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The Driven World

Control: A Driven World Novel

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Control by Tracie Delaney is a fast-paced, angst-ridden, steamy contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Driven World project.


Life has a way of kicking you in the nuts right when you’re riding an unstoppable wave.

I know, because it happened to me.

In one split second, my entire existence came crashing down. Setting up a school to teach underprivileged kids the art of motor racing is just the distraction I need from the darkness that haunts my every waking moment.

And it worked, until she arrived with her sea-blue eyes, her soft smile, and her determination to fix me.

My advice, sweetheart? Take your altruistic attitude and shove it. I’m broken beyond repair.

***

Life has a way of presenting the solution to an unsolvable problem when you least expect it.

Yet in my wildest dreams, I never imagined the beautiful but damaged Nico Palmer would offer the answer to all my prayers.

The way he is with my son—patient, kind, understanding—tells me he’s salvageable. Somewhere deep inside his black heart there’s a chink of light. All I have to do is find a way to smash through the barriers he’s erected.

He’s not making it easy, but I’ve never run from a challenge.

And I don’t intend to start now.

232 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2021

23 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Tracie Delaney

76 books733 followers
Tracie Delaney writes billionaire romance where the men fall hard and the women make them work for it. Even though she has more than 35 novels published across many different series, Tracie still considers herself a reader first and foremost and loves fangirling over her favorite authors.

At night she likes to curl up on the sofa with her two furbabies, Murphy & Cooper, and binge-watch shows on Netflix. There may be wine involved.

Stalk Tracie at:

Reader group: https://bit.ly/39f4sZz
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3yhM5N9
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Nj1kJW
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3tZZEye
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Oz11f4
Website: www.authortraciedelaney.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews500 followers
January 11, 2021
Woo....What a great romance...Although both people sure did Not start out that way!!...A Mom caring Only for her young child...The 'Dad' split years ago...Just was gone one day...And never returned...A man who has a traumatic accident...Doing the Only thing he loves, racing cars....Left in a wheelchair...Lost without the one thing he knows...Trying to find his place, drinking and finding himself with different women...Several times a day!!..Until good friends from the racing world come up with an idea...Offering him a chance for a piece of that life...Starting a 'racing' school for children...Those without much money or hope to ever have a chance to see the world he loves....
So, he is Done with women...As She is men...Until the two meet when her son is offered a place at the school...Then the sparks are flying...But may burn them Both before they Ever get a chance together!!
A wild story with hate, love, old and new throwing up walls between them...But...CAN love Find A Way...It sure takes a wild ride in this explosive story!!!...Do 'Happy' endings Really come true...Nico and Everly seem headed for anything but...
A fabulous look into the lives of those around us...You never know what's really happening...
I received an ARC from this exciting author and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review...Available 1/21/2021...Be There!!!
Profile Image for Jean Bachen.
75 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2021
This is my new favorite book by Tracie, and I have claimed Nico as mine. The thought of his dirty talking, foul mouth, with his British accent, makes my toes curl. The action starts right away, and the excitement of the world of race cars runs throughout the story. Nico is an adorable asshole, Everly is a wonderful leading lady, and Rhett is as adorable as he is ornery. The twist and turns in the story had me gasping out loud and yelling at the characters in the book. And the sexy times were off the charts hot. Read this one today, and you won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,580 reviews134 followers
January 21, 2021
A perfect addition to The Driven World and another new author to add to my lists of must follows. This is the first book I have read by Tracie Delaney but it won’t be the last because I loved everything about Nico and Everly’s story.
Nico had an awful accident that finished his racing career that left him in a wheelchair and gating the world but two years later his friends convince him to join them and open a racing centre for kids who can’t afford to join the racing world and that’s where Nico and Everly’s story begins....
Everly a single mum of six year old Rhett is looking for a distraction for her son, something that will teach him discipline and give him something to concentrate on but it’s not just Rhett who finds something or someone at the racing centre.......
Nico and Everly’s first meeting starts with a bang and it seems these two will never get along but spending time together for Rhett has feelings they didn’t know they had coming to the surface ....
I fell hook, line and sinker for this couple, I loved how Everly will do what ever is needed for her son, she is feisty and a typical protective single mum who is trying to get past her baggage from the past, Nico needs someone to pull him out of the darkness his accident sent him into so will Everly be the one or will the baggage they both carry be too much to get past.....
Control is a well written, face paced, captivating tale and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for M.A. Comley.
Author 176 books816 followers
January 26, 2021
By now, everyone should know what a big fan of Tracie Delaney's I am.

This is a cracking addition to the Driven World and to Tracie's ever bulging backlist.

