What do you think?
Rate this book
Drift
What if you were with the love of your life… and then you actually met him.
Soon to be engaged to her sweet, loving boyfriend, Zander, Marlie’s life seems right on track, just as she planned it. When forced to take an improv class as part of a workplace development initiative, she meets Chain, and the attraction is undeniable.
Convincing herself it’s just physical, Marlie sets out to finish the class to appease her employer. But as the weeks go by, she uncovers parts of herself that lead her to question all the plans she made.
***
Chain’s past has fueled his need for success. Now he has the job, the girlfriend, and the looks, so why was he searching for more? Signing up for this class was meant to be something for him. But then he met Marlie and realized he didn’t need everything, just the right things.
* Drift is a standalone, contemporary romance novel which features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. For all content warnings, please check the author’s profile links @amandabentleybooks *
Soon to be engaged to her sweet, loving boyfriend, Zander, Marlie’s life seems right on track, just as she planned it. When forced to take an improv class as part of a workplace development initiative, she meets Chain, and the attraction is undeniable.
Convincing herself it’s just physical, Marlie sets out to finish the class to appease her employer. But as the weeks go by, she uncovers parts of herself that lead her to question all the plans she made.
***
Chain’s past has fueled his need for success. Now he has the job, the girlfriend, and the looks, so why was he searching for more? Signing up for this class was meant to be something for him. But then he met Marlie and realized he didn’t need everything, just the right things.
* Drift is a standalone, contemporary romance novel which features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. For all content warnings, please check the author’s profile links @amandabentleybooks *
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2022
39 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bentley
10 books81 followersAmanda Bentley loves escaping into fictional worlds through reading and writing. A typical Pisces, she’s as much a mood writer as she is a mood reader. She likes her book boyfriends morally grey, but she’ll read any book with romance (preferably drenched in spice and angst).
When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.
When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 7, 2022
This was a PERFECT love triangle trope that didn’t have animosity or pick me energy AT ALL!! Sure we had our classic alpha character but it was all don’t so respectfully!! I found myself soooo heartbroken because I knew eventually she’d choose one but also wanted the best for both guys so bad!! It was a great mix of tension with fluffy cute stuff all over!! A great great read!!
September 13, 2022
I was an ARC reader for this book and boy am I so glad that I was!!! I would like to begin by saying I normally only read mafia or dark romance books. So this was new territory for me BUT boy am I glad I ventured into it. I think Amanda has done an amazing job with this story. From the first chapter, I was able to relate to Marlie when it came to issues with her mom. I LOVED the internal dialogue because I think it accurately showed what someone is thinking/worrying about.
This book is definitely a slow burn and had me screaming at my kindle at various points BUT it was so worth it. 5 stars and a spice level of 2.
This book is definitely a slow burn and had me screaming at my kindle at various points BUT it was so worth it. 5 stars and a spice level of 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2022
This is a book to read if you ever feel like you are just drifting through your life and not really claiming anything for yourself. 🖤
I went into this book mostly blind and not really knowing what this book was about apart from some blurbs on tiktok and from friends who had read it. I'm so glad I went in blind because it made the experience of reading it hit even harder.
This isn't a fast-paced, fluffy romance. This is REAL. Imagine thinking you are already with the love of your life, and then you meet someone else and everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down. This is the book that helps you realize that not every HEA is the same and sometimes you have to take the long way to find it.
I have so many thoughts on this, but can't even begin to write them all out and make them make sense.
I love each character for different reasons. (Except for Jack. Damn J names....)
I think my only struggle was trying to connect with the story at the beginning was a little rough. Again, it's not the fast paced fluffy romance thing, and I think once I realized the slower pace of it, I was able to wrap my head around things better.
4/5 ⭐️
I went into this book mostly blind and not really knowing what this book was about apart from some blurbs on tiktok and from friends who had read it. I'm so glad I went in blind because it made the experience of reading it hit even harder.
This isn't a fast-paced, fluffy romance. This is REAL. Imagine thinking you are already with the love of your life, and then you meet someone else and everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down. This is the book that helps you realize that not every HEA is the same and sometimes you have to take the long way to find it.
I have so many thoughts on this, but can't even begin to write them all out and make them make sense.
I love each character for different reasons. (Except for Jack. Damn J names....)
I think my only struggle was trying to connect with the story at the beginning was a little rough. Again, it's not the fast paced fluffy romance thing, and I think once I realized the slower pace of it, I was able to wrap my head around things better.
4/5 ⭐️
September 22, 2022
“What if you were with the love of your life.. and then you actually met him”
Do you enjoy the love triangle trope? This is a well-written triangle between the MCs that didn’t come with the usual animosity between characters that love triangle so often carry.
As someone who has issues with their own mother, I felt a kinship with the FMC from the very beginning. It drew me in to the character and really allowed me to experience the story along with her. Amanda does a great job of displaying how someone deals with both familial and romantic relationships issues as well as the personal struggles associated with past hurts.
This book is:
- Dual POV
- Love triangle
- Slow burn
- Strong debut novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶🌶/5
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Do you enjoy the love triangle trope? This is a well-written triangle between the MCs that didn’t come with the usual animosity between characters that love triangle so often carry.
As someone who has issues with their own mother, I felt a kinship with the FMC from the very beginning. It drew me in to the character and really allowed me to experience the story along with her. Amanda does a great job of displaying how someone deals with both familial and romantic relationships issues as well as the personal struggles associated with past hurts.
