Tit for tat. These are the rules I live by.But don’t think this is some kind of cutesy story of a boy and a girl with a simple misunderstanding. This a story of a girl who hates and a boy who loves. This is a story about how weakness became my strength.This is our story.BiancaPretty things don’t distract me. In my line of work, a distraction will get you caught. Or in my case, blackmailed. But … a distraction will get you caught. Or in my case, blackmailed. But this isn’t the only time I’ve been hustled, and soon Connor Hayes will learn that men are only pawns in my end game. I don’t love. I hate. Even a pretty boy like him.
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5 Stars
This book is my first 5 stars of the year. Although I like the dark and twisted stuff, suspense and action, this book was a breath of fresh air. This book wasn’t what I expected to be…But it was mind-blowing!!!
It was definitely something else…The first thing that I noticed was the title, then the blurb, I was hooked…Blackmail?!…Hmmm…I’m in, must be something dirty and hot.But then I looked at the cover. The boy (yeah BOY) on the cover was hot, handsome not a man, not a badass. I was in doubt, but I said: “wtf could happen”. So I went in blind. I read the prologue. I was like…:o …Re-read again!!!
Is this a M/M book? …Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have nothing against M/M books, their just not my thing. I read the first chapter, then I read the prologue again (third time). After that, I laughed my ass out and I was sure I was hooked.
I didn’t even know the book was part of a series, or that there were other books in the series. My luck that they are standalone.
The book is written from dual POV and it stars with Hayes and his friend Mason chasing a girl who was riding a moto…Hayes moto. The girl just has stolen Hayes moto and they were chasing her. She was sooooo f@cking badass.
Connor Hayes…what a name. The name itself express dirty hot things and fantasies. He was calm, he was understanding, determined and stubborn. He has a hurting past, but the Commander and all his new “family” changed his life in a very good way. Everyone in town knows him and the Commander’s boys house. He is always laughing, always joking, has a heart of gold. He was so hurt when his bike was stolen. But somehow he cared more about the girl who stole his bike, than his bike.
Bianca is officially one of my favorites heroines. She was hot, sexy, a real badass girl. But to become all that, she had to go through a hard childhood. She doesn’t trust no one. When she found more about the guy she stole his moto, she felt really bad and somehow she couldn’t stay away from him. I loved her determination, her strength, her stubbornness. She has my full admiration for her final act…to get her life back.
This book was…
This book was awesome, sweet, funny, lovely and definitely hot. Loved both Connor and Bianca…It was my first read from this author, definitely won’t be my last read, and most certainly I will read the rest of the books in this series, and can wait to read the next ones, to know everyone story.
I highly recommend this book!
Oh my God Conner Hayes
Well this book just blew me away which shouldn’t have come as a surprise as all these book’s in the series have totally been amazing, but Mr Hayes and Bianca had me reading and flipping pages just so I could see what happened next and had me laughing one minute and wanting to cry in the next omg the heat in this book was off the charts. This is one must read of a book you can read it separate, but why do that start with the 1st book and let these former military men get in your heart, make you laugh and cry and turn up the heat at the same time.
This is my unbiased opinion and my review
I’m hooked on this series and these Marines. These are all standalone books in a series but there’s no way you won’t want to read them all. Hayes and Bianca’s story is a perfect blend of both their lives being intertwined into this book with the dual POV throughout we’re able to relate and see everything through both their eyes. Hayes loves with all his heart and when he shares his backstory with us… lemme just say you better have tissues in hand. Bianca hasn’t taken the best paths through life and is determined to do whatever she needs to get by, seeing her open up and let down her guard is beautiful and shows her strength in a whole other way. Having the Commander and all of the family together show how family doesn’t have to be blood. Beautifully written, a must read and needs to be bumped to the next TBR on your list.
Kristy Marie gave me an opening scene I could really sink my teeth into. She introduced Connor and Bianca in such an endearing yet shocking way that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I hated what Bianca did and how it hurt Hayes, but I adored how it all worked out in the end.
