When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up… Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle–huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine–is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crews for hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona–and her … persona–and her trademark self-control–is slipping, and she won’t allow it.
Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close–in every way–to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all.
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When Mary Daniels sets out on a journey to collect an artifact for her boss she never anticipated it would lead her to love… it was just supposed to be another job. But after she spends copious amounts of time in the car with her sexy chauffeur she begins to see there is a good guy under that playboy facade… and she likes what she sees! As the miles tick by, they begin to wear each other down, and defenses begin to falter… and sparks start to fly!
The moment Brodie Crews meets the woman he is supposed to be transporting across the country for his newest gig, he can’t help but be drawn to her, even though he hears the the “not interested” vibes she’s sending out loud and clear. She is so put together and slightly secretive, and he senses there is something special there, lying just below her off-putting layer. He just has to find a way to work his way into her good graces, and let him in.
Driven to Distraction is a perfectly blended romance that is certain to give readers a healthy dose of swoons and smiles. The moment you meet Brodie you will understand just what I’m talking about, that man was something else, he had swagger for days! These characters were fantastically drawn, they screamed opposite attract from first glance, but the more I delved into their story, the more I realized that there was commonality there, and that they just might be a perfect match. With touches of suspense, and loads of steamy banter this one will keep you flying through the pages and teetering on the edge of your seat in anticipation. If this first installment in the series is any indication as to what the following installments will hold, I can’t wait to get my hands on them… this one was amazing!! I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it promises to be a thoroughly satisfying literary ride!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
I received this ARC for a fair and honest review.
Mary Daniels is about to have her prim and proper world turn upside down by one Brodie Chews.
Mary works for Therman and he is a collector of rare and unique and sometimes ill gotten gain such as an Oscar. She is calm, business like, straight laced and by the book. She is strong and independent because he past was such that she needed to learn to be strong and independent and she needed to learn how to exude confidence. She managed all of this and went on to work for Therman.
She meets Brodie in the parking lot of his courier business, he owns it with his brother Jack and Charolette who is like a sister to Brodie and Jack.
Brodie speaks his mind and doesn’t mind his manners, not around Mary anyway. He is immediately taken with her but she is a tough nut to crack. As he begins to open her up we find out why Mary is hell bent on not showing off her incredible beauty. Brodie teaches her all about love and family.
All the while another collector is hot on their heels trying to sway Brodie from going to pick up one last item that is important to the other collector who is not quite what he seems.
I loved this story. Brodie is possessive, strong, caring, and has a heart of gold but he is also humble and sexy as hell. He is the opposite of Mary and the two of them crate sparks. She is a lonely girl who grew up to exceed all expectations of what people in her town thought she would be. She defied the odds and is a fighter in her own quiet way.
There are such great characters whom will get to know better as this is just the first book in the series. I loved all of the characters as each is quirky and interesting in his or her own way. But the one character who to me stole the show was Howler. You will just have to read to find out who or what he is. He is the best. He like Brodie is loving and loyal and very protective with great instincts and like Mary he is very smart and perhaps a bit sassy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Foster has not disappointed me yet. The book was sexy, sweet, a little sad, exciting and very satisfying. Kudos.
A great start to this fun new series by Lori Foster. Like all of Lori’s books once you start it is hard to put down. It has you laughing out loud from the beginning and holds your attention until the very end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Mary has had a rough life but has overcome it to become a successful, professional and independent woman. Mary’s boss insists that she uses Brodie’s delivery service to collect the pieces that he adds to his collection. Mary and Brodie bump heads from the first time that she climbs up his never ending front steps. Through their travels they discover that neither are really what they seem and the only question is will they overcome their differences and the danger in their journey to find ever lasting love with each other.
Lori Foster kicks off a brand new series with a new set of characters but the things that put her on my keeper shelf are still here. Her books contain all the things we expect in a romance novel with enough of a twist to make the story feel fresh. Brodie and Mary seem like a typical couple. He’s the hot, muscular guy, she’s the uptight woman who needs to let loose. But then Foster works her magic. Brodie has an unconventional family and job. Mary’s employer is an eccentric rich guy. With plenty of steam, humor, and intriguing supporting characters to build on, Foster’s Road to Love series is off to a roaring start.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mary and Brodie are definitely a case of opposites attracting, and she resists from the first. The entire concept seems opposite, the flirty guy falls for the girl, while the closed off girl is determined to keep him at arms length. Of course, they are working in extremely close quarters, he’s her driver/self-appointed protector. The interplay between the two is wonderful and fun to read. Watching Mary learn about family is eye opening. The adventures they go on together while working are a great way for the two of them to get to know each other in difficult circumstances, and the reader to learn the characters. There’s drama, action and adventures.
Brodie is a transport driver and meets Mary when she goes to hire him for her eccentric boss Therman. It’s Lust at first sight for both of them. Brodie can’t keep his hands to himself. When things get hairy on a job with a competing collector, Brodie takes the opportunity to tell Mary how he feels. This book was great and I can’t wait for the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
Brodie Crews is used to getting what he wants. He would never call himself a ladies man but eh if the shoe fits…… When Mary Daniels clomps her way up his stone steps he know right then and there that he will have her. Getting her to agree on the other hand may take a little more effort on his part.
Mary Daniels has worked hard to make a name for herself, damn hard. No thanks to her mother who dragged them both through the mud when she was younger. She grew up and got out as soon as she could, only returning to her childhood home when her mother overdosed. She tried to change her town’s opinion of poor little Mary but she failed, so she decided she needed to stay away. Now she works exclusively for the elusive Therman Ritter and he wants to hire the Mustang Transport company, specifically Brodie Crews, to help transport some of his most precious finds. Now if she could just get her lady parts to heel anytime she is in the vicinity of Brodie she could focus and get on with her job.
Brodie and Mary set off on adventure after adventure accruing collectibles for Therman’s growing collection. After one exchange results in gunfire, Brodie makes it known to Therman that he won’t stand for any more shady dealings. His brother Jack will handle routing to ensure his and Mary’s safety during the exchanges. That doesn’t sit well with Mary who feels like Brodie is undermining her abilities and lets him know that. Brodie stresses he only wants to protect her and isn’t saying she couldn’t do the job. Slowly he wears down her protective shell and she starts to let him in.
Brodie and Mary have undeniable chemistry from their first meeting, even though he is not completely struck by her beauty at first but works at pulling her from her shell. He gets her to open up about her past and let herself relax a little in life. Realizing that true beauty isn’t just skin deep.
Mary has never had a real family, or so she thought, but she realizes the people she works with have been more a family to her than blood relatives. She is finally home.
Another great series starter from Lori Foster, a 4 ½ star read, can’t wait for the next book in the series to come down the pipeline. I received an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
What another fantastic book by Lori Foster! This one might be my favorite one so far. Lori makes reading so much fun and very interesting and this book is no exception! Thanks for another great book!!
“Driven to Distraction” starts Lori Foster’s Road to Love series. When a book has a great beginning, you hope the rest of the book lives up to the expectation. This one does!
Mary Daniels is the liaison for a collector and her boss needs a new driver. Brodie Crews, of Mustang Transport, is the guy her boss wants to hire.
Mary is buttoned-up, using her clothes and hairstyle, as a way to protect herself.
Brodie is laid back and casual. And completely into Mary. He tries to get her to open up and trust him.
Their chemistry is intense, their intimate scenes flaming hot.
“Driven to Distraction” does have a light suspense thread running through it like most Ms. Foster’s books tend to do. However, this story focuses more on the characters than the plot and, for me, is reminiscent of Ms. Foster’s previous works like “Getting Rowdy” and “Fighting Dirty”.
They are also my favorite books by this author and “Driven to Distraction” has been added to that list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series, “Slow Ride”.
Driven to Distraction (Road to Love, #1) by Lori Foster This is the first book in the new ROAD TO LOVE series and I’m thankful to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC and this is my honest review. Mary Daniels acquires rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. Brodie Crews runs Mustang Transport courier service with his brother Jack. Mary needs to hire Brodie as a driver and this is where the fun begins. We get to meet Jack and Ros their mom and Charlotte who is like a sister and runs their office. This book was a fun read with all the laughs, some tears, mystery, hot sex and of course a very HEA. I can’t leave out Howler and Matilda… I’m looking forward to SLOW RIDE the next book in the series Jack and Ronnie’s story.
This is a great first book in a new series. I just loved all the characters in it. Brodie & Mary seem so different personality wise. Brodie was just so laid back & all about family & the family business. He worked with his brother & a friend of theirs when Mary approached him for a job. I loved the story, the plot, everything. Another aspect of this story that I enjoyed was Brodie’s relationship with his dog Howler-a rescued dog. Howler was such a great dog. I did laugh when I first read how Brodie gets Howler to eat, such a creative way to get him to eat his dog food. Mary was so introverted and withdrawn, just doing her job & taking pride in doing it well but keeping to herself. It was fun to watch her come out of her shell and become a true partner with Brodie.
Who wouldn’t love a guy who does so much for a dog? If he cares for an animal that much, just imagine how he would treat someone he loves. I think that Mary Daniels will find out, even if Brody’s not what she expects. Ms Foster does a great job of creating families that are not blood related but might as well be. As usual, this book was an easy read with characters that you want to get to know better.
5+ Stars Absolutely loved it!
This book was so much fun to read! Can I just say Brodie melts my heart. He is a bodacious mix of sexy, funny, laid back but with a core of steel, protective package of hotness. Yes I can!
Mary (Red) is so straight laced, but at times when Mary drops her barriers, there is another side of her. I absolutely love watching Brodie push her buttons. Mary has a hard time with anyone giving her affection or care. When Mary slowly reveals her past, Brodie is determined to show her just what caring and loving is. Brodie and his dog Howler, super cute when he talks baby talk to Howler. There are so many great lines, and scenes on every page. The sexy scenes are hot and perfect.
There are so many delicious Alpha males Ms. Foster writes, but I have to move Brodie to the top of my favorites.
Another hit for Ms. Foster, and I’m so looking forward to Slow Ride book 2 in The Road to Love series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
I loved Brodie! He’s a macho, overprotective, blunt kind of guy, with an edge of sweetness and charm. His obvious affection for Howler, his 90 lb furbaby, only added to his charm.
Mary was harder to like. Maybe it was because of how long it took her to open up? She was independent, stubborn, and quite professional-almost on the cold side. When she really relaxed, I was sort of able to see her appeal to Brodie, yet even then, her prickly nature grated on my nerves.
The first book in the Road to Love series is off to a good start. Even though I had too many hang ups about Mary I couldn’t get over, I liked Brodie and his family. They were an affectionate, nosy group with hysterical timing! Brodie’s dog, Howler also gets a mention, because his quirky, lovable, super adorable self was my favorite part of the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Straight laced, uptight Mary has met her match in Brodie Crews. He is blatantly sexual and a tease. Which is something that irritates her but also turns her on. Mary had a rough childhood which has made her depend on nobody but herself. She works for an eccentric, very wealthy man. He buys collectibles and Mary picks them up. Brodie owns a transport company along with his brother. Mary’s boss wants to hire Brodie but she didn’t get a very good first impression of him.
Mary always travels with the driver and the longer she’s with Brodie she realizes he is a really good man. He rescued a dog and it travels everywhere he goes. When their office gets broken in to but nothing is stolen, they set up security and try to figure out who could have done it. But when it becomes more dangerous, Brodie will do anything to keep Mary safe.
First in a new series by Mrs. Foster and it is going to be another winner. A woman with sexy curves and all professional. A handsome guy that lives life for his family and dog and having fun. A whole crew of people that love Mary but she’s not used to the emotion and keeps her distance until Brodie shows her what love is. Suspense, sex, and a big old dog. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
Driven to Distraction is the first book in the Road to Love series. Like most of Lori Foster’s books, this one does not disappoint. Brodie Crews, a crass, crude, obnoxious, caring, over protective, no pretense kind of guy, who is dedicated to his family. Brodie and his brother, Jack, run Mustang Transport courier service in Ohio.
Mary Daniels, aka “Red”, is flawed, uptight, reserved and all business. She works for an eccentric 86 year-old collector, and has come to specifically hire Brodie to pick up her employer’s merchandise. After a very interesting meeting, in which Brodie discovered he thoroughly enjoyed needling Mary and Mary enjoyed putting Brodie in his place, Brodie is hired and put on retainer for her boss.
The attraction is immediate between them and sparks fly. All of Lori’s characters are interesting and lovable, from Howler, the dog Brodie rescued, to Charlotte, their assistant. The reader can’t help but fall in love with Brodie, who is always jumping to the defense of helpless maidens, innocent dogs and even the occasional outnumbered man! I received this ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Love this author!
What a fun heart-touching and at times heart-stopping read! Mary Davis grows beautifully in this story, learning you cant move to the next chapter of life if you keep rereading the last one. Brodie Crews , who never thought he’d want a next chapter, moved forward in true alpha hero fashion to ensure his story with Mary happens. Their journey towards a happily ever after is helped along by wonderfully written supporting characters, who’s witty banter and heartfelt advice help move these characters forward and awaken them to what they need in their lives and from each other. Along with the romance are the moments of danger which give us an edge of the seat plot and also awakens the determination and recognition of what two people can mean to each other . After misconceptions and walls are removed with sad revelations and wanting to give a few smacks upside the head, they figure it all out and readers say see you later with a dreamy sigh. On to reread Slow Ride, the story of Brodie’s brother Jack, fun to visit this family again as I wait for the surprise 3rd book All Fired Up in the Road to Love Saga.
Driven to Distraction draws heavily on the ‘opposites attract’ trope. Mary Daniels is a no-nonsense professional sent by her billionaire employer, Therman Ritter, to hire the courier services of Brodie Crews, whose middle name is ‘Casual’ and their first meeting is less-than-professional. Little hint, Brodie’s half-naked and hungover and some woman is groping him outside of his shop. So much yikes, so little time, right?
The story shifts POVs between hero and heroine with the occasional villain POV dropped in to mix things up. The timeline is a couple months if my counting is right (I wouldn’t put money on it) and mainly consists of Mary and Brodie going on courier jobs together, Mary as the ‘bagman’ and Brodie as the wheels.
Character dish time! Obviously, Howler is my favourite from Driven to Distraction’s cast of characters. He reminds me of my dearly departed Zeus Amadeus. A goofy omnivore giant with clingy overprotective instincts but lazy dudebro tendencies. And playing opposite as my least favourite character is Therman Ritter. He cares more for his precious objects than he does his employees’ safety. He spends, I don’t even want to guess how much money, on stupid things just to say he owns them. And, he’s of the belief that he can do whatever he wants and get away with it because he’s rich. He admits in a conversation with Brodie that he not only didn’t bother with training his small breed dog, but that he took delight in letting it bite people when he was bored. That is not okay, folks.
Mary vacillates between masquerading as this character she’s created to protect herself from the world and who she really is and, honestly, a lot of us do it, it’s a great defensive measure. But she does it so much throughout the book, even in her POV, that I was a bit lost in figuring her out. There’s a lot of alluding to a painful past and then we talk about it a smidgen and it’s over and done with, complete with pretty bow tying up the problems. Then, towards the end, she’s talking with Brodie’s friend/co-worker who basically says “dude looks like he’s serious about you, maybe you’re not friends with benefits” and suddenly, bam!, she comes back over as a completely different person. And then there’s a lot of coverage in there making sure we all understand that Mary didn’t change for a boy. But she did?
Brodie is a pretty good hero character, Ms Foster knows how to write a male lead and leave us wanting more of him. Brodie is just enough of an alpha male to rev the engine but not enough to make me want to dig out my taser (I have my things and you have yours, we don’t judge on my page, y’all). He supports Mary, left, right, and center, unless it endangers her, and then he’s supporting her but also backing her up so when the bad guy rears his head, she’s not alone. And he saves dogs. All the yes there.
The ending and the bad guy were both let-downs for me in a lot of ways. I won’t say much on these subjects because this is a no-spoiler site, but normally Lori’s villains can make me nervous for our hero and heroine set but this one fell flat on their face. Maybe my three-year-old niece might have cried over this baddie, but that’s about it. The big ending where the bad guy gets what’s coming to them and the hero and the heroine have their HEA moment is usually an OMG but this a “wait, that’s it?”
I liked the made family of Therman Ritter’s employees that adopted Mary. I would have loved to have more involvement from them in the book because that’s some wholesomeness Mary needed. Charlotte does befriend Mary and she’s adopted by Brodie’s mom (who is next-level amazing, btw), but Mary needed some wrap-up, either dealing with her past or settling into her made family comfortably. Yes, this is going to be a thing for me.
Overall, I’m giving Driven to Distraction three stars and matching flames. For a variety of reasons, this book fell flat and it hurt me when I finished it to know that. Now. I do want to say things here. Lori Foster’s writing is comfortable. It makes me feel warm and comfortable. Her books are books you take out on the porch with your handknit blanket and cup of hot tea and watch the sun come up after you’ve spent all night talking with your soulmate. Awww. I’m a huge fan of Lori’s and I’m going to read Road to Love #2 shortly, asking whatever literary deity is listening to make sure it more than makes up for its predecessor. And I hope y’all give her books a chance if you haven’t already.
This has been a review from Once Upon a Time, I Read a Book, for more of my reviews, you can follow me here or visit my dot-com. Have a happily ever after!
5 stars . Second time reading this book.