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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Very emotional and captivating then Hayes makes a joke and everything else is history.
P L O T
Great love stories become great because of how it ended, or what the two people have gone through until they reached their happy ending. However, nothing can beat the story everybody asks when you mention you have a significant other, “how did you two meet?” For our couple right here, I guess Bianca would say “at the bar, but then I stole his bike” and Connor would be like, “she looked so hot driving it that I came in my pants.” Then they’d argue about how he’s not accurate with his statement.
This novel goes to show love stories can have weird beginnings and there’s a huge possibility you’ll meet the love of your life in random places, circumstances and time.
That ending before the epilogue was beautiful. Tragic, but beautiful. I could feel the strength radiating from the characters and my heart swelled but stood firm alongside them. You’re gonna have to read it to know what I’m talking about.
C H A R A C T E R S
Connor Hayes
The player got played! It was bound to happen and I was waiting for this day to come. I always wondered who the lucky girl would be. In terms of humor, no one can beat Connor Hayes. Humor runs in his blood. You know what they say, a person who seldom makes people laugh is someone who’s sad inside. In Gorgeous, we got to see his softer side for B, but in his own book, we see what really makes him soft and strong at the same time. Always the one to break the tension, always the first one to lighten up the mood.
Bianca Morgan
Bianca is a woman that has been broken a few times in her life but still manages one hell of a job at keeping herself together, drawing strength for herself and her mother. I can’t talk much about her or it’ll ruin the book for you.
They both have demons to fight and that’s why they’re perfect for each other.
W R I T I N G
I didn’t cry this time even though I cried so hard in Cade’s story. (Because Cade is my bae and everything feels more heightened with him hahaha!) There wasn’t a lot of s-e-x too but I’m not bothered at all. I was enjoying the characters company. I laugh so hard in most of Hayes’ jokes. And I mean it like I sit up on my bed from lying down reading or I whisper scream curses because there is an undeclared rule that no one should cuss in this house.
Once again Kristy Marie touched my heart by bringing in broken people and making them whole again. And the fact where she wrote in her acknowledgment that Hayes and Bianca are J and her respectively just made me feel more for this book. So beautiful, so so beautiful.
O V E R A L L
Another great addition to the series! I couldn’t have thought of a way to make it better. These books always remind me to be a better person and I still have yet to meet an ex-marine or anyone who’s served the country.
I have no idea who’s next, I don’t even want to suggest any marine, I’m okay with anyone. I just devour them. I need to check in the Facebook Groups and see if there’s any hint on who we’re getting next. I know there are more books to come because there are many handsome men in the house and they just opened new rooms to house more people and I couldn’t be more excited. I am looking forward to a woman who’s an ex-marine though. Wouldn’t that be great
Amazing read!
This book is about ex marine and I have to give it to him and to the others that were risking their lives for their countries. They really are brave men. It is a shame to see them come home damaged and left to themselves, eith no help and no opportunities. Thank god for Allyson.
But this book is not about this.
It is about Bianca, who was forced to grow up over the night. She is strong and willing to stand up for herself. I really admire her. She is scarred, but so is Hayes.
Hayes is a sweet man, willing to do anything for his adoptive family. He is attentive and stubborn.
This story is not only about love. It is also about friendship. We have to be friends first in order to have a successful relationship. It has to be built on the trust.
I am very happy that they were friends first. Hayes was very patient with her, as soon as he saw her being afraid of him – of closeness.
I received an earc od this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Connor & Bianca – a love story that starts as a rough past, but turns into a spectacular fairytale. Bianca is the epitome of a strong woman. She has always and will always take care of herself. Connor has had a rough past, but sees his future from one crazy situation. One night, one man, changes everything for Bianca. It changes Connor and Bianca’s fate forever. What starts as a payback turns into SO. MUCH. MORE. She gains a family that she never knew existed and Connor gains someone who he never saw coming.
I felt so many feelings when reading this book. I laughed, loved, hated, and man crushed the whole way through. You feel the frustration for more to happen between Bianca and Connor. The nicknames make your heart melt. I loved how the story is based on their relationship developing and not just solely based on the sexual side. It made my heart skip a beat and there of course, are steamy scenes as well. It definitely has everything you’re looking for in a romance novel. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I flew through the pages as fast as possible. Great writing and character development. It is a definitely 5+ stars for me!!
