy, and I’m not a one-night stand kind of girl.”
And yet, they kept being drawn back to each other... :)
I loved Rylee right from the start. She was a feisty, unintimidated and kind hearted. My first impression of Colton though was more of an arrogant, cocky manwhore... in Rylee's words, an "egotistical asshole". But I liked him! There was just something about him that hinted that there was much more to him than met the eye. Plus, he was just hot as hell!!
"I may be a man, but I'm nowhere near gentle. In fact, I think you're a little curious just how I like it. Step over the edge with me, Ryles…I'll be anything and everything but gentle."
As Rylee soon found out, there was a lot more to him. Behind the bad boy that the world saw was deep rooted pain from a very dark past that he didn't want to talk about. I really felt drawn to his character. What can I say, I'm a total sucker for the tortured bad boys. They get to me every time.
"The man is captivating in every way and the epitome of sexy. From that boyish grin that disarms me in seconds to his sexy swagger… He exudes virility, evokes desire, and commends attention… He's edgy and reckless and you want to go along for the ride hoping to get a glimpse of his tender side that breaks through every now and again. The bad boy with a touch of vulnerability who leaves you breathless and steals your heart."
Colton was dominant and possessive. He knew what he wanted and was determined to get it no matter what. But he kept his heart locked away. He was used to purely physical relationships with women, and was simply not ready to commit to anything more.
"I assure you, romance is not something I actively subscribe to. There's no such thing as happily ever after."
What I loved was that Rylee brought out a new side of him he'd never allowed to show through before -- she meant more to him than anyone had before and that scared him. I loved the two sides of him -- on one hand he was cocky and arrogant, but he also had a deeply caring side. It was the side of him he hid from the world that drew me to him. I could feel how much he wanted "more" and it broke my heart that he didn't think he could ever have it.
"I know all about baggage, sweetheart. I have enough of it to fill up a 747 and then some... My shit can't be fixed. I've been broken for way too long for that miracle to happen."
And I just want to share this line here because this was the moment that fully sold me on the series...
"I'm seeing the true Colton Donavan - the unmasked version with a vulnerability that makes me want to reach over and take the hurt that often flickers through those green eyes and make it better. To show him that love and commitment are possible without complications. That it is real and pure and much more powerful than ever imagined with it is built and shared between two people."
Another part of the story I loved was that, as I mentioned, Rylee worked for an organization whose goal was to help orphaned children and she did these shifts at The House which was where many of them lived. On it's own, this part of the story was deeply emotional but guys, seeing Colton with these kids was just... WOW. My heart melted -- it was just so beautiful and moving!!!
I'm not going to lie though -- this book was a bit of a rough start for me for several reasons. But everyone kept telling me to hang in there because it got better and they were right!! It did get better and I'm so glad I stuck with it because now I'm hooked on this series!!
Ok - now there's something which I kind of have to mention here... *twists lips* ... ok -- I'm just going to say it: this book has several strong similarities to both Fifty Shades and Crossfire. I'm not going to list them because I'm not one to nit pick but you'll notice when you read it if, like me, you're a fan of those two series. But, here's the thing... take as a whole, the story is not the same and so, even though those elements made me a little uncomfortable while I was reading, my advice is to just overlook them. That's what I did.
I'd say that overall, my enjoyment of this book was a steady upward climb. There were a few stumbles along the way, a few cases of deja vu, but all in all, it got better and better as it went and now...
I'm hooked, intrigued, and I want more!! Colton is very much the type of hero I most easily fall for -- tortured, mysterious, and a little bit dangerous, but protective, dominant and kind hearted. Rylee is the kind of strong heroine who I can respect. Overall, I liked the pacing of the story, I enjoyed watching Rylee and Colton try to figure out their relationship and I can't wait to see what comes next. I do wish certain scenes hadn't been quite as 'familiar' for me, but from what I hear, the next book blows this one out of the water and based on how the story in this book has been steadily getting better for me, I totally believe that.
I would absolutely recommend this book, but my advice is to be patient with it in the beginning. I'm glad I started it, really glad I stuck with it, and am now ready to dive straight into the next book.
PS - there is a giant cliffhanger at the end and I am so freaking glad I waited to read these books back to back because if I had read this without having the next book, I would have been pissed beyond all reason. But now that I have the next book ready to go, I'm just giddy with excitement to dive right into it :D
Here's my second casting pic for Colton ;)
****************************
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September 19, 2013
DNF at 45%
First let me start off with this might work for others but not every book is for everyone. This simply did not work for me. I do not want to discourage others from reading this book. Just wanted to throw that out there.
I am starting to lose my focus when it comes to the same type of books over and over told into several different ways. Yeah I liked them when they first came out almost 2 years ago but I'm over the helpless girl falling over a rich handsome guy who she cannot understand why he makes her feel the way she does.
I read over and over that the room was heating up with lust, everything became motionless, it was just the two of them.
Seriously??
Those were just some of the reasons why this book did not work for me.
Also RyleE meets Colton they were already making out within 3 minutes of meeting each other. Then she stops and says she is not this type of girl. To me she is that type of girl. RyleE keeps giving me these mix emotions. It's either you want to be a big girl, and get your groove on, or stop with all these I want him, no I don't feelings because they are not cute at all.
One of the major turn offs for me was
Yeah.... This is not my cup of tea, maybe 2 years ago but not any more.
First let me start off with this might work for others but not every book is for everyone. This simply did not work for me. I do not want to discourage others from reading this book. Just wanted to throw that out there.
I am starting to lose my focus when it comes to the same type of books over and over told into several different ways. Yeah I liked them when they first came out almost 2 years ago but I'm over the helpless girl falling over a rich handsome guy who she cannot understand why he makes her feel the way she does.
I read over and over that the room was heating up with lust, everything became motionless, it was just the two of them.
Seriously??
Those were just some of the reasons why this book did not work for me.
Also RyleE meets Colton they were already making out within 3 minutes of meeting each other. Then she stops and says she is not this type of girl. To me she is that type of girl. RyleE keeps giving me these mix emotions. It's either you want to be a big girl, and get your groove on, or stop with all these I want him, no I don't feelings because they are not cute at all.
One of the major turn offs for me was
Yeah.... This is not my cup of tea, maybe 2 years ago but not any more.
January 14, 2016
Cliché central...I don't even know what to say.
Too much of everything. Too much sex, too much sexual frustration, too many descriptions of how Colton makes her body go tingly, too many bitchy ex-girlfriends to circumvent and please stop with the obvious childhood drama. We have had this before many times over. Like watching a car crash in slow motion. I'm pretty sure I will read the rest in no time, but damn this is bad in a seriously addictive way. I hate myself a little for even starting this ride.
Too much of everything. Too much sex, too much sexual frustration, too many descriptions of how Colton makes her body go tingly, too many bitchy ex-girlfriends to circumvent and please stop with the obvious childhood drama. We have had this before many times over. Like watching a car crash in slow motion. I'm pretty sure I will read the rest in no time, but damn this is bad in a seriously addictive way. I hate myself a little for even starting this ride.
September 9, 2013
4.5 OH. FUCKING. MY. STARS!!!!!!
My goal is to make you smile when reading this review, because I smiled so much in this book, my cheeks hurt!!!!
