2017 Nominee for Best Contemporary Romance-GOODREADSNamed one of the Top 10 hottest romance reads of 2017 by Huffington Post and New York Daily News!Music . . . the heart’s greatest librarian.The average song is three and a half minutes long; those three and a half minutes could lead to a slow blink, a glimpse of the past, or catapult the soul into heart-shattering nostalgia.At the height of my … heart-shattering nostalgia.
At the height of my career, I had the life I wanted, the life I’d always envisioned. I’d found my tempo, my rhythm. Then I received a phone call that left me off key.
You see, my favorite songs had a way of playing simultaneously. I was in love with one man’s beats and another’s lyrics. But when it came to the soundtrack of a life, how could anyone choose a favorite song? So, to erase any doubt, I ditched my first-class ticket and decided to take a drive, fixed on the rearview.
Two days.
One playlist.
And the long road home to the man who was waiting for me.
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I was told that the author and book were the 2017 book to read for romance novels. I was a bit disappointed in the romance side of the story but found the love trist to still keep me reading till the end.
WOW! That was intense! I’ll start off by saying that I don’t really like books that involve a love triangle so I was a little leery about this one at first. BUT, it’s Kate Stewart book so it’s a given that I was going to read it so, I charged in and was pleasantly surprised.
This book was absolutely perfect ! The story was engaging, the writing makes you feel as though you were part of the story instead of just reading it. It had all the feels and just the right amount of angst for me . I loved all of the characters… basically, I love everything about this book!
To take it one step further, I listened to this as an audiobook instead of just reading it. That’s always a gamble because if the narrator isn’t all that great, or you just don’t care for that narrator , it can really ruin a story. Ava Erickson nailed it with Drive! It’s sometimes difficult to get all the feels out of an audiobook but there was no problem at all with this one. She did an amazing of job portraying these characters and telling their story.
I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. This book is the reason why I love to read. First, it comes with its own playlist (great taste in music). Second, the characters are amazing. They are relatable and well thought out. They are very realistic. Third, the story is believable. Its more on the side of once in a lifetime but its not totally unheard of. Read this book. I promise you will not regret it. You know how you can tell a book is good? When you laugh, cry, scream, and sigh all at the same time.
No idea why I waited this long to read this truly incredible story! I absolutely loved it!
Stella loves music. It speaks to her soul. And all she wants to do is write about music. It’s her passion. She’s struggling but she is not afraid of the hard work. She’s willing to work her way up and do what she needs to do.
This story is all about the journey. And on her journey to following her dream, she falls in love with her sister’s best friend Reid.
Reid is quiet. His passion is also music. He plays drums in a band. And when they first meet, they hate each other. But soon that hatred becomes so much more. The line between hate and love is often blurred. Their relationship is short-lived because LIFE just got in the way.
Reid goes his own way. And Stella goes hers. But the connection, the love they share just never stops.
This story was beautiful. Sometimes the road to forever is wrought with heartache. But in the end…it’s worth finding your forever love. The love that makes your soul whole.
Wow. wow. wow.. Apparently, all I can say is wow at this point. This story was a journey about love and that real connection you have with someone. I’m not even sure what I can say in this review, that can really capture how much this story really impacted me.
Stella took me on this journey. The ups and downs. The love that these characters had for each other. Stewart’s writing seriously blew me away. This is the first book of hers I’ve read. And honestly, it’s been awhile since I’ve connected with characters in this way. I cried. I was 36% in and I cried and that didn’t stop through this whole story. It was just beautifully written. This is way up there on my top list of 2017. I’m so glad I took a chance on this.
If you’ve ever read my reviews. Which, I’m sure is not many of you. I don’t read blurbs, I don’t read reviews. I literally have no idea what I’m jumping into when I do. The most gratifying feeling is finding that story that connects with you on all levels. And Drive did that. I love music, music is something that you can feel in your soul. So this book centering around music. It added so much to this story and I loved the music recommended for each chapter. I didn’t listen to all because I was so engrossed in this story. And Stella’s character, I just loved her. I loved how she wasn’t afraid to go for her dreams. Yes, she does go through a lot. A lot of learning and becoming who she was meant to be.
It had a lot of heaviness. The intense connections. It was everything. I’ll probably keep rambling if I don’t stop now. But seriously.. drop what your doing, go get Drive and just get lost.
“It’s funny how attraction sneaks up on you. The subtle things you notice when you watch a person. The quirks. Like how he’s always pushing his ear-length hair away from his brow.”
Overall, Five Boundless Stars.
This book captures my heart and soul as soon as I hit play. The way the audio was delivered made it even more captivating. Stella’s life is a soundtrack, a soundtrack of her ups and downs. As she is at the top her career she is hit with her past and as she drives back we get an indication of how her soundtrack started.
I love how this story builds so much angst and love for each character. We see how Reid gave Stella love first and how as time went on how it will all be. Then we see Nate and his powerful persona, which helped Stella, is more determined to do amazing things in the music world.
The love Stella’s passion for music helped her grow into the fierce person. If her time with Reid and Nate was a time that sculpted her to whom she ultimately ended up with. They way Kate Stewart wrote this it wasn’t till the end that we see who Stella drove home to. LOVED each second as the narrator read this and I could honestly feel the passion, angst, and joy as I listen to this beautiful story.
This was so fantastic! Seriously, it was soooo good. I stayed up late to read it and I was engaged the whole time. This book just had it all going on for me. Man I hope Lexi and Ben get a book. I loved all the characters in it but these two need their own story!
I normally don’t like triangles. Inevitably, someone’s heart gets broken. But Drive is so much more than that. It’s a powerful and emotional ride about life – choices, growth, dreams, forgiveness, acceptance, love and the journey you take to get through all of it. Stella Emerson is a passionate, emotionally-driven woman. Reid Crowne is the lost soul drummer and Nate Butler is the intense, yet playful editor-in-chief. Both men come into her life and burn a path to her heart. But when it’s time to choose, do you settle for the safe bet or take the risk? Kate Stewart did an extraordinary job pulling me in with her words from the very beginning, feeling those emotions, breaking my heart and putting it back together. The music was an added bonus and gave each chapter more meaning. Without a doubt, this was definitely a drive worth taking.
This book was EVERYTHING! I absolutely fell in love with every word written in this book.
I can’t express how much this book has touched my heart. It was just so emotional and raw.
I’m not going to lie, I love and I mean LOVE reading about love triangles. This was an exceptionally well written love triangle that will leave you a mess. I was torn between Nate and Reid, both great guys with great qualities that both harbored a total love to Stella. So when you get two outstanding guys that love you, what do you do? But apparently Reid made that decision easy for Stella. Stella was heartbroken when Reid didn’t want to bring stella down with him. He didn’t come from the best background and even though Stella was there for him at every step of the way, he didn’t want to expose her to a life like his.
Nate had a thing for Stella since the moment he laid eyes on her and Nate was a great guy. He might not have had the recourses to employ Stella at the time she went to interview, but his intentions were to somehow give her a gig in his newspaper company
So when Reid proves his undying love for Stella and has shown her that he’s a changed man and he is repentant about his behavior and hurting her the way he did, what should Stella do? She’s definitely in a bind because she’s fallen for Nate but her heart has always been with Reid no matter how much she loves Nate.
How can you choose between two superb, outstanding and great guys!!
AHHHHH I was so conflicted and so sad and happy at the same time when I was done reading this book and this never happens to me. I always root for one guy and one guy only but with Drive I was devastated and sad and happy and so confused!
Kate Stewart has left me in complete disarray but damn this book was everything.
Best book of 2017!!
5.0 UNFORGETTABLE STARS!!!
“Tell me that life magically starts to happen.”
“One minute past desperation, baby. I promise. I’m living proof. Believe me….”
Ummm wow! This is completely off the cuff because I JUST finished this book. I am a myriad of emotions. This story was powerful in ways I never anticipated. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that lived up to its hype. This book lived it, exceeded it. The last twenty percent of this book was so well written I couldn’t for the life of me see how it ended. I cried tears and tears through these last few chapters. My heart broke multiple times and just when I thought it would heal it broke some more. I can’t say enough about the characters and this story. Not that I’ll be sharing anything in this review because to spoil this book would be the worst kind of tragedy! This was an absolute epic read if you’re up for angst and emotion. I for one loved it wether my heart was breaking or swooning. Here’s hoping there’s more to be told of the supporting characters! Add it to whatever list you need to but make sure it gets read!
Wow…..Drive is just one of those books that you know you will remember. It truly is a beautiful work of art. Not many books have left me speechless and not wanting to move on, but Kate Stewart did that with this story. And since I wasn’t quite ready to move on, I read it for a second time (2 days later)….but I listened to the song titles from each chapter. The songs that Kate uses in those chapter titles help to tell the story perfectly.
Those songs helped to enhance the emotions I felt while reading Drive. I found myself laughing and smiling one minute…..then having my heart broken and crying in the next. But, I wouldn’t change one thing about this story. I loved Stella’s journey – she is definitely one of my favorite heroines that I’ve read. She was young, feisty, unapologetic, determined, driven (pun intended)….and was not going to stop going after her dreams. Throughout the story, I found myself rooting for her with both men in her life. I knew which way I hoped for it to end….yet, I wouldn’t have been upset had it gone the other way. Both Reid & Nate were completely different, you can’t compare the two. She loved them both, but only one of them ever truly captured her heart.
What I think most resonated with me is that music truly is the soundtrack to life. One song can automatically take you back to a place in time, make you remember good times and even the bad ones (one of those songs for me was even mentioned in the book). But, music always heals the soul. It gives you an escape, gives you hope. And it led Stella back home.
I highly recommend this book to everyone – one of my favorites this year. Simply amazing.
This was a ‘new to me Author’ which I tried on a recommendation, I’m so glad I did (Thank you Melissa #BookSmacked)
At the start I found this book a little confusing as it dives straight in with drama that there is no context for. A few chapters in & it all starts to come together as we start to get the story that leads up to the beginning of the book
This book is full of all the feels. I bawled like a baby, sobbed like brokenhearted twentysomething & cried like the nearly 48yr old woman I am, in the face of such pain & heartache!! I can’t imagine anyone reading this book & escaping without bruising to their heart Having said all of that its not a book all about pain, it’s about growth, finding yourself, chasing your dreams, compromise, family. love, friendship, sacrifice …. It touches on SO much and does it all beautifully
I was mesmerized by this tale, the entire story grabbed me & wouldn’t let go until I devoured the final words. Then, I was unceremoniously thrown back into the real world alone, stunned but smiling like a lunatic I’m glad it’s 05.11am as I write this as it means I have to sleep & don’t have to try and face another book yet!! #bookhangover
My recommendation is simple … Read it!!!
Debbie,1970, UK
Kate Stewart! She’s capable of writing anything and I mean anything. From suspenseful erotica, hilarious romcom to angsty second chance romance. She masters any genre.
Drive nurtured my music loving heart and my love for romance. I was blown away by this epic story and the author’s lyrical prose.
Drive has cemented Kate Stewart as an author who writes without restraint. Her love and passion for music shines through every word. I’m in love and on a high.
This is Stella’s journey and it was meticulously executed. I felt I lived vicariously through her. I saw myself in her and could relate to her.
Stella says pretty early in the story: “Music is the heart’s greatest librarian”. That’s her in a nutshell.
Her passion and outlet is music. Lives and breathes it which also reflects on her emotionally. She studies journalism so she can capture and share her love for music with the world. Stella has a voice and she wants to be heard.
Stella meets the handsome and brooding drummer Reid who plays for the unknown band Dead Sergeants. Their connection is instantly. Like magnets. Reid has a lot of emotional s**t he’s dealing with but their connection is undeniable.
Stella plays a huge part in the birth of Dead Sergeants and them becoming famous. Her faith in Reid and the band is unparalleled. I loved that about her. Her selflessness and also her determination to achieve her goal. Which is writing for the Austin Speaks paper to cover artists and music.
It takes a toll on their relationship when Reid doesn’t believe and has faith in his future with The Dead Sergeants. He’s also battling his own demons. Feeling that he’s not enough for Stella. In his own eyes he’s nothing. She just wants him. Their love is a drug. Potent. Like Stella I was addicted to their story, their evolving connection and I also feared that the bubble would eventually burst.
Reid wanted to feel worthy of Stella and that led them both on different paths which only made them grew and change as people.
You have to experience Stella’s journey. The secondary characters are just as interesting and complex as Stella and Reid. Especially Lexi and Ben. Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I want their story.
When I read the prologue I was intrigued and as the story developed I questioned the why and how. I loved that nothing was certain and how the hell had Stella gotten to that place in the prologue. The story was never predictable and the plot was flawlessly executed with a compelling narrative.
Drive resonated with me because of my love for music and romance. I recognized the artists and references. I was transported into a time warp and I never wanted to leave.
Yes, Drive is about music but this story is so much more. It’s about love and what the heart is capable of. Loving two people. Irrevocably and making a choice.
Drive is unforgettable and I was seduced by Stewart’s indisputable voice which proves that Drive is in a league of its own. Wow!
5+ BadAssDirtyLookUpStars
If I could give more than five stars I would because this book just rocked my world and shot right to the top of my all time fav reads list. Bold statement I know.
I’m obsessing !!! Completely obsessing over Drive by Kate Stewart. So much so I have read this book twice over the last 24 hours.
So I was told repeatedly today to read Drive. Multiple people used that magic word on me (Angsty) and like the obsessed bookwhore that I am I one clicked and dove in.
From the beginning I knew that this book would have it. And I’m still reading and the journey I’ve taken so far is bliss watching something develop btw two people. I’m loving it, I’m invested I’m blissfully ignorant of what’s to come. Even when the playlist itself in this book (which is beyond brilliant by the way) is niggling at my mind whispering the pain is coming the pain is coming. I’ve been ignoring it for the most part except for the first part of each chapter where I click the link to hear the song. And while it’s playing i stop reading until it’s done letting that angst that I know is coming seep it’s way into my brain. Once the song is over I block it and continue on my bliss. Even when there a moments throughout this book that tell me I’m reaching that part of the ride where I’m at the top and am about to hit the death plunge.
Let me tell you when the Angst came and boy did it come I was overwhelmed. Chest tightened, heart pounding and completely overwhelmed with emotions.
“Love doesn’t die, even when you stop feeding it. There is no expiration date on the ache of missing someone you shared your heart, life and body with.”
The storyline, the characters, the flow, the plot, the emotions, the playlist. Everything about this book was perfect.
Reid – Oh my gawd he had me. My soul, my breathe, my desire, my life.
Nate – My heart, my friendship, my sanity, my loyalty.
Stella – She was everything. Every moment I was with her throughout this book. Every single mile, every single song I was there with her, reliving, dying, happy, sad, reflecting, overcome with emotion.
And let’s talk about that playlist. I will say this is the first time I have seen a playlist for a book utilized in this way. Chapter by chapter each song so perfectly chosen for what was happening.
I honestly can’t say enough about this book and how brilliant it was. It mixed both my love of the written word with my love of music so perfectly and harmoniously together.
An epic angsty read that will take you on a journey through heartbreak, love, and finding home.
There’s times in life where 5 stars just aren’t enough to rate a book… You have to have the ability to have 100… But honestly, that wouldn’t even be enough to rate this book. I am so grateful that I won an ARC of Drive. This is also my first read of Kate Stewart, and what an introduction. This amazing story is so amazingly written… Every emotion is hit, as though you truly are riding a rollercoaster. I honestly felt like I was in the book, watching it unfold. I loved the characters, the writing was brilliant. And the playlist… SO PERFECT! I can’t recommend this book enough!!!!
A Top Read Of 2017
When a story consumes your soul, and leaves you wordless a Review is hard. The story is painful, funny, happy, heart warming, feel good, heart breaking, soul crushing, and soul restoring. Tears running-laugh out loud-quiet giggle-warm smile good. Perhaps Drive has left me with too many words, rather than no words. I just know it spoke to my soul. Music and emotions drive the story from beginning to end. Angst makes sleep slow to come.
Technically speaking, Kate Stewart writes a masterful story. Conversation flows, imagery creates feelings, backstories so well rounded you KNOW the characters. Supporting characters are nearly as important and H/H/h (yes, there is a love triangle). I’m really hoping Kate feels compelled to write Lexie & Bens story, too.
I will be recommending this book to EVERY book sister I know.
It’s been a while that I’ve been pulled into a book this strongly. The world around me stopped revolving and nothing existed besides this book!
The one most important think I’ve come to realize about this book is…. When I grow up, I want to be just like Estella Rosa Maria Emerson also known as Stella. My goodness, I loved her no filter, just keep questioning everything and who cares how you are dressed for an interview! Stella was all about sticking up for herself and looking out for those around her. She brought smiles to me on numerous occasions yet in the next chapter, I was shedding serious tears.
All in all, this book is Stella’s Journey. What a journey she’s been on! The great thing is, at the end of the journey, she found herself. That is what matters to me the most. Not what guy did she end up with, if either. Not did her tiff with her sister ever get resolved. Not did she graduate and get her masters. None of that mattered to me. She was a strong Latina Gal who got lost along her journey and forgot what she was after.
Her road bumps, her pot holes, her detours…all of them 100% worth it.
The writing style of this story was awesome! The story was totally believable. The emotions that were pulled out while reading it…off the charts!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
This was my first book by Kate Stewart and i really love it!!
let me just say i’m not used to read this type of stories i usually go for the Dominant super alpha males but i decided to read this book as a lot of people where suggesting it.. and WOW what an amazing surprise.. i really love how Kate wrote this love story specially because there where not only, one male but two in love with Stella.. i love how she manage to make us love both, how i wanted for her to end up with both.. I was rooting for Nate and Reid at all times .. but mostly the beauty of the story is also, the different twist. we are used to see the type of stories where there is “three” main characters, and one always get hurt or ends up all communication etc.. but here in Drive there is not the typical fight between these two guys or the argument, of how can you love two men.. it was great how the story made you love three of them.. Reid, Nate and Stella xoxo
Nate a very important man in stella’s life, he definitely was a huge key in her life and i don’t see how the story could be without him.. Nate met Stella first when she came into his magazine asking for a job.. he told her he didn’t have any position available but that she should come back in a few months and see if he can hire her.. he liked her and he wanted more of her. he constantly pursue her and also wait for month until she was ready for him..
Reid the best friend of Stella’s sister, thats how they meet, when Stella is crashing on her sisters house for a while, trying to figure it out how to get the job of her dream to write in a music magazine and travel the world listening to all these amazing bands.. Reid is a musician (drummer) trying to make his way in life with his band and music. his dream is to have a record contrary in one of the major record labels but he doesn’t believe they would ever get an offer.. until stella happened.. Stella’s and Reid love story start slow Reid didn’t want to have anything to do with Stella because he was in a really bad position in his life.. but later life keep pushing them together until they can’t be apart..
Stella is a great heroine, very strong and always fighting to be someone in life always fighting for those she loved and she gave everything she had to them.. i love how genuine she was, she was this amazing woman with an amazing taste of music. men respect her and loved her.. Stella move to Texas with her sister, looking for a better life and searching for the job of her dreams.. and she find more than that.. love, friends and the job she always wanted..
it is definitely a beautiful story… i can’t wait to read more books by Kate Stewards..
and i keep wondering if Lexi and Ben are going to have a story???
Best book of 2017!!! Loved it!
Have you ever read a book that when you’re done, you immediately want to start over? You’re not quite ready to leave the world masterfully created by it’s sculptor. You’re driven to find the little nuggets you’re convinced you’ve missed along the way because you were so engrossed in the story. Pages turning so quickly, there had to be some clues nestled throughout that were inadvertently missed in your haste. This book is it!
Stella Emerson is finding her way while temporarily living with her sister in Austin. Still reeling from her last relationship, she’s not in a hurry to start another. Determined to find independence, she can’t escape the notice of not one but two men. Both vying for her attention, charismatic in their own ways but as different as night and day.
Reid Crowne is broody, introverted, and generally unreachable. Just the way he likes it. Growing up with alcoholic parents he’s learned to take care of himself. He finds himself in a downward spiral with no way out until she pushes her way into his life.
Nate Butler is charming, flirtatious and confident. He is immediately drawn to the spitfire who forced her way into his office and his life. Having grown up in a supportive family, he is the embodiment of settled and self-assured.
This book is written in multiple time frames beginning in the present and then into the past. My interest was immediately piqued when her life is thrown into whirlwind, wanting to find out more about who she is, who he is and how they got here.
There are moments when I feel as a reader, some authors try to hard to embrace metaphors but I believe this author has truly embraced it. “Everything was coming together, except for the jagged pieces of myself that rattled around in my chest like a noisy piece of costume jewelry.”
Throughout this book, I felt the emotions of the heroine. The joys, the sorrows, they’re all there. At one point, I had to put it away because it was just too much. I loved the fiery tenacity of the heroine. The heroes are each beautiful and fierce in their own ways. While this isn’t a menage book, I feel I would be remiss in categorizing either hero as less than the other because they both contributed greatly to the story.
I would gladly recommend this to a friend. I’ve read some previously by this author but after this, it definitely won’t be my last.
I feel like this story will stay with me a long time.