When Blair Beaufort literally crashes into Bellamy Creek wearing a ball gown and a tiara, I should have towed her car, said goodnight, and sent her packing.
I’m a mechanic, not a hotel manager.
I’ve got enough on my plate trying to keep my shop from going under, my overbearing mother off my back, and my baseball team in contention for the league championship. I don’t have time for a former debutante with zero street smarts and a cash flow problem, even if she is crazy beautiful.
Problem is, she’s stranded in my small town, and I’m hiding a protective streak underneath my broody exterior that runs deep. So I offer her a place to stay and keep my hands to myself.
For exactly one night.
If only she weren’t so gorgeous. So funny. So eager to please. She’s a disaster behind the wheel, but she drives me wild without even trying–at work, at home, in the back of my truck . . . I can’t get enough of the way she makes me feel. But I know better than to think it can last.
She wants a fairy tale, and I’m no prince.
So when it comes time for her to leave, there’s nothing I can do but let her go.
No matter how much it hurts to say goodbye.
My Review
Griffin is grumpy, a mechanic, over thirty, and very firmly living by his bachelor rules. He likes his routine, his space, and his uncomplicated life in Bellamy Creek. His sister, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She’s funny, warm, and bursting with life, which makes for a great contrast and adds a lot of heart to the story.
Blair’s arrival is explosive in the best way possible and honestly pretty hilarious. The imagery of her showing up had me laughing. She’s funny, a little spoiled, and suddenly broke, finding herself completely on her own. She does have one saving grace though—she can bake. This is not where Blair imagined her life going, especially landing in a small town when she had much bigger plans. I also really enjoyed how this story connects to other books by Melanie Harlow, which made the world feel familiar and cozy.
Blair goes from damsel in distress to working for Griffin, and while it happens fairly quickly, it makes sense within the story and leads to some really fun interactions. Griffin may have a tough exterior, but underneath it he’s sweet, protective, and surprisingly thoughtful. Blair is a bit of a hot mess, but she’s also smart, witty, and resilient. Their chemistry is immediate, and I genuinely loved every scene they shared together.
Between business revitalization plans, Blair’s extended stay in Bellamy Creek, the ever-present small-town gossip mill, and a man who can’t seem to keep his thoughts to himself, the story really finds its rhythm. I appreciated that the problems they face are realistic and not overly dramatic. It made the romance feel grounded and relatable.
There isn’t a long, drawn-out build-up before things turn steamy, so there’s not a ton of angst or slow-burn tension. Griffin definitely falls first, but he struggles to see beyond the present. Unfortunately, what makes Blair happy doesn’t always align with what makes Griffin feel secure, and that emotional mismatch adds depth to their relationship. Even so, their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s impossible not to enjoy their interactions.
Then comes the dreaded third-act breakup. And yes, it hurts. The “will he let her go?” and “will she come back?” questions really tug at the heart, especially when you consider their individual dreams and fears. The breakup moment is rough, but it fits the story and the characters.
Thankfully, the ending is sweet, satisfying, and full of swoon-worthy moments. This book is incredibly quotable and delivers exactly what you want from a cozy small-town romance. While it’s fairly predictable, it’s also warm, comforting, and easy to read. Blair and Griffin may be a whirlwind of a couple, but they were genuinely fun to follow, and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey.
If you would like to read Drive me Wild by Melanie Harlow you can find this book on Amazon. As an Amazon Assocaite I earn on qualifying purchases.
If you like this book you may also enjoy books with these tags and categories: Small town., Grumpy/sunshine and Midlife.
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