Pole Position
by Rebecca J. Caffery
Publisher: One More Chapter/Harper Collins Publishers
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Reviewed by PJ
Kian Walker has always been the golden boy of motorsport. The four-time Championship winner has racing in his DNA – his father was a legend on the track, just don’t let him catch you comparing the two. As reckless and unreliable at home as he was behind the wheel, there’s nothing Kian wants less than to be just like his dad.
Enter Harper James. This year’s rookie called up to compete with the big boys – and Kian’s new teammate. Cocky, hot-headed and with a reputation for breaking as many hearts as he does new track records, Harper’s the opposite of Kian in every way. But when the season starts, there’s no getting away from him.
This might be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, so why then does Kian’s heart feel safer flying around the track at 220mph than when he's anywhere near his teammate?
PJ's Thoughts:
What a ride! Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery pulled me in and refused to let go. Even when I was rolling my eyes at some of the highly-fictionalized racing scenes/shenanigans/management decisions (if you don't follow F1 racing, you probably won't even notice) or wanting to throw Harper off the nearest cliff (seriously, dude, what were you thinking???), I still found myself riveted to the action and immersed in the emotions of this story.
Caffery has crafted an action and emotion-packed story about two adrenaline-fueled elite athletes who, on the surface, could not be more different. From their ages to their attitudes to their career approaches, to their life views, they appear to be complete opposites. And yet, once they begin to sort through the hidden layers beneath the public personae, it's apparent they each provide a missing puzzle piece for the other. Together, they begin to discover a relationship they never dreamed possible...that is, if one of them who hasn't quite managed to work through some significant emotional baggage doesn't totally trash it first.
Pole Position is a fast-paced, spicy, deeply emotional, and surprisingly endearing story set within the highly competitive world of F1 auto racing. Even when I wanted to throttle them (mostly, one of them), my heart still ached for this unlikely couple and I couldn't bring myself to set them aside until they had managed to navigate their way to their hard-won happy ending.
Do you watch F1 racing?
Do you enjoy opposites-attract or rivals-to-lovers romance?
What books are keeping you glued to the pages these days?
One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, March 15 will receive a print copy of Pole Position.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I used to watch NASCAR when my 3 sons lived at home. I’ve never watched F1 with international race car drivers.
ReplyDeleteI do like the friction between enemies to friends to lovers. Chemistry can be a powerful motivator. Egos and arrogance go hand in hand with these racing elite stars. I believe most of them aren’t looking for a long term relationship.
Until they meet “the one” who makes them step back and ponder their choices.
I recently read and enjoyed:
Rule Number Five by J Wilder a hockey / college coming of age relationship
The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Alexander a young woman who lusts after her twin brother’s best friend, both are free but afraid to lose/risk their friendship
Her Knight At The Museum by Bryan Donovan cute modern day fairytale where a museum worker brings a knight’s sculpture to life with a kiss and how they cope with their feelings and modern day activities and worries about her potential arrest.
Finally, Katee Roberts’ Rebel In The Deep conclusion to her Crimson Sails trilogy - very different for me with mystical creatures, magic, secrets, gods and goddesses immersed in a battle between good (the Rebels) and bad (the Cwn Annwn Council) which are lead competent sisters.
All the above were new authors for me.
I agree, Laurie that chemistry between elite athletes can be a very powerful dynamic. Thanks for all the book recs!
DeleteI am sorry, I simply cannot get into racing - any kind other than horse racing. I like stories which have good character development and rivals can bring out the best and worst in one another. Still having a hard time with reading. I have recently found one that is interesting and I am trying to keep invested in the story. The Wandering Season. I have hope for this one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely bring out the worst but, ultimately, also the best.
DeleteI’ve never watched F1 racing, but I enjoy sports romances so this sounds interesting! I do enjoy opposites-attract or rivals-to-lovers romances.
ReplyDeleteThe books that are keeping me glued to the pages these days are largely character driven stories that really flesh out the inner lives of the characters.
This is very much character driven.
DeleteRacing was not of any interest to me but opposites/attract and rival-to-lovers do greatly. So much fun to read about the personalities and their ongoing trials and tribulations. Novels with depth and ones that linger forever in my heart.
ReplyDelete