Listen

Book Review - Drive

Drive by Kate Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first Kate Stewart book, y'all. It wrecked me in so many ways, and I loved every minute of it! I mean, this book is easily going on my top five favorites list for my 2018 reads. And possibly longer, as it's been awhile since I've read something this...amazing. Magical? Soul shattering? Okay, maybe a little over dramatic on that last one, but seriously this book is really amazing. I'm actually bummed out that I hadn't come across it sooner. But my God, am I glad that I hit that "send a free sample to" button. Now, as usual, you’ve already read the blurb so I’m not about to rehash it for you. If you’re reading this review it's probably in order to decided whether or not you want to buy/read this book. So, without further ado, lets get to it (and just a heads up--this gets long):

If anyone tells you a song is important to them, you should turn it up loud, close your eyes, and really listen. Because at the end, you will know that person so much better.
—Unknown

I am a huge fan of music. It's attached to so many memories. And damn if they don't take me back to exact moments. So for me, this book had me with this first opening quote. I had a hard time putting this book down, and yet having to force myself to do just that every so often due to the emotional roller coaster it was taking me on. Now, before we continue, this book is about a love triangle. So if this is not your jam then tread carefully. BUT, if this is something you're good with, then let me just say that it will not disappoint. Our main triangle consists of: Stella, Reid, and Nate. And oh man was the burn slow, and tantalizing. It took me a minute or two to get comfortable with Reid. He was intense but magnetic, and definitely hard around the edges. While Nate on the other hand was drool worthy from the very beginning, and so easy to like. He was such a great man overall. We can tell from the first few chapters that Stella definitely had a connection with each one, and I could easily see her dilemma. But when someone walks away, and the other starts to pick up the pieces you start to shift in opinion of just who might be worthy of Stella. Or vice versa- sometimes you questioned whether Stella was worthy of either of these men. But before you know it everything is all upside down again, and things constantly shift. There's a push-pull, and I knew by Chapter 30 that I was going to be a little heartbroken either way the story ended up going.

"I want to split a paper with you over breakfast. I want to find out what your favorite movie is. I want to know everything about you, and despite my best efforts, you’ve given me less than shit. I want you in a million different ways, but when you look at me like that, all I can think of is one."
- Nate

And I was not wrong. By the time I reached 96% I felt totally elated at the turn of events, and yet a bit heartbroken. Everyone deserved a happy ending. Everyone deserved love. And even though I was happy, I felt like the other possible outcome would have made me just as happy. Yet, even with all of that, the conclusion felt right. Now, that's all that I'll say about the story. What I want to dive into next is Stella. Very rarely am I able to truly relate to a main female character. And honestly, that doesn't bother me one bit. I read to escape into new worlds, and stories. But with Stella...well she brought the realness. Side note: the story takes place in Texas, and there were so many references that only Texans would get within this book that I completely adored Kate Stewart for. She's half Latina, and living in Austin. Her start is rough, but I loved her edginess. How she didn't care about what others thought, and she basically danced to the beat of her own drum. Though she does lose herself a bit within her journey it was easy to relate to that. To giving so much to someone that you put yourself on the back burner.

“If I’m not what you need, then go find it. I bared myself to you, and you didn’t have the decency to fall in love with me. I probably will hate you. I fell for you, scared, but I did it anyway.”
-Stella

Kate did a great job with giving Stella so many different sides that fit. They felt real, and her growth was so steady that it felt life like. And I think that's what I liked most about the story. How all of these characters had growth, their own stories that we see bits of, and most importantly they were faced with issues and decisions that any of us could be presented with. So for me, this book had it all. I will say that my only complaint would be that I wanted to read more about Lexi (Stella's bff), and Ben (Reid's bff). However, with the way that they were written I have a feeling (and I hope) that we'll get their own story one day. Other than that, this book was one that I really enjoyed. And it's a story that will stick with me for a long time.

At the time of posting you can snag this book on your Kindle for $3.99 or read for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Wordless Wednesday