Member Reviews

In “Driven to Distraction” by Lori Foster we are introduced to an all new family of characters. In this first book in the Road to Love series we meet Mary and Brodie. Mary works for a wealthy collector who wants Brodie to be her driver when she is sent to pick up his current find. They do not start off their work relationship on a very good note – a decent hangover, a little groping and some pleading are all front and center in their first meeting.

Mary is very straight laced and Brodie pretty much says whatever comes to mind – with no filter. But when there is a new piece becoming available and a collector who is desperate to get it, Brodie will do anything to protect Mary. But will his everything be enough to make sure everyone makes it out unscathed.

There are some great secondary characters that are introduced and will be front and center in the books to come. And you just have to love a great dog named Howler - who can sleep more hours then there is in a day but is as fierce as they come when he needs to be.

Now I have always had my favorite Lori Foster male character - Cannon (No Limits) – and I thought it would stay that way but Brodie can definitely hold his own with me now.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Driven to Distraction
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.


- [ ]

Was this review helpful?

After reading Lori Foster for over 10 years, I didn't think she could surprise me but every new book of hers I've read I am constantly surprised that I can still fall in love with her characters and her world. And Driven to Distraction is no exception. Book 1 in her new Road to Love series is absolutely amazing! Everything about this book is fresh and new. Brodie, the hero, is my new book boyfriend. He is absolutely delicious. He's sexy as hell and can be downright dirty at times. I absolutely love him. But when you see how he is with Mary, the heroine? *Fanning myself* It is hot! And totally fun too. I loved the interactions between Brodie and Mary. They had me constantly smiling. Their story was really, really fun to read. Although Mary's past did pull at my heartstrings. Made me want to give her a big hug. And of course, Lori Foster's trademark action and mystery was present which made this book unputdownable for me. I can't wait to see what's next for this series. I'm so excited! This may be my new favorite book by her.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

Lori Foster has an amazing way of making her characters come to life and the characters in this book are amazing. Who can resist a big alpha male who talks baby talk to a dog he rescued, who makes believe he's tasting the dog food so the dog things he's eating human food and who can see beneath the outer shell of a tightly wound woman to the soft heart beneath.
Additionally, you have a female character who had such a damaging childhood that she must protect her feelings at all costs - even from the people who want to care for her.
On top of that, add in a dangerous threat from two men who are following and threatening them. It all combines into a great read and a good start to this new series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I adore Lori Foster’s writing so when I heard that she’s got a brand new series, I am all in!!! As per usual, after only a couple chapters into Driven to Distraction, I knew this series was going to be an automatic 1-click for me!

Right off the bat, I love the “opposites attract” romance novels and Mary and Brodie are the perfect example of why! The chemistry was immediate, but neither would admit to there feeling! I loved what Lori Foster had planned for these two and the journey she takes them on! I also enjoyed the supporting characters and I am hoping to get their stories in future installments! Driven to Distraction is a 4 star read that every romance fan will devour! I cannot wait for the next book in the Road to Love series!

Was this review helpful?

ARC received for review

The story just felt old and it did kinda drag along. Brodie was all kinds of hot. Mary was buttoned up and needed to let loose which Brodie was happy to help with. His brother is hot, too. She had a very weird boss and the bad guy was just as weird and slightly crazy.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, I have to start by saying how much I loved the relationship between Brodie and Howler! The love that Brodie has for this abused pup was so heart-warming and heart-melting (yes both) to read. From baby talking to pretending to enjoy eating his dog food to get Howler to eat to making a harness to keep him safe in the car was adorable!

As for Brodie himself, I loved him! His first meet with Mary was not the greatest, he was hungover and had a woman all over him (he did not want her!), but something still grabbed Mary’s unwanted attention. As the story moves on you realize, as does Mary, what a great guy he is. He is protective over people (and a dog) he cares about and will do whatever he has to to keep them safe, and Mary is now in that circle. I loved how he saw behind the brick wall Mary had built around herself and knew what he had to do tear it down.

Mary had a very tough childhood that made her not trust anyone but herself. She hid herself so she wouldn’t get noticed, she had a wall to keep everyone away. But she was a survivor. I loved reading about Mary’s emotional growth, she went from being afraid of wanting more from life to her HEA with Brodie. She finally allowed herself to feel the sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that the people around her had for her.

This story had so much I look for in a romance novel, a heroine who grows emotionally, a sexy and manly hero, great sexy chemistry, a little action and suspense, humorous banter between the two characters, great secondary characters (that I can’t wait to read about!) and of course an adorable pup.

All in all a great read to the first in this series. I can not wait to read Jack's story next then Charlotte!

I received an ARC of Driven to Distraction from Netgalley, and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

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 *

Was this review helpful?

Fun and delightful! Great characters with chemistry hot enough to set the pages aflame. Mary was a unique heroine with an unusual backstory. Her emotional growth throughout the story was believable and well-developed. Brodie was the perfect opposite and his family filled with great characters I expect will see their own story in future books.
My only negative was that the suspense felt a little weak.
Overall another great read from one of my favourite authors.

Was this review helpful?

his is a fun story. Honestly it didn't feel like a typically Lori Foster to my. As in while I was reading I didn't realize it was one of Lori's books! The heroine takes a little getting used to , but overall a quick and enjoyable read. Just enough action to keep things rolling and a great dog that steals the show ;)

Was this review helpful?

Lori Foster has been a favorite author of mine for probably 15-20 years. No matter what the series, characters, or storyline she writes an amazing romance!

I loved this first book in a new series. Brodie and Mary had great chemistry and a great connection. I loved that this book wasn't just your typical romance, but that we got a little suspense, some action, and even some humor! I highly recommend any of Lori Foster's books- and Driven to distraction definitely gets my recommendation.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Great start to a new series! I loved it!! This is Brodie and Mary book, Mary works for a eccentric man who collects somewhat weird artifacts but her boss what's Brodie to be the carrier/driver mar y has a tingling feeling about Brodie and doesn't want him to except the job but the offers to good and he definitely likes Mary's look! This book has everything!! It was really hot,, it had suspense, drama, action, funny, and even pulled at the heart at times! I can't wait for Brodie brother Jack book!! Definitely don't miss out on this book!It was awesome!! And it's gonna be a great series! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me! Thank you Lori Foster for another amazing read!

Was this review helpful?