It sounds like a carefree world, but Newcity has its problems. For one thing, the ruling council appears to hate “mechos,” humans who have majority mechanical parts. Unfortunately, Linna Fortense is a mecho, but she is smart enough to disguise herself as a Pleasurebot. As a machine, Linna has more freedom, though it is a lonely existence. She has one friend though, a taxi driver named Del Tennvic.

Newcity is wrought with chaos one night. Linna’s kennel, a hotel for robots, is shut down. Panicked, she races to Del’s. Linna tells Del she is a mecho. The two are powerfully attracted to one another, and start kissing. But Del stops her and assures Linna it’s not that he doesn’t want her. Del is Xanderran, and once he makes love to one woman, he is bond to her for life due to a genetic mutation in his people. Linna would not be bound to Del, she isn’t Xanderran, and would be fre! e to have sex with anyone else.

When it’s announced that a search will be conducted for unauthorized mechos, the couple realizes Linna will be found out and they flee Newcity and eventually earth. Can Linna and Del resist each other? And what happens when a female space ship captain wants Del for herself?

Megan Hart has a wonderful imagination and a great writing talent. She applies universal problems to a future setting, which makes the story completely believable. For example, there are racism issues in Newcity between mechos and humans, which gives Hart’s plot tension and pace. And the Xanderrans mating for life is an ingenious idea! Her erotic writing is full of hot sensuality but also affection. DRIVEN will transport the reader into a rich fantasy and a moving love story. I am now a dedicated fan!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Jennifer Lynne
November 5, 2004