Drive

One Night #1

by Megyn Ward

One night.

A moment a weakness.
I took something I never should’ve been allowed to have.
Claire St. James.
Even though I knew she was too good for me.
Even though I knew if she ever learned the truth about me she’d run, screaming in the other direction.
Even though I knew she and I could never have a future.
She offered me her innocence and I took it.
And then I disappeared without a trace.
I told myself it was better for her this way.
That a girl like her has no business with a guy like me.
That she’d forget about me.
Move on.
Find someone better.
Five years later, I’m still trying to find my way out from under her. Deal with the mountain of mistakes that stood between us.
When I come face to face with her again, I’m not ready.
I’m still broken.
But this is it.
My second chance to get things right between us.
And this time, I’m not walking away.

Genres: Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

USA Today best-selling author Megyn Ward lives on coffee, chocolate and more than the occasional glass of red wine. When she's not spending time with the hot, dirty-talking Alphas and the strong, capable women who love them who live in her head, she's busy chasing chickens (and kids), hanging laundry and burning dinner. Either way, she is almost always in the company of her eight dogs, her truest and most faithful companions, and her almost as faithful husband, Joe.
Megyn is also the author of the award-winning Sabrina Vaughn thriller series, written under the name Maegan Beaumont.

Reviews

[Blue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy the author's writing style, but I prefer more substance in the story than the majority of it being sex scenes.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just WOW! Emotional and stunning, this spectacularly written novella will take your breath away . . .
This emotional character-driven novella is masterfully written. It grabbed my attention from page one and held me captive until the last word. Author Megyn Ward has the gift for developing Claire St. James and Jaxon Bennett into fabulously rich characters despite “DRIVE’s” short length. There is no telling either. Instead, Ward takes her readers through the emotional morass of teenage first love using flashbacks and dialogue, pulling her readers through the highs and lows of living through Claire and Jaxon’s viewpoint. For this reader and I suspect for many others, Ward’s ability to tap into the sentiments of her readers as she did in this emotionally charged tale will keep her reading faithful hungry for her next published work. Honestly, from about page 50 on, all I could hear was Ed Sheeran singing “PERFECT” on a nearly continuous loop in my head as I tried to read through my tears. “DRIVE”, a second chance novella and part of author Megyn Ward’s ONE NIGHT SERIES is a breathtaking view into the impassioned second chance story of Jaxon and Claire. She has abandonment issues, justly so, and he has responsibilities far too early in life. For one night they have each other and then he is gone. Five years later he recognizes that he must find a way to earn her forgiveness because once he sees Claire again, Jaxon knows he can’t live without her in his life. But will she forgive him? To meet these wonderful characters and find out if she is forgiving, you will have to purchase a copy of “DRIVE”. I was given an ARC to prepare this honest voluntary review, but I plan on purchasing Megyn Ward’s writing to support a wonderful indie writer. I STRONGLY recommend you do the same. I rarely give 5 stars for a novella, but DRIVE has earned that 5-star distinction. Happy pages! 😉

[lf · Rating 2 out of 5]

She has to chase him down again

Not really sure what to say about DRIVE by Megyn Ward except that if I was the h I would have let the H keep on driving. But nope she has to chase him down after he left her a second time. This is a story told during two different times - present day and five years ago. Both times the couple spend one night together and then he vanishes on her. In the present time he leaves and she tracks him down..............poof all is forgiven. All I can say is that this is not really a second chance to me as he blew it so keep on moving on buddy.
I am sure you can tell that I did not really like this story that much. It was not the writing as I thought it was nicely written. My issue is the story and where the author has takes the H and h. For me a second chance romance does not mean the woman has to basically prostrate herself in order to get the guy to be with her. Sorry but this book was not for me.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[M Hurford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Writing.
Intriguing storyline engaged me enough to read the book through to completion. I’m not a big fan of going back and forth in time so I tolerated that element...barely. The two main characters, Claire, with abandonment issues, and Jaxon, with commitment issues do find each other appealing enough five years ago, act on that attraction by having a one night fling with the outcome of Claire loosing her virginity. The next morning Jaxon disappears and she does not seen him again for five years until the night of her sister’s bachelorette party and he happens to be the limo driver.
In one night will they have the opportunity to tie up loose ends from five years ago and move on?
While there are some unrealistic expectations on the part of Claire five years later, I’m recommending the book for your reading enjoyment. Peace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is emotional, suspenseful, exciting and grabs your attention. It takes you through the emotions of a man and a woman who had something once and he ran away because of fear and other things. He sees her years later and realizes he needs her. But he caused her so much pain and such that he doesn't know if she will forgive him. I loved it. You feel the emotions and situations. I highly recommend it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a great book from Megyn. Loved this one. Claire was the babysitter someone to take care of the little boy should never have been anything more. But there was so much more between them. But will the truth when he comes back into her life chase her away? Gripping from beginning to end. I love how this book starts in the past and goes to the present. So well written to amazing characters. Great storyline. Another great book from Megyn. Highly recommend.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story in one sitting. It was amazing. It's a story about Jaxon and Claire. She is babysitting his younger brother but she in Jaxon have feelings for each other. Five years later, Jaxon runs into Claire again, determined to explain the past and to get her back. Past and the present intertwine nicely, which makes a great build up to the story. It's a slow burn read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Celicia Fowlkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

He may have been wrong to leave without saying goodbye the first time. He made up for it by being honest and letting her know he woul d be leaving again. She never asked him to stay for her or even come back to her. If she had done that the first time, I think he would have never left the way he did. He didn't want to hurt but she would have been hurt either way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 2nd chance romance that only took 5 years to happen. Claire and Jaxson had a one night stand then Jaxson ghosted. Fate has them bump into each other 5 years later.

These characters are haunted by their own demons yet together with that chemistry that only got stronger over the years. Will they realize what they have? Can they tie up their loose ends or will they let the rope fall away?

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. The story is about Claire and Jaxon who meet when Claire is 18 and Jaxon is 20, they have one night together and then Jaxon leaves. A few years later they meet again and after some doing Claire agrees to hear Jaxon explain his behavior years earlier. They have another night together and this time Claire isn’t about to let Jaxon leave so easily and they have a HEA. This is a nice story to sit down and relax whilst reading it.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! It is a compelling, funny, well written, emotionally deep, interesting second chance romance. Amazing storyline that moves along at a brisk pace with a few twists; the plot is consistent, engaging, and will grip you from beginning to end. Loveable characters - the chemistry between them is off the charts and undeniable. Definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alba Heras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short story

I really like Megyn's writing style, it keeps you reading non stop and does never get boring. It is fun, romantic and sexy. The downside of this book (whoch is why it has 4 stars instead of 5) is because it felt too short. I feel like I was missing a bit more of the story between Jaxon and Claire. I feel like I haven't seen much of their story. It is nice for a short quick read but I would have enjoyed more if it was a bit longer with more story to tell

[Elizabeth Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Likeable characters, good story. Will read other books by this author, but what I didn’t like was the back and forth timeline. Normally, I have no problem with this, but there is nothing to tell you this chapter is then, this one now, so it totally throws a person wondering what did I miss, then it clicks what is happening. Still this book is well worth the read

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were interesting. Claire and Jaxson had a one night stand then Jaxson left without a trace. The chemistry between these two are off the charts hot and steamy .
Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.J. Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to give anything away, so I'll be careful!

The story was a good read. I do wish there was more in the beginning to make their relationship more concrete. I do believe that love can be found after an long absence-it makes the heart grow fonder!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Megyn Ward; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense emotional storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and turning page after page throughout the whole book.

It caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep while I was reading it because it was so hard to put down at night.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven

I love a good second chance romance. This one does NOT disappoint. I loved the "popular one" going above and beyond to help the HEA happen. That's something you don't normally get in second chance romances!

[Teri Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

I liked this book. It was a quick read but I think it needed more time for Jax and Claire to make up it felt a little rushed. I will be reading the next one in this series for sure!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Claire and Jaxson have that once in a lifetime love. With those she loved leaving her behind, she fights for Jaxson when returns after 5 years. The dressing room was hot!! Glad her sister stepped in and helped her get him back. Excellent read!

[Booknook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story's fast pace and its sexiness. Jason and Claire have one wild night with each other before he disappears for 5 long years. When they run into each other again, sparks and anger fly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book with great potential. The characters were great and the story was good. It could have a bit more substance, but I enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written Short story. Loved the characters and plot. Not a completely unique take but it does have a couple twists. Entertaining!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for second chance romances. But really? He left her again even after telling her why. Personally I would have let him go that second time around but there is no accounting for love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

[TopsieJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story!
I loved the flipping between past and present. A lovely storyline with heartwarming reasons behind Jaxon's initial actions, which were unexpected. Looking forward to reading more from Megyn.

[Karen N Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaxon & Claire: Wow! Why did I wait so long to read this when the author is one of my favorites. I could not put it down. I haven’t come across writing like this. I loved it! So excited for the next in the series.

[Donna Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

As Usual Megyn I love your writing. But with this one it seems not quite done. I hope you'll revisit this story and give it a 🔥🔥🔥ending.

[Lauren Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I’m in love with a story of her creation! She has yet to disappoint!

[Baxygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a gorgeous story!

I love that this has the guy needing to do right by his child, and walking away from love.

I look forward to reading more from Megyn!