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Driven #6

Sweet Ache

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Mettre son coeur à nu, quels qu'en soient les risques.

Depuis toujours, Hawkin, rocker rebelle au grand coeur, passe derrière son frère jumeau pour réparer ses erreurs. Cette fois, les abus de Hunter, qui mettent régulièrement le boys band en péril, risquent de coûter à Hawkin un séjour derrière les barreaux. Pour s'attirer les bonnes grâces du juge, Hawke accepte d'assurer un cycle de conférences à la fac locale. Un poste qui inspire aux copains du groupe un pari : séduire Quilan, l'assistante sexy du professeur.

Seulement, la fière Quinlan n'est pas une fille facile, et malgré son attirance, elle met tout en oeuvre pour échapper aux griffes du rocker. Alors que le pari est presque gagné pour Hawke, son jumeau Hunter, qui sait comme personne détecter les faiblesses de son frère, vient s'en mêler, prêt à tout pour lui mettre des bâtons dans les roues...

604 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

492 people are currently reading
12346 people want to read

About the author

K. Bromberg

111 books19.4k followers
New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary romance novels that make you work to get your happily ever after. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes, who we love to hate but can’t help but love.

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

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






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

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

The Player Duet
The Player
The Catch

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

Everyday Heroes Series
Cuffed
Combust
Cockpit
Control (novella)

Wicked Ways Duet
Resist
Reveal

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

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

The Redemption Series
Until You

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

Tangled Hearts Trilogy
Twisted Knight
Threaded Lies
Twined Fates

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5 stars
5,479 (54%)
4 stars
3,121 (30%)
3 stars
1,155 (11%)
2 stars
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1 star
106 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 948 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
21 reviews
June 10, 2015
** I received an ARC copy for an honest review**
Panty Scorching-5
Storyline-5
Angst- 4
Tissues-3
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Sweet Ache- K. Bromberg
Reviewed by: Jen
 
REVIEW:
“The need to need someone is so profound I can’t catch my breath.”
 
…and neither can I!! I have been a huge fan of K. Bromberg since Amazon recommended the Driven Series based upon books I have bought. The entire Driven Series has become one of my favorites and with each book release K. Bromberg keeps setting the bar higher and higher! From the introduction of Quinlan Westin in the Driven Series I loved her protectiveness of her brother and also wondered if she had a story that would be told. I could not have anticipated how amazing the story of Quinlan Westin and Hawkin Play would be! As you can imagine the moment the ARC copy landed on my Kindle I kissed my husband and child goodbye and told them I loved them as I knew I would be sucked into a story that I wouldn’t surface from until I finished.  
 
Sweet Ache revolves around Quinlan Westin, who has been hurt in the past and is reluctant to get involved with anyone, and Hawkin Play the bad boy rocker who gets the ladies without even trying but behind the bad boy rocker façade is a guy trying to do what’s right for his family and live up to expectations that have been set for him. From the rocky first meeting of Quin and Hawk you can tell there is instant chemistry. Throughout the entire story the chemistry between them only grows as does their friendship and feelings for one another. I loved the banter between these two characters and the other characters that were introduced in this book. K. Bromberg not only tells you a story but magically makes you feel as if you are part of the story. You are living the story with these characters through their eyes. Sweet Ache is the sexy emotional charged journey of Quinlan and Hawkin that will leave readers satisfied and no doubt with a major hardcore crush on Hawkin Play.  
 
“Shit, I’m the last one on the planet to believe in the fairy tale crap and yet there they were, vivid and in my face.”
 
As I have mentioned earlier I am a huge fan of K. Bromberg and her Driven Series. At some point in a series I always wonder if an author can keep the story fresh and new or if it will feel like I’ve read this story in one of the earlier books prior in the series. I was not disappointed. This story knocked it out of the park. I never for once felt like I had read this in prior books of the series and I found myself long after finishing the book wanting to pick it up and do a reread. This book can be read as a standalone however I would recommend reading the entire series as all the books in this series are amazing. Thank you K. Bromberg for once again bringing characters into our lives who we fall in love with.
Profile Image for Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri .
1,334 reviews1,087 followers
June 2, 2015
Spoiler-free review
Title: Sweet Ache
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: June 2 , 2015
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No

This sinfully sexy rock star romance doesn’t skip a beat. Sweet Ache rocked my world and pulled on every emotional heart string. You need to schedule a play date with Hawkin Play and the boys from Bent. I know Hawkin is the rock star in this book…but K. Bromberg rocked this one. Her writing style is truly addictive. Just when I questioned whether a series could get any better…it did. Sweet Ache is absolute Kindle Crack. Mark your calendar for this June 2nd release.

Sweet Ache is a standalone book and based on characters from K. Bromberg’s best-selling Driven series. If you haven’t read the previous books in the Driven series, you will not feel lost.

Did I mention that Kellan Kyle and the boys from the DBags make a guest appearance in Sweet Ache. Enough said.

This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
1,105 reviews771 followers
August 16, 2018
Sweet Ache, by the amazing K. Bromberg, is a raw, riveting, and racy roller coaster of a rock star romance that will swallow your heart and soul. Like the rest of the Driven series, Sweet Ache is a soul-crushing masterpiece where you experience nearly every emotion while taking this ride into book bliss: happiness, frustration, anger, laughter, and sadness. The oh-so-descriptive writing in Sweet Ache is addictive. You'll suck up every powerful and priceless word like a vacuum. Call it the voodoo vortex of the Driven books.

This story and series are not just books but emotional and enlightening experiences that make you feel. Feel for the characters as if they are sitting with you telling the story. Feel every emotion that they experience. I love how in each of this author's books that the females have lady balls as big as those of their men--powerful women who are strong, survivors who are empowering, and real ladies who are also role models. The way the characters, Quinlan Westin and Hawkin Play, are brought to life is a rare treasure and pure pleasure.

I have a sweet spot for rockers and devour rock star books like chocolate cake. Hawkin 'Hawke' Play, lead singer, of the band, Bent, is nothing but exciting and enticing--tall, dark, chiseled handsome, and every woman's fantasy. A rock star. Man candy. Smooth operator and dirty talker. Sex on legs. Hawke is the rock star version of Colton who gives my #1 race car driver boyfriend some serious competition.

“You make me sound like I'll play with any kitty that wants to be petted.”

Forced to teach a college seminar due to a mistake, Hawke is way out of his league. Quinlan 'Quin' Westin, Colton Donavan's little sister, happens to be a teaching assistant in her new 'teacher's' class. Beautiful Quin, blonde with curves that are endless, is done with players who use her heart like a punching bag. Quin vows not to mix business with pleasure and the lines get blurred between being the player and getting played, and protecting the heart versus throwing caution to the wind.

"... Hawkin is kissing me like he sings ... with a bit of roughness to his smooth and f**k if I don't love the hard edge."

Sweet Ache is not only a hot, head-spinning, and heart-stomping read, it has a powerful and inspirational message that parallels the entire series: Live life to the fullest. Take a chance...a risk. Make every moment matter. This book and all of K. Bromberg's other masterpieces matter.

K. Bromberg is a favorite author--and not due to my mad love for her cast of 'flawed but can't help but love' Driven crew--but because each of her perfectly-penned words are meaningful. You'll laugh, cry, feel so frustrated or mad that you may want to throat-punch someone, and smile the cheesiest grin ever--then repeat the emotions again throughout the story. You'll learn new vocabulary and unforgettable phrases in the Driven series that are pure 'Bromberg.'

This story makes you feel. It tears your heart wide open and shakes every emotion out of you. Get your tissues ready because you will bawl like a baby. Your heart will shatter into a million pieces and slowly be pieced back together again--maybe a few times.

"The contradiction he presents, the smooth with the rough, is the one thing that I always fall for when it comes to men. And I'm not going to fall for Hawkin Play."

Five stars are simply not enough for this emotional roller coaster ride. Sweet Ache will leave you with an ache that will only make you ache for more.
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,332 reviews1,342 followers
March 16, 2023
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Okidoki, we all remember Colton Donovan's sister Quinlan, right?
This is finally her story...and guess what???? She'll get to fall in love with a ROCKSTAR!!!

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Only, she's not really in the market for LOVE.

She needs sex, yes, but nothing serious. She has too much to do for school - finishing her thesis at USC.
But unfortunately for those plans, mega rockstar Hawkin Play is the new Professor, and she will be his TA ☺
Hawkin is not there of his own free will though.
He had to do either this, or end up in jail.
And it wasn't his fault this time. His brother had some coke on him and that would've been Hunter's 3rd strike, so Hawkin took the blame.
And now he's at USC talking / teaching about SEX, DRUGS & ROCK'N'ROLL ☺

And even though they kind of start on the wrong foot and can't stand each other. They're horribly attracted to each other at the same time.
And Hawke's bandmate and buddy Vinnie notices how Quin seems to not be all that star-struck by Hawkin and he makes a bet with him: Get Quin into bed or have an unmanly pink heart tattooed on his wrist!!

GAME ON!!

But of course we can already see how that might not end well.....once Quin finds out about the bet.

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN WiTH QUIN & HAWKIN???
WiLL THEY GET THEiR HEA - BET & ALL???
OR WiLL QUIN STAY STRONG AND NOT FALL FOR THE ROCKERS CHARMS???
WiLL EVERYBODY DiE???
WiLL THERE BE A CLiFFHANGER???

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NOPE..... I'm not telling you ☺

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OK, nooo there won't be a Cliffy of course ☺
____________________

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I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK!


We finally got another Bromberg!!!
And it doesn't get any better than this...
#ROCKSTARFANGIRLING!

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I'm the biggest Rockstar-Romance fan ever ... and this book had Rockstars AND Colton Donovan - ugh...

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Such an amazing book!

It was funny & reallllly sexy!

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I loved every second of it.

And especially those little appearances of Colton and other surprise guests ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

It was so cute to watch Quin & Hawkin trying to not fall in love with each other.
Hawkin - the rockstar-ladies-man - with a new girl every night. And Quin - the girl who has been hurt a few too many times by idiot-guys, who only wants some orgasms ...
Adorable!!!

But of course it's not all cute and adorable and sexy - there are some serious parts too. Hawkin's family for example; his idiot brother and his sick mom.

Dawson and I even cried a bit here and there...

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Sweet ache was an amazingly funny & sexy & adorable Rockstar-romance! You will soooo want your own Professor Play after reading it!


And now Ms. Bromberg - HURRY with the next book!!!!

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💜 💜


Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
June 2, 2015
Five stars is the highest the ratings go here and yet this is not a classic but a ten star for contemporary rocker romance life situational genre. (I totally made that genre up, review will explain). First he's a typical rock star to the public... he's talented (we see the band's artistry) and yet enjoys excesses of his profession and good looks/charisma with drinking and women, lots of them. The only part I think is creepy about the book is Hunter.

Hawkin and what's her name are fun together. (I forget the main character female name as I've been substituting my name throughout the book).

All the characters are so wonderfully crafted and allowed enough interaction to make us know their part in this story. I love the band members and her brother and his wife and even, Luke...poor boo. My mother may soon be diagnosed for Alzheimer's so this struggle plot proved "art imitates life".

I could care less about the intimate scenes other than how they develop towards worshipful love making in a plot. I get the mechanics so a lot of it seems unnecessary to me but nonetheless I feel K. wrote them very well. I even noted some of the more tender words or phrases.

This has been one series that I embraced because the books can be stand alone until the next " feed" on the "Facebook" on the next character featured.

Hunter is where he needs to be...creeper!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Huffman ~ Author Groupies.
290 reviews53 followers
May 18, 2015
5 Emotionally Charged Stars

The back and forth banter and sexual tension make this book from the very beginning.

Holy emotional overload!!! This book keeps pulling you in the more you read. You will experience a flood of emotions and physically feel and ache for the characters. Everything is perfectly tied together and every outcome makes sense.

This is by far one of the best male POVs I've read. You really get to know and understand Hawkin. So much has happened in his past to affect his present and future. We get to experience his turmoil and his growth. I absolutely loved both Hawkin and Quinlan. Hawkin the damaged rocker and Quinlin his perfect match and rock. She is there for him for the good and bad. and understands what he does and doesn't need. The two really do fit perfectly together, but as with any relationships there are lots of bumps on the road.

One thing that isn't issue with them is the SEX and yes it's getting its own paragraph because it deserves it!! The sexual tension between the two in the beginning leads to an explosive first time. The sex between Hawkin and Quinlan is HOT and PASSIONATE. The scenes are extremely descriptive and will leave you fanning yourself!! Some of the best scenes I've read.

The writing is absolutely phenomenal. The words flow off the page. There were so many meaningful phrase and quotes that my book is covered in highlights. So many that fit life in general. Sometimes you find books that greatly affects you and the story will stay with you forever and this is one of those. I loved Rylee and Colton and Becks and Hadley BUT I have a new favorite Driven couple and that is Quinlan and Hawkin. I cannot wait to read more in this series as each book so far have been amazing reads.
Profile Image for K. Bromberg.
Author 111 books19.4k followers
April 12, 2015
***A complete standalone Driven novel with all new and a few old characters***

An unexpected romance between a soft-hearted, bad boy rocker (Hawkin Play) and a feisty heroine (Quinlan Westin).

At what point does family loyalty become a fault?

When do you stop paying for your father's sins and allow yourself the chance at a love?

"Blood may be thicker than water, but you can drown in it all the same." (copyright 2015 - K. Bromberg & Penguin NAL, Sweet Ache)

Sweet Ache is about a story about a non-typical lead singer, his penchant to protect those that he loves, and his pursuit of a woman he doesn't think he deserves but who he can't seem to stay away from nonetheless. Is it the challenge? Is it the chance at more? Or is it simply just to win a bet between bandmates and forgo having to fulfill the debt?

I can't wait for you to read SWEET ACHE and find out for yourself...Hawke and Quin's story offers you a little bit of sweet, a lot of spicy, some real, and some melt your heart moments. I hope you enjoy it!

(You need not have read Driven, Fueled, Crashed, or Slow Burn to read Sweet Ache)
Profile Image for Krista.
1,075 reviews86 followers
June 8, 2015
K. Bromberg does it again. Every single book makes me laugh out loud (usually the parts that include Colton in some way). And, every one makes me cry. Sweet Ache was no exception.

Hawkin Play is a bad boy on the outside and a good guy on the inside. He loves his family - perhaps a bit too much at times. When he takes the fall for his loser twin brother yet again, and finds himself doing community service by teaching a class at the local university, he thinks it's the worst thing that could happen. Until he meets his TA, Quinlan Westin. At first she doesn't want anything to do with Hawk, having sworn off famous playboys for good. But, once she gets to know the real Hawkin, she might change her tune for good.

Hawkin is the front man of his band. He's super tight with all his bandmates, and they seem like they would do just about anything for him. It's his one ex-bandmate that he has to worry about. His twin, Hunter is pretty much a hot mess. He got mixed up in drugs and alcohol and lots of other bad things. Hunter's and Hawk's father wasn't really the best role model for them, and his actions messed up both boys, but especially Hawk, in ways that are nearly impossible to get over. Hawk has tried to made the best of it, and Hunter used it as an excuse. It's because of Hunter's exploits that Hawk is always getting into trouble. And the guilt and remorse are eating him up.

Blood is thicker than water, but you can still drown in it all the same.

Because on top of dealing with Hunter's issues, Hawk is also shouldering most of the responsibility for caring for their mother who has Alzheimers. And, in her most confused moments, she blames Hawk for his father's death. Those moments when Hawk is with his mother absolutely ripped my heart out. This boy has dealt with more than any one person should have to deal with in his life. He just needs something good for once.

Hawkin may be the lead singer of the band, but in this book, Quinlan is the rock star. She is SUCH a cool heroine. She is self-assured and knows exactly who she is. She also knows who her brother is makes her famous by extension, and she's used to people using her and trying to get close to her just because of who she is. I give her mad props for resisting the charming Hawk for as long as she did. But, really. When a man is that sexy, it's impossible to resist for long.

I know that I won't be able to resist Hawkin's pull on me any longer, that it's stupid to deny myself. To not take the chance to see where this may lead us because when all is said and done, we regret only the choices we didn't take, not the ones we did and failed at.

Quinlan and Hawk are really great together. They keep each other on their toes. They laugh a lot together, which is awesome. But, most of all, Quinlan offers Hawk someone he can lean on, even if he has a hard time telling her everything that has happened to him. She is someone he aspires to be, I think. It's hard for Hawk to allow others to share his burdens, although there are a lot of people who would be willing to do so. Quinlan has an excellent support system already with her brother Colton, his wife Rylee and her parents. When Hawk draws near to her, I think he realizes he could have them by extension too, and although it freaks him out a bit, it also gives him hope.

But, I look at her and can't fathom how her independence, her strength could make me weak if this were to continue. The idea, the notion, the possibilities begin to spiral out of control, beg me to question things and beliefs so ingrained in me that I've only ever questioned them in theory.

Quinlan gives Hawk the strength to do things he never had the strength to do before. And this, coupled with the amazing chemistry between these two, make them an unbelievable couple. They are hot and fun and so good for one another.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,729 reviews
June 24, 2015
Awesome story in the Driven series! Hawkin Play has agreed to teach a course at UCS on Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll in the hopes he'll get off of a drug charge that he took the rap for for his brother, Hunter. He's been cleaning up Hunter's messes for years, but this time he just might end up in jail! Quinlin West, sister to race car driver Colton Donovan, is working on her thesis and is assigned as a TA to Hawkin's class. As much as she is attracted to the sexy musician, she needs to keep her distance. But Hawke isn't going to let that happen. What starts as a bet with bandmate Vince turns into a real desire for Quinlin. This is a hot, sexy book with great characters and a great story line. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series!!!
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,250 followers
June 13, 2015
4 Sexy Stars.

In order to save his twin brother from yet another complication, Hawkin decides to take his place in a drug charge and have to do some community work in a school.
There he meets Quinn, his TA, and a girl that will make him change his views on relationships. It all starts with a non-commitment deal. But when his secrets and past ironically brings them closer that will slowly start to change.

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After the last book on this series I confess I was a little afraid of this one. I really hated the previous heroine and I was afraid that Quinn, just like her, were going to ruin the book for me. Thankfully, Quinn was a nice heroine, she and Hawkin together were a really good couple and this story, was yet another steamy win from Mrs. Broomberg. If you’re looking for a sweet and steamy romance with a sexy rock-star, this is it.

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Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I really liked Hawkin. Despite his actions sometimes making me crazy, it was easy to understand why he was doing that. He was a sweet and sexy as hell rock-stars. I liked Quinn as well, how honest she was and how she didn’t take shit from nobody. His band members were awesome, I hope they’ll get their own books. I hated Hunter, I couldn’t believe how someone can be so mean with absolutely no guilt over it. I really wished he had been way more punished.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
March 24, 2017
The players:
Quinlin Westin. Colton’s sister. College student and girl who is tired of falling for the bad boy and having her heart broken.

Hawkin Play. Lead singer of Bent. Bad boy rock star and a guy with a heart that survived all the damage.

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A choice made based on a promise, land Hawkin on a college campus playing rock star turned professor when the TA with a back bone catches his eye. Quinlin might get a little weak in the knees when she stands too close, but she sure isn’t going to let him know just how much he’s getting to her. Ready to keep her distance, Hawkins plays on her attraction and wears her down. Wanting one thing from her but getting so much more than he bargained for. After all, a man like Hawkin does not do love, he can’t. But damn if this little spitfire isn’t making him chase when he normally would be running.

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Kristy is back with the sixth book in the Driven series, and yes ladies – Colton does make an appearance – all alpha, overbearing brother – and all. So let me just say what I loved about this book. The feels. The way some just snuck up on you. Sure there are so many parts of this story were emotions were high and the story really had the ability to crack your resolve, but then there were these little sneaky moments. The ones I love the most, because they come out of nowhere and they hit you head on. There is no preparing for them, you just have to let them happen. Oh, and boy did they happen. Hawkin won my heart and it broke for him. Over and over again. He was this perfect mix of bad boy and broken. The real tragic kind. The kind that make you want to buy all the glue in the world so you can put them back together again.

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But let’s not forget our Quinlin. She might end up being the strongest heroine that Kristy has written to date (although Rylee grew some strength as the Driven trilogy progressed, she was not this sturdy at the start). I loved that although she was sure that giving into Hawkin had nothing but bad idea written all over it, she still wasn’t ready to live with the regrets of saying no.

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Much like the books prior in this series, the twists took me by surprise. This could have been just simple romance, it was all there – but nope. Kristy turned it up a notch and delivered so much more with her story than just two people falling in love. The characters and their backgrounds offered enough for this to be a solid story on its own – but the story that Kristy gave us took this to the next level.

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I was a little worried after reading Had’s book if I’m being honest. I was worried that the voice of this author would always be overshadowed by Colton’s story. That worry is gone. I think with Sweet Ache, she really came into her own and although this is still part of the Driven Series, it really stands on its own and in a way was able to combine all of the feels that she delivered with the three books for Colton and Rylee into one story for these two, and without making it seemed rushed. I can’t wait for the next release!

Check out the review on New Adult Addiction!


ARC
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,100 reviews1,527 followers
August 6, 2015
4 Worth the Bet Stars

Sweet Ache is a standalone novel and is part of the Driven series. This is my second novel by K. Bromberg. I started with Slow Burn and if you liked Slow Burn you will not be disappointed with Sweet Ache.

Hawkin is bailing out his twin brother, Hunter. Hunter is photographed carrying drugs and if he is caught again, this would be his third offensive and Hunter will be thrown into jail. Hawkin is use to helping his brother, so of course this is no different. Since they are twins, Hawkin pretends to be Hunter and takes the blame.

Hawkin is now about to face a judge and he may serve time. But his lawyer thinks that if Hawkin teaches at a seminar in college, it may persuade the judge to go light on Hawkin.

Yes, professor… Please school me. Here. Now. Hard. Fast.


Hawkin has a lot of issues. He deals with an awful twin brother. Hawkin’s father killed himself when he was nine years old and Hawkin’s mom is now sick. Hawkin can’t go to jail because it would hurt his band, but he can’t hurt his brother either, because he loves him.

On top of all of that, when Hawkin meets Quinlan, his TA, Hawkin makes a bet with his band mate! He bets that he can sleep with Quinlan before the end of the summer, but on top of that, Hawkin is prepared to show proof of it.

I know, the drama right? Like I said, there’s a lot that goes on. There was never a dull moment that’s for sure. Hawkin’s brother frustrated me a lot. I understand Hawkin’s need to be there for his family, but Hunter doesn’t have any guilt or remorse. It’s really hard to feel for Hawkin when he clearly puts himself as a martyr. His mom is sick and while she is sick, she’s really mean to Hawkin. Again, more drama. It will make your head spin.

Quinlan doesn’t want to date a player and I completely get her. Hawkin is very upfront and it completely throws Quinlan off. I liked that she pushes Hawkins away. I always love reading when the Hero goes after the Heroine.

You can tell me no all you want Q. You can push me, pull my hair… bite me even… but you can’t deny that you want me as much as I want you.

The world beneath my feet seems to be shifting – beliefs, promises, truths, all of it in doubt – and I can’t have whatever is causing these changes – her, us – not be okay.


Throughout the book Quinlan tries to understand Hawkin. Hawkin is very hot and cold and you will pull your hair out, just a tat bit, but it adds more tension. Hawkin does try to protect Quinlan from Hunter and I felt like during those parts I was opening more towards Hawkin. I empathized for him and it made me like him more.

Bromberg writes very descriptively and her characters are very complicated. They have a lot of issues and angst. If you are Bromberg fan or liked Slow Burn, then you will be very happy with Sweet Ache.

AN ARC was provided





Sweet Ache (Driven, #6) by K. Bromberg AMAZON
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,410 reviews1,339 followers
June 22, 2015
4.5 Nothing is sweeter stars!

"When you stop chasing all the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you."

Sweet Ache was a breath catching sweet read! I am a huge K. Bromberg fan so it isn't a surprise that I enjoyed every second of this book!

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Quin is a grad student studying film and television. She has a good head on her shoulders and has a supportive network of family and friends to help her stay in line. After all, Quin's number one body guard is her big brother Colton (aka the hottest book boyfriend on all of GR, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble combined). Quin's stable life is about ready to be turned upside down.

Hawk is a rockstar. Unfortunately, he is burdened with caring for his identical twin brother. His brother Hunter is always getting into trouble and Hawk is always there to clean up his mess. When Hunter is arrested with drugs in his possession, Hawk takes the fall. The judge makes a deal with Hawk. If he agrees to teach a seminar at the local college, he will get off easy.

Hawk and Quin meet at the college. Their first meeting doesn't go quite as smoothly as one might expect. Hawk is a bad boy and Quin wants nothing to do with him. There is a bit of back and forth (insert witty banter and hilarious character choices) before the two finally form a friendship. Even the band members join in the fun. Unbeknownst to Quin, a bet is made between the band members regarding Hawk's ability to "land" Quin. (I will let you discover the details of the bet....let's just say it's a HAWT one!)

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Quin and Hawk are an ideal match. Both of them are scrutinized by the public and yet they both just want to live an ordinary life. Hawk, simply because he is a famous rockstar, and Quin, because she is the sister of a famous race car driver (and the daughter of a Hollywood socialite), just want simple. Hawk and Quin just make sense together!

“But you treat me like anyone else. Give as good as you get. The chaos around me doesn’t faze you because you grew up with it. It’s kind of nice. . . . I like it.”-Quinlan

Quin is reluctant to let Hawk in. She doesn't have a problem with having some fun but beyond that, she knows better then to get her heart wrapped up and then ripped open and stomped on.

"I will not mess with another player again but I can feel myself faltering when he looks at me this way. And hell if he’s not the perfect person to keep things casual despite my imagination running wild and wanting a whole hell of a lot more when he kisses me like he did.”-Quin

Hawk is a complex character. The challenges he has faced in his past and continue to face are heart wrenching and cause him to question intimacy in his relationships. One major component to his issues is his ailing mother.

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I applaud Ms. Bromberg for her ability to consistently pair a sizzling romance with themes centered on serious subject matter. It is genius to create realistic characters with everyday issues because it allows the reader to relate to what the characters are going through. In Sweet Ache, I felt a great deal of sympathy for Hawk and a great deal of respect for Quin because of her unwavering support of Hawk.

"Our bodies are still joined in all aspects and as he holds me tight in my confining laundry room, I can also feel our souls begin to intertwine, and my heart slip a little farther down the cliff toward the ocean of love below."

Another fantastic element of Sweet Ache is the smoking sexual chemistry between Quin and Hawk. With a bad boy rocker hero and a stubborn strong willed heroine, I couldn't keep reading fast enough!

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Overall, Sweet Ache is a fantastic read. The characters are well developed and extremely likable. I was completely engaged the entire read and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I adore K's writing style. The tempo is fast paced with just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat. I would love to give you more on the plot (and how it unfolds) but I think this read is best to discover on your own. I was so pleased to see Colton and Rylee make an appearance in this read. If you are looking for a steamy read with a lot of heart, look no further. As for future Bromberg reads, I will be anxiously waiting for more.

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"I just want you, with all of your flaws, your mistakes, your smiles and giggles, sarcasm and bad habits, the way you play instruments, singing off key, everything. I just want you.”

Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,028 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2015
ARC received for an honest review

Another K. Bromberg book - woohoo!

This time we have a rockstar - with a little bit of Colton thrown in for good measure - can I get a hell yeah! Anyone who knows me or has read my reviews knows that I am a sucker for a rock star book, so this was always going to be a no-brainer for me.

Remember Quinlan - Colton's sister? Well, this is her story - and what a story it is!

Busy with finishing her college degree, and soooo over men, the last thing Quin wants is another relationship with another douche of a man.

Until Hawkin Play falls into her life.

The banter between Quin and Hawkin "Professor Play" is fun, witty, and sexy as hell. Heck, Hawke is sexy as hell.

Whilst Sweet Ache is fun and sexy, there are also some darker issues that are dealt with, especially on Hawke's side.

I laughed, I may have shed a few tears, may have yelled at my kindle more than once . Sweet Ache sucked me in right from the first chapter, and I couldn't put it down.

Can't wait for Tanner's story in Hard Beat.




description Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,415 followers
June 17, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Hypnotizing and Addicting!!! That's right those are the two words that comes to mind whenever I read a K.Bromberg book!! Seriously, if you haven't read her Driven Series then I don't know what to say but GO READ IT since you don't know what you are missing out!!! And in her newest addition to the DRIVEN series, Sweet Ache is nothing but sweet perfection in my opinion.

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"Love is nothing more than a meaningless word in a lyric until someone comes along and makes the music to bring it to life...and sweetness, you're helping me make music for it, one instrument at a time."

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Sweet Ache was the perfect blend of a sweet, touching, sexy, sensual, luminous rocker romance mixed with tangible raw emotions, vulnerability, and angst. Ms. Bromberg has once again managed to shatter my heart in this emotional, gripping and spellbinding tale of tough love, letting go, and being worthy of love. This book was so raw to the core that every range of emotions will tug the heartstrings. But as always, Ms. Bromberg manages to piece back the broken pieces and will leave you aching for more. And Sweet Ache was the book that epitomizes what it really means to "make it count." To make every moment count. To make every heartache a lesson. To make everyday a gift. To make life count. And most importantly to not let love slip by.

"And I know that bet or no bet, it doesn't matter, because this man has wrapped himself around my heart, and I don't ever want to let him go. I can't wait to see our future unfold. Note by note. Beat by beat. Song by Song. Instrument by Instrument."

#SweetAche

I really don't want to say much on this book because this book was a story to experience and to feel. As always, K. Bromberg takes her readers on a journey where family, friendship, priorities, sacrifices, heartache and love are interwoven. There is nothing like getting loss in a book that captures raw emotions and vulnerabilities. The story of Hawkin Play and Quinlan Westin will grip your heart with their sexual and emotional connection. The chemistry was literally pouring off the pages and was so tangible and palpable. What I truly love about this book was the journey. The journey was not an easy feat for Hawkin and Quinlan but their love was worth every speed bump and heartache because the destination was place of the promise of making a song that will last forever. What can I say but if you are ready to read an epic beautiful tale, where life is a song and love is the lyrics and music then I highly recommend you to read Sweet Ache by K. Bromberg. Get ready to experience and listen to a song that you can't forget since Hawkins and Quinn had the perfect melody and song that will never end.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... K.Bromberg
Profile Image for Nancy's Romance Reads.
261 reviews435 followers
June 3, 2015
4.5 INCREDIBLE HEART STARS!

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There's something about this author's books, they win me over every time. With her stories I can always count on incredible passion and off-the-charts physical connections as the icing on the cake, but what I love the most about them is that there's always purpose behind them. A beautiful purpose that with every story, it makes the plot and the characters truly compelling and me as a reader, mesmerized. They're just the kind of stories that make my heart swell with emotions and the experience of reading them is always so worthwhile to me. And that was exactly the case again with Sweet Ache, this sexy, humorous, and emotionally centered story is now my newest reason for loving this author's books so much.

“What the hell would happen if I actually allowed myself to let someone in? If I actually let myself love?”

This is the first book in this series where the hero is not from the world of car racing, no this time the hero is no other than rocker, a very sexy-hot rocker . Hawkin Play has all the characteristics of a bad boy rocker; known as a player, a complete flirt, lots of tattoos, and women going crazy for him all the time. Therefore, he's used to getting quite the attention. But when he meets Quinlan Westin and she doesn't fall at his feet like all the other women, she immediately becomes his greatest challenge and a band bet his not willing to lose no matter what.

“The woman is intriguing and intense and . . . a bitch, but shit, there’s just something about her that has my dick commandeering my thoughts.”

So the two of them start butting heads rather quickly and watching them was so funny because behind their banters there was so much sexual tension. The kind of sexual tension that they couldn't let go off and the more they outdid each other with insinuations, insults, and flirtatious comments the more they wanted one another. They were just hilarious together, Hawkin in particular was not one to give up his cause so his ways of seduction and humor were brilliant and so spot on with his many stellar innuendos that Quinlan really couldn't elude his charms for too long.

He holds a red Starburst out to me as a peace offering. “C’mon, you know you want to be the star to my burst.”

The cool thing was that Quinlan was not new to the game Hawkin was playing and for that I loved her character a lot. She was strong, stubborn, and someone who stood her ground for as long as she could before the strong desire won her over. And omg, when things happened between them it was like fireworks all over. Really, their chemistry was so hot, heavy, and combustible that I had to take some moments to fan myself, hehe. Their desire for each there was just palpable and beautiful. But as things got hotter and heaver, they also got more emotional and personal. That's when Quinlan slowly finds out that Hawkin is not just the care free rocker boy he wants everyone to believe he is. No, he has a back story that no only makes Quinlan see him with new eyes but also a story that pulls at her heart so strongly that she wants nothing else than to learn more about her rocker's incredible heart.

“I may not be able to fix his problems or even know the answers to them, but this? Making him feel so much pleasure he can’t think otherwise for a bit? This, I can do for him.”

That back story within this love story was really touching, I loved it. It was more than just scars from a troubled past, it was also a story about a conflicted present and future. An example of how life can put so much burden on one person and make him believe that he's not worth anything better. That was the beauty of this book, how all that gets turned around in the story and with the poignant message of how unconditional love can rescue someone even from the deepest heartache.

“Sometimes the strongest people are the ones who love beyond all faults, only truly grieve behind closed doors, and fight battles that nobody knows about.”

I'm a big fan of this author and after reading this one more book of hers, I'm a bigger fan now. Each of her books just has a special magic to them and I'm so happy that this one enchanted me all over with it because I really loved this story.

You can totally read this book by itself as it's a spin-off standalone story and it won't give you any spoilers from any of the previous books. So ladies, if you enjoy bad boy rockers, feisty heroines, and a heartfelt core of a story get ready. You won't want to miss Sweet Ache! ;)

Purchase: Amazon US * Amazon UK

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Happy Reading! ;)


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Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,053 reviews362 followers
June 14, 2015
Finally! I found some time and devoured this just like every other Bromberg book. Unfortunately my computer is in a funk limiting my review capabilites! Boooo

This author just keeps creating tragically hot and incredibly sexy bad boys. Hawkin Play is so perfectly flawed and tantalizingly wicked it is easy to fall hard for him!

I loved this start to finish. Keeping it real and simple...it was well written, it was fun, it was beyond hot, and it was Bromberg perfect!
Profile Image for Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog).
1,056 reviews485 followers
June 30, 2016
I’ve been in love with K. Bromberg’s Driven series since the very beginning. The characters in her books have heart, the bonds between friends are impenetrable, the humor flows, and there is always an underlying poignancy to elevate the stories from being more than just over-sexed romanced novels. Sweet Ache is no exception.

Quinlan is a feisty graduate student who is kind, intuitive, and – oh yeah – extremely confident of her sexuality. (You go, girl!) Hawkin is the bad boy lead singer of the rock band, Bent. He’s sex personified wrapped up in a whole lot of cockiness. Underneath all that though, lies a tremendous vulnerability. As he and Quinlan grow closer, Hawkin struggles with family loyalty, guilt, and the burdens of expectations. For me, there’s nothing sexier than a strong man allowing a woman to see him work through his weaknesses.

Although the story is engaging, the book is too long in my opinion. The pacing drags in places, and I might have enjoyed it more with further editing. Even so, the positives outweigh the negatives. This book gives a real “I’m with the band” feel as we get to see the lives the band members lead off stage, as well as their camaraderie. The good twin/bad twin rivalry between Hawkin and Hunter makes for some entertaining conflict. Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less of K. Bromberg than burn-up-the-sheets love scenes between Quinlan and Hawkin, and she delivers them in spades. However, there are also several surprisingly touching moments.

While Sweet Ache features some of my favorite characters from previous Driven books, it easily stands alone yet it blends in very nicely with the rest of the series.

Recommended for fans of:
Rock star romance
Steamy love scenes
Bad boys
Gambling
Candy

Reading Frenzy Book Blog
Profile Image for Iselreads(lexie).
229 reviews37 followers
June 5, 2015
3.5 stars

It was not a great read for me, but not a bad one either. I guess my expectations were too high. I was not amused with their inner dialogue. I felt like their inner dialogue was longer than the actual conversations.
So this time, The RACER trumps the rocker. My bad, Hawkin. You're welcome, Colton.

Vroom, vroom!
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
June 2, 2015
God damn, Ms. Bromberg can write the hell out of a book! I couldn’t put this book down. I lost sleep to read this book. My children ate PB&J for dinner so I didn’t have to stop reading. I devoured every last word!

I was so excited to get Quinlan’s book. I loved meeting Colton’s feisty sister in the Driven series. This is her story with rock star, Hawkin. Hawkin is a sexy-as-sin bad boy, the tattooed lead singer of Bent who is fighting his own demons. Watching him unravel and let Quinlan in was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

“Scars run so deep sometimes, the invisible ones cutting the deepest of them all.”

Apparently, it’s true what they say: musicians are good with their hands. Hawkin Play sure knows how to play Quinlan’s body, just as well, if not better than, his guitar. The chemistry between Hawke and Q is intoxicating and addicting.

“I want you. Take me now. Fuck me. Wreck me. Make me yours.”

I didn’t know if Kristy would be able to top Colton, one of my all-time fave book boyfriends, but like it was said numerous times in this book: rocker trumps racer every time. I think for me that might just be true, and that Hawkin may have edged Colton out. Though, I loved that we got to see Colton and Rylee in this story and he played the protective big brother role very well.

“Because falling in love is like the rain. You can’t always predict it and when you do it might never appear, but you can always see the signs of it before it falls.”

Run, don’t walk to buy this book. One-click the shit out of it! But be prepared to be consumed. You will not want to put it down until it is finished if you are anything like me. This book will pull on your heartstrings. It will make you cry. You will need to change your panties multiple times; I suggest not even wearing any while reading. That guitar scene – enough said. Another phenomenal read from Ms. Bromberg! ~ Tiffany, 5++ stars

~~~

What happens when the ultimate in bad boy rockers meets the first woman who doesn’t immediately drop her panties or to her knees?

Hawkin “Hawke” Play has spent most of his life cleaning up the messes his identical twin brother, Hunter, has left behind. Always the protector, Hawke finds himself potentially facing jail time and risking the bands future because of Hunter’s latest screw-up. Agreeing to act as a guest lecturer at the local college to try to keep in the judge’s good graces gives Hawke and the band access to some hot college women. High on the hot list is his sexy teaching assistant—Quinlan Westin. Hawke’s never been turned down—betting on seducing Quinlan is a “gimme” bet he plans to win.

Quinlan Westin has seen it all—between her brother, Colton Donovan and his womanizing ways and the celebrity status of her father, the famous director Alex Westin, she’s not impressed nor is she intimidated by the hotness in front of her. Sure Hawke is tempting—she is a woman after all, but she’s got more than enough on her plate and doesn’t need the known heartache his “type” leaves behind.

As the sparks fly, Hawke slowly but surely is winning Quinlan over. They’re spending a lot of time together—in and out of bed. Quin gives Hawke a run for his money—she’s smart, beautiful, funny, and fun to be around and spend time with. Just when Hawke thinks that he might finally be ready to live for himself, Hunter has other plans—he’s discovered his brother’s weakness and he sees it as an opportunity to take advantage of Hawke once again.

Oh man, do I love these characters. Quinlan is a strong minded woman—she has a great support system in her family and friends, especially her brother and sister-in-law, Colton and Rylee. Oh, and when Colton offers Quinlan relationship advice—that alone was priceless.

Hawke has a wonderful support system too, his band mates and lawyer. They’ve always been there for him—so much more than his own blood. The guys would do anything for Hawke, even sacrifice their future. I love the dynamic between the guys—they’re more like brothers than friends. The way they pick on each other, support each other, love each other is awesome. Especially how they rally around Hawke when he’s dealing with Hunter and all his crap. And, man does Hunter bring a ton of crap to the table.

But the best parts of the book are the moments between Quinlan and Hawke. Neither one is ready for a relationship—neither would recognize a healthy one if it slapped them across their faces. But it sure is fun to watch them struggle to figure out what’s going on between them and where it’s going. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses).
731 reviews34 followers
May 27, 2015
my my my.... a HOT rocker in the racing world... or is it the racing world and a HOT rocker??!!
Doesn't even freaking matter!! lol

And you know what made this the best book ever!!! KELLAN FREAKING KYLE MAKES AN APPEARANCE!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!

I did not know that.. did not expect it.. and omg I bow down to Ms. Bromberg for giving me a little bit of my Kellan... (happy sigh!!)

In this book you get the gang, which I freaking love, because her Driven series is one of my faves!!!

This book is about little sister Quinlin, who is aching for a love like her bro and sis and law have.. but not wanting to get hurt again...
Enter Hawkin Play... yeah.. the name says it all.. he can play the music and the women just as well!!

After taking the fall for his twin.. he has to show good faith for the judge and goes and teaches a seminar sort of class for the Judge's fave college... and Quinn is now his fave subject! She, who is trying to protect her heart.. has been assigned to Hawke as his assistant... yeah.. destiny is a funny wench!!

With Hawke having major family drama... being a completely broken little boy dealing with trauma no child should experience, while being part of the most successful rock group in history... can he find true love.. can someone be a salve to his soul??

This book just freaking Rocks!!! it's hot.. it complicated... its beautifully broken and mended!! READ IT!!
Profile Image for -C-.
373 reviews38 followers
October 3, 2016
Make me believe you don't want me.

This book had everything that I like good character chemistry, humor and some angst. The characters were really well written so I wanted to read more and find out how their story would develop.

Because falling in love is like the rain. You can’t always predict it and when you do it might never appear, but you can always see the signs of it before it falls.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
July 7, 2015
1 - Gotta love a girl with brass ones. Stars!

DNF around halfway

This was my first experience of K. Bromberg's writing, and after the hype I have seen over the last couple of years surrounding the Driven series as a whole, I have to admit I went in with quite high expectations...

It started off well, Quinlan Westin is you standard mouthy, super confident woman with a side of inner vulnerabilities, and Hawkin Play is your A-typical rock-star; lead singer of the band Bent, arrogant but in a cheeky-make-you-smile-way, making amends for a mistake he didn't make, in an unique way, whilst keeping major personal issues on the down-low. The set up between these two started out well, and I liked the sexual tension and banter that was developing between the two of them.

I'm with the band.

I am trundling along nicely, when all of a sudden we start veering into territory that I am so not down with -

Not this time. Not with this guy.

I am all of a sudden having terrible Thoughtless and The Mighty Storm as well as quite a few other Rocker book flashbacks, and my enjoyment is pretty much killed dead in the space of one chapter. The one plot-twist that makes me literally switch off, because it's old and totally worn out, not to mention the untruths and inevitable drama that then stem from it that wear me out. To be honest, Hawk and Quin had enough going on between them that it really didn't need to be added, what with his family issues, the initial set up of their meeting and the issues surrounding his brother and her reluctance to get involved with another 'player', it was one trope too far.

That-said I know I am in the minority with my feelings, and it bums me out a lot as I really wanted to like this book, I have bought (but not read) every previous book in the series at some point or another so that I could eventually sit down and discover who Colton Donavan actually is, and his little sister and her behavior in this book has kind of put me off now.

Blood is thicker than water but you can still drown in it.

Hardcopy generously provided by the publisher, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.


Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
June 2, 2015
~*~ 4.5 SWEET SWEET ACHED STARS ~*~

K. Bromberg shattered my heart and carefully glued it back together in this superb addition to the incredible DRIVEN novels series. SWEET ACHE will have your mind reeling, your heart aching, and your emotions all over the place, until you get your blissful ending that you know will be epic. Over and over again, this author takes me on a journey I never want to escape. I’m hesitant to start her books, because I know I will power through them so fast and they will affect me so hard that when the ending comes, I’m a complete mess. This stellar series always makes me want to stand up and applaud K. Bromberg for her amazing storylines and captivating, emotionally deep characters. SWEET ACHE will engage your mind, body, and heart in ways you thought not possible. This book took me on an unforgettable emotional roller-coaster, and there is no doubt in my mind that it will enthrall you from beginning to end, like it did me. Simply beautiful!

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*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Trish Sutherland.
321 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2015

It amazes me how an author can write books, you read the last one they published and think it can't get any better than that. Then BAM.....the next that's written just blows that theory out of the water. K Bromberg has managed to that with Sweet Ache.
I was so engrossed with story and words that were written, it sucked me in and didn't give me a chance to let it go even when it ended. I went through so many emotions while reading it that my head is still spinning. It had me laughing, shedding a tear or two, getting a little hot under the collar, sighing and even getting angry. That's one major roller coaster of emotion to joy ride on.
When you get Hawkin Play the hot rocker and Quinlan Westin the feisty TA in the same room you know it's going to sizzle, and yes that it is going to be one Sweet Ache. Their journeys not a bed of roses or an easy walk in the park, much like ours in real life, but it is what it is and it's time to make it count.
Profile Image for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
737 reviews205 followers
July 6, 2015
Review: Surj

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K Bromberg spoiled us by giving us Colton Donovan, a hot racing car driver who is up there with my all time favourite book boyfriends. Well, let's just say she did not disappoint by giving us Hawkin Play... the sexy as sin rock star and lead singer of the band"Bent" in "Sweet Ache." No siree ... this bad boy had me hot and flustered and absolutely had me thigh clenching and toe curling. Trust me, as cliched as it sounds, this man really could play a woman like a guitar... pure perfection!!!! But I'm digressing somewhat because there was more to this story than just Hawkin and his very filthy ways... lol.
"This studio is soundproof. Make sure you scream when you come."
So what is the link between the previous books in the "Driven" series and this 6th instalment? Well, we finally got Quinlan (Colton's sister's) story and this girl had her sex starved sights firmly set on Hawkin (although if asked, she would firmly deny such a statement... lol). Hawkin had been forced to lecture at Quinlan's college to get on the good side of the judge. Yes you read right. This gesture was make or break for him and could be the difference between incarceration and freedom and he would do whatever it took to ensure it was the latter. Hawkin had a lot riding on this so I discovered as I read chapters from his POV so I guess he wasn't banking on is a feisty teaching assistant catching his eye and giving him a run for his money.

The first part of "Sweet ache" was mainly the cat and mouse game this couple played. As sexually frustrated as Quinlan was, she had no intention of being just another notch on said rock star's bed post, even if the very thought of him had her going weak at the knees. But Hawkin was used to getting what he wanted and he wanted Quinlan and so the chase began. I loved the verbal sparring between the pair. It was hilarious and I loved that Quinlan gave as good as she got. She wasn't a door matt by any stretch of the imagination, nor was she a groupie fan happy to spread her legs at the very sight of this man... thank god. She was a kitty cat with claws and I think that was what appealed to Hawkin the most.... her fighting spirit.
"Lips like an angel, body made for sin, and feisty enough to rival the devil's fire."
Quinlan saw a side to Hawkin very few people saw. She understood him and understood what he needed, even if he didn't and that's why I think this couple fit so perfectly together. But Hawkin had a whole host of baggage that he was dealing with and as much as he could do the sex thing, he wouldn't commit to anything more. Promises made as a child made sure of that. But the more I got to know this man and as I peeled back the many layers to his personality, the more I saw another side to him. The world saw a cocky, arrogant, enigmatic rock star. I saw a side that broke my heart. A side that was almost like a noose around his neck, preventing him from having the life he truly deserved. He was vulnerable, a little lost and very much afraid, trying desperately to do the right thing but always feeling like he failed. On top of that, Quinlan had very slowly managed to crawl under his skin and into his heart and he was at a loss as to what to do with those feelings. What he did know what that for once in his life, he felt truly happy and almost care free.
“I’ve been fighting my whole life, maybe I don’t have any fight left.”

The chemistry between this couple was crazy and there were so many times they almost did but didn't which in turn had me screaming at them through my kindle... lol. The sexual tension, especially thought the first half of the book had me itching at the bits and hallelujah when they finally did do the do. Boy oh boy was it hot... scorching hot and what that man didn't know about incorporating musical instruments in the art of bumping uglies wasn't worth knowing. Guitars, picks... you name it... this couple used it in some way shape or form... but before you think it... no not in that way... he was a little more inventive than that!!! lol.

Although I enjoyed "Sweet Ache," there were definitely moments where the pace was a little slow for me and the inner monologue particularly wordy... where I found myself scanning the lines to get to the juicier bits. However the second half definitely made up for that when things absolutely moved up a notch or two and things definitely got more interesting. One very nasty brother plus a childish bet ensured that I was kept on my toes until the very last page. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series which gives us Tanner's story but equally, I can see a spin off series coming to fruition with the guys from "Bent" too.
"Well sometimes, right in the middle of everyday life, love gives you a fairytale when you least expect it."

I rated "Sweet Ache" ❤️❤️❤️.5 to ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for ❤Casey❤.
142 reviews28 followers
June 11, 2015
***4.5 stars***

Mrs. Bromberg is BACK!!!! Woohoo!
And I say that because I am a HUGE Colton/Driven fan but I was less than impressed with Slow Burn...... but my disappointment ends with that book. Sweet Ache reminded me of the smoking hot connection Colton and Rylee had.

This book follows Quinlan, Colton's sister. Tall, blonde and feisty, she takes shit from no one. She's on a self imposed "man break" to concentrate on her college thesis.

Hawkin Play, is the lead singer of a band called Bent. Hot, tattooed, Abercrombie and Fitch model good looks, he's the "bad rocker guy" with a heart of gold. He's also a playboy scared of falling in love because he believes he is not worth it and love will make him weak. He let's childhood guilt make his decisions for him. He has a twin brother, Hunter, who is truly the real "bad guy". Hawkin covers and takes all the blame for Hunter's mistakes.

Blood is thicker than water but you can still drown in it all the same.

Scars run so deep sometimes, the invisible ones cutting the deepest of them all.


Covering for Hunter means that Hawkin must do whatever the court tells him. In this case, it means being a college guest lecturer on rock-in-roll and drugs. It just so happens that Quinlan is the TA for that class.

Quinlan dodges Hawke's come ons and sexual innuendos for awhile, but she's no match for the sexy talking Hawkin Play.

"Tell me, rocker boy, is it true that you can play this body like a guitar?"

"I'm gonna bang you like a goddamn drum set if you keep that shit up."


Hawkin has a hard time realizing his brother, Hunter is truly a piece of shit and it takes a heartbreaking situation for him to come to terms with that. Hawke and Quin have some problems along the way and the scenes with Hawkin and his Mom are devastating. I felt for Hawkin and FELL for him. He finally realizes HE is worthy of love and you get a good, happy ending. PLUS Colton makes an appearance a time or two I wish there was more of him and Rylee, but I'll take what I can get :)


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137 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2015
Ladies get ready to have a change of panties because Sweet Ache is #MuyCaliente!

"You can tell me no all you want Q. You can push me, pull my hair...bite me even...but you can't deny that you want me as much as I want you"


You have Hawkin Play, the sexy as sin rock star that is challenged to a bet he can't turn down since he has yet to lose. But what he thought would be an easy challenge turns out to be more than expected. He meets Quinlan Westin, bold, witty, feisty and whole lot to handle type of woman. As they both try to figure out what they have going on is more than lust they face through the ups and downs and the obstacles that get in their way. Lies, Secrets and Hunter that will do anything to ruin a good thing from happening.

I found myself laughing, blushing, tearing up, upset and fanning myself because that's what a K. Bromberg story does to you. Takes you to this emotional ride and gives the reader the inside perspective of what these characters are going through. This was more than a love story for me because every time I walk away with a new outlook. So thank you!

#MakeItCount #FruitToMyLoop #RockerTrumpsRacer #PlayInTheRain
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