I was generously given an advance reading copy by Kristy Marie and in return I will be giving my honest review.
Now I have read the first two books in the Commander in Briefs Series and loved them both so much, that when Drifter was announced I had high expectations for it. I am so extremely happy to say that it exceeded those expectations and more. Kristy Marie delievered another beautifully written story that truly captivated me and reminded me why I love this series so much.
This story isn’t your typical marine romance, where heroine saves hero from the darkness and shows him the light. This story follows two drifters who are both guilt ridden because of their past. One hides behind laughter and jokes and another behind the wheel of a car. This is what sets them a part from the others in its genre, because it’s not focused on one person’s struggle, but both.
Hayes who came from a life of love, to lose it and is now starting to find it again in the foundation, and Bianca who believes she doesn’t deserve love at all. Their story is one of bumpy roads and sharp turns, but this story goes deeper than just the love story – it delivers a stronger message which is that sometimes it takes an army of people to help you get through lifes hardships.
“I stole his bike. In retaliation, he stole my heart”
Hayes has always been a favourite of mine since reading Gorgeous (second book) and I was looking forward to hearing his story, because the funny guy always has the saddest. After reading about his heartbreaking past, it was endearing to see how the men and woman at the McCallister – Jameson Foundation, helped him find his strength. This strength is what helped Bianca.
“She’s a rebel. A hustler. A theif. And EXACTLY my flavour.”
Bianca, I’m not going to lie, was not my favourite person at the beginning of this book – I saw her as selfish and arrogant. But after reading her story, I could see that this was her way of protecting herself. Just like Hayes the members of McCallister – Jameson foundation, helped her open her eyes to see she was not alone. Therefore accepting the strength of Hayes and her own flaws.
“What he’s trying to say, sugar, is ‘show us what you got.’”
I 100% would reccomend reading not only Drifter but the rest of the series too – they’re all more than just about the love stories. Pick them up and you’ll see for yourself why Drifter was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 and why Commander in Briefs is one of my favourite series.
Kristy Marie
I love finding a new-to-me author. Especially one that writes with an ease that allows the story to just flow. With a mix of fun and smart dialogue, the writing is hilarious and witty plus layered with seriousness.
Bianca is independent and jaded. Life’s been hard. She’s getting by the best she knows how. And even though her choices aren’t always the best, she owns them.
Connor Hayes is a tough guy and self-proclaimed playboy with a killer sense of humor. He’s really a gentleman and a charmer, lovable and selfless. His belief that a strong man needs a strong woman, that they are each other’s equal, is what makes a solid relationship.
They each show a vulnerability. They take their time with each other and open up to the possibility of a real future. Drifter is not only a romance with humor but a look at the definition of family, right and wrong, healthy relationships and recognizing the ability to move past your mistakes and grab hold of the future you want.
It’s official. This series is one of the best I’ve ever read. And each book keeps getting better and better, leaving you hungry for more of this wonderful writing.
To say that I loved it would be an understatement. I was completely consumed by Hayes and Bianca’s story, devouring every single word with such eagerness that I could physically feel their struggles, their personal demons, but also the undeniable chemistry and attraction. The tension and sad moments were perfectly balanced with Kristy’s distinctive humor and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey of self healing, letting their guards down and allowing each other in.
Although Drifter can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the whole series as it’s pure gold! Just read those killer opening chapters and you will be hooked.
I’ve been blessed to read each book in this series and I fall more in love each time. Kristy writes from the heart, such lovable characters. I can’t ever put the book down because I become consumed with all the love, drama.
Kristy you’re amazing, keep them coming
What I love about K Marie’s books is this amazing “family” that she has created in this series. If you have not read Commander in Briefs or Gorgeous before Drifter – that is ok! But, I HIGHLY recommend them. This group of men and women have come together under the influence of Anniston McAlister. She has more compassion and generosity than any other heroine I have read, and she has created a family of misfits – ex-Marines who were lost after their tours and had no family and only nightmares to live with. These men look out for each other, they are fiercely loyal and protective, and love to give one another a hard time. You will laugh as much as you cry reading their stories – and Drifter is no different.
