formula 1 racing is a really interesting world to set this story in. i think it helps elevate it beyond what you expect from sports romances. it moves a different pace and sets different stakes.

the prose was really enjoyable in here. i like how urgent the current timeline was, how reflective and introspective the back half of the book was, and how the flashbacks in the first half were purposeful and rhythmic. they felt like warm memories coming back in, and you got the emotional depth from the moments without them being full scenes.

and i really loved how this book dropped you right into the tense moments. it presents the stakes at the start, and uses the first half to slowly build as to why they matter so much and to prove why they're so high.

Travis and Jacob work really well together. they have similar journeys, but they learn those lessons about each other in different ways and use that knowledge to be a different kind of better person for the other. their romance exists in a way to give their characters meaning. it doesn't feel cheap. and the steamy scenes were done in a way that were impactful and effective without being exploitive. you learned more about these guys in those moments.

and that cover! stunning.

The writing in this story drew me in from page one. The sudden drama of the crash, of a secret boyfriend, the angst and pain Travis felt of not being able to be in the room with Jacob worked for me. Unfortunately, the book kind of stalled there for a bit too long. I understand Jacob couldn’t magically wake up the next day from his medical coma after such a tragic crash, but it left Travis’s thoughts circling around and around and stalled the momentum I thought the first chapter had.

Going back and forth in time we see how Travis and Jacob hooked up, and how Jacob became the center of Travis’s life, and to be honest, Jacob wasn’t a great boyfriend. Constantly testing Travis, going out on a date with a girl, going out with friends without inviting Travis — knowing he was Travis’s only friend, only source of company — and doing it maliciously. But … it is understandable from Travis’s POV because this is his first and only boyfriend, his first and only sex partner, and he’s given everything he had to this person.

When we get to Jacob’s side of the story, he still doesn’t come across as a good boyfriend, and we learn nothing new about the relationship. He obsesses over those same moments not to reflect on them or how they hurt Travis, but to excuse them because he had his reasons, really, for being a bit of a dick to Travis. And because we never see more to the relationship, moments where Travis might have been in the wrong, too clingy, too distant, too anything … it feels like a very one sided romance.

And then all the angst is done and they’re both trying to get back to one another. Travis’s healing happened while Jacob was naval gazing, as Travis made friends, found a support system that wasn’t just and all about Jacob, and learned to stand up for himself. Jacob, on the other hand, just wants Travis back. There’s no real growth for him, on page or in between them. He’s just cured one day and there you go. True, he was in therapy after the crash, but all of his answers and realizations came from him sitting alone with his own thoughts, and then it felt like he just got tired of thinking and wanted to be back in bed with Travis.

All that said, the writing is smooth and the pacing is good. It was an easy read and while I would have liked maybe a smidge more about the racing world, this is primarily a romance with a focus on the troubled relationship between Travis and Jacob that ended with no real change or correction to the problems they were having. I will be very curious to read more from this author, but this book is just a “fine” from me.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me an ARC

Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this book. Despite being in a reading slump for the past month or so, I ended up devouring this book in one day. Ironically, I’ve been searching for a book with this very specific premise for a while — a F1 driver in a secret relationship with a F2 driver. So, I think it was somewhat fated that I ended up getting accepted to read this ARC.

Most sports romances follow a very specific formula (pun intended), but Crash Test breaks the mould in multiple different aspects. I’m not a massive fan of multiple POVs, but I like how the chapters of this book were divided. The first half of the story follows Travis and includes some retrospection of their relationship. The second half of the story follows Jacob and how he copes with the fallout of both of his relationship and career. Then at the end, the two POVs come together, but they mesh together so well. It never felt like reading the dual POVs was repetitive, but rather lent necessary insights to each of the main character’s mindsets and emotional journeys.

Initially, I ended up really adoring Travis from the start, and it was easy for me to empathize and connect with him as a character. But, that empathy and draw toward Jacob didn’t click for me straightaway. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t ever enjoy him as a character, but that changed after getting the glimpse of the dynamic between Jacob and his parents — making it easy for me to understand why he chose to act the way he did toward Travis. There were definitely a lot of intricacies that were revealed through reading his POV that made me like him more than I did when the story began.

I think the only thing that knocked my rating down from a 5-star read was the fact that the ending felt a bit rushed. There was a lot of angst building up to their reunion, and it felt as if them getting back together was too easy. In my opinion, it would’ve been a bit more realistic to have some reluctance on Travis’ end due to the heartbreak that Jacob unintentionally caused him. It would’ve been more satisfying to have Jacob grovel a bit more and have to show that he’s actually serious. But, this small gripe didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story and Amy James’ writing.

