Drive Me Wild

Bellamy Creek #1

by Melanie Harlow

When Blair Beaufort literally crashes into Bellamy Creek wearing a ball gown and a tiara, I should have towed her car, said goodnight, and sent her packing.

I’m a mechanic, not a hotel manager. I've got enough on my plate trying to keep my shop from going under, my overbearing mother off my back, and my baseball team in contention for the league championship. I don’t have time for a former debutante with zero street smarts and a cash flow problem, even if she is crazy beautiful.

Problem is, she’s stranded in my small town, and I’m hiding a protective streak underneath my grumpy exterior that runs deep. So I offer her a place to stay and keep my hands to myself.

For exactly one night.

If only she weren't so gorgeous. So funny. So eager to please. She’s a disaster behind the wheel, but she drives me wild without even trying--at work, at home, in the back of my truck . . . I can’t get enough of the way she makes me feel.

But I know better than to think it can last. She wants a fairy tale, and I’m no prince.

So when it comes time for her to leave, there’s nothing I can do but let her go.

No matter how much it hurts to say goodbye.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Sports, Adult

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of sweet and sexy romance. Lover of cocktails, high heels, and history with the naughty bits left in. Michigan girl. INTJ. Always seeking ginspiration...

Find me!
Website→harlow.pub/web
Newsletter→harlow.pub/mh-news
Amazon→harlow.pub/amazon
Instagram→harlow.pub/insta
Bookbub→harlow.pub/bb
Reader Group→harlow.pub/harlots
Facebook→harlow.pub/ap

FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

Series:

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS WILD!!! ONLY 99 CENTS!!!
5 Loved Hardcore Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Melanie Harlow, I Bow To You! You put everything a Rom/Com should have plus so much more. You delivered full characters and secondary characters. You gave me some of the steamiest times ever. You made small towns perfectly ok and hysterical in their ability to work the gossip mill to perfection.

I could go into depth about all the heart, insight to pain each one of these characters had to cause their relationship woes but I won't because giving you anything about this book would detract from your enjoyment.

Please, go with my blessing and read this book. I promise you will have the time of your life.

Irresistible (Cloverleigh Farms #1)
Secondary Characters Referenced in Story
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Drive Me Wild (Bellamy Creek #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Make Me Yours (Bellamy Creek #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Call Me Crazy (Bellamy Creek #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tie Me Down (Bellamy Creek #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
August 11, 2020
O.M.G. Did You See This Cover!
My Kindle Is Smokin' Just With My Looking At It. I Cannot Wait!
July 14, 2020
You've All Seen That Guy...
The One Who Is Just This Side Of Cranky...
The One Who Has Too Much On His Plate...
Trying To Appease Those Important To Him...
Like His Mother...

Or

Help With Taking A Rag Tag Baseball Team...
And Getting Them To Qualify...
For The League Championships...

Or

Making Sure His Mechanic Shop Stays Afloat...
Little Things Like This...
Can Make a Guy Sort Of Grumpy...

No Matter How Hot and Sexy He Is...

So When Blair Beaufort Decked...
In A Ball Gown And Tiara...
Crashes Into Bellamy Creek ...
Our Guy Should Have...
Walked The Other Way...

Said No To Those Twinkly Eyes...
Said No Ma'am To Those Luscious Lips
But Damn If She Didn't...
Bring Out The Need To Help Her...
Fix Everything That She Could Need Fixin'...

Now Our Guy Isn't Just Cranky Or Grumpy...
Now He Is Having A Huge Problem...
Because Funny, Cute, Smart, Blair Beaufort...
Makes Him Think ...
This Gal Is Going To

Drive Me Wild-August 24, 2020

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[chan ☆]

this is one of those books where it could have been a 4 star but i'll never know because i set it down and lost interest <3

love melanie's shit tho, she knows how to write. i might revisit this series at some point because i'm interested in the other dudes we got introduced to. just didn't 100% understand mr. grumpy mechanic's shtick and the rich girl running away to pay for her own life was a lil too Friends for my taste.

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a cute start to the series! grumpy x sunshine, boss employee, and so so much spice. i adored blair and griffin right away. and i love me a good small town.. specially w mechanic meets baker.

a lil too insta love for me but i had a fabulous time.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time buying any of these characters. Griffin is a schlump persisting along in a business his dad left him and I can't tell if he hates it and only persists as tribute to his deceased father or if he tolerates it because he can't think of anything else to do. He's pfaffing around with small business loans to upgrade crap but it sounds to me like if you can't make it on reputation in a small town then you're flat-out doing something wrong.

And Blair supposedly comes from money but none of her background makes any kind of sense and she's all about the baking having snuck in a baking job for years before her regular nine-to-five at her father's company where she was a social media manager who did great work, or so she says, even if nobody listened to her ideas. Which might have worked if she wasn't trying to convince Griff that all he had to do to bring in the customers was spruce up his lobby and offer free baked goods. Because that's what motivates those small town rubes to frequent an auto-mechanic.

And you might have recovered from a sloppy background if the romance worked. But it really didn't. I couldn't help feeling like these two had some lust going, but they connected superficially, if at all, and Griff has this whole "rules" thing going specifically designed so that he'll end up lonely and alone. Because that's how you find happiness in his world, apparently. And not only is that a giant negative motivation* but it turns out to be due to really a stupid reason that just felt manufactured and ultimately lame. And when he followed his rules to lie to Blair so she'll be hurt and leave him, I lost all sympathy for him and finally quit. Look authors, when your "hero" thinks to himself "I'll never forgive myself for making her feel that way." but does it anyway? Yeah, that guy is a snotweasel and should be drop-kicked by the actual hero on his way to winning the girl.

So yeah, this is one star and goes on the stack of books I wish we had zero-star ratings for.

A note about the audiobook: This book is not helped by the narrators. Vanessa Edwin is nearly adequate, though her Southern Belle needs some work. But Rock Engle needs to learn what women sound like and should maybe hold off on doing accents until he can do one while delivering emotional content. And maybe all of that is unfair because the real problem was the underlying story. But I don't think so.

A note about Steamy: There are explicit sex scenes, heading for the high end of my steam tolerance. But worse, it felt like the characters were auditioning for jobs in adult entertainment and had to show off all the different ways they could do sex. Gross out under the spoiler tag. You have been warned, but I've never understood being fascinated with spraying cum everywhere. On her, on him, on her again. This is not a good look. And maybe I'm just old and conventional. But yuck.

* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.

[Melanie Harlow]

☆★☆ 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪 ☆★☆

If you're looking for a new book boyfriend, I've got one to rev your engine. He's a hot, broody mechanic with a protective streak, who can't help falling for a newly-broke former debutante whose car breaks down, stranding her in his small town. This book is everything 2020 is not--light, sexy, heartwarming, and fun! If you're ready for a hot, sweaty joy ride, this book is for you.

𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠, 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛.

𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗
✦ Amazon → https://harlow.pub/DriveMeWild-amazon
✦ Amazon International → http://mybook.to/drivemewild

Visit my website → https://harlow.pub/DriveMeWild

Get a SNEAK PEEK of Drive Me Wild here → https://harlow.pub/DriveMeWild-SneakPeek

[Laurelin Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bitch Melanie Harlow sent me chapters while she was writing this and then abruptly stopped, and I had to buy the book to read the ending! What kind of friend is she? :D Luckily, I love her and was willing to sacrifice. Worth it, too! Melanie writes damn satisfying books! They're like pajamas for the soul. (Stolen comparison from Kayti McGee)

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

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

-“Every time you step up to the plate, there’s a chance you’ll strike out. But there’s also a chance you’ll knock it out of the park.”



Griffin Dempsey is a mechanic who owns and runs a garage in a small town in Michigan called Bellamy Creek. He’s one of the towns most eligible bachelors, but is not a relationship type of guy. He’s stubborn, and set in his ways. He stays busy with work, family, and baseball. Then a beautiful, mysterious woman crashes into town looking like a Disney princess. She throws his world upside down when he can’t resist helping her. She’s stranded with nowhere to stay and limited funds. As his protective side comes out, he knows he can’t give in to temptation. The problem is she’s crazy gorgeous and he wants her. He likes her, but it can never be more. Temporary is all they can ever be. As their attraction ignites he’s determined to keep things casual between them, but soon he’s breaking all his own rules. Will be let her get close to his guarded heart, or will he let her go?



Blair Beaufort is a woman on her own for the first time. She wants to start over, and make her own rules. She’s ready to work on herself, and has big plans. Then her life takes a detour, and she ends up in a small town with a sexy guy that has the face of a movie star. She has no real reason to trust him, yet she does. She’d like to get to know him better, but isn’t sure a future for them is in the cards. Could she have finally found her fairy tale ending and where she belongs?



-I didn’t care about rules or consequences. I didn’t think about the past or the future or anything except this moment, this feeling, this woman, this relentless need for more, more, more.



Drive Me Wild by Melanie Harlow is a heartwarming, fun, flirty standalone contemporary romance packed with chemistry, passion, humor, and charm. Opposites attract in this story about unexpected love, family, and friendship. This is the first book in the Bellamy Creek series, and it’s fantastic! We are introduced to four friends in their early thirties that grew up together in a small town. They play old man baseball together, and one is just as delicious as the other. I can’t wait for more books in this series! I’m hooked!!!



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2EcsncB

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was fun and sexy and emotional, all the things I want, and love, in a contemporary romance, and which Ms. Harlow never fails to deliver!
Blair and Griffin are the perfect example of the "grumpy and sunshine" trope and I adored them! Griffin has found himself a spot on my Harlow's Hotties favorite list, that is for sure. Honestly, together, they've become one of my favorite Harlow couples.

Griffin is that perfect mix of alpha and beta- all broody and moody on the outside, but sweet and caring, and a little emotionally stunted on the inside. Guh, I love when an author can pull that mix of traits off, and Ms. Harlow does it perfectly with Griffin. In a way he reminded me of Dallas from Only Him, and I think that's why I loved him so much!
Blair is such a sweet, optimistic, ray of light. I love how determined she was to make her own way, to get out from underneath her parents' expectations and create a life of her own. What she wasn't expecting was to fall for the hot mechanic in a small town. Talk about meet cute!

This was such a feel good read, even with some of the heavier issues the characters, especially Griffin, had to deal with. I love the townspeople and the friendships, and having the chance to visit with some past favorites! I am so looking forward to reading more books in this series- I'm already excited for what's to come!

[swedishruler B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need a guy that goes after what he wants. This one did not. Why must the guy always be hung up on his past. Scared pregnancy with heroine here and a miscarriageWith last relationship. She was the pursuer.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars on my 2026 Reread

I still very much enjoyed it 😊

SPOILERS…

I wish Blair had made Griffin actually grovel 😒.

I’m not a fan of the heroine caving in… especially with how Griffin was acting 😐.

I wanted him to see her move on from his ass 🤷🏻‍♀️💁🏻‍♀️. You go Blair. Be ya independent self 👏🏻. Sigh.

Anyway…

I loved the epilogue ❤️ and the bonus epilogue is 🥹❤️

2020 review
Oh Lordy was this book good! It was a great combination or heartfelt emotion, laugh-out-loud silliness, hot sexy times and an overall feel-good book!

Blair comes into town very loudly- because, inanimate objects get in her way and she just crashes into them. She blows out her tire, loses control of her car, and has an accident in front of the diner Griffin and his equally hot friends are eating. He rushes out to see what the commotion is and, when Blair sees how hot these men are (especially the James Dean lookalike, aka Griffin) she literally faints- thank God Griffin has fast reflexes cause he catches her before she hits the ground- in her huge, white “wedding dress” (okay her debutante dress but it looks like a wedding dress lol). Their connection is instant- chemistry galore for sure.

He ends up having her stay at his place because there aren’t any hotels with openings and her car needed to get fixed. Because she happened to buy this car from some random person, it needed a lot of things fixed. Blair agreed to stay with Griffin as long as she could help him out in the office and around the mechanic shop (I forgot to mention that Griffin owns the mechanic shop that has been in his family for decades).

Griffin has all these rules he lives by, one main one is to not do relationships. However, he finds himself unable to keep his hands off Blair (and, oh man, was I here for every single time he couldn’t). He feels pressure from his mom (she wants grandkids), His business isn’t thriving because of the competition (cheaper, faster chain is taking over their town) and he has feelings for Blair. Blair promises to help him market his shop in order for it to pick up so he doesn’t feel the financial pressure as much. And while all of this is happening, their attraction to each other only grows.
Griffin needs to realize that he could lose the one woman that had really understood him.

This brought me so many giggles (out loud- yes, embarrassing hahaha but I didn’t care), so many “aww” moments, and a couple of times where I shed tears. I can’t wait to dive into book 2 (Cheyenne and Cole) but this one was definitely hot and sweet.

⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-loss of loves ones
-miscarriage mentioned
-HEA/epilogues (bonus if you sign up through her newsletter)

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

''Everything is coming together''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of miscarriage
- HEA

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

Melanie never fails to make me happy whenever I read her books. I've been meaning to read more of her books (especially this series). I love small town romances and I love grumpy x sunshine even more.

This book was so much fun, I loved the characters. Blair was such a joy and such an adorable ditz. She lived in a bubble world filled with privilege and money....then it all fell apart. Her father was convicted of tax evasion leaving her entire world to pieces and she used this chance to go off and make something of herself outside of her regular world. By doing that she lands in the small town and does it in style – her car broke down and she faints into the arms of Griffin who happens to be the town’s mechanic.

He was so grumpy about so many things, and she was the sunshine that everyone fell in love with, with just one conversation. She truly wanted to help him get his family business back into its glory days and put so much time and effort into making it happen for him. Her heart was beautiful, and I loved watching him fall in love with her and see her be amazing.

They really balanced each other really well and yes this is definitely an insta-love connection as they slept together 2 days? after meeting and fell in love pretty quickly. I found it hilarious that he HID her car parts for a week just so she would not leave town like they had agreed.

He made a massive mistake when he LIED and hurt her by telling her she was only sex and convenient. The only reason this book did not get 5 stars is because I wanted MORE of a grovel from him? I wanted him to drive up to the new town she settled in, see her in the new job and atmosphere and feel like he fucked up royally. I wanted him to just suffer a little bit more.

Other than that little wish of mine this was a fast-paced book, and it gave you plenty of adorable and swoon worthy moments.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah!! Melanie Harlow has done it again!! She creates the most perfect recipe of small town romances with the added spice of delicious gruff and broody men along with sweet and sassy heroines who turn their worlds upside down! I absolutely loved Griffin and Blair and their heartfelt and sexy connection!! 

There is something about the way Harlow writes opposite attract stories where two worlds collide and the combustion creates shockwaves heard 'round the world (in this case, Bellamy Creek!) This small and loveable town was not prepared for the collision between Griffin Dempsey and Blaire Beaufort. I loved these two together as their love story felt genuine, heartfelt, swoony and was filled to the brim with delicious (and dirty) moments.

Overall, I loved this story and how Griffin and Blaire's emotions for one another came right off the page. But like every Harlow story, I raced to the end and then craved more of this amazing couple the minute I finished. Now I can't wait for more amazingness from this author! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

***

Who doesn’t love a gruff, grumbly man who’s completely overwhelmed by an energetic, bubbly, smart, sweet woman, to the point that he can’t think straight or see himself without her by his side for the rest of his life. I know I sure do—and that’s just what we’ve got in Drive Me Wild between Griffin Dempsey and Blaire Beaufort.

Blaire drives Griffin wild, and crazy too. But he’d also be crazy to let her go—and she’d be crazy to leave. I adored their fun, sexy, swoony romance that built slowly even though Blair literally crashed into Griffin’s life. Their romance felt so real and truthful and their emotions seemed to emanate right through my Kindle.

And I also adored the rest of the Bellamy Creek crowd. Of course, small town romance is one of my favorites, so I can’t wait for more from what could turn into my favorite Melanie Harlow series. ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not very impressed with Drive Me Wild. I feel like Miss Harlow missing the wild aspect on the story. The characters are immature. There is a lot of hot sex, but I feel lukewarm. Drive Me Wild is intended for NA audience.

Blaire is typical damsel in distress. While Griffin is typical brooding hero who has a bit of baggage in his past. However I still think the plot is weak and rushed. I am surprise that Miss Harlow is not elevating the plot into much more drama.
The book is not entirely bad. There are still some sweet, funny banter.

Overall I am OK with this book.

3 stars

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and easy.

Heroine trying to start a new life pops a tire and gets stranded in town. Hero is reluctant in love, but of course the heroine just falls right into his arms. Literally that happens. It’s just sweet and feel good. They fall fast, but it was too sweet for it to bother me! I needed something easy and fun, and this was it. I’ll probably read more from the series, because I liked the small town vibes.

[Ainhoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tell me how was I supposed to read this book and not eat everything sweet I had in my cupboards?

Yes, thank you Melanie Harlow for that extra kilo on my scales today ✌🏻

[Tenley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, because I really enjoy reading Melanie Harlow's books, but this one fell flat.

Her formula is getting old. There is always some incredibly hot, but commitment-phobic H, paired with some super down-to-earth, gorgeous and humble h who makes the hero rethink his commitment issues (but not before he loses her and then tries to win her back.). Seriously, I've read this same story over and over in her books.

I don't mind reading formulaic books (seriously, there are so many that I love), but don't give me flat and cheesy characters. Blair's background was too hokey and her sunny disposition was grating. Like many of the author's leading men, Griffin was his typical 'broody' self, but that's pretty much all he was. Both characters were one-sided and lacked depth. This made their relationship boring and underdeveloped.

A total 'meh' read for me.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually enjoy more Melanie Harlow's small town series but this one was a miss for me.
The beginning was great, the setting, the characters, the plot... THE MEET CUTE and then sadly everything went downhill for me... very irritating MC's
I will read the next book in the series and probably the rest of the series...

2,5 stars

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I am a huge sucker for small town romances. I loved this! It was so cute and sweet. Not only did I love Blair and Griffin, but I adored all of the other characters. You could really feel the small town charm. I am addicted to this series. I can’t wait until the next book!

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book could be better. It began perfectly and ended on a such meh point for me. The guy was too indecisive with his feelings and it wasn't even the fun indecisiveness (which now I found exists).

The heroine, Blair, was a quirky great girl. I love heroines like her in my books. A classic heroine, in my opinion.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a Hallmark movie only sexy

I received an ARC copy of this from the author via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review

Summary
While trying to escape her debutante life, Blair literally crashes into Bellamy Creek. With her car busted and bank account empty, Blair has no where to go. So when the attractive mechanic catches her trying to sleep in broken car, she takes him up on the offer to crash on his couch.
Griffin lives by a strict set of rules - number 1 being no sleep overs. But his attraction to Blair has him wanting to break them all. At least for a little while. And when it comes time to let her go, he will. No matter how hard it is to say goodbye.

Overview
➸ POV: 1st Person, Griffin and Blair's POV

➸ Blair Beaufort: 30, Newly broke, Former debutante, Talkative, Over-sharer, French major, Aspiring pastry chef

➸ Griffin Dempsy: 32, Mechanic & owner of Bellamy Creek Garage, Ex-Marine, Younger sister Cheyenne, Perpetual bachelor

➸ Content Warnings: Death of a parent, Miscarriage

My Thoughts
I completely devoured this book! From the moment I picked it up, I was completely hooked! This book had me absolutely swooning and laughing out loud.

I loved the small town setting! Melanie Harlow has such a knack for writing settings that feel so warm and inviting. This one was just as captivating as Cloverleigh Farms but wholly unique in feel. I also loved the snippets of Cloverleigh in here!

These main characters were everything. Not only was I completely smitten with Griffin, but Blair was charming and hilarious. I loved the dynamic between these characters and the tension between them everything. The chemistry between the MCs had me fanning myself on more than one occasion.

Not only were the main characters fantastic, but so were the side characters! There were so many side characters I loved them all. This book also did an amazing job at getting me excited for the upcoming books in this series! I'm completely obsessed with Griffin's friend group and want all their books right now!

Overall this book completely captured me and pulled me into this adorable, small town. I loved the main characters, their romance, and Melanie Harlow can write one hell of an amazing sex scene! This book was steamy, romantic, and full everything I love in romance! I can't wait to get my hands on Cole and Cheyenne's book!

[Halle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 🌟



Drive Me Wild is the first book in a new series of standalone small town romances. It follows Griffin & Blair in this light hearted, steamy, sweet, low angst with an all round fun rom com vibe.

Griffin is grumpy, slightly closed off emotionally and convinced he will always be better off alone. He has things he is still dealing with from his past as well as trying to figure out a way to keep his business running and succeeding he definitely does not have anytime for love or relationships.

Blair is sweet, adorbale with a hint of sass. She is flirty and playful while also having goals on how she wants to set up her new life and prove her independence.

The whole Grump/Sunshine dynamic is one of my favourites in romances and I really enjoyed how it played out in this story though Griffin definitely could've been grumpier (the more grumpier the better imo) but Blair was the perfect Sunshine to his Grump. Their chemistry and connection was compelling and even though the timeline of the story was quick and fast paced I didn't mind the instant attraction & feelings developed as it still felt genuine and natural.

The set up for this new series was done so well & I loved every minute of the small town atmosphere created. It was charming, entertaining and just so pleasant. Often I find small town drama/aspects can either be infuriating or more like a soap opera but here I actually looked forward to it. I loved all the side characters especially Griffin's mother (literally highlighted all of her scenes) & sister as well as some of the other men mentioned who I assume will be featured in their own books.

The little throwbacks to the Cloverleigh Farms series was also a nice touch & I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.

《book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest》

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Tropes: Small Town | Contemporary Romance

Drive Me Wild is the first book in the Bellamy Creek series by Melanie Harlow and I have to say, it’s a fantastic start! Having loved her Cloverleigh Farms series I knew I was in for a treat when I realized she was writing another small-town romance series of interconnected standalones (my FAVORITE). In this one, readers will meet Blair and Griffin, two unlikely people who, despite major life differences, find a love they never expected. But will their love be able to last knowing how different the two are?

Griffin... He’s a bit of a grump and extremely stubborn, but I loved watching him slowly come to terms with his past and how to rectify his future. He’s hardheaded for sure, and there were MANY times I wanted to shake some sense into him, but I fell hard for him regardless. I think the cover of the book depicts him perfectly and watching him in my head was a delight!

Blair is a one of a kind, sassy woman. She’s running from her past (being the belle of the ball to a woman on her own without the “finer things in life” she’s been accustomed to), and straight into the arms of a grumpy mechanic. She’s a talker, excitable, and unique in the best of ways and I loved watching her turn her life into something she always dreamed. Sure, getting the grumpy mechanic to “see her” was a big undertaking, but she lays her heart on her sleeve and I applauded her for her smarts and fierceness.

Melanie Harlow knows how to write characters in an endearing way and that was the same with this story. I love her style, her small-town romances, and the way she effortlessly brings these characters to life! I highly recommend this one to fellow romance readers. I can’t wait for Cheyanne’s story next- I know it’s going to be a GOOD ONE!

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance 💚
Instant attraction 💚
Simmering lust 💚
Super cute couple 💚
Steamy hot sex 💚

Blair literally crashes into Griffin’s life wearing a ball gown that looks suspiciously like a wedding dress. Could she be a runaway bride? Blair is not happy about this turn of events, she has a plan and come hell or high water she is going to finally fulfill the dream she has to open her own bakery.

‘She looked like a very confused Disney princess, as if she’d been well on her way to the Magic Kingdom and had no idea how she’d wound up here instead.’

Griffin turns out to be her knight in shining armor, offering to fix her car and giving her a bed for the night. Blair doesn’t want to have to rely on his help, this is day one of being independent and it’s important to her to do things without help. However, she reluctantly agrees to his kind offer just this once.

By the morning her arrival in town has spread like wildfire and the word on the street is that she and Griffin are in fact married, after someone saw them slipping into his home late at night. The town folk are all quick to congratulate the happy couple and some even come bearing gifts! The person most excited about Blair’s arrival is Griffin’s mum. She is desperate for him to marry and give her the long awaited grandchildren she has been praying for. She sees Blair as the answer to those prayers.

As one day turns into a few more, Blair decides to make herself useful in the office workshop while she waits for her car parts to arrive. She wants to be able to repay Griffin for his hospitality. She quickly gets his filing system in shape, pulls together a marketing plan for him and her daily baking brings just about everyone in town to meet her and taste her goodies.

‘Crazy as it sounds, I felt safe in the care of this small-town mechanic with the movie star face and the dimple in his chin and the tattoos and the deep voice and the big, strong hands and the heart he’d learned not to set on anything. I had no real reason to trust him, yet I did.’

Griffin is so affected by Blair and does his best to not let it show around her. It only takes one moment of Blair hinting that she feels the same way for things to heat up between them. And boy, there is no stopping them after that. Griffin is not a relationship guy and he has his reasons for that but knowing that Blair is only in town for a short amount of time has him throwing caution to the wind and just doing what feels good right now.

‘She wasn’t like any other girl I’d ever met, which was both the problem and the allure. I didn’t know how to read her. But damn, I wanted her something fierce.’

The lines have definitely blurred and the time for Blair to leave is not very far away, if only Griffin wasn’t so afraid to ask her to stay… This wild driving woman could spend the rest of their lives driving him wild, in every way..

I inhaled this story as fast as I could. Stories like this make me feel like I’m indulging in myself and I enjoyed every last bite.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out very sweet and promising. The heroine crashes outside where the H and friends are drinking, and it’s meet cute via car crash. She’s a happy-go-lucky rich girl that wants to change her life, and he’s a grumpy but sexy H that doesn’t.

Insta-attraction, lots of sex and some pretty cute banter (how often do you have characters actually joke with each other in a romance), but stars dropped when he turns into an over the top jerk and really pushes her away. Surprisingly, she doesn't whine or pine, but leaves as she has things to do with her life. Wow, when was the last time a heroine did that?

Another subtraction for the heroine's overbearing and manipulative mother that calls once, maybe twice, and is never heard from again. Speaking from experience of enduring a passive/aggressive, manipulative mother, they don’t work like that. They prefer the never-ending relentless water torture/squeaky wheel trick to get their way.

[❤️Emma Book Lover ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐


⭐Check out my Instagram page⭐


Cute small town romance. I really enjoyed it.
Hot mechanic meets ex debutante on her way to a new life. She crashes in his town and is stuck there until he will fix her car.
Blair and Griffin can't be more different: she was a spoiled princess and he is the ex marine now dirty and hard working mechanic. He has some past baggage and is reluctant to let people in but Blair just sneak up on him and gained his heart. Mostly drama free,but it does have some heavy moments. Their chemistry is good, sexy times are hot and the secondary characters interesting( Griff's best friends: Cole and Morreti especially).

Overall,sweet and heartwarming story.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

This was a cute small town romance. A broody hero and down on her luck debutante.

Blair Beaufort is kind of soul searching. She packed a suitcase, got in her car and just drove. Drove away from her troubles. Her life was one of never wanting for anything... until her father was caught stealing money and everything was turned upside down.
While on her drive she noticed a sign --- it draws her and she decides to venture off her trek. Well, this poor woman is one the worst drivers ever and she ends up blowing a tire. One thing leads to another and she literally crashes into one very lonely and grumpy man.

Griffin Dempsey was just fine living life. No complications and no woman. He spent his days being a mechanic at the family business. He wasn't ready for Blair, but she didn't really give him much choice in the matter. When he asked her what brought her to Bellamy Creek, she tells him..

“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒚 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝑫𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 1957. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆, 𝒔𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕?”

Who wouldn't detour for the very best apple pie?!

When he really got a good look a her - disheveled hair and white gown aside, she was one stunning lady. Although he did think - 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅.

Their upbringings and personality were so far from the other, but they didn't let that stop them in the long run. She had a huge personality and it shined. Little by little she brought down Griffin's walls. I feel like this was a woman chasing after her man. It seemed like he wasn't all in until the bitter end. I need the guys to the chasing.

Overall it was a sweet and sexy read... I'll be continuing on with the series at some point, for sure!

[Weronika - Little Steamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

„You’re making me want things I can’t have.”


Melanie Harlow writes the best small-town romances. She can create not only an unique love story, but also she’s also able to convey the provincial charm and kind of familiarity and closenes only this sub-genre provides. Drive Me Wild is another proof of Melanie’s skillful writing style. It’s heartfelt, steamy and captivating. And while it touches some emotional topics, it’s still light and entertaining.


Griffin will steal your heart right from the first page. He’s loyal, protective and he works hard. He’s all alpha-male with a heart of gold. Sometimes he acts a little bit temperamental and he can be stubborn as a mule, but as we get to know him better, we see that it’s a shield he put up to protect himself. But when his walls crumble down he’s the sweetest, most caring man we could find.

Blair is sweet, polite and kind-hearted. Always helpful and thoughtful. I loved her determination to become independent and to create a life for herself. She’s also creactive, smart and insighful. I adored her selflessness and drive to help Griffin out with his garage.

These two had a sizzling chemistry. Despite having a different backgrounds and life experiences, they balanced and complemented each other beautifully. I loved that although their attraction was instant, they didn’t act on it right away, but got to know each other a little first. Their sexy times were sensual, sexy and dirty and I couldn’t get enough of it! There were some emotional set-backs and denial on their way to HEA, but just like I can't resist Melanie's books, Blair and Griffin couldn't withstand their feelings.

And I need to mention the Bellamy Creek community! As befits a small town, the residents of this place are nosy, meddling (especially Griffin's mom) and they know everything about everyone, but the atmosphere they create is extremely inviting and that makes you want to move there. I’m completely enchanted with this town!


Drive Me Wild is a heartwarming story about breaking rules and coming to terms with the past. It’s about fresh starts and taking chances. Melanie Harlow gave us another unputdownable and uplifting story with all the feels and swoons. This book was flirty and delightful and I cannot wait to read more of this new series!

[Bookish Meag &#x1fa75; · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You talk a lot.”
“Conversation is a lost art.”
“I think you found it.”

Drive Me Wild is book one of the Bellamy Creek series by Melanie Harlow. This follows the journey of Griffin and Blair. This is a small town romance novel with a fresh start in life theme. Blair wants to start fresh and make her own way in the world after things go badly with her family.

This book brought so much laughter and drama. You can’t live in a small town and have any secrets. Especially if you show up in a wedding dress, blow a tire, hit a curb and people see you going into the mechanics apartment after midnight.

I absolutely love Blair, she has such a strong willed personality, and she takes everything in stride. She has so many good attributes and you can easily relate to her character. Her and Griffin both are really well written characters. I loved the journey this book took me on.

There are so many fantastic characters in this series, i’m not even sure who my favorite is.

I highly recommend this if you like reading small town romances. Now on to book three since I don’t know how to read a series in order and read book two first. 🤷🏻‍♀️

“I think the best journeys have a lot of twists and turns, don’t you? They’re not just a straight line. And you have to be open to following your heart and seeing where the road takes you. My heart brought me here, and I’m not sorry.”

Happy Reading ☀️

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything, it got to me and I had tears. It was perfect and the characters were great together.
Melanie’s books have the perfect setting,characters, story and feels. They are just so real and raw and you feel like it’s happening close to home.
Blair and Griffin knew their flaws and admitted to them. They are perfect for each other. You just feel like you are part of the community , sitting back watching everything unfold. I highly recommend this book and can not wait to read more about the other characters! ARC provided for honest review

[Grecia Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como todo libro de Melanie Harlow me gustó. Disfruto mucho los libros de esta autora, son fáciles de leer, no tienen drama demás y sus protagonistas femeninas siempre tienen algo que te caen muy bien.

Este libro no es la excepción Blair fue una gran protagonista, fuerte, valiente con ganas de superarse y cumplir sus sueños, era tierna, divertida, ella fue mi personaje favorito.
Griffin también me gustó pero a veces era demasiado gruñón e idiota, es muy típico de los protas de Melanie se acobardan pero al final hacen las cosas bien y sus propuestas son bien geniales.

Estoy con ansias de leer el siguiente ya que amo los libros de single dad.