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.
more
Driven to Distraction by Lori Foster
Road to Love #1
Family, trust and love are central to this story. Mary Daniels is buttoned up and conservative in what she wears and how she interacts with others trying to be all that her mother was not. She may have envy but it is more an envy of those who are in loving families so unlike the home she grew up in. Brodie Crews has a wonderful family of mother, brother and a young woman that is like a sister to him. Brodie was the perfect book boyfriend and his interactions with Mary were a delight to read.
When Brodie and Mary meet there are sparks but of a negative nature…eventually those change and a romance begins to ignite as the two go on the road to collect items their boss, Therman, has purchased for his collections. There is a bad guy out to out maneuver Therman and in doing so he causes trouble for Mary and Brodie.
Brodie has a heart of gold that sees him standing up for women, children, underdogs and animals. By saving one dog, Howler, he gained a friend for life. What a wonderful addition Howler was to the story! In addition to Howler we meet those in the employ of Therman and the family of Jack and by the end of the story I am more than eager to hear what will happen in book two of the series when it seems Jack will meet the woman that will be his true love. Can’t wait to get it in my hands!
Thank you to NetGalley, HQN and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Wow! Wow! Wow! Lori Foster NEVER disappoints!!! Drive to Distraction is the beginning of a whole new bookverse. This book draws you in from the first page and keeps you enthralled until the end, then has you looking for more. Once you get started you won’t be able to put it down, because you are always wanting to know what happens next.
The characters are well developed and seem to balance each other out. The sarcasm and banter are perfect and will have you laughing out loud to where those around you are questioning your sanity. The chemistry between Brodie and Mary is a perfect should we or shouldn’t we. And when they finally give in to the attraction it is HOT!
Brodie comes across as the everyday kind of guy that most women are looking for. A guy who loves his family, protective of those that seem weaker even when he knows it annoys them. Brodie is also an animal lover and what could be better than that. His relationship with Howler makes you want to cry and laugh at the same time. Trust me you won’t be disappointed when you dive in the pages of this book. It gives you romance, family and mystery…a perfect combination!
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Oh how I missed reading a Lori Foster book! I jumped right away at the opportunity to read Driven to Distraction since it was book one to a new series. I love love love Brodie! I got to say this story is so unique I have no clue where Mrs. Foster came up with it. You get so many romance novels that start to sound the same over and over again. Tropes can get overplayed. So it was refreshing that Driven to Distraction is a trope of its own.
The beginning was unexpected. My first impression of the book…Holy f@%k! What is happening. You can perceive so much and still not have the full story. I FLOVED IT!
So let’s talk about Mary. She is tough as nails and is not afraid to go after what she wants. She is ready to conquer the world…until Brodie.
Their chemistry is mouth watering good! Driven to Distraction will add the drama with the sexy. You will get more than you can expect. You are in for a full course ride! The characters are amazing and this book is perfection!
Another great book! Mary is buttoned up, prim & proper, until she gets around Brodie. He manages to get under her skin whenever they are together. Brodie enjoys his time with Mary until it begins to look like she’s been placed in danger. Mary is all about the job & is sure her employer wouldn’t put her in danger. She’s angry with Brodie when he breaks the rules & confronts their employer.
I really enjoyed the touch of suspense in this story! The chemistry between Brodie & Mary is strong & apparent but the anticipation of danger adds an extra dimension. Brodie’s family and their interactions provide background & depth. Another good story.
Mary is a woman who works for Therman picking up collectibles he has bought . Brodie is the man Therman has chosen to drive Mary to make these transactions . When Mary sees Brodie she is totally against him being the driver and tries to talk Therman out of this . There is attraction between the two. Mary is a gorgeous red head who has childhood issues that she has worked to over come . Brodie is a protective guy who always protects his family and anyone who needs it . Howler is a dog that Brodie rescued and shows what a compassionate man he is . This story is about compassion and had me in tears a few times with its caring . It is beautifully written and conveys the characters and what they feel .
If I want a romance to take me away I will look to a few authors with this one being one. In this one it was the start to a new series it would seem also. Mary was a interesting character which that being said was easy to follow her along to see what her story was. When she is with Brodie the chemistry that begins to sizzle is easily come across the pages. I do not get to read this author as often as I used too but she still can enables us readers to get lost in a story filling us up with the emotions and such that draws us to a romance that has the body and ability to take us away. Weaving in a bit of suspense also is a element I forgot that is hidden at times in her stories like in here. That was like candy for me. So I speed through this one when it was in my hands with it being delicious every bit.
A tall, handsome man who loves his family, his job, and his dog. What’s not to love about Brodie Crews? Lori Foster has done it again with Driven to Distraction. Foster has an amazing ability to bring together humor, action, and romance in a fascinating love story that warms your heart. Driven to Distraction is the first book in Foster’s new series. Although the book focuses on Mary Daniels and Brodie Crews, we are introduced to several entertaining characters, who I hope will appear in future books.
One of the things I appreciate about Lori Foster’s writing is her ability to create characters who may have flaws or insecurities but are also strong and relatable. I found Brodie Crews a charismatic and engaging male character. I often found myself cheering him on as I read the book. I will admit, Mary Daniels took a little while to grow on me as a sympathetic character. I could not understand why she was so standoffish to everyone. It wasn’t until I learned more about who she was and where she came from that I could appreciate her as much as Brodie does.
Lori Foster writes animals as well as she writes people. As an animal lover, I enjoy how she incorporates pets as characters in her books, especially with her focus on rescues. The pets in her books always provide another dimension to the characters and their ability to care.
“I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.”
What a great way to start a new series!! Brodie and Mary were really great characters! I liked the suspense on top of the amazing story line! Perfect!!
Could not get enough of the beautifully flawed couple and the journey they take together. Emotionally engaging, sweetly sexy and thrilling romantic adventure filled with danger, secrets, tested loyalties and undeniable hot passion…. loved the heart pounding action and unexpected twists. I do have to say that Brodie is a total heartthrob and awesome book boyfriend but Howler stole my heart.
Straight-laced, sit up tall, mind your p’s and q’s Mary Daniels never saw Brodie coming. Her boss hired Brodie to transport his purchases and Mary is his ride along. Brodie is a good man with a bad boy attitude, an alpha male personality, and an oh so sexy body. From the very first meeting, there was no doubt that Mary and Brodie would clash and come together with all the passion and heat that the reader could feel between them. I loved reading about the two of them, they were total opposites in all senses but together they worked perfectly.
There is a twist with the suspense that Lori Foster is known for. It is the perfect mix of romance, drama, and suspense thrown together to make a wonderful story. Pick up your own copy of Driven to Distraction and start a new wonderful series.
Fast-paced start to a new series! Fans of Lori Foster will love Driven to Distraction’s road trip romance full of chemistry, emotion, romance, and intrigue! Brodie Crews is a rough around the edges smooth talker and Mary Daniels is the object of his desires, but she’s got some scars from her childhood he’ll have to heal first. I loved the two family dynamics, the Crews and the people who make up Ritter’s household, and that building those relationships was as central as Brodie and Mary themselves. I also love that reading a Lori Foster book guarantees a strong alpha male who will be a badass when needed but also a heart-melting hero and Brodie is no exception! Very intrigued for Jack’s story next!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley
Mary’s boss picks Brodie’s transportation company to be his newest driver for the things that he collects. Mary is very conservative, organized and a time and place for everything. She runs her life by not letting anyone get close. If they don’t get close, they can’t hurt her.
When meeting Brodie she finds him attractive but knows that nothing will ever come to it. Boy is she wrong! Brodie is funny, protective and will try anything to get Mary to open up. He wants to show her there’s more to life than work and keeping everyone at arms length.
The more time these two spend together Brodie starts wearing her down. She looks at him with a different light in her eyes. When her employer notices he’s happy. When things happen that scare Mary, Brodie is the one protecting her and telling her boss how it is.
Will Brodie and her employer and other employees make Mary see that it’s ok to let herself feel and let people into her life, that it’s ok to love?
Loved the chemistry between Mary and Brodie, the humor that Brodie always seemed to have brought a smile to my face. Great start to a new series!!!
A great start to a new series. A sweet and spicy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Brodie was the perfect rugged hero. Loved the chemistry between him and Mary. Can’t wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
This was another fabulous read. I highly recommend it. Was provided a copy for an honest review
As one of the first authors who introduced me to contemporary romance, I’ve followed Lori Foster from hot, protective MMA fighters to small town heroes, to first responders, to private security, and now to transportation specialists with her latest, Driven to Distraction. Mary Daniels works for a obseenly wealthy man with a proclivity for acquiring unique collectibles. Although I got the impression Mr. Ritter didn’t anticipate any trouble for Mary in traveling to retrieve his new acquisitions from buyers, there must be a reason he specifically requested the tough, protective Brody Crews to be her new driver. And if there is such a thing as love at first sight, well Mary and Brody are the polar opposite of that. But between the close quarters of automobile travel and unanticipated roadblocks of the human kind, it’s not long before Mary and Brodie get closer and figure out how to work together, especially when their lives depend on it.
This book struck me as a bit different from what I’ve come to expect from Foster, but every bit as exceptional as her other work. Mary is an interesting heroine. She comes across as professional, strong, independent and somewhat standoffish. We eventually get a few details about her challenging, difficult background and what has made her into the woman that Brodie falls for, and it’s clear Mary sees herself very differently than Brodie sees her. Of course, Brodie is a strong, protective alpha, and Mary wonders, “What would it be like to be that strong, to be able to save not only herself, but others? She had the awful fear that she’d never really know.” The reality is that Mary is a much stronger person than she realizes, and this is a large part of the attraction for Brodie. A huge draw for me was watching Mary discover and reveal her deeper self and rise to the occasion. She becomes courageous in the face of fear, both from external sources and the fear she’s carried in her heart for years. She learns to open her heart and trust others, but most beautiful of all, Mary learns that family isn’t made of shared blood or DNA but of unique individuals with quirks and foibles that fate brings together who hold her in their heart and choose to love her, faults and all.
Foster reminds us of the importance of connections and relationships, of opening our heart and taking a chance because the rewards are always worth it. Just like Mary, I fell in love with all of these amazing characters, who Foster truly made feel like family, and I’m eager for the next book. I’m not sure if Howler the dog or matriarch, Ros, was my favorite secondary character, but I’m looking forward to more of all these characters. And that’s the sign of a superb book, when the reader isn’t ready to say good-bye to the characters she still holds close in her heart. So one click this gem, jump on board and enjoy the ride as you’re Driven to Distraction!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review. Huge thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) I have been a fan of Lori Foster for years so I was excited when any of her books are for review, even though I tend to purchase regardless, since as I mentioned I am a fan. So in this new series we meet Mary who has to hire a courier on her bosses order and when she sees this sexy hot guy working on a car and a woman all over and him being drunk she knew that he was not the man she was looking for, well she assumed wrong. Brodie was instantly captivated with Mary but she was a little bit stuck up, and she did not want to work for him but she was overruled. While on assignment they both see each other in a new light and we find out their past backgrounds that are heartbreaking but these two were two strong people and they both deserved love with each other. We have some action, drama and mostly friendship and love..Now we wait for Jack’s..Enjoy!
Whoa.
First, the ending was very emotional for me.
I will admit, it actually made me cry.
A good cry though.
Everything else was filled with drama you cant help but to turn the page to see what happens next. Then the rest was unbelievably intense passion and sweetness.
I am so excited for Lori’s new series!
In the back of my mind it is still weird to me that this series doesnt some how connect to the others. But if the next books in the Road to Love series are anywhere close to as amazing as Driven to Distraction, I will get past it very quickly.
I would highly recommend.
Note: I have voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this title.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Our main characters Brodie and Mary meet when Mary comes to hire him to drive her to pick up an item her boss has purchased. Her first sight of him heated things up for her but she was determined not to let it show. His first impression was that Red, due to her gorgeous red hair, was hot if not a bit reserved. He was hired for a job and that is all it’ll be. Yeah..ok..sure.
Another fine specimen of a man that you’ll meet is Howler. Howler is not only the strong silent type …mostly but loves belly rubs, ear scratches and treats.
Combined in this, another great story by Lori Foster, is intrigue, danger, sloppy dog kisses, hot love scenes, snarkiness, teasing and a tragic past that makes you want to grab hold of Mary and just really hug her. Luckily Brodie is THE man for the job.
I don’t want to give too much away. Surprises are always nice when reading.
This book is so well done that the flow is flawless and it keeps you entertained from word one.
So buy this book, snuggle under a blanket and immerse yourself in this great story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy
4 1/2 sexy stars. Brodie Crews and Mary Daniels will take you on fantastic ride! Their chemistry is off-the-charts!!! There is an interesting story line, fun banter, and steamy scenes that all make for an entertaining read. Excellent first in a new series and I look forward to Jack’s book next!
Wat a great start to a new series and if this book is anything to go by Lori Foster will have another hit series on her hands. Driven to Distraction is Brodie Crews and Mary Daniels story two very different types of people but as the saying goes opposites do attract…….
Brodie is laid back nothing worries him except Mary the girl who he can’t get out of his mind problem is she isn’t laid back at all so what can Brodie do to get her to loosen up and enjoy life and enjoy him….
The perfect mix of romance, suspense, banter, sarcasm and well developed characters make this a great read. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments while Brodie and Mary are deciding should we or shouldn’t we move forward with this sizzling chemistry and I’m looking forward to book 2.