It’s also a little silly, and I’m not sure if Amy James will ever read this review, but I’m on my hands and knees begging for a book about Matty if you have the muse for it! Your writing brought me so much joy, and there were so many background characters that felt like this was a well-rounded and curated fictional world that could be built upon.

This book was so good! Thankfully I was able to get my hands on an ARC of this! I literally finished it in two days I would’ve finished it in one but i stayed up too late reading it and knocked out. The main couple of this book are both cute but also made me have to sit back and go “what are you two doing”. The supporting characters are hilarious especially Heather and her friendship with Travis!

For me, I found the structure of this book to be what set it apart from others that I’ve read, and why I devoured it and couldn’t put it down. The story telling structure was unique, and I was able to follow it fairly well. It’s a master class in how to tell a story full of heart, heartbreak, and self discovery.

Travis and Jacob’s romance as drivers in the F1 and F2 circuit as told through a combination of POVs and time jumps makes you truly think through motives and who they each are as people. We get to know Travis through his eyes alternating back and forth in time as he fell in love with Jacob, Jacob as he discovered who he is, and the future for the two of them.

Sometimes, I struggled knowing exactly whose POV I was reading in the third act, but it became clear a few paragraphs in. I would have liked clear guidance to start, but it’s not a dealbreaker in a book!

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager, as well as NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

i am, admittedly, a little confused about this one. it wasn’t a bad book, but it’s hard to feel like a book can truly be a romance when its two main characters spend virtually the entire time apart (and even when they’re in the same room, one of them is in a coma for most of it. lol.) choosing to have the titular crash as the inciting incident — as opposed to, say, partway through the book after watching their relationship develop organically — really relied on the audience’s ability to believe in their connection. the flashbacks to different moments in their relationship did help in this sense, but i don’t feel like the emotional devastation was as potent as it could be if we watched them fall in love before this happened at all.

i also, unfortunately, did not like the reconciliation. the ending felt rushed and a little abrupt, especially after they spent ten months apart! practically zero groveling on jacob’s part is kind of nasty work, i can’t lie. overall, though, this was a pretty easy read, and i devoured it in a day. i just wanted a little more out of it!

Sometimes, you need to grow apart in order to grow together.

When a massive crash in the middle of a race injures multiple racers and even kills one, Travis Keeping's whole world is knocked off kilter. Secretly, Travis and one of the injured racers, Jacob Nichols, were in a relationship, and this crash (and Jacob's family) might have just taken the only boy he's ever loved from him. Jacob was rising to success in F2 when he experiences the worst crash of his life, both physically and mentally. Now he's struggling through physical therapy, moving back in with his parents, and coming to terms with never racing again. But if something is within the realm of possibility... do something.

This was a rollercoaster of emotions! I am a huge fan of this book for two reasons: 1.) it introduced me to a subject that I wasn't previously informed on (Racing! and I found it incredibly interesting.) and 2.) it demonstrated the fact that you truly need to make peace with yourself before pursuing anyone else. For Travis and Jacob to each find companionship outside of each other was SO. important.

Otherwise, it was a really interesting read. Bonus points for when Travis waited for Jacob to get better (for weeks. multiple flights. missed practices.) I thought it was endearing.

Loved it! And I offered the following blurb:
Crash Test is a deeply romantic page-turner with a pace almost as fast as its F1 drivers! I couldn't put it down. - Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of The New Guy

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

I never expected this book to hit me the way it did. I don't like sports, I have no interest whatsoever in cars, and together I was expecting a "skip most of this book to get to the juicy parts" kind of read. What a false impression that was. This book is incredibly tender, with SO MUCH HURT before the comfort, Don't let the sports part turn you away from a truly beautiful book.

As the blurb states, Travis and Jacob are race car drivers. Travis is on a massive winning streak when Jacob is suddenly involved in a massive wreck that leaves several drivers dead and Jacob in a coma, surrounded by his homophobic family who close ranks to keep the boyfriend they didn't know he had away. Travis tries to pick up the pieces of his now shattered life without Jacob and their story together is told through flashbacks as Travis remembers what he has now lost.

Eventually, Jacob comes out of his coma, and in a truly distressing move breaks up with and sends poor Travis away. The book then switches POVs as we move into the present day and see events from both perspectives as both men grow and heal.

The only real issue I had with this book, and the reason why it doesn't merit five stars for me, is simply due to the fact that it wasn't quite long enough. The pair spend most of the book apart. Most of the interactions and the romance we see between them is told through flashbacks (where unfortunately Jacob doesn't come through as much of a catch). It would have been really nice to have a better balance between the two halves of the story. As it is, it's more like two thirds apart and one third together.

I massively enjoyed this book and could barely put it down. I think I read it in about six hours. I loved the writing and hope the author will write more queer romance in future as this one was great

I had to take a day after finishing this book to decide how I felt about it. I absolutely loved parts of it and there were parts that I wasn't fond of. Overall, I think I would recommend this book generally. To know me is to know I HATE when a book alternates between past and present. So, when the second chapter came about after the extremely emotional hospital scene where we don't know if Jacob is going to live or what was wrong, I was angry. At that moment I could care less about how the two met. So, I skimmed that chapter. I know it's a me thing, but not my favorite. I pushed through and was glad I did. During Travis' portion of the book, you see how Jacob actually hurt him in a lot of ways, and you felt the pain of neglect and inconsistency from Jacob.

When we get to Jacob's turn, and you see the pain and hurt, he's felt growing up in his family you understand why he has treated Travis the way he has. It gives great insight although it doesn't make it okay. I did love seeing him work through psychotherapy.

At this point I loved loved loved where we were at in the book. Time for the two to be together!

Travis and Jacob!
This is where you lose me. I felt so much emotion and tension leading up to their reunion and then we both take overseas flights without talking to the other after 10 months ????? And then the first conversation we have we're back together in minutes???? It felt rushed and I need more closure on Travis' behalf. They seemed to have both grown in the time apart and discovered themselves the first conversation disappointed me. The last 3 chapters felt rushed through and I needed more!!!!

"I feel so awful and hateful inside, it spills out into everything I say, everything I do."

Characters: 4⭐
Plot: 4⭐
Writing Style: 4.5⭐
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐
Overall rating: 4⭐

What to expect? I think it's better to go into this read blind. Just know that it's an f1 romance, it takes patience to read, and the premise is that one of the guys gets in a crash, but they're closeted boyfriends, so it creates a whole mess. And then we jump around in time and the book isn't what you think it'll be.

Things I loved?
🔸 The switching of POV's, I really loved getting to know the characters and I loved how complex they were.
🔸 The found family aspect was lovely.
🔸 The plot wasn't linear and it went where it needed to go.
🔸 I loved the balance of f1 content and romance/personal growth content. It was a good blend overall.

What could be improved?
🔸 The way forgiveness was handled towards the end of the book kinda pissed me off. But whatever.

Books recs if you liked this one?
🔸 Thrown Off the Ice by Taylor Fitzpatrick. This is a hockey mm romance and it'll make you cry for several hours as you read and for several hours after you've finished but it's worth it I promise. These two books tackle some of the same issues.
🔸 Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. Another hockey mm romance. Outstanding characters that are closeted. A good mix of sports and romance.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

thank you netgalley for giving me an arc of this book!

the premise of this story was really interesting to me from the beginning, and i was so excited to start it. and I was right! i was very hooked from the very first page, and enjoyed how we were thrown right in the middle of the chaos. travis was also extremely relatable, his character hit close to home for me.
the first half of this book is so very good, the plot is pretty fast-paced, has really decent writing, and is very gripping.

however, the second half of the book unfortunately loses me, i was very disappointed by what i was reading as again, the first half i enjoyed. the writing and interesting quotes lack and feels very cheap, the pacing was starting to get a little wonky, and i didn’t like how rushed the reunion between travis and jacob felt. it just felt so forced which is unfortunate as their story and chemistry was really hitting hard at the beginning. why did i feel their love for each other was stronger when they were apart rather when they when they were together and being loved by each other?

I thought this book was well done. I appreciated the mental health aspect that played a huge part in the story. I liked the characters and applauded a "real" ending as well as how the author portrayed the highs and lows of a relationship.

Frankly, I enjoyed this book. I’m so grateful that I didn’t require a bare knowledge of Formula racing (because it’s a big fat zero) to understand the nuances of this book. This allowed me to just dive into the story itself and simply enjoy it.

The first 1/3rd of the book is written in Travis’s perspective as Jacob is in a horrific crash that derails their lives. This perspective had me from the first chapter and had my stomach in knots thinking about what it would be like if my partner was hurt and I wasn’t allowed to see/comfort him. Travis’s story of loneliness and grief was devastating and compelling and had me getting teary-eyed more often than not.

The next 1/3rd followed Jacob’s perspective post break up and recovery. As a fellow queer, I always say that it’s unforgivable to treat your partner like garbage when you get scared of the relationship (even when you’re in the closet). There’s never a reason to spew vitriol and someone who loves and respects you. That being said, I do understand the rage and depression that consumed Jacob during recovery (there’s pain in wanting to do something, but your body not allowing you to) and being stuck at home with family that are homophobic and overbearing and careless when it comes to your needs. I understand blaming the wrong people because you’re unable to blame the people that deserve it (you included). I liked his development with his therapist, generally. I feel like the internal homophobia was never truly addressed, though. As someone who had to overcome a difficult relationship with comp-het, I think that’s unfortunate. It would made his story so much more compelling.

The final 1/3rd felt rushed to me. There was not enough groveling on Jacob’s part-his cruelness shouldn’t have been forgiven so easily. Travis deserved more respect than that. And that made the HEA feel a bit rushed and lacking.

That being said, I would read this book over and over again for Travis. And for the way Travis built a found family of people who loved him when Jacob didn’t. And for the way his friends protected him when Jacob popped back into his life.

there were a lot of twists and turns in this book and i had no idea what to expect going in. i can’t say that the two MMC’s didn’t annoy me because they sure did ! miscommunication trope dowwwwwn. however, it was super well written and i read it in less than two days because i couldn’t put it down 🫶🏻

Crash Test by Amy James is a new standalone MM F1 romance. Travis is a solitary person whose only focus is being the best F1 driver possible. He doesn’t allow himself a personal life and keeps everyone at arm’s length. It isn’t until Jacob, an up and coming F2 driver, bursts into his life and shows him there is more than driving that Travis loosens up. Tragedy hits and Jacob finds the life he has as a F2 driver over. Instead of pulling Travis close he shoves the man away with both hands. Both men are miserable without each other but learn to find new normals. But the lure of racing and Travis lead Jacob around the world in an attempt to find happiness.

I really enjoyed this book even if it was a bit predictable with pacing off at certain times. I liked Travis as a character because he was himself, he knew he was weird, cold and blunt at times but when he allowed himself to feel he cared deeply. I loved seeing his friends' group blossom and embrace him when he needed it most. Jacob was a bit of a mess but that also suited him. Who knows how they would react to waking up to find that the life they’ve been working towards is gone so Jacob being emotionally all over the place makes sense even if Travis pays the price. Watching Jacob work on himself was so important because he wasn’t ready to embrace everything Travis was offering. The two men found themselves in the midst of trying to find their way back to each other.

4 stars for Travis and Jacob’s challenging race towards a future.

Travis is a Formula 1 driver who is in a secret relationship with a Formula 2 driver Jacob. Jacob is in a horrible accident while driving and ends up in the hospital in critical condition , Travis has to deal with his emotions while not giving away their secret.

Dealing with his emotions along with his big secret while trying to keep driving on top of Jacobs horrible homophobic family ends up being too much for Travis. I don't want to say too much and give spoilers but I will say I never thought a book about race car drivers would bring me to tears.

I absolutely adore Travis, the sweetest cinnamon roll. He's quite the loaner but turns out he has more people in his court than he thought throughout the story. I never thought the author could redeem Jacob in my eyes and they surprised me. The characters are written so real and with such love and feeling. The side characters were also well written and lovely.

I read this book so fast, I needed to know what was going to happen next. I loved all these characters and want to give them all a big hug.

Fast paced, emotional and funny and really recommend this story even if you know nothing about racing.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There's a common plotline in a number of MM sports romances where everything is going fine with a secret relationship until one of them gets injured during a game (or, in this case, a race). Typically, this happens about 75% of the way through a book, but Crash Test smartly opens with this scenario.

F1 driver Travis has the championship in his sights when news comes through that there's been a major crash in an F2 race involving his secret boyfriend of the past year, Jacob. The narrative then follows the fallout of this accident and how it impacts both of their racing careers and their chance at a future together. In short, I read this whole book in a day while traveling and cried a lot in public. It's not a perfect story (simply put, not enough groveling), but its narrative structure felt fresh, and I loved the way things unfolded through flashbacks and switching POVs.

I adored this book. I felt the characters were well developed and once I started it I couldn’t put it down. It was a hard fought HEA with everything they had to go through to end up together. Highly recommend this one. Those who love Red, White and Royal Blue will love this one.

Unfortunately, though I appreciate some of the things the book was gesturing towards doing, I don’t think it pulled it off. I was initially charmed by the character dynamic, but it went stale quickly when it became clear this was very much a telling by summarization rather than showing book. Also a lot of the significant character growth happens off page and so we’re just supposed to buy that they’re different now. In one very significant case, it makes it hard to root for the ending because I haven’t been sold on it.

Also, I joke about learning all my sports knowledge through gay romances but I do feel like this book needed more in it about the actual racing. Supposedly this is the most important activity for these two people. Ok, make me believe that. Get me invested in what is so fantastic about this and how it works rather than just assuring me it’s fun.