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Driven
When the legendary Pallas Dylan Lambert (aka The Goddess) selects Catherine "Cat" Hodges as the new Point Guard in the revamped Basketball team, the Birmingham Badgers, Cat is overjoyed. She can't wait to become part of a team that will fulfill one of her lifelong dreams. What Cat was not anticipating was falling in love with The Goddess...
Pallas Dylan Lambert, aka the Goddess, is a legend in women's basketball. Dylan was forced to retire due to a career-ending injury. She's now the coach of the Birmingham Badgers, a modest team that she plans to take to the top of the league. She recruits Catherine Hodges, a short but extremely talented player in the coveted position of Point Guard, to be the star of her team.
Against all the odds --Dylan's popularity and lack of privacy, the sleazy owner of the Badgers, homophobia, and the pressures of the game itself, among others, Dylan and Cat fall in love.
Can their love withstand the stresses that come their way?
Pallas Dylan Lambert, aka the Goddess, is a legend in women's basketball. Dylan was forced to retire due to a career-ending injury. She's now the coach of the Birmingham Badgers, a modest team that she plans to take to the top of the league. She recruits Catherine Hodges, a short but extremely talented player in the coveted position of Point Guard, to be the star of her team.
Against all the odds --Dylan's popularity and lack of privacy, the sleazy owner of the Badgers, homophobia, and the pressures of the game itself, among others, Dylan and Cat fall in love.
Can their love withstand the stresses that come their way?
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About the author
Susanne M. Beck
6 books29 followersSusanne M. Beck was a registered nurse and a published author. She was also a very popular online author under the pen name Sword'n'Quill.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 27, 2020
4.25 Stars. This was pure entertainment. Since I am not behind in my ARC’s for once, I am taking some time to knock some books off my to read list. After reading Beck’s Redemption last week, which I loved, I wanted to give her other story Driven a chance. While I didn’t like this as much as The Growing or Redemption, it still was a fun and super entertaining read.
Unlike her others, I don’t believe this was every published. This is an Uber Xena/G story. For any people out there that doesn’t know Uber in fanfic means an alternative world for your characters. So while the character look and have similar characteristics to X and G, in this book they are professional women’s basketball players. This is a sports-romance and as someone who is desperately missing sports right now, this hit the spot. Because this is an older fanfic, it is not easy to find online but if you are interested in reading this here is a link: http://www.ausxip.com/fanfiction/beck...
While sports romances tend to be a heavier on either romance or sports, this one had a nice balance, almost 50/50 which I enjoyed. There was plenty of entertaining basketball scenes, but also plenty of romance. To be honest I did feel like I was missing out on some chemistry. It is there, but it is just that chemistry in Beck’s books is normally really good so that this seemed a bit more average and not the really special like it can be. That is why I can’t give this the 5 stars her other books have gotten from me.
I just want to make clear that this is still a really good story. The romance is good, the characters are really likeable and there were some exciting scenes that popped up that I never expected. I don’t know when this was written, but it was a while back so the characters do have to deal with more homophobia than they would now. So the story showed its age a little, but the book needed a villain for conflict so I didn’t mind.
While this was not my favorite by Beck, it still was a really fun story. I didn’t want to stop reading until I was done and I was completely entertained. This is one I would definitely recommend to sport romance fans.
Unlike her others, I don’t believe this was every published. This is an Uber Xena/G story. For any people out there that doesn’t know Uber in fanfic means an alternative world for your characters. So while the character look and have similar characteristics to X and G, in this book they are professional women’s basketball players. This is a sports-romance and as someone who is desperately missing sports right now, this hit the spot. Because this is an older fanfic, it is not easy to find online but if you are interested in reading this here is a link: http://www.ausxip.com/fanfiction/beck...
While sports romances tend to be a heavier on either romance or sports, this one had a nice balance, almost 50/50 which I enjoyed. There was plenty of entertaining basketball scenes, but also plenty of romance. To be honest I did feel like I was missing out on some chemistry. It is there, but it is just that chemistry in Beck’s books is normally really good so that this seemed a bit more average and not the really special like it can be. That is why I can’t give this the 5 stars her other books have gotten from me.
I just want to make clear that this is still a really good story. The romance is good, the characters are really likeable and there were some exciting scenes that popped up that I never expected. I don’t know when this was written, but it was a while back so the characters do have to deal with more homophobia than they would now. So the story showed its age a little, but the book needed a villain for conflict so I didn’t mind.
While this was not my favorite by Beck, it still was a really fun story. I didn’t want to stop reading until I was done and I was completely entertained. This is one I would definitely recommend to sport romance fans.
May 23, 2019
With so many of the legacy Xena/Gab sites going offline in recent years it's kinda a chore to find this anymore. I dug mine out of a several year old email cache to re read in memorial to Susanne who passed away last Easter. She was a fantastic author and will be missed.
I particularly loved this book because of the basketball theme. And it's not just glossed over as some sport books are which don't get into the weeds of the particular sport they're written about. As a *huge* fan of women's basketball this has some really fantastic game elements. The rest was great too, but that really sticks out to me since I love bball so much :)
Recommended if you can find it.
I particularly loved this book because of the basketball theme. And it's not just glossed over as some sport books are which don't get into the weeds of the particular sport they're written about. As a *huge* fan of women's basketball this has some really fantastic game elements. The rest was great too, but that really sticks out to me since I love bball so much :)
Recommended if you can find it.
May 20, 2021
Goddess! *fans self*
I didn't know much about basketball going into this story and I still don't know much more about the sport after reading this story, but what I do know, is that Beck was one talented storyteller. I've read a few of her other books and I've come to enjoy her style of writing.
I love the build up between all her characters, and Dylan and Cat's relationship was no different. In fact, the build up between Dylan and Cat was so slow, I started to wonder if anything was going to happen beyond a professional relationship. At one point, I questioned if Dylan was even gay, because she hid it so well. It was a necessity in her life to stay in the closet for her career, and she was so far in, I believed that she liked the men she went out with. Good job, Beck. Thank you for giving me a coronary thinking this unbelievable gorgeous butch was straight. We all knew Cat was out with flying rainbow colours, but it was rather disheartening to her and for me as a queer woman, to see her being forced back in that closet all because of bigotry. Many times I wanted to reach inside the book and throttle the S.O.B.'s who were in charge of the women's careers. I felt bad and hurt and angry for them, and this was only fiction, but unfortunately we live in a world where it's exactly like how we see in this book. With a bigot boss and fear of being found out lurking in the background of this tale, Dylan and Cat's slow moving relationship was fun to read. Both were passionate, but Cat's passion was worn on her sleeve as she was younger and more naïve. Dylan was more reserved and mature. She understood how the basketball world worked. Both complemented one another and couldn't be farther opposite if they tried. The only thing similar about each other was their love of basketball and their lesbianism (not sure that's a word). However, they made it work. Everything was so mature between them, I'm giddy about that. I hate unnecessary drama and uncommunicative moments that create more drama, but Beck steered clear of all that mess. And the sex... yes please! I don't like hot tubs, but I'll gladly get in one with "the Goddess" after reading that scene. Whew!
I'll wrap this up and say Beck won me over again and may she rest in peace.
I didn't know much about basketball going into this story and I still don't know much more about the sport after reading this story, but what I do know, is that Beck was one talented storyteller. I've read a few of her other books and I've come to enjoy her style of writing.
I love the build up between all her characters, and Dylan and Cat's relationship was no different. In fact, the build up between Dylan and Cat was so slow, I started to wonder if anything was going to happen beyond a professional relationship. At one point, I questioned if Dylan was even gay, because she hid it so well. It was a necessity in her life to stay in the closet for her career, and she was so far in, I believed that she liked the men she went out with. Good job, Beck. Thank you for giving me a coronary thinking this unbelievable gorgeous butch was straight. We all knew Cat was out with flying rainbow colours, but it was rather disheartening to her and for me as a queer woman, to see her being forced back in that closet all because of bigotry. Many times I wanted to reach inside the book and throttle the S.O.B.'s who were in charge of the women's careers. I felt bad and hurt and angry for them, and this was only fiction, but unfortunately we live in a world where it's exactly like how we see in this book. With a bigot boss and fear of being found out lurking in the background of this tale, Dylan and Cat's slow moving relationship was fun to read. Both were passionate, but Cat's passion was worn on her sleeve as she was younger and more naïve. Dylan was more reserved and mature. She understood how the basketball world worked. Both complemented one another and couldn't be farther opposite if they tried. The only thing similar about each other was their love of basketball and their lesbianism (not sure that's a word). However, they made it work. Everything was so mature between them, I'm giddy about that. I hate unnecessary drama and uncommunicative moments that create more drama, but Beck steered clear of all that mess. And the sex... yes please! I don't like hot tubs, but I'll gladly get in one with "the Goddess" after reading that scene. Whew!
I'll wrap this up and say Beck won me over again and may she rest in peace.
March 26, 2024
Solid 5.0 Stars - one of my favorites of all time
This remains one of my favorite sapphic fiction books of all time. Definitely my favorite sports book and I didn't realize it had been published until recently. So, of course I read it in time for March Madness. I rate it just ahead of my other favorite basketball novel, Romancing the Zone by Kenna White.
Why is it my favorite? It's not speculative fiction. I'm not even a fan of workplace romance...usually. That said, there is something about some of the converted XWP fanfics of old that really translated well to contemporary published romance. I put this novel up there with Fated Love by Radclyffe (which also started as XWP). I love it as much as Starting from Scratch by Beers.
That said, I do have a few trigger warnings. It deals with the aftermath of an assault (non-sexual) on one of the characters, as a recounted incident of a similar assault. Short term alcohol abuse, and a homophobic character that is the basketball team owner.
If you love the book as much as I did, here is a little backstory:
The original authors of the fanfic were Sue Beck & T. Novan. The late Susanne M. Beck is the author of my all-time favorite novel, The Growing, along with Okasha Skat'si. T. Novan you may recognize from 2 other excellent fanfic adaption novels like Madam President and First Lady with author Blayne Cooper (books I also love and give 5 stars).
Pros: Excellent romance, sex scenes (if you're into that, if not, skim like me), fast-paced basketball action, and drama.
Cons: There can never be a sequel and I would LOVE if this book had a sequel. It definitely leaves off with me wanting to know what their future life looks like. Some may find it a little dated with real phones, answering machine. But it's a classic, folks!
Beyond that, just pick it up if you want a good basketball book, and great romance.
This remains one of my favorite sapphic fiction books of all time. Definitely my favorite sports book and I didn't realize it had been published until recently. So, of course I read it in time for March Madness. I rate it just ahead of my other favorite basketball novel, Romancing the Zone by Kenna White.
Why is it my favorite? It's not speculative fiction. I'm not even a fan of workplace romance...usually. That said, there is something about some of the converted XWP fanfics of old that really translated well to contemporary published romance. I put this novel up there with Fated Love by Radclyffe (which also started as XWP). I love it as much as Starting from Scratch by Beers.
That said, I do have a few trigger warnings. It deals with the aftermath of an assault (non-sexual) on one of the characters, as a recounted incident of a similar assault. Short term alcohol abuse, and a homophobic character that is the basketball team owner.
If you love the book as much as I did, here is a little backstory:
The original authors of the fanfic were Sue Beck & T. Novan. The late Susanne M. Beck is the author of my all-time favorite novel, The Growing, along with Okasha Skat'si. T. Novan you may recognize from 2 other excellent fanfic adaption novels like Madam President and First Lady with author Blayne Cooper (books I also love and give 5 stars).
Pros: Excellent romance, sex scenes (if you're into that, if not, skim like me), fast-paced basketball action, and drama.
Cons: There can never be a sequel and I would LOVE if this book had a sequel. It definitely leaves off with me wanting to know what their future life looks like. Some may find it a little dated with real phones, answering machine. But it's a classic, folks!
Beyond that, just pick it up if you want a good basketball book, and great romance.
February 25, 2025
One of my favourite reads.
December 31, 2022
I really liked this book. The combination of professional sports and romance was great. The hurdles the MCs faced were realistic and had me thoroughly engaged. I didn't want it to end and am sad we won't see more from the main author.
August 4, 2019
Se llevó tres estrellas apenas rozando porque al menos la mitad del libro está escrito con ganas. Si bien las cosas deportivas no me llaman la atención, decidí leerlo... y sin querer le vi el final y empecé a gritar. Basta de clichés.
Y sin embargo uno pasa la lectura, por ahí puede que guste.
Si van a destrozarle la carrera a alguien, no le dediquen dos páginas cuando a un personaje secundario le dedicaron más (en una cosa que no sé por qué está ahí siquiera). Si no saben qué poner, si no pueden enfrentar el dolor de esa escena, sencillamente supriman eso y salten directamente al después, contándolo con menor grado de emoción. Cuando todo pasa es más sencillo.
El concepto de era una estrella, es la mejor y qué se yo, no impide que pierdan. El sacar algo de la manga (no sé si está permitido o no, lo mío no son los deportes) porque no saben cómo resolver una situación es bastante molesto. No se siente real. Y si no van a jugar en un mundo real, jueguen en uno fantástico donde puedan hacer las reglas a su medida.
Y sin embargo uno pasa la lectura, por ahí puede que guste.
Si van a destrozarle la carrera a alguien, no le dediquen dos páginas cuando a un personaje secundario le dedicaron más (en una cosa que no sé por qué está ahí siquiera). Si no saben qué poner, si no pueden enfrentar el dolor de esa escena, sencillamente supriman eso y salten directamente al después, contándolo con menor grado de emoción. Cuando todo pasa es más sencillo.
El concepto de era una estrella, es la mejor y qué se yo, no impide que pierdan. El sacar algo de la manga (no sé si está permitido o no, lo mío no son los deportes) porque no saben cómo resolver una situación es bastante molesto. No se siente real. Y si no van a jugar en un mundo real, jueguen en uno fantástico donde puedan hacer las reglas a su medida.
February 24, 2025
4.5 stars
I'm not much of a sports fan, but, somehow, I quite enjoy reading sports romance books. Plus, I'd already read some of Susanne M. Beck's other novels and loved them so I decided to give "Driven" a chance. And I'd so glad I did! Funny, gripping, passionate, tense; it was very good and I enjoyed it tremendously.
I'm not much of a sports fan, but, somehow, I quite enjoy reading sports romance books. Plus, I'd already read some of Susanne M. Beck's other novels and loved them so I decided to give "Driven" a chance. And I'd so glad I did! Funny, gripping, passionate, tense; it was very good and I enjoyed it tremendously.
January 11, 2023
5 stars! I have read this book twice now and I just can't get enough. The action and intensity during the basketball scenes and the romantic moments between Cat and Dylan are interwoven together so perfectly. I just love this book and highly recommend it!
August 14, 2023
Beautiful B-Ball Story!!
Great story. Loved the characters. Appreciated their professionalism and dignity. I'm very sorry to hear of Ms. Beck's passing. This one will definitely be added to other works I have by her. RIP🙏🏻
Great story. Loved the characters. Appreciated their professionalism and dignity. I'm very sorry to hear of Ms. Beck's passing. This one will definitely be added to other works I have by her. RIP🙏🏻
December 15, 2020
Excellent!
I loved Driven. I loved the basketball scenes. I don’t agree with Coach’s and Players fraternizing. But it’s fiction, right. So no problem.
I loved Driven. I loved the basketball scenes. I don’t agree with Coach’s and Players fraternizing. But it’s fiction, right. So no problem.
January 4, 2021
This is a masterpiece of fanfiction! I adore this sport romance! A must read for fanfic and sport romance lovers!
March 8, 2022
One of the best lesbian sports fiction books I’ve read.
December 26, 2021
🏀Legendary Pallas Dylan Lambert (aka The Goddess) and Catherine "Cat" Hodges. ⛹️♀️
🤍🤍Susanne M. Beck 🤍🤍
⛹️♀️ Dylan was legendary, even the way Beck and Novan wrote her character, just legendary, even I was fangirling. And I love basketball. I love women's sport, though that's mostly football and basketball. The way Dylan could be in the game and still be clear headed, was just exhilarating. I saw this love story coming from a mile away but what I didn't see coming was the homophobic actions. Now that was just damn disastrous that poor baby could have died from those injuries.
Catherine fangirling over Dylan was the most adorable thing ever, and not just her, but her entire family. Take about being loved by the in-laws before you meet them.. Damn epic. I am really glad they were brave enough to give and fight for their love, though that alone makes me angry because why in shit's fuck do we have to fight FOR our love. Anyways… that's a story for another day. All in all, Dylan deserved a happy ending, Catherine deserved one too and they got it, plus loads of cash. So a win.
This book had me nervous, mainly because of the female basketball/football players that we all know, could probably be going thru such stuff. And that's rather heartbreaking.
🤍🤍Susanne M. Beck 🤍🤍
⛹️♀️ Dylan was legendary, even the way Beck and Novan wrote her character, just legendary, even I was fangirling. And I love basketball. I love women's sport, though that's mostly football and basketball. The way Dylan could be in the game and still be clear headed, was just exhilarating. I saw this love story coming from a mile away but what I didn't see coming was the homophobic actions. Now that was just damn disastrous that poor baby could have died from those injuries.
Catherine fangirling over Dylan was the most adorable thing ever, and not just her, but her entire family. Take about being loved by the in-laws before you meet them.. Damn epic. I am really glad they were brave enough to give and fight for their love, though that alone makes me angry because why in shit's fuck do we have to fight FOR our love. Anyways… that's a story for another day. All in all, Dylan deserved a happy ending, Catherine deserved one too and they got it, plus loads of cash. So a win.
This book had me nervous, mainly because of the female basketball/football players that we all know, could probably be going thru such stuff. And that's rather heartbreaking.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews