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Riggs Brothers #1
Drive Me Wild
Emily was a cop's daughter, and I was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. At eighteen, our affair was wild and completely secret. Until she left town for college and a better life, and I hit the road to nowhere.
Eight years later, we're both back in town. My father is in prison; she's selflessly helping her sister. We should be farther apart than we've ever been. But I've never been able to resist temptation, especially when that temptation is Emily.
I shouldn't go near her. But I do.
She shouldn't say yes. But she does.
Our chemistry is hotter than ever, but she’s hiding something from me. Just like I’m hiding something from her. It’s hard to tell whose secrets are more dangerous, until it all goes to hell.
I can save her - and she can save me. But we’ll have to break the rules.
We're from different worlds. We don't belong together.
But in the end, Emily and I are going to have to get dirty.
Eight years later, we're both back in town. My father is in prison; she's selflessly helping her sister. We should be farther apart than we've ever been. But I've never been able to resist temptation, especially when that temptation is Emily.
I shouldn't go near her. But I do.
She shouldn't say yes. But she does.
Our chemistry is hotter than ever, but she’s hiding something from me. Just like I’m hiding something from her. It’s hard to tell whose secrets are more dangerous, until it all goes to hell.
I can save her - and she can save me. But we’ll have to break the rules.
We're from different worlds. We don't belong together.
But in the end, Emily and I are going to have to get dirty.
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 19, 2018
2178 people are currently reading
2766 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
July 17, 2020
4 VERY SOLID STARS!!
Second: I can already tell that Julie Kriss and I are going to have a very long and involved relationship. 🤩
Drive Me Wild was funny, sweet, HOT, and it had just enough of an edge to it to leave me purring like a kitten. 😂 I enjoyed every second!
Plot in a nutshell: For the last 8 years, Emily has done everything to avoid returning to the small town where she grew up. But when the game is finally up and she has to return with her tail between her legs, she runs into the one bright spot from her past . . . Luke Riggs.
My god, ladies . . . Luke Riggs!!
Anyway, Emily and Luke lit up the pages together. I loved the way they bantered and their chemistry was off the charts.
I think the author actively chose to play down any drama or angst . . . and I'm the type of reader who prefers to go deep. I like getting hit with an emotional punch that leaves me reeling. Here, the story was purposefully kept at a more superficial level I think. Which a lot of readers prefer, lol.
The next tortured Riggs brother is ex-con Jace . . . I'm so excited! If you need me, I'll be reading Take Me Down.
We fit. We always had.First: a very loud shout-out to ISABELLA and LANA for convincing me to give this author a try. 🥰
Second: I can already tell that Julie Kriss and I are going to have a very long and involved relationship. 🤩
Drive Me Wild was funny, sweet, HOT, and it had just enough of an edge to it to leave me purring like a kitten. 😂 I enjoyed every second!
Plot in a nutshell: For the last 8 years, Emily has done everything to avoid returning to the small town where she grew up. But when the game is finally up and she has to return with her tail between her legs, she runs into the one bright spot from her past . . . Luke Riggs.
My god, ladies . . . Luke Riggs!!
Even his hands were hot - big and capable with a few smears of grease on the back of the fingers.In fact, all four Riggs brothers - I'm in love!! There's nothing I love more than blue-collar, tattooed bad boys . . .
This is what happens when the boys on the wrong side of the tracks are raised like a litter of feral puppies.. . . especially when their wounded hearts are filled with gold. (I know, so cheesy, but this is me at the moment: 😍😍😍😍 so I hope you'll forgive me.)
Anyway, Emily and Luke lit up the pages together. I loved the way they bantered and their chemistry was off the charts.
No matter what drama I inflicted on him, Luke usually looked at me with quiet amusement, lazy indifference, or flat-out lust.The author did such a good job of playing their personalities off of each other.
Luke was the calm foil to my tendency to overreact.And the way the subtle humor was woven into the writing had me grinning from ear to ear.
I'd thought it might be a one-time thing, but I decided not to fool myself. If Luke didn't have a woman, I was going to go there again.So where are the 5 stars?
If he didn't have a woman.
Luke better not have a woman.
I think the author actively chose to play down any drama or angst . . . and I'm the type of reader who prefers to go deep. I like getting hit with an emotional punch that leaves me reeling. Here, the story was purposefully kept at a more superficial level I think. Which a lot of readers prefer, lol.
The next tortured Riggs brother is ex-con Jace . . . I'm so excited! If you need me, I'll be reading Take Me Down.
July 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Drive Me Wild is the first book I've read by Julie Kriss, and as soon as I finished it, I jumped straight into the second book. Though these are a series of stand-alones, once you read one, you'll want to binge the others. This was a fast-paced, quick to listen to audio. I finished it in one day and though it wasn't perfect, it was highly entertaining.
Luke Riggs is one of the notorious Rigg's brothers from the wrong side of the track in Westlake. In high school, he had a thing with Emily, daughter of the local sheriff. It was something they kept quiet, but it was good between them. It ended when Emily went to college. Instead of staying in Westlake, Luke traveled around and got out of town. Now, 8 years later, they both are brought back to Westlake for different reasons.
Luke's father is in prison and someone needs to come home to run the auto shop they have. Luke is the only one of his brother's who can so he's back in town. That same day, Emily is driving home to help her sister run her beauty salon after not getting hired on with her last internship. It's perfect timing. These two still have that same chemistry they always had. It's still a secret they're together though... There is some suspense and a lot of secrets within this book.
The audio book was fantastic. It was narrated by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon which are two of my favorite narrators. They voiced Emily and Luke perfectly, and I'm happy to see that they're also voicing Jace's book, which is next.
After listening to this, I'm more than ready to listen to Jace's audiobook. He's the Rigg's brother I'm most curious about. I also want to read about Ryan and Dex. Truly, all 4 of the brothers are intriguing in their own ways. I can't wait to get to more of the books in this series.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but the road to Westlake, Michigan is paved with shame.
Drive Me Wild is the first book I've read by Julie Kriss, and as soon as I finished it, I jumped straight into the second book. Though these are a series of stand-alones, once you read one, you'll want to binge the others. This was a fast-paced, quick to listen to audio. I finished it in one day and though it wasn't perfect, it was highly entertaining.
Luke Riggs is one of the notorious Rigg's brothers from the wrong side of the track in Westlake. In high school, he had a thing with Emily, daughter of the local sheriff. It was something they kept quiet, but it was good between them. It ended when Emily went to college. Instead of staying in Westlake, Luke traveled around and got out of town. Now, 8 years later, they both are brought back to Westlake for different reasons.
Luke's father is in prison and someone needs to come home to run the auto shop they have. Luke is the only one of his brother's who can so he's back in town. That same day, Emily is driving home to help her sister run her beauty salon after not getting hired on with her last internship. It's perfect timing. These two still have that same chemistry they always had. It's still a secret they're together though... There is some suspense and a lot of secrets within this book.
The audio book was fantastic. It was narrated by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon which are two of my favorite narrators. They voiced Emily and Luke perfectly, and I'm happy to see that they're also voicing Jace's book, which is next.
After listening to this, I'm more than ready to listen to Jace's audiobook. He's the Rigg's brother I'm most curious about. I also want to read about Ryan and Dex. Truly, all 4 of the brothers are intriguing in their own ways. I can't wait to get to more of the books in this series.
September 29, 2020
I have a mix feeling with this book. I do not hate it however I do not like how the plot is unveal. Maybe this is the first book in this series so maybe the answer is on the next book.
I am not sure I want to read the next book. I will decide later. The story is second chance romance. Luke and Emily had a thing when they both 18 years old. 8 years later fate brings them back together in the town they both want to get out. They both carry a lot of emotional baggage especially Luke. His family is the black goat of the town.
I want to feel more of their chemistry. Since this is a novella, the chemistry is cut short. And so many un explained plot.
Well anyway, overall this is OK read for me.
3 stars
I am not sure I want to read the next book. I will decide later. The story is second chance romance. Luke and Emily had a thing when they both 18 years old. 8 years later fate brings them back together in the town they both want to get out. They both carry a lot of emotional baggage especially Luke. His family is the black goat of the town.
I want to feel more of their chemistry. Since this is a novella, the chemistry is cut short. And so many un explained plot.
Well anyway, overall this is OK read for me.
3 stars
October 18, 2019
4 VERY enjoyable Stars!!
First of all, can we talk about the guy on the cover…YUM!!!!
Several of my GR friends did this book as an audio and liked it. I read it and really enjoyed it. This is my first Julie Kriss book, although I have several of her books marked, and I will absolutely be reading more.
This book was under 200 pages but I felt that she was really able to have everything needed to make it a complete book. There was character development, there was quite a few secondary characters that you also got a real feel for and the storyline was interesting and full of excitement.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, which so happens to be Jace’s story.
First of all, can we talk about the guy on the cover…YUM!!!!
Several of my GR friends did this book as an audio and liked it. I read it and really enjoyed it. This is my first Julie Kriss book, although I have several of her books marked, and I will absolutely be reading more.
This book was under 200 pages but I felt that she was really able to have everything needed to make it a complete book. There was character development, there was quite a few secondary characters that you also got a real feel for and the storyline was interesting and full of excitement.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, which so happens to be Jace’s story.
August 30, 2019
Free on Amazon. What a great contemporary romance. I like Julie Kriss' blue collar heroes. My kind of Alphas. Such a breath of fresh air from the overprivileged, entitled, egomaniacal Alphas in most contemporary romances and new adult books. Idk maybe its just me but I've never fantasized about a billionaire CEO...I find blue collar MMCs in romance more interesting.
I can tell Julie Kriss has taken creative writing classes. The settings in her books always add character to the story and contribute to the plot. Her characters are well-formed. Even though these books are relatively short (150-180 pages) they feel like full stories and have a solid plot arc. Unlike other contemporary romance authors I've read lately her dialogue always feels just right. It never goes into OTT, cringeworthy territory. Plus these books are steamy and the sex is hot.
Julie Kriss writes from the male point of view authentically as well. I really feel like it's a guy and not a female author doing her best to write from a guy's point of view.
Julie Kriss' contemporary romances don't take themselves too seriously. She's not trying to be Nicholas Sparks (she doesn't attempt to write about progressive diseases, cancer, major traumas etc like other contemporary romance authors I've read lately...). They're short, fun, and have heart. They're simple in a great way. She doesn't contrive convoluted, melodramatic plots like other contemporary romance authors. When she does tackle serious issues she does so responsibly and with authenticity (like disability and PTSD in Dirty Sweet Wild). She does so in a way where I'm still engaged with the story too. Her stories are character driven, not driven by drama for the sake of drama. So far every Julie Kriss book I've read included the right amount of realism mixed in with lovely fairytale moments. A little bit of humour with a little bit of drama.
Julie Kriss has renewed my faith in contemporary romance and even the new adult genre.
Her heroines aren't perfect, but who is? They have personality and aren't meek doormats. I love that so far her heroine's have been non-virgins and her books have had a sex positive vibe.
There have been aspects to all of Julie Kriss' characters I've been able to relate too on some level. I wasn't happy with how Emily treated Luke in the beginning of this story, but she grew up. Luke called her out on her BS too.
These Julie Kriss books have been great stress-relievers for me lately. I'm tempted to burn through her backlog, but I'm going to save her books for when I'm feeling stressed out and want something to fun, romantic, & heartfelt (as well as hot) to read.
I can tell Julie Kriss has taken creative writing classes. The settings in her books always add character to the story and contribute to the plot. Her characters are well-formed. Even though these books are relatively short (150-180 pages) they feel like full stories and have a solid plot arc. Unlike other contemporary romance authors I've read lately her dialogue always feels just right. It never goes into OTT, cringeworthy territory. Plus these books are steamy and the sex is hot.
Julie Kriss writes from the male point of view authentically as well. I really feel like it's a guy and not a female author doing her best to write from a guy's point of view.
Julie Kriss' contemporary romances don't take themselves too seriously. She's not trying to be Nicholas Sparks (she doesn't attempt to write about progressive diseases, cancer, major traumas etc like other contemporary romance authors I've read lately...). They're short, fun, and have heart. They're simple in a great way. She doesn't contrive convoluted, melodramatic plots like other contemporary romance authors. When she does tackle serious issues she does so responsibly and with authenticity (like disability and PTSD in Dirty Sweet Wild). She does so in a way where I'm still engaged with the story too. Her stories are character driven, not driven by drama for the sake of drama. So far every Julie Kriss book I've read included the right amount of realism mixed in with lovely fairytale moments. A little bit of humour with a little bit of drama.
Julie Kriss has renewed my faith in contemporary romance and even the new adult genre.
Her heroines aren't perfect, but who is? They have personality and aren't meek doormats. I love that so far her heroine's have been non-virgins and her books have had a sex positive vibe.
There have been aspects to all of Julie Kriss' characters I've been able to relate too on some level. I wasn't happy with how Emily treated Luke in the beginning of this story, but she grew up. Luke called her out on her BS too.
These Julie Kriss books have been great stress-relievers for me lately. I'm tempted to burn through her backlog, but I'm going to save her books for when I'm feeling stressed out and want something to fun, romantic, & heartfelt (as well as hot) to read.
February 12, 2022
2 stars
Emily (h) was from the right side of the tracks.
Luke (H) was from the wrong side of the tracks.
They were never going to work.
But in the end they did.
Hell if I know how 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️😃😃
This was such a cringe fest. The writing was meh, the characters bland. Everything was soo rushed and one chapter Emily and Luke were just having rough, dirty sex (which wasn’t dirty at all btw) and there was no emotional attachment or feelings between them and in the next chapter they both suddenly realized that ’a part of me has always loved him/her’.
Emily used to fuck Luke in secret in highschool because he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks (if I had to hear that one more time…) and she couldn’t let her cop mother or anyone find out that she was sleeping with him because Luke had zero IQ (hmm explains why he made theirredeemable mistake of fucking Emily) a problematic dad, and a bad reputation.
Anyway she had a brief fling with Luke and went away to college while Luke just got into his car, hit the gas, and kept going (for eight years? O k) because he was a Riggs and no Riggs went to college, and basically they had no purpose in life. 🥵💋
Fast forward eight years, both Emily and Luke come back to town on the same day and they run into each other and Luke offers to drive Emily home (because her car broke down). When Luke pulls up infront of her house she starts fidgeting and gets really nervous because she can’t have her family seeing her with Luke-the-boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks. Luke is reallyunreasonably understanding and tells her
But then he takes Emily’s car to his auto body shop to fix it (without her asking him to😍) soo they meet again and one moment Emily is embarrassed to be seen with him and treating him like dirt beneath her shoes and the next SHE IS LITERALLY PANTING AND LUSTING AFTER HIM AND THEN THEY ARE HAVING SEX AND THEN THEY ARE FALLING IN LOVE (oh a part of her has always loved him. Sorry, I forgot)
That’s it, believe it or not, that’s all this book is about. Can’t say I enjoyed it🥵🥵
Emily (h) was from the right side of the tracks.
Luke (H) was from the wrong side of the tracks.
They were never going to work.
But in the end they did.
Hell if I know how 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️😃😃
“Mom thought I’d never been in love, but she was wrong. I was picky because I had been in love.
I was in love with Luke Riggs, and part of me always had been.”
This was such a cringe fest. The writing was meh, the characters bland. Everything was soo rushed and one chapter Emily and Luke were just having rough, dirty sex (which wasn’t dirty at all btw) and there was no emotional attachment or feelings between them and in the next chapter they both suddenly realized that ’a part of me has always loved him/her’.
Emily used to fuck Luke in secret in highschool because he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks (if I had to hear that one more time…) and she couldn’t let her cop mother or anyone find out that she was sleeping with him because Luke had zero IQ (hmm explains why he made the
Anyway she had a brief fling with Luke and went away to college while Luke just got into his car, hit the gas, and kept going (for eight years? O k) because he was a Riggs and no Riggs went to college, and basically they had no purpose in life. 🥵💋
Fast forward eight years, both Emily and Luke come back to town on the same day and they run into each other and Luke offers to drive Emily home (because her car broke down). When Luke pulls up infront of her house she starts fidgeting and gets really nervous because she can’t have her family seeing her with Luke-the-boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks. Luke is really
”We’re done,” I told her. “Have a nice life.”
But then he takes Emily’s car to his auto body shop to fix it (without her asking him to😍) soo they meet again and one moment Emily is embarrassed to be seen with him and treating him like dirt beneath her shoes and the next SHE IS LITERALLY PANTING AND LUSTING AFTER HIM AND THEN THEY ARE HAVING SEX AND THEN THEY ARE FALLING IN LOVE (oh a part of her has always loved him. Sorry, I forgot)
That’s it, believe it or not, that’s all this book is about. Can’t say I enjoyed it🥵🥵
July 7, 2020
So I saw this advertised as a freebie and with my slight one click addiction and the fact it sounded like something I would enjoy I just had to grab it. And I am glad I did, it was a great introduction to a new series and a new author.
First I have to tell you that Emily came across as a bit of a bitch. But as I got to know her better I kind of got it. Small towns are hard and judgy and everyone knows everyone's everything and she was young and dumb. And when she got older and knew better than to be caught up with who people thought Luke was there was a whole heap of drama and impending disaster. But once she realised that she wanted him to be more than her dirty little secret she pulled up her big girl panties and put herself out there.
But honestly this whole story was about Luke for me. Because man was that man all kinds of bad arse, sweetness in a muscled, tattooed package and I licked him so he’s mine. Seriously he had a way of saying the sweetest things in the most growly, masculine of ways that I physically felt the chills and tingles. He was in such a hard position but he was so determined to be better than he was stereotyped.
I felt like there was a little bit of the background story that I would have liked to see resolved. But I am assuming that the strings of the Riggs father will be dealt with in the succeeding books. And since the last book is Emily’s sister I am thinking we will get everything all tied up in a neat little bow by then. Anywho I am off to grab the rest of the series and have a binge.
First I have to tell you that Emily came across as a bit of a bitch. But as I got to know her better I kind of got it. Small towns are hard and judgy and everyone knows everyone's everything and she was young and dumb. And when she got older and knew better than to be caught up with who people thought Luke was there was a whole heap of drama and impending disaster. But once she realised that she wanted him to be more than her dirty little secret she pulled up her big girl panties and put herself out there.
But honestly this whole story was about Luke for me. Because man was that man all kinds of bad arse, sweetness in a muscled, tattooed package and I licked him so he’s mine. Seriously he had a way of saying the sweetest things in the most growly, masculine of ways that I physically felt the chills and tingles. He was in such a hard position but he was so determined to be better than he was stereotyped.
I felt like there was a little bit of the background story that I would have liked to see resolved. But I am assuming that the strings of the Riggs father will be dealt with in the succeeding books. And since the last book is Emily’s sister I am thinking we will get everything all tied up in a neat little bow by then. Anywho I am off to grab the rest of the series and have a binge.
April 9, 2023
*Happy sigh* I have a few credits for audible and the Riggs Brothers is a boxed set spans only one credit so I picked it up. I just listened to the first book.I am SO I love with her writing. I love her heroes and her heroines and they are the perfect comfort reads - in both print and audio. This one is still a 5+ rating.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
I am so pleased to announce that Julie Kriss is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Not only that, she’s also an author whose books I want to read over and over. And this book, Drive Me Wild, only reinforces this love for her books. I finished it just recently, but already I want to read it again, savouring it, but I have the next book in the series that I’ve just started reading. It was a tough call, rereading this one or moving on and then going back. I went with Option #2.
Luke Riggs and Emily Parker were teenage lovers. Her mother is a decorated cop and his father is a no-good scoundrel and the Riggs family is from the wrong side of the tracks and looked down on by the town as losers and troublemakers. But there was something about Luke that had Emily wanting him and she went after him. He obliged. Both knew because of their position it would be short lived. Emily was headed to college and Luke is on his way out of town to get away from the prejudice he lives with.
The book opens eight years later. Emily has bombed in her efforts to establish a career, and when her twin sister asks for help, she comes back to town. Luke is also newly back. His father is in jail, and of the four brothers, Luke is the only one in a position to take over at the family auto shop. He doesn’t want to, he hates his father, but obligation wins out. They run into each other again after all these years when Emily’s car breaks down almost in front of Luke and he offers to fix it for her. The attraction is just as wild and strong as it was when they were teenagers, and it’s not long before Emily goes sniffing after Luke again.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure if I’d like Emily or not. The first go around, she treated Luke like he was her dirty little secret, good enough to hook up with but heaven forbid anyone find out that she’s involved with him. And when they connect again, she has the same kind of attitude. And since the book is told in first person, from both Luke and Emily’s POV, we know that Luke is a real decent guy with feelings. A guy who doesn’t want to be judged because of his family but because of who he is. And I felt quite protective of Luke and didn’t want Emily using him.
While he was away all those years, he discovers his dear old dad has gotten involved in car-jacking and Luke is horrified and determined to end it. He calls his brothers and between them they make plans to put an end to their father’s exploits. And it’s during this time that Emily realizes she has treated Luke bad in the past and is starting off on the wrong foot this time around, and now she’s willing to risk the talk that they should have. And since she does, she’s totally redeemed in my eyes.
I love everything about this book. Luke is a simply amazing hero. He’s very honourable and treats Emily with a great deal of respect. While he doesn’t like the way she’s treated him, he totally gets why she does and doesn’t really expect anything else and I found that kind of sad – thus my protectiveness over a fictional character in a romance novel. And once Emily ‘saw the light,’ I really enjoyed her too. I put her earlier attitude down to immaturity. She’s a bit of a prickly kind of gal, but Luke really likes that about her.
And I love the relationship between the four brothers. They were raised by an abusive father and there was no closeness between any of them, but now as adults they are tentatively reaching out to each other. I can see this growing as the books go on.
I give this book a high five and a coveted A rating. As I said, I’ve started the next book and so far it’s just as good as this one.
And as a bonus, Julie Kriss writes some smokin’ hot love scenes. Yes, indeed, she does.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
I am so pleased to announce that Julie Kriss is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Not only that, she’s also an author whose books I want to read over and over. And this book, Drive Me Wild, only reinforces this love for her books. I finished it just recently, but already I want to read it again, savouring it, but I have the next book in the series that I’ve just started reading. It was a tough call, rereading this one or moving on and then going back. I went with Option #2.
Luke Riggs and Emily Parker were teenage lovers. Her mother is a decorated cop and his father is a no-good scoundrel and the Riggs family is from the wrong side of the tracks and looked down on by the town as losers and troublemakers. But there was something about Luke that had Emily wanting him and she went after him. He obliged. Both knew because of their position it would be short lived. Emily was headed to college and Luke is on his way out of town to get away from the prejudice he lives with.
The book opens eight years later. Emily has bombed in her efforts to establish a career, and when her twin sister asks for help, she comes back to town. Luke is also newly back. His father is in jail, and of the four brothers, Luke is the only one in a position to take over at the family auto shop. He doesn’t want to, he hates his father, but obligation wins out. They run into each other again after all these years when Emily’s car breaks down almost in front of Luke and he offers to fix it for her. The attraction is just as wild and strong as it was when they were teenagers, and it’s not long before Emily goes sniffing after Luke again.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure if I’d like Emily or not. The first go around, she treated Luke like he was her dirty little secret, good enough to hook up with but heaven forbid anyone find out that she’s involved with him. And when they connect again, she has the same kind of attitude. And since the book is told in first person, from both Luke and Emily’s POV, we know that Luke is a real decent guy with feelings. A guy who doesn’t want to be judged because of his family but because of who he is. And I felt quite protective of Luke and didn’t want Emily using him.
While he was away all those years, he discovers his dear old dad has gotten involved in car-jacking and Luke is horrified and determined to end it. He calls his brothers and between them they make plans to put an end to their father’s exploits. And it’s during this time that Emily realizes she has treated Luke bad in the past and is starting off on the wrong foot this time around, and now she’s willing to risk the talk that they should have. And since she does, she’s totally redeemed in my eyes.
I love everything about this book. Luke is a simply amazing hero. He’s very honourable and treats Emily with a great deal of respect. While he doesn’t like the way she’s treated him, he totally gets why she does and doesn’t really expect anything else and I found that kind of sad – thus my protectiveness over a fictional character in a romance novel. And once Emily ‘saw the light,’ I really enjoyed her too. I put her earlier attitude down to immaturity. She’s a bit of a prickly kind of gal, but Luke really likes that about her.
And I love the relationship between the four brothers. They were raised by an abusive father and there was no closeness between any of them, but now as adults they are tentatively reaching out to each other. I can see this growing as the books go on.
I give this book a high five and a coveted A rating. As I said, I’ve started the next book and so far it’s just as good as this one.
And as a bonus, Julie Kriss writes some smokin’ hot love scenes. Yes, indeed, she does.
July 8, 2020
4 GIVE ME THIS BAD BOYS(all of them) stars
It think this is my first book by this author and I must say it was quite enjoyable, although I have some issues here and there.
We are introduced with 4 bad boys brothers, who didn't had a very good life to be honest, but each will try and make it better.
First book is Luke's and Emily's story. This starts when they are 18 and are secretly having a hot relationship. They part ways , Em going to collage and Luke traveling the country , because in the small town they live in Luke Riggs is equal with trouble and unworthy.
8 years later Luke is summoned back to take over his worthless dad garage because he went to prison.
Shady stuff is uncovered and Luke and is brothers have to make some big decisions. Meanwhile, his relationship with Emily, fresh back in town too is starting to grow again, but still in secret.
I loved Luke , he is honest, real and a decent guy. What I didn't like very much is Emily, she seemed very judgy and snobby. I wanted her to pull that stick up her butt and get serious already.
This was a pretty exciting read, I wanna know more about Dex so I have to read the other two brothers before I get to him.
It think this is my first book by this author and I must say it was quite enjoyable, although I have some issues here and there.
We are introduced with 4 bad boys brothers, who didn't had a very good life to be honest, but each will try and make it better.
First book is Luke's and Emily's story. This starts when they are 18 and are secretly having a hot relationship. They part ways , Em going to collage and Luke traveling the country , because in the small town they live in Luke Riggs is equal with trouble and unworthy.
8 years later Luke is summoned back to take over his worthless dad garage because he went to prison.
Shady stuff is uncovered and Luke and is brothers have to make some big decisions. Meanwhile, his relationship with Emily, fresh back in town too is starting to grow again, but still in secret.
I loved Luke , he is honest, real and a decent guy. What I didn't like very much is Emily, she seemed very judgy and snobby. I wanted her to pull that stick up her butt and get serious already.
This was a pretty exciting read, I wanna know more about Dex so I have to read the other two brothers before I get to him.
September 11, 2019
Audiobook review. 3.5 Stars. I fell for Luke right away. He was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks with a huge heart. Emily was an acquired taste for me. There were things about her treatment of Luke that made me upset. She seemed to have experienced some growth but not as much as I would’ve liked.
The plot was interesting and I found myself wondering how it would all work out. I enjoyed the role of the secondary characters as they added another layer of complexity. I’m looking forward to getting to know them as I progress in the series.
The narrators, Joe Arden and Erin Mallon, did a fantastic job with their portrayal of Luke and Emily. Their pace, tone, and pitch were complementary and executed well. Erin has some of the best transitions I’ve heard.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot was interesting and I found myself wondering how it would all work out. I enjoyed the role of the secondary characters as they added another layer of complexity. I’m looking forward to getting to know them as I progress in the series.
The narrators, Joe Arden and Erin Mallon, did a fantastic job with their portrayal of Luke and Emily. Their pace, tone, and pitch were complementary and executed well. Erin has some of the best transitions I’ve heard.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
February 13, 2018
I loved JK's new series. The brothers were not your typical same ole same ole lame bunch.
Can't wait for Jace's story next and I have a feeling that Dex (the wild ex-cop) would be my mostest favourite one. Them wild ones usually fall the hardest.
Can't wait for Jace's story next and I have a feeling that Dex (the wild ex-cop) would be my mostest favourite one. Them wild ones usually fall the hardest.
May 25, 2020
This is a series I've been wanting to check out for what seems like forever. Lured in by that super sexy cover and further intrigued by the cop's daughter/bad boy dynamic - I was so excited to take the plunge.
I loved Emily and Luke's story. It was short and steamy and fun. There wasn't a crazy amount of depth here. In fact things moved pretty quickly and wrapped up pretty neatly, but I still found it to be quite satisfying. I felt like one of the main purposes was to give the exposition for future stories - and it did a great job at that. I am super excited to learn more about the Riggs boys and each one of them has my heart on pins and needles for different reasons.
But I'm ahead of myself now - because Luke Riggs was pretty impressive in his own right. All growly alpha with a last name tied firmly to the wrong side of the tracks - I loved how he put it all on the line, changing the course of his life for his woman. I also loved that Emily wasn't your typical heroine. She's a little prickly and walled off - but somehow - she's perfect for Luke.
This was a great start of a series and I am definitely invested enough to keep reading. I can't wait to get more Riggs brothers stories! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
I loved Emily and Luke's story. It was short and steamy and fun. There wasn't a crazy amount of depth here. In fact things moved pretty quickly and wrapped up pretty neatly, but I still found it to be quite satisfying. I felt like one of the main purposes was to give the exposition for future stories - and it did a great job at that. I am super excited to learn more about the Riggs boys and each one of them has my heart on pins and needles for different reasons.
But I'm ahead of myself now - because Luke Riggs was pretty impressive in his own right. All growly alpha with a last name tied firmly to the wrong side of the tracks - I loved how he put it all on the line, changing the course of his life for his woman. I also loved that Emily wasn't your typical heroine. She's a little prickly and walled off - but somehow - she's perfect for Luke.
This was a great start of a series and I am definitely invested enough to keep reading. I can't wait to get more Riggs brothers stories! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
March 6, 2019
Luke Riggs and his brothers are the bad boys from the wrong side of town. Their father has a reputation and so by association, they have felt the town’s wrath. Growing up and fending for themselves, has not been easy, but somehow they have managed to survive. When Luke Riggs hooks up with Emily Parker, the daughter of the top cop, they both know they have to keep the relationship a secret. A summer of fun, until Emily leaves for College and Luke takes to the road. Eight years later, Luke is called back to run his father’s automobile repair shop, and Emily is called back to help her sister. When their paths cross again, they can’t help the attraction they still feel for one another. Luke has grown up and realises there is something very wrong with the way his father’s shop has been run. Is there time to sort it out, while the cops are watching his every move? Can Luke be the man for Emily or will her mother make sure that Luke lands up in Jail with his father? Can Emily come clean and show the world what Luke means to her, or will she be shallow and pretend she does not know him? I devoured this book in a few hours. It was fast-paced and packed with action and rising climax. I loved Luke and thought his character was great. I had a hard time with Emily, I thought she was shallow and it took me a while to warm up to her. The author did a great job of redeeming her. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more about the rest of the Rigg brothers.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
September 9, 2019
4.5 stars
With the Riggs brothers, Julie Kriss has cornered the market on bad boys. This group of alpha males are all deliciously sexy, yet all vastly different.
In Drive Me Wild, we meet Luke Riggs. As the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, he had a secret high school romance with the local police sergeant’s daughter. At the time, both of them knew it was only temporary and only physical, not meant to last, and they each tried to kid themselves that it meant nothing.
Eight years later and both Luke and Emily find themselves moving back to their hometown. Back to old prejudices and stereotypes about the good girl and the wild Riggs family. Taking over his father’s auto repair business after Riggs Sr. is sent to prison, Luke not only has to escape the weight of his own reputation but that of being the son of a felon as well.
I really liked both Luke and Emily. To put it mildly, Emily was kind of a bitch. She was snippy and blunt. She didn’t sugar coat anything and was honest. Honest enough to realize that she had been comparing everyone over the years to the eighteen year old boy from the bad side of town. A boy who cared about her, even though the entire community looked down on him because of his last name.
For his part, Luke spent the last years traveling from place to place, never settling down and constantly looking for what he had with Emily. Putting down roots back in his hometown, reconnecting with the woman he had fallen for when she was a girl, Luke is a real surprise. He is surly and cocky, but never with Emily. He has integrity to want to legally get out from under his father’s shady business, and a soft side when it comes to the woman he has never been able to forget. I loved the way they both fought so hard against what was always right in front of their noses, and finally realized that their love affair never ended.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
With the Riggs brothers, Julie Kriss has cornered the market on bad boys. This group of alpha males are all deliciously sexy, yet all vastly different.
In Drive Me Wild, we meet Luke Riggs. As the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, he had a secret high school romance with the local police sergeant’s daughter. At the time, both of them knew it was only temporary and only physical, not meant to last, and they each tried to kid themselves that it meant nothing.
Eight years later and both Luke and Emily find themselves moving back to their hometown. Back to old prejudices and stereotypes about the good girl and the wild Riggs family. Taking over his father’s auto repair business after Riggs Sr. is sent to prison, Luke not only has to escape the weight of his own reputation but that of being the son of a felon as well.
I really liked both Luke and Emily. To put it mildly, Emily was kind of a bitch. She was snippy and blunt. She didn’t sugar coat anything and was honest. Honest enough to realize that she had been comparing everyone over the years to the eighteen year old boy from the bad side of town. A boy who cared about her, even though the entire community looked down on him because of his last name.
For his part, Luke spent the last years traveling from place to place, never settling down and constantly looking for what he had with Emily. Putting down roots back in his hometown, reconnecting with the woman he had fallen for when she was a girl, Luke is a real surprise. He is surly and cocky, but never with Emily. He has integrity to want to legally get out from under his father’s shady business, and a soft side when it comes to the woman he has never been able to forget. I loved the way they both fought so hard against what was always right in front of their noses, and finally realized that their love affair never ended.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 27, 2022
Drive Me Wild is the first book in the Riggs Brothers series. In it, you will meet Emily and Luke. Now she has been gone for about 8 years until they are reunited. Of course, their feelings for one another never fizzled out and started to heat back up after being in each other's lives again.
If I had to pick who my favorite was out of these two it would be Luke hands down. Seriously, no competition here. Don't get me wrong Emily was great. So great. I just really really enjoyed getting to know Luke. Together, their chemistry was on fire, and I couldn't look away from them. Plus, their bantering gave me life and I can't wait for the sequel.
Then came the drama and ugh. My heart is just happy with how things ended because I would riot if we got a different ending for sure. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book because I just know that I'm going to fall in love with Jace.
If I had to pick who my favorite was out of these two it would be Luke hands down. Seriously, no competition here. Don't get me wrong Emily was great. So great. I just really really enjoyed getting to know Luke. Together, their chemistry was on fire, and I couldn't look away from them. Plus, their bantering gave me life and I can't wait for the sequel.
Then came the drama and ugh. My heart is just happy with how things ended because I would riot if we got a different ending for sure. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book because I just know that I'm going to fall in love with Jace.
January 17, 2019
This is a short novel, but one I flew through at a ridiculous pace anyway. I know I read fast, but this time I even surprised myself. I simply couldn't stop reading, guys!
I love me some bad boys, especially in books, and it was no different this time around. Although it was repeated a little too often, I loved how the author wanted to point out how Luke has tattoos up his arm. Me and tattoos? Yeah, done for.
But that's not all this book is about. Sure, it's romance and there's some heat. I loved those parts. But I loved it way more how Julie Kriss was able to add multiple layers to this story. Not only Emily's family life and work life, but also Luke's past and his family catching up with him. All those factors made for an intriguing read and made it near impossible to put it aside!
4.5 / 5!
I love me some bad boys, especially in books, and it was no different this time around. Although it was repeated a little too often, I loved how the author wanted to point out how Luke has tattoos up his arm. Me and tattoos? Yeah, done for.
But that's not all this book is about. Sure, it's romance and there's some heat. I loved those parts. But I loved it way more how Julie Kriss was able to add multiple layers to this story. Not only Emily's family life and work life, but also Luke's past and his family catching up with him. All those factors made for an intriguing read and made it near impossible to put it aside!
4.5 / 5!
September 9, 2019
Julie Kriss may be a new author for me but she has me all kinds of excited for her work now. I just finished listening to Drive Me Wild and loved it.
This second chance romance featuring a cop's daughter and a criminal's son was an absolute pleasure to listen to. The characters were great, both main and secondary getting me invested in them. I love books where you like the main characters but also as you're hearing and learning more about their friends or family members, you get excited at the thought of them getting a book too. That was totally the case with Drive Me Wild.
Luke Riggs was the kind of leading man you love instantly. And he only gets better the more the story goes on. Emily was equally amazing. Their past and current connection is undeniable and they certainly had me rooting for them.
Erin Mallon and Joe Arden teamed up to tell this story in dual narration and I loved it although its hard not to when Erin has such a great male voice.
This is a great series starter and I'm excited for book two.
August 1, 2018
it wasn't a bad book...but it was super cliche. hot blonde girl with a low self esteem gets the always sexy bad boy. Took me a while to finish it because of how off putting and cliche it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
couldn't get into it
September 29, 2018
I could not get into this one. The writing style did not work for me.
You may love it. My opinion.
You may love it. My opinion.
June 23, 2025
Loved all the twists and turns in this one!
Emily is back in town, after 8 years, to "help" her sister. Seems there's been some major changes in her family and no one has bothered to tell Emily. Surprisingly, Emily has a secret of her own and it involves the sweetest "bad boy", Luke Riggs.
Oh yeah, the explosive hook-up, they've got going, is about to blow up all over their narrow-minded, uptight town! (e-book edition).
Emily is back in town, after 8 years, to "help" her sister. Seems there's been some major changes in her family and no one has bothered to tell Emily. Surprisingly, Emily has a secret of her own and it involves the sweetest "bad boy", Luke Riggs.
Oh yeah, the explosive hook-up, they've got going, is about to blow up all over their narrow-minded, uptight town! (e-book edition).
April 11, 2024
This is the well written and, at times, quite emotional story of Luke and Emily. Emily is the good girl who went to college and dreamed of big things. Luke was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, written off by most and left behind by Emily.
The book starts 8 years ago, with Luke and Emily spending their last night together before she leaves for college. They both knew the relationship had an expiry date but why does that make Emily feel strange, and what is with Luke's behaviour? Eight years later and they are both returning to the town they grew up in. They soon discover that the attraction they felt for each other hasn't gone away. The discover quite a few other things too, some good and some bad. I loved how different this book felt, with both characters needing to come to terms with their lives and make some important decisions before they were ready for each other.
I really liked both characters. Emily seemed quite full of herself at first, but she also had a vulnerable side to her. Luke had been so hurt during his youth that he didn't expect anything better for himself. Together the two made a beautiful and perfect whole, though outside forces seemed determined to prevent them having a chance at happiness.
The story held my attention, the plot had really good pace and I loved the characters in the book. I was totally drawn into Emily and Luke's story and couldn't believe it when I spotted that I'd nearly finished the book! There were what felt like a few loose ends (nothing huge), though I have a suspicion these will form part of the plot of future books in this series. There is a very definite conclusion to Luke and Emily's story in this book.
These are so different to the Bad Billionaire's series, yet contain the same quality of writing, depth of emotion and wonderful characters that I have come to expect. I highly recommend this wonderful read.
The book starts 8 years ago, with Luke and Emily spending their last night together before she leaves for college. They both knew the relationship had an expiry date but why does that make Emily feel strange, and what is with Luke's behaviour? Eight years later and they are both returning to the town they grew up in. They soon discover that the attraction they felt for each other hasn't gone away. The discover quite a few other things too, some good and some bad. I loved how different this book felt, with both characters needing to come to terms with their lives and make some important decisions before they were ready for each other.
I really liked both characters. Emily seemed quite full of herself at first, but she also had a vulnerable side to her. Luke had been so hurt during his youth that he didn't expect anything better for himself. Together the two made a beautiful and perfect whole, though outside forces seemed determined to prevent them having a chance at happiness.
The story held my attention, the plot had really good pace and I loved the characters in the book. I was totally drawn into Emily and Luke's story and couldn't believe it when I spotted that I'd nearly finished the book! There were what felt like a few loose ends (nothing huge), though I have a suspicion these will form part of the plot of future books in this series. There is a very definite conclusion to Luke and Emily's story in this book.
These are so different to the Bad Billionaire's series, yet contain the same quality of writing, depth of emotion and wonderful characters that I have come to expect. I highly recommend this wonderful read.
February 18, 2018
I’m hopelessly obsessed with Julie’s Alpha Males and their amazing stories.
Luke Riggs is the bad boy from the other side of the tracks and Emily Parker is the daughter of a cop and the good girl that’s going places in her life.
But after an unexpected encounter, Emily and Luke find themselves in a secret relationship that’s purely physical and only temporary. A summer of sneaking around and lots of firsts.
Then it’s time for Emily to leave for college and leave the secret summer with Luke Riggs in the past.
Eight years later Emily is forced to retire Home to help her sister with her business and support her mom on her promotion.
When she returns to town the last person she expects to see is the man who made her feel everything. The same man who was once the bad boy she lusted over. But boy oh boy did Luke grow up. All man and totally a bad boy with a soft spot on his heart for the one woman he can never be with.
Everyone knows the Riggs’ boys are bad news but for Emily being bad never felt so good.
I say this every time I read a book by Author Julie Kriss but I swear this is my new favorite book by this author. I loved these characters so much and cannot wait for the rest of this series to release!!
Definitely Recommend this book!!!
Luke Riggs is the bad boy from the other side of the tracks and Emily Parker is the daughter of a cop and the good girl that’s going places in her life.
But after an unexpected encounter, Emily and Luke find themselves in a secret relationship that’s purely physical and only temporary. A summer of sneaking around and lots of firsts.
Then it’s time for Emily to leave for college and leave the secret summer with Luke Riggs in the past.
Eight years later Emily is forced to retire Home to help her sister with her business and support her mom on her promotion.
When she returns to town the last person she expects to see is the man who made her feel everything. The same man who was once the bad boy she lusted over. But boy oh boy did Luke grow up. All man and totally a bad boy with a soft spot on his heart for the one woman he can never be with.
Everyone knows the Riggs’ boys are bad news but for Emily being bad never felt so good.
I say this every time I read a book by Author Julie Kriss but I swear this is my new favorite book by this author. I loved these characters so much and cannot wait for the rest of this series to release!!
Definitely Recommend this book!!!
June 7, 2019
Tldr: there was nothing terrible about this book but other than a couple swoon worthy sex scenes it was nothing special either.
Neither character was especially thrilling on their own. The hero always stayed on the right side of the cocky/confident divide but hovered too close to it for me to really love it. He did have this sexy quiet intensity thing going when alone with the heroine. The way an alpha male is when he knows he's gonna have you but also knows you're something special. I don't mind a wrong side of town character but I also felt like they could've made him a little further from the gray side of things. The heroine rubbed me the wrong way a lot of times. She frequently erred on the side of bitchy and was very flippant about it. They shouldn't have worked but as he said "bitchy" did it for him. They were pretty explosive and seemed good together but for a 200 page book there wasn't actually a whole lot of romantic development. The focus was mostly on the storyline and left us to take their feelings at face value. The writing was solid and sex scenes were fairly hot, but overall the book lacked the depth needed to be a special read. Not one that was a waste of time but not one that'll be a reread either.
Neither character was especially thrilling on their own. The hero always stayed on the right side of the cocky/confident divide but hovered too close to it for me to really love it. He did have this sexy quiet intensity thing going when alone with the heroine. The way an alpha male is when he knows he's gonna have you but also knows you're something special. I don't mind a wrong side of town character but I also felt like they could've made him a little further from the gray side of things. The heroine rubbed me the wrong way a lot of times. She frequently erred on the side of bitchy and was very flippant about it. They shouldn't have worked but as he said "bitchy" did it for him. They were pretty explosive and seemed good together but for a 200 page book there wasn't actually a whole lot of romantic development. The focus was mostly on the storyline and left us to take their feelings at face value. The writing was solid and sex scenes were fairly hot, but overall the book lacked the depth needed to be a special read. Not one that was a waste of time but not one that'll be a reread either.
September 1, 2019
3.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
I wanted to love this and started it off enjoying it because it was set in Michigan and about lost love but then somethings changed my mind. Emily and Luke had been away from their small town and when they both come back for family problems love is rekindled. My main issues were the numerous times similar information was repeated throughout the story as it the author wasn't sure how to keep the story moving forward. I am interested in the rest of the series because the brothers sound interesting.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
I wanted to love this and started it off enjoying it because it was set in Michigan and about lost love but then somethings changed my mind. Emily and Luke had been away from their small town and when they both come back for family problems love is rekindled. My main issues were the numerous times similar information was repeated throughout the story as it the author wasn't sure how to keep the story moving forward. I am interested in the rest of the series because the brothers sound interesting.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Want to read
June 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2019)! 🎁
July 11, 2021
reread (2), july 2021 ⤞ 4.25 stars
August 28, 2019
4.5 happy, happy stars.
Do you know what I LOVE about a Julie Kriss book? She keeps it simple. Such a pleasure to read her stories, I can't recommend them highly enough.
I'm not kidding, every one of her books is a little bit special, I love them! Can't believe it took me so long to get to this series - but this was soooo good, I'm heading straight into book 2.
Do you know what I LOVE about a Julie Kriss book? She keeps it simple. Such a pleasure to read her stories, I can't recommend them highly enough.
I'm not kidding, every one of her books is a little bit special, I love them! Can't believe it took me so long to get to this series - but this was soooo good, I'm heading straight into book 2.
September 15, 2019
4 Stars!
Loved this one! Moving along to the next brother:)
Loved this one! Moving along to the next brother:)
June 27, 2025
I usually don't relate to the MMCs, but being a girl from a small town, born to the wrong family on the wrong side of the (bridge, in my case) tracks, I related so deeply to this. Nobody wants to be seen with "you know who's" kid.
I love that Luke was able to get his redemption. I look forward to moving on in this series, and getting to dive deeper into Emily and Luke's world.
I love that Luke was able to get his redemption. I look forward to moving on in this series, and getting to dive deeper into Emily and Luke's world.
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