This book is:
- Dual POV
- Love triangle
- Slow burn
- Strong debut novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶🌶/5
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2022
I was a Beta reader for this book in return of a honest review!! And honestly i loved it!! This book has the perfect amount of spice compared to plot. This story has real depth with the main characters and the development is crazy good. Also the storyline the actual plot of the story is so well written i loved it! Totally a fun quick fast read for any romance lover
October 24, 2022
Initial Thoughts
Read this book for the angst, the hard truths and being honest with yourself, and for heat that made me highlight several pages for my husband to read later 😂🔥
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: love triangle
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Series: No
Cliffhanger: No
POV: Dual
Review
Much like other readers, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the book in the first couple of chapters. There was a lot of ‘I’ sentences and it made it hard to form a bond with the main character. I’m so glad I hung on, though! The story started flowing and before I knew it, I was fully submerged. This was a love triangle done well.
Marlie and Chain spent so long trying to ignore one another while desperately wishing for interaction. I could feel the angst, I could feel those new crush, ‘holy shit he’s talking to me’ jitters. I spent half the time wishing for something to happen between them and the other half desperately hoping neither of them would cheat. Necessary spoiler alert, they didn’t. I didn’t realize how much I loved that unattainable (but not really) love in a book until this story.
The heat between the initial couples was a brutally honest representation of two people going through the motions when one (or both) are no longer invested in the relationship. But don’t worry, when the lovely couple finally come together, the heat was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. It echoed some d/s behaviors without really diving in. I could DEFINITELY see that part of their relationship expanding into a full blown dynamic. Amanda, if you’re reading this, I officially request more of that put in the epilogue 🖤
I quite enjoyed the main characters’ development and how they helped each other grow, sometimes without realizing it. If they hadn’t found each other so attractive, they never would have questioned their own relationships. They never would have had the tough conversations.
I also loved how the author created Zander. He had as many likable characteristics as he had ones that weren’t so. The line between him not being the one and Marlie just having anxiety because she was battling her attraction to someone else was so blurred, half the time I wasn’t sure who’s team I was on. JK it was always, mostly, like 75-80% Chain. Gotta love a bad boy. But in all seriousness, with the right women, I think Zander would be a king amongst men in how understanding and supportive he was of Marlie. Even acknowledging that he was that way often because he wanted time to game, I still hold firm. Even when he was a broken-hearted asshole, he wanted Marlie to be happy.
🖤🖤
Read this book for the angst, the hard truths and being honest with yourself, and for heat that made me highlight several pages for my husband to read later 😂🔥
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: love triangle
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Series: No
Cliffhanger: No
POV: Dual
Review
Much like other readers, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the book in the first couple of chapters. There was a lot of ‘I’ sentences and it made it hard to form a bond with the main character. I’m so glad I hung on, though! The story started flowing and before I knew it, I was fully submerged. This was a love triangle done well.
Marlie and Chain spent so long trying to ignore one another while desperately wishing for interaction. I could feel the angst, I could feel those new crush, ‘holy shit he’s talking to me’ jitters. I spent half the time wishing for something to happen between them and the other half desperately hoping neither of them would cheat. Necessary spoiler alert, they didn’t. I didn’t realize how much I loved that unattainable (but not really) love in a book until this story.
The heat between the initial couples was a brutally honest representation of two people going through the motions when one (or both) are no longer invested in the relationship. But don’t worry, when the lovely couple finally come together, the heat was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. It echoed some d/s behaviors without really diving in. I could DEFINITELY see that part of their relationship expanding into a full blown dynamic. Amanda, if you’re reading this, I officially request more of that put in the epilogue 🖤
I quite enjoyed the main characters’ development and how they helped each other grow, sometimes without realizing it. If they hadn’t found each other so attractive, they never would have questioned their own relationships. They never would have had the tough conversations.
I also loved how the author created Zander. He had as many likable characteristics as he had ones that weren’t so. The line between him not being the one and Marlie just having anxiety because she was battling her attraction to someone else was so blurred, half the time I wasn’t sure who’s team I was on. JK it was always, mostly, like 75-80% Chain. Gotta love a bad boy. But in all seriousness, with the right women, I think Zander would be a king amongst men in how understanding and supportive he was of Marlie. Even acknowledging that he was that way often because he wanted time to game, I still hold firm. Even when he was a broken-hearted asshole, he wanted Marlie to be happy.
🖤🖤
September 16, 2022
**HUGE thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book**
Wow. I loved Drift! I’m not normally one to reach for a book with a love triangle but I figured I’d give this a try. Specifically because I had been following the author on TikTok for a while and her teasers hooked me. This is a love triangle story BUT it didn’t ick me the way so many love triangles have in the past! The FMC Marlie is so relatable. Infuriating at times but reading her internal struggle with the position she’s in with her relationship with Zander and the feelings she has for Chain, helps you to understand and really feel what she’s going through. She had been hurt in the past and she grows through so much during this story. Her situation is one I feel SO many women can relate to.
Chain is HOT! Period 😅 I really appreciated that the story is told from dual POVs so we read his internal struggles as well. Chain’s relationship at the beginning of the story is less than ideal. But he is so throughly against cheating, just as Marlie is, which I was very glad for.
Drift is full of amazing friendships. A heartwarming relationship. Delicious spice 🤤. I really couldn’t put it down. If you like a slow burn, I highly recommend! I can’t wait to see what Amanda Bentley has for us in the future! ❤️❤️
Wow. I loved Drift! I’m not normally one to reach for a book with a love triangle but I figured I’d give this a try. Specifically because I had been following the author on TikTok for a while and her teasers hooked me. This is a love triangle story BUT it didn’t ick me the way so many love triangles have in the past! The FMC Marlie is so relatable. Infuriating at times but reading her internal struggle with the position she’s in with her relationship with Zander and the feelings she has for Chain, helps you to understand and really feel what she’s going through. She had been hurt in the past and she grows through so much during this story. Her situation is one I feel SO many women can relate to.