I loved it! It's filled with romantic tension from the outset and the heat factor is right up there too.

Nico and Everly have a wonderful connection, some might even say a whole lot of chemistry. Their interaction sizzles on each page.

Loved the fact the story included one of Tracie's other fab characters, Jared from the Full Velocity series. If you haven't read that series yet, why not? It'll keep you on the edge of your seat, I promise. Love, love, love Formula One.


Grab a copy of this one if you love added suspense to your romances. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for LeslecturesdeMylene.
5,779 reviews85 followers
January 21, 2021
16/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

j'aime beaucoup ces histoires basées sur le monde d'une autre autrice et j'étais curieuse de découvrir celle-ci. Je n'ai pas été déçue par les personnages ni par l'intrigue même si certaines choses vont un peu vite. Nico est l'un des meilleurs amis de Colton (ce qui nous vaut quelques chouettes apparitions !!) et a été victime d'un lourd accident lors d'une course. On va donc assister à une partie de sa reconstruction et de sa renaissance quand il croise la route d'Everly. Leurs mondes vont entrer en collision et le maniaque du contrôle va devoir apprendre à lâcher prise. J'ai aimé le petit rebondissement qui relance l'intrigue et la façon dont les choses se terminent pour eux. L'intrigue et les personnages sont vraiment chouettes !!
Profile Image for Lesley Robson.
826 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2021
This is a nice addition to the driven world collection. Nico and Everly... their journey to each other wasnt simple, both have suffered. they find each other when Everly takes her son to Nico’s race track and its this meeting that has Nico reevaluating his life. This is their journey. A journey of drama, friendship , emotion, acceptance and love. Once they gave in it was all bets off. I loved it I loved the story and the characters.
Profile Image for Minnie.
341 reviews21 followers
January 11, 2021
ARC Review

This was my first book read in 2021 and it also helped me get out of my reading slump.

Control is set in Driven World and i was really happy to read new things about Colton Donovan who is also the best friend of the hero of the book, Nico.
Nico had a terrible accident during his racing that ended his driving career. Two years later his friends come up with an idea of opening a racing centre for kids who can’t afford. And that’s how Nico and Everly meet.
Everly is a single mom of a six year old boy, Rhett. The father left them two years ago and she has a bit of a struggle with his son and she looks for something that will help him get some discipline. That’s why she signs up Rhett to the centre.

Their first meeting begins with quite strong argument but leaves both of them wanting each other.

Nico tries not to get to close to her because he thinks she’s married and she’s off limits, but still he can’t deny he wants her.
So is Everly, who also wants him and tries to get closer to him.

I loved the book so much. I really adored the way Nico was always there for Everly and Rhett, helped them. It was amazing read,filled with many cute and sweet scenes, but also a bit of drama.



I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Loveromancebooks21.
394 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2021
A great story set in the Driven World Series.

Everly is a single parent moving on with her life after her ex disappeared. Nico was a race car driver until an accident changed his life. They meet when everly enrols her son at a race school that nico and his friends have set up. Their chemistry is instant.

I loved the way that Nico was there for Everly and her son. I loved their chemistry but I loved that Everly was a strong woman that wouldn’t take any nonsense from him. Her son Rhett was so cute and funny.I also loved that it showed a glimpse of people’s lives around us, you never really know what goes on behind closed doors.

It’s a beautifully written, story which is full of angst and twists. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I look forward to more from tracie.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
January 24, 2021
Oh this book melted my heart. Nico at the top of his game is in a life changing accident that ends his racing career. He's bitter and acting out, like come on we wouldn't be doing the same thing. But he has a heart of gold and his two best friends Colton and Jared are there to help him out. They have an offer he can't refuse to be close to racing without actually doing it. They set up a race track place for kids to come that are having issues or just need someone to expel energy. It's an amazing setup that the three of them love, but it's Nico who runs the dat-to-day. Everly and her adorable little boy Rhett capture your heart right from the get go. She's an amazing mom and it shows through this story. When Rhett is having some issues at school she finds the racing school and this is where things get interesting. Because Nico doesn't take crap from no one including parents, however something about Everly calls to him when it shouldn't. But not everything is as it seem and feeling get involved well it might be time to walk away. When Everly's past comes back with a vengeance can Nico save her and Rhett?
1,096 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2021
“I found myself spiraling, falling headlong into a life I’d never imagined for myself yet suddenly realized I craved.”

If you have not read any KB World Books you are truly missing out and need to head straight to visit www.kbworlds.com. Besides reading Kristy Bromberg books this world will introduce you to many new amazing authors and continue to give you snippets of some of your favorite Driven characters.

