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Texas Heat Wave #1
Drive Me Wild
In Julie Ortolon’s novel of small towns and big dreams, a devastatingly handsome anchorman thinks he has seen it all—until he rediscovers the girl next door. Owner of the face that launched a thousand newscasts, drop-dead-gorgeous TV anchor Brent Michaels returns to his Texas hometown for a good playing the bachelor in a dating game fund-raiser. He couldn’t refuse the request of his old friend Laura Beth Morgan. But Laura’s no longer the shy wallflower that he remembers. When he gets a good look at the girl he loved and lost, Brent realizes he can’t refuse her anything. Laura yearns to break free, just as Brent did. He has come so far from the boy who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, the childhood friend who kissed her once and ran away. But even as he warns her that he’s incapable of love, Brent isn’t running now. After all these years, Laura has blossomed into a beautiful woman—and an irresistible challenge for a man who’s used to getting everything he desires.Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2000
39 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ortolon
19 books550 followersMost authors will tell you they've been writing and reading since childhood. Not me. I hated reading and never imagined I'd someday be a writer. Of course, the fact that I have dyslexia probably has a tiny bit to do with my aversion to the written word.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 29, 2009
(3.5 stars) My first book by Ortolon was Lead Me On and I really enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars. Drive Me Wild was entertaining, but I don't think I would reread it because of several issues I had with the story/characters.
My biggest was Laura's (the heroine) realization of love for Brent (our hero) happened **WAY** too soon. Two days after seeing each other for the first time in ten years she realizes she's in love with him? I don't think so! Once the story moves to Houston and their relationship actually kicks off the book is good and very enjoyable, but I had a hard time getting over my initial skepticism. Also, Laura towards the end of the book and leading up to the climax fight bothered me - she's a little too pushy and somewhat manipulative (very "somewhat," because that word seems far too strong).
Brent was an absolutely wonderful hero and I liked how three-dimensional and realistic he was. Romance heroes always have some obligatory faults, but in this case Brent's issues didn't seem added on by the author because she can't make the hero absolutely perfect - they were believable and made him very compelling ( very , lol ;-).
All in all - worth the read, but glad I got it from the library since I don't think I'll be coming back to it. ... Though Brent really almost makes it worth it!
My biggest was Laura's (the heroine) realization of love for Brent (our hero) happened **WAY** too soon. Two days after seeing each other for the first time in ten years she realizes she's in love with him? I don't think so! Once the story moves to Houston and their relationship actually kicks off the book is good and very enjoyable, but I had a hard time getting over my initial skepticism. Also, Laura towards the end of the book and leading up to the climax fight bothered me - she's a little too pushy and somewhat manipulative (very "somewhat," because that word seems far too strong).
Brent was an absolutely wonderful hero and I liked how three-dimensional and realistic he was. Romance heroes always have some obligatory faults, but in this case Brent's issues didn't seem added on by the author because she can't make the hero absolutely perfect - they were believable and made him very compelling ( very , lol ;-).
All in all - worth the read, but glad I got it from the library since I don't think I'll be coming back to it. ... Though Brent really almost makes it worth it!
August 3, 2015
It’s been a long time since I first read this book and I liked it better back in 2000 than I did in 2015. There wasn’t anything wrong with it exactly, but it’s not a book I’m going to ponder over. The main characters Brent and Laura are nice but not memorable. Brent grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and couldn’t wait to get out of the small town where everyone but Laura looked down on him. But now he’s made a name for himself as a very successful, handsome news anchor. Because he’s a success, his hometown wants him to come back for a dating game style fund raiser. He’s all ‘hell no’ as he has no fond memories of the town, but his dearest friend from his young days, Laura asks him as a favour and he can’t refuse her. He does have a condition though and that’s if she is one of the contestants.
Laura has always had ‘feelings’ for Brent but their lives couldn’t be more different. She’s almost tied to her home town even if it is somewhat reluctantly and Brent can’t stay. But feelings flair between them on his brief visit home and he convinces her to take a gamble and travel with him to his home. She does, moves in with a friend and they begin to make a life together when Brent’s insecurities get in the way and things fall apart between them.