What are you doing right now? Well, stop it and read this book instead!!!
This book is for YOU.
Sexy. Sweet. Heart-warming. Bossy. Dirty.
This book made me FEEL.
I sigh into the welcoming silence, grateful for the chance to escape, even if only momentarily, from the mindsuck of the meaningless conversations on the other side of the door.
That is the first sentence. I was sucked in from the beginning. This author can WRITE!!!
The story is about Colton and Rylee. Both are broken. Both feel an undeniable, aching pull toward each other. They meet behind stage at a charity function, and their first meeting will take your breath away! Yes, this book is Panty-dropping hot! But it’s also sweet! There are so many MOMENTS in this book. You just have to read it!!!
My Colton:
Rogue. Rebel. Reckless. Colton is a famous race car driver. He is a bad boy, and he knows it. The man can talk dirty. The man can fill out denim. He had a rough childhood and was adopted when he was five. He is very mysterious about his past. He keeps Rylee at an emotional distance because he knows he is not able to love and doesn’t want to hurt her.
My Rylee:
Rylee is a social worker in charge of The House, a home for 7 young boys who would be lost in the foster care system, if Rylee was not there to care for them. These moments with these boys are so endearing, you may have a few tears.
Rylee struggles with moving on, with guilt. She has already loved and lost, and she fears falling for a man who can just fuck ‘em and chuck ‘em. She also keeps Colton at a distance because she is afraid of getting too close. She isn’t a crazy runner, but she keeps the walls up around her heart. Rylee leads with her head instead of her heart. She is a thinker and is constantly doubting her heart’s pull toward Colton.
I love all of the music references. Colton and Rylee communicate through music sometimes by texting songs with lyrics they want to say, whether they are fun, serious, or just damn sexy!
A slow, seductive ballet highlighted with breathy moans and panted whimpers.
WARNING: This book causes spontaneous melting!!
“I. Do. Not. Take. What’s. Not. Offered. And we both know, sweetheart, you offered,” he smirks. “Willingly.”
Can cotton candy be sexy?? Colton teaches us that it can!!!!
I want to build you up nice and slow and sweet like you need. Push you to crash over that edge. And then I want to fuck you the way I need to. Fast and hard until you’re screaming my name.
ARE YOU SMILING YET?????
Yes, there is a major cliffy at the end of this book, but the next book is out already, so you can start this one now while I go read Fueled!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Irene and Rae!!!
My goal is to make you smile when reading this review, because I smiled so much in this book, my cheeks hurt!!!!
What are you doing right now? Well, stop it and read this book instead!!!
This book is for YOU.
Sexy. Sweet. Heart-warming. Bossy. Dirty.
This book made me FEEL.
I sigh into the welcoming silence, grateful for the chance to escape, even if only momentarily, from the mindsuck of the meaningless conversations on the other side of the door.
That is the first sentence. I was sucked in from the beginning. This author can WRITE!!!
The story is about Colton and Rylee. Both are broken. Both feel an undeniable, aching pull toward each other. They meet behind stage at a charity function, and their first meeting will take your breath away! Yes, this book is Panty-dropping hot! But it’s also sweet! There are so many MOMENTS in this book. You just have to read it!!!
My Colton:
Rogue. Rebel. Reckless. Colton is a famous race car driver. He is a bad boy, and he knows it. The man can talk dirty. The man can fill out denim. He had a rough childhood and was adopted when he was five. He is very mysterious about his past. He keeps Rylee at an emotional distance because he knows he is not able to love and doesn’t want to hurt her.
My Rylee:
Rylee is a social worker in charge of The House, a home for 7 young boys who would be lost in the foster care system, if Rylee was not there to care for them. These moments with these boys are so endearing, you may have a few tears.
Rylee struggles with moving on, with guilt. She has already loved and lost, and she fears falling for a man who can just fuck ‘em and chuck ‘em. She also keeps Colton at a distance because she is afraid of getting too close. She isn’t a crazy runner, but she keeps the walls up around her heart. Rylee leads with her head instead of her heart. She is a thinker and is constantly doubting her heart’s pull toward Colton.
I love all of the music references. Colton and Rylee communicate through music sometimes by texting songs with lyrics they want to say, whether they are fun, serious, or just damn sexy!
A slow, seductive ballet highlighted with breathy moans and panted whimpers.
WARNING: This book causes spontaneous melting!!
“I. Do. Not. Take. What’s. Not. Offered. And we both know, sweetheart, you offered,” he smirks. “Willingly.”
Can cotton candy be sexy?? Colton teaches us that it can!!!!
I want to build you up nice and slow and sweet like you need. Push you to crash over that edge. And then I want to fuck you the way I need to. Fast and hard until you’re screaming my name.
ARE YOU SMILING YET?????
Yes, there is a major cliffy at the end of this book, but the next book is out already, so you can start this one now while I go read Fueled!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Irene and Rae!!!
Read
July 27, 2016DNF
To be fair, I haven't given this a real shot...I only read about 25% of it. But this guy is just slaying me, and I keep cringing when he opens his overly sexual, cocky, condescending, egotistical, know-it-all mouth. I'm going to just give a few of my not so favorite quotes and move on to something I know I'll like. So, if you'd like a little taste, read on:
In order of appearance:
"You're lucky I don't drag you back in that storage closet I found you in and take what you offered. Make you cry out my name." He nips softly at my ear, and I have to stifle the uncontrollable moan of desire that threatens to escape. "To fuck you and get you out of my system. Then move on."
Cuz nothing says sexy like knowing you're disposable....
______________________________________________
"Let's get something straight, (...) If I want you, I can and will have you, at any time and in anyplace, sweetheart."
Keep in mind these quotes are all taking place on the very first night that they meet.
______________________________________________
"So that's what it will sound like?"
I open my eyes, confused at his comment, to see him regarding me with a bemused look on his ace. "What?" I bark, my response harsh like a curse.
"Those words, Oh, God," he mimics me, reaching out and running a finger down the side of my face, "Now I know exactly how you'll sound when you say that while I'm buried deep inside of you."
The only time a guy can say "deep inside of you" and have me not laugh is if it's Third Eye Blind, serenading me. Just sayin'...these are things that are in romance novels but are so ridiculously cheesy. Who says that? And within hours of meeting? Come on.
______________________________________________
"I didn't say anything about bondage," he smirks, cutting me off. "But if that's your thing, Rylee, I'd be more than happy to oblige. I can teach you the ropes"
Big gag. Bad pun.
______________________________________________
And last but not least:
"Why tie myself to just one woman when there are so many out there vyin for my attention?"
(...)
"You sure are full of yourself, aren't you Ace?"
He cocks his head and looks at me. "I can arrange that it be you who's full of me instead, if you'd like?"
My husband laughed his ass off when I read that to him. Puhlease!!!