“...there was something about being told I couldn’t do something that set a fire within me, and suddenly, it became all-important to conquer the very thing denied to me. Control. It all came down to control, or rather, the lack of it.”

This book brought out several unexpected emotions. I loved the humanitarian side, the mystery that lingered in the background, the determination and stubbornness, strong willed, chemistry, adoring, mentoring, butterflies in the gut, steaminess, friendships and the way everyone balanced one another out.

“I preferred harsh, hard, frayed at the edges..No ties. No disappointments. No regrets.”

I loved how all the characters were strong in their own way. All had struggles to overcome to see their self worth. All had so much to offer those that surround them. There isn’t just one hero...in my mind they are all worthy of a cape!

“There were those who believed that if you saw a person at their worst and yet you still wanted them, then you might as well give up fighting because it was meant to be.”

The ride won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Get ready to laugh, cry, fan yourself and get your bail money, because you will want to jump in and take care of business, So many greet hairpin twist and turns throughout this read.

“...this man had so many kinds of kisses. Heated and angry, soft and gentle, sexy and spine-tingling. I couldn’t pick my favorite. I wanted them all.”

Looking forward to Friction, the first book in the Full Velocity series! I have yet to tire of these characters and the adventures they take us on!
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
January 26, 2021
This is another winner in the Driven World created by K. Bromberg. What do you do when your life does a complete one eighty and you are unable to do what you love? Nico is a champion racer with his entire life ahead of him when an accident derails his future. Fortunately, he has two best friends to help him. Everly is a single mother trying to raise her son Rhett who is having some issues at school with a bully. At a loss as to what to do, Everly decides to enroll Rhett in a racing school where she meets Nico. From the first time Everly meets Nico, there is a spark but he is less than accommodating. Yet the more time they spend together, their feelings start to grow. However, when Everly’s past comes back roaring its ugly head, will Nico be her knight in shining armor? This is one well written storyline loaded with drama and steam. It is a high-octane ride that you will not want to leave. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,250 reviews219 followers
January 15, 2021
4.5 star review of Control (The Driven World) by Tracie Delaney

One of the things I have loved about the Driven World series is discovering so many new authors such as Tracie Delaney. Control is a fast paced, steamy story which I was invested in from the first to the last chapter.

I fell hard for Nico Palmer, there was something about him that ticked the boxes for me. Everly is a strong, independent and feisty single mum who will do whatever is necessary for her son.

Everly is determined to help Nico and draw him out of the darkness and into the light. Both have baggage but together they support and bring out the best in one another and this added an additional layer to the story. Control is a fast paced story that will draw you in and keep you captivated till the end.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
January 21, 2021
After a career ending and life changing injury Nico was struggling until he has the opportunity to manage a racing school for children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to have the opportunity. Everly’s past has made her realize that the only one she can depend on is herself and the only man she needs in her life is her son Rhett.

Although they didn’t get off to the best start they are drawn to each other in spite of themselves. She gets to know the man he truly is beneath the gruff and cold exterior he presents to protect himself and seeing them allow each other into their hearts and lives was magical to watch.
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2021
Absolutely adore this book!

Control is a book that has everything the contemporary romance reader could want. Plenty of tension. Plenty of heart. Plenty of romance and a whole heaping of heat.

The main characters, Nico and Everly have so much chemistry that it jumps out at you from the page. They have this tenderness mixed with heat that hits you square in the chest and you can’t help but fall in love with them and their story.

It also helps that this is part of K. Bromberg’s Driven World and if that doesn’t sway you, we get to see a snippet of Jared from Friction; this author’s Full Velocity series, which is in keeping with the racing scene too. And if you haven’t heard of Jared then ‘holy hotness’ are you missing out. He is one hot tamale!

The story is a must for lovers of the sporting romance world and i strongly urge you to not just take my word but to download, read and find out for yourself. I promise you, you’ll fall in love too.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
January 20, 2021
This is an excellent addition to this awesome series and is Nico and Everly’s story. Nico was a successful racing driver until a horrific accident ended his racing career, and 2-years after he is approached by friends to open a racing school for children who are less privileged. Everly is a feisty single mom who will do anything for her 6-year-old son, and she signs him up for the PDK racing school hoping this will help him. There is an instant attraction between Nico and Everly, and the chemistry is undeniable, and she is the light to his darkness. This is a beautifully written tale which is sweet, emotional, fast paced, and with angst, twists, drama, and love, which all leads to a riveting and entertaining addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
12 reviews
January 21, 2021
Control is the story of Nico and Every. Nico, a world-class racer, thinks he loses it all after a life-changing accident. Every, a single mother abandoned to raise her child alone. A chance advert on a computer brings them together, with Every hoping it will help her son deal with his issues from the lack of his fathers presence, leading to fireworks on and off the track. But where is Paul, Rhett's father?
I really enjoy Tracie's books and her ability to emerse me in a different world. I loved Nico and Every's story from start to finish, with all the twists and turns I've come to expect and love from this author.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,642 reviews
January 9, 2021
Nico & Everly’s story was everything that I love in a great romance with it being a single mom story with a touch of drama! Nico & Everly captivated me and I was consumed by their story.

Nico & Everly both were struggling in their own ways. And together they were stronger. Nico & Everly were imperfectly perfect for each other. And just what each other needed.

Control was the first book that I have read by Tracie Delaney and I would definitely read more by her in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for mary Baird.
661 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2021
“Tracie Delaney’s Control is a fast-paced, angst-ridden, steamy contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Driven World project.”

Tracie Delaney’s Control has everything you would expect from a K. Bromberg book. I found myself quickly immersed in the book. With a wounded hero and a broken single mom doing the best she can with what has been handed to her. And a young son that becomes the common bond between them. Though neither are looking for romance there’s plenty of angst, heat, drama and much more. I can’t wait for you to read Control!!

Nico Palmer was at the top of his sport when an unfortunate accident left him severely injured. Like career ending injured. His lie had become an endless cycle of parties, and booze and women. Anything to bury the idea that he would never race again. It’s when his best friends, Colton Donavan and Jared Kane showed up for a “come to Jesus” moment with him. In an effort to bring Nico back into the world of racing again they had come up with the idea of starting a racing school for kids. The school would be for less privileged kids to try their hands at racing. The deal was that they would all three be partners with Nico, Colton, and Jared. Since the other two still raced, Nico would be the one to run the school. So, this was the beginning of PDK racing.

Everly Lawson, is a single mom whose partner had deserted her leaving her with a young son, Rhett to raise on her own. When her son Rhett began having problems with fighting at school PDK seemed like a place that he could maybe find a way to help him be less inclined to fight. Needless to say, Rhett was excited about the opportunity!! What Everly wasn’t prepared for was a man to be such a dominant force to be dealt with. Butting heads about where she was watching Rhett from. It wasn’t until she was across the track and watching him with Rhett that she realized that he was not only handsome but really good with her son. As time went by it became obvious that Rhett was a natural on the track. The more time Rhett was racing, the more time that Everly was around Nico, the more smitten she became with him.

What neither Everly nor Nico counted on were the sparks that seemed to flair between them. Fighting with everything she had to avoid him it was just a matter of time the inevitable would happen. The point of no return was when Everly got sick with the flu. With her in her less than cognizant state, Nico took it upon himself to take her and Rhett home to his house. It was so freakin endearing the way he cared for her!! The best part about it was how respectful he was during her illness. Let’s just say that it made it really hard for Everly to not cross the line with him. And holy hotness were they the best together.

But would things continue like this after she was recovered?
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
907 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2021
My favourite series so far from Tracie Delaney is Full Velocity set in the thrilling world of Formula One racing, so I was excited to hear she was going back to fast cars in The Driven World, allbeit US Indycar racing, where you may just recognise a few faces 😉

Nico is lost in a sea of hurt. Following a life changing racing accident that destroyed his career and almost his life, he's been struggling for a purpose.

Everly is a hardworking single mum to six year Rhett, both of whom are battling the after affects of his dad disappearing without a trace two years previously. When Everly enrols Rhett into a scheme to help troubled/under privileged kids at a school for racing cars, little does she know the impact it will have on co-owner Nico and both their lives.

I loved how Nico, this gorgeous man came out of his self imposed shell as the story unfolded. He went from brooding, controlled and closed off to protective, caring and fun as he slowly realised he had a future if only he could take the plunge and persuade Everly to as well. I loved the connection he formed very early on with Rhett too.

Everly was a fabulously strong character even with her insecurities. She wasn't afraid to show her mama bear side to protect her son and was still confident enough to go after what she wanted and deserved.

This was a story packed with angst, emotion, drama, passion and a streak of suspense when the past collided with the future.  Where two people struggling day to day only to find support, acceptance and of course love when they least expected it. I loved this steamy, heartfelt romance!
4.5 hot stars
Profile Image for Madalina.
330 reviews8 followers
January 15, 2021
Control was my first read by Tracie and I enjoyed. Is it set in the racing world so it was exciting for me, since this is not a subject that I read frequently.

Nico Palmer is a racing car driver, who suffered a pretty bad accident leading to him ending his career. Everly Lawson is a single mother, struggling to take care of her son and trying to support her family.

Nico and Everly first met when she signed up her son to Nico's PDK racing school. They have a spark from the beggining but the circumstances made them to avoid it, until some things started to happen, and they inevitable were drawn toward each other.

This was a fast paced sweet story, with some action and a twist. It kept me entertained and made me question what will happen next. I liked that both Everly and Nico are mature characters and even though they were wary of their feelings in the beggining, after that they didn't play around the bush and made their mind very clear about what they want. Everly is a strong woman and I liked her attitude. I liked that Nivo embraced Everly and her son very easily, for his views on life he took me by surprise.
I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
January 21, 2021
Poor Nico, he had an accident that put him out of racing, and he's feeling lost. He decides to start a racing school for kids who can't afford to do it on their own, and this is how Everly came into his life. She's a single mother whose son is going to Nico's school, and while he's done with women & she's done with men, neither saw fate coming from them. As they get to know each other, it becomes clear that there's a reason that they came across each other's path, but the journey is bumpy from the denial of the sparks flying. They finally start getting somewhere when BAM! The past comes back since it never stays buried (the past is a mean b*t*h). So we have a heartwarming story with romance brewing, some racing fun, and the twist that came from left field! In order to see how Control plays out, you know what to do! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Jenna.
873 reviews7 followers
January 21, 2021
If you love the Driven Series - then you need to check this book out! This was my first book included in the Driven World and it didn't disappoint.

Control captured my attention from the very first chapter and kept my interest throughout the book. It's fast-paced with plenty of angst, excitement, steamy romance, and emotions involved. Nico is a racecar driver and finds himself struggling after his career ended due to a crash. Everly, a single mom crosses paths with Nico when she signs her son up at the racetrack that Nico runs. They are both struggling and finding their way after some difficult roads in life. Her son Rhett is adorable and adds a great level of charm to the story!
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
1,009 reviews21 followers
January 17, 2021
Tracie Delaney is a new to me author that I will definitely be reading more of. This book is such an emotional roller coaster ride you don't want to get off of. The chemistry is off the charts hot between Nico and Everly. And the way Nico is with her son Rhett will melt your heart. This story has angst, friendships and so much love. I laughed, I cried. There are so many twists and turns, I was entertained from the start. I very much enjoyed this story. I recommend you get your hands on it, especially if you loved KB's driven series.
5,643 reviews
January 22, 2021
I just love a book where people fight for life; fight for romance; fight for LOVE!

This wonderful story is Nico and Everly's!!! Plenty of emotion to have you tied up in knots, wondering what'll be next! Can these two find a way to be in each others lives forever?

A wonderful escape! Thank you!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
896 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
Finding a family

This is a good story I think the start kinda makes it as the race car driver loses his dream and he finds a new driving purpose... He finds a kid who captures his heart along with his mom... Both of whom have lost there male role model or significant other... It is a good story with a little mystery with the father who disappeared but then he returned only to be a criminal jerk... This has race car driver tones by not entirely the focus.
550 reviews10 followers
January 11, 2021
A story based around the Indycar circuit. Nico Palmer was a top racing driver until a cruel twist of fate left him injured and unable to drive again.
Close friends came up with an idea to stop their friend from ruining his life forever.
A chance meeting with single mum Everly, makes Nico stop and think about his life choices.
A story of love, friendships and determination.
222 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2021
Another fabulous book from this author, Queen of Romance.
A racing driver’s lifelong dreams shattered after a bad crash. A single mother looking for help for her emotional young son. Two opposites attracted to one another from the start and the sparks are flying. Neither giving in to their feelings until a spanner is thrown in the works.
A tremendous heart throbbing book right to the end.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
January 21, 2021
This had me at single mom but then throw in Nico and his struggles coupled in with hers and I was hooked. This is emotional but so sweet and I found myself smiling multiple times at their interactions. It's a great addition to the Driven World.
1,352 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2021
Loved it! Nico being a former race car driver who got injured and had to retire.... Everley a single mom after her six year old sons 's dad just disappears out of nowhere..... Sparks fly between these two.... I totally couldn't put it down until I finished it all the way to the end....
1,416 reviews
February 1, 2021
4 and a bit stars

The story set up was great, I really enjoyed Nico and Everly’s story. I love this racing world that Tracie Delaney has created and she did a good job connecting it to the K. Bromberg’s Driven World.

I definitely recommend the author’s F1 books.
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