Drive Me Wild (Bellamy Creek Series Book 1)

No one writes small town romances like Melanie Harlow. Her stories also give me the feel-good warm fuzzies that I get from watching a Hallmark love story, but with some swoon worthy sexiness that Melanie writes so well. Drive Me Wild balances a tender thoughtfulness with playfulness and levity - this is an arresting story that made me smile, made me swoon, and reminded how beautiful it is to fall in love.This charming story begins with an unlikely twist of fate and unusual combination-the best slice of apple pie in the Midwest, a poofy wedding dress, and a flat tire. The delightfully endearing former socialite Blair Beaufort quite literally crashed into the town of Bellamy Creek, on her way to start a new life at Cloverleigh Farms. Fortunately, local small town mechanic Griff is on hand to save the day. He’s so delicious Blair thinks she actually is in heaven. And to Griff she is….well, perplexing. He’s not quite sure what to make of the chatterbox beauty in what appears to be a wedding dress and tiara, with the middle name Peacock, no less. His protective instincts override his need to stick to his carefully constructed “rules,” the sense of order he’s created out of past baggage to distance his heart. Blair is just to0 enchanting - she’s more than a down on her luck elite, and as they find themselves thrust together thanks to more fate, and then increasingly as the result of their own free will, a deep and intimate emotional connection starts to form. But what does that mean for Blair’s quest for independence from relying on others? And, can Griff let go of his tightly held distance to risk his heart and open up to someone else?Griffin is perhaps one of my favorite Melanie Harlow heroes to date. Ex-marine turned mechanic with loads of tats and baby blue eyes? And man rescues a tiny kitten?!?! Oh meow. But, his heart is what won me over the most. He’s got some moodiness to him- a brooding quality that makes him emotionally erratic in places, but this is all steeped in his baggage. His obstince is really the main conflict of this story- his tightly guarded heart, his fear of vulnerability, the distance he uses to prevent himself from truly connecting with others. But, Blair slowly and surely disarms him- with care and tenderness- and we see the sweet, protective, compassionate, hard-working, and deeply loving man he’s so carefully buried in his unaffected facade. I fell so hard for him, but even more so, I fell for Blair Peacock Beaufort, the shining star of this story. I could not adore her more. Her zeal for life, despite the fact that she’s really beginning it anew, is infectious. She’s abandoned, alone, completely without any means or resources, and yet somehow she not only exudes a radiant and disarming enthusiasm but she also so authentically connects with and cares about understanding those around her-even strangers. She INVESTS in people in a truly inspirational way, especially because no one has ever really invested in her. Despite her 1% background, she’s so relatable and authentic. She just wants to live on her own terms, to pursue her own dreams, and she wants to be loved for her true self. I admired her grit and determination- she’s so quietly brave and strong. And, she’s also a hoot- her motor mouth and unabashed curiosity paired with her tender heart had my heart wrapped all around her.The chemistry here is TRULY fantastic- and really focused and intimate. Melanie makes these characters so specific, practically tangible. They are nuanced and complex and masterfully developed- we learn about their hopes and fears, their aspirations and dreams, their life changing failures and achievements. She lets us inside their hearts- which in turn helps us see their connection to be layered and meaningful. But there is also an ease, and organic quality to the progression- because Melanie so perfectly paces the romantic nature of their bond. There is instant-attraction, but the connection is earned, and beautifully so, because Melanie so thoughtfully invests in the “getting to know” you aspects of the relationship. Our story prioritizes the natural moments that make a relationship, that builds intimacy- the little conversations and traditions, the subtle observations you start to make about someone new, the newly-dating moments and awkward times that romance novels often gloss over. And oh my heart- it just makes for such a believable tie. And the sexy times in this one are probably the hottest I’ve read from her. These two are SCORCHING together- inventive, committed, and a bit wild. I loved how they found an sexy way to put Blair’s chatterbox antics to use in the bedroom.And one of the best characters, of course, is the town of Bellamy Creek. Melanie GETS to what makes small towns special, what makes them magic. The way she uses setting to build familiarity and safety- using those endearing small town idiosyncrasies to create an unparalleled sense of belonging. This place is alive- as Blair says “if this place could love you back, or grow arms and hug you, that’s what this place would do.” THAT- wow, that my friends is why Melanie just GETS it. From the meddlesome towns folk and the fast paced gossip, the nosy family, the little quirky octogenarians to the “old man” baseball league, and all the charming little traditions- Melanie builds the small town world like no other- and you are invited right in. We even get some time with my favorite Cloverleigh Hills farm heroine, too.What I loved the very most, though, was just how hopeful this story is. Melanie has shared that this book is inspired by the levity of Schitt’s Creek, one of my all time favorite shows. And she really captures that spirit- the slightly offbeat, charming, humorous but poignant emotional resonance that makes that town, those characters- and THIS town, and THESE characters just so unforgettable. And it makes the themes of this story so impactful. This is a story about the power of embracing connection, about accepting that plans and rules are no match for fate and authentic belonging. And the act of investing in and connecting with others- the vulnerable act of opening up to someone- is the bravest action you’ll ever take, even if it only requires a little hope and a little faith. That is the journey of this amazing story.I loved the Cloverleigh Farms series- what I thought was the pinnacle of small town romance writing. But, I have a feeling these Bellamy Creek characters are going to rival my Cloverleigh Farms obsession. This has everything I loved about that series but feels a bit sexier and a bit grittier, and it moved my heart even more. And I am here for it- I absolutely loved this book, now one of my all time favorite small town romances, and I will definitely be one-clicking the next book in the series!

