Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov

Driven is the first book in the Driven Trilogy, a contemporary dark romance that tells the tale of two individuals with baggage – one more than the other – trying to learn how to love again. With a narration by Tatiana Sokolov that will grow on you, even if it does take some getting used to, and a writing style and plot somewhat reminiscent of the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy, The Crossfire Trilogy, and Beautiful Disaster, as well as a panoply of others that have arisen in the shadow of these extremely popular novels, Driven is sure to delight readers who enjoy this increasingly popular romance sub-genre. One huge warning though – this story contains a mountain of a cliff hanger and unresolved mysteries from the hero’s past, so do not start listening to this one unless you are prepared to listen to the entire series (and, as of the printing of this review, the third and final book in the series, Crashed, has not yet been released in audio format).

Driven is written from Rylee Thomas’ POV. Rylee is a good girl who has only had one serious boyfriend, and that relationship ended in great tragedy. Devastated, she is now content to solely focus her attentions on her work for a boys’ home that rescues orphaned boys. The last thing she needs is a bad boy who will undoubtedly wreak havoc with her fragile healing heart.

Enter Colton Donovan, a superstar race car driver and son of a famous Hollywood producer. Colton, or “Ace” as Rylee likes to refer to him, is used to getting exactly what he wants. A known playboy who is frequently photographed with another blonde, waifish model on his arm, he doesn’t do commitment. Every bit the arrogant, rich, and controlling celebrity you would expect him to be, this is a hero who you initially want to dislike but, like his irresistible sex appeal, as the story unfolds you can’t help but get caught up in his seduction.

Of all places, Rylee and Colton meet backstage in a closet where they have a temporary heated moment until Rylee comes to her senses. She quickly turns it around and tries her best to refuse Colton’s advances, but he’s not one to take “no” for an answer.

The epitome of a hot and cold romance, Driven takes the listener on quite a wild ride. Rylee’s baggage has her running, while Colton’s makes him crave physical connection, albeit one with no future. While he tells Rylee that he can offer her no white picket fences, he also claims she is “not inconsequential” and that once she gives herself to him, she will become “mine”. Just when you think you have the recipe for his salvation, Colton does another 180 and leaves you more confused. Although we never quite learn what has transpired in Colton’s life to make him such a beautifully, troubled man (presumably these answers will be revealed later in the series), there is no denying that he must be the product of a seriously dark and tormented past.

Ms. Sokolov’s narration is a tough one to review. I must admit that it took me at least the first third of the book to settle in to her performance. Fortunately, Ms. Bromberg’s writing kept me interested. As a general matter, I will note that Ms. Sokolov does not differentiate much the intonations of the same gendered characters, making it somewhat difficult to gauge transitions without relying on dialogue tags. Putting that aside, as the secondary characters play relatively minor roles, Colton’s and Rylee’s voices were still somewhat problematic.

At first, Colton’s voice seemed too forced and overly deep. It almost sounded painful to me (like Ms. Sokolov was trying to hard to deepen her natural voice). Towards the middle of the book though, as the scenes got steamier, I started to appreciate the raspy, gruff, breathless baritone she gave Colton, as it was greatly becoming of his sex appeal. I noticed that in the second book of this series, Fueled, an experienced male narrator, Sean Crisden, was added to the roster, so perhaps Fueled will deliver a better overall performance.

Rylee also was initially difficult for me to accept. I wanted her to sound younger, not quite as deep. At the start of the story, Rylee’s voice came across as that of a middle-aged woman – not a 26-year-old – but towards the middle of the book, I became more accustomed to Ms. Sokolov’s depiction of Rylee and felt it gave justice to her unnatural maturity. Although relatively young, Rylee is a woman who has experienced far more than her fair share of her year’s worth of disappointments, therefore Ms. Sokolov’s characterization may be on point.

In conclusion, I found Driven to be an interesting and engaging listen. I, for one, can’t wait to find out Colton’s ghosts and see if they can be laid to rest leading the way for a HEA for Colton and Rylee. Guess, I’ll be reading Fueled, Book 2 in the Driven Trilogy, sometime soon!

BJ