Once I read Commander in Briefs by Kristy Marie, I could not wait for Connor Hayes’ book. He is an ex-Marine who is confident, but not arrogant; a playful flirt, and a playboy; he seems like the sweet boy next door with nice manners, but is really a dirty-talking, alpha-male with a filthy mind. Not to mention he is Handsome, and has a body built like a machine. Yah…I was taken by him. I always knew there was much more to Hayes’ story – something dark and deep – that would make me fall for him even harder, and I was right.
Connor Hayes can charm the pants off of any woman – old or young, but he was in for a challenge with Bianca Morgan. I F******G LOVE BIANCA!! She is a badass. She may be a criminal, but once you learn the history behind her actions, it is easy to forgive and accept her. What I love the most about this story is her transformation. She is one of the toughest heroines I have read. Her guard is so high up with men, and she has been hurt badly by those who she let closest to her, I did not think that anyone could crack her armor. But as her story unfolds with Hayes, it is mesmerizing and captivating how she lets her walls down as she realizes her own worth. I hated her at times – I cried for her – I cheered her on – and I cried for her again. She is so beautiful and broken, and the role that Hayes played in her rising from the ashes was OH SO SWOONWORTHY.
Bianca & Hayes together is like a science experiment…you know there is chemistry, and you know there will be a big boom at some point, but there are so many trials and challenges getting there. I loved Hayes’ attitude and determination not to let this girl go! He was all in even from the moment she betrayed him. And the support and loyalty of his family the entire way makes your heart melt for these characters! There was not a scene with Hayes in it that I was not smiling. He is cheesy but is just what Bianca needs to melt her exterior. They are fun, playful, have amazing banter and wit, and Hayes’ mouth will make your panties wet, and his actions are so steamy that you will want your own Marine. SIGH. Like Bianca, Hayes finally lets his own walls down and reveals his dark past; and while he likes to cover up all of his deep emotions with humor, it is sooo breathtaking when he breaks down himself and lets Bianca in. I just wanted to hold him and hug him….ok, and maybe make-out with him some.
It is hard to put K Marie’s books into a specific trope category because they are a bit of everything… emotional, hilarious, enemies-to-lovers, and second chances; and that is why I love her. Drifter is in a class of its own. This story of the sassy and tough heroine realizing her self-worth while falling for the charming and humourous Marine is one of my favorite books, and these characters will stay with me for a long time. Well done once again K Marie! I cannot wait to see what is next from you!!!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
So many things to say about this book. In her usual fashion, this author had me with the unique storylines that she is known for. In my years of reading a plethora of books, I can honestly say that this had one of the funniest and most unusual first chapters that I have ever read. From that moment on I had to find out more about these characters and how this situation would resolve itself.
This is a standalone in this series but I would recommend reading the previous books because these characters all overlap in the books and because each of these characters are multifaceted and important. I have fallen in love with the camaraderie and loyalty that they all share. They are proof that it doesn’t take blood to be family.
Connor Hayes. This delicious dimpled man could charm a nun out of her panties I swear. His slow and dedicated pursuit to make Bianca his was what all little girls want when they dream of a Prince Charming. Bianca didn’t stand a chance when it came to him and his draw. This isn’t a romance where there is a lot of scenes of steamy times. Yet, the anticipation and chemistry fuel the story.
I cannot recommend this author enough for creating stories that get the audience so invested in the outcome of characters that feel like real life friends and or family. Great start to 2019.
Drifter by Kristy Marie was EVERYTHING and I am still beating myself up for not picking up her books sooner. Seriously this story legit destroyed every inch of my heart, but of course in the best way possible! I am so BEYOND head over heels in LOVE with these amazing characters and my heart is still soaring high in the sky for each and every one of them. They wholeheartedly captivated me and I cannot wait to go back and read the other books in this epic standalone series. I am in total bookhanger mode after devouring the story!
Bianca and Hayes…WOWZA! Right away these two hooked me in and I knew that I was in for a wild ride. I mean who wouldn’t love a story filled with twists and turns?! I know I was loving every moment of it…that is for sure! Although I loved Hayes, I have to tell you all that I have a major GIRL CRUSH on Bianca. This heroine is a total BAD A** and my alter ego, at least the one I’d like to envision myself as! She totally deserved a guy like Hayes and to think if she hadn’t stolen from him they may never have fallen in love! While two wrongs don’t make a right…it does seem to help you find the one you are destined to be with, at least according to this story!
Kristy Marie just know that you have a new FANGIRL stalker, but I promise to go easy on you! I cannot FREAKING wait to read her future books as well as going back to read her past releases!
Amazing! I loved this book and fell in love with Hayes and Bianca!
Well okay, I did not think I could ever like any of the others as much as I adore Cade from Gorgeous. But Hayes is close! He is so different than Cade but he has this charm about him that just make you love him.
Hayes and Bianca came off on a rocky start, to say the least. When I read the beginning of this book my first thought was, you have to be a genius if you can make a believable couple out of these two after that. But why I ever doubted Kristy Marie, I don’t know. She made this book so natural even though it has such a fun and different plot.
When I was about 40-50 % in the book I got so hooked I just couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the rest of it that night and only got 4 hours sleep but it was worth it!!!
I loved Bianca! I want to be her when I grow up. The attitude on that woman is swoon-worthy, she is a badass and have so much personality and spark that I was drawn to her. I don’t walk away from this book with a book boyfriend but a book girlfriend (That is a first). But she is just that awesome. Even when she is struggling with so much personal shit, she shows her big heart (even if she don’t want to), she shares her humor, her life and her soul with Hayes.
So are you looking for a book with a badass heroine, a sweet-talking alpha male and a really fun plot this is your book!
5 Stars from page one! This is one of my favorite books, ever! Thank you Kristy for giving us the perfection that is Connor Hayes!
When I met all these amazing veterans in the first book, Commander In Briefs, I couldn’t wait to read each of their stories. Drifter is book three and I can honestly say my favorite so far. I say so far because each book is better than the last.
Over a year ago, a book friend (That’s you Jessica) ask me to read for this author. Her name is Kristy Marie and she was new. Well after reading Commander In Briefs, I would have never guessed she was a new author. Her writing was on point, descriptive and every page was engaging. Her characters were all alphas in need of some emotional healing. Their stories are heart breaking. But they get a lot of support from secondary characters. That said, this book, as well as the others, have all the feels. But don’t worry because there is humor too. A lot in fact, which is another aspect of this author’s writing that I loved.
Connor Hayes is amazing. He is sexy, cocky and adorable. In addition, Connor is protective, loyal and dealing with his own emotional demons. Bianca was a perfect match for Connor. From the first pages, I liked her despite what she was planning to do. Bianca and Conner’s relationship grew slowly. While Conner knew Bianca had some dark issues she herself had to deal with, he believed her to be a kindred spirit and he wanted to know everything about her. Connor was patient and kind and a gentleman. He was determined to earn her trust. Gosh I love him so much! He is my favorite hero from this series so far. But alas, there are still several more vets to get their healing.
There is some suspense, angst, and sad moments. But as I mentioned, there is humor to balance it all out. Kristy Marie has quickly moved to the top ten of my favorite authors list. If you have yet to read any of her books, I highly recommend you do. All the books in this series are standalones, but I suggest you read them in order to have an even greater reading experience.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
First book I have read by Kristy. This was a good book. Intense interesting lovable characters. Bianca is trying to protect her mother and keep her where she needs to be. She steals anything that she is requested to steal. But this one steal will forever change her life. Connor is a soldier who is trying to start over. The one thing that he has worked for has been taken. So he takes matters into his own hands to get the person that took it back. I loved Connor and Bianca. The way these two get along is something special. A great book from beginning to end. Loved all the characters. Can’t wait to read more from Kristy and this series.
Drifter was everything I hoped it would be. And oh man for playboy Connor Hayes’ story was it a slooowww burn! LOL. But you know what? It was perfect for the shape of Connor and Bianca’s tale.
Though Hayes has given us little previews of his deeper side in the other books, I completely loved unraveling his layers. Only Bianca with her attitude and strength can keep up with this guy. And as always Kristy Marie adds the right amount of heartache to bring a wholly engaging story. It has the laughs and banter I’ve come to love, as well as tremendous heart. This series is shaping up to be one of my all time favorites. These characters and this family that they have formed just can’t be beat! 5 YES YES YES stars for Drifter!
Kristy! Seriously! Your killing me with these books!
I have just finished crying my eyes out at that ending. Vivian and Hayes history lesson
Once again, we have another Commander in Chiefs book that will leave you absolutely wrecked! But in a good way! You will feel every emotion possible and the book hangover is real people!
Hayes is just bloody beautiful isn’t he. We already know that he was a total playboy and loves his extracurricular activities but he really surprised. We got to see another side to him and I loved it! His story broke my heart. I already had my own theories about what happened but having it confirmed, tore me to pieces!
Bianca was so perfect for him! I loved the push and pull between them. She has had a hard life but is so strong and does what ever she needs to for her mum.
This was a seriously slow burner! I did not expect that from Mr Hayes. I was expecting a lot more sexy time from handsome but the story was perfect the way it was.
This has by far one of the best prologue of any book I have ever read. Its so funny and just intrigues you so much. I looove Connor he was such a great character. He was so funny and charming but i loved that he was complex too. Bianca was a queen. Her resilience and strength to keep going was amazing and her love for her mother was so beautiful. I loved these two together they were electric on every page. I loved that story and how they opened up to each other. They are one of my fave couples ever. This was such a beautiful book and just cemented KM as a fave aurhor of mine for sure
Hayes and Bianca just GAVE ME LIFE.
Hayes is the guy with all the jokes, sweetness and sass. He’s cocky but super adorable and has a personality you can’t help but love.
Bianca is a whole different breed of woman. She’s closed off, unimpressed and completely distrusting of everyone. She’s fiesty fierce and secretly sweet under all that bad attitude. She’s my kind of woman.
These two could not be anymore opposite and yet they balance each other perfectly. The love to hate completely dysfunctional unconventional relationship had me crying laughing more times than I can count. The craziness of it all just gave me life and honestly she was the woman to bring our sweet horndog down a peg or 6. The undeniable chemistry and instant connection just set the pace for what turned out to be a very unpredictable hilarious journey. The tensions are real. The slow burn of it all had me legit desperate for the nasty goodness to start.
Whilst there is some sensitive topics in here, for the most part this book is all kinds of hilarious, outrageous and sweet. Its jam packed with a whole cast of crazy characters serving us never ending entertainment, sweet friendships and a whole family vibe I’m jelly of. I was just completely consumed in them and their story and never wanted it to end. But lord did it have me crying like a baby at that sweet ending!!.
I cannot get enough of this series.
I really don’t know how Kristy does it.
Every book she writes is a heartfelt masterpiece, giving me all the feels.
In such a short time, she managed to become one of my favorite writers, claiming a place at the top of my recommendation list.
If you haven’t read her books, your life has been sorely lacking and you should drop everything and grab one of her books.
As for Drifter, it was such a sweet book. I found myself constantly swooning. Connor is just this amazing guy. Somehow, even though life has been less than kind he managed to stay sweet. Bianca is so badass and fearless, but under her indifferent mask she has the heart of a warrior. And those two… they fully complete and complement each other.
5 stars and a motorcycle
Von Bremen would be so proud of Kristy because she hit Drifter out of the ballpark for a Grand Slam!
From the opening page, that had me smiling ridiculously to the very last one KM takes you on the ride of a lifetime.
A man who won’t back down and a woman who won’t give over control.
Bianca is a criminal but with a background story that will pull at your heartstrings and make you love her. Hayes is a player through and through but the man has a heart of jello and when his sights land on Bianca it’s game on even if he has to blackmail her to get close to her.
Will Hayes do they unthinkable and scale the impenetrable wall Bianca has built around her heart and will she learn that sometimes letting go is not giving in, it’s just opening up to let in those that will love and cherish you.
5 “Clepto” Stars