This is a good beach read, two nice people falling in love and overcoming their issues. And while I did like it better the first time around, I did like it this time too.
Laura has always had ‘feelings’ for Brent but their lives couldn’t be more different. She’s almost tied to her home town even if it is somewhat reluctantly and Brent can’t stay. But feelings flair between them on his brief visit home and he convinces her to take a gamble and travel with him to his home. She does, moves in with a friend and they begin to make a life together when Brent’s insecurities get in the way and things fall apart between them.
This is a good beach read, two nice people falling in love and overcoming their issues. And while I did like it better the first time around, I did like it this time too.
April 16, 2008
Well, I can't say that I didn't like this book because it had its moments, sure. But I somehow I expected more. I mean the whole dating thing (which was actually one of the reason why I bought this book) was over on 2 pages. And what annoyed me even more was (even though English isn't my mothertongue!) that the author didn't know the word "around" at all. Cause every time she used "about". Which was wrong nearly every damn time and it bugged me so so much!
Besides, the story was OK-ish. But somehow I had a feeling that the author had no idea at all where to go. She just threw things together to keep the happy end as long away as possible. *siiigh* And when she started with Melody/Greg...I had no words left. Oh boy...
Besides, the story was OK-ish. But somehow I had a feeling that the author had no idea at all where to go. She just threw things together to keep the happy end as long away as possible. *siiigh* And when she started with Melody/Greg...I had no words left. Oh boy...
January 21, 2021
A highly enjoyable read
4 stars
Having been recommended Julie Ortolon's books a few times I finally relented and decided to give her a try - and I'm so glad I did as this book was a fantastic read.
It tells the story of Laura Morgan - a small town girl who has always been the reliable, shy, do-gooder type of girl but who really yearns to break free of her dull life. And she gets that chance when bad-boy turned good, Brent Michaels comes back to town for a 'Dating Game' fundraiser. But Laura isn't the same tomboy friend that Brent remembers and soon friendship is the last thing on either of their minds - which causes confusion and chaos for both commitment phobic Brent and romantic, idealist Laura.
This is a real character driven book so we really get a chance to know the characters and watch them develop. Laura is a sweet girl and as you watch her grow you can really feel for her and feel inspired by her. Brent too is complex with a lot of issues to work through but you never feel bogged down in melodramatic detail. It doesn't hurt that he's a sexy, brooding type of hero either! The pair have fabulous chemistry so you really root for the couple to work things out for a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is fresh and exciting and really draws you into the heart of the story. Being so character driven it did take me a while to get into the book - but once it got going it was really worth it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, romantic read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 14, 2017
Leído el 13/08/2012
PASIÓN DESENFRENADA
Brent Michaels, famoso y apuesto presentador de noticiarios de televisión, regresa a su ciudad natal de Texas para participar en una subasta de solteros con fines benéficos, organizada por su antigua amiga Laura Morgan. Sin embargo, la tímida adolescente que el recordaba se ha transformado en una hermosa mujer. Un desafío irresistible para el hombre de los sueños de cualquier mujer...Laura Morgan anhela independizarse, tal como hizo hace tanto tiempo su amigo Brent Michaels. A pesar de crecer en un barrio peligroso y sin recursos, Brent ha logrado cumplir sus sueños y triunfar en la vida. Pero, incluso cuando le advierte que es incapaz de amar Brent no rechaza su amor. Pues Laura logra atraerlo como ninguna otra mujer pudo hacerlo. De lo único que Brent está seguro es que la pasión desenfrenada que siente por Laura puede ser su perdición...
PASIÓN DESENFRENADA
Brent Michaels, famoso y apuesto presentador de noticiarios de televisión, regresa a su ciudad natal de Texas para participar en una subasta de solteros con fines benéficos, organizada por su antigua amiga Laura Morgan. Sin embargo, la tímida adolescente que el recordaba se ha transformado en una hermosa mujer. Un desafío irresistible para el hombre de los sueños de cualquier mujer...Laura Morgan anhela independizarse, tal como hizo hace tanto tiempo su amigo Brent Michaels. A pesar de crecer en un barrio peligroso y sin recursos, Brent ha logrado cumplir sus sueños y triunfar en la vida. Pero, incluso cuando le advierte que es incapaz de amar Brent no rechaza su amor. Pues Laura logra atraerlo como ninguna otra mujer pudo hacerlo. De lo único que Brent está seguro es que la pasión desenfrenada que siente por Laura puede ser su perdición...
