Down Shift (A Driven Novel)

This story was the perfect storm - sweet and innocent, yet so sexy; emotional and powerful, yet so liberating; poignant and intense, yet so refreshing, but most of all it felt real. It was a hurricane of feelings flowing from the pages, but the paints were so beautifully mixed the end result simply blew me away. Zander - I thought I knew what to expect, and yet I was taken aback just by the prologue alone. All the emotions hit me hard right from the very beginning – his anger, his hurt, his insecurities, the broken pieces of him that needed healing, the power of his past over him after all these years. It’s like I saw again that scared, little boy under the cover of the grown up man and my heart just ached for him. He was everything I expected though – a somehow pretty combination between Colton and Rylee. He was cocky, yet he was so sweet; he was self-assured, yet so patient; he was damaged, and yet he was so overprotective. And he just stole my heart with his heart of gold. Getty - was a typical Bromberg heroine and I fell in love with her right from the start. She was a complex combination of stubbornness, strength, defiance and at the same she was vulnerable, shy, a bit unconfident and a lot troubled from her past. However, with a little push by our understanding and soo patient man she got the courage to stand up to her fears and face them. Their love was gradually built, the sexy banter was so sweet and funny, they made small steps into getting to know each other and crossing the boundaries they set for themselves. And it was fascinating watching them opening up to each other, revealing themselves little by little and growing more confident and free of their insecurities. Their feelings were so pure, the emotions so touching, that this story truly captured my heart and will be forever on my top fav list. I really loved every single word of it. It was breath-taking, heart-warming, soul-melting, and yet so realistic. The message was simple, but truly powerful and it was just my perfect combination of an emotional storm. Plus the little appearances here and there of Colton and Rylee were like the cherry on the cake or should I say the strawberry ;) Little small things and talks that made me smile and remember the good old Driven days and see how my favorite couple of all times has grown and raised this man, so beautiful inside and out – Zander Donavan. I didn’t have any doubts this book would be awesome, because Kristy Bromberg always delivers high-quality stories like no other. She didn’t fail again and I might as well say that this might be my new favorite of hers among the stand-alone Driven books. Truly remarkable! It was everything I expected and so much more. So Just Jump and be prepared for the squall of emotions!

Get those tissues ready ladies because K. Bromberg packs Down Shift with a one-two punch to the heart. I don't know where to begin. I think I have felt a disconnect(Don't hate me Kristy or my fellow readers) with K. Bromberg's books(with the exception of Aced) since Slow Burn. Not that I didn't love the spin-off series(I did, I swear!), but Zander and Getty's story just blew the rest of the spin-off series outta the water! It made me feel things, brought my emotions to the surface and made me want more. More of their banter, more of their little arguments, more of their love, just more of everything! The writing is superb. I could feel the connection Zander has to Colton and Rylee so strongly, it was amazing! I found myself wanting to highlight this book nearly in its entirety. So many good quotes and heartfelt words, I couldn't help but want to remember every word. And lets talk about all of the significant references in this story. From the socks to the track to boxes and water, their little phrases and momentos, it is all so spectacularly crafted! Ah, and Zander... Moody, cock-sure, dead sexy Zander. I fell in love with him immediately. Oh, and Getty. GETTY! There is no other way to describe this strong, beautiful woman but perfect for Zander. The healing and nurturing in this story really just hits home, makes you want to find that connection in a significant other. But what surprises me the most about this book is the feeling of the torch being passed from Colton and Rylee to Zander and Getty. We've seen this couple(Colton and Rylee) meet and fall in love, grow, get married, build a family, and now we get the product of their love and hard work through this book. I'm in such awe! So, if you're wondering if it will be difficult to read about the frightened little boy that we met in Driven and be able to see him as this gorgeous, virile man, don't. You'll quickly move past it because this story speaks for itself. These characters felt like they were in my everyday life and I was lucky enough to be a part of their story. Down Shift is laugh out loud funny, steamy, raw and real. It is ALL THE THINGS!!!!

Ever since Zander was introduced in the Driven series, I have always had a soft spot for him because his story is heartbreaking and because he is one of Rylee's boys from The House. Through the Driven series, Zander has come out of his shell and finally found the right family for him who loves him unconditionally. So when it was announced that Zander would be getting his own book, I was excited to learn more about him on a personal level. Both Zander and Getty are running from something when the duo wind up as unlikely roommates in a vacation home owned by Smitty and his wife. Zander finally has to confront the pain of his past that has always haunted him whereas Getty is looking for a fresh start and doesn't want to be found. Despite the wariness they feel towards one another, there's also a kindred spirit feeling shared between them, too. I expected Zander to be more of a sensitive soul with a tender heart, not that he wasn't, but he's also cocky, confident and reckless. And his impulsiveness has costed him so he's trying to straighten himself out. Getty is learning to stand on her own two feet and make independent decisions, free from the life of control she used to live. I liked both Zander and Getty and relationship development, because they were helping each other in ways that pushed them to be better people and it was a combination of sexy, enthralling and liberating. Maybe it's because I love Colton and Rylee so much, but some of my favorite scenes in this book are the ones with Zander interacting with either of them. Seeing Colton as a father doling out tough love and advice is definitely a treat, knowing Colton's struggles in his past. But mostly, I had to see Zander get his own happy ending, which included Getty, because she deserved it just as much, too. I don't know where Kristy Bromberg can take this series next in the Driven world, but if she does choose to continue it, I'd be eager to see more of these characters.

DOWN SHIFT will knock the socks off of you !!!!!! "His love roared louder than the demons" OMG!!!!!!! I will try to be coherent here since I literally just finished the book and my mind is still racing all over the place. Bravo!! K. Bromberg for keeping to your excellent standard of story telling. Never do you falter!! Your books have become my water !!! Zander is the adoptive son of Colton and Rylee Donovan. He is the child we grew to love in the Driven Series books 1-3. He is now an adult and races cars along side Colton. With the pain of his childhood coming back to haunt him, Zander's anger pushes him to make some bad decisions. Being wisely told it is time for the caution flag, he decides it is time be alone and figure out what is making him spin out of control. "Everyone's churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm." Getty has lived her life under someone's thumb. Finally breaking free from the control of a cold father and a loveless marriage , Getty is trying to find a way to take her life back. Small steps at a time... until she meets Zander. . Will he teach her how to JUMP? " Without knowing anything else about him, I already know he'd be worth the hurt" As always Kristy Bromberg's characters come to life and get into your soul. They are so real , so raw and so damn loveable. Getty has become my hero, She is so full of fear yet she faces it and takes leaps of faith that only a super hero would understand. Zander challenges her and yet handles her with such beautiful finesse that you can forget he has his own demons to slay. Zander is such a wonderful mixture of Colton and Rylee, sensitive and sweet but rough and no nonsense. Perfection!! "Thank you for making me want to be found again." Together Getty and Zander become each other's reason to move forward. They are each other's water, but what happens when it is time to move forward? They came together by mistake but is staying together a bigger mistake? Can Zander mend the fences (or decks) he broke along his path of destruction? When Zander returns to the racing circuit will Getty's new found strength be questioned by her trust issues? Will they continue to jump together ?? Epilogues are a funny thing...you cannot wait to see into these fabulous character's future but then you know it means the end is near. DAMN. A Kristy Bromberg book does this thing to you that makes you so confused. You race through the pages because they are so awesome but then you throw on the brakes knowing if you go too fast the race will end too soon. I hate the epilogue and freaking adore it...see .... crazy !!! SO now I am off to my therapist to discuss this issue...thanks Kristy !!! PS... Those worried there won't be enough Colton and Rylee in this book...tsk tsk!! You will love the conversations they have with Zander through laughter and tears...all I am saying is ...just jump !!!

Zander, I thought I loved him when he was first introduced in Driven and after what him and Rylee went through but as an adult, the fine man he grew to be, well, his character flaws and all, beautifully unfolds and matures right before our very eyes with K. Bromberg's talented writing skills. You talk about just jump, well your words jumped right out of the book and captured my attention like no other in a very long time, a very long line of many books purchased leaving me unsatisfied. Zander "Zee man" Donavan, through your heartfelt words, that letter bringing tears of loss, joy, acceptance, love and closure leading him to extend his unconditional wisdom and love to Getty with much needed patience that he learned from Rylee (full circle), him being able through maturity to understand the depth of Colton and Rylee's love and acceptance of him whether good or bad, his dawning of the patience and stand they took as his adoptive parents to protect him from more damaging emotional heartache opening him up to a new respectful love for them. His ability and maturity to man-up to humble himself and ask for forgiveness from both Colton and Rylee after his harsh words/actions caused so much pain... but that wasn't the profound part, no, it was Colton's words of wisdom and warnings both before and upon his return, learning that he traveled with Zander's car and crew just in case, all those things speak volumes as to the man Zander has become, how he got the strength and wisdom to be all that Getty needed him to be. Colton...whew, the man that came from so much darkness who was brought into the light by Rylee, his water (spark), well from Driven to now, him giving such powerful advice to his son? Hands down Kristy, your best work yet. Rylee? Her reaction of Getty and to her, her unconditional love and strong stand and so many words of wisdom, we wouldn't expect anything else. Getty, the perfect well balanced heroine. She was not whiney, selfish or predictable but was incredibly resilient becoming stronger daily craving normalcy, to love and be loved respectfully and patiently. Her and Zander together with the one common factor of their love for their mothers', both dying young, years of abuse, and both children being their entire world and the only pure love they had was a very deep seated, heartfelt connection. I thought Driven was good, then you gave us Quinlan, Tanner and Aced, all incredible add-ons but this brilliance I have one word for. Perfection. I promise to continue to read all of your new work Kristy, your growth in talent and skill has been profound, remarkable, I love watching you blossom. I'm excited for what's next with this crew?! There's just too much to list. Thank you for keeping Colton and Rylee alive, for giving us an unforgettable amount of characters to read about and entertain us like no other. Please, don't stop we'll never tire of them. Your talent and writing skill is much needed and craved. Cliffhanger, no. Storyline, incredible. Adult situations/issues, yes. Steamy, sexy oh yeah. Typos, maybe but with this story please there's no room for negatives, no place for them here. I was not asked to read this nor am I a friend of K. Bromberg's, this is my honest opinion. One last note, I hope someone in the T.V. industry has been reading Driven and spinoffs because millions would watch this as a series. It's a story that needs and deserves to be heard.

I am going to do my best to articulate how much I love this book. But I'm not always great at reviews. Let me start with how excited I was to get it. First, I have read all of Kristy's books (even Unraveled and yes I loved that too!) and absolutely love them all! She has an incredible way with words, emotion and being able to tug on your heartstrings. So when Downshift went live I was jumping for joy. I read it so fast, even though I tried to make it last. It was impossible! I had to know what happened and fell so in love with her characters once again. Getty and Zander were so beautifully written. Both as individuals and lovers. She is so detailed with her story it sucks you into their world and you can't let go, even after you read The End. I wasn't sure reading Zander would be easy, since we read him as a boy in Driven and the rest of the series. But it was definitely not a problem. He turned into a wonderful, loving compassionate man and it was so easy to read about him all grown up. I especially loved the moments you get with Colton and Riley. Zander is with out a doubt THEIR son and they love him unconditionally and you can feel the love jump of the page. If you haven't read this series you need to! And this book was the perfect way to bring such an emotionally beautiful touching story to an end. Thank you again Kristy for your words, and letting us into that wonderful imagination of yours!

Of the four after books , this one was my favorite. I love the ups and downs. It was a great way to end the series.

"Everyone's churning ocean is fueled by a different type of storm." HOLY GOD!!! This book has me gasping at the very first chapter - what an intense introduction to Zander’s life (hint - an interaction between Zander and his father Colton). It was the perfect set up for the rest of an incredible novel. I am a huge fan of K. Bromberg and I expect nothing less from her – a gorgeous, emotional love story of Zander and Getty. This book took my breath away from beginning until the end. You DO NOT want to miss this guys. This book is a standalone but if you follow the Driven series you know that Zander was adopted when he was quite young. Zander had a very unfortunate childhood in an abusive household. He went to an orphanage and eventually was adopted by the great race car driver Colton and his beautiful wife Rylee. Now at the age of 26, Zander himself is a popular race driver well on his way to greatness. But Zander’s life quickly spirals out of control when a mysterious box from his deceased mother arrived at his door steps. Zander cannot deal with what he had found out about his past. He dives into reckless drinking – as a result loses his family and his career. A few months later, Zander moves to a small island, attempting to clear his mind and right his wrongs in order to redeem himself and win back his life. There he meets Getty. Getty is running away from an abusive past. She wants to start fresh, rebuild her life and for the first time be independent of everyone. The last thing she needs is a sexy, moody, complicated, arrogant Zander for a roommate. The first meeting had me rolling on the floor laughing so hard I might have peed my pants. It was seriously hilarious. The two were forced to live together and so the journey begins… "I can't knowingly walk you into my storm without showing you where the lighthouse is so you have a way out before you even begin." The relationship between Zander and Getty is complicated. Zander is stubborn and infuriating but with a such kind heart. Getty is such a sweetheart, beautiful but broken and scarred seemingly beyond repair. They hate each other at first. Neither are looking for a relationship but slowly they become friends and eventually can’t fight the attraction they have for each other. What I love most is how the relationship progresses. Love does not come easy for either of them. The two main characters are so broken, flawed, and full of demons. They have suffered so much turmoil and heart break in their lives that it is difficult to open their hearts and trust someone new. They have to fight for each other every step of the way and I think that’s what makes their love strong, real, and everlasting. This book is everything you could ask for – fun, laugh out loud moments, sexy, angsty, heart- warming and absolutely well-written. From the very beginning the writing captivated me right away and did not stop until I finished. Most people wonder how I can say I read a book in one sitting … but let me tell you, once I find a book that has me at the first chapter I will have no problem staying up all night. Down Shift is THAT book!!! Captivating, fun, adorable characters, emotional, steamy - all balled up in unquestionably fantastic writing. What an AMAZING READ! "Just jump" guys! ONE-CLICK this one – you will not be disappointed. PS: I would like to quickly mention that I love Colton in Driven but I absolutely ADORE the older version of him in this book - wise, caring, and full of love and tender for the people closest to him. I think that make him sexier than ever! I have to go back and do a reread :) I received this ARC from NG in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher.

After finishing The Driven series I was dying to know Zander’s story, and this is what I really was looking for, how Zander felt toward Ry and Colton and how they embraced Zander and his brothers <3

Yet another wonderful book in the driven series!!! Love love love all the characters in these books! I love how we get to see everyone as they grow and each persons story!! Zander and Getty's story was all about facing your demons and battling to come out stronger and in doing so while together , they found each other! Such a sweet love story!!

Love the story

Reading Tigress review Down Shift by Kristy Bromberg "You're my water, the one thing I can't live without" I'm giving this 5 beautiful stars!!! I loved this book with everything I had. Having been a long time Kristy fan I was so excited to read Down Shift and it didn't disappoint. Getty and Zander both needed space to find themselves. To get away from every day life and find peace and comfort in an old rundown home in a nice quiet town and they found the peace they were looking fur unexpectedly in each other! A beautiful read with love, anticipation and family. I'm so glad we got to learn about grown up Zander and Getty is just perfect! Thanks Kristy for another great book!

Down Shift is very touching story about abusive past, trust issues and new beginnings. Getty Caster runs from her father and abusive husband to start her new life without their domination. She leaves all the wealth behind to fight her insecurity and live on her own without their influence and money. Her late mother's friend helps her and let her live temporarily in her house. Getty starts to work as barmaid in the town but is fighting the demons of her past. Zander Donovan, the Golden Boy of the racing track, finds some truth from his childhood and isn't able to cope with it. He gambles with his relationship to sponsors, loose their trust and gets fired from the team. To go through this stage of his life he leaves and accidently lands in the same place as Getty. Both of them don't want to give in and leave the house for the other. So they have to get their proudness out of the way and become roommates. Can they bekomme friends and help each other, right all the wrongs and rebuild their confidence? Get the book! I loved every word but especially all the unexpected twists ;)