Connor Hayes needs absolutely no game or swagger or any other bullshit he thinks he needs to score a woman. All he needs is to have a conversation, and any woman would scoop him up and never let him go. – Bianca
Bianca: brash, ridiculous, irreverent, beautiful, feisty, broken, and kind hearted. She trusted no one and believed in nothing. Love didn’t exist, except for the love she had for her mom. She was a thief that never once considered the consequences of her actions. Not until Connor. This man, a man she refused to like, a man she had no intention of caring about, slowly but surely became her everything.
Connor: honorable, hilarious, handsome, humble, broken, brave, beloved, and had a heart of gold. He’d saved up for that bike. Losing it not only hurt his pride, but took away the one thing in this world that was his. So why did he care more about this beautiful stranger than for his one worldly possession? With time and patience, he slowly broke down her walls and showed her who a real man was and what real happiness looked like.
Strong is the courage to take on pain. To choose to do what’s right because the people who love you deserve it. Connor Hayes deserves my strength. – Bianca
I loved this book. I loved the characters, the plot, the slow build and sudden bang of love, and the glimpses I got into the hearts of past characters and the characters to come. I’m really looking forward to the stories of Tim and Kane. Those two men have definitely piqued my interest and I’m excited to really get a chance to meet and know them.
I’ve a few authors, not really many, that I call my unicorns
Why would you ask? The answer is simple. Because no matter what they write, no matter in what genres they are writing, I love it to pieces
Whatever they write I would read it See simple
And Kristy is my new unicorn
I love how and what she writes.
Drifter is the 3 book in the Commander in Briefs series.
It’s Connor Hayes story. He is ridiculous funny and take life not to seriously. OK, he is hilarious, and brings conversations only to one topic and that has always something to do with sex.
He is a playboy, a one-night-stand guy, that doesn’t understand the concept of monogamy.
Bianca is a thief and a really fast car driver. Yes, she has to be, when she steals it , but that’s also her passion, despite being a woman in the world of men.
You think that’s a very strange couple? Yes, but only on the surface. In reality, inside, they both struggle with loss and tragedies from the past in different ways.
They both are just lost in their uncertainties and doubts.
For the world, they play the strong and the unbreakable ones. It’s a heartbreaking, emotional, but also heartwarming and sweet story, about two people that fight their demons and disasters, that life threw at them.
Although, this book is a bit more serious than the others in the series, the unmistakable sense of humor, is still there in abundance .
I know I shouldn’t write so much about the contents of this book, but believe me, that’s just a scratch on the surface of the story. And I loved it so much, that I can’t control my excitement
Really, you’ve to read this series!!! It’s unbelievable good, emotional and funny, despite the serious issues, that are a part of this series. I can’t stop to write . I don’t think I give this book enough credit, but I don’t want to write too much. So please read this series and you can thank me later
She stole his bike, little did she know that she also took his heart with her.
Right from the very first page, I knew this book was going to rock my world. Connor Hayes aka Denim in Danger chasing after Bianca aka Too Hot to Handle, on a road rage was a heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, traffic-stopping moment, but heck, their whirlwind love story took me to this roller coaster ride of emotions! I spent a quarter of my whole day giggling, laughing, sobbing, daydreaming, heart-clutching and swooning over Hayes, the super hottie I’ve been dying to read about since book 2 of Commander-in-Briefs series.
I can’t articulate enough how great this book is. Kristy Marie surely thought of everything and got all the main ingredients for a delectable, hot and yummy recipe of a story. Inasmuch as I’d love to say more about how their story unfolded, I have to refrain myself because I promised not to do any *spoilers*.
Everyone needs to read DRIFTER to know more about Hayes, you’re surely gonna love this complicated man. Yep, sorry, I can’t stop talking about Hayes, so you better get this book, now, now, NOW!
Perfect – just unbelievably perfect!
A man, dominant, self-confident, loud and lively, actually gets it on the line to take himself and his behaviour back so far that the woman has the chance to think her own thoughts through to the end and then also to follow her own inner voice and develop herself.
Greatly written, credible and oh so captivating, with lots of humour and fun, empathy and suspense. There are sweet and bitter moments, but they never stick or tear you apart, a story with depth and lightness, corners and edges without escaping reality, but with a mild soft focus effect – balm for the soul and a ray of sun into the heart.
Both drifters – Connor & Bianca – are wonderfully perfectly imperfect perfectly broken strong people with weaknesses and soft spots.
An unconditional reading recommendation and for those who haven’t yet fallen in love with the author’s first book in the series, there’s no turning back with Drifter!
More than five shining stars worth!
I give this 4.5*
This is the first book I have read from this author. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I was hooked right from the prologue. Hayes had me laughing right from the beginning. Connor Hayes is a charming, Hot playboy who uses humor to deflect when things get emotional. Bianca is a drifter doing what she needs to do to survive and take care of her mom. The minute these two meet their is instant chemistry. She takes something from him and he ends up blackmailing her. These two are so cute, I loved the banter between them and with the other characters in the book. Bianca is a phenomenal heroine, even though she is a thief once you hear her story you can’t help but fall for her. Connor I fell for him right from the start his humour, his cockiness, the way he talks I can hear the southern accent when I was reading and using endearments like sugar, plus he’s an ex-marine. Hook, line and sinker I’m smitten. Loved the storyline and characters. This was more than a rom-com. I just couldn’t get enough and I didn’t want it to end. I have had the other two books on my TBR that I haven’t gotten to and now I’m going to read them. I need more of these characters. Can’t wait to read more from this series.
I won an ARC and volunteered to leave a review!
It seriously must be the goal of an author to make their readers fall more in love with each character they write. Kristy Marie has done that and then some with Drifter. Connor Hayes is so much more than I expected!! I expected this smooth talking arrogant man who just loves them and leaves them but this cocky playboy falls fast and hard for Bianca! The little thief stole the playboy drifter’s heart but never thought he would steal her heart right back!!! I absolutely loved Hayes and Bianca’s journey; it was everything I wanted for Hayes! I also love getting to see Ans and Theo getting into the parent mode with baby Aspen; priceless!! The whole family dynamic is so amazing that I want to join their unit as well; and that is where Kristy Marie goes above and beyond because while you’re loving on the main characters she’s making you fall more and more in love with the rest of the characters!!
Thank You Kristy for another Fabulous read!!!
Review:
Drifter is my second book by Kristy Marie. I truly love her storytelling abilities. I have tried—in vein—to read Commander in Briefs, the first standalone in the series also titled Commander in Briefs. Honestly, it’s sat on the top of my TBR since October, but I book up my blogging schedule so far in advance that it becomes a challenge when I find new authors that I love. Kristy’s work is quickly becoming a priority to me however as I continue to laugh, cry, swoon, and sizzle with each story she releases. The poor woman discovered just how good my social media stalking was after I finished Gorgeous in the Fall.
I found Drifter to check allllll of my boxes. As I mentioned previously, I laugh, cry, swoon and dang near end up with heatstroke when I read Kristy’s books. Drifter had me laughing out loud repeatedly, much to my husband’s annoyance. The characters—both the primary and the secondary—provide constant entertainment with their banter and antics. If you are a reader who enjoys dialogue you definitely need to get your hands on one of Kristy’s books. Drifter is the story of Bianca, the cynical thief, and Hayes, the always smiling ex-marine. But what you see on the surface should not be trusted and the depth of character that I discovered as I read Drifter was spectacular. Both protagonists are broken and scared and have valid reasons for hiding away and only showing the world one side of themselves.
Drifters storyline caught my attention from the very moment I began reading. It was original, entertaining and very well written. I’m a huge read, and finish roughly a book a day, so I am always looking for new authors. I totally hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon Kristy Marie last fall. I love that she’s writing broken military men who find their redemptions. As the wife of a career soldier, I can’t begin to tell you how connected I feel when I read a great military romance. But having said that, Kristy’s books don’t just get my attention because they’re categorically military romances. It’s the depth and growth of the characters and their storylines that are my kryptonite. And let’s be real, the great sexy times she writes definitely enhance my love of her books. They give me goosebumps as she combines the sensual with sexy that not all romances provide. I mean, some books are meant to be just mommy porn, others are clean, fade-to-black in nature, and so forth. I am not an author however I feel like finding the balance would be a challenge and yet I love how well Kristy’s books provide both. You’ll need a cold shower after reading this slow burn romance.
The characters, Hayes and Bianca were OUTSTANDING! Hayes is absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved him so much as a hero. He’s got swagger and is a bit of a manwhore, but he’s irresistible. And Bianca’s character, her brokenness was every bit as attention-grabbing. You will be rooting for this couple right from the start. Their spark is obvious and as it grows, WOW! I loved how character-driven Kristy’s work is and that she writes her stories in dual POV. It’s my favorite way to really get into a character’s head. Basically, what you should take away from reading this review is that you’re seriously missing out a truly amazing storyteller if you’ve not yet read Kristy Marie. I dare you to read Gorgeous or Drifter and say that you didn’t find them to be five-star stories! I don’t pad reviews and I cannot recommend Kristy’s work more. Don’t miss out on another book by this incredibly gifted author. I regret so much not reading Commander in Brief still. And now that I have this second Kristy Marie book under my belt, it’s become even more of a sore point in my too busy blogging schedule.
QUOTES:
“A drifter, he was called. A man searching for meaning in his life after he lost everything.”
“A woman, forged from pain and bound by love, made the ultimate sacrifice… She sacrificed herself— her education, her home and, ultimately, her heart.”
“I won’t ever be a pawn in a man’s game again. I’m smarter now. Driven by weakness and hardened from my past, I’ve learned the only way to beat a man at his game is to take what I need and discard him before he destroys me. I’m not the woman that needs a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Affection is all in your head.”
“A woman I can stand equal with?” My question is epic. A decision that must be made. Right now. Will Bianca Morgan let me be the man who stands proud beside her while she achieves her dreams? Or will history forever dictate her heart? ”
“Poor decisions are my trademark, and whether or not I want to do this tonight, I will. I’m not proud of who I’ve become. Life has fucked me six ways from Sunday without a condom. I’ve grown hard. Resourceful. And maybe a little bitter.”
Ha! Fantastic way to start a book I tell ya!! It had me hooked right away and made it very hard to put down. This was my first KM book but I’m definitely going to be reading more.
When you start the story of Bianca Morgan and Connor Hayes you’re immediately wrapped up into shenanigans. But not just any shenanigans, you see firsthand what Bianca does to survive, and how Hayes is made victim to her means of survival. One bar encounter leads to a dance, which turns into to stolen keys, a drugged playboy and a motorcycle/car chase. As the dynamic between this duo begins to heat up, let’s see who stays in the kitchen and who ultimately will get burned.
Hopping right into the review, I loved EVERYTHING about Drifter. And Hayes, is no Cade, because Cade is my main man, but he is definitely some competition. Hayes just has this aura about him that just makes you want to devour his character and a swag that makes his character sexier then described. I loved how care free he was, even when hiding his own demons. His purity was like his super power and that’s how it played out to me when it came to him and Bianca’s relationship. I loved how he allowed Bianca to take charge because he knew she needed to in order to be herself around him. Bianca’s bionic walls never work whenever she was around Hayes, so playing the alpha female was the next best thing. With her past experiences with men being mostly negative, she’s learned that no trust can be given to the opposite sex. But with Hayes being so damn charming and having that sexy badass smirk, it’s hard to keep up the act of not giving a fuck. But I loved her toughness, because it showed that she was ready and willing to go to war for her family and those she loved and cared most for. And when she finally accepted that she wasn’t getting rid of Hayes as easy as she was expecting, she finally allowed him to knock down her walls, one bionic brick at a time.
I loved their chemistry and their relationship because they found redemption within each other. Although Hayes is care free and seems ever the “Positive Pete”, his demons came to haunt when Bianca asked one question. He had to explain his past and it killed him to recap his situation and how he became to be part of the Foundation and a member of his current family. And with Bianca she found that with Hayes, there are still good men in the world who aren’t just out to hurt you or take something from you, but love you and take care of you with expecting anything in return. I loved them together because they just fit. Like a negative side to a positive side of a magnet, they were drawn to one another and I loved watching them fall; especially Bianca. You get to see Hayes grow out of his playboy ways, but you get to watch Bianca trust again and I couldn’t help but cheer her on and be happy for the both of them.
Overall, their story was so fucking beautiful to read. Lots of laughs and low points for our alpha female and alpha male, but tons of love once mixed in with the family as a whole. One sore spot that hit my heart and made me tear up was Bianca’s mom because she reminded me of my father-in-law. I love the history lessons of the day and I loved how involved everyone became, that was such a powerful point in the story for me personally. The love created in each and every one of these scenes was incredible, so Mrs. Morgan was my biggest takeaway from their story. Kristy always gets me at some point in one of her books, I knew this story would be no different.
So, I usually start my reviews off by saying thank you to the author for the opportunity of receiving an ARC, and though I did receive one for Drifter, this is much more than a thank you to Kristy. I want to end my review saying I was given the opportunity to be a part of her beta team and be there for the beginning and the nitty gritty. I got to see the ins and outs of how her brain works and operates when the going gets tough and she gets going. And let me just say, it was beautiful. She may not see it that way, but it was like a well oiled machine that kept pumping out the goods, chapter by chapter. And you can tell she’s an amazing author by the group of people she surrounds herself within her beta group. People who were always so supportive and pushed her in times of doubt, the experience was amazing to be part of. So, for that Kristy I want to say thank you. The passion you put into the process of writing definitely shows and reflects in the aftermath and you can see that with Drifter. You’re fucking amazing love!
So my fellow readers, bloggers and even you authors out there, if you have yet to grab your copy of Drifter, please do so NOW! This is easily contender for read/book of the year with how amazing it is. Trust me you do not want to miss it!!! Also if you have yet to start this series, make sure to grab books 1 & 2!!!!!
– Eb <3
This was an enjoyable read. I have a love-hate relationship with both Bianca and Conner! I loved the story line. It really pulled me in, and left me wanting more.
Drifter left me literally speechless, how do you convey in words that justify the passion and hard work that Kristy Marie put into such an amazing story. Hayes and Bianca’s story is one that winds itself around your heart in such a way that you do not even realize until the very end that they stole it right from under your nose. A story filled with so much humour that at times my face ached from the huge smile that was plastered on my face. As you drift through the streets of Madison, sides will be shown of these two that they have kept buried deep down, trust will need to be gained and a strength that they didn’t think they possessed will need to be acknowledged. Let’s face it, this story has Connor Hayes as a main character so we know it is going to get dirty, damn hot and oh so naughty. Slide on in to your seat, get comfy and hold on tight as these two take you on a ride of emotions that will have you laughing, crying and needing to cool off.
P.S. – I will always be #teamtheo, with a huge case of #majorcrush but Hayes and Bianca you will always be responsible for #stealingmyheart.
4.5 stars – It’s official now: Drifter is so far the best in this series and Connor Hayes is my absolute favorite now!
“It’s like I’m in sensation overload. Every touch, every breath feels like a caress to the deepest part of my soul.”
Connor won over my heart piece by piece with each book. But with his own story, he claimed my heart fully. I can’t really explain what draws me to him. Maybe it’s his carefree nature, always a smile and a joke on his lips. Combined with his good heart and manners. Maybe it’s his honesty and his broken, wounded soul. He never lies to you. It’s not “what you see is what you get” – it’s more like “what he tells you is what you get”. And it certainly doesn’t help that he’s ridiculously H O T.
“If Hayes was an explosive, I lit the fuse.”
Bianca is an intriguing heroine and Connor’s perfect match. Those two souls were calling to each other for a reason. Like they recognized a similar level of damage and the chance of healing each other. I love how Bianca “plays” the push-and-pull-game with Connor and how she slowly lets down her defenses, allowing Connor in. She’s strong minded and fierce and their funny banters lighten up the pages and my face.
“Still, like air, I rise.”
Drifter has – like the other two books – a deeper meaning message in between the lines. And the way Kristy Marie told the story, with a perfect pace and mix of feelings, humor, angst and tougher topics, it just spoke to me. It reached deep inside me and gave my feelings a lesson in drifting.
I really do love Drifter and can highly recommend this series and this book!
And last but not least my favorite quote form Hayes: “I don’t think I’m God’s gift to women. I consider myself a fat-free dessert for women with a carving for something sweet.”
Kristy once again you knocked this out of the park! I always say this when K writes a new book because it’s true…just when you think you can’t love anyone more than the current hero she goes and gives us another one. K I can’t believe this is already book 3 and you are still making me laugh and cry with these stories…I loved Hayes so hard, you couldn’t have written him and B any better than what you did. You made their demons bring them together and make them stronger…you don’t get any more real than that! I’ve stocked up on tissues and I’m ready for the next mind blowing hero you have in your head. Get to it girl!
Kristy Marie writes hilarious and sexy romantic comedies with likeable, complex characters and nuanced plots, and Drifter might be my favorite book of hers yet. A beautiful, cynical thief cannot help but be charmed by an affectionate, always-smiling ex-Marine after she steals his beloved motorcycle. He wants his bike back but he discovers that he wants her guarded heart even more. He slowly breaks down the walls around her heart and she shows her strength as she supports him in dealing with some of the issues from his past in the military. They relationship is tender, sweet and steam, and you’ll be grinning from ear to ear after reading this story.
This book just like the other 2 two in the series is absolutely freaking AMAZING. I am in love with all the men in this series. Hayes and Bianca’s story is so sweet, funny and sexy as hell and one that you definitely have to read. You will not regret it.
Kristy has become one of my favorite authors and this series is definitely one of my favorite series of all time. Can’t wait to see what she bring us next!!!
“Burned by the past and scarred for the future. We were drifters in our own lives.”
This story was poignant and full of redemption! I adore this series and these characters. Hayes’ story did not disappoint as the author had me hooked from the prologue and I finished the book in one sitting. So much emotion. Wonderfully written and so many words that I won’t soon forget.
Hayes is a marine. He was one of the men that Anniston helped with a hand up, when he needed it most. His life is back on track. He’s partners with Theo, scouting new talent for baseball, he has his unconventional yet loving and protective family and he has his women….lots and lots of women.
Bianca was trapped in a destructive cycle, forced to make bad decisions in order to take care of her mother. She did what needed to be done, even if it meant being hurt in the process. Tough on the outside but gooey on the inside. All she needed was someone to stand by her side.
Their meet cute was epic! Hayes had a heart of gold, he just had to help Bianca open hers. She was jaded and protected her heart. Hayes was just the man to show her her worth and that redemption is possible.
I laughed, I cried and I loved. I got my Theo fix. Watching these men find love is incredibly overwhelming at times and makes my heart so happy. I truly adore these characters and always look forward to more in this world.
It’s like a 4.5 – 5 for me. I absolutely loved everything but personally I’m not much of a sappy person unless it’s done a certain way so that’s why I’m mentioning this. Because aside from the sap lines, I thought this book was a total five stars. Very different from the second book, which makes me appreciate this author even more. I love that she can write different characters and give off different impressions. It’s so cool. And I really, really liked Bianca. She was easy to get and relate to, mysterious and hard. I love her quirks and how she was a total match for Connor and his flirtatious self.
He’s almost always pissing someone off or being hilarious, and I don’t think I personally got enough of his bad side to better slip into the chapters that brought that side of him out. With Cade, it felt like nothing but, and then with Connor, he was all smiles until something happened, and then he shut down until something helped him to open back up. I love that this book really kept the others around, emphasizing one of the greatest parts about this entire series, which is the commander and the family she rose from the ashes herself. I love that woman.
This is a definite recommend if you love military romances, or if you enjoy sassy couples with their push and pull, if you like romances that hold a delicate balance of resistance and reluctant hope until it’s just a straight HEA from here on out. If you just love contemporary romance or the thought of kleptos having their own story, read it. Just READ it, because I thought it was funny, well-written with their voices coming through clear, and overall hot and sentimental. I’m totally sticking around for a long, long time.