July 21, 2018
An old high school friend contacts him at the TV studio, fourteen years, and yet he recognized the name Laura. She is on the fund raising committees, the theme A Dating Game, with a bachelor. He say no, until finally he gives one condition. A nice plot, people in town to see that he had made something of himself, the love angle was a little quick after that length of time. Overall a nice story.
September 28, 2017
Not nearly as good as her other books.
October 24, 2018
Cute book I got from my library Libby app.
I got it because of the dating game plot.
Characters were okay, both had baggage I thought they should have worked through.
I got it because of the dating game plot.
Characters were okay, both had baggage I thought they should have worked through.
September 20, 2023
This was a nice read for a quick romance novel to pass the time.
August 15, 2011
What’s it about? Big town news anchor Brent Michaels returns to his (small) hometown after he is invited to participate in the annual fair game by long time High School friend Laura Beth. Brent is reluctant to return to the town where he was made an outcast but the respect, gratitude and love he has for Laura Beth gives him the strength to return. While he soon regrets his return, after he causes some old and new gossip to stir, he also realizes that he has been in love with Laura Beth for many years. Will his fear of commitment allow him to make a move to secure their happiness? Will his abandonment issues ruin their relationship? Read and find out…
What I thought about it? I love it when I randomly pick up a book and end up truly loving it. Though 95% of the time I really like all the books I read. This is the last romance novel before going into my murder mystery phase and I thought it was rather interesting and nice way to temporarily end my romance phase. I feel like the male lead is more of the main character that the female lead, which is not very common in romance books. I like that it’s him, his history, his fears, his issues and his needs that take center stage and it is all of this which affect the story as a whole…I found that to be very interesting. There were not too many supporting characters in this novel, only three really and a few minor characters. This story was funny, full of passion and loaded with steaminess…( is that even a word?) At the end it really showcases some of the things people fear the most when falling in love. Love isn’t always pretty, it can be confusing and scary and sometimes messy and Drive me Wild really nails that in a lovely way.
Favorite Quote: “ How could anyone hurt this much with out actually bleeding”
What I thought about it? I love it when I randomly pick up a book and end up truly loving it. Though 95% of the time I really like all the books I read. This is the last romance novel before going into my murder mystery phase and I thought it was rather interesting and nice way to temporarily end my romance phase. I feel like the male lead is more of the main character that the female lead, which is not very common in romance books. I like that it’s him, his history, his fears, his issues and his needs that take center stage and it is all of this which affect the story as a whole…I found that to be very interesting. There were not too many supporting characters in this novel, only three really and a few minor characters. This story was funny, full of passion and loaded with steaminess…( is that even a word?) At the end it really showcases some of the things people fear the most when falling in love. Love isn’t always pretty, it can be confusing and scary and sometimes messy and Drive me Wild really nails that in a lovely way.
Favorite Quote: “ How could anyone hurt this much with out actually bleeding”
October 1, 2011
Julie Ortolon's characters are so lovable! And this bad boy hero sure makes me want to wish all news anchorman are just as tastefully hunky as him!
Story goes...hot, famous news anchor Brent Michaels is called back home (despite his reluctance to ever go back to the place that made his childhood hellish) to participate in a Bachelor auction game. He couldn't resist his friend Laura Beth who was a lil' girl no more. In fact she had grown into a beautiful woman who tugged more than just his heartstrings...
My thoughts...the Bachelor game in the start was fun! Although I had thought that the plot was somehow all over the place, what with not much solid ground where the two main characters could possibly stand. But the arrangement that Julie Ortolon made for them was just excellent! The love scenes are hot, hot, hot (makes me envious! >damn<). I really like the way the characters had helped each other to grow...now that's excellent prose!
Story goes...hot, famous news anchor Brent Michaels is called back home (despite his reluctance to ever go back to the place that made his childhood hellish) to participate in a Bachelor auction game. He couldn't resist his friend Laura Beth who was a lil' girl no more. In fact she had grown into a beautiful woman who tugged more than just his heartstrings...
My thoughts...the Bachelor game in the start was fun! Although I had thought that the plot was somehow all over the place, what with not much solid ground where the two main characters could possibly stand. But the arrangement that Julie Ortolon made for them was just excellent! The love scenes are hot, hot, hot (makes me envious! >damn<). I really like the way the characters had helped each other to grow...now that's excellent prose!
March 11, 2013
I wanted to like this book more but "Laura Beth" drove me a little crazy. It was your typical Chick-Lit/Contemporary Romance Novel. The dark, broody, strong man comes to town and unintentionally sweeps a girl off her feet. That's all good and fine. In fact, I expect it. But that doesn't mean I don't want to see the female character fight a little. I still want the characters to have some depth. Laura Beth was so set in her ways and Brent never gave in either. They didn't seem like they were opening up to each other, at least I didn't get that from what I read. I did like, however, that her friend Melody called her out on her stubbornness. It was refreshing to have someone confront her. Even with all my complaints, this book still makes a good beach read.
June 9, 2018
Enjoyment - 4.00
Characters - 3.00
Story(s) - 4.00
Technical - 4.00
Overall - 4.00
As cute and fun as I remember it being! I've read this book several times over the years. Decent characters, excellent pace and an all-around enjoyable read. My only major complaint is it's not very dialog driven, which is a shame because what dialog there is is really great. But typical of the times, a lot of time is spent in the characters heads. I still really, really like this story.
Characters - 3.00
Story(s) - 4.00
Technical - 4.00
Overall - 4.00
As cute and fun as I remember it being! I've read this book several times over the years. Decent characters, excellent pace and an all-around enjoyable read. My only major complaint is it's not very dialog driven, which is a shame because what dialog there is is really great. But typical of the times, a lot of time is spent in the characters heads. I still really, really like this story.
January 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. A love story that takes time to develop and it makes both Laura and Brent look at their present lives and their childhoods and how both have formed who they are not only as individuals, but also how they will work as a couple.
July 30, 2018
Old Friends
I absolutely adore this author's books,this book was great and the characters in it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next,it contains everything in it romance,laughter and a tiny amount of tears which makes it a great book.
I absolutely adore this author's books,this book was great and the characters in it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next,it contains everything in it romance,laughter and a tiny amount of tears which makes it a great book.
October 19, 2007
Pure crap...easy read. I got it from the little work library where people bring in their old books. I know now why no one wanted to keep it.
June 10, 2009
Ortolon's debut novel and a great, fun read filled with awesome characters. I fell in love with them almost immediately and enjoyed the whole book a lot.
August 11, 2009
A sweet, but misguided man comes back to his hometown and falls hopeless in love with a woman that he thinks he can't have because of his poor background. It is a tale of love triumphing!
May 15, 2011
Typical romance between some hot man and some lonely hot girl. Quick, easy, summer reading that gets the job done when you have nothing else to read.
December 27, 2011
read this last night because i couldnt sleep.
i still dont like greg. and although greg and melody meant to each other. i still dont like it.
i still dont like greg. and although greg and melody meant to each other. i still dont like it.
July 14, 2015
Una linda historia.corta, entretenida y facil de leer.
July 3, 2012
Not as good as other books by this author.
June 10, 2013
Couldn't finish it. Trashy.
February 14, 2013
This is one of the first book i read ever...and i loved it!
Easy, funny and sweet romance.
i would like read it again once i get a chance.
Easy, funny and sweet romance.
i would like read it again once i get a chance.
June 20, 2013
a kind of average chick lit romance, but it kept my mind occupied.
October 14, 2013
Rating: 3 1/2 stars – the plot was interesting but for some reason, it was hard for me to finish this novel as quickly as i would have liked it to be.
February 7, 2016
This book was very good. I love this author she is unbelievable!!
February 19, 2016
Amazing book!
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
August 2, 2018
Terrific
This was a great story of the white girl get her guy and finding a way to stand up for herself.
This was a great story of the white girl get her guy and finding a way to stand up for herself.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews