Down Shift

Driven #8

by K. Bromberg

The New York Times bestselling Driven series continues with a standalone story about finding love where you least expect it...Behind the wheel, racing champion Zander Donavan is at the top of his game. But after too much excess in his personal life, he's forced to step away. He needs to accomplish something all on his own - outside of his famous father's shadow. Getty Caster is running away from the abuse that clouds her past. She thinks she's found the perfect escape - until she discovers a stranger in the beachside cottage she'd been promised. He's undeniably sexy, but she's there to heal. Alone.Before long though, fighting with each other turns into fighting their attraction. And giving into desire sets off a chain reaction that has their pasts colliding. With an unexpected love on the line, can they overcome the fallout to build a future?'An irresistibly hot romance that stays with you long after you finish the book.' #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout'Captivating, emotional, and sizzling hot'"#1 New York Times bestselling author S.C. Stephens'Bromberg is a master at turning up the heat.' New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans'K. Bromberg is the master of making hearts race and pulses pound.' New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover "Super charged heat and full of heart. Bromberg aces it from the first page to the last."-New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott'Bromberg expertly captures the voice of a man torn between his tender heart and macho confidence...Gripping' Publishers Weekly

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, New Adult

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary romance novels that make you work to get your happily ever after. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes, who we love to hate but can’t help but love.

Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Kristy has sold over two million copies of her books across twenty different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over thirty times.

A mom of three, Kristy finds the only thing harder than finishing the book she’s writing is navigating parenthood during the teenage years (send more wine!). She loves dogs, sports, a good book, and is an expert procrastinator. She lives in Southern California with her family.






Social Media Links:
https://facebook.com/AuthorKBromberg
http://pinterest.com/KBrombergWrites/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kbromberg13/
twitter: @KBrombergDriven
www.KBromberg.com

Completed Titles:
Series:
The Driven Series
Driven
Fueled
Crashed
Raced
Aced

The Player Duet
The Player
The Catch

Standalones
UnRaveled
Slow Burn
Sweet Ache
Hard Beat
Down Shift
Sweet Cheeks
Sweet Rivalry (novella)
Faking It
Then You Happened
Flirting with 40
Sweet Regret

Everyday Heroes Series
Cuffed
Combust
Cockpit
Control (novella)

Wicked Ways Duet
Resist
Reveal

The Play Hard Series
Hard to Handle
Hard to Hold
Hard to Score
Hard to Lose
Hard to Love

S.I.N. Series
Last Resort
On One Condition
Final Proposal

The Redemption Series
Until You

Full Throttle Series
Off the Grid
On The Edge
Over The Limit
Out of Control

Tangled Hearts Trilogy
Twisted Knight
Threaded Lies
Twined Fates

Reviews

[K. Bromberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Down Shift is as a Complete Standalone Novel**

Getty and Zander.

She is damaged.
He is in denial.

She is running from her past.
He is running from the truth.

Both need time alone.
Both want solitude.
Both hope to make peace with their demons.

Who knew an unexpected meeting in the sleepy town of PineRidge would be exactly what each of them needed?

You may have met Zander briefly in the Driven series but in Down Shift you get to know the man he becomes. He's stubborn. Sweet. Arrogant. Understanding. Protective. Broken. Real.

And then there's Getty. She's strong. Determined. Wounded. Feisty. Courageous. She's all of those things and yet she doesn't quite see it yet. Or believe it.

But Zander does. And he's determined to make her see it. To make her believe it.

Yet sometimes seeing isn't always believing. Zander knows that truth better than anyone. That's why he's in PineRidge after all.

But demons have a way of finding you no matter how far you run from them. Will Zander and Getty face them together or will the truths revealed tear apart the trust and peace they've found in each other?

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We were two broken souls in love and maybe our crooked pieces were what made us fit together so perfectly, just like a puzzle…The puzzle I didn’t know I needed, and the puzzle he didn’t know he wanted.” ~Unknown

Have you ever begun and ended a story with tears? The first, last, and so much of the middle of the book render you a wreck, where the tissues are a lifeline, controlling those feels that flow like a river. Those emotions are entangled so deeply where you feel EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Down Shift by K. Bromberg hit my heart hard and sank itself into my soul where all the feels flowed fast and furiously, leaving me bound to this devastatingly beautiful book where I may remain forever.

JUST JUMP.

Oh did I want to jump! I wanted to devour Down Shift. I wanted to savor it, Zander, and Getty. I wanted to rush. I wanted to take my time. Down Shift stormed its way into my heart and soul, a bolt of lightning, striking me hard and hastily. Feelings flowing. Pulse pounding. Soul spinning.

I WAS ALL IN. Happy tears. Nostalgic tears. Weary tears. Sad tears. So many tears. I knew Zander’s story would be one of heartbreak, and perhaps hope and healing. However, Getty’s story dealt me a few emotional blows where I broke just as hard. So many emotions cut through me like a knife.

The Prologue dragged me into Down Shift. Before I could catch my breath, I was thrust into this story. Utterly immersed. Emotions engaged. Air amplified. It took but a few words to become one with this touching tale. One line...two lines...three and my emotions were standing at attention, preparing to fight the ensuing flood of feels…a losing battle.

“The stain on my soul darker than ever before.”

After just one paragraph, Zander embedded himself in my heart. The Prologue spun me around, my head in disbelief, my heart heavy and hurting for Zander...for Colton...for Rylee. I was brought back into the Driven world—with just a few words—as if I never left. I saw a newer and even better Colton as a father who melted me to pieces. This Colton is wiser and more mature but still passionate and persuasive. Oh Down Shift, I gasped for air as this story stole my breath and took my tears.

“Everything important taken away from me with the slam of the door: my family, my ride, my anchors. And the sting is real.”

The sting was real indeed. Zander Donavan, Colton and Rylee’s son, has never dealt with his painful past. Now, the past floats around him like a ghost, returning again, haunting him, wrecking his racing, and leaving his life in ruins. He has no choice except to fight the demons head on, a battle that needs to be fought solo. Self-healing.

JUST JUMP.

Oh does Zander have to take that jump. Rebuild his life. Rebuild himself. Leaving his LA life and spot as the top racer behind, Zander relocates to a friend’s house on the Washington coast to work those demons out of his system, eliminate those complications and purge that painful past.

“I can’t chase the ghosts away for good if I don’t face them head-on.”

My heart that has held Colton for so long now holds Zander. Cocky and complicated, wounds rush through him that are years old, causing Zander to wound others in his path. I wanted to hug him and help him soothe the pain.

The gorgeous dark-haired, blue-eyed, tall, and muscular Zander didn’t expect to meet the beautiful brown-haired, brown-eyed, long-legged, and curvy Getty Castor. Getty is running from demons too after being controlled like a puppet all her life. She leaves home for a fresh start, a new life, one where she will be confident and commanding.

"That unmistakable zap of chemistry. My neurons catching fire…for a split second I think he feels it too.”

Zander and Getty are electric. Their chemistry is a current that flows fast and furiously through them, perhaps carved by fate. Despite the deep desire and attraction, they are complications to each other. Zander does not need Getty mixing up his mind further when he needs to fix his failures while Getty is done with men after they have let her down all of her life.

"Words. Thoughts. Confessions. The look in his eyes and the comfort of his touch cause my head to whirl, make me want to let him in.”

Both Getty and Zander have messed up, made mistakes in the past. Zander is supposed to be finding himself but Getty is who he has found and who is softening his hardened heart.

"You complicate things, Getty. Because there is something about you that continually reminds me why I came here.”

JUST JUMP.

Zander and Getty succumb to the temptation of touch, waging a war on those fireworks that ignite whenever they touch, heating them from skin to soul.

"You kiss me like I matter."

This story...oh does Down Shift matter. Tears that tried to tangle with me during the first half of the story won the war, trickling down my cheeks like drops of the ocean.

"Right now every damn part of me wants to kiss you again. Kiss you till we can’t breathe, then lay you down on my bed and show you what it’s like to feel that kind of worship…But I can’t do that to you. I can’t knowingly walk you into my storm without showing you where the lighthouse is so you have a way out before you even begin.”

I FELL IN LOVE fast and furiously with Zander, Getty, and Down Shift. My heart bled for these broken souls who should heal and be happy together as one.

"It’s like I’m trying to come up for air and he’s trying to pass me his.”

I swooned so hard from these beautiful words that seduced my soul, carving a piece of my heart out with every word...every paragraph...every page.

JUST JUMP.

Zander and Getty need a relationship jump. Their chemistry is off-charts-hot but their compassion is just as combustible. Getty and Zander care so much for each other but won't take that lap around the relationship track. It’s too bad that they still think of each other as a complication, something they don’t want or need.

"I snarl and clench my jaw, because the last thing I need is her presence here to cloud my thoughts. Give me reasons to want to stay. Make me want to walk up to her, back her against the counter, and kiss her senseless. Which is exactly why I’m leaving. Right now. Distance. Space. Clarity.”

Love may be washed up on the shore before it’s even ridden the waves as the past collides with the present. Darkness dangles itself in the air, threatening to steal the light. Zander must find himself without losing Getty. He’s the puzzle she didn’t know she needed, and the puzzle he didn’t know he wanted. Two broken hearts must find a way to fit together.

“Everyone’s churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm.”

Down Shift was my perfect storm, an electric current that lit me up like a lightning bolt, sparked with sensations, where a force of feels flowed through me. Dark yet light. Turbulent yet tender. Broken yet beautiful. Explosive, exhilarating, and enchanting, Down Shift is EVERYTHING. This shattered and stunning epic love story is the perfect complement to the Driven series. Those beautiful and broken words broke me where I was drowning to breathe as Down Shift stole every piece of me: mind...body...heart...soul.

JUST JUMP.

Oh did my heart jump as I was free-falling into Down Shift, riding the waves of emotions that crashed into my soul, where I felt every word I read. Down Shift was ALL OF THE FEELS. ALL OF THE SENSATIONS. ALL OF THE SOUL. Oh did this story hit my heart hard. Bate my breath where I held it for periods in anticipation. Pounded my pulse as adrenaline rushed through me. Mesmerized my mind that fell hostage to this latest Driven book from the very first page. Stole my soul that was tied to this story like a race car to a track.

Like Colton and Zanders' cars around the track, my heart is still racing for Down Shift. What started with Driven, a series that stole my heart years ago and still holds it closely today, has ended with Down Shift, a shift in gears. I'm not quite ready to shift gears. Down Shift and the Driven series are not just stories; they are beauty in words...adventures that feel so very real. The forever kind of real. The voodoo vortex kind of real. The real that I raced over two years ago, race today, and will still race tomorrow from A to mother f**king Z.

5 broken and beautiful stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander!!! EEK!!!!

So we all fell in love with Zander as a little boy in Driven, but now we get to see him as a grown man. And although Zander’s life may have changed for the better, he still has that broken little boy stuck inside of him.

Down Shift is the story of Zander coming to terms with his past while escaping from the disaster that he’s made of his life. While hiding away in a little island town, he stumbles upon Getty Caster. A woman with her own demons and ones that Zander can instantly recognize.

Stuck to become roommates, their relationship takes some twists and turns. Both wanting it to become more, but both understanding that their time together has an expiration date. Or does it?

Another fantastic romance by K. Bromberg! I expected Zander’s story to be highly emotional, there was no doubt that some of that hurt and abused kid wasn’t going to resurface at some point. But the way this story played out was so damn good. I can’t even talk about the things that made me love it the most because it gives too much away.

I adored Getty. I wanted to protect her from everything, even Zander at times. There was just something about the way she was written that made me feel so protective of her. She was so easy to love.

Down Shift is a highly emotional and steamy read that will not only excite the longtime fans of this author, but is sure to hook a few new ones as well. And although this is a Driven novel, it can be read as a standalone so don’t feel overwhelmed by that #8 sitting next to the title).

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➦It has been a while since I've read the Driven series by K. Bromberg. And after reading this book I was reminded how much I love her writing. This book, by the way, can totally be read as a standalone so no worries if you haven't read any of the other books in this series.

➦Getty, our heroine is on the run. From her father and abusive ex-husband, who both are such major assholes they should have won this


➦A friend of a friend temporarily lets her stay at a vacation beach property. Getty moves in and starts working as a bartender/waitress at a local bar. Her douchebag of a father has frozen her trust fund money.


➦Getty's days are long but she needs the work because she is broke. So one night she comes home after work, disrobes in the hallway, walks into her bathroom and


➦Nekkid hot man, people! What a great way to meet someone lol Anywhoooooo... So turns out that friend who let her stay at the vacation house... well her husband let HIS friend stay at the house too. Someone needs to communicate better, because, seriously. How dare he?


➦So now these two have to live together because they both are hiding. What is the hot man of a race car driver hiding from? His issues certainly run deep so there is no way for me to even attempt to explain it. And why bother, I don't want to spoil your experience of finding out for yourself! :)

➦The book was very emotional for me and I sympathized with the characters, especially the hero. I've "met" Zander in previous books of this series so I kind of knew a little bit about his background. The main focus of this novel is Zander's character development and you will be able to understand the internal battles this man fights.

➦This is a story of two people helping each other heal and finally allowing someone else in. It's really beautiful and at the same time does not lack in the humor or steam department. It definitely hit the spot for me - it had that "friends first" theme and the slow burn build-up I so love in my books. Excellent - definitely a favorite of 2016! Recommended!

➦And even though I never get approved for K. Bromberg's ARCs and have a huge sad about it... I will never stop reading her books :p

[Audrey Carlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell on wheels! The first chapter...this book had me floored at the first chapter. My jaw dropped, I held my breath, and I thought...no flippin' way!

K. Bromberg absolutely blew me away with Down Shift. I expected it to be fun, and it was. I expected it to be sexy, and it was. I expected it to be well-written, and of course it was. What I did NOT expect was to literally lose hours upon hours of my life lost in the world of Zander and Getty. These two were so real to me it's hard to believe they are make believe.

The mental turmoil, combined angst, fear, lack of trust, and the sheer selflessness of this couple crippled me. Their love story was choppy and took time to culminate into something long-lasting. I adore that about this authors writing.

"K.Bromberg makes you believe in the power of true love. As she tells it, with a little hard work, a little trust, a lot of faith, anything is possible. Down Shift made me a believer." ~Audrey Carlan, #1 NYT Bestselling Author

[Kristine GPI Bookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOLD LIPSTICK





"She's beautifully scarred, gorgeously flawed, irresistibly captivating."




I've become very familiar with procrastination lately, in fact it's most evident in the fact that Down Shift has been sitting on my kindle for over a month and yet I couldn't bring myself to read it, this may not seem overly concerning in and of itself unless you know that Down Shift is one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. Bromberg cemented herself as a MUST READ author way back when I picked up Driven for the first time, over the years that followed and with each subsequent book she has released I've fallen more in love with her words, more in love with the deeply flawed characters she's created, more in love with the worlds she so eloquently breathes life into.



"I've seen a lot of sh*t in my life...more than you could probably imagine. So phrase it any way you want to, deny it every which way from Sunday, but until you face whatever it is, nothing's going to get fixed."



Zander Donovan was a child when he first made on impression on readers minds and scored himself on their hearts, in the years that have followed he's grown up, he's become every inch of the man Colton and Rylee were sure to raise, a young man that despite having the world at his feet is currently crippled by the memories that are flooding his mind, his past enough to derail even the strongest of men. When his life veers even further offcourse, Zander takes a much needed respite from his usual high octane, privileged existence to reconnect with himself, to unpack all the baggage that is clouding his mind and to make peace with the man he is.



"Everybody's running from something Getty."



Zetty Caster grew up in a world of privilege and excess, her early childhood from memory seemed almost perfect, until the death of her mother detonated her perfect existence, left with a father that saw her as nothing more than pawn used and traded for professional gain. When Getty leaves that only life she's even known and runs to PineRidge to start over, she's going to be self sufficient, and depend on no one but herself, she'll prove to herself that everything she's been conditioned to believe isn't true.



"The invisible scars are the ones that cut the deepest and stay with you the longest."

Admittedly my procrastination was due largely to the impossibly high expectations I was creating in my mind, every time I decided to bite the bullet and dive in, I found myself creating roadblocks, what if my anticipation overshadowed my reading enjoyment, what if in my desperation to devour Bromberg's words my reaction was merely lacklustre, what if I'd built it up to be more than what it was....that fear, the anxiety, the uncertainty of taking a leap of faith, that knowledge that sometimes you need to just jump is exactly the message that the author weaves throughout her tale. Instead of allowing my fears of anticipation to cloud my mind further, I spent my day lost in Bromberg's words, reading and rereading, revelling in that moment that every reader dreams about, the one that hit's you like a freight train, that demands your attention, that stifles your breath and captures your heart. I allowed her words to wash over me, set fire to my senses, invigorate my soul, I sat there helpless to do anything other than FEEL and by gosh....that heart thumping, goose pebbled skin, eyes bright and breathing shallow feeling can't be replicated, in truth, it can barely be explained. Now as I sit here deliciously sated, mind and soul enriched, heart soaring I see the relevance of Bromberg's hashtags, I'm reminded that sometimes the best advice you can hear is to JUST JUMP.

"You've left your old life behind, leapt without looking, and I think before you face your father tonight, you need something to ground you too. Something to remind you that you did this on your own, started a new life, your way, and that you're not the woman your father or Ethan thought you were. You're strong. And beautiful. And brave. Maybe doing this will help you see it."

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Well, hot damn. Our boy Zee is grown up, alright...



I mean, what did I expect? His father is Colton freaking Donavan for God's sake.

And that Prologue... Talk about testosterone overload!



And chapter 34. I can’t even...



This is one of those books where words and emotions overpower the plot and events. The author writes with such intensity and passion that I actually got chills during some scenes.

The only reason I’m not giving it 5 starts is because the first half of the book was a little bit too slow for my liking. Other than that, it was great.

QUICK REVIEW:

Enjoyment:: 4/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 4/5
Secondary characters: 4/5
Hotness/chemistry: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 3/5
Humor: 2/5
Depth of the book: 4/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers: child abuse, domestic violence, murder, rape attempt

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Our Repair List' Stars!
ARC provided by the publisher via TRSoR Promotions in exchange for an honest review.


Our dear Zander Donavan has grown! I feel like all of us (K. Bromberg's fangirls) have been waiting for this story since we fell in love with the little man saved by one of my favorite couples ever: Rylee Thomas and Colton Donavan. And, of course, Kristy did not disappoint: she gave her readers another fantastic love story.

Down Shift can be read as a standalone but it also is the eighth novel in Bromberg's Driven series. As I said, it tells the story of Zander Donavan (the adopted child of Colton and Rylee who now has grown up but still is haunted by the ghosts of his past and that is what brings him to PineRidge where he meets his other half) and Getty Caster (a woman who is broken too but is fighting to heal and that happens when she starts a sexy adventure with certain racer).

“Everybody’s running from something, Getty.”

Let's just continue by saying how much I love Kristy's writing style. Down Shift is incredibly well-written, it flows perfectly and it gives you that slow burn that is the perfect way to develop this love story. Both main characters are fighting against their own demons and there is this mix of feelings (anger, sadness, guilt, etc.) that makes you connect so much with the story that you do not want to stop reading.

[...] “there is something about you that continually reminds me why I came here. I don’t know why you’re here and you don’t know why I’m here... and yet for some reason every time I look at you, I know I need to stay when all I want to do is run again.”

“One of these days you’re going to find a man who treats you right,” he murmurs softly. “Sweeps you off your feet. Treats you like you walk on water. Inspires you to paint sunny skies and calm oceans.”

Oh Zander here still does not know he is THE man that will sweep Getty of her feet. These two are so perfect together: the slow burn, the sexual tension, their adorable and funny moments and finally, their off-the-charts chemistry. When I said little Zee has grown up, I meant it in EVERY way! Damn, the man is sex on legs just like his father! He reminds me so much of Colton but he is still is different and amazing in his own way.

“Let me show you how sex is supposed to be. Supposed to make you feel. Let. Me. Worship. You.”

Love. Love fiercely. Love purely. Love blindly if you want, but never let love turn black.

Yeah, I was crying my eyeballs out in that moment (you know what I am talking about if you read the book). Down Shift is intense and beautiful. It's the story of two broken souls healing together. Zander and Getty are adorable, funny and passionate and you will fall in love with them and their love instantly because K. Bromberg is just THAT amazing. I mean, that freaking epilogue? One word: PERFECT.

All I see is love. All I want is him. All I feel is complete after being broken in pieces for so very long.

Therefore, my rating for Down Shift is 5 STARS because it definitely deserves it. A wonderful love story, great and complex main characters, the involvement of very-much-loved secondary characters and many other things are what made this novel unforgettable. So, if you love Kristy's work or you are curious to know how Zander Donavan got his HEA, you should check this one out: I highly recommend it!

CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:

[Coco.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure K. Bromberg genius!

This incredible gifted author never fails to impress me. Starting a new K.Bromberg book is always an emotional experience for me, her stories and characters forever touching my heart and making my wildest desires run rampant. Down Shift was no exception. Loved this epic love story that is equally heart-warming as it is heartbreaking.

This is the story of Zander Donovan (Rylee and Colton’s adopted son) and Gertrude « Getty » Caster. Ever since I met Zander in Driven when he was just a sweet little boy, my heart ached for him, big time. Now Zander’s all grown up and all man and a formidable racing champion. He’s living a good life surrounded by his loving family and friends until one day a simple piece of paper rocked his world and brought back memories and images that he’d repressed as a child to come back with a vengeance and sending his life into a tailspin. Forced to take a step back and to figure out how to right the wrong choices he made, Zander takes residence in the little town of PineRidge.

Getty Caster is on the run and moving to a new town is the only way to escape her painful past. After years of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of her husband and tyrannic father, she’s determined to start over, to reinvent herself, to push her insecurities aside and to distance herself from her emotions and fears. All she wants is to forget the old her, to fully embrace the now and most of all, to prove to herself that she can exist, live and thrive, all on her own.

"The invisible scars are the ones that cut the deepest and stay with you the longest."

Zander and Getty both need time alone to heal and to make peace with their demons. When they find themselves forced to share the same house and to be roommates, neither of them are glad about this unexpected situation. Soon, they are fighting as much with each other than against their undeniable attraction. A desire that grows each day and which they don’t know how to fight. A foreign feeling they have never experienced before. All they recognize is the uncontrollable draw that they feel when they are around one another. They are not ready to light this fire just yet, but as their resolve falters they are wondering which road they should travel. With valid reason to be afraid, Zander and Getty then make the decision to have a sort of "friends with benefits" relationship with no string-attached and no expectations to be nothing more than temporary. They can’t get involved more than that, having enough to do with their own issues and the darkness clouding both their lives. But gradually things get much more complicated than they had anticipated. Each wound, each scar snaking across their battered soul are laid bare. Boundaries are pushed, barriers are broken down while a strong emotional and physical connection starts to take root. Sometimes the road takes you on an unexpected turn, and you end up exactly where you're meant to be.

This story captivated me and everything about it pulled on my heartstrings. In true K. Bromberg fashion, this is not just a love story – Getty and Zander’s slow-build romance might be the backbone of the story, but their personal tales of self-discovery is the fuel that feeds that story. I loved the intensity of their connection, the chemistry, and the passion between them which was just as off-the-charts as always. I loved these two wounded souls, so very different yet, so alike. I just adored Zander, as broken and as troubled as he was.

I truly love this authors unique writing style, her exquisite prose, her phenomenally framed characters, vulnerable and strong at the same time, and the richness of her storylines that are never predictable and always enthralling.

I went through a wide spectrum of emotions while reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I melted and I often struggled to catch my breath.This was a beautiful story about knowing when to put the past behind you, learning from it but not letting it affect your future happiness.

"Then again, I know better than anyone how your past can own you even in the present. Steal your hope. Taint your soul. Change your outlook, your expectations. And even after you break free from its clutches, it’s still there. In the crevices of your mind. In your reactions to everyday things. In the smile you show to the world while you cry inside."

And most of all this is a story that shows you the power of spoken words, how they alone have the power to seduce, to hurt and to heal the deepest wounds. It shows you also that love is incredibly powerful when it’s right.

"Love. Love fiercely. Love purely. Love blindly if you want, but never let love turn black."

A must read. 5 stars of excellence!

[Renita Lofton McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sitting here trying to think of what word would mean beyond brilliant…

I checked the dictionary, I called friends, I googled it, I used my thesaurus and even checked with Wikipedia…nothing! Absolutely nothing! And somewhere in the midst of all this research two-words came to mind. Not a verb, not even an adverb, but a name…of a person…that writes books. Kristy Bromberg. Because when Kristy puts pen to paper it is beyond brilliant. It is life-changing.

Down Shift…Kristy, you have the ability to pour your soul into any book you write and you continued to give us that by allowing us to watch one of “our” children grow and follow his path as he finds his way in the world.
Down Shift…I’ve known this family for so many years, watched them become a family and grow together. You know kind of like that neighbor down the street with the kids you’ve watched go from girls to women and boys to men. And what can be better than sitting down with a bottle of wine and catching up with the children after they have become adults?

Each word that you wrote, each sentence that you penned drew me closer to the Donovan Family. I met Zander as a broken kid, saw him blossom as a teenager with the love of a blended family, and then lose his way as an adult. But isn’t that what we all do at times? Lose our way?

In this novel Kristy covered every emotion, every feeling, everything we could ever want. From the first word in the prologue until the last word in epilogue of this phenomenal book I was lost. Lost in her talent, lost in the world she created with Colton and Rylee all those years ago, and lost in my baby boy Zander (and he will always be my baby boy).

Zander…all grown up, but so much Colton’s son. Confused, lost, scared and consistently fighting internal demons, while searching for answers to find himself again.

Getty…all determined to make her own way, without relying on anyone. Looking for the strength to push forward after being held down for so long.

Kristy never gives you a novel without those “catch” phrases that will follow you forever. Those phrases that are so intense we tattoo them on our body, we get paintings on our wall, they become embedded in our soul. And Down Shift is loaded with them. Down Shift is Kristy at her finest, but then when isn’t Kristy at her finest?

Once again, I was captivated by the undeniable talent of Kristy Bromberg, and I am so glad I “just jumped” all while wearing my “socks” and trying to determine if the sky is “blue or green”.

Five stars are not enough, words are not enough…there is never enough when it comes to Kristy and Down Shift has once again solidified her as the best of the best”.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

“Even if you gave me a hundred reasons why we shouldn’t be together, Getty, I’d still look for the one reason to fight like hell for you. Remember that.”

See that pile of goo right there?
No! Not there! That's the melted ice cream I used to eat my feelings. I'm talking about the other pile. Yes, yes, that one right there. That would be me. Melted into an gooey pile of swoon filled goo. All at the hands of a man with a moody disposition but a heart of gold named Zander and the incredible talent that is K. Bromberg. Goo I tells ya!

His love roared loader than my demons.

A recent revelation from his past has unraveled Zander Donovan's world. He's spinning out of control, angry and bitter, and lashing out at those that love him most. When he makes one stupid mistake too much, he's forced to take a step back from the racing world and his family, finding peace in quiet seclusion.

Everyone’s churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm.”
“What’s your storm?”
“My storm?” he chuckles, self-deprecation in his tone and a look in his eyes he doesn’t give me a chance to read. “I don’t think it’s ever really stopped churning, but there’s definitely been a few surprise white squalls thrown in.”

Getty is looking for a fresh start. Running from a past of her own, her scars are of the hidden variety. A woman broken doesn't mean a woman that can't heal, and she's looking to heal the woman she wants to be. Having a sexy stranger crash her own quiet seclusion isn't what she expects, nor the undeniable chemistry that brews between them from the very first sarcastic barb they exchange.

What starts as an unwilling cohabitation soon turns into friendship and begins to turn into something much deeper.

I know you’re stubborn as hell and gorgeous as fuck. And that your kiss tastes like an aged whiskey: something I want to sip slowly, feel on my lips, savor on my tongue, and take my time with before I get drunk on it.”

Getty is not the heroine I typically enjoy. She's a lot damaged and a bit withdrawn, but she's also endearingly sweet and caring in spite of her past. She's not naive or a wallflower, but she's not a warrior either. She's someone that's incredibly relatable. She's a woman with a past and hidden hurts, but she doesn't chose to dwell on that. She wants to heal, she wants to move on.

Zander is fighting a different demon from his past, but it's no less darker than Getty's. Together, they just...made sense. They were the perfect halves of a whole. K. Bromberg did an incredible job painting a story of two broken souls finding a healing touch in one another. They weren't emotional crutches for the other. They were complete opposites, but together they just made sense. I adored these two. I loved their banter, I loved their push and pull, and I couldn't get enough of their chemistry.

And their chemistry? Off the walls hot!

Time passes in pure sensations. The bite of his fingers into my thighs. The mist of sweat on my skin. The groan he emits as he slowly comes undone. The tingle of ecstasy throughout my body.

Goo I tells ya!

The author manages to bring everything in a full circle. The writing was spellbinding and beautiful, the story was emotional and gripping, and the romance was heart wrenchingly good. If you're looking for a book that packs just as much feeling as it does steam, THIS is the book that needs to be on your list! It was pure perfection and I loved every page of it!

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

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[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can't knowingly walk you into my storm without showing you where the lighthouse is so you have a way out before you even begin."

Down Shift is book 8 in the Driven Series, and the little boy Zander who stole everyone's heart in the first three books of the series is back. Zander isn't a sweet little boy anymore. He is all grown up! Despite his successful career and the unconditional love and support from his family, there are demons from his past that resurface and threaten everything. "Like father like son," it takes the love of a good woman to bring him back home.

"And there he goes. Laying down the gauntlet to see if I'll pick it up and reciprocate."

When something significant from Zander's past shows up on his doorstep, it rocks his entire world. He acts reckless, hurts his family, and escapes to a small beach town where he can be alone and deal with the wreckage of his life. Smitty has offered up his "flip house" for Zander to live in, and "fix up" the house and "fix himself" at the same time. The only problem is Smitty's wife had the same idea when she offered the house to another broken soul. A sweet and quirky artist donning long knee socks named Getty.

"Let me worship you, Getty."

Getty is shocked with Zander's presence, and their initial meeting is quite explosive, to say the least! Getty is on the run. After experiencing her own heartbreak and pain, this beach house is her last chance to rebuild her life. Getty only wants a sliver of peace in this quiet town. With the help of a mundane bartending job and her art, Getty is on her way to achieving her dream. And then, Zander spells disaster for her quest to find peace. But with two beautiful broken people living together in a quaint beach town, it's only a matter of time for sparks to fly and for fiery passion to explode between the two.

"It's about letting yourself go because you trust the other person to take you there."

Told in dual POV, Down Shift captivated me completely. The first half of the read was a bit of a slow burn as the main characters reveal the truths behind their presence in the house. However, the time invested was well spent because as the pieces of the plot began to unravel, and Getty and Zander grew closer, the passion was explosive and its buckle up your seatbelt for another ride on the Bromberg emotional express. It is beautiful. It is dark. It is unforgettable! Zander and Getty are both complex, and the depth in the story arc was wonderful as each moment transitioned into the next. I loved the symbolism of the ocean's healing power to heal the hurt in both Zander and Getty. I loved the relationship between Zander and Colton and the moments they shared pulled every emotion out of me! Some aspects of Getty's story were slightly predictable and yet, orchestrated with concise precision and paired with Zander's story made for the perfect pairing. I felt the emotions through each page, and of course, the STEAM FACTOR was OFF THE CHART!



Overall, I recommend Down Shift to all of my contemporary romance fans. Although this book is the eighth in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But truthfully, why would you want to skip any of them? I have been a fan of Bromberg's work since Colton first raced onto my Kindle and Zander has indeed found a permanent residence next to his dad on the HOLY HOT/CAN'T GET ENOUGH SHELF! I can't wait for more creative genius from this author. When she is writing, my KINDLE is always ready and waiting.

***DRIVEN SERIES***


*This was a BR with my girl Loyda!



*ARC graciously provided via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review!

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Ramona Popescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had the opportunity, I would of given this book more than 5 stars, but I have to respect this rating only in the post, because in my heart, the rating is stellar. This is not my first book from Bromberg, but nothing prepared me for the twister of emotions that I was entering. It blew me away with its intensity and I just can't stop thinking about it.

The story follows Zander and Getty, a couple that suffered in the past. If you read the first 3 books from the Driven series, you know who Zander is. If not, let me tell you some things about him. At a very young age he witnessed his dad killing his mom and stood by her side until her last breath. Traumatized by everything that happened, he entered in shock and couldn't speak for a long time. When he entered The House runner by Rylee, that was the first time he felt protected and at home. Together with her and other kids just like him, they became one, inseparable. Later on, when Colton Donovan entered the picture, Zander clicked with him instantly and found a new father figure, this time in a worthy man, who wanted the world for him. Years later, Zander was adopted by Colton and Rylee, the 3 of them becoming a family. He followed his dad's footsteps in racing, becoming the Golden Boy everyone adored and love to watch.

Only that at the beginning of the book, we find Zander lost, disturbed and out of control, because he found something from his past that brought the nightmare back to him. He kind of mess everything up with his mom and dad and left for an undetermined period to find the peace he needs to pull himself back together.
Getty is running from her past as well. Born in a rich family where appearances are everything, she was controlled by her dad in being the perfect woman, marrying someone that ended up being only business to him and finding out her whole life was a charade. By accident, or by faith, she ends up sharing a house with Zander and as stubborn as they both are, don't agree in giving up their space in order to let the other one have it. So, they are stuck together for a long time. As first, they hate each other, Getty being kind of rude and Zander cocky, but after a while they became friends and other things happen:)

Zander was a total surprise for me. I totally fell for this guy, even when I knew that he did mistakes or screwed up monumentally, he won my over like a fool. He met Getty in a crucial moment in his life, when he needed help, answers and guidance to find his way. But the thing I enjoyed the most was the way he healed himself while helping Getty sorting out her past and present. He was such a patient and great guy, making her understand the true value she represents and in the mean time, figuring out something for himself. Her experiences were examples for him and this mutual healing had such a powerful message that left me with a broken heart. He might have a temper, or couldn't cope with this new feeling inside his chest, but he was determined and fought for what he believes in, give Getty the courage to love her this new person that she was and never look back 

Getty was amazing as a heroine, very guarded and scared, but a while after meeting Zander and falling in love with him, all those walls came down with a bang. From scared to standing up for herself, she was guided by Zander and discovered a new meaning for freedom. I liked the way they interacted, broke barriers and healed each other. They managed to left the past behind, learn from their mistakes and become better with each action.

The thing that marked me was the intensity of the emotions and how it just seem to overlook the plot. Yes, I enjoyed what happened with the characters and what they went through, but I was more focused on the feelings, the FEEL and the way Zander and Getty communicated without using words. That type of connection is very hard to find, and I felt it strongly. All my admiration for this talented author for making me have this type of experience :)



For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Down Shift
Series: Driven #8
Author: K. Bromberg
Release date: October 4, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes

"Everyone’s churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm.”

When I started reading Down Shift, I had no idea that it would be the type of book that would make me cry. Yes, I actually cried (and more than once). It's been a long time since I've read a K. Bromberg book, and I could really see in that time difference how her writing has matured. The first half or more was a five star read for me, easily. I was completely enthralled with Getty and Zander's own separate emotional struggles and how after meeting one another they helped to cushion each other's pain right from the start.

Zander has found success on the racing track, and a loving family to support him after a horrifically tragic childhood. However, after receiving a box of information and momentos from his past, he suddenly finds himself questioning his own actions and those of his family. He's lost, confused, and lashing out at everyone. His destructive behavior has his father Colton sending him away to get his head straight.

I must admit, I had forgotten who Zander was, it had been so long since I've read the earlier books and I was so surprised to see the lost little boy whom Colton and Rylee take under their wing all grown up. His horrible truths that come to haunt him again will really break your heart. What he had to endure was bad enough, but the consequences the memories have on his life were like a ripple effect that never settled.

Getty was in her own turmoil. Trying to alter the entire course of your life, and those that surround you, influence you, and have the power to break you is no easy thing. From an outsiders view, it seemed as if she had the world at her fingertips. But what people don't realize is that underneath the wealth and status that surrounds her, she's living in fear and shame. The constant abuse and control from her husband has her emotionally beat down and trying to heal.

How weak of a person could I have been to put up with it? Year after year. Criticism after criticism. Apology after apology. To not have walked away? To still believe his words hold some merit?

Getty and Zander's first meeting was unconventional and I felt such an immediate click between the two of them. While both are offered the chance to stay in the house while they work out their issues, neither one is very thrilled at the prospect of company. But maybe it was the recognition of that wounded part of each other that allowed them to find acceptance in their presence. It wasn't immediate, and it wasn't easy to let each other in, but the slow burn between them was so necessary I felt. They needed to work on themselves before they could even contemplate starting something with each other. Zander was wonderfully supportive, and I loved the way he helped her let go of the self-doubt and fears.

“You’re Getty Caster. A fighter in every sense of the word. A person who is ten times better than any man who puts her down. A woman who knows it’s okay to be afraid sometimes so long as she also realizes it takes a helluva lot more bravery to be scared and succeed than to fear and give in.”

These two were absolutely beautiful together, however I admit that his behavior didn't really make sense to me after they became physical. Originally shying away from calling each other friends because it "led to friends with benefits which led to disaster" he immediately contradicted himself and started trying to label them as just a fling and friends with benefits. It left me feeling confused. I understand that he wasn't feeling ready for a relationship at that point in his life, but everything he was thinking and saying was a complete about face from how he told her that he wanted to "worship her" the day before. As well, I wish there could have been a little bit more of a concrete resolution with her ex, especially after the incident between the two of them later on in the book.

Overall, the angst was so much more than I had anticipated and it was such a welcome surprise. Despite my few issues, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sexy and emotional read.

All I see is love. All I want is him. All I feel is complete after being broken in pieces for so very long.

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[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!!! ♥♥♥

Zander and Getty are both running away from their pasts when they meet. Somehow finding each other will help with the now, but what happens when the past and the future comes against with the present?

"Just Jump."

I seriously can't express how much I loved Down Shift!! It was the perfect mixture of sweet, sexy and funny and with angsty parts that make the salt and pepper of a great story! I loved how Zander and Getty met, how their relationship progressed and how nothing was rushed. I loved the pace of this book, the excellent build between these two and even the scenes with the secondary characters as well.

The sex scenes were also quite scorching and also the perfect amount, not too short or too many. I think Mander is my favorite hero by K. Bromberg and even though the prologue had me worried for a minute, the rest of the book definitely makes up for it.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and everyone who loves romance. Trust me when I say that you're gonna love Golden Boy & Socks!!

[Just Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️4.5 STARS for sure!!!

I was a little bit hesitant to pick up this book because I was first introduced to Zander when he was seven years old in Driven by K. Bromberg and it was impossible for me then put him in the book boyfriend category. For me, if I knew you as a child, I can never see you as a book boyfriend, it’s just creepy. That being said… I am so glad I read this book. I just adored Zander.



Everybody has that kid they grew up knowing turn into this really good looking man or woman, right? I know I do. But, no matter how easy on the eyes they are, I can only see them as that kid I’ve known their whole life. That’s what Zander was for me – a kid that grew up into a really good looking man. Because of that, you won’t see me say things like, “He’s so sexy!” – ew, sorry, that’s the only one I could stomach to get out but you get my point, hopefully.

That being said, he does have the making for someone else’s book boyfriend.

Getty is a whole other story, I just loved her. From the beginning to the end, she was my book homegirl. She was the type of woman I would want my son to date. Loved her.

Getty and Zander were both running away from something. As Getty was running towards a new life…

Time has given me that clarity. Distance has allowed me to realize that the only love I lost was for myself. – Getty

…Zander was trying to find a way to cope with his past, even if it meant hurting the man who raised him, Colton.

“I’m not your goddamn son, so quit acting like you’re my father!” – Zander

The way Getty and Zander met…. yassssssss! It was so perfect for the two of them. Getty is staying at her aunts house for the summer for free to “find herself” when Zander pops up saying he was told by a family friend that he will be staying at the house. Both of them want the other to leave but neither will back down and pack up and go.

“You’re an asshole.”

“If you want to insult me, Socks, you better think of something better than that, because that’s a not an insult when it’s a well-known fact.”

After they met, I just knew that Zander was going to be an asshole and was prepared to hate him. I had my attitude face on and fuck you boots ready. Luckily for me and Zander he showed his true colors over the course of the book and you could see how well Rylee and Colton raised him well.

Let’s be honest here folks – any additional time we can get with Rylee and Colton is a plus! You have to have read Driven to understand.

Zander ends up being everything Getty needed to heal at the most unexpected time. He tried to be an asshole to Getty, he really did but it didn’t work out the way. Instead of being an asshole, he was one of the kindest people Getty had ever met in her fucked up life.

When you’ve never known kindness like this, it’s easy to give a part of yourself to the person who shows it, because when all you have are broken pieces to begin with, who’s going to miss one more little piece? – Getty

They both had invisible scars that were so deep rooted that only acceptance from yourself can heal. But when you can add acceptance from someone else in the mix – that’s magnificent.

Getty was beautiful, smart and resilient but it just took someone else to show her that. (coughs) Zander.

Zander had a family who loved him unconditionally even when he felt like he didn’t deserve it.

Two people, two broken hearts, and two lifeless souls…

I kind of feel like Getty and Zander could be me or you, a friend, a sister, a brother because they were so relatable. There pain was real and deep. The writing was perfect. Some might think that the Zander’s storyline was too simple but if you knew where he started from as a child you can see why this simple thing wasn’t that simple.

Zander grew up in an abusive household before his biological father killed his biological mother. He knew the signs of a woman who was abused and scared. He wanted to be Getty’s safe place, to help save her in the way he wasn’t able to save his mother.

Getty grew up in a house were emotional abuse ran just as deep a physical abuse might.

“You don’t have to hit to leave bruises, Getty.” – Zander

I really enjoyed the banter between the two of them, it was so entertaining. It was the perfect amount of humor to ground the reader in an emotional story. Oh, the way the just got each other. I don’t know how to put it, all I can say is that they had a way of understanding what the other needed without even having to talk about it first. Priceless!



Now let me tell why Getty is my girl… When Zander’s actions made her question his motives she knew how to stand up for herself. Her journey to find her self-worth was achieved because she knew that a successful relationship needed more than just love, truth was also vital.

Love doesn’t fix everything. Trust and honesty are huge factors too.. And I’ve lived without all three of those for so long. Is it really so bad to require them the next go-round? – Getty

That’s what I’m talking about! Love yourself first, baby girl! She wanted Zander but she was prepared to be without him because she was worth more.

Now let me tell you why Zander was a man of honor… When he knew Getty wasn’t putting up with no bullshit, he was willing to show her why he deserved her.

Have patience. But not too much. When there’s something you want, go after it. But if there’s something worth your while you want bad enough, be patient.

My heart was all over the place throughout this book. I cried, I laughed, I got pissed, I felt joy, I felt everything. This book was EVERYTHING!

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'Just Jump' Stars!

Enter the giveaway for a SIGNED paperback HERE

K. Bromberg continues to surprise with this strikingly mature and deeply-felt romance! Although Zander is the son of Colton Donavan from the Driven series, this book can absolutely stand on its own. Down Shift is an incredibly sexy and emotional story. Zander and Getty's book reminds me why I love reading contemporary romance. A definite must-read!

Zander was always one of my favorite characters from the 'Driven' series. He was adopted by Colton and Rylee as a child but now he is a grown man tormented by personal demons. He is tortured and making poor decisions and living a crazy life. Well, that doesn't fly when you're the son of the renowned Colton Donavan and Zander is promptly fired by his own father from the racing team. Colton tells Zander to cool off and come back when he can be a responsible member of the famed racing team.

Hateful words are exchanged between father and son and Zander takes off. The Donavan clan are one tight-knit bunch, but no one knows where Zander is. It was heartbreaking to read about the pain that his family must have been going through while Zander sorted himself out.

Getty is also trying to make a fresh start and get back on her feet. She is running from something or someone and trusts absolutely no one. She is living a very simple life in a cottage while working in a local bar. Getty and Zander quite literally run into each other in the middle of the night in the MOST unexpected way!

'I force myself to look away because . . . well, because he’s a stranger. In my house. Naked. And oh my God, something is wrong with me, because I’m not running and calling 911 like I should.'

Getty and Zander's romance is a slow-build, based on trust and friendship and heat. The author takes time to create her characters and their relationship and so the reader really gets to 'know' these two characters. They are both in pain, but can they save each other from their pasts?

The Prologue was filled with emotion for me, I literally cried while reading the heated between Colton and his beloved son Zander. This intense emotional connection with the main characters continued throughout the story. 'Down Shift' is THE perfect mix of steamy romance, emotion, light-hearted humor and suspense.

K. Bromberg really knows how to create broken characters who learn to put their past suffering behind them. Getty and Zander have been though so much pain you wonder if they will ever be able to open their hearts again. That pain is what makes their ultimate happiness so beautiful and meaningful.

'The invisible scars are the ones that cut the deepest and stay with you the longest.'

I fell in love with Zander in 'Down Shift' and his story was everything I hoped for: sexy, emotional, funny and very mature. Fans of the 'Driven' series will be thrilled to see Colton and Rylee make brief but pivotal appearances here but make not mistake, this is Zander and Getty's story. Get ready and JUST JUMP!


ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Spinn off Standalone
First Person - Dual POV

"His love roared loader than my demons. And he made me want to be found again."

This book was about Zander's story who we met on the driven series. He was so young then who witnessed his mother being murder by his own father. He thought he was healed and had past his nightmares but he was so wrong. After a package he received his pain all came back, the nightmares too. He basically shut everyone down and even lost his career.

Getty Caster was running away from her past. Living a life of money everyone would think she was just spoiled trying to be a revel. However; she learned money wasn't everything. After years of abuse she wanted a fresh start.

Life put Zander and Gettty in the same house by accident but neither had a choice but to deal with each other. Both fighting their own demons were able to really get to know each other. After fights and so much tension between these two life gave them both a second chance and they found love and trust in each other.

This book was enjoyable and sweet. Both characters were stubborn but funny and i couldn't helped liking them both.

Book Order:



F(BR) with my girl LIZ! I'm the one on the left with the shorts haha

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and all, but damn, was it long!


I admit, I skimmed a bit (ok, maybe a lot).
I don't really know if the book was really long or just boring at times.

The story was cute and I liked the characters so I decided not to DNF it. It had some sweet stuff and some pretty good moments, but can't really say anything more than that. Yeah, it deserves 3 stars, but I can't say it deserves more, it was pretty average.


It's really hard to write a great short romance story, it's even harder to write a long one. Why? Because you already know the ending. No matter what happens, the two (3, 4) end up together, so if it's not interesting, why bother to actually finish it. So yes, I appreciate this one for keeping me interested enough to actually want to finish it.

Would I recommend it? I have no idea, maybe... but there is more interesting stuff out there.

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. The story could've been about half as long as it was and still had the same effect imo but that's neither here nor there. I listened to the audiobook (FOR OVER 15 HOURS lol) and enjoyed it even though I've not read any of the others in the series. The story deals with difficult themes in a very tasteful manner. Getty went to an island to get away and find her strength and Zander needed to figure his life out. Though both were in a bad place when they met, yet they brought out the best in one another. The romantic aspects are slow to build though the attraction is definitely there. I think it was necessary for it to happen that way because it allowed for significant character growth. The plot was intricate and detailed with depth and insight that was executed well in the writing. The characters are flawed and complex, as well as both strong and fragile in many ways. The secondary characters were well defined and unique. While at times the pacing felt slow, it could be attributed to the medium I chose to "read" this in. I felt there was an opportunity for improvement in the ending as it felt too rushed and left some open questions. The narrators did a fantastic job. All in all a good read. Safety: No others while they are together despite appearances. Yes to rape and abuse.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander Donovan



We all remember the boy Colton & Rylee adopted.... Now he's all grown up and has his own story to tell.

We don't really know what happened that leads to the prologue, but it starts with a slightly crazy Zander fighting with his dad - Colton Donovan. It goes so far that Colton has to fire him from the racing team. He tells Zander to get his shit sorted, take some time off, calm down, find someone outside of the family to confide in...

But Zander is a really stubborn guy and yells very hateful words at the man who saved him when he was younger...

Once Zander stopped being stupid and drunk he decides a few days in a cute beach cottage on a Washington island would be the perfect place to relax and think for a while...



Enter Getty. She's been living in that cottage for three months now.
Three whole months of finally being on her own.
For the first time in her life, she's the only one who decides what to do and what to wear and what to say. She finally ran out on her super-controlling mega rich husband Ethan - and her equally strict dad.
She's now happily living in the cottage and working at the local bar.

The first meeting?
Yup, you guessed it - not really all that friendly. And of course both were kinda naked at the time. ☺☺☺

For every step they take to a possible friendship, something happens, or some words are said, that pull them apart again. It's easier to fight and argue than to tell the truth to a stranger.
But that's why both ran away .... to get their lives back on track again. To talk about their problems with someone who understands....

And even if those kisses are extremely hot, they're not yet ready to bare all the deep, dark secrets of their past.
But living in the same house, they can't help but get to know each other - and like each other....

What will happen with Getty & Zander?
Will there be a HEA?
Or will there be a horrible Cliffy?



I'm not telling you that of course ☺ ☺



═════════════════════════════════





Such an adorable book!
A book can't be bad when I already start crying in the prologue.☺
But I also wanted to shake some sense into Zander for yelling at our poor Colton!!!!

But he gets his act together pretty quickly. He's staying at the cottage to think about things and to work through everything that happened to him when he was a little boy.

Same with Getty. She's there to escape a horrible marriage.

They're both so perfect for each other. But of course it takes them a while to trust the other.
But they have lots of fun on their way to their Happily Ever After.

Lots of fighting, arguing, storming out of the house furious at each other...but also lots of sexy looks and kisses and touches....



I loved it.
The perfect romance with the right amount of mystery, suspense, drama, sexiness and heartbreakingly moving moments!



Yes, of course, the whole '2-strangers-share-a-beach-cottage' has been romance-noveled many times before, and pretty much nothing that happens in the book is surprising or new, but we love those books. They're cute and moving and sexy ... what's not to love?

We already loved Zander from the previous books and now he's here with his own story, and of course we have some Rylee and Colton in it too. Perfect for fans of the series, but also perfect for readers new to the Donovans!

DOWN SHIFT was such an adorable and funny and moving romance! Zander and Getty are finally ready to be grown-ups, to be responsible for their own lives & mistakes. Ready to face the past.... Run to your nearest amazon for your own dose of Zander!!!

If i had to name something I didn't like...just a few expressions that bother me - and probably only me ☺ It's that thing where an author says that a guy THROWS HIS HEAD BACK AND LAUGHS - ugh - I hate that. No idea why. I just can't imagine a hot guy doing that. And I have never ever seen a guy do that in real live. It would look totally ridiculous! And Zander does that a LOT in this book :/

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a paperback copy of this book for free. Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group LTD.)

“He tastes like beer and mint and lust all in one, and my head is swimming and heart is pumping and holy shit, he’s kissing me. Tempting me. Awakening me.”

This was an adult contemporary romance story featuring a race car driver.

Getty was an okay character and I felt quite sorry for her and the treatment she had received from her father and husband. Zander was pretty charming, and I was glad that we got charming Zander rather than the Zander of the prologue.

The storyline in this was about a mix up where both Getty and Zander ended up having to share a house, and ending up flirting with each other. We got some sexual tension, and a couple of hot sex scenes, but the rest of the story dragged a bit for me.

The ending to this was pretty happy, if a little predictable.



6 out of 10

[AC Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Everyone's churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm."

HOLY CRAP!!! This book has me gasping at the very first chapter - what an intense introduction to Zander’s life (hint - an interaction between Zander and his father Colton). It was the perfect set up for the rest of an incredible novel. I am a huge fan of K. Bromberg and I expect nothing less from her – a gorgeous, emotional love story of Zander and Getty. This book took my breath away from beginning until the end. You DO NOT want to miss this guys.

This book is a standalone but if you follow the Driven series you know that Zander was adopted when he was quite young. Zander had a very unfortunate childhood in an abusive household. He went to an orphanage and eventually was adopted by the great race car driver Colton and his beautiful wife Rylee. Now at the age of 26, Zander himself is a popular race driver well on his way to greatness. But Zander’s life quickly spirals out of control when a mysterious box from his deceased mother arrived at his door steps. Zander cannot deal with what he had found out about his past. He dives into reckless drinking – as a result loses his family and his career. A few months later, Zander moves to a small island, attempting to clear his mind and right his wrongs in order to redeem himself and win back his life. There he meets Getty. Getty is running away from an abusive past. She wants to start fresh, rebuild her life and for the first time be independent of everyone. The last thing she needs is a sexy, moody, complicated, arrogant Zander for a roommate. The first meeting had me rolling on the floor laughing so hard I might have peed my pants. It was seriously hilarious. The two were forced to live together and so the journey begins…

"I can't knowingly walk you into my storm without showing you where the lighthouse is so you have a way out before you even begin."

The relationship between Zander and Getty is complicated. Zander is stubborn and infuriating but with a such kind heart. Getty is such a sweetheart, beautiful but broken and scarred seemingly beyond repair. They hate each other at first. Neither are looking for a relationship but slowly they become friends and eventually can’t fight the attraction they have for each other. What I love most is how the relationship progresses. Love does not come easy for either of them. The two main characters are so broken, flawed, and full of demons. They have suffered so much turmoil and heart break in their lives that it is difficult to open their hearts and trust someone new. They have to fight for each other every step of the way and I think that’s what makes their love strong, real, and everlasting.

This book is everything you could ask for – fun, laugh out loud moments, sexy, angsty, heart- warming and absolutely well-written. From the very beginning the writing captivated me right away and did not stop until I finished. Most people wonder how I can say I read a book in one sitting … but let me tell you, once I find a book that has me at the first chapter I will have no problem staying up all night. Down Shift is THAT book!!! Captivating, fun, adorable characters, emotional, steamy - all balled up in unquestionably fantastic writing. What an AMAZING READ!
"Just jump" guys! ONE-CLICK this one – you will not be disappointed.

PS: I would like to quickly mention that I love Colton in Driven but I absolutely ADORE the older version of him in this book - wise, caring, and full of love and tender for the people closest to him. I think that make him sexier than ever! I have to go back and do a reread :)

I received this ARC from NG in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher.

Reviewer for AC Book Blog @ http://acbookblog.com
FB ~ https://www.facebook.com/AC-BookBlog-...

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Zander Donavan is a race car driver living in Los Angeles. He's the adopted son of racing legend Colton Donavan & is Indy's newest Golden Boy. For the first seven years of Zander's life he lived with his birth parents & it was a hard life. When traumatic memories he repressed as a child resurface, Zander goes off the deep end. He's reckless and leaves racing mid season after some controversy & bad behavior.

Needing some clarity & to be somewhere quiet to deal with his issues Zander decides he needs to get away from the chaos that is his life. He needs to figure how to make things right with those he's wronged & redeem himself. He's tired of running from his past & feeling inside like he's still that little boy needing closure. He decides to take the time to sort out his past before he returns to racing. He heads to his friends vacation house in Pine Ridge Island off Washington.



Getty Caster is a 25 yr. old woman who recently escaped a life full of abuse, where she was controlled and had to be perfect. Reputation was everything & she had expectations that were impossible to live up to. Tired of constantly being criticized & living in fear, Getty flees & leaves her old life behind. When a friend offers her home she's renovating to Getty to stay in for a while, she's excited & looking forward to the solitude. To being alone & healing her body, mind & heart. She needs time to think & figure out her future. She's longing for a taste of normalcy & the space to repair her self esteem.

She gets a job & is just setting in when she returns home one day to find a gorgeous stranger in the house. They soon figure out they were both told they could stay at the house & they immediately clash. Zander has planned to steer clear of women while sorting his life out, & Getty is looking for a fresh start on her own. She doesn't trust anyone & especially men. She wants to be a confident woman who makes her own decisions, but Zander slowly wins her over with his tenderness & humor. They don't want to like each other, but can't seem to stay away from one another. There's an electricity between them that can't be denied, & they eventually can't fight it anymore.



-"For some reason every time I look at you, I know I need to stay when all I want to do is run again."

-"She's beautifully scarred, gorgeously flawed, irresistibly captivating."

-"Your kiss tastes like an aged whiskey: something I want to sip slowly, feel on my lips, savor on my tongue, and take my time with before I get drunk on it."



As Zander & Getty share their past and secrets with one another their connection continues to grow. He shows her kindness and compassion & makes her feel safe. He gives her hope for new beginnings & awakens every part of her with a desire she didn't know was possible to feel. Can they escape their troubled pasts that have held them hostage & together find a way to build a future together?

I really loved this book & Zander! He was totally swoon worthy & absolutely irresistible! Hot as hell and has a heart of gold! So happy we got Zander's story! :))

[Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of the Driven series and Down Shift makes a nice addition.

You’ve got two strong main characters, each of whom are at a crossroads in their lives. Zander is forced to face his past and evaluate his priorities when his reckless behavior puts him dangerously close crashing and burning. Getty needs to find independence and confidence after escaping an abusive past.

I enjoyed the progression of their relationship from reluctant roommates to friends to lovers. Zander and Getty are so good together. Their similarities and patience make them well balanced and perfectly suited to help each other heal. Their sex life isn’t too shabby either.

I did have one issue. The cause of Zander’s meltdown seems extremely overblown and disproportionate to his behavior. I expected some major revelation, but his main issue is really nothing a conversation early on couldn’t resolve. It’s a weak link plot-wise in an otherwise engaging and romantic story.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced to step away from the track and deal with his mess of a life, Zander’s determined to do something all on his own—without the love and support of his family—to prove to himself he can do it. What he didn’t count on was running into Getty Caster, his new roommate.

Getty’s fighting her own demons. She’s trying to find herself too—find out who the real Getty is after suffering the verbal abuse of her father and ex-husband. Believing she’s found the perfect location to heal from her past, Getty’s thrown for a loop when her beachside haven is invaded by one tall, dark and oh so very sexy Zander Donovan.

Both are determined to move forward from their pasts as stronger individuals. When burying their demons becomes almost too much for them to bear, will their attraction and feelings for each other be enough to help them work through the issues or will they try to slay them alone?

Just jump.

Two simple words. A simple act—in theory. Are you taking a leap of faith that what you’re jumping toward is better than what you have? How do you know it’s worth the risk?

Oh Zander. You broke my heart as a seven-year-old boy and continued to do so as an adult in Down Shift. Even after all those wonderful years with your brothers, Rylee and Colton, you still haven’t managed to work through your demons. I loved meeting adult Zander and seeing how his life has turned out after so much heartbreak during his early childhood. And whoa. Colton as a dad. Damn. Heart in throat. So powerful. So heartfelt. So full of sorrow and pain for his son. But so damn amazing at the same time.

I adored Getty as well. She’s an amazing woman who just needed to find her inner strength and allow herself to trust herself again. The damage that her father and ex-husband inflicted on her self-confidence was gut wrenching, but I loved watching Getty get stronger and stronger as Zander helped her realize just how amazing she is as a person and as a lover. I loved how they worked together, retaining their own identities but still finding room in the chaos of their lives to let the other one inside their hearts.

“. . . So just jump with me, Socks. Leap without looking, because I promise I’ll be there to catch you no matter how far the fall.”

And in the end . . . that ending . . . Perfect. ~ Missy, 5+ stars

~~~

SPEECHLESS! This book has left me utterly speechless and the only thing I want to repeat over and over again is READ THIS BOOK! I want to shout it to the heavens, to my friends, to random strangers I pass in the store. Because every person needs this book in their life.

“But no one is going to see the same thing you see. Everyone’s churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm.”

Oh Zander! I could not wait to get your story and it was so damn good. Running from a troubled past that continues to catch up with him, Zander heads to a small island to get away.

“What the hell is wrong with me? There is a man in my house. He obviously just showered in my bathroom. And I’m staring at his dick.”

Getty also needed to escape and having a new roommate was not on her to-do list. Together, the two learn how to live again. To love. To just jump.

“Let me show you how sex is supposed to be. Supposed to make you feel. Let. Me. Worship. You.”

I’m pretty sure that Down Shift has gone to the top of my favorites list from Ms. Bromberg, as well as my one of my top reads of all time. Ms. Bromberg just has a way with words. You feel every emotion you are reading. I laughed; I cried; I grinned like a crazy person (all while my husband made fun of me), but I couldn’t stop reading.

READ THIS BOOK! ~ Tiffany, 5+ stars

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to full review below! Best of 2016! Loved it! See full review on The Book Disciple

[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed. Review coming soon.

[Kate]

DNF 46% Maybe will be back later.

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two broken characters meet in this sweet, slow-burning romance. Loved.

Full review to come...

ARC provided by Berkley