Thank you #NetGalley #Dreamscape for the ALC!!

I enjoyed this listen. The plot, while predictable, was unique. That is a perfect balance for me!! It's different but you don't have to exhaust yourself trying to follow along. I do feel that it could have been a lot shorter. I had fun with this unique take on a classic trope.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for providing me with an ALC of this novel.

3.25/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

I am a huge F1 and racing fan, so I was super excited to read this racing romance! I feel like the author was true to the sport. The plot was predictable, but still a fun contemporary romance with a little spice. I just wasn’t in love with the characters and feel like they lacked depth or development.

I love an F1 romance! Will and Mira enter the season, each with their own baggage from the past. Will made bad choices in his initial F1 debut; choices that make him want to prove that he's not that guy anymore and is capable of a championship win. Mira is back to redeem herself with her dad (the team principal) and get past some demons from an experience as a teenager. Mira's storyline was heartbreaking, and it was something that unfortunately could easily happen in real life. I wanted to hug her and tell her it wasn't her fault at several points of this book. The 3rd act hurt my heart, but things came together nicely at the end. I appreciated so much that the conflict wasn't about Will being an "F1 party boy" because I see that a lot. I'd read more in this world if Amanda wrote it!

I really appreciated the quality of the audio. The dual narration added to the story and creating the character in my head. Things sounded good at various speeds, which I loved as someone who tends to speed audio up.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC of this book for an honest review.

One of the best racing romance books. Mira is re-joining her dad's racing company 7 years after she left. Will was hired on as a new driver 3 years after a scandal. Sparks fly almost instantly, but Mira wants to stay just friends to keep another potential scandal away. Friends to lovers. Spicy 2.5/5.

The title is so perfect for so many aspects of this story— and it’s not all about racing. I loved the forbidden love aspect of this story. Will and Mira had instant chemistry it was like zero to hundred full speed ahead! I loved the way the story including many aspects of formula one racing. It made the story so entertaining. The audiobook was narrated by Samantha Summers and Zac Smith. It was dual narrated and they really brought so much emotion to the story. I felt like I was falling in love as they were giving into their feelings.

I liked Mira & Wills story but i could NOT get over the media in this fake world. IN WHAT WORLD do you blame the literal CHILD. Ugh, i hate men.

Publisher's summary
He’s the one man she can’t have…
Will Hawley is everything Mira Wentworth should avoid. He’s devastatingly hot, king of the party boys, and the new driver on her father’s Formula One team. Mira learned her lesson about drivers the hard way after a mistake cost her everything. She’s spent years trying to make her way back into the world of racing. Now, as a team assistant, she has her second chance, and no one is going to get in her way.
She’s the one woman he wants…
After his party boy antics nearly blew up his racing career, Will is finally back in the driver’s seat and determined to get onto the podium. He likes to think he’s reformed, but with one look at the boss’ daughter, he’s willing to risk it all.
As the heat builds between Mira and Will, their chemistry deepens into something more. But when the ugly events of the past come to call, their fragile new relationship is put to the test. Can Mira and Will’s love cross the finish line?

Thanks to NetGalley & Slowburn for the ALC of this book!

Fast & Reckless
A Racing Hearts Novel, Book 1
By: Amanda Weaver
Narrated by: Samantha Summers, Zac Smith
Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
Publisher: Slowburn

This was a steamy friends to lovers, dual POV, forbidden romance between a FI driver looking to repair his bad reputation and the daughter of the team owner with her own bad reputation she's trying to live down. I really enjoyed this first book in a new Formula 1 sports romance series. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Lauren Asher and K. Bromberg. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amanda Weaver's Fast & Reckless is a perfectly enjoyable contemporary romance that delivers exactly what you'd expect—a passionate and tumultuous love story with some fast cars, and glamorous settings. However, while it was a pleasant read, it ultimately felt somewhat unremarkable and predictable, which kept it from being truly memorable.

I felt that Weaver did a good job of creating the tension and attraction between Will and Mira even though it was a bit insta-lovey for my liking. Both main characters were likable, even though I wanted to throttle Miranda for not seeming to grasp that she was the victim of statutory rape and not the perpetrator of all sorts of betrayals, and most of Will’s growth as a character took place before the events of the main plot. The secondary characters were also charming, but ultimately didn’t add much depth to the story. Both Samantha Summers and Zac Smith did a great job of bringing each character to life.

I liked the descriptions of the racing world and- while I know nothing about Formula 1 and therefore couldn’t say if the depictions were accurate- they felt authentic and exciting. It was, for me anyway, a unique backdrop for a contemporary romance and consequently gave it a fresh feel.
That said, the plot, while solidly crafted, felt a bit formulaic at times. The conflicts between the characters were resolved almost as soon as they arose, and the stakes for the main relationship never felt particularly high.

Overall, Fast & Reckless is a fun read. It’s the kind of book that I had a good time reading, but will probably not linger in my mind afterward.

Thank you to Dreamscape Select & NetGalley for an ARC of this Audiobook, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I listened to this audiobook and absolutely loved the dual narration. (I especially enjoyed that the narrator for Will was British, it matched his vibe perfectly).

I’m still in my F1 Romance Era, and this one did not disappoint! Fast paced on the track and in love, I enjoyed Mira and Will’s story! And as an Avid fan of the sport it makes me so happy when I read an F1 Romance that actually showcases the sport in action while reading! This one was equal parts love and equal parts racing, and I loved every minute of it!

It was on the shorter side so it didn’t get too deep, but I definitely would recommend this to all my Sports Romance girlies! This would be a great beginning book if you’re looking to start your F1 Romance journey!

Thank you netgalley and dreamscape media for the free ALC. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I wish alternate narrators were selected as it work away from the story for me. I think I would give this one another chance if it were recorded again.

3.5/5☆

Quick Summary: A racing romance

My Review: Fast & Reckless by Amanda Weaver is book #1 in the Racing Hearts series. This NA romance was released on 9/10/24.

About the Book: Will Hawley and Mira Wentworth crashed together on their own terms. They went from zero to one hundred, quickly facing serious obstacles along the way, only to come out winners on the race that matters most.

About the Characters:

Mira - > A devastating mistake in her past and a false accusation by someone who was supposed to care for her kept Mira suspended in life. Was she ready to finally take a stand for herself and give in to her heart's desire?

Will: Painted as an out of control playboy once upon a time, Will now had a lot to prove. Is he willing to sacrifice all that he's gained with Mira for the sake of a career high?

About the Narration: This novel was narrated by Samantha Summers and Zac Smith. They were the right team to tell this story. Their vocal chemistry kept the story interesting. There were two scenes, in particular, that were so emotional that I was brought to tears. The rhythm and intensity of the moments were spot on.

My Favorite Scenes: Two of the racing event scenes stood out to me. It was like I was at the race. They were nail bitingly good.

My Final Say: I thoroughly enjoyed this sports romance. I look forward to reading and/or listening to the other stories associated with this series.

Other: Readers who enjoy romances that rev up the engines will like this story.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status/Level: 🏆
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Dreamscape Select, Slowburn), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to listen this novel and to become acquainted with this writer.

The chemistry between Mira and Will was electric! I absolutely loved this audiobook! The mix of Formula One racing and the sizzling tension between them kept me hooked from start to finish. Mira is determined to stay professional after a past mistake cost her everything, but Will’s charm and persistence make it impossible for her to resist. Will, trying to rebuild his career, has his sights set on both the podium and Mira, and watching their relationship evolve was a thrill.

The narrators, Samantha Summers and Zac Smith, did a fantastic job bringing both characters to life, making their flirty banter and emotional moments feel so real. The blend of romance and the high stakes of the racing world had me on edge the whole time. If you’re looking for a romance that’s full of heart, heat, and high stakes, I highly recommend this audiobook!

Book 1 in a new series

Mira loves F1 racing. She grew up with it. But a scandal drove her away from the sport when she was 16. She's grown a lot and is ready to come back. She will prove to her father that she is responsible. Then, she meets Will. The team's new driver- and former F1 bad boy. He is also back for a second chance. Sparks fly. They both know they shouldn't become involved, but they can't help it.

The foray into racing was a nice break since this seems to be the year of hockey romances. I also enjoy racing- though I am far more familiar with stock cars than open wheel. I liked both Mira and Will, though the chemistry is not quite what it could have been. Their relationship was more sweet than burning.

What continued to bother me throughout the book was Mira's backstory. A 16 year old girl with a 30 year old man should never have been her scandal. She was the bad guy and I don't get that.

I will definitely keep my eye out for book 2.

Samantha Summers and Zac Smith narrate the audiobook. I am not familiar with either, but I enjoyed the narration.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.