What do you think?
Rate this book
Drive
Growing up as the daughter of a world famous blues legend, Rainey Memphis Reeves learned everything she needed to know about musicians. They are phony, unfaithful, and never home — even when it matters.
Six years ago, an accident left her shattered, and even now, Rainey can’t trust herself behind the wheel of a car.
But when she meets Jacques Gilchrist, the sweet, soulful, and heart-stoppingly handsome Uber driver, Rainey discovers she can forget her fear when she’s with him.
Until she learns he’s a musician. And worse than that, he’s good. Too good.
Jacques Gilchrist has tried for years to break out of the small-town music scene, but as soon as he meets Rainey, he can’t stop writing songs about her. He’s about to take the world by storm, but if he wants Rainey by his side, Jacques will have to prove he’s nothing like her father.
He’s determined, even if he has to drive her across the country to do it.
Six years ago, an accident left her shattered, and even now, Rainey can’t trust herself behind the wheel of a car.
But when she meets Jacques Gilchrist, the sweet, soulful, and heart-stoppingly handsome Uber driver, Rainey discovers she can forget her fear when she’s with him.
Until she learns he’s a musician. And worse than that, he’s good. Too good.
Jacques Gilchrist has tried for years to break out of the small-town music scene, but as soon as he meets Rainey, he can’t stop writing songs about her. He’s about to take the world by storm, but if he wants Rainey by his side, Jacques will have to prove he’s nothing like her father.
He’s determined, even if he has to drive her across the country to do it.
ebook
First published October 16, 2017
23 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fournet
17 books516 followersBestselling romance author Stephanie Fournet has thirteen novels and one novella to her name. She lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband and their needy dogs Mabel and Bud, and the ghosts of dogs past. When she isn’t writing romance novels, Stephanie is usually helping students get into college, camping, or curled up with a good book. She loves hearing from readers, so look for her on Facebook, Instagram, and stephaniefournet.com.
Follow her on Instagram.
Like her page on Facebook.
Find her books at https://www.stephaniefournet.com.
Follow her on Instagram.
Like her page on Facebook.
Find her books at https://www.stephaniefournet.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 29, 2023
"I've got you."
Drive is a stunning contemporary romance with passion, tenderness, and a lot of heart. It is a story of hope and redemption. A story of what happens when two broken people find each other in the most unusual circumstances and a beautiful friendship is forged which soon transforms into something so much more.
"If she was going to try to pull away,Rainey Memphis Reeves is a strong yet scared young woman. She is no stranger to heartbreak and when a tragic event sends her into hiding, she is left going through a life void of purpose or hope. When Rainey faces yet another challenging life event, she is forced to step out of her comfort zone. It is in that moment that she meets Jacques Gilchrist. Jacques and Rainey share an instant connection and yet both are more than aware of their need to take their newfound friendship slow. As Jacques draws closer to Rainey, she begins to pull away. When the man you are falling for represents everything you have tried to stay away from, it becomes difficult to trust. Jacques is the catalyst to helping Rainey find joy and strength once again. As their bond continues to grow, it becomes abundantly clear that together they can overcome any obstacle life throws their way.
Jacques was going to push back."
"It had been a lifetime. She had waited a lifetime to be loved. Just as he had."Told in dual POV, Drive is an absolutely stunning read with complex characters and endearing relationships. Both Rainey and Jacques carry heavy burdens from their past and yet they both find what they are seeking in each other. The plot is complex exploring a range of emotions that each character must work through in order to find resolution. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Louisiana, amidst the culture and sounds of Cajun music and blues, Ms. Fournet offers an unforgettable romance that will make your heart overflow. One of the greatest elements of this read is the believability of the characters and their plight. The pain is raw and as each piece of the plot unfolds, I found myself 100% invested in this story and simply could not put it down.
Overall, I highly recommend Drive to readers who enjoy music, romance, and a fantastic story of rebirth! Jacques and Rainey are perfectly matched and I will never forget their epic story.
*This is a BR with my SHHLUTTY SISTA MYLA!
*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 10, 2018
There is something to be said about Stephanie Fournet writing...comfort. Yeah, if I had to choose one than that would be my word to describe her style.
If you had not ...yet....read her work..pick a book any book and you would be fine.
This is very sweet, tender, feelgood read.
Extra points for great music mentioned in this book.
If you had not ...yet....read her work..pick a book any book and you would be fine.
This is very sweet, tender, feelgood read.
Extra points for great music mentioned in this book.
October 21, 2017
Drive is a slow build romance with perfect character development that moves at a steady pace.
Falling in love to a musician is a no-no for Rainey; from life experience, this will only bring her sadness and eventual heartbreak. But Jacques, an up and coming singer is nothing if not persistent. This part-time Uber driver first saw Rainey when she booked a ride and was immediately smitten by her beauty.
Jacques is a swoon-worthy hero who’s patient, thoughtful, sweet, sensitive and sexy gorgeous kind of guy, which Rainey is trying to discourage in pursuing her. Is she insane? (My thought exactly!) But I can't blame Rainey for having some doubt about the true intention of Jacques; she’s just protecting her heart after all. Will she give him a chance?
What I also like in this book are the supporting characters like Kate Crawford from The Heroine; Ray Charles, this kid stole some great scenes; and Holi who pushed Rainey to do whatever makes her happy.
My first book from Stephanie Fournet and I enjoyed it a lot. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book of her in the coming days! Highly recommended!
Note: Thanks, Lonestar Liz for the (F)BR and everything! You ROCK!
October 9, 2017
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disappoint! As usual, Fournet delivered great characters and an immersing, heart-wrenching story. There’s so much to love, that I decided to make a list - check it out on the blog: http://bookandlatte.com/2017/10/drive....
DRIVE was a perfect escape read. As expected, I’m already anxiously waiting for Stephanie Fournet’s next book!
DRIVE was a perfect escape read. As expected, I’m already anxiously waiting for Stephanie Fournet’s next book!
October 20, 2017
Drive captured my interest from the very beginning and held it until the end. Being familiar with this author’s writing, I am always confident that I will be getting a solid, impeccably written story that is sure to tug at my heartstrings and immerse me in the characters’ lives. Once again, she did not disappoint.
Drive is a slow burning romance. The author has taken her time developing the characters and the romantic potential between them. I am a big fan of love stories that build slowly. I enjoy books that keep my anticipation high, allowing me to witness the characters falling in love at a believable pace. There was no rushing the story along, it unfolded naturally and effortlessly.
Being the granddaughter of a drummer, I have a special spot in my heart for musicians. Give me a romance novel with a musician, and I’m all in. But this was not your average romance between a rock star and his swooning fan. A musician was the last person who Rainey Memphis Reeves wanted to fall in love with (with good reason). After an accident left her the shell of the woman she once was, she wasn’t really looking for a relationship at all.
Enter the uber-talented Uber driver, Jacques Gilchrist. Sweet and patient doesn’t even begin to describe this character. He was an unexpected and pleasant diversion in Rainey’s sheltered existence. But Rainey believed that her life wasn’t big enough to include someone who was going places in life. Despite her attempts to keep him at bay, Jacques was nothing but persistent and kind, making her doubt that all musicians were just like her dear old dad.
Drive was more than just about the romance between Rainey and Jacques. This was Rainey’s journey. This was Rainey’s time to grow, evolve, and rediscover herself. I wanted it for her. Throughout the entire book, I wanted to give her that little nudge in the right direction, and I wanted her to let herself truly live again.
Jacques Gilchrist may have been a wonderful and swoon-worthy character, but I must admit that my favorite characters were…a bit older and wiser. Pal and Floyd stole my heart with their Cajun charm, songs, and Floyd’s three words. I couldn’t get enough of those two! They added another quirky, entertaining, and completely charming level to this novel.
Whenever I find out that Stephanie Fournet has a new book coming out, I am always ready to be whisked away to Lafayette, Louisiana for another heart-warming story.
Drive is a slow burning romance. The author has taken her time developing the characters and the romantic potential between them. I am a big fan of love stories that build slowly. I enjoy books that keep my anticipation high, allowing me to witness the characters falling in love at a believable pace. There was no rushing the story along, it unfolded naturally and effortlessly.
Being the granddaughter of a drummer, I have a special spot in my heart for musicians. Give me a romance novel with a musician, and I’m all in. But this was not your average romance between a rock star and his swooning fan. A musician was the last person who Rainey Memphis Reeves wanted to fall in love with (with good reason). After an accident left her the shell of the woman she once was, she wasn’t really looking for a relationship at all.
Enter the uber-talented Uber driver, Jacques Gilchrist. Sweet and patient doesn’t even begin to describe this character. He was an unexpected and pleasant diversion in Rainey’s sheltered existence. But Rainey believed that her life wasn’t big enough to include someone who was going places in life. Despite her attempts to keep him at bay, Jacques was nothing but persistent and kind, making her doubt that all musicians were just like her dear old dad.