______________________________________________
Suffice it to say, not only did I find this hero not sexy at all, I found him decidedly lame. There's a difference between cocky and confident. This guy acts like the high school jock who gets to be the big playah on campus. Time to grow up, buddy. And I fully admit that I'm sure he gets better over the course of the book/series. So I'll leave this one to those who like the cockamamie hero here. And to the heroine who I'm sure ends up adoring him! :D
To be fair, I haven't given this a real shot...I only read about 25% of it. But this guy is just slaying me, and I keep cringing when he opens his overly sexual, cocky, condescending, egotistical, know-it-all mouth. I'm going to just give a few of my not so favorite quotes and move on to something I know I'll like. So, if you'd like a little taste, read on:
In order of appearance:
"You're lucky I don't drag you back in that storage closet I found you in and take what you offered. Make you cry out my name." He nips softly at my ear, and I have to stifle the uncontrollable moan of desire that threatens to escape. "To fuck you and get you out of my system. Then move on."
Cuz nothing says sexy like knowing you're disposable....
______________________________________________
"Let's get something straight, (...) If I want you, I can and will have you, at any time and in anyplace, sweetheart."
Keep in mind these quotes are all taking place on the very first night that they meet.
______________________________________________
"So that's what it will sound like?"
I open my eyes, confused at his comment, to see him regarding me with a bemused look on his ace. "What?" I bark, my response harsh like a curse.
"Those words, Oh, God," he mimics me, reaching out and running a finger down the side of my face, "Now I know exactly how you'll sound when you say that while I'm buried deep inside of you."
The only time a guy can say "deep inside of you" and have me not laugh is if it's Third Eye Blind, serenading me. Just sayin'...these are things that are in romance novels but are so ridiculously cheesy. Who says that? And within hours of meeting? Come on.
______________________________________________
"I didn't say anything about bondage," he smirks, cutting me off. "But if that's your thing, Rylee, I'd be more than happy to oblige. I can teach you the ropes"
Big gag. Bad pun.
______________________________________________
And last but not least:
"Why tie myself to just one woman when there are so many out there vyin for my attention?"
(...)
"You sure are full of yourself, aren't you Ace?"
He cocks his head and looks at me. "I can arrange that it be you who's full of me instead, if you'd like?"
My husband laughed his ass off when I read that to him. Puhlease!!!
______________________________________________
Suffice it to say, not only did I find this hero not sexy at all, I found him decidedly lame. There's a difference between cocky and confident. This guy acts like the high school jock who gets to be the big playah on campus. Time to grow up, buddy. And I fully admit that I'm sure he gets better over the course of the book/series. So I'll leave this one to those who like the cockamamie hero here. And to the heroine who I'm sure ends up adoring him! :D
January 1, 2015
4 Fast Stars.
Rylee went through a pretty tragic event and never completely recovered from that. Until he had been adopted Colton also had a pretty tragic past. Neither of them wants to feel, because they both believe they doesn’t know how to do that anymore.
Until their worlds collide, they both have to work together and everything changes. Colton wants her and she wants him back, but he’s an f1 racer, with more money that he can count and a sordid past that insists on not being forgotten, which makes her hesitant about him. Until both of them can’t resist anymore which will change everything. So buckle in, people, this is going to be a sexy and bumpy ride!
I can now see why so many mixed feelings about these books. It gives a “50 Shades” and “Crossfire” vibe and I understand why some people probably won’t like that. And the use of too.many.sentences.like.this is pretty annoying. Personally, I really liked. I’m all for the “broken alpha male who falls in love and doesn’t know how to deal with it” type. This book is intense, emotional, and with some angst and many drama because of the protagonists fight against their feelings. (Don’t you worry hard-romance fans, despite his lack of understanding of his own feelings, they are pretty clear to readers, through his gestures.). This was a very promising beginning and after this end, I really need to hop onto the next book!
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: Rylee, despite some minor annoyances, it’s a pretty good heroine. She survived a very tragic event so it’s normal for her to be afraid and sometimes insecure. However she is fierce and she doesn’t give in every time the heroes does something stupid just because he gives her a sexy smile. You go, girl! If you love the broken alpha male type you’re going to love Colton. It’s endearing to see him trying to understand all these new feelings, and despite some agitations he brought me through the book, where I just wanted to slap him, it has impossible not to fall for him. And they tougher are explosive, so get ready for some really intense moments.
Steam:
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Rylee went through a pretty tragic event and never completely recovered from that. Until he had been adopted Colton also had a pretty tragic past. Neither of them wants to feel, because they both believe they doesn’t know how to do that anymore.
Until their worlds collide, they both have to work together and everything changes. Colton wants her and she wants him back, but he’s an f1 racer, with more money that he can count and a sordid past that insists on not being forgotten, which makes her hesitant about him. Until both of them can’t resist anymore which will change everything. So buckle in, people, this is going to be a sexy and bumpy ride!
I can now see why so many mixed feelings about these books. It gives a “50 Shades” and “Crossfire” vibe and I understand why some people probably won’t like that. And the use of too.many.sentences.like.this is pretty annoying. Personally, I really liked. I’m all for the “broken alpha male who falls in love and doesn’t know how to deal with it” type. This book is intense, emotional, and with some angst and many drama because of the protagonists fight against their feelings. (Don’t you worry hard-romance fans, despite his lack of understanding of his own feelings, they are pretty clear to readers, through his gestures.). This was a very promising beginning and after this end, I really need to hop onto the next book!
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: Rylee, despite some minor annoyances, it’s a pretty good heroine. She survived a very tragic event so it’s normal for her to be afraid and sometimes insecure. However she is fierce and she doesn’t give in every time the heroes does something stupid just because he gives her a sexy smile. You go, girl! If you love the broken alpha male type you’re going to love Colton. It’s endearing to see him trying to understand all these new feelings, and despite some agitations he brought me through the book, where I just wanted to slap him, it has impossible not to fall for him. And they tougher are explosive, so get ready for some really intense moments.
Steam:
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
May 21, 2024
I'm biased here...
August 31, 2016
Marked as DNF at 32%.
Just too many things went wrong for me with this one. Such a shame, as I was so damn excited to read this book and started it right now because I felt like I needed a sure thing, that I could almost guarantee I'd love.
However, the all too frequent and cringe-worthy grammatical errors, the cheesy dialogue, the unbelievable (not in a good way) storyline, the ridiculous first encounter, the whole sentences randomly in italics, the fact that both the hero and the heroine pissed me off, the creepy innuendos and the fact that it felt like the entire romance industry had thrown up on these pages, cramming every romance cliché in existence into the story, just made it impossible for me to connect with this book in any way.
The fact I only got through 30% of this book, in two days, speaks volumes. I just found it a struggle and kept putting it down. I was reading on the train and I mindlessly read two whole pages before I realised I hadn't taken in a word that I'd read and was listening to the conversation between a mother and daughter in the seat next to me, instead.
The heroine really irritated me. I don't know who I disliked more, him or her. First she was Miss Prim and Proper, then seconds later they were making out, then she was pulling away, then he was virtually sexually harassing her, then she was angry, then he was stalking her, then he stalked her some more at work and then because of one little thing she was all googly eyed over him... WTF?! *head spin*
The ghastly innuendos made me gag...
Bleurgh!
And I'm the first to admit to loving a confident, alpha male... but there is a line and for me, Colton leapt over the confident line into unattractive arrogance.
And then there were things that just didn't make any sense and felt poorly planned and thought out. For example, Colton is a celebrity racing driver. But Rylee didn't know who he was at first. She didn't recognise him even after she'd snogged his face off at her work function. Yet then the author writes things like this...
So she reads enough gossip rags to know about the women Colton has on his arm, but she doesn't know what he looks like?? It's a small error but it's just one example of how things didn't fit into place.
I felt like I was reading a totally different book to the Driven everybody recommended to me and raved about. I really wanted to fall in love with Colton Donavon. But sadly, I just didn't.
I hate it so much when that happens. :'(
Just too many things went wrong for me with this one. Such a shame, as I was so damn excited to read this book and started it right now because I felt like I needed a sure thing, that I could almost guarantee I'd love.
However, the all too frequent and cringe-worthy grammatical errors, the cheesy dialogue, the unbelievable (not in a good way) storyline, the ridiculous first encounter, the whole sentences randomly in italics, the fact that both the hero and the heroine pissed me off, the creepy innuendos and the fact that it felt like the entire romance industry had thrown up on these pages, cramming every romance cliché in existence into the story, just made it impossible for me to connect with this book in any way.
The fact I only got through 30% of this book, in two days, speaks volumes. I just found it a struggle and kept putting it down. I was reading on the train and I mindlessly read two whole pages before I realised I hadn't taken in a word that I'd read and was listening to the conversation between a mother and daughter in the seat next to me, instead.
The heroine really irritated me. I don't know who I disliked more, him or her. First she was Miss Prim and Proper, then seconds later they were making out, then she was pulling away, then he was virtually sexually harassing her, then she was angry, then he was stalking her, then he stalked her some more at work and then because of one little thing she was all googly eyed over him... WTF?! *head spin*
The ghastly innuendos made me gag...
"Hell hasn't frozen over yet. I'll let you know when it does."
He takes a step closer to me, his voice just above a whisper, "It seems you know all about being cole, Rylee. Why stay frigid when you know I can heat you up?"
Bleurgh!
And I'm the first to admit to loving a confident, alpha male... but there is a line and for me, Colton leapt over the confident line into unattractive arrogance.
"Just know, Rylee, the best sex you will ever have... will be with me."
"I told you you wouldn't be able to resist me."
And then there were things that just didn't make any sense and felt poorly planned and thought out. For example, Colton is a celebrity racing driver. But Rylee didn't know who he was at first. She didn't recognise him even after she'd snogged his face off at her work function. Yet then the author writes things like this...
"And how would you know what I always have on my arm?"
How do I know that? Do I admit to him I occasionally glance through Haddie's subscription of People and roll my eyes at the ridiculous commentary? Do I confess that peruse Perezhilton.com as a distraction when I'm in the office sometimes.
So she reads enough gossip rags to know about the women Colton has on his arm, but she doesn't know what he looks like?? It's a small error but it's just one example of how things didn't fit into place.
I felt like I was reading a totally different book to the Driven everybody recommended to me and raved about. I really wanted to fall in love with Colton Donavon. But sadly, I just didn't.
I hate it so much when that happens. :'(
November 22, 2013
I hate to say this but I dnf'ed at 68%.
I just wasn't feeling it anymore. It started off really well, don't get me wrong this book is seriously well written and there is some extensive character development with some angst thrown in. But unfortunately it just wasn't enough for me.
I felt it was drawn out, I didn't like the heroine, Some of her behavior I understood but she had some serious self esteem issues. I mean everyone was a threat including her best friend. One minute she's sure of herself the next she's comparing herself to every woman out there. She needed constant reminder of how beautiful she is, and I understand why, it's just that the confidence that she periodically exuded didn't gel with basket case she was most of the time.
Now I understand not everyone likes reading the same thing, so in no way am I saying don't read this book. Reading is a very personal thing and we can't all agree on the same stuff. This book reeled me in, but somewhere along the line I lost that connection.
I just wasn't feeling it anymore. It started off really well, don't get me wrong this book is seriously well written and there is some extensive character development with some angst thrown in. But unfortunately it just wasn't enough for me.
I felt it was drawn out, I didn't like the heroine, Some of her behavior I understood but she had some serious self esteem issues. I mean everyone was a threat including her best friend. One minute she's sure of herself the next she's comparing herself to every woman out there. She needed constant reminder of how beautiful she is, and I understand why, it's just that the confidence that she periodically exuded didn't gel with basket case she was most of the time.
Now I understand not everyone likes reading the same thing, so in no way am I saying don't read this book. Reading is a very personal thing and we can't all agree on the same stuff. This book reeled me in, but somewhere along the line I lost that connection.
May 14, 2018
1st re-read from March 11 to 13, 2015
2nd re-read from May 1o to 14, 2018
Well...this book was full of clichés and a bit predictable for sure.
But you know what ..
I wanted ALPHA MALE . I got ALPHA MALE .
...and what a fine specimen of alpha *sigh*
I'm so glad that I have the 2nd book already on my kindle because it ends - **I know** like all these kinds of books - with a huge cliffhanger!
July 14, 2013
IT'S LIVE ON AMAZON.....
http://www.amazon.com/Driven-The-Tril...
Full review now posted!!!!
Oh my HOLY. FREAKING. GOODNESS. THIS. BOOK. IS.... BEYOND. AMAZING.
I'm still trying to catch my breath... Man is this book AWESOME!!
The story is told from the perspective of Rylee Thomas.
26 yr. old Rylee works for Corporate Cares, a company that houses orphans. The state turns over their guardianship to her company. Corporate Care, houses kids who are at an age that the chance of adoptions are pretty low. So instead of foster care, they have a home to live in, they have consistency of guardians, rules, school and counselling.
Rylee meets Colton Donavan backstage at her work function charity auction, after getting trapped in the storage closet, Rylee starts to panic when Colton saves the day.
They share an instant attraction, but in the heat of the moment, Rylee realises that the man that has her body pinned up against him, was only minutes ago engaged in a rendezvous with another woman.
Not impressed with the "Fuck em and Chuck em" game that Colton plays, Rylee will have no part in falling at Colton's feet.
~"What? Didn't you know that I happened upon you and your first conquest of the evening in the little alcove backstage?"
Donavan's eyes widen at my words. I continue, enjoying the surprised look on his face.
"Did she play you at your own game, Ace, and leave you wanting more? Aching to prove what a man you are since you couldn't fulfil her? That you had to pick a frantic woman locked in a closet to take advantage of? I mean, really how many women have you used your bullshit lines on tonight? How many have you tried to leave your mark on?"~
It was refreshing to have a heroine who was not afraid to speak her mind, not fall to the feet of this adonis that was Colton.
By the end of the night, Colton has secured a date with Rylee after bidding on her in the charity date auction. A date that, Rylee, has no intention of going to.
Colton, Sigh
Beautiful, damaged, Colton.
Hot and upcoming Race Car driver extraordinaire, son of a mega Hollywood- movie director and CEO of CD Enterprises.
Not having any control over Rylee is what initially attracts him the most to her.
Her resistance messes with him, intensifying his growing need to 'Fuck her, get her out of his system. Then move on.'
He just won't accept that this woman who responded to him in the heat of the moment, refuses to take it any further.
~"Why stay frigid when you know I can heat you up?"~ Colton
I really did loved how she keeps him on his toes throughout the book, never quite giving into his pull, always making him work for it.
~"You're so sure of yourself, do I even need to show up for the event?" ~ Rylee
Colton manipulates his way into her personal life, work life and lives of the boys in her care.
With his money and influence, Colton funds Corporate Cares project. With his help, the new facilities can now become a reality.
We see glimpses of Colton's sweet nature and how he interacts with the boys.
Rylee fights the pull between them. She knows Colton only wants one thing.
She pushes and pushes Colton. The banter between the two was fun and sexy to watch.
She really knows how to twist him in knots.
~"Hi Ace," I say guardedly. "Since when did you add stalker to you repertoire of talents?"
He dashes me a lightening fast grin. "I'd be more than happy to show you my talents, Sweetheart."
I roll my eyes at him. "Womanising is not talent."~
~"Keep fighting me, Sweetheart. The feistier you are, the harder you make me."~
The scene in the Club… OH GOD the sexual tension was seriously dripping off the pages!
I swear the whole thing had my heart beating fast, OH GOD what a build up.
~"Well, thanks for the update.
I'll let you in on a little something as well, Ace.
I don't like being made to feel like I'm sloppy seconds to your bevy of babes.
You're developing a pattern of wanting me right after I know you've been with another. That's a habit you're going to need to break or nothing else is going to happen here."~
And of course Rylee succumbs to the temptation of Colton. Even if for just one night. And when they do…. HOLY SMOKING HOT.
~"I want to take my time with you, Rylee. I want to build you up nice and slow and sweet like you need. Push you to crash over that edge. And then I want to fuck you the way I need to. Fast and hard until you're screaming my name. The way I've wanted to since you fell out of that storage closet and into my life."~
But once isn't enough for Colton.
Colton wants her, needs to consume her.
~"You make me need Rylee," he whispers hoarsely as he takes one more step.
"And I don't ever need anything from anybody."~
But only on his terms.
He is concealing some incredibly damaging experiences from his past which continues to haunt him.
He won't, can't do commitment. His history makes him test the limits of people to prove he's not worthy of their love.
But, Rylee can't be what he needs.
His way is the only way he knows how to be. And Rylee wants more than he is offering.
~"I will not be inconsequential, Colton. To you or anyone else."~
~"I'm hardwired this way, Rylee. I'll purposely do something to hurt you to prove that I can. To prove that you won't stick around regardless off the consequences. To prove that I can control the situation. To control that I don't get hurt."~
Everything about their relationship is so incredibly intense - the good, the bad, the sex, the drama. It's full on.
~ He is my fire on a cold night, the sun warming my skin on a cool spring morning, the wind caressing my face on an autumn day- he is everything that makes me feel alive, and whole, and beautiful, And desired.~
I loved the chemistry between them gosh, these two were hot.
Even the scenes where they don't actually have sex were extremely HOT!
It was definitely one of those books were 'getting there' was just as good as the act itself.
I felt their pain, I felt their anger and I felt the intensity of their love?? (Love, I'm not sure if it's love or lust? definitely the beginnings of love)
They both have troubled pasts and Rylee does open up about her past in this book.
Colton, has far more secrets and only a few are revealed in this instalment.
Rylee did it for me in this one. She knew what she wanted, as much as it hurt to not have Colton the way she wanted, she still refused to give into him when he couldn't give her what she needed.
~"I deserve more than this, Colton." I whisper raising my eyes to meet his, "And so do you."
"I'm sorry I can't be what you want me to be.
Please take me home Colton." ~
I loved the writing, loved the characters and the storyline had me hooked, I was consumed with it every step of the way!
This was the first instalment of the Driven Trilogy, and does end in a cliffhanger…
I know, I know.. but don't fret ladies, the wait isn't too far away… with the second instalment expected to be released in August this year.
An amazing Debut by K. Bromberg
She is the REAL DEAL!!
I can't wait for Rylee and Colton's story to continue.
+++ 5 STARS +++
Buy it.
Read it.
Love it.
ARC courtesy of author K. Bromberg in exchange for an honest review
Review will be posted @ Fab, Fun & Tantalizing Reads
September 17, 2013
*4.5 Racing Stars*
Before I started reading Driven I had heard people comparing it to Fifty Shades of Grey. I can see some similarities but to me it felt more like Bared to You. There were some cheesy lines like: "Me playing Ana to his Christian." Either way this book holds its own in entertaining the readers.
Colton is the bad boy with a sordid past. He's a famous racecar driver who has commitment issues. Reylee is the 'do-gooder' with a tragic past. These two are drawn to each other even though they feel like they are all wrong for one another.
This is the third book this week that I've read that has a major cliffhanger and the series isn't complete. I think I'm glutton for punishment.
SERIES:
Cliffhangers
Before I started reading Driven I had heard people comparing it to Fifty Shades of Grey. I can see some similarities but to me it felt more like Bared to You. There were some cheesy lines like: "Me playing Ana to his Christian." Either way this book holds its own in entertaining the readers.
Colton is the bad boy with a sordid past. He's a famous racecar driver who has commitment issues. Reylee is the 'do-gooder' with a tragic past. These two are drawn to each other even though they feel like they are all wrong for one another.
This is the third book this week that I've read that has a major cliffhanger and the series isn't complete. I think I'm glutton for punishment.
SERIES:
Cliffhangers
July 18, 2013
HOLY SHIT...DAMN HOT...OH GOODNESS...FUCKING AMAZING...ummm...were to start? First of all I fucking LOVED this book. It is funny, heartwrenching and sexy as hell! Oh boy...Ladies did you meet Colton afuckingmazing Donovan yet?! NO? Stop doing whatever you're doing and start reading this book NOW!!! Colton a hot car racer -Hello ?! what more to say!...- okay just stick with 'sex on legs' 'fucks like he drives' 'lick on a stick' - you're sure will love him as much as I did!!!
'I want to take my time with you, Rylee. I want to build you up nice and slow and sweet like you need. Push you to crash over that edge. And then I want to fuck you the way I need to. Fast and hard until you're screaming my name.' Colton, Driven by K. Bromberg
...Oh I forgot to mention this fucking cliffhanger that made me want to throw my kindle and scream out loud. August should hurry up! I NEED the sequel ASAP!!!
'I want to take my time with you, Rylee. I want to build you up nice and slow and sweet like you need. Push you to crash over that edge. And then I want to fuck you the way I need to. Fast and hard until you're screaming my name.' Colton, Driven by K. Bromberg
...Oh I forgot to mention this fucking cliffhanger that made me want to throw my kindle and scream out loud. August should hurry up! I NEED the sequel ASAP!!!
May 24, 2017
UPDATE - Someone recently liked my review and I came back to re-read what I wrote for this first book in one of my favorite series. I felt the need to update the review with a quick note. I have never in my MANY years of reading seen such a change/improvement from a debut book to everything else going forward from an author. It pains me that this series has such a weak start and that this first book might put people off from reading the rest of this series.
Because people....YOU WOULD BE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT!! Books 2 and 3 are fantastic. The angst, the emotion, the passion...SO DAMN GOOD! That's all I wanted to say. Carry on.
***3 Whiplash Stars***
"He gets me so worked up. So angry. I can't figure out what I want to do more, punch him or fuck him."
And that pretty much sums up this whole book. There was so much back and forth between these two that I think I hurt myself.
A health warning should have been included: A visit to the chiropractor may be necessary upon completion.
Now, I will admit that I was warned about this first book. I was told that it starts slow, to have patience...it will all be worth it in the end. Well, now that I've finished, I'm thinking people meant the end of the series, not the end of the book.
I'm not going to go into detail about the story since most have already read this series, so I'll just give my thoughts and feelings.
I will reiterate what I've been told. This book starts off slooooooooow. In my opinion, it takes almost 40% of the book before it even begins to take off, but even after that we're coasting at residential area speeds. I understand that it's laying the foundation to the series, but come on
A huge chunk of the book consisted of repetitive and circular dialogue and actions. Both characters constantly contradicting their words and actions. Too much...
I want you.
I'm bad for you.
I need you.
You should stay away.
I'm going to break through to him.
I can't do this.
I let hope in.
I'm losing hope.
I'm strong and vulnerable.
I'm insecure and scared.
I want to see him.
I need space.
PICK SOMETHING! Match your words to your actions! Don't say one thing, do another and then complain about not knowing what's going on. It was one facepalm after another.
Also, I will say, that I do enjoy a good cocky asshole. They get my blood flowing, but there were times in the beginning where Colton came off a bit swarmy and creepy in his arrogance and pursuit of Rylee. He would tip to the wrong side of the scale for me.
HOWEVER, I did enjoy the lighter side of their banter. I enjoyed Colton opening up to Rylee, even if it was by accident. Seeing how easily she could draw out that side of him, really drew me in. Those moments where he showed his vulnerability is what kept me going. And Rylee did have times of rational thought, even if they were fleeting.
One place where these two got along REALLY well was in the sex department. That had me paying close attention. Their chemistry was...
I may not have been wow'd with this first book and spent most of the time being wishy-washy with the characters, but I liked it enough to want to know where this is going. To know what's lurking in Colton's past. What skeletons are in his closet. And that ending had me reaching for the second book faster than I would have thought when I started.
**There's one small writing-style distraction that I'd like to point out. There was an OVER-ABUNDANCE of the use of the word "for" instead of "because." I'm really hoping that's remedied in the second book. It drove me batty! For example (and I'm just making up a sentence), instead of saying "I wanted to understand him because he was a mystery to me," the author would write "I wanted to understand him for he was a mystery to me." That's too formal for my liking. And sentences like that are used ALL. THE. TIME. Maybe it's just me, but the tone comes off pompous. I normally wouldn't mention something like this, but it's used so much that it became a distraction.
Now I'm off to see where all of this is going to go.
June 14, 2015
"Come join us at Shh K. Bromberg Pre-Chat Co-hosting with my girl LIZ"
If you haven't met Colton yet now is the time if you already read all these amazing books come chat with us about it. We will be interviwing K.B on the 20th...Don't miss out on the fun
Read On January 18, 2014
WOW so good couldn't put this one down good! If you liked 50shades? Well you will love this one. I have so many butterflies right now...all I'm thinking is ACE aka Colton. I am so glad I waited to read this because now all I want is to get into boom two Fueled here I come eekkk
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…
I am the exception to the rule.
In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.
Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.
I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?
Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?
Book Order Series:
If you haven't met Colton yet now is the time if you already read all these amazing books come chat with us about it. We will be interviwing K.B on the 20th...Don't miss out on the fun
Read On January 18, 2014
WOW so good couldn't put this one down good! If you liked 50shades? Well you will love this one. I have so many butterflies right now...all I'm thinking is ACE aka Colton. I am so glad I waited to read this because now all I want is to get into boom two Fueled here I come eekkk
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…
I am the exception to the rule.
In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.
Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.
I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?
Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?
Book Order Series:
July 13, 2015
1 Star
Around page 5-6,
The flirty, feminine giggle floats through the air , followed by the deep timber of a masculine moan. I freeze instantly , shocked at the audacity of our party's attendees ....... you couldn't pay me enough money to do something like that in public
Page 11,
My resistance [to his kiss] is futile and lasts seconds before I surrender to him . Instinctively I move my hands over the rasp of his unshaven neck........
......A slow seductive ballet highlighted with breathy moans and panted whispers
This is all happening very much in public .
Oh and before the guy kissed the girl [whom he met 1 minute ago] , he also said 'Oh fuck it ' , you know the way Christian Grey said before he mauled Ana in the elevator .
So , well this is a DNF at 3 or 4 % for me .
*Edit*
Ok so a couple of my GR friends on reading this review were like , you can't decide how the book is going to be with a few scenes .
That's the thing , after writing this review , I read my friends' reviews too . And I know that the book is definitely not my cup of tea .
ALL the 3 books have the underlying story of Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to You , even Remy , [trust me , I got a run down of all the books from one of my friends ] .
That's not saying that this is a bad book . From the ratings [which are the highest I have ever seen for books in this genre] and the reviews , the characterization is noteworthy and the story is gripping . But I want a new story and different characters. I don't want to read about another Ana or Christian/Gideon . Even if this book is a 100 times better .
Around page 5-6,
The flirty, feminine giggle floats through the air , followed by the deep timber of a masculine moan. I freeze instantly , shocked at the audacity of our party's attendees ....... you couldn't pay me enough money to do something like that in public
Page 11,
My resistance [to his kiss] is futile and lasts seconds before I surrender to him . Instinctively I move my hands over the rasp of his unshaven neck........
......A slow seductive ballet highlighted with breathy moans and panted whispers
This is all happening very much in public .
Oh and before the guy kissed the girl [whom he met 1 minute ago] , he also said 'Oh fuck it ' , you know the way Christian Grey said before he mauled Ana in the elevator .
So , well this is a DNF at 3 or 4 % for me .
*Edit*
Ok so a couple of my GR friends on reading this review were like , you can't decide how the book is going to be with a few scenes .
That's the thing , after writing this review , I read my friends' reviews too . And I know that the book is definitely not my cup of tea .
ALL the 3 books have the underlying story of Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to You , even Remy , [trust me , I got a run down of all the books from one of my friends ] .
That's not saying that this is a bad book . From the ratings [which are the highest I have ever seen for books in this genre] and the reviews , the characterization is noteworthy and the story is gripping . But I want a new story and different characters. I don't want to read about another Ana or Christian/Gideon . Even if this book is a 100 times better .
November 28, 2015
Colton was definitely a swoon worthy tortured hero. I can't wait to read more about him. His scenes with the children were so precious!! Rylee was also a cool heroine. I liked how she would challenge him and would play hard to get. Overall, I truly enjoyed it, I just wish they would Stop.Talking.Like.This.
The ending definitely makes me want to dive into Fueled immediately. Can't wait to see how their journey is going to continue.
The ending definitely makes me want to dive into Fueled immediately. Can't wait to see how their journey is going to continue.
January 22, 2019
Ok, so this was a difficult review to write. I don't like to put a negative vibe on a review, you know? And it's sometimes hard to find the right words when describing what you didn't like about a book. I always want to highlight the things I did like as well, but mostly this is a book I just couldn't fall in love with and I feel very sad about that because I had high hopes for it!
I wanted to read this book because it was on my kindle, the synopsis sounds great and I know that Passionflix even turned it into a movie. So I was quite intrigued and felt like reading it all of a sudden, so I started reading it. And even though it wasn't to my liking, I still felt like reviewing it and sharing my review so here we go!
The start of the books is quite unbelievable already I think. She sees him making out with someone in a dark corner, finds herself then trapped in a closet and starts having a panic attack. He then 'rescues' her and out of the frigging blue they start making out, like wtf. And the moment when she recognizes him as the man who was busy with another woman a minute ago, she still lets herself loose on him. Like WTF.. < I'm all for insta-lust and sometimes also act on it fast, but the situation has to be right for it, and this situation didn't feel right to me personally.
The story-line was okay-ish I guess, but there wasn't really a lot of refreshment present. I did like some elements like the minor characters and the social work elements added into the story. Those were very interesting to read about. So the details of the characters work, the settings etc were different but other than that, there were quite a lot of similarities with the 50 shades of Grey books for example. Quite a lot indeed...
Our male lead for example, is almost exactly like Christian Grey but with another name: Colton Donovan. He's troubled by his past, he 'can't' love someone as he so clearly states at some point, he doesn't want children and doesn't do relationships in a traditional way.
I so so sooo wanted to love this character because his intensity was quite mesmerizing and I liked the goodness he had in him as well as the sexy mystery surrounding him. I could forgive him for some of his actions because of the things that happened to him in the past - that we barely get information about so it's a lot of guessing -. We know he's traumatized because of his early childhood but my sympathy only goes So far, especially when there's barely any elaboration as to What happened to him - I guess the author's saving this for the sequel since it ends on a Cliffhanger as well. There wasn't any refreshing quality to his character in the end and that was quite a shame I guess.
One moment our female lead is a strong character who defends herself at times, but in the moments she needs to step up her game, she doesn't. I was so frustrated with her throughout the entire book. I'm not one to speak up for myself or who easily confronts people, but this character was the cherry to the cake. I wanted to shake her so badly sometimes. There was just no way I could get a good feel for her. I could say she acts this way because of his behavior towards her, which is partly true I guess, but for the most part I think this character was just all over the place and gave me a whiplash with how often she changed her mind about things from one second to the next.
So yeah, because of the extremely amount of back and forths between these two characters, the romance wasn't always quite believable to me. It's obvious he has feelings for her and he'll probably takes his time recognizing them for what they are - Hello Christian! - and act upon them after making some stupid mistakes, but I don't know. I couldn't really get myself to care for it all unfortunately.
The chemistry and sexy times between these two characters though, was quite well written and enthralling to read, so there's that haha!
This book was just not for me I guess. I normally really like books like these, with such intense characters and an intense romance but this book.. The writing.. It was ALL over the place. The characters gave me whiplash, both of them. One moment, they're all lovey-dovey, the next they're not. One moment they're head strong and determined and within a span of only seconds, they completely turn around and decide to act completely different. It was frustrating and agitating to me.
And I'm one of those readers out there who really loved the 50 shades books when I first read them so many years ago - yeah, so shoot me, lol. And sure, there's a lot to say about the books and I know a lot of people don't like them but to me they're guilty pleasure.
So normally I wouldn't mind reading a book that has similarities with the 50 shades books - and I guess that alone can be a turnoff for lots of people for example - but I thought the execution of this book was just lacking? There definitely was potential here, but it unfortunately didn't turn for the better the more I read of it.
And even though I find the execution of this book lacking, it was still a fast-paced read to me. That's so funny though, because I more often than not didn't really like the characters and the execution of this entire story, but I couldn't stop reading either, lol.
So I finished the book, which ends in a Cliffhanger which I foresaw seeing it has A lot of similarities to 50 shades, lol - because I wanted to see the entire picture and see if I was missing something here and if maybe the book would turn into something better, but to me it ends here. I won't be reading its sequel.
I personally don't understand why so many people are so in love with this book but it was originally published in 2013 and that was right in the middle of the 50 shades HYPE so maybe that's why a lot of people started loving on this book back then? And of course, everyone's entitled to have their own opinions and feelings about a book so seeing I didn't love it, definitely doesn't mean someone else can't love it. If you like this synopsis and a story that has similarities to 50 shades, this may be a book you'd end up enjoying!
Thanks for reading!
I wanted to read this book because it was on my kindle, the synopsis sounds great and I know that Passionflix even turned it into a movie. So I was quite intrigued and felt like reading it all of a sudden, so I started reading it. And even though it wasn't to my liking, I still felt like reviewing it and sharing my review so here we go!
The start of the books is quite unbelievable already I think. She sees him making out with someone in a dark corner, finds herself then trapped in a closet and starts having a panic attack. He then 'rescues' her and out of the frigging blue they start making out, like wtf. And the moment when she recognizes him as the man who was busy with another woman a minute ago, she still lets herself loose on him. Like WTF.. < I'm all for insta-lust and sometimes also act on it fast, but the situation has to be right for it, and this situation didn't feel right to me personally.
The story-line was okay-ish I guess, but there wasn't really a lot of refreshment present. I did like some elements like the minor characters and the social work elements added into the story. Those were very interesting to read about. So the details of the characters work, the settings etc were different but other than that, there were quite a lot of similarities with the 50 shades of Grey books for example. Quite a lot indeed...
Our male lead for example, is almost exactly like Christian Grey but with another name: Colton Donovan. He's troubled by his past, he 'can't' love someone as he so clearly states at some point, he doesn't want children and doesn't do relationships in a traditional way.
“You know that deep down, a tiny part of that proper, respectable woman you are, wants to visit that reckless, sexy, uninhibited place inside you that’s begging to get out. A place I can undoubtedly help you find.”
I so so sooo wanted to love this character because his intensity was quite mesmerizing and I liked the goodness he had in him as well as the sexy mystery surrounding him. I could forgive him for some of his actions because of the things that happened to him in the past - that we barely get information about so it's a lot of guessing -. We know he's traumatized because of his early childhood but my sympathy only goes So far, especially when there's barely any elaboration as to What happened to him - I guess the author's saving this for the sequel since it ends on a Cliffhanger as well. There wasn't any refreshing quality to his character in the end and that was quite a shame I guess.
One moment our female lead is a strong character who defends herself at times, but in the moments she needs to step up her game, she doesn't. I was so frustrated with her throughout the entire book. I'm not one to speak up for myself or who easily confronts people, but this character was the cherry to the cake. I wanted to shake her so badly sometimes. There was just no way I could get a good feel for her. I could say she acts this way because of his behavior towards her, which is partly true I guess, but for the most part I think this character was just all over the place and gave me a whiplash with how often she changed her mind about things from one second to the next.
“He is my fire on a cold night, the sun warming my skin on a cool spring morning, the wind caressing my face on an autumn day—he is everything that makes me feel alive, and whole, and beautiful.”
So yeah, because of the extremely amount of back and forths between these two characters, the romance wasn't always quite believable to me. It's obvious he has feelings for her and he'll probably takes his time recognizing them for what they are - Hello Christian! - and act upon them after making some stupid mistakes, but I don't know. I couldn't really get myself to care for it all unfortunately.
The chemistry and sexy times between these two characters though, was quite well written and enthralling to read, so there's that haha!
This book was just not for me I guess. I normally really like books like these, with such intense characters and an intense romance but this book.. The writing.. It was ALL over the place. The characters gave me whiplash, both of them. One moment, they're all lovey-dovey, the next they're not. One moment they're head strong and determined and within a span of only seconds, they completely turn around and decide to act completely different. It was frustrating and agitating to me.
And I'm one of those readers out there who really loved the 50 shades books when I first read them so many years ago - yeah, so shoot me, lol. And sure, there's a lot to say about the books and I know a lot of people don't like them but to me they're guilty pleasure.
So normally I wouldn't mind reading a book that has similarities with the 50 shades books - and I guess that alone can be a turnoff for lots of people for example - but I thought the execution of this book was just lacking? There definitely was potential here, but it unfortunately didn't turn for the better the more I read of it.
And even though I find the execution of this book lacking, it was still a fast-paced read to me. That's so funny though, because I more often than not didn't really like the characters and the execution of this entire story, but I couldn't stop reading either, lol.
So I finished the book, which ends in a Cliffhanger which I foresaw seeing it has A lot of similarities to 50 shades, lol - because I wanted to see the entire picture and see if I was missing something here and if maybe the book would turn into something better, but to me it ends here. I won't be reading its sequel.
I personally don't understand why so many people are so in love with this book but it was originally published in 2013 and that was right in the middle of the 50 shades HYPE so maybe that's why a lot of people started loving on this book back then? And of course, everyone's entitled to have their own opinions and feelings about a book so seeing I didn't love it, definitely doesn't mean someone else can't love it. If you like this synopsis and a story that has similarities to 50 shades, this may be a book you'd end up enjoying!
Thanks for reading!
March 4, 2014
So as usual I saw everyone reading this and I got jealous and wanted to read it too...
Oh and also cos of the pretty cover!!
But then I found it was a trilogy with a cliffhanger so I was all like ppfftt I'm not falling for that trick! I'll wait....
AND THEN
I read wayyyyy to emotionally charged books so I was all like.. man I need some sex...
"Goodreads come at me with an alpha", and I remembered the delicious Colton Donovan that everyone was talking about it..
So I took the plunge!!
BOY AM I HAPPY I DID!!
ANYONE know who's me, knows that "Jerky Assholes" are my fav's! The cockier the better...
(except Jack from the avoiding series. Team Ramsey here!)
Rylee and Colton meet at a charity ball.
She literally falls for him..
(No bullshit she legit falls out of a cupboard into his arms!)
and then they start macking out like a pair of teenagers until she comes to her senses and tells him no...
Only.. No-one tells Colton Donovan NO... he doesn't know the word..
He makes it mission to claim her.
He decides to just treat her like he does as his other "arrangements."
However she is not like all the others.
She doesn't fit the mould.
She won't do what she's told.
She's hiding something...
He's hiding worse...
and then a whole lot of OMG IT'S FUCKING HOT IN HERE SEX happens...
some awesome storyline, letting us into there world more, and stuff happens that I'm not ruining and then of course
AND
My Honest Opinion
I'm not gunna lie... it started slow for me...
after the falling out of the closet.. making out.. it just got a bit... meh... but then when it picks up? WHOA!
All written from Rylee's POV I WISH I knew what was going on in Colton's head!
I also wish I could tell you what happens, but I hate it when people spoil stuff for me, so I'm not going too...
But let me just tell you! There are MASSIVE SECRETS to come.. I can feel it!
We like who we are supposed too, dislike who we are supposed. Want to cut a bitch SEVERAL times! and fall in love with the "boys"
It doesn't hurt that K. Bromberg TOTALLY knows her way around a sex scene too..
I can't wait to learn more about A.C.E... AND WHAT THE FUCK IT STANDS FOR?!
Knowing my luck it will be in the last book, on the last chapter, on the last line...
anyway I'm out.. I have the next book to demolish NOW!
December 30, 2020
Wasn't a fan of this book when I read it, but if K Bromberg can please stop following to unfollow me on instagram, that would be great please🙃
March 9, 2014
This was a so-so book for me. I can't say that I loved it; but I certainly enjoyed parts of it. The sex scenes were written superbly, and the chemistry between Colton and Rylee was off the charts. As far as Ms. Bromberg's writing skills went, I thought she did a wonderful job, although I did have a few complaints with the story and how it resembled parts of other popular books. I counted at least three other stories that had come out more than a year ago, that had very similar ideas displayed as Driven. An example would have been Rylee and Colton sharing their feelings through sending one another songs to each other. I had read that idea in a book last year, and so I felt that it didn't hold the same meaning for me in this book.
One of the other major complaints I had was with Colton himself. I found him to be to full of himself, and quite frankly he seemed like a jerk in the beginning of this story. He redeemed himself a bit in my eyes while he interacted with some of the troubled boys that Rylee took care of through her job. Little Zander; who is traumatized and hadn't spoken in well over a year, happened to respond amazingly to Colton. For that alone, he melted my heart!
I am very glad I waited to begin this series until books two and three were out! There is a cliffy at the end of Driven; but I am happy to report I can dive right in to Fueled!! I am going to follow my GR friends advice and continue on, and hopefully the books will get better as I go along!
One of the other major complaints I had was with Colton himself. I found him to be to full of himself, and quite frankly he seemed like a jerk in the beginning of this story. He redeemed himself a bit in my eyes while he interacted with some of the troubled boys that Rylee took care of through her job. Little Zander; who is traumatized and hadn't spoken in well over a year, happened to respond amazingly to Colton. For that alone, he melted my heart!
I am very glad I waited to begin this series until books two and three were out! There is a cliffy at the end of Driven; but I am happy to report I can dive right in to Fueled!! I am going to follow my GR friends advice and continue on, and hopefully the books will get better as I go along!
August 24, 2013
A FICTIONAL CHARACTER JUST FUCKED ME THROUGH A BOOK!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wow!!!! This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me! I cried, laugh, cried, cried. Ad. Cried!! Wow!! I freaking love love love love love love love (get my point) love Colton!! What is it about alpha make men!? I swear I love them!!
Anyways, Colton is amazing sexy, confident, cocky, arrogant, crazy at times but sweet Jesus that man has a way with words.
I love rylee too.. I thought she was so strong and loving!!
If you haven't picked this book up! Shit you need too!!!
This author is now one of my faves!! Amazing!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wow!!!! This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me! I cried, laugh, cried, cried. Ad. Cried!! Wow!! I freaking love love love love love love love (get my point) love Colton!! What is it about alpha make men!? I swear I love them!!
Anyways, Colton is amazing sexy, confident, cocky, arrogant, crazy at times but sweet Jesus that man has a way with words.
I love rylee too.. I thought she was so strong and loving!!
If you haven't picked this book up! Shit you need too!!!
This author is now one of my faves!! Amazing!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
December 28, 2016
2.5 Gah, this is a trilogy?!
It's not awful, but it's pretty boring, I admit.
It has potential and all that, but it's way, way too long! Only reason why it got 3 stars, not 2, is because it made me curious about the next book...
It's not awful, but it's pretty boring, I admit.
It has potential and all that, but it's way, way too long! Only reason why it got 3 stars, not 2, is because it made me curious about the next book...
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