I am a sucker for romance! I am a hopeless romantic and this story just really hit all the marks I loved it so much ! I need a griffin in my life

Griffin has been burned by love. Blair is running and trying to prove her independence but is down on her luck. She is spunky and determined and literally falls into Griffin's arms.There are lots of nodes, gossipy neighbors in this small town.

Lately I have been in the mood for reading sweet romance stories and ‘Drive me wild’ was just that, a light, sweet, fun romance without real drama in it.This story is about Blair Beaufort, who grew up in a rich environment and never had to worry about anything but even still, she still had dreams that didn’t really fit into the dreams that her parents had for her. But now through certain circumstances Blair decides that it’s time to follow her own dreams and heart and that’s why she’s now stranded in the small town of Bellamy Creek. Luckily, she is rescued by a handsome stranger, who also happens to be a mechanic which is good because she needs one. And when it appears that she has no place to sleep, he even lets her stay with him. And later when it appears that she will have to stay a bit longer, she even starts working for him temporarily. And that is the start of a new adventure for Blair. One where she will learn more about herself, who she really is and what she wants from life but she will also find real friends in this little town and maybe even love.This was the first book that I read from the writer Melanie Harlow and I enjoyed it very much. It was a light romance story set in a small town, where everyone knew everyone and where news travelled very fast.Both characters were great. Blair may be 30 years old but because of her upbringing she was a bit naïve about ‘real’ life and that made her views on life maybe a bit innocent but that was also part of her charm, I think. She was very loveable, friendly, adorable, talkative, sweet and had a big heart. She just saw the good in people and I liked her very much. Griffin was more realistic, had more life experience. Which made that they were very opposite of each other but their differences balanced each other. This may be a sweet story but the sex scenes were very steamy! That was a bit of a surprise to me but it was a nice surprise! I liked the fact that each chapter was told from Blair or Griffin’s POV. Especially because Griffin was more closed off, it was very good to get his POV on things. He reacted in some ways also more as an alpha, not always very nice but that never lasted for long. Because of some bad experiences in the past, he was very, very careful with his feelings. But the instant attraction that they felt for each other was very hard to resist.The secondary characters were such fun!! Griffin’s friends were really great, they really supported each other in bad days but had fun with each other on good days. They were really nice guys and then you have Griffin’s mother and sister. He loved them very much but they didn’t make it easy for him. His mother was one of those mothers who made it very obvious that she wanted grandchildren and she really did everything she could to make that happen. It was entertaining to read about it. And Griffin’s sister was a great character too. Like a real sister, she was sweet when she wanted something from him but she could be a big tease too.The only thing that I thought was a bit less, was the end. I’m glad that the writer gave us a glimpse in the future but the explanation of it felt a bit rushed. But that is my personal view on it. I did discover that the writer wrote a bonus scene and I liked that one more.This was an entertaining and sweet story, both characters were great and it may all happen in a short timeline but it didn’t felt like it. I’m already curious to the next story that will be about Griffin’s sister and his best friend.

I was set to give this book 4 stats until I saw the recipes in the back! I love it so much. I can really feel connected to the story now. More than before. This was such a sweet small town romance. I hated how Griffen lashed out....very much so, but the recipes at the end made me forgive the author. That ending couldn't have been more perfect either. Best epilogue.

Melanie Harlow is the queen of cute, spicy, small town romances!This book follows Griffen and Blair.Blair has ran away from the only life she’s ever known, after seeing a sign for the best apple pie in the Midwest, she ends up in the town of Bellamy Creek. Boy oh boy does she make an entrance, her tyre blows and she ends up crashing the car infront of the local pub.Griffen, is the town’s mechanic. He’s one broody and sullen man who refuses to let people in. He lives by a set of rules he’s made in order to protect himself. When he witnesses Blair’s crash him and his friends instantly go to check she’s okay. What he’s not expecting is for a gorgeous women to step out in what he can only describe as a wedding dress and faint into his arms. After taking a look at the car he realises it’s going to need a lot more work and time to get it fixed. With her being stranded with nowhere to go Griffen breaks his first rule, he allows her to stay with him…I adored everything about this book! I loved the grumpy sunshine element and the stranded romance! I adored Blair she’s so brave to have left her life behind to start a new one on her terms! And I loved Griffen, no matter how grumpy he was there were so many moments where he melted my heart! And watching him battle his feelings for Blair had me wanting to give him a slap haha, but I could understand why he was the way he was when it came to relationships!This relationship was everything! It was cute and hot and spicy and just gave me everything I wanted! I loved the side characters as well and am so excited for Cole and Cheyenne’s story next!

Living in a small town can be claustrophobic. Suffocating even. Everyone know your business almost before you know it yourself. BUT in this brilliant and enthralling first book in the new Melanie Harlow series you too will wish you lived in Bellamy Creek. People speak their minds. Yes. Often. Yet, overall there is friendliness, honesty and a positive sense of community. Neighbours speak to each other and children play outside their homes.There are elements of a fairy tale illuminated in Blair Peacock Beaufort and Griffin Dempsey's story. They first encounter each other when Blair's vintage MG dramatically bursts a tyre near where Griffin is having a drink with two friends in Bellamy Creek. And when she gets out of the car and faints, he rushes to save her before she hits the ground. She is beautiful and could be a princess dressed in a Disney style white ball gown and wearing a tiara. A little confused, she thinks she is in heaven. And he is handsome and could be a prince coming to her rescue, except he is actually a hardworking mechanic seeking to keep his garage shop in business.Turns out that Blair is an ex-debutante, running away from her dominating family. She did not want to be pressured into marriage and becoming a trophy wife. But she has no money. So where is she going to stay? How will she survive? Will Griffin be her saviour again.Well, I will not spoil your enjoyment by telling you any more... Rush to get this book. Personally, I will read this book again AND I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Blair Peacock Beaufort (yep) is a poor little rich girl who just wants to open her own bakery. Mummy and Daddy obviously don’t approve so she decides to go it alone - plus the fact that he father is awaiting trial for tax evasion so they’re actually no longer rich.She decides to head to Cloverleigh Farms (love a good series tie-in) as she’d once attended a wedding there and the place gave her the warm and fuzzies. She figures if she can feel that way about place from a brief visit, surely she can make a happy new life there.On her way there she spies a sign advertising the best apple pie since 1957 and obviously has to go and try it out. As she arrives in Bellamy Creek her tyre blows out and she crashes outside a pub. A pub where Griffin, a mechanic, and his friends are have a drink. They run to her rescue and Griffin tows her car to his shop.He offers her his couch for the night when it turns out that the motel has no rooms available and she was going to sleep in her car. Clearly she ends up staying a lot longer and they hook up on day 2.The plot followed your standard sunshine, naive heroine and grumpy, emotionally stunted hero format but I really felt all the feels with this one! I felt Blair’s rejection as if it were my own. Gaahhh and Mr Frankel! The lonely old man who just wanted someone to talk to.Additionally, there was a lot of banter and some very funny inner monologues.“You talk a lot.”“Conversation is a lost art.”“I think you found it.”Looking forward to reading the next two books in the series!

This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. I’m always apprehensive when reading a new authors work because I love all my faves so much and they have big shoes to fill but Melanie just stepped right in and made herself right at home. I loved this book so much, the premise intrigued me and it did not disappoint in the least. Griff was a sexy, grouchy, mechanic and he ticked all my boxes. Blair wasn’t just a totally helpless heroine and I’m a sucker for when the heroines bring the grouchy alpha hero’s to their knees. The small town vibe was really well written and the surrounding cast of characters were all brilliant. I’ve since discovered there must have been a small town series before this one so once I finish this series I’m going to have to go back. Definitely another author I will now follow and have on my rotation list!

...this book had me smiling! It's such a feel-good book, seriously, I came away smiling and in a good mood - what more could you want from a story?!?!We have Blair, the once spoilt princess who now has nothing and doesn't care! She wants to start over and make something of herself, she wants to be independent and wants a real life. And I love her for that, she knew she was spoilt and has no clue about the 'real world' but that's not her fault! Things change, (drastically for her!) but it's how you deal with it, and she is a sweet girl.Then Griffin! Gruff Griffin! He's the small-town mechanic who is doing his absolute best to stay afloat but it's most definitely not easy!These two basically save each other and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them!!