Chain is HOT! Period 😅 I really appreciated that the story is told from dual POVs so we read his internal struggles as well. Chain’s relationship at the beginning of the story is less than ideal. But he is so throughly against cheating, just as Marlie is, which I was very glad for.
Drift is full of amazing friendships. A heartwarming relationship. Delicious spice 🤤. I really couldn’t put it down. If you like a slow burn, I highly recommend! I can’t wait to see what Amanda Bentley has for us in the future! ❤️❤️
June 7, 2023
This book was frustrating, like extremely frustrating. Because I just wanted to them to be together! 😩🤭 They were literally magnets just wanting to connect. It was a constant push and pull, maybe and maybe not, yes and no, do it and don’t do it. I just wanted them to be happy at the end. 😩
But when things start to take its place, it literally took off like fireworks🎆
I’m happy that I did give it a chance even though I hesitated because of the synopsis and the whole idea of it. The story was told beautifully without making it into an awful heartbreak for anyone.
My Chain & Marlie heart 🥹🥰 I want more of theemmmmm!
But when things start to take its place, it literally took off like fireworks🎆
I’m happy that I did give it a chance even though I hesitated because of the synopsis and the whole idea of it. The story was told beautifully without making it into an awful heartbreak for anyone.
My Chain & Marlie heart 🥹🥰 I want more of theemmmmm!
May 27, 2023
3.5⭐️
chain & marlie
okay.. this book had me hooked for the first 50-60% of it, after that i was cringing every other page and i was just simply tired of it & wanted to be done. it wasn’t necessarily bad but it wasn’t good either.
chain & marlie
okay.. this book had me hooked for the first 50-60% of it, after that i was cringing every other page and i was just simply tired of it & wanted to be done. it wasn’t necessarily bad but it wasn’t good either.
September 11, 2022
I struggled through the beginning of the book, the writing felt a bit choppy and it was kind of hard
To connect with the characters for me, but that changed about halfway-75% through the book for me. I’m interested to see where Amanda takes us next!
To connect with the characters for me, but that changed about halfway-75% through the book for me. I’m interested to see where Amanda takes us next!
October 8, 2022
** like and love are my favorite words I apologize in advance**
It took me longer than I would have liked to finish reading this master piece. I love that Amanda didn’t write Zander off to be an asshole in the end after everything with Marlie ended. That he still remained the same in that he never made her feel guilty for any of it. Yes they both got hurt but he still wanted her to be happy.
I’m still mad at Marlie for being irrational and agreeing to marriage all while internally flipping out and going against everything she’s thinking.
Chain. Holy shit. This man right here. She’s right in the whole feminism out the window 🤣🤣
I like that he didn’t jump at her right after she ended things that he gave her time.
Marlie and Chain’s relationship was beautiful written. It wasn’t rushed and fell into place perfectly with how each of their characters were written.
Amanda did such an amazing job with the piece I can’t wait to see what her brain has in store for the future.
It took me longer than I would have liked to finish reading this master piece. I love that Amanda didn’t write Zander off to be an asshole in the end after everything with Marlie ended. That he still remained the same in that he never made her feel guilty for any of it. Yes they both got hurt but he still wanted her to be happy.
I’m still mad at Marlie for being irrational and agreeing to marriage all while internally flipping out and going against everything she’s thinking.
Chain. Holy shit. This man right here. She’s right in the whole feminism out the window 🤣🤣
I like that he didn’t jump at her right after she ended things that he gave her time.
Marlie and Chain’s relationship was beautiful written. It wasn’t rushed and fell into place perfectly with how each of their characters were written.
Amanda did such an amazing job with the piece I can’t wait to see what her brain has in store for the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
A strong debut from Amanda Bentley! I'm excited to see what the future holds for her. I feel like this book was a bit different from my usual romance novels, so it was both captivating and challenging at times. But I very much enjoyed her writing and I just recommend seeing it for yourself.
----------!Spoiler filled review below!----------
Personally I didn't fully enjoy the first half of the book due to the quite happy relationship between Marlie and Zander as I shared the feeling Marlie had about cheating. But I do think it was resolved and explained quite well, thus the 4 stars in the end.
I liked the perspective about growing and changing in a relationship, about having different needs at different stages of your life. And I'm very glad that although there was attraction, there was no overlap between her relationships. And I do wish Zander all the happiness in the future with a girl who loves the mundane (I can read while he games?).
I did have a few things that were an ick for me:
As I already mentioned, not a huge fan of people in healthy relationships being super attracted to other people. But I guess that's life :(
Also, maybe there wasn't really a need for physical violence against Jack? Leave the past in the past? I enjoy morally grey love interests more in fantasy romance instead of contemporary one 😅
Lastly, unless the alcohol in the US is way lighter than in the EU, maybe a no driving rule after coctails or shots, stay safe on the road my friends!
Overall, a nice addition to my list of romance reads.
----------!Spoiler filled review below!----------
Personally I didn't fully enjoy the first half of the book due to the quite happy relationship between Marlie and Zander as I shared the feeling Marlie had about cheating. But I do think it was resolved and explained quite well, thus the 4 stars in the end.
I liked the perspective about growing and changing in a relationship, about having different needs at different stages of your life. And I'm very glad that although there was attraction, there was no overlap between her relationships. And I do wish Zander all the happiness in the future with a girl who loves the mundane (I can read while he games?).
I did have a few things that were an ick for me:
As I already mentioned, not a huge fan of people in healthy relationships being super attracted to other people. But I guess that's life :(
Also, maybe there wasn't really a need for physical violence against Jack? Leave the past in the past? I enjoy morally grey love interests more in fantasy romance instead of contemporary one 😅
Lastly, unless the alcohol in the US is way lighter than in the EU, maybe a no driving rule after coctails or shots, stay safe on the road my friends!
Overall, a nice addition to my list of romance reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
i was lucky enough to be able to read the ARC of this book and although the beginning of it was hard to get into once i did get into it i could not put it down! when i read the description i knew this book was definitely something i would enjoy and it DID NOT disappoint! the slow burn and the love triangle were everything and more! the plot and the characters were well written.
September 9, 2022
i had been following this author on tiktok for awhile, and this book quickly became one of my most anticipated reads this year. and i am so so so happy that this book lived up to the hype; it was SO good. i had trouble putting down the book (but due to school, i had to smh).
first, i would like to start off by saying i'm normally not a fan of the love triangle trope or the friends to lovers trope -- usually since authors don't write them well. however, this author did it PERFECTLY. i love how the relationship between Chain and Marlie never felt forced or fake. although it was inevitable that those two would get together, i loved how the relationship and chemistry between the two never felt forced. i never questioned things for a second. i also liked how we get to see Marlie really battle her feelings between Chain and Zander. normally i feel that authors normally only focus on one side of the triangle more then another -- but with this book, that didn't happen. we see both sides evenly, and it's nice to see how Marlie really battles her feelings towards both guys. but the thing i liked the most about this plot was the fact that Marlie and Chain had a real friendship before getting together. i think it's nice that they got to know each other more and really became friends (although the sexual tension was REAL between the two); and they really got to know each other. it was nice to read about and i really liked reading about them figuring each other out.
as for the characters themselves, i LOVED them. starting with Marlie, she was a sweetheart. i liked reading about her character growth and how she really found herself. it's nice to see her figure herself out and see what she truly wanted in life. i think Marlie was super sweet, and i liked how -- for the most part -- she was always happy and bubbly. she was pretty welcoming to everyone, and i get the vibes she'd be a great person to be around. as for Chain, yeah i love him. the way he spoke about Marlie was EVERYTHING and i envy it. he was so so so sweet to her, and i loved reading about it. another thing i liked about Chain was the confidence. he was so confident and sure of himself and what he wanted, it was nice to read about. he had the perfect amount of confidence without being cocky (as most book boys are), and it was a nice thing to read. as for the side characters, they were cool. i kinda wish that Marlie was closer to Eli because i would've liked to read about his character more. he was cool and i liked how he was there for Marlie and pushed her to get out of her comfort zone. as for Marlie's real best friend, Stella, she was cool. i did think it was a lil cliche that Marlie and Stella (two best friends) were dating Zander and Jace (who were also two best friends). i also felt like, at times, Stella was a little judgemental towards Marlie and her situation (even though she said she wasn't). onto Zander, he bothered me LOL i thought his character was such a typical, real life male. he stopped putting effort and trying in the relationship since him and Marlie were "secure". and Jack, of course i hated him and he totally got what he deserved from Chain.
okay now, this next paragraph will contain spoilers. i'm doing my duty as a goodreads citizen and telling you to read at your own dissection. okay, now that this is done. first thing we are to discuss is the spicy scene. they DID IT FOR ME. so so so good omg. having a praise kink, the praise Chain gave to Marlie was so hot, i couldn't contain it. also, the fact that Chain was always wanting to please Marlie and make sure she was good was amazing. i love reading about things like that. i also like how the attraction was so strong with Chain and Marlie, the connection too. it was so noticeable that they were into each other and it was so cute to read about. oh, and can we talk about where Chain beats up Jack? that's hot. the protectiveness is so real and it's SO attractive -- currently screaming, crying, throwing up for not having my own, personally guy like Chain. oh and the necklace Chain gets Marlie? that was a cute touch. i really like how he did it and how it linked back to what he had said to Marlie earlier in the book. the author did a good job of foreshadowing throughout the book. there were a lot of moments that connected to each other, and it was cool to read about.
overall, this book is so good. i recommend that EVERYONE reads this book. so happy i was able to read this book and experience this book
first, i would like to start off by saying i'm normally not a fan of the love triangle trope or the friends to lovers trope -- usually since authors don't write them well. however, this author did it PERFECTLY. i love how the relationship between Chain and Marlie never felt forced or fake. although it was inevitable that those two would get together, i loved how the relationship and chemistry between the two never felt forced. i never questioned things for a second. i also liked how we get to see Marlie really battle her feelings between Chain and Zander. normally i feel that authors normally only focus on one side of the triangle more then another -- but with this book, that didn't happen. we see both sides evenly, and it's nice to see how Marlie really battles her feelings towards both guys. but the thing i liked the most about this plot was the fact that Marlie and Chain had a real friendship before getting together. i think it's nice that they got to know each other more and really became friends (although the sexual tension was REAL between the two); and they really got to know each other. it was nice to read about and i really liked reading about them figuring each other out.
as for the characters themselves, i LOVED them. starting with Marlie, she was a sweetheart. i liked reading about her character growth and how she really found herself. it's nice to see her figure herself out and see what she truly wanted in life. i think Marlie was super sweet, and i liked how -- for the most part -- she was always happy and bubbly. she was pretty welcoming to everyone, and i get the vibes she'd be a great person to be around. as for Chain, yeah i love him. the way he spoke about Marlie was EVERYTHING and i envy it. he was so so so sweet to her, and i loved reading about it. another thing i liked about Chain was the confidence. he was so confident and sure of himself and what he wanted, it was nice to read about. he had the perfect amount of confidence without being cocky (as most book boys are), and it was a nice thing to read. as for the side characters, they were cool. i kinda wish that Marlie was closer to Eli because i would've liked to read about his character more. he was cool and i liked how he was there for Marlie and pushed her to get out of her comfort zone. as for Marlie's real best friend, Stella, she was cool. i did think it was a lil cliche that Marlie and Stella (two best friends) were dating Zander and Jace (who were also two best friends). i also felt like, at times, Stella was a little judgemental towards Marlie and her situation (even though she said she wasn't). onto Zander, he bothered me LOL i thought his character was such a typical, real life male. he stopped putting effort and trying in the relationship since him and Marlie were "secure". and Jack, of course i hated him and he totally got what he deserved from Chain.
okay now, this next paragraph will contain spoilers. i'm doing my duty as a goodreads citizen and telling you to read at your own dissection. okay, now that this is done. first thing we are to discuss is the spicy scene. they DID IT FOR ME. so so so good omg. having a praise kink, the praise Chain gave to Marlie was so hot, i couldn't contain it. also, the fact that Chain was always wanting to please Marlie and make sure she was good was amazing. i love reading about things like that. i also like how the attraction was so strong with Chain and Marlie, the connection too. it was so noticeable that they were into each other and it was so cute to read about. oh, and can we talk about where Chain beats up Jack? that's hot. the protectiveness is so real and it's SO attractive -- currently screaming, crying, throwing up for not having my own, personally guy like Chain. oh and the necklace Chain gets Marlie? that was a cute touch. i really like how he did it and how it linked back to what he had said to Marlie earlier in the book. the author did a good job of foreshadowing throughout the book. there were a lot of moments that connected to each other, and it was cool to read about.
overall, this book is so good. i recommend that EVERYONE reads this book. so happy i was able to read this book and experience this book
September 26, 2022
💥Overall opinion:
I went into this without knowing much and I'm so glad I did! For being a debut novel, Amanda hit this one out of the park! I'm not a fan of love triangles, but this was an exception.
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
Marlie’s engaged and life seems right on track, just as she planned. She's forced to take an improv class as part of a workplace development initiative, where she meets Chain, a lawyer who has only cared about success. She has to convince herself that she feels nothing and sets out to finish the class, but as the weeks go by, they uncover parts of themselves that lead them to question everything.
⚡️POV:
Dual POV - Male and Female MC
💋Tropes:
Love Triangle
Alphahole
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
💣Main Character Rating:
Chain - 4 ⭐️ - First off, I love the name originality for this character. He was written as a well balanced MMC, especially with the childhood he had. The only thing I wish was different, is how drastic his character changed from how he acted before they got together and after.
Marlie - 4⭐️ - She was extremely relatable as a FMC and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. I wanted a little more depth to her as a character and feel like she stayed entirely too long with someone who didn't really show her much interest but I'm glad she finally realized it!
💧Sadness level:
0/2
🌶Spice level:
1.5/5
📚Descriptive spice scenes:
Yes, there are quite a few steamy scenes on page.
🚫Closure:
I feel like the ending was a little rushed and was left wanting more from both characters. I would've liked to have seen more of their relationship and less of the one at the beginning of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what else this author comes up with.
⭐️Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this without knowing much and I'm so glad I did! For being a debut novel, Amanda hit this one out of the park! I'm not a fan of love triangles, but this was an exception.
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
Marlie’s engaged and life seems right on track, just as she planned. She's forced to take an improv class as part of a workplace development initiative, where she meets Chain, a lawyer who has only cared about success. She has to convince herself that she feels nothing and sets out to finish the class, but as the weeks go by, they uncover parts of themselves that lead them to question everything.
⚡️POV:
Dual POV - Male and Female MC
💋Tropes:
Love Triangle
Alphahole
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
💣Main Character Rating:
Chain - 4 ⭐️ - First off, I love the name originality for this character. He was written as a well balanced MMC, especially with the childhood he had. The only thing I wish was different, is how drastic his character changed from how he acted before they got together and after.
Marlie - 4⭐️ - She was extremely relatable as a FMC and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. I wanted a little more depth to her as a character and feel like she stayed entirely too long with someone who didn't really show her much interest but I'm glad she finally realized it!
💧Sadness level:
0/2
🌶Spice level:
1.5/5
📚Descriptive spice scenes:
Yes, there are quite a few steamy scenes on page.
🚫Closure:
I feel like the ending was a little rushed and was left wanting more from both characters. I would've liked to have seen more of their relationship and less of the one at the beginning of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what else this author comes up with.
⭐️Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 7, 2023
My Rating: 3.75-4/5⭐️
“I don’t want to live a menial existence, passing time in complacency. I want to live.”
If you like a slow burn & a love triangle done right, this is the book for you. If you are struggling with complacency, trust issues, & being honest with yourself, this is also the book for you! It was just so realistic & relatable!
The first half of this story was a bit too slow for my liking. However, I appreciate that it was because the main characters, Chain & Marlie, didn’t cheat on who they were with at the time, no matter how unhappy they were with the relationships they were in & how attracted they were to each other. Instead, they tried even harder to work things out with their partners.
To be honest, I was really irritated with Marlie for almost the entire book. The funny thing is, it’s because I relate to her so much! Her internal struggle was just so familiar to me & I wanted to slap her at times & be like, “Okay, sis, this is what you’re gonna do…” 😂
Also… I didn’t fall for Chain. *GASP* 🙈 I know, I know… He’s the MMC! But I can’t help that I fell for Zander instead! He was just the kindest & most understanding (ex)boyfriend ever! My heart truly broke for him & now I can’t wait for his book to come out! 😭
If I could change anything, I’d want more time in the beginning for Chain & Marlie to get to know each other on a deeper level, as friends, instead of avoiding each other. I would have liked more time for them to develop as a couple, as well, so that it wouldn’t have felt rushed in the last few chapters.
PS. If you’ve read “When We Were” by DEG, you’ll want to read this to find out how Marlie & Stella are doing! 😉 And yes, the author of this book is 𝙩𝙝𝙚 Amanda Bentley from WWW. 😁
“I don’t want to live a menial existence, passing time in complacency. I want to live.”
If you like a slow burn & a love triangle done right, this is the book for you. If you are struggling with complacency, trust issues, & being honest with yourself, this is also the book for you! It was just so realistic & relatable!
The first half of this story was a bit too slow for my liking. However, I appreciate that it was because the main characters, Chain & Marlie, didn’t cheat on who they were with at the time, no matter how unhappy they were with the relationships they were in & how attracted they were to each other. Instead, they tried even harder to work things out with their partners.
To be honest, I was really irritated with Marlie for almost the entire book. The funny thing is, it’s because I relate to her so much! Her internal struggle was just so familiar to me & I wanted to slap her at times & be like, “Okay, sis, this is what you’re gonna do…” 😂
Also… I didn’t fall for Chain. *GASP* 🙈 I know, I know… He’s the MMC! But I can’t help that I fell for Zander instead! He was just the kindest & most understanding (ex)boyfriend ever! My heart truly broke for him & now I can’t wait for his book to come out! 😭
If I could change anything, I’d want more time in the beginning for Chain & Marlie to get to know each other on a deeper level, as friends, instead of avoiding each other. I would have liked more time for them to develop as a couple, as well, so that it wouldn’t have felt rushed in the last few chapters.
PS. If you’ve read “When We Were” by DEG, you’ll want to read this to find out how Marlie & Stella are doing! 😉 And yes, the author of this book is 𝙩𝙝𝙚 Amanda Bentley from WWW. 😁
September 10, 2022
I was sent the ARC of Drift and it being Amanda’s debut novel I was so excited to read it. Let me start by saying the love triangle trope isn’t a favorite of mine. I wasn’t too sure how I would feel about it but thought I would give it a shot anyways. Marlie is one of those characters you like but she annoys the shit out of you. Marlie is dating Zander and you can tell their chemistry is completely missing. Marlie’s choices suck! I’m just going to say it. Like WTF is she thinking. I’m not going to spoil anything but just know she will probably make you mad. Eli is her friend from work and I absolutely loved that guy. His personality shined through right away where I felt like with the other characters it took some time. Now let’s talk about Chain. I liked him from the beginning and I felt like his choices were pretty good. Once he knew what was going on with his feelings he made sure he made good choices. It took 75% in for me to love the book. I’m not going to lie the beginning annoyed me and drug on for too long. I feel like had things been “handled” in the first 15% and then we saw Chain and Marlie get closer that would have been perfection. The last 25% was really good but did feel a little rushed. I needed more of Chain and Marlie and felt like we didn’t get it. Chain is a protective/ possessive MMC and I absolutely loved that about him. Oh and did I mention the book gets steamer after the 75% mark and it’s VERY well written. For most of the book I felt like it was a 3 to 3.5 star read but that last 25% had me bumping it up to a 4 star for sure! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Amanda Bentley.
November 19, 2025
Drift by Amanda Bentley is an emotionally charged, character-driven contemporary romance that digs deep into identity, desire, and the complicated spaces between loyalty and longing. Marlie’s life appears perfectly mapped out—stable job, loving boyfriend, engagement on the horizon—until a mandatory improv class throws her into the orbit of Chain, a man whose presence shakes loose everything she thought she wanted. Their connection is instant, magnetic, and inconvenient in all the ways that make good romance irresistibly tense. Bentley’s writing shines in the way she captures internal conflict, quiet yearning, and the slow unraveling of carefully built lives. Marlie and Chain’s chemistry is powerful but grounded in vulnerability, making their journey feel genuine rather than impulsive. This book made me feel—the excitement, the confusion, the ache of wanting more from yourself and your life.
Tropes:
• Forced proximity
• Emotional affair / questioning a relationship
• Right person, wrong time
• Opposites attract
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• “Meeting the one when you’re with someone else”
• Grumpy-soft hero with a hidden past
• Slow-build emotional tension
Content Warnings:
• Emotional cheating
• Themes of self-doubt and identity conflict
• Mentions of past trauma and neglect
• Stress, anxiety, and workplace pressure
• Explicit sexual content
Tropes:
• Forced proximity
• Emotional affair / questioning a relationship
• Right person, wrong time
• Opposites attract
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• “Meeting the one when you’re with someone else”
• Grumpy-soft hero with a hidden past
• Slow-build emotional tension
Content Warnings:
• Emotional cheating
• Themes of self-doubt and identity conflict
• Mentions of past trauma and neglect
• Stress, anxiety, and workplace pressure
• Explicit sexual content
September 20, 2022
**I received an ARC for an honest review**
I really liked this book! Well written and intriguing enough to make me want to keep reading. It was slow in the beginning, but I was still curious. The book gets steamy in the last 25%.
I really liked Marlie as a character, she was incredible relatable and while she had some questionable moments/decisions I feel like she truly cared about both Zander and Chain. I was not a big fan of Zander, you could tell from the beginning that he had kind of checked out of the relationship. He was one of those guys that was comfortable in a way that he felt like he no longer needed to try. I did expect more of a triangle between Marlie, Zander and Chain. Maybe Zander fighting more to Marlie? He was just so indifferent in the beginning fo the book that it didn’t seem like he genuinely wanted her.
I would have loved to see more of Marlie and Chain progressing through their relationship vs just the beginning. I think an epilogue would have helped. I loved the dual POVs.
Over all, great debut novel from Amanda Bentley and I look forward to reading more from her!
I really liked this book! Well written and intriguing enough to make me want to keep reading. It was slow in the beginning, but I was still curious. The book gets steamy in the last 25%.
I really liked Marlie as a character, she was incredible relatable and while she had some questionable moments/decisions I feel like she truly cared about both Zander and Chain. I was not a big fan of Zander, you could tell from the beginning that he had kind of checked out of the relationship. He was one of those guys that was comfortable in a way that he felt like he no longer needed to try. I did expect more of a triangle between Marlie, Zander and Chain. Maybe Zander fighting more to Marlie? He was just so indifferent in the beginning fo the book that it didn’t seem like he genuinely wanted her.
I would have loved to see more of Marlie and Chain progressing through their relationship vs just the beginning. I think an epilogue would have helped. I loved the dual POVs.
Over all, great debut novel from Amanda Bentley and I look forward to reading more from her!
September 20, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶 (on-page, explicit)
This one was an emotional rollercoaster! I absolutely loved the improv class aspect of the book. I felt like it was unique and made for some fun side characters.
Drift is about a woman who has a live-in boyfriend, and joins an improv class where she meets a guy who is also taken but they have an intense magnetic pull toward eachother.
I will never yuck someone’s yum, but I have to give the heads up that there is some emotional cheating in this book. I really loved the book otherwise, but that was one aspect I could have gone without. If it doesn’t bother you, then definitely give it a read! Their chemistry was definitely electric!!!
Ok, so I have to say that after this book, if the MMC doesn’t have green eyes, why am I even reading it! 😉
There isn’t a ton of spice, but there are explicit scenes in the book. Chain does have some specific preferences too, which come out later in the book.
Overall, a great traditional romance (not a romcom despite it taking place in an improv class). Loved the cover too, so even though I read on my kindle I’m definitely getting a physical copy for my bookshelf!
2/5 🌶 (on-page, explicit)
This one was an emotional rollercoaster! I absolutely loved the improv class aspect of the book. I felt like it was unique and made for some fun side characters.
Drift is about a woman who has a live-in boyfriend, and joins an improv class where she meets a guy who is also taken but they have an intense magnetic pull toward eachother.
I will never yuck someone’s yum, but I have to give the heads up that there is some emotional cheating in this book. I really loved the book otherwise, but that was one aspect I could have gone without. If it doesn’t bother you, then definitely give it a read! Their chemistry was definitely electric!!!
Ok, so I have to say that after this book, if the MMC doesn’t have green eyes, why am I even reading it! 😉
There isn’t a ton of spice, but there are explicit scenes in the book. Chain does have some specific preferences too, which come out later in the book.
Overall, a great traditional romance (not a romcom despite it taking place in an improv class). Loved the cover too, so even though I read on my kindle I’m definitely getting a physical copy for my bookshelf!
September 15, 2022
3.5 stars🌸
I struggled a bit at the beginning of the book to get into it because of the writing but once I put that aside and just focus on the story itself I actually really enjoyed it. Usually I don't like love triangles but the author had me cheering for both love interest.
We know that she was either gonna have to choose Zander, who was her current boyfriend, or chain, the guy she met at an improv class and that she had an instant connection with.
They both struggled with the chemistry they both had especially because they were both in a relationship.
Something that really made me like this book was the fact that the author didn't make her cheat on her boyfriend with the other guy. She was able to deal with her feelings about both of them and deal with it when she felt ready to. There was no betrayal.
Also at times it felt like there was some parts missing of the story. Like this man would get mad over nothing and it just felt like what happened was deleted I guess
Overall its a good story with very likeable characters!!
I struggled a bit at the beginning of the book to get into it because of the writing but once I put that aside and just focus on the story itself I actually really enjoyed it. Usually I don't like love triangles but the author had me cheering for both love interest.
We know that she was either gonna have to choose Zander, who was her current boyfriend, or chain, the guy she met at an improv class and that she had an instant connection with.
They both struggled with the chemistry they both had especially because they were both in a relationship.
Something that really made me like this book was the fact that the author didn't make her cheat on her boyfriend with the other guy. She was able to deal with her feelings about both of them and deal with it when she felt ready to. There was no betrayal.
Also at times it felt like there was some parts missing of the story. Like this man would get mad over nothing and it just felt like what happened was deleted I guess
Overall its a good story with very likeable characters!!
September 15, 2022
This was a hard book for me to get through I’ll admit. I read another review on here saying how it was hard to connect to the characters at the beginning and I completely agree. I didn’t start relating until about 50% of the book.
The book however did hurt me a bit when she finally started finding herself. I was immensely proud for Marlie but I don’t like how she kept stringing Zander along because he did deserve better than her not knowing.
I understand that’s a tough position to be in especially since you do just outgrow people so I’ll cut her some slack.
I will also say that the ending was really rushed for me. I got to maybe soak up and sit in Chain & Mar’s moments for just a little and that makes me sad because I love in books when couples finally get their time. ALSO where’s the epilogue??? Do they get married I need to know.
BESIDES THAT I did enjoy it. I just wish we got a little bit more if that makes sense. I will be reading it again though to see if my thoughts change.
The book however did hurt me a bit when she finally started finding herself. I was immensely proud for Marlie but I don’t like how she kept stringing Zander along because he did deserve better than her not knowing.
I understand that’s a tough position to be in especially since you do just outgrow people so I’ll cut her some slack.
I will also say that the ending was really rushed for me. I got to maybe soak up and sit in Chain & Mar’s moments for just a little and that makes me sad because I love in books when couples finally get their time. ALSO where’s the epilogue??? Do they get married I need to know.
