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Drive
ASIN B00HV14K84 moved to the most recent edition here
Kate and Susan were best friends until they became something much more. Keeping their relationship a secret from their families and friends, they promised each other a future together, bright and full of possibilities. All of it comes to an end as their secret is discovered and a devastating ultimatum drives them apart.
As time moves on, Kate and Susan try to work past feelings for each other that they can’t quite forget. A story of friendship, loyalty, betrayal and ultimately redemption, Drive is a unique love story told from the perspective of both women as they struggle to find their way back to each other.
Kate and Susan were best friends until they became something much more. Keeping their relationship a secret from their families and friends, they promised each other a future together, bright and full of possibilities. All of it comes to an end as their secret is discovered and a devastating ultimatum drives them apart.
As time moves on, Kate and Susan try to work past feelings for each other that they can’t quite forget. A story of friendship, loyalty, betrayal and ultimately redemption, Drive is a unique love story told from the perspective of both women as they struggle to find their way back to each other.
- GenresEroticaContemporaryLGBT
133 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2013
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Gaynor
3 books8 followersJ.L. Gaynor is a proud native of New Jersey. She has been writing since grade school and whiles away the daylight hours as a desk jockey. A self-professed nerd, she is a fan of video games, graphic novels and bad horror movies. “Drive” is her first foray into publishing and there will be more to come.
You can follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jl.gaynor and Twitter at https://twitter.com/JLGaynor01.
You can follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jl.gaynor and Twitter at https://twitter.com/JLGaynor01.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 25, 2014
J.L. Gaynor takes the reader on a wonderful ride in her novel, Drive. Gaynor’s title so aptly captures the rhythm, internal nuances of the characters’ personality, and the actual events. It pacing of the plot flows as if the reader was on a journey with the characters, along for a ride filled with emotional ups and downs and the wrenching realism that often besets lovers. The characters instantly captivates particularly as Gaynor possesses a wonderful ability to evoke a realism of voice within dialogue — each each character speaks distinctly, clearly, veritably articulating her own essence, with her own choice of words. A marvelous, and somewhat rare ability for many writers.
Gaynor’s use of dialogue, both internal and conversationally, fills the imagination with a sincerity of emotional presence; so much, in fact, I felt as though I was with them. I thoroughly Drive. I look forward to checking out Gaynor’s next book Ascension: A Rachel Cross Novel as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, I the book on the table, ready for perusal.
Gaynor’s emergence on the scene of lesbian fiction is a wonderful addition to a growing group of authors who able to create exciting works of fiction using lesbian characters richly, deeply, and with the dexterity that any fictional reader would enjoy, not just the niche set of lesbian readers.
Gaynor’s use of dialogue, both internal and conversationally, fills the imagination with a sincerity of emotional presence; so much, in fact, I felt as though I was with them. I thoroughly Drive. I look forward to checking out Gaynor’s next book Ascension: A Rachel Cross Novel as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, I the book on the table, ready for perusal.
Gaynor’s emergence on the scene of lesbian fiction is a wonderful addition to a growing group of authors who able to create exciting works of fiction using lesbian characters richly, deeply, and with the dexterity that any fictional reader would enjoy, not just the niche set of lesbian readers.
March 25, 2014
I received a free copy from the author for a review.
3.5 stars because I liked it but I'm not sure I'd reread it. An enjoyable quick read, follows two main characters as they deal with the impact (good and bad) of first love. In terms of style - I did enjoy the switch halfway through to the other main character's POV, but throughout the story I was ever so slightly annoyed by the fact that it was sometimes unclear how much time was passing - especially given the book covers about 10(?) years.
Would recommend to people who appreciate character development, not necessarily for romance fans. I look forward to reading more from this author!
3.5 stars because I liked it but I'm not sure I'd reread it. An enjoyable quick read, follows two main characters as they deal with the impact (good and bad) of first love. In terms of style - I did enjoy the switch halfway through to the other main character's POV, but throughout the story I was ever so slightly annoyed by the fact that it was sometimes unclear how much time was passing - especially given the book covers about 10(?) years.
Would recommend to people who appreciate character development, not necessarily for romance fans. I look forward to reading more from this author!
April 14, 2014
Every story has two sides, at least. Yet, many novels show everything from one point of view. DRIVE by J. L. Gaynor tells the story from Kate’s and then Susan’s point of views. This could be messy and repetitive, but Gaynor avoids both pitfalls and created an enjoyable, albeit emotional, story. First loves are exciting and can leave permanent scars. This book delves into the importance of relationships, friendships, and forgiveness. It’s a wonderful story that sucked me in and made me think.
November 14, 2013
Drive
4 ½ stars
I really really liked this story. I was a little skeptical when I started reading and realized the girls were still in college, as I am not a fan of YA stories. However that was short lived and the story moved at a great pace following them from their lives as student to strong and independent young women.
The story is told in two parts, the first half of the book being told by Kate and the second by Susan. Both girls both came from Fk’d up home lives, so it was great to get both of their POVs and I didn’t find it repetitive as can be the case when reading stories that in dual POV.
The thing I liked the most about this story was that the girls choose to be survivors and make something of themselves, rather than using their crappy upbringings as a reason to be losers.
I thought the ending was going to be predictable, well I had predicted it, but oh boy how wrong I was. It was beautiful but NOT how I expected it to me.
My only quibble is that the heat factor was more warm than hot, well until the last 10% when it went from warm to HOT!! (FF loving)
This is a new to me author who I was be looking out for in the future.
4 ½ stars
I really really liked this story. I was a little skeptical when I started reading and realized the girls were still in college, as I am not a fan of YA stories. However that was short lived and the story moved at a great pace following them from their lives as student to strong and independent young women.
The story is told in two parts, the first half of the book being told by Kate and the second by Susan. Both girls both came from Fk’d up home lives, so it was great to get both of their POVs and I didn’t find it repetitive as can be the case when reading stories that in dual POV.
The thing I liked the most about this story was that the girls choose to be survivors and make something of themselves, rather than using their crappy upbringings as a reason to be losers.
I thought the ending was going to be predictable, well I had predicted it, but oh boy how wrong I was. It was beautiful but NOT how I expected it to me.
My only quibble is that the heat factor was more warm than hot, well until the last 10% when it went from warm to HOT!! (FF loving)
This is a new to me author who I was be looking out for in the future.
July 29, 2016
I enjoyed this but not in the way that I had hoped. The story starts off with the dramatic ending of Kate and Susan's relationship. Kate picks up the pieces, though clearly heartbroken, and tries to move forward with her life. As she goes through life (she doesn't come from a good background) struggling with her unresolved feelings for Susan and the sting of losing her best friend and first love, she learns to stand strong and get through the pain of upbringing.
The story switches half way through to Susan's POV. I was nervous that the author was going to tell the same story over and over. However, getting Susan's story made me feel more for the two character and I was glad to know what she was struggling with.
As much as I wanted to love this book because both ladies were strong, I just didn't connect with them like I had hoped. I knew the ending mid-way through the book and felt slightly tortured reading the seconding half because of the emotional angst. I thought it was going to be a different kind of story but it is unconventional in parts and I liked that.
*This was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The story switches half way through to Susan's POV. I was nervous that the author was going to tell the same story over and over. However, getting Susan's story made me feel more for the two character and I was glad to know what she was struggling with.
As much as I wanted to love this book because both ladies were strong, I just didn't connect with them like I had hoped. I knew the ending mid-way through the book and felt slightly tortured reading the seconding half because of the emotional angst. I thought it was going to be a different kind of story but it is unconventional in parts and I liked that.
*This was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 15, 2014
Not a bad story but the format didn't work for me, the story is told through two different view points but rather than going back and forth chapter by chapter we get one characters full story and then the other. I have never read anything like that before so I give it points for creativity but I just didn't really care for it. It is also a time lapse novel that spans a long period of time and everytime it skipped forward it took me a few pages to realize it. My biggest complaint is that after finishing part one and reading how the story ended I felt like the story was over and the entire second half was a fun read but I didn't have that "I can't wait to see how this ends" feeling anymore so It kind of just felt like bonus material. I believe this is the authors first novel and I would love to read something else by her sometime in the future after she has written a few more books because i did enjoy the story and characters and my only complaint are all about the way it was written, which seemed experimental.
March 31, 2014
I enjoyed this book and yet it made me so very, very sad. Despite the smiley, happy faces on the cover, this is not a fun book.
I liked Kate and Susan and the author developed both characters very well. I often get bored when a story is retold from a different perspective but in this case it was done well and I enjoyed getting to know the characters through the eyes of the other.
They are both flawed individuals who make some very dodgy decisions but, hey, who hasn't? At more than one point in both their stories and could see my younger self either going through, or doing, the same things they did.
This is an honest story told with unflinching candour. It gave me pause for thought on more than one occasion and I am always grateful when an author can accomplish that. I'm not saying that it led to extreme soul searching but it certainly is more than just a bit of fluff.
So I would say, "Go on, read it. You won't be sorry.".
I liked Kate and Susan and the author developed both characters very well. I often get bored when a story is retold from a different perspective but in this case it was done well and I enjoyed getting to know the characters through the eyes of the other.
They are both flawed individuals who make some very dodgy decisions but, hey, who hasn't? At more than one point in both their stories and could see my younger self either going through, or doing, the same things they did.
This is an honest story told with unflinching candour. It gave me pause for thought on more than one occasion and I am always grateful when an author can accomplish that. I'm not saying that it led to extreme soul searching but it certainly is more than just a bit of fluff.
So I would say, "Go on, read it. You won't be sorry.".
March 28, 2014
This is definitely not a romance in the traditional sense. It is more of an angst filled character study of how two young ladies mess up their love lives, fail to communicate with each other, and ultimately become friends.
So, pain, character drama, but not even relationships really. If you are in to angst and character this might be for you!
Problems I had with this novel: It is written in first person, and I don't generally like that, we have a story of a relationship, but the characters are together for 2% of the book.
The content is repeated from both women's point of view, I felt like I'd already read the second half of the book. I know it was from Susan's POV, but ... yeah.
I don't require HEA's, but the end of this book...did not make me happy, nor did it feel like it paid off all the angst.
So, two lonely and sad stars. I wish I could give it more.
*this book was provided by the author for an honest review*
So, pain, character drama, but not even relationships really. If you are in to angst and character this might be for you!
Problems I had with this novel: It is written in first person, and I don't generally like that, we have a story of a relationship, but the characters are together for 2% of the book.
The content is repeated from both women's point of view, I felt like I'd already read the second half of the book. I know it was from Susan's POV, but ... yeah.
I don't require HEA's, but the end of this book...did not make me happy, nor did it feel like it paid off all the angst.
So, two lonely and sad stars. I wish I could give it more.
*this book was provided by the author for an honest review*
March 28, 2014
Hmm...I don't know where to begin. All I know is that the book was incredibly emotional for me and I cried...a lot! Surely I'm not alone there; am I? lol... Anyhow, sometimes the goings on in the story made me actually hurt! My belief is that if an author can affect me in such a manner, even if I don't like the turn out, they are a talented being. Ordinarily I can read a book straight through if I find it captivating. I did find this one engaging, but I had to take breaks simply because of the emotional responses it brought forth from within me. I'd get angry with the characters and need some time away. I'm supposing that means Gaynor merits praise for creating especially relatable protagonists. I am definitely interested in checking out more from Gaynor.
April 5, 2014
I enjoyed Ms. Gaynor's first book! My heart hurt for both Kate and Susan throughout their journey.I was pulling for the them to find their way to a love that feeds the soul, a love that makes you feel safe even when you take risks. I appreciate how they each matured and how the repeated failed communication of the past did not keep them from the future they deserved. Other reviewers may not have liked the ending but I believe it is the perfect ending for this story.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
August 4, 2014
Drive is the tale of Kate and Susan. JL Gaynor takes us on their journey through the pangs of first love to betrayal and heartache and finally to an unexpected resolution years in the making. One of the things I liked best about this book is that it is told in the first person voice and the author gives us both women's point of view. We get to know what is going on in each woman's head and heart and see why they make the decisions they do. The ending was a terrific. I don't want to give it away but I will tell you that it is sweet and leaves you well satisfied.
May 14, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review.
And I am sorry, I tried really really hard to like it. It just seemed like a running narrative of events, and months or it seemed years would pass by with just a few sentences. I never got any connection with any of the characters and ultimately gave up on it.
And I am sorry, I tried really really hard to like it. It just seemed like a running narrative of events, and months or it seemed years would pass by with just a few sentences. I never got any connection with any of the characters and ultimately gave up on it.
March 16, 2015
Not necessarily a normal read for me. Trying to stay on point with the story sometimes was a little confusing. Especially mid story when it switched from one girlfriends point of view to the other without warning. But I did kinda get caught up in their tale and was happy for how it all turned out in the end.
May 10, 2016
Exquisite story and great writing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews