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Babe Driven

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Librarian Note: older cover of 9781999777104.

Babe Driven

Driving straight out of trouble and into paradise!

Harriet’s crazily successful business idea is under serious threat, and the danger seems to be coming from inside her own family. She whisks her sister and her friends away to an exotic location to try and work out whose side they are on. It’s time to start damage limitation.

When the girls arrive at the glorious villa owned by Harriet’s maverick business partner Nikki, they find a gorgeous band and their sexy lead singer Max staying next door, out to entice their new neighbours into all kinds of trouble.

This isn’t a holiday for Harriet and she can’t afford to be distracted. She has to sell her business idea to the powerful resort owner, the elusive Mr Grant, while she is there, or she may not have a business to go back to. Harriet will have to choose between family and friends, business or pleasure. For someone who stays out of the limelight, even though her new company is the hottest ticket in town, she’s going to have to avoid the front pages of every newspaper if she wants to survive the ride!

297 pages, ebook

First published September 18, 2013

82 people are currently reading
247 people want to read

About the author

Lizzie Chantree

20 books346 followers
International bestselling author, award-winning inventor and product designer, Lizzie Chantree, has been featured on television and radio. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women who are far stronger than they realise. Lizzie has recently combined her love of writing and design by launching a range of sustainable book and writing-themed fashion and homewares, that are being worn and displayed by influencers, worldwide. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter, @Lizzie_Chantree

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5 stars
43 (32%)
4 stars
40 (29%)
3 stars
25 (18%)
2 stars
19 (14%)
1 star
7 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,515 reviews714 followers
September 7, 2019

4☆ A Feel Good, Rom Com!

Babe Driven is a feel good, character driven rom com.

Harriet is a strong, sassy, business women who is determined to save her business.
She runs a very successful Chauffeur Service.
But in order to do that she puts her life and fun on hold. She decides to whisk a few friends on holiday in order to try and secure a new investor and suss out some underlying concerns.

But when the girls meet their new neighbours, will Harriet be able to keep her business head on, or will the smooth talking, sexy musicians be able to sway her into having some fun?.... But at what cost?

Babe Driven is a Feel Good, Flirty, Funny, Rom Com with Strong and Quirky Characters, plenty of drama, Sass, with plenty of Humour, Intrigue, a dash of mystery and some cleverly plotted twists and turns to keep you on your toes!
My only gripe was that it did take a little while to get to grips with who was who and their stories as the plot did flip flop a bit.
But overall this is the perfect, fun, light hearted, holiday read.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.


My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Profile Image for Bill Ward.
Author 9 books177 followers
October 31, 2015
At face value I suppose this book seems like a perfect, light romance read for females, which wouldn't be my typical read but the book came recommended and it was indeed great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. The main character Harriet is a clever businesswoman as well as beautiful and constantly underestimated by friends and business partners, which I really enjoyed.
The setting for the story is all glitz and glamour as Harriet takes her sister and sister's friends to a fabulous villa, where next door a famous music band is staying and we have a cocktail for romance, jealousy, deception and humour.
I thought the story was clever with its twists and turns as characters were revealed to be very human with a mixture of good and bad traits.
I filled a few fun hours reading this book. I suppose part of me would have liked to meet and party with some of the girls, which is testimony to how the author made them seem real.
All in all a good read with a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
September 6, 2019
I read the 2019 version of this story and this review relates to that edition.

I giggled my way through reading this book! It is a story packed with humour but also has a more serious side involving potential business deals and family drama. 

Harriet has worked hard to develop her business idea, supported by her friend and business partner, Nikki. However, this has involved her working unstintingly and Nikki has convinced her to take a holiday whilst still investigating a threat to their business. Harriet has taken her sister and some of her friends to stay in the luxurious villa which Nikki owns and has lent to them. They certainly didn't anticipate their neighbours being renowned rock stars who are there recording their next album - and partying!

Harriet is there to entice the resort owner, Mr Grant, to invest in her business but with the hot rock stars, the mysterious Ben and a journalist determined to bring her down, this isn't going to be a relaxing holiday - and that's without mentioning the trouble her half brother is threatening! Not only that, but the friends who have come with her sister are a real mix of characters, some to love and others not so much. There's a secret admirer or two, relatives who are rivals and so much more in this story. Can this feisty and determined business lady take down a blackmailer, reconnect with her sister, maintain the peach with her friends and not be tempted by romance? There's one thing for certain, she's going to try keeping her business head on despite all the distractions and temptations!

This is a fun contemporary romance with great characters and serious family issues for more than one family in the story. It is a fun, holiday based story with a truly alpha female lead - she may seem to be quiet but she's also astute, determined and able to play others at their own game and win. There are plenty of twists and surprises as the story progresses. I particularly enjoyed the blackmailer being taught a lesson and the unexpected romance once they're back home again. It is the first book I've read by this author but I certainly hope it won't be the last! It is a great read and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so.
Profile Image for Danni.
170 reviews14 followers
January 11, 2014
Got this during the week, read it on the train to work, really enjoyed it. A fun read and pure escapism, it made up for a dull week. Not to heavy with a serious undertone it is all about a successful businesswoman facing challenges who has to find out who she can really trust and she comes up with an interesting way of doing this. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Isabella May.
Author 22 books129 followers
November 21, 2018
Sheer escapism!

This was a vibrant and sunny, funny read. Packed with another colourful cast and a beautiful setting. Drama, romance and comedy moments combine to make this book perfect for the beach - or the sofa!
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews104 followers
September 2, 2019
Such a fun read - but there is a serious side to the story. Never underestimate gorgeous women!

Harriet is heading off on holiday for a week in a fabulous villa belonging to her friend Nikki with her 'gal pals'. Set in a private resort, the location is fabulous and offers everything you could want while you lie back in the sun and relax. The girls in the villa aren't quite as straightforward though, and with the discovery of a group of good looking young men in the - very close - next door villa, tensions rise. What do they really know about each other anyway?

This is a great read, with a wide array of characters all with such entertaining personalities; Lizzie Chantree must be a very observant people watcher, she has nailed each and every one! As the story unfolds, we get to realise that there is more to this story that just fun - the skilful structure encompasses so much and there is always something new happening. A terrific tale, well written - and one I enjoyed very much! I love how it ended .. with everything all finished off and no unanswered questions still floating around. Definitely well worth a full four stars in my book!
Profile Image for Lisa Mandina.
2,305 reviews494 followers
dnf
September 9, 2019
Just couldn't really get into it, didn't grab me. So I had to move on.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hinsman.
Author 2 books99 followers
May 11, 2016
Fun summer read so I'd recommend it to all you beach goers. There were a few twists and turns in this one, but overall a very light read that helps you escape for a while. Harriet is a great character that is given a hard time because of her good looks, but she's a smart business woman. A great escape!
2 reviews
January 29, 2014
This is a fun and intriguing story, with a strong female character. I also love that it is set in the sun and a perfect read for a dreary commute or for the beach. I didn't want to put it down and I'm looking forward to Lizzie Chantree's next book.

Profile Image for Annastew1144hotmail.com.
189 reviews10 followers
February 9, 2014
Fun, light read, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine. Either by the fire or a sunny beach. Had me laughing out loud in places and wishing I could have come up with a similar plan! Would definitely read more books by author Lizzie Chantree.
Profile Image for Peter Adams.
Author 6 books29 followers
January 29, 2021
Beneath the bubbles and froth lies a labyrinthine veiled mystery.

I have now read all of Lizzie Chantree’s books and loved every one of them. They all seem to have uncommon and fascinating plots leading the reader in so many direction whilst being captivated by the study in the personalities of the characters and their relationships. This book is no exception:
Harriet has built a successful business and it needs to expand but the offers of funding come with conditions, some obvious and some downright devious. Is Harriet a match for the front runner, Ben Grant? She thinks she is, but…
With the offer of a luxury villa in an exclusive sun drenched resort owned by the Ben Grant, she takes her sister and some of her friends for a week’s holiday. It is not as generous as it sounds as someone has been sabotaging Harriet’s business and she could narrow this down to this pool of friends or maybe their spurious associates, even her sister. And then there is her jealous step-brother, left back in London to create havoc.
In the next door villa is a famous pop group: cue lasciviousness, lust and love from both groups of the beau monde. In the meantime Harriet lays mantraps, red herrings, and a trail of bait, but she is not immune to the leader of the band, or indeed the Funder (everyone is gorgeous).
What follows is an Agatha Christie like mystery but with no bodies, unless you count the youthful easy on the eyes, ladies and hunks of men. There are veils and layers of subterfuge to satisfy anyone and it all leads to the final pages before we know how things will pan out, by which time you have sweated buckets and become thoroughly engaged.
Yes, it is frothy. Yes, it is sort of contrived, but it works on so many levels and I loved it. Highly recommended along with all of Chantree’s other books – 5 stars
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,450 reviews32 followers
September 5, 2019
Babe Driven was a fun, enjoyable read!

When I first saw the synopsis, I was excited to read this because I’m a huge fan of rock star romances. However, the synopsis only scratches the surface. The romance is only half of the story.

The story is told from several POVs, but the main character is Harriet. She has a pretty successful business, but to keep it that way, she has come to a beautiful place to get “Mr. Grant” to invest in her idea. While there, she is also trying to repair her relationship with her half-sister. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with rock star, Max!

To say Harriet has a full plate would be an understatement. So many people, especially men, completely underestimate Harriet. When they figure out the powerful woman she is, it’s too late for them! I LOVED that!!!! She isn’t a woman to mess around with!

As I said, her relationship with Max is only a portion of the story. He appears to be the calmer, more stable part of her life. He isn’t your typical, bad boy rocker. He really cares about Harry, and he isn’t shy about letting her know that.

I was just amazed at Harry’s character. In the beginning, I was just like all the others. I saw her as this woman with not much self-confidence who may let people take advantage of her. So, imagine my shock when that perception was blown out of the water. I liked her in the beginning, but I LOVED her in the end.

If you are looking for a book with a strong female character with heart, you can’t go wrong with this one!!!
Profile Image for Keith Jahans.
Author 12 books9 followers
May 14, 2019
This book is technically flawed in that the narrative constantly jumps point of view so that I had to re-read some passages twice in order to understand which character was describing the piece I was reading. But having said that the story worked well and I really enjoyed reading it.

There was a great deal of description on what the characters were wearing, but this was never boring as it was evident that they were obsessed with appearance. The characters themselves were well described and showed that the author had a good understanding about those she wrote and what motivated them. The central narrative centred around Harriet (or Harry as she was mostly referred to) and her chauffeur driving company employing attractive female drivers. Most of the story centred on her and a group of friends who were holidaying in an attractive villa next door to one rented by a famous pop group.

The interaction between the sexy males surrounding the pop group and the gorgeous Harry and her girlfriends was well described. There were several twists in the story which kept me reading to the end.
Profile Image for Shirley.
Author 7 books65 followers
December 19, 2018
Great Story!

I found the story to be an attention-grabber. The pace was great but there were times when I could not make out where one thought ended and another begin. A character is speaking and then another one comes in so that I'm not sure which one is which in the thought process. I can handle some misspellings but sentence structures that run into another thought means some formatting and punctuation is in order. If not for some difficulty in trying to decipher what the author was trying to convey, this would have been a five star book. It delivered in terms of holding my attention, and I fell in love with the lead character, Harriet. It was no fun having to stop and figure out which character is speaking at any given moment.

3 Stars
Profile Image for Susanne Baker.
726 reviews30 followers
July 25, 2019
I do love a book featuring glamour and fashion, which this fabulous book has in droves, but it was an added bonus to find some amazing strong female characters who could easily take on the powerful men in their lives! I adored the feisty character of Harriet, clever, beautiful and loyal she completely intrigued me from the first page. Addictive reading, finding out who she would choose and how her business would do with all the threats and risks of bad exposure.
The male characters also piqued my interest, I liked not knowing who was going to win Harriet’s heart.
A fast paced read, much like the gorgeous cars driven in the story, so completely classy and fun. A great book to relax with in the sun!
I’m keen to read more from this author, as I do enjoy these types of books so much ❤️
Profile Image for Larry Landgraf.
Author 21 books38 followers
December 11, 2019
Babe Driven by Lizzie Chantree is a story of hot cars, hot men, and hot women. Harriet, a knockout blonde babe, is on a mission to a tropical resort to get additional funding from Ben to expand her booming business. She takes her sister, Alex, and some of her hot friends along. She wants to get closer to her sister and also find out if Alex has anything to do with her half-brother’s scheme, who is trying to wreck her business. The hormones flow freely throughout the story when the ladies meet a group of hot men, members of a popular band, who are recording new music at the resort. Babe Driven is a wild romp in paradise.
Profile Image for Melissa Basnight.
681 reviews19 followers
December 3, 2019
A group of girls go on vacation and they all have their own agenda. The switching of names from Alexandra to Alex and Harriet to Harry confused me so it was hard to keep track of who was who. Harriet seemed to be attracting several men which was never her personality and she couldn’t seem to figure out who she wanted to be with since there was confusion of what was really happening within their relationships. I was not a fan of this story, it was too long to get to the point of the story. I didn’t find too many humorous sections either.
Profile Image for A.J. Griffiths-Jones.
Author 33 books72 followers
March 23, 2021
As a holiday read, this book has it all, romance, rivalry, surprises & secrets. The characters are easy on the eye, some flawed yet perfect for the plot. At the centre is Harriet, or Harry, beautiful, career-minded & driven, who whisks her step-sister & friends away to a private Villa. Of course the women have their moments, all vying for the attention of the boy band next-door, yet Harriet is focussed on the task of getting her business on track. Well written, witty & easy to put down & pick up, the only extra needed for this read is a cocktail & a beach then enjoy to the max!
Profile Image for Lisa Mackay.
Author 5 books54 followers
November 17, 2017
Babe Driven is a fun, light-hearted, sweet romance set in an exotic location.
Although I prefer more passion in my romance reading, it was fun and flirty, and for those of you who enjoy a sweet romance, it's perfect for you.
The characters were likeable especially Harriet, the strong, independent business woman, and the idea for her business was a stroke of genius from the author. Loved that idea.
All in all this was an enjoyable read. Well done Lizzie.
Profile Image for Heidi Catherine.
Author 56 books232 followers
May 1, 2019
This is a fabulously fun story about a strong independent business woman, supported by an extremely colourful cast of secondary characters. The book is wonderfully paced with the perfect balance between lighthearted moments and more serious ones. Within the pages of this book you'll find everything from friendship, romance, deceit, ambition and success, all woven into a wonderfully entertaining tale. This is the third Lizzie Chantree book I've read and it certainly won't be my last.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
783 reviews37 followers
February 22, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this story. I enjoyed the babe driven drama that was unfolding, and a few surprises along the way. The concept was different and fun to read. However, the story didn't really take off until about a third of the way through. There were way to many adults acting like whiny, pubescent teens to make me take an interest in any of them. I'm glad I did continue reading until the end, though.
Profile Image for Danielle Shaw.
127 reviews
September 2, 2019
I was given an ‘Arc’ copy of this for an honest review
Wowzer this book keeps you gripped throughout with the constantly changing track of the story you start to think you know what’s coming and bam out of nowhere it’s wrong and the story changes direction
Absolutely loved this book defo an author to watch I’m excited to now try some of her other story’s
Profile Image for Barbara.
558 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2020
This is a story about girls on a weeks holiday, they certainly have plenty of fun!! Harriet is a great feisty character and her sister that she doesn't see very often, get together with Alex's friends. I loved the story, couldn't put it down.
40 reviews
August 6, 2024
Love the story and characters

Great book. The story line kept my interest. The characters were alive. Definitely recommend this book to read. Hope to find more books by this author. Love
Profile Image for Proud Book Reviews.
430 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2019
Babe Driven isn’t just the name of the book, it’s also the name of Harriet’s business. One I spent a fair bit of time trying to figure out until it was finally explained to me. And that’s just one example of how Lizzie’s writing style hides information from you throughout the book.

This hidden information isn’t done in a way that makes it difficult to read or follow. Instead it drives up the suspense in a way that leaves you guessing as to what could happen in a way that keeps your interest in the story. An example of this is the information Harriet gains, how she gains it and when it works to her benefit.

Another area I was kept guessing was the love interest for Harriet. I know the blurb mentions a Max and a Mr Grant, but they aren’t the only potential love interests involved. The dramas involved with Harriet’s family and business add another layer of complexity to the story I wasn’t expecting.

When you think you’ve found out all the bits and pieces of the drama you soon discover there’s more. This led to a surprisingly suspense laden story that I was able to work my way through while home sick one day. Although being sick sucked, having this interesting read to keep me amused was pretty good.
Profile Image for Tiziana Langone.
860 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2019
The premises of this story is so promising and it didn’t disappoint! It was even better than I thought!

Most of the time when you read a book, it’s always the man who is in charge of everything and the woman is described as arm candy.
But in this book it’s totally the opposite! The men here underestimate Harriet and think they can just scoop het over and take her business in hands.

Oh, but they are so wrong! Harriet is a smart woman, never just assuming the word of another but taking actions, and foresee future problems and she does her utterly best to avoid it.

So when she goes on holiday with her sister and friends, it’s not just a holiday for her, but also a chance to figure out how and if her sister is involved in some sneaky blackmail she is having.

Little does she know that the blackmail is not the only issue in her business life! Or is she aware of all the plans that are being creating around her?
And can she trust Max, the sexy musician staying in the villa next to hers?

It seems a confusing story, a lot of different things happening, from so many different sides. But once you are in the story, it’s easy to keep up with all the intrigues. And there even moments that make you laugh when the men don’t know how to act when all the women in the story outsmart them!

And it’s such a relief to see a woman take charge of everything!
It’s a big ‘IN YOUR FACE’ for all the men who dare to think that women are not as intelligent, thinking forward, independent and successful in business!
Profile Image for L.S..
769 reviews29 followers
August 31, 2019
Full review to follow for blog tour
Profile Image for Mary Schmidt.
Author 19 books84 followers
February 24, 2021
True Island romance

This is a true romance story with four women, many men, and twists and turns throughout. Plenty of drama. Nice read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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