BESIDES THAT I did enjoy it. I just wish we got a little bit more if that makes sense. I will be reading it again though to see if my thoughts change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2022
I’m going to be completely honest… this book didn’t really do it for me. I really struggled to get through this book and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. They were very one dimensional and there wasn’t really a back story to any of them. I couldn’t stand Zander, especially, with the use of “babe”. He wouldn’t call her anything else and it really bothered me. He was also SO boring. I don’t believe that she could stand being in a relationship with him for a month, let alone years. All he wanted to do was play video games. The story would of been more believable if Chain and Marlie slowly started catching feeling but you’re telling me they met and she couldn’t even form a coherent sentence around him? No. After they finally get together the story just basically drops off into a porn. I also had to stop myself from rolling my eyes after they said “I love you” after like 4 days. Overall, it was okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
First of all I want to thank the author for the ARC copy of her book.
Now, I am not a fan of books with a love triangle or love triangle in general, because the angst, the dilema, the drama is always taxing (for me), but I wanted to give this book a chance, or rather a second chance to love triangle plot. NOT DISAPPOINTED. Not even a tiny bit.
Marlie is our fmc, and I am not lying when I say that she was Infuriating at times, with a capital 'I' . But her struggle on the inside with her relationship with Zander and the feelings she has for Chain, makes her so much like me and you and others.
I promised to keep this spoiler free, so I'm gonna stop here.
The best thing about the book, or one of the best things about this book, is that it is a quick read.
I recommend the book.
4.1☆/5
Happy reading,
RAJASHREE BANERJEE
Now, I am not a fan of books with a love triangle or love triangle in general, because the angst, the dilema, the drama is always taxing (for me), but I wanted to give this book a chance, or rather a second chance to love triangle plot. NOT DISAPPOINTED. Not even a tiny bit.
Marlie is our fmc, and I am not lying when I say that she was Infuriating at times, with a capital 'I' . But her struggle on the inside with her relationship with Zander and the feelings she has for Chain, makes her so much like me and you and others.
I promised to keep this spoiler free, so I'm gonna stop here.
The best thing about the book, or one of the best things about this book, is that it is a quick read.
I recommend the book.
4.1☆/5
Happy reading,
RAJASHREE BANERJEE
September 22, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶
I went into this book ‘blind’ and am so glad I did! The feelings and emotions of the FMC are so relatable, and it’s easy to insert yourself into her POV while reading. I loved the friendship between her and her best friend.
The story overall was beautiful and so real, but I was left wanting more from the relationship with the MMC she ended up with and would have loved to of seen less of the relationship with who she didn’t end up with.
I am so excited for and proud of the author on her debut novel! I can’t wait to see the other projects she has coming up in the future and will for sure be reading all of her books!
🌶🌶
I went into this book ‘blind’ and am so glad I did! The feelings and emotions of the FMC are so relatable, and it’s easy to insert yourself into her POV while reading. I loved the friendship between her and her best friend.
The story overall was beautiful and so real, but I was left wanting more from the relationship with the MMC she ended up with and would have loved to of seen less of the relationship with who she didn’t end up with.
I am so excited for and proud of the author on her debut novel! I can’t wait to see the other projects she has coming up in the future and will for sure be reading all of her books!
October 1, 2022
A great start for a debut author! I really enjoyed this depiction of a love triangle. The story line and writing was well thought out and everything flowed really well! About 80% into the book, I was having a hard time getting through it. The story felt a little stagnant with several chapters just describing how Marlie was basically depressed after breaking off the engagement. But I think it all comes full circle towards the end. I really loved the title of this book and I think it matched well with everything that the characters were going through.
*I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
Drift is a great take on a love triangle and heavy on the emotion and angst rather than toxic jealousy. The story follows Marlie, who is albeit a little lost and complacent in her life. But none of that becomes clear until she ends up taking an improv class and meets someone who sparks something within her. Not only does this book cover off very real raw relationships, there is spice throughout... though the real spice DELIVERS at the end. (So stick it out!) This book puts the SLOW in slow burn.. it also puts the BURN in slow burn.
It's an easy quick read with real emotion and great spice.
It's an easy quick read with real emotion and great spice.
Read
October 15, 2022Welcome to Drift! Where the love triangle is as atypical as the love story.
If you love slow burn, angst, spice, and character growth, you’ll love my debut novel.
I wanted to write a book that portrayed how getting to your HEA isn’t always an easy path. Not everything happens in a perfect way, but that doesn’t make it any less perfect 💙
I truly love reading your thoughts and seeing posts on social media! I’ve had readers message me their thoughts and I LIVE for it 🥰
Thank you for venturing into the world of Drift, I hope you love it as much as I do!
PS- Chain? 🥵
If you love slow burn, angst, spice, and character growth, you’ll love my debut novel.
I wanted to write a book that portrayed how getting to your HEA isn’t always an easy path. Not everything happens in a perfect way, but that doesn’t make it any less perfect 💙
I truly love reading your thoughts and seeing posts on social media! I’ve had readers message me their thoughts and I LIVE for it 🥰
Thank you for venturing into the world of Drift, I hope you love it as much as I do!
PS- Chain? 🥵
September 14, 2022
It was a little hard for me to get into in the beginning but after that I was hooked. I love the love triangle I love knowing what she’s going through and her emotions during it. Her character seemed a little boring she didn’t really have a personality during the whole book. Atleast that’s what it felt like but this still was a great book for being a debut novel ! Thank you to the author for this arc !
September 20, 2022
I did have a hard time getting into the story in the beginning since the characters didn’t stand out to me, but as it progressed past the halfway mark and I learned more about them I got a little more hooked into it. The book definitely picked up more towards the end, but I felt like the ending was very rushed. Overall, it was a good story with some spice and I’m excited to see what this author has for any future books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews