From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a companion novella to the best selling Driven Trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed). This novella is a compilation of reader requested scenes from the series retold through the eyes of Colton Donavan.
Colton Donavan lived life in the fast lane, but it took Rylee Thomas to teach him what racing was all about.
Arrogant
Rogue
Broken
Conceited
Dirty-Talking
Rebel
Egomaniacal
Voodooed
Bent
Reckless
You think you know me?
Think again.
*Raced is not a complete re-write of the Driven Trilogy. This companion explores pivotal scenes as well as some new ones written in Colton Donavan’s point of view that were not previously published in Driven, Fueled, and Crashed. Hear his thoughts, experience his inner-turmoil, and laugh with him on his journey as he overcomes his demons and accepts what it means to love.
This novella is for the devoted readers of the Driven series. It is recommended that this companion be read after Driven, Fueled, and Crashed.
“So, Colton,” she says, breaking through my civil war of thoughts and my absolute focus on her proffered tits and stupendous ass. “What can I do for you?”
Shit, we can start with you on your knees, me on the couch, and your mouth on my cock. The immediate image makes my head spin with need.
“Christ, Rylee!” I bark the words out, trying to stop her stretching, stop my thinking, when I’m the one that’s supposed to be taking control of this conversation so I can prove my point in more ways than one. And hell if every ounce of testosterone in my body says “please don’t stop.” Fuck getting the upper hand in the argument because when all is said and done, all that matters is that I get to bury myself in her regardless of how the point is made.
“What?” She bats her eyelashes again. Innocent façade front and center.
“We need to talk about last night.” I change the subject. Need to think of rainbows and unicorns and shit to calm my dick the fuck down. Allow me to give my apology for last night. Set one wrong to right before diving right into the next with her because deep down I know we are one of those disasters waiting to happen. Beautiful and devastating all at the same time.
The quick fuck I wanted to ease the ache for her turned out to be so much more than that. It’s moved into uncharted territory for me, and no matter which way I look at this, she’s added a complication to my simple, fuck-more-care-less lifestyle. She’s made me want her more than once, made me pursue when I don’t chase, and has me here apologizing when I’m a take-me-as-I-am-or-get-the-hell-out kind of guy.
But fuckin’ A, if complicated is flexible like that, I’ll take it.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner who has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her—the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard.
K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.
On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Her debut novels, Driven, Fueled, and Crashed of The Driven Trilogy were well received and went on to become multi-platform bestsellers as well as landing on the New York Times and USA Today lists. Her other works include a short story, UnRaveled, and a companion piece to TheDriven Trilogy titled Raced. She is currently working on two stand alones, Slow Burn and Sweet Ache, as well as an untitled novella to the Driven Series.
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My best friend was dying and I was in love with his girl.Andy and I had been best friends since we were eight-years old.
Watching him slowly fade away, ever closer to his final breath, made me so incredibly angry. I knew there was nothing I could do to change it–I had given in to despair, but Andy had not. He had one last hand to play.
He wasn’t going to simply sit back and wait for Death to claim him–not Andy. He was going to live life until he couldn’t hold his eyes open any longer.
Andy didn’t want to die in some sterile hospital and asked me to take him and Emily to the beach. It would be our last road trip together.
Emily. Emily was a problem for me.
I harbored a secret that would have torn our friendship apart. I was in love with Andy’s girl, and had been since she’d walked into our sixth grade class, so many years ago.
So what kind of person am I? My best friend is dying, and it’s awful–but my heart still aches for his girl. I hate myself for thinking beyond Andy’s death and whether there could ever be a future for Emily and I, but I can’t help it.
Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.
“My name’s Jag Steele. I’m the lead singer and guitarist to the band Pandemic Sorrow and I have a drug problem – well, I mean it’s not really a problem unless you count the fact that I almost made my heart explode from all the blow I shoved up my nose a few weeks back.”
That was my introduction during my first stint in rehab. I’m a fuckup. If you ask anybody who I am there’s a list they will go down: Famous, rock star, legend, drug addict, womanizing man-whore… but if you asked me, I wouldn’t have the first idea of what to say because I don’t know who Jag Steele is. Really, I’m living every other damn person’s dream, and all I want is reality.
Roxy Slade, that girl was my reality. My brutally flawed and beautifully broken reality. And she fucking hated everything I stood for. To her I was just one of “those guys”, and she’d rather be buried alive with poisonous snakes than give someone like me a piece of toilet paper to wipe their ass with. Brutal – Life. Is. Brutal. And it is just a giant pain in the ass, which is why I chase after anything to make it numb, anything that can fill this void. I just want anything that can make me not feel.
After having her heart broken, Brooke tries to rebuild her life and closes herself off from the one man she loved deeply. When she meets Grayson, a photographer, she has no idea that her new boss will offer her more than she bargained for. The pay is great, her new friends more than welcoming and everything seems to be running well…until everyone insists she find herself a new suitor during a night out.
Jett knows how to play games. He is used to getting attention from everyone except the beautiful dark haired woman who doesn’t like to be fooled with and doesn’t trust him as far as she can spit. He wants Brooke but, more than that, he wants to own her, and the only way to get her is to make her owe him…against her will.
And what Jett owns, Jett keeps forever.
****4 1/2 Wonderful Stars****
The Lover’s Game by J.C. Reed was another fantastic addition to the No Exceptions Series. This book picks up right where The Lover’s Secret left off, and I could not get enough of this book from the moment I picked it up!
The events of this book added so much to Brooke and Jett’s story that I have come to love over the books in this series and the Surrender Series by J.C. Reed. (The No Exceptions Series is a standalone series from the Surrender Series, but they do connect, so for the best reading experience I suggest reading all of the books!) The more I read this series, the more I get hooked in, and I am just dying to know what is going to happen next with these fantastic characters and their exciting story.
What I just loved about The Lover’s Game:
Brooke’s pain and vulnerability. You can feel everything Brooke is feeling throughout the story, but you especially feel all the pain, emotion, and vulnerability she experiences with the events in this book. You feel this right from the beginning, and it makes you want to comfort her and just fight for her. You just want to make her better, and feeling all of this through Brooke’s perspective is very powerful.
The determination and fight. Brooke is determined as hell in this book to make everything alright, even when she is in a true tailspin after what happened in The Lover’s Secret. I loved that Brooke was determined as hell to figure everything out and make it all work. She faces a crap ton, and through it all she is feisty. Even though this is probably the worst time in her life, she is fighting like hell, and I freaking loved that!
The mystery. This book has many different mysteries weaving their way through the story. You’ve got everything that’s going on with Jett, then you’ve also got Brooke’s paranoia over the possibility of harm coming her way. There are just so many mysteries and questions you want to solve and answer. While reading this book you will be trying to put it all together, and that just made this book highly engaging.
The female friendship.The interactions in this book between Brooke and her best friend Sylvie were just wonderful. These two are truly there for one another. In this book you also meet some new females who add another wonderful layer and connection with Brooke. Gina and Thalia are carefree and fun, and bring true liveliness to the story. The female friendship aspect of this book is wholly authentic, and you will feel the connections and friendships developing over the course of the story.
The questions coming up. This book brings up a lot of questions that make you really think about the story you are reading. You will question Brooke’s actions and feelings, the other people and what they’re up to, and so many more things. These questions bring this story to life and it really makes you wonder how it’ll all come together.
The darkness. I really liked that there is a lot of darkness that goes along with The Lover’s Game. That darkness comes out in so many varied and unique ways, and makes this books very different from other’s I’ve read. It made it stand out in such a good way. This darkness also made the story seem so much more real because of what that darkness was stirring up with Brooke and Jett and everyone else.
The pacing. From the moment I began this series with The Lover’s Secret until the end of this book, I hit the ground running and have yet to stop. I absolutely love that. This book picks you up, and takes you on one hell of a ride. The events and characters of this book series come to life and I dare you to try and not be engaged as all get out reading this book.
The writing. J.C. Reed’s books are written beautifully. The writing that is so thoughtfully crafted brings the story to life, and makes it very easy to slip into the world that’s created. It also makes it very easy to connect to the characters. It is just so easy to imagine and experience this story because of the writing.
The twists. This book is full of some major twists and turns. I won’t reveal what those are, but just know that they will blow your mind. There were a few specific ones that had me SHOCKED. These twists and turns take the story on a path that I can’t wait to read more of, because I have to know where this path is heading.
The Lover’s Game was another magnificent addition to the No Exceptions Series. The characters you’ve fallen in love with are back, and are thrown into some pretty interesting and memorable situations. This book just had me falling more and more in love with Brooke and Jett’s exciting story, and I cannot wait to see how it continues in the next book in the series.
I’m sure that one will be another unforgettable story.
J.C. Reed is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE series. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her two children.
A secret scar… Tegan Callahan has sworn off bad boys for good. Growing up on tour with her rock star brother, she knows first-hand the damage they can do. She’s looking for a nice, safe, stable guy – until a chance encounter with a devastatingly sexy stranger makes her question everything she thought she wanted.
A troubled soul…
Ryland James arrives in Beachwood Bay on the run from his mistakes. He knows he’s the last thing Tegan needs, but somehow, he can’t stay away. There’s something about her fierce beauty that draws him in – and makes him vow to protect her, whatever the cost.
A passionate destiny…
Their bond is undeniable; the stakes, higher than ever. But the past won’t stay gone forever, and soon, Ryland must make the ultimate choice: will he risk everything he treasures in the world, or keep Tegan safe – and sacrifice her love forever?
*This book contains adult situations and explicit content. 17+*
Just a little tease…
Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is author of USA Today & international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.
At the young age of nineteen, Shayne Andrews thought she had it all. She had the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, and a bright future ahead of her. That is, until one day he just disappeared, leaving a note as his only goodbye. With her heart shattered and broken, Shayne did the only thing she could. She left her small town on the shores of Lake Michigan to start her life over, needing to distance herself from the memories she and Luke had made. At that time, she vowed to herself that she would never return to her hometown again. Seven years later, Shayne realizes that fate is not on her side as she returns home for her aunt’s funeral, bringing back the one secret she swore to protect.
Luke Schavone has regretted every day that he had to leave Shayne behind. Though he didn’t have a choice, his heart still bore the scars from the impact. After five years, Luke returned only to find that Shayne was gone. His best friend was the only lifeline he had to finding her, but Adam wasn’t talking. When the one thing Luke has wanted everyday for the past seven years runs right into him one night, he becomes determined to make sure he doesn’t lose her again.
At first, Shayne is hesitant. She wouldn’t be able to survive losing him again, but the pull toward him is so fierce, she can’t deny herself the chance. With the decision to start over, Luke and Shayne must admit truths and come to terms with the events that forced them apart in the first place. When secrets are revealed and old threats come to pass, will Luke be able to shelter Shayne from the destruction, or will she become lost to him forever?
Shelter Me was a truly wonderful debut novel by Kathy Coopmans. This book had so many aspects to it that I just loved, and the story itself was one that I just fell in love with instantly. Shelter Me is about getting a second chance for something utterly beautiful.
This book is about what happens when those second chances come along, and how light and happiness can be found in even the darkest and hardest of times.
What I absolutely adored about Shelter Me:
You hit the ground running. I loved that this book hit the ground running with everything its got. It’s extremely well-paced and you are thrust right into the story. That just works. It also makes it easy to sink right in with what is going on with the fantastic characters.
The immediate and deep connection of Luke and Shayne. From the moment these two are on the page together, you feel the instant connection and the true depth of feeling between Luke and Shayne. You feel the pain and anguish they’re feeling at seeing each other again, and you feel the hope and desire thrumming from both of them. You will be captivated by the connection between these two, I promise.
Shayne is one tough cookie. Shayne is one strong female character who was extremely relatable. She goes through a lot in the events of this book, and she definitely is put to the test with all the things she experiences. But through all of this she holds her own, and never gives up. She fights and that is utterly fantastic to read, and it really made me love and admire her character for the toughness she had through everything.
Luke is a protective gem of a man.Luke was a magnificent male character to read. He is fiercely protective and majorly passionate about many things, but especially Shayne. The way he looks at her, talks to her, and opens up to her exemplifies every wonderful thing about his character. I am telling you he will just warm your heart with how amazing he is. (He also uses a seriously heart melting term of endearment for Shayne, and that was just the best.)
The mystery and questions. There are some mysteries and questions that come up with the story being told, especially surrounding Luke and the past as well as motives behind what is happening in the present of these characters. Those mysteries come to the page in a truly thoughtful way, and they really piqued my interest. It makes it so you are dying to know what’s going to happen, and certainly makes the book engaging as all get out.
The heat between Luke and Shayne. These two have got it going on. You will feel every single thing these characters feel for one another, and that is hot. The chemistry and desire between them is palpable and continues to throb throughout their entire story.
The feel of family. I absolutely loved that this book had such a feel of coming home and family to it. All the different characters in this book come together to make a crazy kind of family. The feeling of family and home weaves together with the story beautifully, and makes every event in this book that more extraordinary to read. It also truly resonates with what is going on with Luke and Shayne.
Second chances. This is a true second chance at love, and books like this are why I adore these kinds of stories. These magnificent characters are getting a new chapter together, and though they have much to go through, this second chance brings out the best in them. The second chances in this book are hard fought and well deserved, and this book exemplifies what it means to get a second chance at it all.
The fight for the happy. Shelter Me makes Shayne, Luke, and many of the other characters fight for the happy they are seeking. Both Shayne and Luke are fighting for their second chance together. That fight has its ups and downs and puts them to the serious test, but that fight is so worthwhile and enthralling to read.
Bringing it all together. I loved how this book brought the past, present, and futures of both Shayne and Luke, along with everybody else, together. The meshing of these 3 mediums made me love Shayne and Luke more, and it made me invested with them. The author does such a fabulous job of this that you will want to fight for them too with all you’ve got.
Shelter Me was a highly engaging book that explores what happens when two people are given a second chance at the happiness they are both seeking. The connection and power between the two main characters it just utterly wonderful, and will have you in love with their story the minute you meet them.
This book truly exemplifies what it means to take that leap of faith even when you can’t exactly see what’ll happen next. The story within this books page is filled with fantastic characters that will truly captivate you in every way, and in the end the overpowering sense of love, family, and home in the book will just melt your little heart.
“Baby, I never thought I would get to taste those sweet, sexy, seriously fuckable lips again.”
“Fuckable? I ask, “What happened to us starting over?”
Luke brings his mouth to my ear. “I said I wanted us to start over, and I meant it. Doesn’t mean I don’t remember everything that happened between us, my beautiful girl. Especially involving those fuckable lips.,” he whispers, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
“Oh, is all I can get my mouth to say.”
“What’s the matter baby? Did I kiss you senseless?” Luke asks as he pulls me up to a standing position.
Kathy is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband Tony. They have two son’s Aaron and Shane.
She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball and Football.
By day she is a hairstylist and loves her job.
She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”
He’s a broken young boxer whose championship dreams were cut short by a tragic accident. She’s a beautiful young widow whose defenses against love are as strong as his left hook.
When Kenny and Slayde are thrown together one fateful night, they are shaken by their undeniable attraction, and the closer they get, the more they start to believe in second chances.
But Slayde’s troubled past threatens to destroy their dreams, and Kenny must choose between rebuilding her walls or risking her heart for the one to love.
WARNING: Recommended for adult readers (18+) only. Mature themes, strong language, and sexual content.
Check out what readers are saying about the One to Hold series
“FIVE STARS! Tia Louise is an author that surprises me in a pleasant way with each book that she releases in this highly enjoyable, and completely addictive series. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” —Claire Robinson, Goodreads
“Tia Louise hit it out of the ballpark. The One to Hold series is hot, sexy, and full of surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!” –Sommertime Book Blog
All books in the One to Hold “series” are stand-alone romances.The suggested reading order is One to Hold, One to Protect, One to Keep, One to Love.
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories… *wink*)—turned wife, mommy, and novelist.
It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.
Author: J.C. Reed Genre: Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance
Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Full Length Novel
Expected Publication Date: September 9th 2014
When love is a game…
After having her heart broken, Brooke tries to rebuild her life and closes herself off from the one man she loved deeply.
When she meets Grayson, a photographer, she has no idea that her new boss will offer her more than she bargained for. The pay is great, her new friends more than welcoming and everything seems to be running well…until everyone insists she find herself a new suitor during a night out.
Jett knows how to play games. He is used to getting attention from everyone except the beautiful dark haired woman who doesn’t like to be fooled with and doesn’t trust him as far as she can spit. He wants Brooke but, more than that, he wants to own her, and the only way to get her is to make her owe him…against her will.
J.C. Reed is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE series. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her two children.
I absolutely LOVED The Lover’s Secret by J.C. Reed, and you can bet your butt that The Lover’s Game is headed right to the top of my TBR list! Be sure to add it to your today!
Chad Langer was always running. Running from his past, afraid of letting himself be happy and free. College was going to be his new start. New city, new school, new people.
Scarlett would be his undoing. He knew it the moment he saw her. Something in her eyes called to him. She was just as broken as he was.
Sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles set in their path?
First and foremost, I’m a wife to an amazing man, and mother to a 2 year old little boy. I love to read when I can find the time, my Kindle is my best friend. I’ve read tons and tons of books. One of my favorite authors is Diana Gabaldon, her Outlander series is absolutely amazing. I also really enjoy Charlaine Harris’ True Blood series. I’ll read anything supernatural, I’ve blown through most of the good YA series’ that are out there. I think my love of reading really helped me branch out into writing.
Lily
Ripped from Heaven, Burned in Hell.
Caught and caged in beauty.
Beauty comes at a cost.
One man holds the key to our survival, to our freedom.
Find out how I lived and lost the greatest thing on earth.
Love.
Jake I didn’t see her coming and that will be my downfall. She will ruin me, take everything from me, and give me everything I can’t have. I can’t help her. I won’t. She is innocence. She is strength. She is my piece of heaven in hell. I’m not letting her go.
Evie Harper is an Aussie girl who has always been in love with reading. She decided to try her hand at writing and found it addictive and inspirational.
You Loved Me At My Darkest is Evie’s debut novel. It is a stand-alone with two companion novels to follow:
You Loved Me At My Weakest You Loved Me At My Ugliest
You Loved Me series are dark romance stories and are only recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.