Endurance

by Dakota Willink

It was time to prepare for a new kind of race—the race to Kallie’s heart.

Sloan
As the son of a Formula One racer, the need for speed was in my blood.
But in the blink of an eye, my life in the fast lane came to a screeching halt.
With my racing career gone, I had no choice but to endure a new way of life.
And that’s when I met her—Kalliope Benton Riley.
She wasn’t my usual type at all. She was a total hippie, packaged to perfection with flowy dresses and rainbow-colored hair wraps. She had outlandish ideas about the stars, the moon, and predetermined destiny. Ridiculous.
Yet, I couldn’t turn away from her mesmerizing green eyes. She was more than a pit stop. She was my addiction—my checkered flag.

Kallie
Six years ago, a psychic gypsy gave me a warning. She said I was cursed when it came to romance and destined for a life of disappointment and heartache. She was right. So when the opportunity to move across the country presented itself, I was more than ready for a change—but that change was not supposed to include someone like Sloan Atwood. He was arrogant and cocky. Avoiding him should have been easy, but every time I looked at him, the attraction grew stronger. I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—Sloan could be the one to break the curse. Then I saw a California sunset. The gypsy had warned me about those too. As the sun dropped lower in the sky, my heart knew I couldn’t box this lap. There would be no winners in this race. Total shut down was the only way to prevent permanent damage.

From International Bestselling Author, Dakota Willink, comes the third book in the Fade Into You series, an emotionally-charged sports romance will leave your heart racing!

NOTE: Endurance was previously published as part of K. Bromberg's Driven World. The story has been modified to remove material that is copyrighted by KB Worlds.

294 pages, ebook

First published May 27, 2021

About the author

Dakota Willink is an Award-Winning USA Today Bestselling Author. She loves writing about damaged heroes who fall in love with sassy and independent females. Her books are character-driven, emotional, and sexy, yet written with a flare that keeps them real. With a wide range of published books, a magazine publication, and the Leave Me Breathless World under her belt, Dakota's imagination is constantly spinning new ideas.

The Stone Series is Dakota's first published book series. It has been recognized for various awards and bestseller lists, including USA Today and the Readers' Favorite 2017 Gold Medal in Romance, and has since been translated into multiple languages internationally. The Fade Into You series (formally known as the Cadence duet) was a finalist in the HEAR Now Festival Independent Audiobook Awards. In addition, Dakota has written under the alternate pen name, Marie Christy. Under this name, she has written and published a children's book for charity titled, And I Smile. Also writing as Marie Christy, she was a contributor to the Blunder Woman Productions project, Nevertheless We Persisted: Me Too, a 2019 Audie Award Finalist and Earphones Awards Winner. This project inspired Dakota to write The Sound of Silence, a dark romantic suspense novel.

Dakota often says she survived her first publishing with coffee and wine. She’s an unabashed Star Wars fanatic and still dreams of getting her letter from Hogwarts one day. Her daily routines usually include rocking Lululemon yoga pants, putting on lipstick, and obsessing over Excel spreadsheets. She enjoys traveling with her husband and debating social and economic issues with her politically savvy Generation Z son and daughter. Two spoiled Cavaliers are her furry writing companions who bring her daily smiles.

Official Website: www.dakotawillink.com

Reviews

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining addition to the Driven World Series. Sloan is a racecar driver whose world is spiraling out of control, after a tragic crash on the course he is nursing his wounds with booze and drugs. Kallie is a free spirited PR who is hired to help revamp Sloan's image. The first time Sloan sees Kallie he feels a connection but he thinks she was a mirage, then he meets her the next day when she introduces herself as his PR agent. Right away there is a connection between these two. Kallie tries to fight it at first but the draw is too strong. I loved these two story and enjoyed it from start to finish.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kallie and Sloan! Their story has emotion, pain and growth. They have a great back and forth, with a perfect amount of steam. There are painful issues to handle and it's dealt with very well. It's a story to jump in to and enjoy from start to finish.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Fade To You Series and it is Sloan and Kallie's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Kellie has been unlucky in love and then started going out with Dean and after being with him for quite a while he proposed but Kellie told him that she needed time to think about it and that should have been the first clue that for some reason it didn't feel right so when her dad asked her to go to California for six months she felt that this was the sign that she had been waiting for and give her the time that she needed to think about her future and if it was with Dean of someone else. Allan was a famous racing car driver and he loved what he did but one crash caused him to lose everything and altered his life and now he was adrift with no future of purpose in life and he was also on a course of self destruction. When Kellie and Sloan met things were very tense as she is his new PR trying to help him clean up and change his image so that he can move forward with his life. The chemistry between them right from the start was electrifying and you could feel it sizzling of the pages but Kellie has a job to do and doesn't need of want any distractions. What happens when everything that you ever wanted is right in front of you will you take a chance of will fate have other idea's only time will tell what the outcome will be. Omg I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive that I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a great listen! Well written and beautifully narrated - this romance read gives all the feels. Our main characters are Sloan and Kallie. Sloan is a former race car driver struggling to come to terms with life after a debilitating accident. Kallie is assigned as his PR rep to help clean up his image. Kallie is a big believer in fortunes and was given a warning as a teen that has haunted her for years and now that she's back in CA the warning comes back to the forefront once she meets Sloan and the two are inexplicably drawn to each other. I love that these characters struggle with things that are so real - and that while there is so much heartbreak there is still the budding of love and romance to be found as well. A great balance of romance, heart break, steamy chemistry and a bit of humor too. Love how captivated Sloan is with Kallie and how vibrant Kallie's character is. The dual narration is perfectly done and really brought these characters to life. Love this listen and looking forward to more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloan Atwood had racing in his blood, it is his first love. An accident a year ago ended his racing career, he was not adapting well to the changes in his life. When he meets Kallie, Rainbow Bright, she is not his usual type, but he finds her mesmerizing. He is addicted to her, he is lonely when she is not there.

Kallie received a warning from a gypsy, said she was cursed in romance was destined for a life of heartache. Kallie’s boyfriend asked her to marry him, she did not accept right away, she needed to think about it. When her father asks her to take on a client across the country, she jumps at the chance. What she did not plan on was Sloan Atwood, the attraction she felt for him was like nothing she ever felt before, and it kept growing. Is Sloan a way to break the curse or would he break her?

This is a steamy read and both have some baggage they need to unpack before they can move forward.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is a PR rep who goes in to show case a person or bring them into the limelight. Her firm is also called in to assist when we’ll known celebs hit problems with their reputations and they need the limelight off them or they need some good limelight. Callie is sent to California to assist with an injured race car driver Sloan’s reputation after an incident where he is too drunk to know or care.
All she has to do is make him look good in the publics eyes. However when she sees him he looks red hot in her eyes too…. Soon there is Uber chemistry between these two but will Callie lose sight of the mission?
Will Sloan be able to redeem himself and will he clean up? never will you want someone to clean up as much as this character as he is not as bad as he seems!
Major chemistry and steam.
Brilliant main characters and their friends
Great page turner as always my Dakota.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane Atwood's life as a Formula One driver has been derailed by a devastating accident and he is ruining his life with drugs and alcohol. Help comes along from an unlikely source, but he needs all the help he can get to reclaim his life. Kalliope Benton Riley was warned by a gypsy that her love life was cursed, that she was destined for heartache. When their paths cross, there is an immediate spark, but will Kallie's curse come true, or is there a mending of the hearts in their future. They are certainly combustive together and their story is delightful!
Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott do a marvelous job with the narration. Their dynamic and well-modulated voices bring each character to life with a distinct personality and attitude.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Kallie the daughter of Cadence and Fitz from the Cadence Duet and it is every bit as charming. Kallie works for her father and is a free spirit who believes in prophesies and Tarot cards. When she is assigned to work with Sloan an injured race car driver in California it is the words of a fortune teller that haunt her. Their love story unfolds against their will almost but it is a love that will not be denied. There are some bumps along the road but the ending is so sweet and the scene in the cemetery made me cry. A lovely story that gives a real sense of peace and fulfillment.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Sloan has ever wanted is to race professionally and now that is in jeopardy. He is facing a crossroads in his life and the last thing he needs is to be distracted by a PR specialist who may appear to be wrong for him on so many levels, but she intrigues him like no other.

Kallie believes that her path when it comes to romance has been predetermined and going outside the lines will only result in heartbreak and devastation. The only thing that she and Sloan have in common are their feelings for one another, will it be enough?

Sloan and Kallie take us on an emotional journey as they must not only battle the past but the present as well if they are to have a future together.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Kallie, the girl with rainbow hair, and Sloan, the disgraced driver.
Sloan has an accident that leaves sequelae in his hip that don’t allow him to be able to race again, so he finds refuge in alcohol and pills.
Until an incident causes Kallie to appear in his life as his new PR. And from the moment he sees her, he falls under her spell.
Kallie is more reluctant at first, but the immense attraction and connection that she feels with him, causes her to succumb to the temper and start a relationship with her client.
But when it comes times to choose between Kallie and go back to racing…
I ❤️the characters.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloan is a raceway driver who was in an accident that ended his career. His whole life he was known for his driving, lately he is becoming famous for other not so impressive reasons. He has fallen into a drug hazed drunken stupor. What will happen to him? He has no future in his mind. Enter Kaliie a PR person. Will she be able to turn his spiral around? Will she be able to resist his charms? Intense romance with an emotional roller coaster. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SusieQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endurance by Dakota Willink was another awesome addition to the Driven series. It was well written and told a fantastic story. Sloan and Kallie were smoking hot together and their chemistry was intense. Sloan is a race car driver in need of PR help after an accident and his world begins to get out of control. Kallie is his complete opposite and she agrees to help him with his image in the hopes of furthering her own career. Once you start reading their story, I guarantee you will not be able to put it down.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloan is - or rather was - a Formula1 driver who suffered a career-ending injury. Kallie is his new PR agent. They have nothing in common. It'll never work. This is an emotional story with a little drama, a little angst, and a whole lotta chemistry. I didn't pay attention to the description of this book, not noticing it's relationship to the Cadence duet, which is still among my favorites books. Even without that connection, Endurance would still be incredible. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsten Pardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great wrap up to this intense series. The number of emotions you feel through out this is so intense.

This is the second gen of the series. Kali is the daughter of the main characters in the first two books. After going on the journey with her parents to finally find their happily ever after, you almost feel like a parent watching you baby find love.

I really enjoy the way Dakota makes you feel like your not just a fly in the wall but your in the story with the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endurance is another fantastic read to come out of the Driven World. ’m a big fan of stories that have an emotional depth to their characters. I’m also a big fan of the Driven world and have loved all the stories that came out of it. Sloan and Kallie both are struggling and unexpectedly fall into and for each other. What unfolds is one story you do not want to miss. Lots of feelings to experience plus an enjoyable read. Don’t forget to click this one.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloan and Kallie will give us their story in this novel. Since I used to go to attend races years ago this is one that caught my eye. The driver in here would of been Sloan but he does have to change what he drives after. Kallie goes against what she is warned about so it makes it that much more intriguing journey where these two are concerned. This will have you turning the pages to see if that race can be a winner.

[Within The Pages Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endurance is another fantastic read to come out of the Driven World. ’m a big fan of stories that have an emotional depth to their characters. I’m also a big fan of the Driven world and have loved all the stories that came out of it. Sloan and Kallie both are struggling and unexpectedly fall into and for each other. What unfolds is one story you do not want to miss. Lots of feelings to experience plus an enjoyable read. Don’t forget to click this one.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and Sloan were doomed from the beginning. Even though he was her job and Callie had been warned, when she met Sloan, the planets aligned. This steamy love story was fun, exciting, interesting and filled with just enough emotional trauma and heartache to keep the romance between Sloan and Callie a unique and fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mangan killarney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dual narration from Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott, perfect

Sloan is a race car driver, finds himself takings drugs and drink to cope with his wounds after a tragic crash. Kallie works in PR and is hired to help clear up Sloan's image. Right away there is a connection between these two. Kallie tries to fight it at first but the draw is too strong. Major chemistry and steam. Can Kallie's free spirit help Sloan. Wonderful characters.

[Marianela Aybar (Mari Loves Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional story that gripped my heart and didn't let go. Sloan and Kallie are total opposites but sometimes that is exactly what we need. Kallie couldn't believe that it would real but the chemistry between them was beautiful. There are some hard moments that had me crying but in the end, it was perfect.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a Driven World book and I don't think it will be my last. Sloan and Kallie had chemistry, angst and a lot of feels. I felt connected to the characters and although there was push and pull it wasn't over the top. So glad to have discovered this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TRICIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Kallie and Sloan’s story it was easy to become engrossed in, the writing style is good and the characters are well-drawn, somewhat complicated and have incredible chemistry. There's lots of steam too in this sweet and sometimes funny poignant, tender love story. It's an emotional page-turner that I didn't want to put down, I was hooked from the beginning to end.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Kallie save Sloan's reputation?

Sloan is a Formula1 driver who has lost his career due to a serious injury. His life seems to be over and he retreats to drink and drugs. Kallie is a PR agent who has to improve Sloan's image. What is going to happen?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endurance is part of The Driven World Series which features Sloan, a race car driver recovering from a horrible crash, and Kallie, his new PR agent. They are diametrically opposite in behavior and beliefs but somehow find romance. This book has well developed characters and a difficult journey finding love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an accident ends his racing career Sloan gave up on everything and was nursing his wounds with drugs and booze. Kallie a PR agent is sent to get him back on track. Two total opposites who go on an emotional journey bringing them closer together. I loved these two together and their story is an emotional one. The writing is great and the characters are believable.

[Cris Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!! This story is full of emotions!! I couldn’t put it down!! Love is a beautiful feeling and makes people fight with every fiber of their soul for it. This little word call fate has huge meaning in this story. Opposites attract and when this happen you have a wonderful story! Dakota is an amazing writer!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Dakota Willink; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Fade Into You Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Kalliope & Sloan.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booklvr89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this third and final book ties into the first two books so much. In this book we read about Kali, the child of main characters from the first two books, and Sloan, a race car driver in need of some love.

This book is sweet and nicely wraps up the whole series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love that had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are both somewhat broken by events in their past. It was a very entertaining story with a wonderful emotional connection between the characters. Nicely done.

I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I loved every page of this book. Caught my attention from the first chapter. Detailed fast paced book that was amazing!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.