The third book of the Driven Series that began as a trilogy, “Crashed” takes Colton and Rylee through some exquisite highs and some devastating lows. You could even retitle it “Driven to Extremes.” Bromberg did an admirable job depicting the emotional roller coaster these two were on and some of the complications of dealing with the aftermath of serious trauma. And for those of us who look forward to a Bromberg book, at least in part because they’re sexy as all hell, she didn’t cut any corners in that respect. You may want to wear fewer clothes while reading “Crashed” ‘cause the temps are in the red zone in this story. Hot and heavy. I’m forgoing a synopsis as that shouldn’t be part of a review. Besides, that’s the publisher’s job and they’ve already done it and done it well.
I enjoyed book three even more than book two, probably because I don’t like loose ends. I see the series has expanded considerably beyond the originally intended three books. I believe it’s at eight and counting, which is a tribute to Ms. Bromberg’s talent. So, after a lovely binge read of three “Driven” novels in the past week, this reader is taking a short break to delve into the world of non-fiction. A huge heartfelt thank you to K. Bromberg for this delectable series. Woohoo! What a ride!

My 2018 wish list will include a wish for someone to put a bug in Ms. Bromberg’s ear about redundant phrasing, i.e., descend down the stairs (to descend IS to go down); he lifted his head up; he lifts his chin up (lift IS up therefore you don’t need up in either of those phrases). Just three representative examples of many such redundant phrases in an otherwise well told story.

The last book, in any series, is always bittersweet. I began reading this book, feeling anxious and nervous. After the accident, that occurred at the ending of the second book, I hurried over to Amazon—by the way, this was at three in the morning—and I bought the third book. Biting my nails, I read the book and by the time I was finished with the book, I was smiling and in tears. It was a perfect conclusion of Rylee and Colton’s story and I couldn’t be happier with how this book, and this series, ended. Perfect book and such an amazing series!

Fighting for his life, Colton Donavan is faced with one question: Is love worth it? Having his demons follow him his whole life, Colton knows what true fear is…but after that crash, he’s reconsidering everything. Is he strong enough to be the man for Rylee? Will she stay by him as he faces his demons and reenters the world of the living?

Rylee has been standing beside Colton, whom she loves, since the beginning. Done with the rules that once existed between them, Rylee knows what she wants and that’s him. But Colton needs to face the darkness that surrounds him that has something to do with his past.

Will Colton be able to let go of the past and be the man Rylee needs? Will they finally find their happily-ever-after?

I'm so happy I gave this series a chance because if I didn't, I wound't have gotten to read about such amazing characters or these amazing books. The Driven series will live in my heart, forever, and I hope you all will give the books a try. They're marvelous!

I highly recommend this book and the series!

It took me a couple weeks to think about this review not because I didn't like the book but because I couldn't figure out why I wasn't happy as I thought I should be.

Colton & Rylee are one of my top favorite book couples. I started rooting for them from book 1 when Rylee fell out of the closet into Colton’s arms. Colton is my kind of book boyfriend. He’s hot, established and successful in his career as a race car driver, and damaged. Rylee is tough, with a big heart and trying to work through issues of her own. They are perfect for one another.

The support characters add to the story exactly the way support characters should. Haddie is the best friend we all lean on and if we don’t have that best friend we want one just like her. She is in Rylee’s corner and often helps her see the error of her ways and if Rylee still doesn't see Haddie gives her a hug. Beckett knows Colton and supports him the same way that Haddie supports Rylee. If Colton is determined to make an ass of himself Beckett (Becks) is there to get him back on track (literally and figuratively). There is a villain (Tawny) the other woman that I love to hate. There is nothing better than a book with a great, conniving, backstabbing bad guy or gal.

Primarily the story is told through Rylee’s eyes but Bromberg switches to Colton’s point of view every once in awhile. I like getting into Colton’s head on occasion to learn what he is thinking especially when he does something that I think is really hurtful.

Colton & Rylee have so many ups and downs that they have to work through. I found myself yelling at the book when one or the other was doing and/or staying things that hurt one another. I couldn't see how they were going to get through to the HEA.

I cried when Colton and his dad talked about Colton’s past. It was heartbreaking to read. I felt Colton’s embarrassment when he realized his dad knew his history before he was adopted. Near the end of their talk dad says to Colton “… Did you think I didn't know about the jar of change and box of food you hid beneath your bed … the stash you kept in case you thought we were going to not want you anymore and kick you out on the streets? You didn't notice all the change I suddenly left everywhere? I left it out on purpose because I didn't regret a single moment. Not when you pushed every limit and broke every rule possible, because the adrenaline of the defiance was so much easier to feel than the s*** she let them do to you.”

I love how Rylee runs to Colton when Beckett tells her Colton is going to the track. She made a promise to Colton and there was no way that she was going back on the promise even if they hadn’t worked out their issues. Her determination to support Colton warms my heart. “It’s okay. I get it— get him. In the past he turned to women or alcohol or the track when life got to be too much, right?” Becks remains silent and there’s my answer. “Well, I guess I should be lucky there was an opening at the track, right?”

Rylee & Colton have great make-up sex, heck there is great sex throughout the book but the make-up sex at the track is hot, Hot, HOT!.

I cried when Rylee stood up to Zander’s father. This is another angst filled moment that tests Colton and Rylee doesn’t know how to respond. Nothing can keep these two apart regardless what life throws at them. “Remember, life isn’t about how you survive the storm, but rather how you dance in the rain.”

Crashed, the whole Driven Trilogy, is the kind of love story that I love. So why not give 5 stars? I am disappointed with the two epilogues. I am grateful to know what the future holds but I feel cheated. There are two events in particular that I think the reader deserves to know how the characters get to that point. (I don't want to give anything away but Zander is involved in one.) To me these are two big and apparently happy events in the lives of Colton & Rylee. After seeing their struggles and sad times a closer look at their good times and joy seem appropriate. Even if we have to jump years ahead to tell the story a little flashback taking us through one or both of those events would make this story perfect.

That said, this book and the entire series is close to perfect.

I highly recommend everyone read this series.