Driven by Desire

by Justina Staniforth

Alone, unloved, and lost in life, Lizzie Ryan jumps at the chance to move to the other side of the country after graduating. Finding the freedom to explore her needs and desires, Lizzie’s wild free-spirited side bursts to life.

Inventing the person she always wanted to be, Lizzie opens herself up to friends, opportunities, and gives herself permission to explore her deepest cravings. Falling hard and fast, she gives her body and heart deeply. So why doesn’t it feel like enough?

When Lizzie locks eyes with Johnny Strickland, a tornado whirls to life inside her. He’s confident, sexy, and tempting as hell. And the chemistry between them is off the charts. Too bad she’s not single.

Johnny runs security at the local nightclub, keeping everyone in line. He’s friendly, flirtatious, and a country boy with a big heart. But what he likes to do on his nights off is filled with something of a darker nature. He’s firm, possessive, and knows how to bring a woman absolute pleasure. If only the stars would align and give him the chance he so desperately desires to show Lizzie what she’s been missing out on.

429 pages, ebook

Published September 21, 2024

About the author

Justina Staniforth is a new indie author, taking her love for contemporary romance and smutty escapades and letting them fill the pages for all to enjoy. The soul-crushing love, the dirty fun, and the happy ever afters.

Mama to three red flag boys of her own and a wild but free hubby, she currently lives on the sunny Mid North Coast of Australia. She loves thrillers, white wine (okay, fine.... whiskey on the rocks), sweet smells and always has music playing, even when reading and writing. Honestly, go check out her Spotify playlists, including her Desire series bangers!

While pursuing her dream of becoming a full-time author, a girl’s gotta pay the bills and her career as a midwife and educator do just that. Well that… and feed her soul.... just as much as her book boyfriends do ;)

Stalk Justina here.....
Tiktok - http://tinyurl.com/2752drbk
Facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3bjttxnp
Website - www.justinastaniforth.com

Reviews

[Jazmyn Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this read! Finally a good read that explores not only finding the one, but also a girl enjoying the ride along the way! A fun and spicy read that will also hit you in the feels! Highly recommend <3

[darkromancemomma5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven by Desire by Justina Staniforth
3.5⭐
5🌶️

OK guys, this book had a NAUGHTY word count!! I loved it! F8ck was in the book 244 times. I just find this hilarious. Driven by Desire… well is ALL about desire… There is alot of sex in the book so the spice is high. I really loved the VERY detailed trigger list. It was broken down by chapter and page. There is not really a plot, or storyline other than Lizzie building and failing at relationships.

Lizzie came from a childhood where her Ma left her at the age of 10. Her Pa worked all the time so she basically had to raise herself. She was bullied at school. When she graduated from high school, she left and never looked back. Lizzie does reconnect with her Ma and Pa and even finds out that she has siblings, Evie and Ethan. They all become a part of her life again.

Personally, I got bogged down in the book going through all of Lizzie’s relationships. I would have rated the book higher if the author had only included Charlie, who played a major impact in her life, and Johnny, who was Lizzie’s last relationship. The book would have flowed a lot smoother and faster. I normally am a speed reader, but it took me a while to read this book.

[E B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved. Once I started I was in and it was one that I read fast just wanting to know what was going to happen without missing any of the details. The continuity alongside Controlled by Desire was on point and built really nicely on its foundations. The story line was strong, plenty of spice and equally pulled your emotions in living the journey of self discovery and growth with Lizzy. It didn’t go unnoticed the hints of possibility to grow on the story and I hope we get another chance in the future to see where the lives of the OG “Desire” crew takes them! ❤️

[Michelle Pinci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved reading a book that is written so well that you imagine you are there present with the characters. Not only is this a delicious romantic novel but you go on a journey through the main character, Lizzy's, life experiences. Her family, friendships and love interests, all very realistic.

For me, I know its a great book, when I am easily taken in to the world and look forward to picking up the book at every spare moment.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jade Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Congrats Justina on an amazing book! I haven’t read many books that offer this type of timeline. I loved the experience of reading about Lizzie from age 18 right through to her late 20’s. Each snapshot into the years of her life in the book ultimately shows you the reason she is who she is. It was beautifully structured.
I did finish the book however wanting MORE! The clairvoyant’s reading has me very intrigued for what happens next for Lizzie!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Berlin Wick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone going through self discovery. Lizzie is finding her way through life after some childhood challenges, loss and we witness her growth into the woman she becomes.

The men that come into her life all bring something different and through her journey of self discovery she finds what she desires and ultimately what she needs. There is a lot of exploration and plenty of spice!

[Jodie Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...hard to put this book down once you start reading. I loved Justina's first book Controlled by Desire (The story of Charlie's self discovery) but Driven by Desire (The story of Charlie's best friend Lizzy) is next level. I loved the story of Lizzy in her journey of self discovery in life and love. Highly recommended.

[Melissa Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie has been trying to find her way in life after being abandoned by her mother. Her dad was away for work, so there was no one to rely on. Lizzie moves to New York to start fresh and go to college. Follow her journey through relationships and a found family.

I loved how each relationship brought something different and further insight towards healing Lizzie's abandonment issues. This book has all the feels AND spiciness!!! Definitely recommend!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional ride! The story follows Lizzie's journey of self discovery.

There are many time jumps as we follow her on this journey, seeing her exploring different relationships, and the lessons learnt from each one. We also see her navigating complicated relationships with family.

Each change helped her to find what (and who) she really wanted.

I enjoyed this. It was sweet and emotional, though spicy at times, too. A rollercoaster, but one you can't help but like!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My New favorite book 😍

This was amazing! 🥰 The spice!! 🥵

I love the story of Lizzie and Johnny. It was a nice and sweet read.

Johnny is the sweetest, and Lizzie getting along with Johnny's family. It almost had me tearing up!🥺❤️

[Julie Sabata · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. A woman figuring herself and her life out. A character that most people can recognize themselves in.

[FictionAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for it! Bravo Ms Staniforth!!!
Meeting Lizzie and Johnny in Controlled by Desire gave a little hint of their chemistry. But I couldn't imagine just how hooked I was going to be.
The storyline straps you in and takes you on one helluva ride, sweeping around the bends, and racing up and down the steep peaks of Lizzie's life.
Just when I was team *no spoilers so name withheld*, you introduced new book boyfriend and I was tugged in a different direction, firmly falling in love (or serious lust) with them. Dayyum!
And the spice... that was a whole 'nother level from book 1 in the standalone series. Hot, Hot, HOOOTTTTT :)
Can't wait for the next in the series!
5 ⭐
4.5 🌶️

[Brigitte Antunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop.

We first meet the main character as she graduates high school and leaves home for the first time. Lizzie is dealing with personal abandonment issues and basically goes on a journey of self discovery that spans several decades and we're there for the ride.

I loved this story! I couldn't help wanting to know where the story led to next.

Heartwarming with aventure and spice.

[Luvleepati · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Lizzie was abandoned from a young age, when she was 10 her mother left and although her father was there, he wasn’t present. She spent years being bullied and after graduation she decided to just leave and start fresh somewhere else. She finds a found family and along the way makes a lot of friends, Lizzie grew with each relationship she made from friends and lovers and that just made her stronger, but she eventually finds her HEA. This book has a lot of emotions and o the spice, I recommend this book, it was really good.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book this was omg I loved this story a lot and so many emotions and made me feel so hot!! I couldn't stop reading this book. I need more books like this. It's a 5 stars of course. An amazing author and need to read more books by this author.

[Justina Staniforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello beautiful readers,
Welcome to Lizzie and Johnny’s story. Get ready for a rollercoaster of self discovery, exploration and the whirlwind of lust, desire and love!
I hope you enjoy these characters as much as I do xx