Drive was more than just about the romance between Rainey and Jacques. This was Rainey’s journey. This was Rainey’s time to grow, evolve, and rediscover herself. I wanted it for her. Throughout the entire book, I wanted to give her that little nudge in the right direction, and I wanted her to let herself truly live again.
Jacques Gilchrist may have been a wonderful and swoon-worthy character, but I must admit that my favorite characters were…a bit older and wiser. Pal and Floyd stole my heart with their Cajun charm, songs, and Floyd’s three words. I couldn’t get enough of those two! They added another quirky, entertaining, and completely charming level to this novel.
Whenever I find out that Stephanie Fournet has a new book coming out, I am always ready to be whisked away to Lafayette, Louisiana for another heart-warming story.
Want to read
May 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (5/28/2020)! 🎁
September 30, 2017
Drive captured my heart from the very beginning, I visualised every single thing in my head while as I was reading it, all credit to Stephanie's wonderful writing. I lived and loved this story, connecting with all it's characters. This book was perfect; truly and completely and I can't recommend it enough.
*Copy kindly given by the author for an honest review*
*Copy kindly given by the author for an honest review*
October 19, 2017
Welp, she does it again. Ms. Fournet is always a 'just purchase the dang book and don't worry about reviews' author for me. I really appreciate that she didn't take the easy, secret keeping up for very long. The characters were too smart for that. I got a little more frustrated with Rainey than some heroines past, but Jacque. Was. Everything.
October 20, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Sexy, fast-paced, riveting and heart pounding!
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Sexy, fast-paced, riveting and heart pounding!
October 16, 2017
This was my very first Stephanie Fournet book and it will definitely not be the last. Her writing grabs you from the beginning and takes you on such a beautiful journey. The characters are just so well written and the story is so unique. This is ABSOLUTELY a must read!! I can not wait to read more from Ms. Fournet!
October 25, 2017
Stephanie Fournet'so character development gets better with each book. I loved the evolution of Rainey's journey back to independence and Jacque's determination to have the life he has worked for and his girl. Their chemistry was awesome and the slow, intense relationship building was refreshing. There was no rush to create the story, but instead an organic build. Just perfect!
A little oops (editing error) at Chapter 31 where a chapter of Leave a Mark was squeezed in before the epilogue; that is on the editor and certainly not the author. Made me want to reread Leave a Mark though!
Congratulations Stephanie on providing another great story set in Lafayette. As a local, I appreciate the beauty of our city coming through in your books. Can't wait for your next book!
A little oops (editing error) at Chapter 31 where a chapter of Leave a Mark was squeezed in before the epilogue; that is on the editor and certainly not the author. Made me want to reread Leave a Mark though!
Congratulations Stephanie on providing another great story set in Lafayette. As a local, I appreciate the beauty of our city coming through in your books. Can't wait for your next book!
October 10, 2020
Enjoyed the main characters, their unfolding inner strength and love story. Loved the Cajun and psychic elements sprinkled throughout.
October 22, 2017
Another great read from Stephanie Fournet. Ever since being introduced to Stephanie's books with Leave a Mark, I have been hooked, and each one hooks me even more. With Drive she gives us a very interesting premise for a book...a young woman needs to get somewhere so she gets an uber. When the uber driver is Jaques Gilchrist and the passenger is Rainey Reeves fate takes over and their story begins. And what a story it is, it's captivating, emotional and funny. It most of all it's a love story. A really good love story. You can't help but enjoy every page.
November 8, 2017
Overcoming fears, opening hearts, observing traditions, speaking truth to power and holding to account, finding, giving and receiving true love.
The above are just a glimpse of entertaining and soulful elements in Amazon Best Selling author, Stephanie Fournet's seventh romance novel. Through Fournet's "Word Smithy," she is able to describe every element and emotion of a scene. As usual, her research is impeccable and her descriptive writing prowess prints each scene Kodachrome clear.
The above are just a glimpse of entertaining and soulful elements in Amazon Best Selling author, Stephanie Fournet's seventh romance novel. Through Fournet's "Word Smithy," she is able to describe every element and emotion of a scene. As usual, her research is impeccable and her descriptive writing prowess prints each scene Kodachrome clear.
October 22, 2022
Good story but everyone’s good nature is a little hard to take. No one gets angry or eats a whole plate of brownies or spends too much money on books. Sex happens within four day of meeting and record deals are made within two weeks of creating a band. You know, realistic. But you don’t read for realism, you read for escape and this is that.
November 5, 2017
Another great read for me! I can't put your books down. Ready for more now.
November 6, 2017
Sweet and romantic
I enjoyed the characters. I’m not big on sexy scenes and there was a little too much of that. It was a feel good book.
I enjoyed the characters. I’m not big on sexy scenes and there was a little too much of that. It was a feel good book.
February 10, 2018
Once again, Stephanie never fails.
I love how original Stephanie's stories are. And I'm going to for sure love her next story, especially with the character's name being Elise, which is my moms name, spelled exactly the same way, and not a lot of Elise's are spelled that way. But anything with music always has my heart, and this story didn't fail. Love the little cameo of Gray in there.
I love how original Stephanie's stories are. And I'm going to for sure love her next story, especially with the character's name being Elise, which is my moms name, spelled exactly the same way, and not a lot of Elise's are spelled that way. But anything with music always has my heart, and this story didn't fail. Love the little cameo of Gray in there.
October 28, 2018
Once again, another great book by this author. I guarantee you'll have a little crush on Jacques Gilchrist. he's hot, has great taste in music, a talented musician, and he's just kind and romantic. the best combination. without giving any spoilers, the way he cares for Rainey is something to aspire to. The importance and love of family, illness, past mistakes and courage, and taking chances are big themes in this book. not to mention the awesome music mentioned in this book. If you're like me, you'll immediately search the songs on spotify and be glad of the cool new finds. Please give this book a try and recommend this author to everyone. She is a rare gem and you'll want to get your hands on all of her books asap
October 21, 2017
Superb
I started reading Ms. Fournet's books with "Leave A Mark" (read it 4 times) then "You First" (read it twice so far) and now "Drive". The stories are absolutely superbly written and as someone who reads over 150 books a year but have written less than ten reviews (usually just give the star rating) this is truly a deeply heartfelt recommendation to anyone reading this.....buy all three of the books I mention, you won't regret it! Thank you, Ms. Fournet, "Drive" has my standing ovation!
I started reading Ms. Fournet's books with "Leave A Mark" (read it 4 times) then "You First" (read it twice so far) and now "Drive". The stories are absolutely superbly written and as someone who reads over 150 books a year but have written less than ten reviews (usually just give the star rating) this is truly a deeply heartfelt recommendation to anyone reading this.....buy all three of the books I mention, you won't regret it! Thank you, Ms. Fournet, "Drive" has my standing ovation!
October 22, 2017
[2.25 stars] overall the book is okay, worth a read but if i were to compare with the 1st book i read from this author which is "leave a mark", i would say the standard is slightly below it.
and i don't understand anything about chapter 31? who is dr leland hawthorne? why is there suddenly a chapter about him? like huh?? thought i was suddenly reading the wrong book.
and i don't understand anything about chapter 31? who is dr leland hawthorne? why is there suddenly a chapter about him? like huh?? thought i was suddenly reading the wrong book.
September 3, 2018
Great read! Jacques is so sweet and caring. Great story line but the ending was a bit abrupt. Still a 5 star read!
September 1, 2021
Oh, young love!
I’m pretty picky about romance stories. I’m in my 60’s, and I have very fond memories of romance in my 20’s, 30’s…beyond. I’ve been married to my special soul mate for awhile now. Romance improves with age and maturity. So I have little patience for fluffy, silly, heart throbby stuff which is what most romance
novels are full of.
Most love stories drag on and on, one of the party (usually the female) refuses to believe it’s real and plays hard to get the entire book, giving in to steamy sex a few times but still must be chased…then at the end, for no realistic or good reason, sees the light and they live happily ever after the end.
It seemed like this book was gonna do just that. I needed something light to read, and I loved the book “Kind of Cursed” by this author. So I persevered with reading this story, though I filled my Kindle version with notes of a barfing 🤮 emoticon, and notes telling the girl who won’t love the perfect guy to “ get over it” and “grow up,” and I would cringe every time our masculine leading man would say something girly like “She is so adorable” or “ She looked really cute”. This character was definitely created by a female, he was too too perfect! Well, except for the sometimes usage of what I think is an effeminate vocabulary.
The book did get mature about 65% in. The leading lady realizes she has been pretty self absorbed and actually begins to want to love, to bring happiness to another human being instead of guarding her own heart with vigilance that almost turns cruel. The characters did get mature, did get it right…who would have thought??
I’m not sure what it was about the book that drew me in to keep reading even though it’s not really my style of romance. There was a little bit of a guilty pleasure aspect to it. I think it’s exactly what most romance fans prefer. I’m just—not into the fluffy girly stuff, and the same old tired emotional immaturity of love interest characters
I’m pretty picky about romance stories. I’m in my 60’s, and I have very fond memories of romance in my 20’s, 30’s…beyond. I’ve been married to my special soul mate for awhile now. Romance improves with age and maturity. So I have little patience for fluffy, silly, heart throbby stuff which is what most romance
novels are full of.
Most love stories drag on and on, one of the party (usually the female) refuses to believe it’s real and plays hard to get the entire book, giving in to steamy sex a few times but still must be chased…then at the end, for no realistic or good reason, sees the light and they live happily ever after the end.
It seemed like this book was gonna do just that. I needed something light to read, and I loved the book “Kind of Cursed” by this author. So I persevered with reading this story, though I filled my Kindle version with notes of a barfing 🤮 emoticon, and notes telling the girl who won’t love the perfect guy to “ get over it” and “grow up,” and I would cringe every time our masculine leading man would say something girly like “She is so adorable” or “ She looked really cute”. This character was definitely created by a female, he was too too perfect! Well, except for the sometimes usage of what I think is an effeminate vocabulary.
The book did get mature about 65% in. The leading lady realizes she has been pretty self absorbed and actually begins to want to love, to bring happiness to another human being instead of guarding her own heart with vigilance that almost turns cruel. The characters did get mature, did get it right…who would have thought??
I’m not sure what it was about the book that drew me in to keep reading even though it’s not really my style of romance. There was a little bit of a guilty pleasure aspect to it. I think it’s exactly what most romance fans prefer. I’m just—not into the fluffy girly stuff, and the same old tired emotional immaturity of love interest characters
July 16, 2020
While I usually love Stephanie Fournet's absolutely sweet romances, I was a bit disappointed with Drive. It's not that the romance isn't sweet, it's just the the characters are strangely inconsistent and there are lots of plot details that are never resolved and secondary characters that have no follow up.
Rainey seems to be a recluse at the beginning of the book, almost never leaving the house and definitely never driving. Even going to the hospital to visit her sister makes her sick. And yet, after she meets Jacques she suddenly has zero issues with being in crowded bars of even travelling long distances by car. Jacques, on the other hand is an Uber driver/musician that rarely seems to work and has lots of free time, even after he starts with his new band. Frankly, I didn't find it very realistic.
So, while the romance was good and there was a happy ending, most of the rest of plot felt flat and not very interesting, especially taking into account the issues I had with the characters.
I still love all the other Stephanie Fournet books I've read before, and I will certainly read more in the future.
Rainey seems to be a recluse at the beginning of the book, almost never leaving the house and definitely never driving. Even going to the hospital to visit her sister makes her sick. And yet, after she meets Jacques she suddenly has zero issues with being in crowded bars of even travelling long distances by car. Jacques, on the other hand is an Uber driver/musician that rarely seems to work and has lots of free time, even after he starts with his new band. Frankly, I didn't find it very realistic.
So, while the romance was good and there was a happy ending, most of the rest of plot felt flat and not very interesting, especially taking into account the issues I had with the characters.
I still love all the other Stephanie Fournet books I've read before, and I will certainly read more in the future.
November 7, 2020
This author really knows how to write some swoon worthy scenes!!! I just love her style!! Having said that - this wasn’t may favorite book by her... I just didn’t like the way the h pushed the H away initially - that was messed up. I also have personally known two people with aplastic anemia and neither of them were allowed to come home when they were sick. They were both kept in the hospital in isolation until their immune systems were gaining strength so I found the fact the Holi was home and allowed visitors to be annoyingly inaccurate. Other little things were bothersome too - like how quickly things resolved with her step brother, the band’s immediate success, and how Rainy just overcame all her chronic PTSD issues almost overnight. Just too much of a stretch for me. I need a little more depth and reality in my stories but from a romantic perspective - it was very good.. 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Oh my god, read this book, I love this book, let me be buried with this book.
November 20, 2020
I love SF books but God I fucking hate Rainey. I hate her whiny, boring existence. Ugh. I couldnt get through this book. I have to go read something else quickly to erase her from my mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews