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The racetrack has been my home since I was fifteen. When I’m behind the wheel, it’s just me and the asphalt.⁣

No stress.⁣
⁣⁣
No worry.⁣
⁣⁣
No one trying to convince me I’m not worthy of my dream.⁣

I laugh when people tell me how dangerous racing is. If they only knew my relationship was the bigger threat. The longer I stay with Daniel, the more unstable my life becomes. I'm caught between happy memories of the sweet boy I fell in love with a lifetime ago and the harsh realization that he may be gone forever.⁣

He’s taken a lot from me over the years, and I’m not sure how much I have left to give. I can only pretend to be in a loving relationship for so long. Racing is the one thing that keeps me going.⁣

Jackson Powell turned my dream into a reality when he signed me as a driver for Powell Racing. He understands me, he encourages me, and he helps me stand on my own. Now, Daniel is trying to take that from me too. The more he pushes me, the closer I get to my breaking point. If he succeeds, I’m uncertain I’ll be strong enough to put myself back together again.⁣

~⁣

When I signed Sawyer Stone to my racing team, I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into. She’s extremely talented, but she holds a secret that could ruin her career before it has a chance to start.⁣

She affects me in a way I haven’t experienced in years. I need to know why she’s so guarded. What is she hiding that keeps her from letting anyone in? If I were a betting man, I would put money on her boyfriend being at the root of it all.⁣

I didn’t like him the moment I met him. How can I make her see he’s no good for her or her career? Why is she with him? What hold does he have over her?⁣

I’ll do anything in my power to keep her safe from him.

His money and influence will make it tough, but I have those things too. I don’t care what it takes, I’ll do it and prove to her that she’s worth the fight.

474 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

8 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

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Murphy Wallace

38 books749 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Murphy Wallace.
Author 38 books749 followers
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January 11, 2021
I finished writing Octane yesterday, 12/07/20! I am so thrilled with how it turned out and I can't wait for you to read it!

Cover Reveal: 12/16/20
Release Date: 02/04/21

Profile Image for Zainab M..
188 reviews24 followers
February 2, 2021
The Driven World is full of surprises. God! First of all, I love the title. It's catchy and just perfect for the couple we're about to dig in deeper.

Sawyer - Jackson - Daniel; before you blame me for placing it under "love-triangle" category, no it isn't! It's a beautiful and badass. This story started with an adrenaline rush, as all DRIVEN stories start. But the moment you reach the end of the race line, you'll remember nothing except S&J's saga.

Sawyer was a force to be reckoned with. She's witty, smart, gentle, tender, and an alpha female. But so is Jackson. These two finds love in unexpected circumstances. They crash. The push each other. They pull each other. They are like magnetic forces.

Add a jealous, petty, and a conceited boyfriend to the mix and you can have a field trip!
I loved how Wallace took her time to peel off each character. Slowly. Yet deeply. She made me feel loathing. She made me want to scream and screech. There's no jackass such as DANIEL! DAMNNN. If I count on one hand the number of antagonists I can compare him with, I'd run out of my fingers!

The plot thickens where it needs to and thins out where it's supposed to. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 5, 2021
I love so many sports (except golf I don't do golf), and racing is always a good time for me whether it be stock cars or indy cars, so I'm obsessed with The Driven World. Murphy Wallace totally penned a story that got my heart racing because of the #GIRLPOWER with Sawyer being a driver in the male driven world of racing so I was in love with her from the very jump. Now, Sawyer has a big issue which is toxic & could totally ruin her shattering glass ceilings for women in the racing world, her relationship with Daniel, who I despised! Jackson Powell is the man who has an open mind towards a woman driver so he's the one who signed her but it quickly becomes apparent she's holding on to a secret that could derail her racing career before it ever takes off. The chemistry these two have is intense which makes things even  more complicated in the grand scheme of things. All of this kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat & wearing the emotions that Ms. Wallace invoked on my sleeve so I was a mess (aren't those the best kind of stories?) Anyway, I'm telling y'all that you need to buckle up & hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,981 reviews209 followers
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February 3, 2021
Octane is one of the many books in The Driven World and each book is a complete standalone written by different authors.

Octane is story of a woman stuck in relationship where she's lost herself completely. Sawyer's trying to hold on to the one thing that still gives her life while the rest of her slowly dissolves to nothing.

Jackson doesn't care who sits behind the wheel of the racecar that he knows will be the perfect addition to this team. But he wasn't anticipating wanting Sawyer both on and off the racetrack.

This story has a lot of moving parts to it. I won't go into details, but just know there is some cheating and slight abuse (but nothing too graphic). Murphy is known for her grittier writing but definitely keeps it PG for this book and that will appeal to this audience. Readers will enjoy the chemistry that builds between Jackson and Sawyer and the buildup is well worth the wait.

Octane is a good read. It fits right into The Driven World and readers will really enjoy Sawyer and Jackson's story.
Profile Image for Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog.
921 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2021
Ms Wallace has created a perfect rollercoaster of a story that is full of angst, thrills and so much hotness! The leading lady, Sawyer, has always been addicted to racing and she is determined to make it as a racing driver in a male-dominated world. Her life is seriously restricted by her over-controlling partner Daniel, who I literally wanted to throttle on more than one occasion throughout the story. He’s beyond cruel and really had me raging.

Despite the situation in her home life, Sawyer is a strong willed woman with sass and I truly loved her and her interactions with her hot, new boss, Jackson. I loved Jackson’s calmness and his level-minded thinking. Did I mention that he was hot? My kindle sizzled whenever he was on the page; a male lead that certainly made me swoon! His patience and true belief and understanding of Sawyer’s abilities on and off the race track, made my heart sing and I was team Sawyer and Jackson all the way!

Set in the K Bromberg’s Driven world, it was fantastic to see much-loved characters make an appearance in Octane. Murphy has produced an original story that fits perfectly into this world and if you haven’t read the Driven series don’t despair, Octane can be read as a standalone. I would place bets that readers will want to download the original series as soon as they reach the end of Octane.

Warning: Buckle your seat-belts, as I can guarantee that you will be speeding through the chapters of this highly addictive story!
Profile Image for Theresa.
298 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
In love with this book, I started this book late and stayed up until I finished it. I connected with Sawyer immediately on a visceral level. Jackson also has a depth to his character that comes a little later, but is felt just as deeply. The books where the chemistry is so well defined and palpable are my favorite reads. The writing, depth of characters, story-line and feelings evoked are all reasons why I had to give this book 5 stars. This author never disappoints and the Driven Series is a favorite world of mine, so was excited to get a glimpse of some of the other characters again. I don't want to spoil the ending, but know all the emotions you go through will be worth it in the end, so don't be afraid to be happy, sad, triumphant, or angry as you experience the emotions with Sawyer and Jackson.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
February 4, 2021
Sawyer finds herself in a destructive relationship however it didn’t start out that way and she isn’t sure how they have gotten to where they are now. She has always dreamed of driving professionally and with help of Powell Racing that could become a reality unless her fiancé gets his way.

Jackson is impressed by Sawyer’s skills on the track but it is the woman who has him intrigued. He knows she deserves so much better than the life she has been living and he is determined to give it to her both personally and professionally.

Jackson’s protective side is enough to make you swoon as he helps her reclaim the woman she used to be and live the life she deserves.
Profile Image for Dirty Little Secret Book Blog.
455 reviews169 followers
February 7, 2021
Murphy takes all the credit for introducing me to The Driven World. Everything about this book from the cover to the title drew me in, but what sold me was the fact that I was going to read about the bombshell female race car driver. Sawyer’s life may start out on right track and with the right boyfriend, but nothing will prepare you for the nightmare to come. I never thought I could hate a villain as much as I hated Daniel. And let’s not forget about Jackson, the new drop dead gorgeous boss that lives in the penthouse of the same building. I can’t tell you how much I swooned over this man. The drama and excitement between these characters was enough to fuel a high-octane performance.
Profile Image for Darlene Loop.
262 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2021
Buckle your seat belts and settle in cause you are going on one hell of a ride. SMOKING HOT!!!!
Profile Image for Live, Laugh, Love .
428 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2021
It has been years since I read the Driven Series, and I loved it then. When I saw this, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and holy, I was not disappointed! I have never read anything by Murphy Wallace before and it was AWESOME! You go through all the emotions. I don't want to spoil anything. Just read it.
1,794 reviews38 followers
January 11, 2021
If you want to read a story that will take you on a wild ride, then this story is for you! I completely fell in love with Sawyer and Jackson and so will you. Sawyer has grown up race car driving and wants to continue as an adult, but her boyfriend Daniel, who I have a different name for him, is pretty much against it. So when Jackson asks her to join his team, you just know there is going to be tension between these three.

Sawyer is a delightful character who knows what she wants in life, she just has to figure out a way to get it. Can Jackson be the one to show her how? As I read, I could literally feel the emotions that these two expressed. Their chemistry is off the charts and they just mesh perfectly. And whenever Daniel got into the mix, I just wanted him gone, he just completely rubbed me the wrong way. But Jackson? Oh my, my, he is all kinds of goodness wrapped up in a sexy bow.

I’m a lover of the Driven Series and this story is a great addition. It has mystery, intrigue, lust and maybe even love? I can’t tell you how many times my heart was broken and put back together again which to me just shows how talented this author is. Quite a bit goes on in this story that will make you continue reading until every last word is finished. I unequivocally loved this story and didn’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,136 reviews55 followers
January 13, 2021
I read DRIVEN years ago and thought it was good, but not fabulous enough for me to want to read the rest of the series. Because of that, I wasn’t super excited to read any of the books in THE DRIVEN WORLD. However, Murphy Wallace has yet to disappoint me, and OCTANE is no exception! It was soooooo good!!! Immediately, I was captivated by the characters and sucked in to their stories. The words flow so seamlessly and eloquently that pages flew by before I even realized it! Best of all, I could practically *feel* what the characters felt. It’s incredibly well written, sexy, suspenseful, entertaining, angsty… everything I crave in my books! I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,881 reviews213 followers
February 5, 2021


Amazon

Sawyer's had dreams of being the best racer around, and she will achieve them if her new team and her new boss have anything to say about it. But, she has a controlling (abusive) boyfriend who will do anything he can to keep her under his thumb. Will Jackson and her new team help her find a way out and on her way to the checkered flags?



The best part of this story is definitely Jackson. He's calm and steady, an absolute rock for Sawyer as she tries her hardest to deal with her home situation. This is a wonderful addition to Bromberg's Driven World.



ARC via Grey's Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Megan.
477 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2021
I put off on reading this because I thought it was going to be boring and just like all the others race car books I’ve read before. Man, was I wrong! The story line is gripping and I kept getting frustrated with the h thinking where is her backbone! She just needs to leave! What is she doing?! But where are you going to go with no way to get to wherever you need to go and with no money? She finally catches her first big break only for it to be forced from her hands where she’s lied to and manipulated into thinking she has no other choice, but to stay with her abusive boyfriend. It gets intense towards the end and I was secretly hoping that dillweed bf of hers got his karma. Arghhh I can’t give away what happens, no spoilers!
There is cheating, which I have no triggers. And honestly, it doesn’t even feel like cheating because that’s how well the author wrote! I did take away 1 star because it’s almost at the 50% mark where bedroom scenes FINALLY come into play... and it needed a little work. If you don’t mind the lack of detail and/or you don’t really care, then this book will probably be a 5 star read for you! I definitely recommend reading this book though. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Brittany St Thomas.
555 reviews15 followers
January 14, 2021
Oh. My. Gosh.
This book was fantastic. I did not want to put it down.

Sawyer is in an abusive relationship that she feels obligated to stay in due to the time spent with Daniel. Daniel knows exactly how to manipulate her and keep her under his control. The one thing Sawyer doesn't let him take from her is her racing. That is all she has wanted to do since she was little and she was determined to keep it. Daniel however, was determined to make her leave it.

When Sawyer meets Jackson, the owner of her new racing team, she starts to feel again. Something she hadn't had with Daniel for a long, long time. Jackson helps Sawyer see that she is nothing that Daniel says she is and that nothing Daniel does to her is her fault. He truly supports her.

Octane takes you on the journey of Sawyer discovering her self worth. That people truly do care about her and love her the way she deserves. This book was absolutely worth reading. Murphy did a fantastic job with showing the struggles of someone who suffers from abuse goes through. The tole it takes on them mentally and physically, as well as the rise they feel from within when they get away.

Stunning book. Absolutely stunning.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,357 reviews18 followers
January 30, 2021
Bringing girl power to the race track Sawyer is bringing little girls' dreams to life but it conflicts with her home life. How did this tough as nails woman end up in a controlling some would say abusive relationship? Like so many things it happens over time and sneaks up on her. Sawyer never intended to be engaged to a narcissist like Daniel!

Thank goodness for Jackson, his racing team, his big heart, and his ability to recognize an abusive, controlling, power hungry man, when he sees one. No better way to see it than to live through it as a kid unfortunately.

The guys on the team rally together and support Sawyer, giving her support but will she open her eyes to the truth?
It is trial and error and error and error but with the help of her sister, Jackson, the racing family and her dad. The racing and her life is really coming around.
But has she finally made it out from under Daniel's family's thumb is she free. Free to be her own person. Free to think for herself. Just free.

Well I can tell you Jackson and Sawyer have plenty of steam and Jackson wants Daniel out of Sawyer's life.

So Buckle up you will enjoy this ride it's going to be a great one with a few unexpected turns. And a beautiful ending your sure to love, I know I did.

I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Vera Blaz.
1,562 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2021
I loved the Driven Series so it was no surprise that I would be drawn to books set in that world. Sawyer Stone is a woman who knows what she wants. Although it may not seem like she’s strong in the beginning, you get a sense that she’s done being someone’s doormat and reaches out to the ones she can trust to help her. There were times when I felt her despair; it was palpable. But I also felt her strength and resilience. There is a moment of cheating, but for me it was somehow justifiable given what was happening in her life.

Jackson Powell was the epitome of supportive, not only with endorsing her as a stellar race car driver but as she navigated her way out of her traumatic situation. He recognized her determination and drive from their first meeting. I do believe it also helped that Jackson had first hand experience with Sawyer’s situation and could support her in that regard. Kudos to the author for writing a powerful story that wove seamlessly into the Driven world.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,760 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2021
What an impressive addition to the Driven World! Octane will take you on an adrenaline rushing and heart stopping ride. Sawyer completely endeared herself to me. I felt what she felt. I could smell the burnt rubber and racing fuel right alongside her. She's tough and resilient and I fell in love with her character. I absolutely loathed her boyfriend Daniel (he's been nicknamed something that totally suits him, by the way). I was so thankful when the Racing Team owner and her new boss, Jackson, entered the picture. I was also, undoubtedly unprepared for the suspense, angst, turmoil, intense lust and possibly even love that would follow. I literally devoured this book in a few short hours, I just couldn't put it down. The author penned about a topic that unfortunately, is a daily occurrence for many and she did so with a sensitive and delicate hand.
1,095 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2021
You can not go wrong when you get your hands on a KB DRIVEN WORLD read! These books consume you and turn you into an addict wanting more.

“...a gesture that’s meant to bring a feeling of love and compassion, but coming from him feels like a venomous snakebite.”

Betrayal. Fake. Jealousy. Control. Fear. Dependent. Insecure. Rage. Survival. Hope. Freedom. Escape. Reborn.

This book captured me from the first page. I read through it in one sitting. I could not put it down... I was holding my breathe, angered, shocked, fearful, hopeful, fanning myself, praying, wanting to scream with rage and rock in a corner. You felt like you were living this nightmare and the next moment riding the high. This book covers many serious topics, but is done with respect and grace and does the subjects justice with bringing well needed awareness.

“I’m alive, but I’m not living. I’m breathing, but I can’t catch my breath. I’m surviving, but I feel dead on the inside.”
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
February 3, 2021
This is another perfect addition to this amazing series. Sawyer has a passion for racing and is determined to make it in a male dominated world, and she knows what she wants out of life and she goes for it, and Jackson signs her up for his team. There is an instant connection between these two and I Ioved how patient, encouraging, and understanding he was with her. Sawyer has a jealous boyfriend who likes to control her, and she is being pushed to breaking point. This is a well written seamless story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, as well as having angst, drama, secrets, and is an entertaining, thrilling, and steamy read. I was hooked throughout this riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,297 reviews20 followers
February 4, 2021

Talk about pulling on your heartstrings man this book has it all drama, love, lust, and power. Sawyers is a race care driver through and through and she will do what she can to get behind the car again. When an opportunity strikes she's ready to take it. However, when she meets her new boss she knows she can't because they have met before. Jackson knows what he wants and it's Sawyer both on and off the track, however, she has a boyfriend. What he doesn't realize until it might be too late is that her boyfriend isn't what he seems. Poor Sawyer goes through hell and back with her boyfriend, but when she leaves him she thinks she's finally found happiness. But things change and stuff happens and well she's about to fight for her life and those she holds close. Can Jackson save her in time?
Profile Image for BikiReads.
205 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2021
Sawyer is a driven (pun intended) woman with race car dreams , ready to break barriers in the race car world. However, her current relationship put these dreams and even more in jeopardy. When she meets Jackson, unbeknownst to them this encounter would be life changing for both characters.

