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Driven
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26From an exciting new talent, Driven is a fast-paced, slow-burn romance, perfect for fans of Liz Tomforde and Lauren Asher.
Gianna Brooks races to win, even if it means risking everything ...
Love and death are two of the most powerful forces on earth. For Gianna, who puts her life on the line street-racing cars in the tropical town of Booker Bay, they go hand in hand.
When her father dies, Gianna relies heavily on her brother Jace and his best friend Ryker Edwards. In her first year of college, she is trying not to love Ryker, who is trying not to love her back. But some attractions are irresistible ...
Cut to four years later and Jace is gone. And the only person with any information on his death has left Booker Bay. With Ryker's disappearance, Gianna is bereft. The only thing that makes her feel alive is racing her brother's grey Mustang. She's determined to fulfil Jace's dream by saving up enough money to buy the local speedway. The races are illegal, but the money is big. They're worth the risk ... aren't they?
Gianna is on track to achieve her dream - and then Ryker Edwards returns. He may be back in her life, but Gianna is determined not to let him back in her heart. All she needs from him are answers about her brother's death. Except it turns out that irresistible attractions can simmer for years, and when Gianna becomes aware of some dodgy dealings in Booker Bay, it's not just her heart that is on the line.
Packed with adrenaline, desire and speed, Driven is breathless, sexy and impossible to put down. It will make you want to race to the end ... but also hope it will never end!
Gianna Brooks races to win, even if it means risking everything ...
Love and death are two of the most powerful forces on earth. For Gianna, who puts her life on the line street-racing cars in the tropical town of Booker Bay, they go hand in hand.
When her father dies, Gianna relies heavily on her brother Jace and his best friend Ryker Edwards. In her first year of college, she is trying not to love Ryker, who is trying not to love her back. But some attractions are irresistible ...
Cut to four years later and Jace is gone. And the only person with any information on his death has left Booker Bay. With Ryker's disappearance, Gianna is bereft. The only thing that makes her feel alive is racing her brother's grey Mustang. She's determined to fulfil Jace's dream by saving up enough money to buy the local speedway. The races are illegal, but the money is big. They're worth the risk ... aren't they?
Gianna is on track to achieve her dream - and then Ryker Edwards returns. He may be back in her life, but Gianna is determined not to let him back in her heart. All she needs from him are answers about her brother's death. Except it turns out that irresistible attractions can simmer for years, and when Gianna becomes aware of some dodgy dealings in Booker Bay, it's not just her heart that is on the line.
Packed with adrenaline, desire and speed, Driven is breathless, sexy and impossible to put down. It will make you want to race to the end ... but also hope it will never end!
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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April 11, 2026Okay, suspense romance, I see you.
If you're a fan of Catherine Cowles and Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry, you are going to absolutely devour this!! It's a street racing romance, set across two timelines, with the same suspense element linking the past and present.
Ryker, you little flirt. omg. Talk about a possessive man. wow. And Gia, my racing queen. Love how she achieved so much on her own, while struggling through so much. The perfect chaotic pair, I love them.
If you're a fan of Catherine Cowles and Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry, you are going to absolutely devour this!! It's a street racing romance, set across two timelines, with the same suspense element linking the past and present.
Ryker, you little flirt. omg. Talk about a possessive man. wow. And Gia, my racing queen. Love how she achieved so much on her own, while struggling through so much. The perfect chaotic pair, I love them.
March 25, 2026
Brother’s best friend + street racing + past/present tension? Say less
Driven had me hooked on the adrenaline, the hilarious one liners and THAT slow burn payoff… worth every waiting second 🥵 🎨
“hey little suspect, missed me?”
Still confused as to how this is a DEBUT NOVEL?! and if this is the starting line, I’m already seated for whatever comes next 🫶🏼
Full review to come!
Driven had me hooked on the adrenaline, the hilarious one liners and THAT slow burn payoff… worth every waiting second 🥵 🎨
“hey little suspect, missed me?”
Still confused as to how this is a DEBUT NOVEL?! and if this is the starting line, I’m already seated for whatever comes next 🫶🏼
Full review to come!
April 3, 2026
Thank you to Emma J. Warrender, Hachette AU/NZ, and NetGalley for the eARC. ❤️
What a debut!! Driven was unlike anything I’ve read lately. The atmospheric, small-town setting combined with Need for Speed Underground energy, and the cinematic drama of Fast and Furious made for such an entertaining read.
Gianna was such a badass and so easy to root for. I loved watching her find her place in that world to feel closer to her brother and dad, despite the hurt it has caused.
Ryker had me from the moment he appeared back in Gianna’s life, but especially from the moment with the bully (hot). It’s a slowwwww burn with ultimate yearning that you can feel from page one. When they finally give in…yeah… 🥵 The paper and the painting scene 🥹 but also 🥵
I really liked that the book touched on the different ways the characters carried their grief, and the conflict between the guys as well as Gia and her mum added weight to the story without dragging the pace.
Jace’s death…I knew it was coming but not like that. Unhinged behaviour.
Also, hurting and scaring Chuckie? Hurting a human is one thing, but bringing the dog into it?? No. Truly unacceptable. 💔
I can’t wait to see what Emma writes next. I am really hoping for a Renny and Monique book in the future, maybe Tyler and Chloe too?? 👀
What a debut!! Driven was unlike anything I’ve read lately. The atmospheric, small-town setting combined with Need for Speed Underground energy, and the cinematic drama of Fast and Furious made for such an entertaining read.
Gianna was such a badass and so easy to root for. I loved watching her find her place in that world to feel closer to her brother and dad, despite the hurt it has caused.
Ryker had me from the moment he appeared back in Gianna’s life, but especially from the moment with the bully (hot). It’s a slowwwww burn with ultimate yearning that you can feel from page one. When they finally give in…yeah… 🥵 The paper and the painting scene 🥹 but also 🥵
I really liked that the book touched on the different ways the characters carried their grief, and the conflict between the guys as well as Gia and her mum added weight to the story without dragging the pace.
Jace’s death…I knew it was coming but not like that. Unhinged behaviour.
Also, hurting and scaring Chuckie? Hurting a human is one thing, but bringing the dog into it?? No. Truly unacceptable. 💔
I can’t wait to see what Emma writes next. I am really hoping for a Renny and Monique book in the future, maybe Tyler and Chloe too?? 👀
March 24, 2026
Did I stay up until 1:30am to finish this? Why yes I did. Not only do you get a satisfying hot brother’s best friend romance but it is filled with SO MUCH MORE. You have everything from yearning to dealing with grief, it is such an all round read.
You get cars, mechanical terms and a bit of rush because what do you mean we’re about to uncover ALL THAT?
If you’re into F1, you bet you’re gonna get easter eggs littered throughout.
The romance had me gasping for air, that’s right I’m talking about you CHAPTER 21!!!
I love Gianna Brooks and so will you. This badass gal will steal your heart along with Ryker’s and rightfully so. She’s hardheaded, talented and a Filo baddie. What more can I say? She can work on my car any day of the week babyyyyyyyy
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy, will literally cherish it for life 🙌🏻
You get cars, mechanical terms and a bit of rush because what do you mean we’re about to uncover ALL THAT?
If you’re into F1, you bet you’re gonna get easter eggs littered throughout.
The romance had me gasping for air, that’s right I’m talking about you CHAPTER 21!!!
I love Gianna Brooks and so will you. This badass gal will steal your heart along with Ryker’s and rightfully so. She’s hardheaded, talented and a Filo baddie. What more can I say? She can work on my car any day of the week babyyyyyyyy
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy, will literally cherish it for life 🙌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Hachette for the proof copy!
It’s been a while since I’ve devoured a book in one sitting, but that’s exactly what happened when I picked up Driven. From the first chapter we're full-speeding into the story, thrust into illegal races and confronting characters that will have you on the edge of your seat with nothing more than a look. Buckle up, because this high-octane romance is about to set your heart on fire.
Our story follows Gianna Brooks, a young woman who secretly competes in illegal street races, and Ryker Edwards, her former flame who is back in town after disappearing for four years when his best friend (and her brother) died. Over the course of the story, we see the push and pull as they battle the spark between them that never died, while also uncovering the truth behind buried secrets and mysteries surrounding the accident four years ago.
Not only does this book have dual POV, but it also has dual timelines, and the contrast between them is delicious. The flashbacks are set four years ago, and in them we see a much softer version of our protagonists that prompts so many questions about what happened to change their dynamic so drastically in the present. It’s piecing the puzzle together as the story goes on that keeps you invested in the plot and characters, and every twist or reveal had me clawing for the next chapter. I love that we get to experience two different versions of Ryker in particular, since he goes from being very kind and swoony to this dark, secretive badass (who, let’s face it, oozes sex appeal). I really can't blame Gia for falling for the man twice. Hot damn. And Gia herself has a glow-up, fully embracing her risk-taking side, and gaining confidence both as a person and behind the wheel. I adored how their relationship almost parallels itself; in the past, it’s Ryker who encourages Gianna to be more adventurous and fun, but in the present, Gianna is the one reminding Ryker to let loose every now and again. They’re so much more than the ‘brother’s best friend’ trope, and through the shared pain and wild sides, you can see that they really belong together.
There are so many scenes that made me smile or squeal or kick my feet, it’s impossible to pick favourites. Though honourable mentions to playful first kisses at the car wash and driving lessons on a fenced-off speedway. This book delightfully balances fluffy romance and dark romance, with the flashbacks bringing that lighter side and the present chapters bringing the heat. The author really makes you work for the spice in this one, but when it arrives, it DELIVERS. The bathroom scene? The car? The ART ROOM?? I'll never look at paint the same way again. Watching the MMC evolve from a softie who says things like “You can have all the hugs you want" to a baddie who ‘breaks into’ his love’s house and says "And the thing is, when she calls, I come" is the best kind of insanity. I lost my mind. Tipping my hat to you, Ryker “My love for you is unhinged" Edwards.
Even the side characters in Driven tugged at my heartstrings. Monique is your classic hype-girl best friend, the boys are jokesters without being misogynistic (slay), Chuckie is the bestest boy to ever grace a page, and if Mr Fernando doesn’t sit me down and give me a life lesson disguised as a story at some point, I’ll cry. Booker Bay, despite its dangers and tense rivalries, is depicted in such a way that it feels like coming home whenever we’re wandering the streets with the characters. I’ve found that it’s rare for a contemporary romance to have such strong worldbuilding, but Driven really hits it out of the park, and if the Tropics were real I’d be on the next train to Booker Bay to watch the races.
This debut is one of the strongest books I’ve read in eons and is certainly my new favourite read of the year! Emma J. Warrender deserves to be as beloved as all the best romance writers, and has quickly earned herself a spot amongst my favourites like Ana Huang and Ali Hazelwood. She has such a fun writing style and gives both Ryker and Gianna unique voices, allowing readers to experience the story through two very different lenses, but both equally as thrilling. I cannot wait to see what happens in Booker Bay next, and will be rereading Driven until a sequel speeds into the world!
It’s been a while since I’ve devoured a book in one sitting, but that’s exactly what happened when I picked up Driven. From the first chapter we're full-speeding into the story, thrust into illegal races and confronting characters that will have you on the edge of your seat with nothing more than a look. Buckle up, because this high-octane romance is about to set your heart on fire.
Our story follows Gianna Brooks, a young woman who secretly competes in illegal street races, and Ryker Edwards, her former flame who is back in town after disappearing for four years when his best friend (and her brother) died. Over the course of the story, we see the push and pull as they battle the spark between them that never died, while also uncovering the truth behind buried secrets and mysteries surrounding the accident four years ago.
Not only does this book have dual POV, but it also has dual timelines, and the contrast between them is delicious. The flashbacks are set four years ago, and in them we see a much softer version of our protagonists that prompts so many questions about what happened to change their dynamic so drastically in the present. It’s piecing the puzzle together as the story goes on that keeps you invested in the plot and characters, and every twist or reveal had me clawing for the next chapter. I love that we get to experience two different versions of Ryker in particular, since he goes from being very kind and swoony to this dark, secretive badass (who, let’s face it, oozes sex appeal). I really can't blame Gia for falling for the man twice. Hot damn. And Gia herself has a glow-up, fully embracing her risk-taking side, and gaining confidence both as a person and behind the wheel. I adored how their relationship almost parallels itself; in the past, it’s Ryker who encourages Gianna to be more adventurous and fun, but in the present, Gianna is the one reminding Ryker to let loose every now and again. They’re so much more than the ‘brother’s best friend’ trope, and through the shared pain and wild sides, you can see that they really belong together.
There are so many scenes that made me smile or squeal or kick my feet, it’s impossible to pick favourites. Though honourable mentions to playful first kisses at the car wash and driving lessons on a fenced-off speedway. This book delightfully balances fluffy romance and dark romance, with the flashbacks bringing that lighter side and the present chapters bringing the heat. The author really makes you work for the spice in this one, but when it arrives, it DELIVERS. The bathroom scene? The car? The ART ROOM?? I'll never look at paint the same way again. Watching the MMC evolve from a softie who says things like “You can have all the hugs you want" to a baddie who ‘breaks into’ his love’s house and says "And the thing is, when she calls, I come" is the best kind of insanity. I lost my mind. Tipping my hat to you, Ryker “My love for you is unhinged" Edwards.
Even the side characters in Driven tugged at my heartstrings. Monique is your classic hype-girl best friend, the boys are jokesters without being misogynistic (slay), Chuckie is the bestest boy to ever grace a page, and if Mr Fernando doesn’t sit me down and give me a life lesson disguised as a story at some point, I’ll cry. Booker Bay, despite its dangers and tense rivalries, is depicted in such a way that it feels like coming home whenever we’re wandering the streets with the characters. I’ve found that it’s rare for a contemporary romance to have such strong worldbuilding, but Driven really hits it out of the park, and if the Tropics were real I’d be on the next train to Booker Bay to watch the races.
This debut is one of the strongest books I’ve read in eons and is certainly my new favourite read of the year! Emma J. Warrender deserves to be as beloved as all the best romance writers, and has quickly earned herself a spot amongst my favourites like Ana Huang and Ali Hazelwood. She has such a fun writing style and gives both Ryker and Gianna unique voices, allowing readers to experience the story through two very different lenses, but both equally as thrilling. I cannot wait to see what happens in Booker Bay next, and will be rereading Driven until a sequel speeds into the world!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
'You have me. All of me. And I'll let you take me into the darkness, because I'll always show you the light.'
This book completely consumed me. I picked it up expecting a fun romance with street racing vibes and suddenly I was staying up way too late because I physically could not put it down. The tension, the chemistry, the mystery running through the story… it all worked so well together and had me hooked from the beginning.
Tropes / features:
• Best friend’s brother
• It’s always been her
• Street racing
• Slow burn romance
• Protective MMC
• Dual timeline
• Dual POV
Ryker Edwards absolutely had me in a chokehold. Protective, tattooed, motorbike-riding and carrying that perfect mix of dangerous and caring energy that romance readers love. He has this intense presence where you just know he would do absolutely anything for Gianna, and every scene with him had me completely invested. The way he loves her feels consuming without losing that softer side underneath it all, and honestly he completely made this book for me.
I also really loved the emotional depth in this story. The grief over losing Jace sits at the centre of everything and you can feel how deeply it has affected all of the characters and their choices. The revenge aspect running through the story added so much tension as Ryker, Renny and Tyler have spent years trying to track down the person connected to Jace’s death, especially with the constant taunts that keep dragging everything back to the surface. It gave the story this darker edge that balanced so well with the romance and made the whole plot feel addictive.
The dual timeline and dual POV worked perfectly for this story because you slowly piece everything together alongside the characters. Every reveal felt intentional and it kept me wanting 'just one more chapter' the entire time.
And the spice?? SO good. I read a lot of romance and sometimes spicy scenes can start to feel repetitive, but these scenes felt completely unique to Ryker and Gianna. The chemistry felt earned because of the slow burn and the scenes themselves were emotional, addictive and genuinely exciting to read. Nothing felt overdone or thrown in for shock value — it felt completely true to the characters and their relationship.
I also loved the street racing atmosphere woven throughout the book. It added this adrenaline-filled intensity to everything while still keeping the emotional side of the story front and centre.
Such an impressive debut from Emma J Warrender and I genuinely cannot wait to read whatever she writes next. If you love emotionally intense romances with addictive tension, protective men with soft spots, mystery, revenge, fast cars and a romance that feels inevitable from the start, definitely add this one to your TBR.
This book completely consumed me. I picked it up expecting a fun romance with street racing vibes and suddenly I was staying up way too late because I physically could not put it down. The tension, the chemistry, the mystery running through the story… it all worked so well together and had me hooked from the beginning.
Tropes / features:
• Best friend’s brother
• It’s always been her
• Street racing
• Slow burn romance
• Protective MMC
• Dual timeline
• Dual POV
Ryker Edwards absolutely had me in a chokehold. Protective, tattooed, motorbike-riding and carrying that perfect mix of dangerous and caring energy that romance readers love. He has this intense presence where you just know he would do absolutely anything for Gianna, and every scene with him had me completely invested. The way he loves her feels consuming without losing that softer side underneath it all, and honestly he completely made this book for me.
I also really loved the emotional depth in this story. The grief over losing Jace sits at the centre of everything and you can feel how deeply it has affected all of the characters and their choices. The revenge aspect running through the story added so much tension as Ryker, Renny and Tyler have spent years trying to track down the person connected to Jace’s death, especially with the constant taunts that keep dragging everything back to the surface. It gave the story this darker edge that balanced so well with the romance and made the whole plot feel addictive.
The dual timeline and dual POV worked perfectly for this story because you slowly piece everything together alongside the characters. Every reveal felt intentional and it kept me wanting 'just one more chapter' the entire time.
And the spice?? SO good. I read a lot of romance and sometimes spicy scenes can start to feel repetitive, but these scenes felt completely unique to Ryker and Gianna. The chemistry felt earned because of the slow burn and the scenes themselves were emotional, addictive and genuinely exciting to read. Nothing felt overdone or thrown in for shock value — it felt completely true to the characters and their relationship.
I also loved the street racing atmosphere woven throughout the book. It added this adrenaline-filled intensity to everything while still keeping the emotional side of the story front and centre.
Such an impressive debut from Emma J Warrender and I genuinely cannot wait to read whatever she writes next. If you love emotionally intense romances with addictive tension, protective men with soft spots, mystery, revenge, fast cars and a romance that feels inevitable from the start, definitely add this one to your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a reflective, heart-breaking and steamy read that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. I was nervous to begin this as it is marketed as being a book centred on racing and so I assumed that there would be a lot of car talk – but I was pleasantly surprised by how digestible everything was! It was really easy to follow & the plot had that perfect blend of steamy romance & an emotionally turbulent storyline. For a debut novel I was truly swept off my feet and I could not put this book down for even a second, I devoured it in one sitting.
I felt absolutely everything reading this book. Ryker made me laugh consistently throughout with his hilarious one-liners. Gianna’s softness made my heart melt but her equally stubborn nature made me feel seen! Jace’s story genuinely made me cry especially during the climax of this story – the prose and description made emotional moments hit so much harder every time, I love when an author shows rather than tells emotions. All the side characters were also written and created so exceptionally well. I LOVED Monique and her undying loyalty & friendship with Gianna; we all need a Monique. I also ADORED the dynamic between Ryker, Tyler and Renny they made me laugh so much whilst reading. Its these character relationships that are fleshed out beautifully that truly make a reading experience for me.
Gianna is a strong-willed, fearless, sassy & unapologetically independent FMC – that is all to say it’s equally balanced with her softness & femininity. I loved the fact that she was dominating the racing scene in Booker Bay and that she didn’t stop believing in what she wanted. Even though she lost herself along the way, she found her way back to herself. Her journey was an extremely emotional ride, she had so much loss in her life that it is a wonder that she managed to get through it all. But the fact that she did is a testament to her strength.
And oh god Ryker? I could NOT get enough of him. I understood Gianna wholeheartedly because I too would be obsessed. From the get-go he is obsessed with her and isn’t afraid to show it whatsoever. There just something about a tattooed, cocky, sarcastic, emotionally intelligent & funny MMC who would burn the world for the FMC that just does it for me! Like give me 10 books with this exact man and I will eat it up every. Single. Time. Their chemistry was ABSOLUTELY INSANE, every back and forth between them was DELECTABLE I could not tear my eyes away from the page whenever they were together.
Also, this book felt like how 80s music feels? I don’t know if that makes sense but Thought I’d died and Gone to Heaven by Bryan Adams & Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen was on a loop in my mind as I was reading.
I will be reading whatever Emma J. Warrender writes from now on and if I am correct Tyler & Renny’s story is still to come. So, I will be SAT.
I felt absolutely everything reading this book. Ryker made me laugh consistently throughout with his hilarious one-liners. Gianna’s softness made my heart melt but her equally stubborn nature made me feel seen! Jace’s story genuinely made me cry especially during the climax of this story – the prose and description made emotional moments hit so much harder every time, I love when an author shows rather than tells emotions. All the side characters were also written and created so exceptionally well. I LOVED Monique and her undying loyalty & friendship with Gianna; we all need a Monique. I also ADORED the dynamic between Ryker, Tyler and Renny they made me laugh so much whilst reading. Its these character relationships that are fleshed out beautifully that truly make a reading experience for me.
Gianna is a strong-willed, fearless, sassy & unapologetically independent FMC – that is all to say it’s equally balanced with her softness & femininity. I loved the fact that she was dominating the racing scene in Booker Bay and that she didn’t stop believing in what she wanted. Even though she lost herself along the way, she found her way back to herself. Her journey was an extremely emotional ride, she had so much loss in her life that it is a wonder that she managed to get through it all. But the fact that she did is a testament to her strength.
And oh god Ryker? I could NOT get enough of him. I understood Gianna wholeheartedly because I too would be obsessed. From the get-go he is obsessed with her and isn’t afraid to show it whatsoever. There just something about a tattooed, cocky, sarcastic, emotionally intelligent & funny MMC who would burn the world for the FMC that just does it for me! Like give me 10 books with this exact man and I will eat it up every. Single. Time. Their chemistry was ABSOLUTELY INSANE, every back and forth between them was DELECTABLE I could not tear my eyes away from the page whenever they were together.
Also, this book felt like how 80s music feels? I don’t know if that makes sense but Thought I’d died and Gone to Heaven by Bryan Adams & Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen was on a loop in my mind as I was reading.
I will be reading whatever Emma J. Warrender writes from now on and if I am correct Tyler & Renny’s story is still to come. So, I will be SAT.
May 9, 2026
Driven was such a different read for me. I’ve never really read a romance centred around street racing before, and that alone made the story feel fresh and interesting. It had this gritty, fast-paced energy where something was constantly happening around every corner, which definitely kept me engaged.
One thing I always love in books is a dual timeline, and this one really used that structure well. The flashbacks added so much tension because you’re constantly trying to piece together what drove Gianna and Ryker apart, while also slowly uncovering what happened to Gianna’s brother. There’s this constant sense of anticipation hanging over the story, and I genuinely think that mystery element was one of the strongest parts of the book.
I will say, I didn’t always love Gianna in the flashbacks, but she was clearly just a kid trying to navigate everything happening around her, so it didn’t bother me too much. Interestingly, I actually found the chemistry between Gianna and Ryker much stronger in the past timeline than in the present. Their younger selves had all the tension, emotion, and longing that kept me invested. In the present-day storyline, though, their relationship felt flatter to me. Ryker clearly loved her and was fighting for her back, but something about it just didn’t fully land emotionally.
I also struggled a little with Ryker’s “bad boy” persona. I never quite understood where that shift came from. In the flashbacks he was more of the golden hot guy next door, so the transition didn’t completely sell for me.
Honestly, once the truth about Gianna’s brother was revealed, I found myself losing a bit of interest because that mystery had become the emotional climax of the story for me, even though there was still a lot left to happen afterwards.
My favourite character by far was Chuckie. I was fully prepared to throw fists for that guy (🤭). Absolute sweetheart. And then reading the acknowledgements afterwards genuinely had me tearing up 😭 iykyk
Overall, this probably just wasn’t fully my kind of romance, but I can absolutely see why people would love it. It felt a little like a modern-day romance version of The Outsiders, with the found family, danger, and emotional tension woven throughout. Even though it didn’t completely work for me personally, I’m still glad I read it because it felt refreshing and different from a lot of romances I’ve picked up lately.
Thank you so much to Netgallery and Hachette for allowing me to read this one early.
One thing I always love in books is a dual timeline, and this one really used that structure well. The flashbacks added so much tension because you’re constantly trying to piece together what drove Gianna and Ryker apart, while also slowly uncovering what happened to Gianna’s brother. There’s this constant sense of anticipation hanging over the story, and I genuinely think that mystery element was one of the strongest parts of the book.
I will say, I didn’t always love Gianna in the flashbacks, but she was clearly just a kid trying to navigate everything happening around her, so it didn’t bother me too much. Interestingly, I actually found the chemistry between Gianna and Ryker much stronger in the past timeline than in the present. Their younger selves had all the tension, emotion, and longing that kept me invested. In the present-day storyline, though, their relationship felt flatter to me. Ryker clearly loved her and was fighting for her back, but something about it just didn’t fully land emotionally.
I also struggled a little with Ryker’s “bad boy” persona. I never quite understood where that shift came from. In the flashbacks he was more of the golden hot guy next door, so the transition didn’t completely sell for me.
Honestly, once the truth about Gianna’s brother was revealed, I found myself losing a bit of interest because that mystery had become the emotional climax of the story for me, even though there was still a lot left to happen afterwards.
My favourite character by far was Chuckie. I was fully prepared to throw fists for that guy (🤭). Absolute sweetheart. And then reading the acknowledgements afterwards genuinely had me tearing up 😭 iykyk
Overall, this probably just wasn’t fully my kind of romance, but I can absolutely see why people would love it. It felt a little like a modern-day romance version of The Outsiders, with the found family, danger, and emotional tension woven throughout. Even though it didn’t completely work for me personally, I’m still glad I read it because it felt refreshing and different from a lot of romances I’ve picked up lately.
Thank you so much to Netgallery and Hachette for allowing me to read this one early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review - 4.75 stars 🤩
Thank you Emma J. Warrender, Hachette Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this absolutely amazing romance!
Street racing, brother’s best friend, suspense and yearning for dayssss. Driven is a fast-paced, tension filled romance that’s giving Fast & Furious vibes - I loved the combo street racing, found family, banter and awesome cars.
I cannot even fathom that this is a debut! Emma’s writing is so engaging to the point where I was flying through the book much faster than I even realised I was reading. The switches between the present and flashbacks of the past were well placed, allowing the plot to be unveiled piece by piece and gave me so many opportunities to theorise about what happened to Jace and delve deeper into the mindsets and emotions of Gianna and Ryker. While I did piece together the mystery plot twist, Emma did a fantastic job and revealing it in a suspenseful way that had my heart pounding. For a second there, I even thought the book might end of a cliffhanger with how much was happening in the last 10% 😵🤯
The romance between Gianna and Ryker was beyond delicious. It was giving a combo of forbidden romance, second chance and slow burn in all the right ways. The tension and the yearning was off the charts and Ryker absolutely gives all the green flags - I mean, if you can count possessiveness to the point of touch her and d!e attitude as a green flag (I do!) hehe 😍
I really loved all the wise little one liners throughout the book - talking about you Mr F, Gianna and Ryker 🙌🏻 it really gives you a moment to pause and reflect on aspects of your life that have been a ‘what if’ instead of a ‘remember when’. This book truly emphasises the need to be in the present, look forward and hold onto the things that bring you joy in life - a reminder I think we all need from time to time.
I definitely spotted a few potential Easter eggs for interconnected standalones and would really love to see Emma stay in the same world and explore romances of some of the side characters we’ve just been introduced to (and maybe a few new animal sidekicks too 🤞🏻🫶🏻
Thank you Emma J. Warrender, Hachette Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this absolutely amazing romance!
Street racing, brother’s best friend, suspense and yearning for dayssss. Driven is a fast-paced, tension filled romance that’s giving Fast & Furious vibes - I loved the combo street racing, found family, banter and awesome cars.
I cannot even fathom that this is a debut! Emma’s writing is so engaging to the point where I was flying through the book much faster than I even realised I was reading. The switches between the present and flashbacks of the past were well placed, allowing the plot to be unveiled piece by piece and gave me so many opportunities to theorise about what happened to Jace and delve deeper into the mindsets and emotions of Gianna and Ryker. While I did piece together the mystery plot twist, Emma did a fantastic job and revealing it in a suspenseful way that had my heart pounding. For a second there, I even thought the book might end of a cliffhanger with how much was happening in the last 10% 😵🤯
The romance between Gianna and Ryker was beyond delicious. It was giving a combo of forbidden romance, second chance and slow burn in all the right ways. The tension and the yearning was off the charts and Ryker absolutely gives all the green flags - I mean, if you can count possessiveness to the point of touch her and d!e attitude as a green flag (I do!) hehe 😍
I really loved all the wise little one liners throughout the book - talking about you Mr F, Gianna and Ryker 🙌🏻 it really gives you a moment to pause and reflect on aspects of your life that have been a ‘what if’ instead of a ‘remember when’. This book truly emphasises the need to be in the present, look forward and hold onto the things that bring you joy in life - a reminder I think we all need from time to time.
I definitely spotted a few potential Easter eggs for interconnected standalones and would really love to see Emma stay in the same world and explore romances of some of the side characters we’ve just been introduced to (and maybe a few new animal sidekicks too 🤞🏻🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Emma, @hachetteaus, and @netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read this one early!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel… wow, wow, wowwww.
As a girlie who, at sixteen, had a car obsessed boyfriend, watching Fast and the Furious and playing Forza (badly) on Xbox was one of my favourite things to do together. So the premise of this book felt incredibly nostalgic, with its subtle Fast and the Furious vibes and brother’s best friend trope.
I loved Gianna right from the start. She’s such a strong, take-care-of-business FMC while still being feminine, kind, and funny.
And Ryker… I loved the way he crashed (almost literally) back into her life. The way he handled the showdown with mean girl Hayley is one of those scenes I keep replaying in my head, because hot 🔥 He’s also incredibly funny and sarcastic at times, which I always think balances a bad boy perfectly.
The racing scenes were so well written, never too descriptive or overdone, and I found them really easy to follow. Could I learn to drift from a book? Maybe 🤷🏼♀️😅
This is more of a slow burn, but the tension is there in every moment Gia and Ryker are on the page together… and when they finally get together, it’s absolutely worth the wait 🎆🧨
Beneath the romance, there’s also the grief of Gia losing her brother and the mystery of what really happened… 👀 which adds a whole extra layer of tension to the story.
The ending felt so cinematic - like something that belongs on the big screen, or better yet, in a 20+ episode CW series (if we could just go back to 2009 for a second).
I also loved all the supporting characters - CHUCKIE, my love 🐾🫶🏼 plus Monique, Renny, Tyler, Jace, and Chloe 👏🏼 I am so invested in a potential book two to continue their story…
If you love brother’s best friend, racing vibes, slow burns and it’s always been her 🥹… add this to your TBR! COMING JULY 2026
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Brother’s best friend
🛐 It’s always been her
❤️🩹 Found family
🏁 Street Facing
🎡 Corrupt Smalltown
I cannot believe this is a debut novel… wow, wow, wowwww.
As a girlie who, at sixteen, had a car obsessed boyfriend, watching Fast and the Furious and playing Forza (badly) on Xbox was one of my favourite things to do together. So the premise of this book felt incredibly nostalgic, with its subtle Fast and the Furious vibes and brother’s best friend trope.
I loved Gianna right from the start. She’s such a strong, take-care-of-business FMC while still being feminine, kind, and funny.
And Ryker… I loved the way he crashed (almost literally) back into her life. The way he handled the showdown with mean girl Hayley is one of those scenes I keep replaying in my head, because hot 🔥 He’s also incredibly funny and sarcastic at times, which I always think balances a bad boy perfectly.
The racing scenes were so well written, never too descriptive or overdone, and I found them really easy to follow. Could I learn to drift from a book? Maybe 🤷🏼♀️😅
This is more of a slow burn, but the tension is there in every moment Gia and Ryker are on the page together… and when they finally get together, it’s absolutely worth the wait 🎆🧨
Beneath the romance, there’s also the grief of Gia losing her brother and the mystery of what really happened… 👀 which adds a whole extra layer of tension to the story.
The ending felt so cinematic - like something that belongs on the big screen, or better yet, in a 20+ episode CW series (if we could just go back to 2009 for a second).
I also loved all the supporting characters - CHUCKIE, my love 🐾🫶🏼 plus Monique, Renny, Tyler, Jace, and Chloe 👏🏼 I am so invested in a potential book two to continue their story…
If you love brother’s best friend, racing vibes, slow burns and it’s always been her 🥹… add this to your TBR! COMING JULY 2026
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Brother’s best friend
🛐 It’s always been her
❤️🩹 Found family
🏁 Street Facing
🎡 Corrupt Smalltown
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
if fast and furious and the devils night series had a baby… this would be their beautiful child 🏁💜
as someone who grew up watching the fast and furious movies and falling in love with the whole universe as well as reading dark romance like the devils night series this book gave me the perfect feeling of both.
the way I completely devoured this should be studied. the characters were so relatable, the plot was paced so beautifully and I loved the past and present tense timelines it just added so much depth to the connection between Gianna and Ryker.
Gianna, was the perfect FMC. I loved being in her mind. She went through so much and she did it all with her head held high.
Ryker, oh myyy oh my… another biker boy who had me at hello.
I felt their chemistry throughout the pages, it was consuming, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one.
The mystery being discovered in this book had me literally flipping the pages to find out what happened. I loved the small town vibes, the suspense, the masks… everything was tied so well together. The fact that this was a debut novel, makes me so excited to read what Emma has in store for us next (which I’m hoping is a second book in this series 👀👀 that’s right Emma, I picked up some hints, I’m onto youuuu)
🏁 Brother’s best friend
🏁 Slow Burn
🏁 Dual POV
🏁 Corrupt small town
🏁 Mystery & suspense
🏁 Street racing
🏁 Touch her & you die
& of course the most delicious spiceeee
This book will consume you in the best way possible, the book may have been about street racing but I left feeling like it touched a part of my soul. It was so much more to me than just that, at its core it was about choosing yourself, overcoming grief and following your dreams. As someone who is currently overcoming grief, this really hit my soul at the perfect time.
Thank you Hachette for sending me an early copy for an honest review & starting my obsession Booker Bay 💜
Mark your calendars, July 2026, I’ll see you at the starting line and I’ll bet with X that this will be your next obsessionnnn
as someone who grew up watching the fast and furious movies and falling in love with the whole universe as well as reading dark romance like the devils night series this book gave me the perfect feeling of both.
the way I completely devoured this should be studied. the characters were so relatable, the plot was paced so beautifully and I loved the past and present tense timelines it just added so much depth to the connection between Gianna and Ryker.
Gianna, was the perfect FMC. I loved being in her mind. She went through so much and she did it all with her head held high.
Ryker, oh myyy oh my… another biker boy who had me at hello.
I felt their chemistry throughout the pages, it was consuming, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one.
The mystery being discovered in this book had me literally flipping the pages to find out what happened. I loved the small town vibes, the suspense, the masks… everything was tied so well together. The fact that this was a debut novel, makes me so excited to read what Emma has in store for us next (which I’m hoping is a second book in this series 👀👀 that’s right Emma, I picked up some hints, I’m onto youuuu)
🏁 Brother’s best friend
🏁 Slow Burn
🏁 Dual POV
🏁 Corrupt small town
🏁 Mystery & suspense
🏁 Street racing
🏁 Touch her & you die
& of course the most delicious spiceeee
This book will consume you in the best way possible, the book may have been about street racing but I left feeling like it touched a part of my soul. It was so much more to me than just that, at its core it was about choosing yourself, overcoming grief and following your dreams. As someone who is currently overcoming grief, this really hit my soul at the perfect time.
Thank you Hachette for sending me an early copy for an honest review & starting my obsession Booker Bay 💜
Mark your calendars, July 2026, I’ll see you at the starting line and I’ll bet with X that this will be your next obsessionnnn
March 29, 2026
It’s not often a debut novel grabs me so strongly from the first chapter, but Driven had me completely riveted by its gritty, high-octane energy. Emma J. Warrender has managed to blend the adrenaline of a Fast and Furious street race with the atmospheric, small-town suspense you’d expect from someone like Catherine Cowles, and the result is a story that feels both fast-paced and deeply felt.
I was rooting for FMC Gianna from the jump. She is such a fiery, capable character, and seeing a woman hold her own in the illegal street-racing circuit of Booker Bay was incredibly refreshing. There’s a specific kind of toughness she has, born from grief, that makes her quest to save the local speedway feel like so much more than just a financial goal. She’s carrying a lot of ghosts in that grey Mustang, and you feel every bit of that weight.
The arrival of the dark and mysterious Ryker really sets the tension alight. The yearning between these two is the kind of slow-burn torture that romance readers live for. Because the story is told across dual timelines, we get to see the "before"; that college-era attraction they tried so hard to fight, which makes the present-day stakes feel so much heavier. While jumping between the past and present can sometimes get a bit messy, it really worked here to draw out the mystery storyline. It turned the book into a proper page-turner where I was just as invested in the "whodunnit" as I was in the "will-they-won’t-they."
The supporting cast is also a massive win; the world feels lived-in and layered, and I’m already crossing my fingers that we’ll get more stories from Booker Bay. Plus, I have to give a shout-out to Chuckie, who is easily the best furry friend a girl could have while navigating a dangerous criminal underworld.
It’s a sexy, breathless read that manages to be both a high-stakes thriller and a tender second-chance romance. I left this one feeling thoroughly impressed by Warrender’s voice and very ready for whatever she writes next. Huge thanks to Hachette ANZ for the early copy!
I was rooting for FMC Gianna from the jump. She is such a fiery, capable character, and seeing a woman hold her own in the illegal street-racing circuit of Booker Bay was incredibly refreshing. There’s a specific kind of toughness she has, born from grief, that makes her quest to save the local speedway feel like so much more than just a financial goal. She’s carrying a lot of ghosts in that grey Mustang, and you feel every bit of that weight.
The arrival of the dark and mysterious Ryker really sets the tension alight. The yearning between these two is the kind of slow-burn torture that romance readers live for. Because the story is told across dual timelines, we get to see the "before"; that college-era attraction they tried so hard to fight, which makes the present-day stakes feel so much heavier. While jumping between the past and present can sometimes get a bit messy, it really worked here to draw out the mystery storyline. It turned the book into a proper page-turner where I was just as invested in the "whodunnit" as I was in the "will-they-won’t-they."
The supporting cast is also a massive win; the world feels lived-in and layered, and I’m already crossing my fingers that we’ll get more stories from Booker Bay. Plus, I have to give a shout-out to Chuckie, who is easily the best furry friend a girl could have while navigating a dangerous criminal underworld.
It’s a sexy, breathless read that manages to be both a high-stakes thriller and a tender second-chance romance. I left this one feeling thoroughly impressed by Warrender’s voice and very ready for whatever she writes next. Huge thanks to Hachette ANZ for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Actual rating 2.5 stars
So I am very much in the minority here but I sadly didn't vibe with this book. I signed up for swoony street racing fun but unless you consider eye-rolling at an Olympic level to be fun, I got pipped at the post.
It was like the author wanted to cram in as many popular book tropes (brothers best friend, college sport romance, masked man, billionaire maybe) and tried to merge this with a couple of popular street racing/car thievery movies (The Fast and the Furious/Gone in 60 Seconds) but this did not blend well in any way.
There were so many times were I questioned the point of what was happening - for example, Gianna finds out that the bad guy is targeting specific makes/models of cars for the thieving and even has a list at his chop shop but the reasons for this is never explained. Of course her car is on the list but its seems more like a partial plot device because at the end of the book, said bad guy crashes into her car a number of times to kidnap her...cue eye roll.
The writing and the characters seemed really juvenile. I did enjoy the flashbacks to to the incident 4 years prior and maybe I didn't mind the writing in those parts because they were still 'kids', more young adults but you get the idea. The two MCs had more chemistry in the flashbacks than in the present day story and again, the whole bad boy vibe from Ryker in the present...oh I can't have her sweet and nice anymore, no now that I am a total badass that has tried to chase this other dude down for 4 years, I can only give it to her rough...again, eye roll.
You know what, the more I write about this book, the more it pisses me off and I am going to bump this down to 2 stars. I should probably stop before it gets any lower.
Thank you to Hachette and Netgalley for the eARC and because I am off to an author event tonight, I am leaving an honest review.
So I am very much in the minority here but I sadly didn't vibe with this book. I signed up for swoony street racing fun but unless you consider eye-rolling at an Olympic level to be fun, I got pipped at the post.
It was like the author wanted to cram in as many popular book tropes (brothers best friend, college sport romance, masked man, billionaire maybe) and tried to merge this with a couple of popular street racing/car thievery movies (The Fast and the Furious/Gone in 60 Seconds) but this did not blend well in any way.
There were so many times were I questioned the point of what was happening - for example, Gianna finds out that the bad guy is targeting specific makes/models of cars for the thieving and even has a list at his chop shop but the reasons for this is never explained. Of course her car is on the list but its seems more like a partial plot device because at the end of the book, said bad guy crashes into her car a number of times to kidnap her...cue eye roll.
The writing and the characters seemed really juvenile. I did enjoy the flashbacks to to the incident 4 years prior and maybe I didn't mind the writing in those parts because they were still 'kids', more young adults but you get the idea. The two MCs had more chemistry in the flashbacks than in the present day story and again, the whole bad boy vibe from Ryker in the present...oh I can't have her sweet and nice anymore, no now that I am a total badass that has tried to chase this other dude down for 4 years, I can only give it to her rough...again, eye roll.
You know what, the more I write about this book, the more it pisses me off and I am going to bump this down to 2 stars. I should probably stop before it gets any lower.
Thank you to Hachette and Netgalley for the eARC and because I am off to an author event tonight, I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let me start by saying I was not prepared for what Driven delivered.
This book has been all over my Instagram feed, and the second I saw it as a “Read Now” on NetGalley, I dove in blind. And now that I’m done? I am actually shook. This is Emma’s debut?! No way. It’s insanely good.
Driven is an intense, high-octane, edge-of-your-seat romance that absolutely grips you from the very first page. Set in the underground street racing world, it gives major Fast & Furious energy. Fast, dangerous, and dripping with tension… and yes, seriously sexy.
Gianna? OBSESSED. She’s strong, fearless, and unapologetically in charge. A woman dominating the street racing scene? Say less. She owns every room (and every race) she walks into, and I loved her for it.
And Ryker… wow. He is the definition of “touch her and die” energy. Protective, intense, a little dangerous but grounded by this deep sense of loyalty and honour that makes him completely irresistible.
The chemistry between these two? OFF. THE. CHARTS. Every interaction felt charged, like it could explode at any second.
This book is addictive, dramatic, and packed with heat.
Chuckie also needs a mention - what a superstar! The true definition of the goodest boy!
I flew through it and immediately needed more. If this is what Emma brings in her debut, I’m already desperate for whatever she writes next!
Thank you to Emma Warrender and Hachette AU for the opportunity to read this brilliant debut early. All opinions are honest and my own.
This book has been all over my Instagram feed, and the second I saw it as a “Read Now” on NetGalley, I dove in blind. And now that I’m done? I am actually shook. This is Emma’s debut?! No way. It’s insanely good.
Driven is an intense, high-octane, edge-of-your-seat romance that absolutely grips you from the very first page. Set in the underground street racing world, it gives major Fast & Furious energy. Fast, dangerous, and dripping with tension… and yes, seriously sexy.
Gianna? OBSESSED. She’s strong, fearless, and unapologetically in charge. A woman dominating the street racing scene? Say less. She owns every room (and every race) she walks into, and I loved her for it.
And Ryker… wow. He is the definition of “touch her and die” energy. Protective, intense, a little dangerous but grounded by this deep sense of loyalty and honour that makes him completely irresistible.
The chemistry between these two? OFF. THE. CHARTS. Every interaction felt charged, like it could explode at any second.
This book is addictive, dramatic, and packed with heat.
Chuckie also needs a mention - what a superstar! The true definition of the goodest boy!
I flew through it and immediately needed more. If this is what Emma brings in her debut, I’m already desperate for whatever she writes next!
Thank you to Emma Warrender and Hachette AU for the opportunity to read this brilliant debut early. All opinions are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I saw this advertised as a 'Read Now' on TheBookishType, best believe I RAN
This was such a fun debut and a really quick read. I ended up flying through it (or racing through it GET IT?!?!?! lol sorry I'll go sit in my corner now)
One of my favourite parts was the brother’s best friend trope. The author did this really well, and I loved the tension and history between the characters. I also really enjoyed the past and present timelines. It added so much more depth, especially seeing how past decisions shaped the present and how Gianna grew into the person she is now.
Gianna herself was such a standout. I loved seeing a Filipina FMC, and she brought so much personality to the story. I also haven’t read a street racing romance before, so that whole aspect felt fresh and made the book even more fun.
My main critique is the ending. The climax happens really late into the book, and while everything does get resolved, it all felt a bit rushed. After all that build-up, I just wanted more time with the aftermath. Like… let me sit with it for a second pls? It felt like everything wrapped up very quickly, and I didn’t quite get enough time to see the characters settle after everything that happened.
That said, I still had a really good time with this. It was fun, engaging, and a strong debut overall. I’d definitely be interested in seeing what Emma J. Warrender writes next!
Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand and Netgalley for this ARC.
This was such a fun debut and a really quick read. I ended up flying through it (or racing through it GET IT?!?!?! lol sorry I'll go sit in my corner now)
One of my favourite parts was the brother’s best friend trope. The author did this really well, and I loved the tension and history between the characters. I also really enjoyed the past and present timelines. It added so much more depth, especially seeing how past decisions shaped the present and how Gianna grew into the person she is now.
Gianna herself was such a standout. I loved seeing a Filipina FMC, and she brought so much personality to the story. I also haven’t read a street racing romance before, so that whole aspect felt fresh and made the book even more fun.
My main critique is the ending. The climax happens really late into the book, and while everything does get resolved, it all felt a bit rushed. After all that build-up, I just wanted more time with the aftermath. Like… let me sit with it for a second pls? It felt like everything wrapped up very quickly, and I didn’t quite get enough time to see the characters settle after everything that happened.
That said, I still had a really good time with this. It was fun, engaging, and a strong debut overall. I’d definitely be interested in seeing what Emma J. Warrender writes next!
Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand and Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this expecting a slow-burn romance…
and came out completely wrecked.
This story is so much more than just fast cars and forbidden love. It’s layered with grief, secrets, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The dual timeline and POV pull you deeper with every chapter, slowly revealing pieces that keep you questioning everything.
Gia is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for — especially watching her carve her place in a world that once took everything from her. And Ryker… he carries so much beneath the surface. The tension between them is intense, emotional, and honestly had me hooked from start to finish.
What I loved most was how the story balances romance with something much darker. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, it shifts — raising the stakes and pulling you into a much deeper, more dangerous story than expected.
This book had me laughing out loud one minute, and absolutely bawling my eyes out the next — a full emotional rollercoaster that I didn’t want to get off.
If you love:
🏁 slow burn romance
🖤 brother’s best friend
🔥 tension you can feel
🌫️ small town secrets
⚡ adrenaline + high stakes
…then you NEED to read this.
and came out completely wrecked.
This story is so much more than just fast cars and forbidden love. It’s layered with grief, secrets, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The dual timeline and POV pull you deeper with every chapter, slowly revealing pieces that keep you questioning everything.
Gia is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for — especially watching her carve her place in a world that once took everything from her. And Ryker… he carries so much beneath the surface. The tension between them is intense, emotional, and honestly had me hooked from start to finish.
What I loved most was how the story balances romance with something much darker. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, it shifts — raising the stakes and pulling you into a much deeper, more dangerous story than expected.
This book had me laughing out loud one minute, and absolutely bawling my eyes out the next — a full emotional rollercoaster that I didn’t want to get off.
If you love:
🏁 slow burn romance
🖤 brother’s best friend
🔥 tension you can feel
🌫️ small town secrets
⚡ adrenaline + high stakes
…then you NEED to read this.
April 4, 2026
ARC review: Driven by @emmajwarrender published by @thebookishtype_hau @hachetteaus and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 7 July 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For all the girlies who loved the early Fast and Furious movies, then this debut romance novel is for you! This is a fast paced, high octane story that follows two POVs, Gianna and Ryker, over dual timelines. Four years ago, Gianna’s brother Jace (who is also Ryker’s best friend) died during an illegal street race. At the time, Gianna and Ryker were getting ready to start a relationship together but after Jace’s accident, Ryker disappears. Fast forward to present day and Gianna is now an accomplished street racer herself, trying to move on with her life when Ryker returns to town with an agenda. Queue slow burn tension that pays off in the right amount of spice. There’s also high stakes as Ryker and his friends continue to track down the person who casted Jace’s accident and get their revenge.
I was hooked from the first chapter. I loved the street racing world that Emma built, it really drew me in and made me feel part of the action. I cannot wait for more books in the Booker Bay series now and I have a sneaking suspicion about who some of the potential future couples might be.
Release date: 7 July 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For all the girlies who loved the early Fast and Furious movies, then this debut romance novel is for you! This is a fast paced, high octane story that follows two POVs, Gianna and Ryker, over dual timelines. Four years ago, Gianna’s brother Jace (who is also Ryker’s best friend) died during an illegal street race. At the time, Gianna and Ryker were getting ready to start a relationship together but after Jace’s accident, Ryker disappears. Fast forward to present day and Gianna is now an accomplished street racer herself, trying to move on with her life when Ryker returns to town with an agenda. Queue slow burn tension that pays off in the right amount of spice. There’s also high stakes as Ryker and his friends continue to track down the person who casted Jace’s accident and get their revenge.
I was hooked from the first chapter. I loved the street racing world that Emma built, it really drew me in and made me feel part of the action. I cannot wait for more books in the Booker Bay series now and I have a sneaking suspicion about who some of the potential future couples might be.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨
Okay, this kind of pains me to say, but I honestly didn’t enjoy this book. I really tried to get into it, but unfortunately it just wasn’t happening for me. The plot felt really messy throughout, and the flow of the story was all over the place… I personally think that maybe I just didn’t enjoy this writing style. I was especially disappointed with the racing element, because as a huge fan of racing, this was the main reason I picked this up in the first place! BUT sadly, I didn’t enjoy it at all, and it wasn’t as exciting or engaging as I had hoped.
I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters and felt the personalities lacking. Ryker in particular felt so bland—his whole “bad boy” persona just didn’t work for me and completely fell flat. And the four-year disappearance? Yeah… that didn’t make much sense to me. Gianna’s character wasn’t any better in my opinion. She felt really weak as a character, and she kept making these poor decisions that I kept questioning the entire time.
Overall, this was a miss for me, too many mashed tropes all blended into one story. Which is a shame because I really wanted to love this. 😔
2.25/5 ★
Okay, this kind of pains me to say, but I honestly didn’t enjoy this book. I really tried to get into it, but unfortunately it just wasn’t happening for me. The plot felt really messy throughout, and the flow of the story was all over the place… I personally think that maybe I just didn’t enjoy this writing style. I was especially disappointed with the racing element, because as a huge fan of racing, this was the main reason I picked this up in the first place! BUT sadly, I didn’t enjoy it at all, and it wasn’t as exciting or engaging as I had hoped.
I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters and felt the personalities lacking. Ryker in particular felt so bland—his whole “bad boy” persona just didn’t work for me and completely fell flat. And the four-year disappearance? Yeah… that didn’t make much sense to me. Gianna’s character wasn’t any better in my opinion. She felt really weak as a character, and she kept making these poor decisions that I kept questioning the entire time.
Overall, this was a miss for me, too many mashed tropes all blended into one story. Which is a shame because I really wanted to love this. 😔
2.25/5 ★
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 5, 2026This is how a debut novel is done! Honestly couldn’t stop reading this one as soon as I started. Emma hit me with so many exciting events, I just needed another chapter to satisfy my curiosity with what happens next.
I love the world that the story is set in. Honestly, it’s very refreshing, different to the usual scenes we’re used to having in romances (eg big city, small town etc). I pictured an urban, fast paced, bright lights, Tokyo like setting for Booker Bay.
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was also 🔥 The story alternates between now and then. You see how their relationship builds up and progresses.
The storyline of street racing was also a refreshing welcome. I’m a big fast cars fan and enjoyed reading it in contemporary romance. This gave me a Fast and the Furious vibe and love it! I was such a big fan of that franchise.
Lastly, I love how Emma infused Filipino culture in the book. Being Filipino, I’ve never been more proud seeing my language inked on an international book! 🇵🇭
Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for an easy, exciting and spicy read!!
❤️🔥Tropes
🏍️ brother’s best friend
🏍️ navigating grief
🏍️ slow burn
🏍️ spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏍️ past and present setting
🏍️ dual PoV
I love the world that the story is set in. Honestly, it’s very refreshing, different to the usual scenes we’re used to having in romances (eg big city, small town etc). I pictured an urban, fast paced, bright lights, Tokyo like setting for Booker Bay.
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was also 🔥 The story alternates between now and then. You see how their relationship builds up and progresses.
The storyline of street racing was also a refreshing welcome. I’m a big fast cars fan and enjoyed reading it in contemporary romance. This gave me a Fast and the Furious vibe and love it! I was such a big fan of that franchise.
Lastly, I love how Emma infused Filipino culture in the book. Being Filipino, I’ve never been more proud seeing my language inked on an international book! 🇵🇭
Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for an easy, exciting and spicy read!!
❤️🔥Tropes
🏍️ brother’s best friend
🏍️ navigating grief
🏍️ slow burn
🏍️ spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏍️ past and present setting
🏍️ dual PoV
April 2, 2026
Sometimes you just need to listen to your friend when she says “request this book from Netgallery” because YES this book was like nothing else I’ve read before; and I’m obsessed! 🔥🫶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤍 Brothers Best Friend
🤍 Street Racing
🤍 Slow Burn
🤍 Small Town
🤍 It’s Always Been You
Who knew street racing romance can be so WOAH! 🫠
RYKER AND GIANNA? 🥰😍
Absolutely goals; Ryker is everything a MMC needs to be! Protective, strong, broody; and underneath it all a heart beating for Gianna. If you’re like me and you like your FMCs with a backbone - Gianna has it all! She’s sassy, determined and stands on her own two feet no matter what life has thrown her way ❤️
I absolutely loved that this book was a dual POV; with a past and present timeline. Getting to know Ryker, Gianna and other characters from four years ago until the present was fantastic; and everything that happened in between 🥺🤍
And that ending; yes! I love when a book all comes together so brilliantly! I don’t believe that this is Emma J. Warrender’s debut novel. WHAT?!!! So excited to read everything this woman writes 😍🫶
Thank you so so much Netgallery for this ARC; I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤍 Brothers Best Friend
🤍 Street Racing
🤍 Slow Burn
🤍 Small Town
🤍 It’s Always Been You
Who knew street racing romance can be so WOAH! 🫠
RYKER AND GIANNA? 🥰😍
Absolutely goals; Ryker is everything a MMC needs to be! Protective, strong, broody; and underneath it all a heart beating for Gianna. If you’re like me and you like your FMCs with a backbone - Gianna has it all! She’s sassy, determined and stands on her own two feet no matter what life has thrown her way ❤️
I absolutely loved that this book was a dual POV; with a past and present timeline. Getting to know Ryker, Gianna and other characters from four years ago until the present was fantastic; and everything that happened in between 🥺🤍
And that ending; yes! I love when a book all comes together so brilliantly! I don’t believe that this is Emma J. Warrender’s debut novel. WHAT?!!! So excited to read everything this woman writes 😍🫶
Thank you so so much Netgallery for this ARC; I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Phwoar! Smell the petrol and pheromones. Driven is an absorbing street racing romance with a touch of small-town intrigue. Think Fast and Furious meets Veronica Mars Neptune vibes. The writing is well paced and the present-tense really helped propel the storyline along. The dual timelines demonstrated how Jace's death changed Gia and Ryker's personalities; they're now jaded and grieving but also horny as hell with a blistering chemistry. However, I'd like less past chapters as some felt like filler. It needed to focus more on present-day to build tension towards the final showdown. I was also icked out by lack of any contraception or even discussion about it (hence my rating). I love a horny book but seriously? As a crime reader I enjoyed the Booker Bay corruption element, but I felt it was a bit rushed and would've liked that more fleshed out. That said this was totally absorbing and I hope there's more to come from Booker Bay (I'm assuming Tyler is the next book?). Something tells me there's more intrigue going on. I certainly can't wait.
Phwoar! Smell the petrol and pheromones. Driven is an absorbing street racing romance with a touch of small-town intrigue. Think Fast and Furious meets Veronica Mars Neptune vibes. The writing is well paced and the present-tense really helped propel the storyline along. The dual timelines demonstrated how Jace's death changed Gia and Ryker's personalities; they're now jaded and grieving but also horny as hell with a blistering chemistry. However, I'd like less past chapters as some felt like filler. It needed to focus more on present-day to build tension towards the final showdown. I was also icked out by lack of any contraception or even discussion about it (hence my rating). I love a horny book but seriously? As a crime reader I enjoyed the Booker Bay corruption element, but I felt it was a bit rushed and would've liked that more fleshed out. That said this was totally absorbing and I hope there's more to come from Booker Bay (I'm assuming Tyler is the next book?). Something tells me there's more intrigue going on. I certainly can't wait.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you enjoyed the street racing & suspenseful plots in the Culpa Mia/ My Fault London movies, but perhaps weren’t a big fan of the step sibling trope, then you’ll love this amazing debut by Emma🏁🔥💜🏎️
I don’t know the first thing about cars except how to drive one (barely), but this was such an exhilarating, fun, hot, fast-paced book that had me hooked from the beginning. This has the potential to be made into a movie, especially with how high-stakes, cinematic, suspenseful & dramatic the climax was. It’s equal parts plot vs romance, all the car talk wasn’t overwhelming for a newbie like me, & the storyline was a little heavy & dark as the characters worked through their grief & guilt.
The dual timeline was written so effortlessly & purposefully. The past chapters seemed to both mirror the present in a way, but also add insight into the characters & the events that unfolded years ago, & helped drive the suspense & mystery.
Gianna is such a strong, resilient, determined, intuitive, brave & sassy character. Just the description of Ryker had me gnawing on the bars of my enclosure, but then you get to know him & *swoon*🫦 he’s a broody, protective, flirtatious, sarcastic tatted bad boy who drives a motorcycle… need I say more?
The slow burn was slooow, but so damn worth it because these two were electric together. The tension alone had me blushing. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic had me losing my mind, & the mutual yearning had me giggling🤭 I really hope we get more books in this series👀
Thank you to Emma & The Bookish Type and Hachette Aus for this beautiful signed proof copy💜
Tropes: brothers best friend, corrupt small town, suspense/mystery, found family, second chance
I don’t know the first thing about cars except how to drive one (barely), but this was such an exhilarating, fun, hot, fast-paced book that had me hooked from the beginning. This has the potential to be made into a movie, especially with how high-stakes, cinematic, suspenseful & dramatic the climax was. It’s equal parts plot vs romance, all the car talk wasn’t overwhelming for a newbie like me, & the storyline was a little heavy & dark as the characters worked through their grief & guilt.
The dual timeline was written so effortlessly & purposefully. The past chapters seemed to both mirror the present in a way, but also add insight into the characters & the events that unfolded years ago, & helped drive the suspense & mystery.
Gianna is such a strong, resilient, determined, intuitive, brave & sassy character. Just the description of Ryker had me gnawing on the bars of my enclosure, but then you get to know him & *swoon*🫦 he’s a broody, protective, flirtatious, sarcastic tatted bad boy who drives a motorcycle… need I say more?
The slow burn was slooow, but so damn worth it because these two were electric together. The tension alone had me blushing. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic had me losing my mind, & the mutual yearning had me giggling🤭 I really hope we get more books in this series👀
Thank you to Emma & The Bookish Type and Hachette Aus for this beautiful signed proof copy💜
Tropes: brothers best friend, corrupt small town, suspense/mystery, found family, second chance
March 29, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Okay so this was such a good read! I couldn’t put it down! It was giving fast and furious vibes and I’m here for it!
Best friends brother trope is one of my favs and this was done very well! The dual timelines also was done very well and pulled me into every chapter.
Ryker IS that guy! And I’m glad they got the love they deserve in the end!
Gianna is a badass who took no shit from anyone, always going after what she wants and the TENSION 🥵 the slow burn was so good and really made such an impact throughout the book!
although I loved this book, I feel like the ending was rushed or not finished? And there was no epilogue? I love reading about what they are up to in the future so I was a bit disappointed in that but besides that it was such a great debut book and I can’t wait to see if there are more books in the series!
Thankyou Hachette, NetGalley and Emma for the early arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Okay so this was such a good read! I couldn’t put it down! It was giving fast and furious vibes and I’m here for it!
Best friends brother trope is one of my favs and this was done very well! The dual timelines also was done very well and pulled me into every chapter.
Ryker IS that guy! And I’m glad they got the love they deserve in the end!
Gianna is a badass who took no shit from anyone, always going after what she wants and the TENSION 🥵 the slow burn was so good and really made such an impact throughout the book!
although I loved this book, I feel like the ending was rushed or not finished? And there was no epilogue? I love reading about what they are up to in the future so I was a bit disappointed in that but besides that it was such a great debut book and I can’t wait to see if there are more books in the series!
Thankyou Hachette, NetGalley and Emma for the early arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
April 28, 2026
ARC Review
Driven by @emmajwarrender
When I tell you, I had the best time reading this book, there is absolutely no lie.
My millennial heart was right back to the feeling of watching Fast and the Furious for the first time.
There was so much energy and tension in this book, the dual timeline had you constantly asking what happened in Ryker and Gianna's past for them to love/ hate each other so much. I am definitely in my suspense romance era and this one hit allill the marks! I was hooked on the adrenaline and slow burn
The fact that this is a debut novel has blown my mind, it is written so well & I was engaged the entire time. Thank you Emma for letting me scream in your DMs!
I don't want to tell you too much, you're just going to have to experience it yourself in July ... my friends it is worth the ride
Thank you so much @emmajwarrender @hachetteaus & @netgalley for the opportunity to review this book
Driven by @emmajwarrender
When I tell you, I had the best time reading this book, there is absolutely no lie.
My millennial heart was right back to the feeling of watching Fast and the Furious for the first time.
There was so much energy and tension in this book, the dual timeline had you constantly asking what happened in Ryker and Gianna's past for them to love/ hate each other so much. I am definitely in my suspense romance era and this one hit allill the marks! I was hooked on the adrenaline and slow burn
The fact that this is a debut novel has blown my mind, it is written so well & I was engaged the entire time. Thank you Emma for letting me scream in your DMs!
I don't want to tell you too much, you're just going to have to experience it yourself in July ... my friends it is worth the ride
Thank you so much @emmajwarrender @hachetteaus & @netgalley for the opportunity to review this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have just finished reading the Arc copy of this book and I must say it is a compelling read.
I cant believe this is her debut novel. She's a brilliant writer!
I must say the author's skillful story telling transports readers into the scene, making the book difficult to put down.
The dual timelines, set in the past and the present, add complexity and suspense, keeping readers engaged to find out what happens next.
I also love the main characters, their love and passion, I'm sure young readers and also the young at hearts would love to read.
I don't really want to give away too much about this book, but if you love fast cars, thrills and suspense, passion and love .... then this you must add in your collection!
I can tell that the author had put her heart and soul in this!
It's a feel-good story! And when you finish reading it, you will wish you never read it too quick , because you will want more !
overall, a good read! I give it a five star!
I cant believe this is her debut novel. She's a brilliant writer!
I must say the author's skillful story telling transports readers into the scene, making the book difficult to put down.
The dual timelines, set in the past and the present, add complexity and suspense, keeping readers engaged to find out what happens next.
I also love the main characters, their love and passion, I'm sure young readers and also the young at hearts would love to read.
I don't really want to give away too much about this book, but if you love fast cars, thrills and suspense, passion and love .... then this you must add in your collection!
I can tell that the author had put her heart and soul in this!
It's a feel-good story! And when you finish reading it, you will wish you never read it too quick , because you will want more !
overall, a good read! I give it a five star!
May 7, 2026
Growing up in the 90s/00s as a young Filipino girl I didn’t see a lot of people that looked like me on tv or movies, let alone in books. So seeing a strong Filipino FMC lead like Gianna - a girl who takes zero bs, loves hard and is just an absolute baddie, really healed a part of me 🥹.
I still can’t believe this is a debut novel. Cause @ girllll!? If this is a debut I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This book felt like a Fast & Furious + My Fault London fever dream with sprinkle of The Hollow Boys darkness.
The duel timeline throws you into roller coaster of emotions and has you gripping your seat for the next chapter. Perfectly paced, perfectly balanced.
Yes it’s fuelled with action, banter & sexy cars but this isn’t just another romance book, it’s has deep family bonds, grief of losing loved ones & yearning for a second shot of love.
The confidence this book would’ve given me if I had read it in my younger years 🩶 this one is definitely one I’ll hold a special place for and will forever be a book recommendation.
I still can’t believe this is a debut novel. Cause @ girllll!? If this is a debut I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This book felt like a Fast & Furious + My Fault London fever dream with sprinkle of The Hollow Boys darkness.
The duel timeline throws you into roller coaster of emotions and has you gripping your seat for the next chapter. Perfectly paced, perfectly balanced.
Yes it’s fuelled with action, banter & sexy cars but this isn’t just another romance book, it’s has deep family bonds, grief of losing loved ones & yearning for a second shot of love.
The confidence this book would’ve given me if I had read it in my younger years 🩶 this one is definitely one I’ll hold a special place for and will forever be a book recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a solid debut, I was hooked from the first chapter. Emma’s writing is so easy to immerse yourself in within those initial sentences, and I found myself binge reading this one over a 48hr period.
Brothers best friend is a faaaave trope of mine and it SLAPPED in this book. The tension was immaculate, and the banter was so damn good. Gianna is feisty and fierce, and takes absolutely no shit, which I loved. It takes a badass woman to dominate an illegal street racing circuit and she does it with EASE. Ryker was absolute *chefs kiss*.
I will also say I’m not usually a huge fan of back and forth timelines in books, it’s a personal preference thing, but it worked really well here. It gave so much added insight and depth to the yearning and tension between Gianna and Ryker.
Thanks Hachette AU for the e-arc via NetGalley!
Brothers best friend is a faaaave trope of mine and it SLAPPED in this book. The tension was immaculate, and the banter was so damn good. Gianna is feisty and fierce, and takes absolutely no shit, which I loved. It takes a badass woman to dominate an illegal street racing circuit and she does it with EASE. Ryker was absolute *chefs kiss*.
I will also say I’m not usually a huge fan of back and forth timelines in books, it’s a personal preference thing, but it worked really well here. It gave so much added insight and depth to the yearning and tension between Gianna and Ryker.
Thanks Hachette AU for the e-arc via NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
From the first page, I couldn’t put down Driven! The author draws you right into high-octane world of Booker Bay and into the driver’s seat with Gianna. I was rooting for her — and then rooting for the spicy, dark Ryker. Together they are 🔥🔥🔥 and the push/pull and yearning from both of them had me tearing through the pages! The setting was amazing and so vivid, the characters were complex and compelling, the dual timeline and dual POV was so engaging. The fact that this takes place in the world of racing and fast cars made this so different and fun. On top of that, the mystery and need for answers was compelling, making this a truly un-put-down-able novel. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Everything about this book was top tier, and the fact that it is a debut novel is incredible because the way it’s written, you wouldn’t even know it.
I’ll be honest I begged and begged the author for a review copy but she didn’t have any and the moment that TheBookishType_hau had this up for read‑now I ran to get a copy and I'm so glad I did because as an F1 girlie and seeing this had street racing as a trope, I knew that this book would be something that I would absolutely eat up quickly.
It has been quite a while where I've sat and read a book as quickly as I have for Driven because it was utter perfection with the brother's best friend trope, along with street racing and it's always been her. But what I really loved about Driven was the whole past/present chapters, seeing how the main characters Gianna and Ryker ended up in the situation they had from choices made in their past.
Thank you Emma J. Warrender, Hachette Australia & New Zealand, thebookishtype_hau and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.
I’ll be honest I begged and begged the author for a review copy but she didn’t have any and the moment that TheBookishType_hau had this up for read‑now I ran to get a copy and I'm so glad I did because as an F1 girlie and seeing this had street racing as a trope, I knew that this book would be something that I would absolutely eat up quickly.
It has been quite a while where I've sat and read a book as quickly as I have for Driven because it was utter perfection with the brother's best friend trope, along with street racing and it's always been her. But what I really loved about Driven was the whole past/present chapters, seeing how the main characters Gianna and Ryker ended up in the situation they had from choices made in their past.
Thank you Emma J. Warrender, Hachette Australia & New Zealand, thebookishtype_hau and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.
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