Thank you firstly to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for this arc.

As a long time fan of all things F1, I was extremely excited for this book. Especially taking into account that both leads were BIPOC, seeing as we’re so underrepresented in sports media (both in real life and in fiction).

However, this book fell short of the mark in many ways than one.

It didn’t read well. The writing was choppy, and took me out of the reading experience.

I also unfortunately felt absolutely nothing for the main characters. They felt somewhat empty so I didn’t get the urge to root for or even against the development of the relationship.

This one is a personal gripe but seeing as Willow dealt with chronic illness, it felt almost belittling to shape her character into the “meek, weak, frail girl who needs saving”. There were many references to her needing support from the male lead and a number of the men in her life feeling a pull to ‘look out for her’ which was just a bit much for me.

everything about this book was so charming and so so cute !
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willow ―୨୧⋆ ˚ i loved willow and her pov - she was absolutely adorable and the way her chronic illness was written about was impeccable. it was mentioned and talked about enough that didn’t feel like it was just something to make her character ‘different’ but it wasn’t too much that it was her WHOLE personality. i really enjoyed seeing her working for dev too - it really displayed her intelligence and made her character even better ! ( i love hearing about the jobs characters have and what they have to do ) !!
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dev ―୨୧⋆ ˚ 🫢 dev. just dev. at the beginning be seemed this stereotypically cocky arrogant athlete but then you read his pov when he sees her .. the love feels like it shines through .. that man could not stop talking/ thinking about her ..
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plot ―୨୧⋆ ˚ i thought this f1 romance was so lovely and really enjoyable read - it felt really engaging and i was genuinely hooked form about 20% in . i’m really excited to see where soltani goes with the series and who she decides to concentrate on next .. i will be eagerly waiting the next instalment
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it did start to feel a bit instlove when they finally got together and it moved very quickly - i didn’t love the multiple time skips at the end however it does seem to potentially set up the next book / add a little bit to the plot — other than that it was so fun to read

I loved this book, in every Formula One book I read there is always something that doesn't sit right, whether it be the pace, writing, characters etc. but Cross The Line was so well written, heart-warming, funny and I loved every page.

We see a lot of cultural representation in this book and I really enjoyed reading about the processes and traditions between Dev and Willow's families. Dev is so sweet, he's honestly one of my favourite characters I've met for a while and Willow compliments him very well.

We see a lot of racing and talks of contracts in this book which is exciting and I felt as though Simone rounded it off really well.

I'm hoping we will see more from Simone like this, I really enjoyed it and cannot recommend it enough to anyone who will listen.

After a social media disaster jeopardises Dev's career in Formula 1, he turns to someone he knows and trusts, a recent graduate looking for a job in sports marketing. But Willow is also someone Dev hasn't been able to get out of his head in months, not since they kissed, and were almost caught by Dev's best friend, who also happens to be Willow's big brother. Dev knows that Willow can get his career back on track, and Willow knows that doing so would be a big boost to her career, but they both know the biggest challenge will be keeping their relationship professional...

How has it taken me this long to read a Formula 1 romance?! Cross the Line is not only set in, but structured around the world of F1, and I loved the small details we get about both Dev's job as a driver and Willow's as his social media manager. While you don't need any prior F1 knowledge to enjoy this page-turning read, there are also a few sly stand-ins for current F1 teams and drivers that will delight fans of the sport. I also loved the romance side of the book: the slow-burn tension between Dev and Willow, as they struggle to pretend that their relationship is platonic, and the spice between them once they drop the pretence. I enjoyed seeing both sides of their relationship, as the book alternates chapters between Dev's and Willow's perspectives, and I also enjoyed the way the characters constantly celebrate all the things they like about each other.

We get a really well-rounded sense of who Dev and Willow are as characters, and I particularly liked the nuanced way in which Willow is portrayed as simultaneously strong and vulnerable. This is partly achieved through some much-appreciated representation of Willow's life dealing with chronic pain. I also loved the way Cross the Line explores Dev's and Willow's mixed race identities, particularly with the way that some of Dev's cheesier character traits are attributed to his love of Bollywood. I thought this was a great way to tick the romance cliché box, while keeping the story fresh. The only downside of the book for me was the epilogue, which I thought went a little far, but given the way I tore through Cross the Line, and couldn't stop thinking about it when I reluctantly put it down, I decided to stick with my five-star rating.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Simone Soltani for providing me with an ARC of "Cross the Line." With all the buzz surrounding this new diverse F1 romance, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to read an advance copy. Set to be published in May, the novel truly lives up to the fantastic reviews it has garnered. Having experienced a few F1 romances and being a fan of sports romances in general, "Cross the Line" brings a refreshing perspective to the genre.

One standout aspect is the thoughtful representation of South Asian characters, even from a non-South Asian author. The narrative delves into the challenges of being individuals of color in a predominantly white-dominated industry, providing a mature and clear portrayal of the characters' experiences. Dev, the main character, breaks away from typical "alpha male" stereotypes by approaching Willow with respect, navigating their relationship with consideration for her feelings about its public disclosure. Dev's endearing use of the term "jaanu" adds an emotional layer that tugs at the heartstrings.

While the plot leans towards lower stakes, revolving around Dev and Willow managing their respective roles while grappling with their feelings, there is a unique twist involving the forbidden nature of their relationship. The climax, focused on keeping their romance secret from Willow's older brother and Dev's best friend, offers some buildup but may not live up to the heightened anticipation. Despite this, the overall enjoyment of the book remains high, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

ARC Review:
Rating: As many stars as possible
Release date: Friday, September 15, 2023 (edit: now out in May 2024!)

In this comprehensive review, I want to emphasize the accuracy of the story to the sport of Formula One. Simone's evident background as an F1 fan contributes to a well-balanced narrative, seamlessly incorporating technical terms while ensuring accessibility for readers less familiar with the sport. The attention to detail extends to the fictional teams and drivers, offering enjoyable parallels with real-world counterparts while introducing original characters with depth and authenticity.

The ensemble cast of characters adds richness to the narrative, and Simone's ability to create original, multifaceted individuals shines through. Beyond the central characters of Willow and Dev, supporting figures like Chava, Mark, Patsy, Reid, and others capture the reader's affection, promising a delightful journey through the story.

The book's departure from the typical Romance Novel Trajectory is refreshing, avoiding a third-act breakup and presenting a unique take on the brother's best friend/best friend's off-limits little sister trope. Simone's skill in navigating familiar tropes with creativity and originality is evident once again.

One of the most noteworthy aspects is the portrayal of diverse characters in the F1 setting. Breaking away from the sport's historical lack of diversity, the inclusion of women working for the teams and characters of color on the grid is a commendable step forward for the representation of motorsport.

In summary, "Cross the Line" stands out as an exceptionally well-written motorsport romance, offering a breath of fresh air in the genre. Simone Soltani continues to elevate her storytelling prowess, leaving readers eager for more. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, this novel is a must-read, and I look forward to the next installment in the Lights Out series.

This novel was one of the cutest things I've ever read!
The characters and the world are so well written and the relationship between the protagonists is peak childhood friends to lovers.
If you love F1 and have impossibly high standards for men, then this is the book for you.

Thank you for the team at netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review cross the line.
I absolutely adored this book! I cant get enough of the cute characters, I hope we get to know them all more in future books.

It couldn't have been a better coincidence to have received this arc the same week as the start of the Formula 1 season. What better combination for someone who likes to read romance and F1 books. Cross the Line is a cute story between Dev, an F1 driver and Willow, the younger sister of his best friend. But there's more to their story than this. Willow is a recent graduate who struggles to find her dream job, which is to belong to a sports team. On the other hand, Dev, who despite been doing what he loves, is going through a rough patch due to a scandal and worse, is on a team that doesn't fully support him. By twists of fate, they meet again, which revives their feelings for each other. By making a deal to help each other, they decide to stay professional, even though their proximity doesn't help hide their true feelings. I found it to be an enjoyable story with a proper pace. I loved the relationship between Dev and Willow and how they always supported each other throughout the book. Thank God this book has no third act breakup. In addition to their relationship, I liked to see the interactions that were shown with Chava and Mark, as well as Chantal and Grace. I couldn't forget the brother-sister duo between Oakley and Willow, which I loved too. Beyond that, I liked that this story will touch on other important points that deserve representation, like chronic illness and diversity. However, if I felt that something was missing from the plot, I don't know if it was because it had long chapters or because of the writing style, but occasionally, there were moments when it lost my attention. Along with this, the last stretch of the story, I don't know how to describe it fully. Abrupt perhaps the best way to do it; I went from being curious, to being overwhelmed, and then to being happy in a matter of minutes. I know that the epilogue was to create a shock value and test a realistic point of what can happen in racing, but in my opinion, the execution was underdeveloped. Overall, it's a good storyline that has a lot of potential and that I recommend for those who love F1 x romance.

Thank to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

F1 romance! Shut the front door. IM A LOVER.

I really enjoyed the pace of the relationship. We dive straight in with Willow and Dev but they grow and develop. it does gets hot and spicey!!!

I love F1 and I did enjoy that while some creative licence was made, it didn’t feel so unbelievable.

Chronic pain representation, I felt, was handled with love and care.

A super fun romance!!

I am big into Formula 1 and in many ways this was the F1 romance I have been WAITING for! It was fun, sparkling and the author writes the romantic tension so well! Sometimes it’s all I could do not to giggle and kick me feet while reading out in public.

Personally I could have done with one or two less ‘fuck, I’m in trouble’ lines. We get it you’re really into each other. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the constant POV switching as each new chapter would end up having some sort of small recap in of what had just happened but from the other POV which just really slowed it down for me. Again I get it, you’re into each other. It’s been abundantly confirmed!

Also am really hoping there’s going to be more, because there were a few times where other characters or events were mentioned in such a way that I for sure thought they were going to have a bigger moment later on. So either it was a weird random inclusion or more must be coming for these people right??? Either way, would love to read more!

I was thrilled when I got this arc, the premise of this book had me hooked and it didn't disappoint.
I had a great time reading this and would definitely read it again.
The characters were incredibly lovable and it was amazing that Dev wasn't an alpha male but a guy who's into Bollywood movies and isn't afraid to talk about his feelings.
I loved the cast diversity. It felt as if a lot of research was done by the author when handling the cultural aspect surrounding the characters but also her knowledge on F1.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan & Netgalley for the eARC!!

What is it about sports romance that is so compelling?

I will never turn down the chance to read any sports romance, (not that I have any interest in sports in real life!). I really enjoyed Simone Soltani's writing style, she crafted really lovable characters and all of their personalities jumped off the page. I could picture the characters so clearly in my mind as they were so real and fleshed out through the writing.

The main reason I dropped this a star is that I found myself struggling with the pacing of the story. I had to force myself to pick this book up instead of just scrolling aimlessly on my phone, and that's so abnormal for me. I kept reading for the characters and wanted to see them get their happy ending, but the plot itself felt a little too slow paced for me personally.

** I received an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **

What an amazing romance story! I wasn’t an F1 girlie before but I definitely am now.

Willow and Dev are charming and so well written. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Cross the line is a F1 romance and I have been waiting for this one for the longest time.
I loved how almost all of the characters had diverse backgrounds, it was handled so well.
Also loved seeing representation of chronic illness since Willow had hyper mobility which was extremely good represented.
Another obsession of mine is wanting to see female main characters that are medium or bigger sized since there is so little representation in romance books. As a person who also has stretch marks, it made me so happy to see how a girl that is not “perfect” can also be loved like any other human being.

Dev, the male main character, is such a romantic!! He loves watching Bollywood movies when he’s down and loved listening to Indian songs. He did call er “jaanu” which means beloved in Indian and that’s so adorable but he usually called her baby and tbh I don’t vibe with that.

A big plus of this book was that there was no third act break up and it felt so refreshing to have that.

Unfortunately it’s not a book which will stay in my mind for a long time but it still was a very entertaining read.

3.75⭐️

Loved these characters so much, and the eds rep was so good to see! I loved the tropes and how it felt young and fresh but not immature. Thank you so much for the arc, I've been hoping to read this for so long. Full review will be on Goodreads soon!

🏎️🏎️🏎️
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I grew up watching Formula 1 with my dad so naturally when I find a romance book with a cute cover and F1 details I want to read it.

Cross the Line is a beautifully written slow burn romance between an F1 driver and his best friend’s little sister.

Willow is a mixed, high heel wearing, chronical illness owning and macaron obsessed queen (I want to be like her) and Dev is a formula 1 driver in the mids of a social media scandal who desperately needs Willows help (he’s just a little (very much) obsessed with her).

I loved how Willows chronic illness was woven into the story and her close relationship with her brother and his best friends (not just Dev).
Dev is the leader of the bookboyfriends club “I am absolutely in love with my girlfriend, and you can do nothing about it”. With Dev being half Indian and half American, it was awesome to see how his culture defines him as a person and how his friends became a part of everything going on in his life.

It is the perfect read to start off the Formula 1 season and for everyone who loves romance without much drama.
🏎️🏎️🏎️

Thanks to Pan Macmillan & Netgalley for the eARC!!

Cross the line by Simone Soltani 

This is a brother's best friend F1 romance, and my first F1 romance at that. 
This story features Formula 1 driver Dev Anderson and Willow Williams recent media graduate. Dev is struggling with his image after a run-in with his old social media team, and Willow is struggling to get any job with a sports team. They realise the answers to each other's problems, however, there is one catch... They have to be professional regardless of the crazy chemistry between them. 

This book is lovely, the romance feels well-paced and not rushed. You also get to travel the world with the pair and fall more in love with what makes them special. Dev is so lovable, he is kind, funny and obviously extremely dedicated to the sport. However, this book is very much a she falls first HE FALLS HARDER which I absolutely loved. 

Willow is wonderful. This is a golden retriever x golden retriever, and although this is not usually what I would go for I really enjoyed it. They were both kind with each other's feelings.  The smut was amazing and did not overcompensate the plot. 

All in al, this was a very well-written sports romance and I am so happy it was my first F1 romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simone Soltani for this ARC.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. A perfec mix of romance and Formula 1. All the pining and the tension was perfect. And the resolution for the main couple was incredible. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Sometimes, all you want is a quick and delightful read, and "Cross the Line" was precisely that kind of book for me. I found myself enamored with the characters and their interactions, both with each other and with the side characters. While I initially had reservations about Mark, he ended up growing on me as the story progressed. Despite the book containing some clichés, the author managed to present them in a manner that wasn't off-putting and kept me engaged throughout. In my opinion, this makes it the perfect romance novel to enjoy during the spring or summer months.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this arc.

I’ll start by saying that I absolutely loved diving into the world of F1 which was completely unfamiliar to me before I read this book. I can’t speak to how authentically the author portrayed the sport but I do feel like I learned a great deal about. I also loved how she gave Dev a height that was realistic for an F1 driver, for some reason that really stuck out to me.

Now talking about our main characters, I absolutely loved Dev!! He’s sense of humor was stellar and he actually had me laughing out loud from time to time. Willow was also fantastic main character and I enjoyed how both of them were simultaneously experiencing periods of growth in their respective lives. The author does a great job at showing them as individuals who are finding themselves while building a relationship with each other.

With that said the story was a slow burn and I do believe that it could have been paced a bit better because it felt like it dragged toward the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read, with extensive representation, and for fans of F1.