This is my first book from this author and I have to say it’s a good one. I was apprehensive about the whole race car theme because it isn’t really my thing but I’m glad I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. This was more than a romance. This tackled themes like perseverance, overcoming obstacles such as abuse and finding one’s self worth.
3,242 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2021
What an explosive thrilling emotional story my god I loved Sawyer she was such a great character and so strong and seeing her on the track was super exciting it has your heart pumping smiling along with her cheering for her.
I am in love with Jackson his calmness and level hardness you can feel all the angst and consuming feelings between these two but it is also scary like heart in your throat never knowing what's going to pop up on the next page.
The writing is beautiful and brings this story to life and let's you feel it all. Yes and by the way I do not like Daniel just throwing that out there he is a sadistic cruel devil.
Profile Image for Cora Kenborn.
Author 57 books2,078 followers
February 4, 2021
Five checkered flags!
Octane is a full-throttle, wheels against the wall rollercoaster of emotion, action, and *%ing Jackson Powell! Murphy Wallace proves she’s a force to be reckoned with in this top-notch addition to the KB Driven World. You’ll root for Sawyer as the ambitious heroine trying to make her mark in a male-dominated sport, and SWOON over Jackson, the smooth team owner whose interest in her extends miles off the track. Wallace’s writing is flawless, and her ability to create vivid, three-dimensional characters will leave you wanting more. A riveting journey about destiny and self-discovery worth every second of your time.
Profile Image for Patty.
224 reviews7 followers
February 4, 2021
Get ready for Octane, set in the exciting K Bromberg's Driven World. We meet Saywer, who's got her chance to race in the big leagues. Owner Jackson sees her potential as well as her beauty. Sparks fly and emotions are front and center in this new story from Author Murphy Wallace. The attraction is there, but there's a catch, Sawyer's fiancé. The author does a fantastic job with the antagonist in this novel. He's someone you just can't like or feel sorry for no matter what!

We're rooting for the underdogs in more ways than one. This was such an exciting romantic suspense story that has all the feels. Well done Ms. Wallace, well done.
Profile Image for Stacey.
91 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2021
I have to start with I loved K Bromberg’s Driven series. So to see that world opened to other talented authors is awesome. Now this book Octane was so good. I didn’t know what to expect. Murphy is one very talented author. This book was so good. There was angst, love, drama heartache and some headache parts. I definitely will tell others about how awesome Jackson was. Now Sawyer had a whole host of things going on. Her boyfriend Daniel was such a horrible character. Then her dad and his drama. This book had a lot of twist and turns that’s for sure. I definitely recommend this book you will not regret it!
77 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2021
Wow Murphy Wallace!! I am speechless. This book was on another level amazing. Once I started I could not stop. I totally fell in love with Jackson I mean wow hot and he could be my hero anytime. And Sawyer damn, a sexy female race car driver, hello. Unfortunately she finds herself stuck in a series of bad situations that she can’t seem to get out of, can Jackson save the day?

This book will have your emotions all over the place. This is one thrill ride you won’t want to end it ha so much angst, hotness and suspense. I loved every minute and wanted to cry when it was over cause I wanted more.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,141 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2021
Wow! This book is really, really good. I had never read a book from this author so I wasn’t sure what I should expect. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Sawyer has grown up racing cars, but hasn’t been on a team until Jackson Powell invites her to join his. She’s in an abusive relationship with her long time boyfriend, Daniel. And he’s always telling her that she isn’t good enough at anything. They have been together a long time and she’s worried about getting out of the relationship. Jackson Powell takes an immediate interest in her and after he sees her being mistreated he does whatever he can to help her get out of the toxic relationship. This story was really well written. I sympathized with Sawyer and I adored Jackson. I highly recommend this emotionally driven love story. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
1,088 reviews30 followers
February 4, 2021
Usually, I don't read books like this. So I decided to try something outside my norm. I wasn't disappointed. If you want an emotional read or are looking for some angst. Then look no further. I like how Sawyer is a take-charge kind of woman. Jackson is hot and Sawyer is sassy which makes for an explosive read. Also, they have great chemistry together. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because of personal preference.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,327 reviews146 followers
February 2, 2021
This was a new to me author and one I'd been dying to read as had heard nothing but good things about her books. I can now definitely understand why and look forward to reading more from her in the future.
This was a perfect addition to this multi author world, but in the same breath also stands apart, with its not holds barred dark elements, which I was pleasantly surprised over, hence she's found a new reader with this dark soul.
As well as being addicting with it's page turner subject matter, you will find the female main character inspiring.
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