DRIVEN (The Driven Trilogy #1) by K. BROMBERG – REVIEW

Driven  by need, fueled with desire……….

Gitte:  So I thought Driven was a great debut by this Author. It had me intrigued all the way through wanting to know more about these characters and their past. This was book #1 in a trilogy, yeah that dreaded word, because we all know what that means; cliff-hanger. And this one had one. I always get worried about trilogies now, because more times than not; not only is a cliffy guaranteed but the second book, in my opinion, tends to be a filler book where not much happens. So yes I can’t wait for the second installment but I’m also very apprehensive.

I thought the storyline was very well written; yes this is a bit of an exhausted theme, but as it was in a different setting it didn’t bother me too much.  Though, I will say that, because it already reminded me a bit of Fifty Shades, having that reference in there took me out of the story for a little while and I kind of wish it hadn’t been in there. Despite being a slow starter it really managed to pick up and became one hell of an intense, drama filled, sexy and thrilling ride. Which brings me nicely on to Colton…

Now Colton, wow he was gorgeous….all man. He was passionate, cocky, controlling yet had a 747 full of baggage; self-proclaimed.

“Let’s get one thing clear….I. Do. Not. Take. What’s. Not. Offered. And we both know, sweetheart, you offered…Willingly.” – Colton

Oh and not only that…he’s a race car driver with a huge heart in the right place! NICE!

He does insist though that he does not do relationships; rather he is a one night stand man with rules and arrangements. The man even has a shag pad. Colton definitely made an entrance in this story:

“I’m used to women falling at me feet.” – Colton

“His confidence exudes rebellion.” – Rylee

I would love to have read some scenes in this story in his POV because I feel it would have added to the readers understanding of why Rylee got in where others hadn’t? How did he feel when he met her; his reasoning behind some of his extreme actions in this story and of course I would love to learn some more of his secrets. However, I am sure we will in book #2, well I hope.  We do get a bit of background on Colton but whatever it is that haunts him awake and asleep and caused him to lead the life that he does, well we’re still in the dark on that.  What did you think about Colton, Jenny?

Jenny: I had no idea what to expect from this first book in the Driven Trilogy, but I know one thing for sure….I’ll definitely be picking up the next two books! Holy bloody cliffhanger batman! This one has left me hanging alright!!! Darn those cliffy’s! I agree about the Fifty reference, it also took me out of the moment and I wish it hadn’t been in there, but I was soon back into it.

As for Colton…need you ask? Wow, just wow Gitte! What’s not to love and desire about this intense, hot racing car driver who oozes virility, sex appeal, has a very naughty mouth and a heart of gold. This man could melt panties with a mere smile, a glint from those gorgeous green eyes or a  word from that hypnotic voice. Yuppers, Colton Donavan is book boyfriend stuff alright….and a shag pad to boot!

“Oh, and Ryles, just so you know, that wasn’t a warning, sweetheart. That was a promise.” – Colton

 I know what you mean by the second book in a trilogy and I’m hoping book two will answer some much needed questions because I really need answers and I absolutely agree, I would love some kind of Colton POV at some stage. I really do need to know what his thought processes are in regards to why Rylee especially, gets under his skin.

“I can’t figure out which is hotter, Rylee, watching you come or making you come” Colton

Most of the time I do love that mystery of not knowing what the male character is thinking in a story, but with Colton….he is such a complex character …“I’m damaged goods”…. who, in his own words, has issues from his past that he hasn’t dealt with…….“I know all about baggage, sweetheart, I have enough to fill up a 747 and then some” …, and has so much going on in that head of his, that I would love just a little sneak peek and hear from him.

“Normal’s not boring,” he corrects. “Normal is desirable.” – Colton

Gitte:   I really understood and liked Rylee. I thought she was a really well written heroine. She was an intelligent caring woman with a huge heart. Her profession demands respect and it shows her caring vulnerable side. She did not put up with any nonsense and stayed true to herself despite the temptations. Rylee has seen real tragedy in her life. It broke my heart that she carried this huge guilt around with her for something that was out of her control.

The chemistry between her and Colton is so intense right from the onset. She knows he is not someone she should go for unless she wants a broken heart. However, she can’t really avoid him because what Colton wants, Colton gets through any means…even altruistic ones. He is temptation in a lush package and you can’t really blame Rylee at all for being sucked in. I was!! How could you not when he says things like this:

 “Just know Rylee, the best sex you will ever have…will be with me.” – Colton

Rylee doesn’t want complicated grey or men with commitment issues…she wants black and white; commitment and romance. But does the heart listen to the head? Nope…when does it ever?

“I can’t figure out what I want to do more, punch him or fuck him.” – Rylee

“He exudes virility, evokes desire and commands attention all with a single look from his stunning eyes. 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.” – Rylee

So yes, I enjoyed Driven and loved the way two people meet each other just when they need what the other can offer. Two beautifully flawed people who are scared of being hurt and feeling as if they are second best to love. Despite my issues with it I found it to be an emotional, sensual and addictive read which makes me both excited and scared to read the next instalment.

Jenny:  I immediately connected with Rylee.  This girl is a nurturer and no place does she show this better than in her job. She is absolutely respected and loved and it is testament to her resolve that she is able to help others while being so tormented and affected by circumstances in her past.  Hearing Rylee’s story was heartbreaking and you really understood her reasoning when you delved into what made her tick.  She never faltered in her beliefs, though of course, Colton was the exception to that rule, but even then, it was Rylee who had Colton on the ropes a lot of the time.

“I need this connection with him like I need sunlight. For when we touch like this, when I can feel him like this, I have doubt that I can do this.” – Rylee

The sexual chemistry was intense and extremely hot.  It’s a wonder these two didn’t cause a power blackout when they were together with the amount of electricity that sparked between them.

“I bet he fucks like he drives – a little reckless, pushing all the limits, and in it until the very last lap”- Haddie

What is it about Rylee that has Colton relenting on conditions and restraints he has put on himself. He has his rules. They are steadfast yet he finds Rylee breaking down his defences little by little.

“Decide, sweetheart,” he commands. “A man only has so much restraint” – Colton

Whilst yes, the theme of this book is nothing new, I really did enjoy it and being that it was set against the backdrop of the  racing world definitely added something extra to story.  I found the characters captivating, their unfolding stories intriguing and the chemistry off the charts.  Once this book hit its straps, it became an intense, steamy and emotional read which had me entertained right up to the finish line. There is so much more to Colton – exactly what is it in his past, what drives him, what makes him view relationships the way he does, why does he believe he is damaged beyond repair?  Well, be sure to pick up this book and find out…….