I really enjoyed this, I’ve only read one other book with F1 and didn’t really like it, but happy to say F1 isn’t the problem!

⭐️4.25

🏁 F1
📸 Brothers best friend
🏁 Forced Proximity
📸 Chronic Illness Rep
🏁 Boy Obsessed
📸 South Asian MMC / Black FMC
🏁 No 3rd Act Break Up

These two had it bad for each other but after Willow had a relationship with a different friend of her brothers, which ended badly, they are determined to keep things strictly professional!

So we get a lush slow burn whilst they spend all their time together, just generally being absolutely adorable to each other and wanting the best for one another, green flags all round.

I did the audio for this and it was so good, both narrators really fit their parts and were great at getting you fully immersed in the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Simone for the ALC.

I had such a good time while listening to this. The story was so fun and cute, and it kept me very entertained. The characters were so lovable, the writing was amazing, and the narrators were so good.

I of course loved the formula one aspect, that’s definitely a huge plus for me. I loved the setting, the aesthetics, and the references to the current f1 teams and drivers were great.

I also really liked the plot; I was genuinely invested in Dev’s career and how they’d handle his issues with the team. I do think it dragged on a little bit, though. It felt almost insta-lovey to me, and that’s not a trope I tend to enjoy.

Considering this is a debut story, it’s so beautifully written and developed. I’m definitely looking forward to the upcoming books in this series!

I have nothing wrong to say about this book, i listened to the audiobook and i was for the most part of the book “ uuuh that’s nice” and then IT GOT ABSOLUTELY BETTER and i had the best time
The sunshine and sunshine trope was done to perfection and i forgive miss soltani for edging us with the book for so long BECAUSE THE WAIT WAS SO WORTH IT YOU GUYS

AND THOSE SPICY SCENES ON AUDIO???? Mhmhmhm chef’s kiss, the narrators were amazing throughout the whole book

I loved the blending of f1 and the fact that it was not overdone but it had the perfect amount to still enjoy it
AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I HOPE WE GET SOME OTHER PEOPLES BOOK MISS SOLTANI

So if you where not aware i loved this book🤭

Thank you Netgalley and MacmillanUk for the audiobook

If I had read the book instead of listening to it, it might have earned a higher rating, possibly even a five-star one. The audio version made my attention wander at times, which affected my overall experience. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the entire plot. It was filled with many interesting and funny moments that kept me entertained.

I especially appreciated how the world of Formula 1 was vividly described. The author did a fantastic job of immersing the reader in this high-speed, glamorous world. The side characters were also well-developed and added depth to the story, making it even more engaging. The cultural references throughout the book were a delightful touch, and I found myself smiling at many of them.

I was really excited about this book and had high expectations. I was convinced I would be absolutely thrilled, but the audio version didn't quite capture my interest as I had hoped. Despite this, I still think the book has a lot to offer, and I'm looking forward to giving it another try by reading the physical copy. I'm confident that experiencing the story in print will allow me to fully appreciate all the nuances and details that might have been missed in the audio format.

I was so excited to read this book. The cover was cute, the plot seemed interesting and I loved that there was a south Asian rep. And looking at the reviews I’m clearly in the minority when I say this, but I didn’t enjoy it.

The book is about Willow (FMC) who has always had a crush on her brother’s best friend Dev (FMC). Dev is an F1 driver and he’s had some bad media recently so he hires Willow to help clean up his image. They both have feelings for each other but for a number of reasons they decide they can’t be together.

I enjoyed the MMC and there were definitely moments in the beginning of the book which had me laughing. But the FMC was just insufferable. Everything was right there and she’d be in denial about what it meant. Just so infuriating to go through all the back and forth, over and over again. Because of that I struggled during the last half and couldn’t wait to finish.

Thanks Netgalley for providing the ARC.

I really liked this one! It was my first time diving back into the world of F1, which I learned to love through the books of Lauren Asher. Let’s say that the bar was sat high since then!
Simone didn’t disappoint! 🥰

I loved the way the plot was put together and developed throughout the story!

The chronic illness rep was also a nice touch but gave the FMC more depth as well.
I also loved how driven Dave was with his racing but also in his relationship with Willow 😍

This book is perfect for someone who enjoys following tropes:
- Brothers best friend
- Sport romance (F1)
- Childhood crush

The narrators fit the vibe and age of the characters well!

I received the audioarc through Netgalley all opinions are my own.

I actually hadn't checked who the narrators were, and was delightfully suprised that it's a dual audiobook. I enjoyed it since we have a male narrator for Devs part and a female narrator for Willows part. For audiobooks it makes it so much easier to know that you're in a new chapter.

I really enjoyed both narrators, they did a really good job in my opinion and they did not have any characters with annoying voices. Which I appreciated.

The story over all was pretty good!
I'm not someone that's a fan of brothers best friend trope. Because I would never date anyone that's friends with my brother lol. But this wasn't bad at all.

Also I'm not into sports romances. And I know nothing about F1. Honestly the only racing I've seen are the fast and furious movies, and Pit Babe.
With this book it wasn't hard to understand what was going on, and it still pulled you in.

I enjoyed the slow burn, the romance was done very well. All characters serve a purpose and I'm very happy that we didn't get a third act break up. That's what I really feared and hate with romance books. So I'm one happy reader here.

I didn't love love this book, but it was pretty good and enjoyable. Nothing were I hated or got so annoyed that I needed a break. This could have been read in 1 day, it was that good.

I definitely recommend this book if you want a sweet romance.

really enjoyed this, though I'm not the biggest f1 fan I did enjoy hearing about the sport as a subplot to this romance and I was excited to see how the races and everything surrounding them went. I also like that there wasn't a 3rd act breakup!

I liked the brothers best friend aspect and friends to lovers and the chemistry was good

Loved this book so much. I've already read an e-arc but couldn't resist the opportunity to listen to the audio. It's amazing and the narrators did a great job. Easy 5 star read and written so well

Overall rating is likely to be more of a 3.5-3.75 but rounded up to 4 because of cultural representation and no third act breakup!

Very sweet and wholesome read, with brothers best friend with very solid representation. the diversity in the book and how different cultures are written was really refreshing especially in a contemporary romance book.
This book is a 3.5 read mostly based on the fact that i wasnt sure if i liked Dev very much. He had some great lines and sweet gestures but he also seemed like a typical male love interest from a sports (or really any) romance book, where you are left with the feeling that he wants to sleep around etc leaving me thinking that the relationship is likely not going to last past the end of the book (obviously this is all fiction but we read romance books for the good feelings and the semi unrealistic portrayal of love so i think its valid to think what would happen after the book is over). I think too many authors lean on the trope of a rouge of sorts that is very wild and has so many options, most of which he takes, but then he meets one girl who will change him and, simply because i am in fact clearly not a romantic at heart, makes me think that once the 'honeymoon period' wears off, he would be back to his usual behaviour. Each to their own though, I like moody and even rouge male characters but i think i am just a little tired of reading every guy be 'a lad' and would love to see more personalities in men than just that one.
That being said, its nothing to do with the book and just simply my personal opinion.
LOVED that there was no third act breakup - another trope which is just so overused and honestly i usually dread because its often done so poorly - and this author surprised me and i actually liked the ending more than most romances i have read.

Definitely looking forward to reading more from the author! and would recommend this book for sure, especially if the tropes i mentioned dont bother you, as its quite honestly the only reason this book isnt in my top faves - so it defo can be in yours!

I loved it and if your a F1 fan you NEED to read this. Its really sweet all the things he does for her to make her happy (buying her lots of her favourite food). The rep of chronic illness was really good as well as it was mentioned but not a major part of the plot and not in your face. The fact there was no third act breakup was amazing as well.

Cross the Line perfectly married my love of F1 and reading!
Both Willow and Dev were fully fleshed out characters, and I loved the inclusion of their culture in the story.
I was pleasantly surprised that Dev was not just modelled off an existing f1 driver, but a unique character.
This story was really cute and the romance was believable.
Really well done brothers best friend trope!

Excellent narration and was easy to follow along and be swept up in the story. Much prefer the book in this format.

3.75

This book was such an unexpected and hidden gem. The longer I listened to this book, the better it got!

Brother's best friend
F1 Racer
Multicultural couple
Chronic illness rep

This book was those tropes perfectly executed, the only downside is I wish it was a little shorter and spicier. I loved the way they took care of each other, and how their emotions were dissected and used to grow their characters. Their relationship felt natural and like it was only a matter of time.

This releases in a few days and it is definitely one that you're going to want to pick up!

thank you so much for my early audio!! literally cannot wait to own the book, love f1 vibes! there has been speculation this could be an afterlight book, i hope so i want to own the special edition!

Rating - 3.5

After a social media blunder, F1 driver Dev's career is suddenly at risk. He's with a team that don't want him to do better than the other driver, and his reputation is in the toilet. He hires his best friend Oakley's little sister Willow to manage his social media accounts. Only, Dev kissed his best friend's little sister at a party last year and hasn't been able to stop thinking about it since.

As an F1 girlie I really thought this was going to be perfect for me. Alas, I honestly found this book lacking.

I loved the chronic illness rep, particularly as it's something I relate to so heavily and was handled really well. I loved some aspects of the F1 side of things, but felt like she could have done more. I think casual viewers of F1 would enjoy this book but for bigger fans, it'll definitely feel a little lacklustre. I did enjoy trying to work out who the side characters F1 equivalent was in the book.

However, this book just gave me a 'meh' feeling. Both the main characters were too 'sunshiney' for me. I like my sunshine with a side of grumpy! I found the MMC's obsession with how long it's been since he's had sex to be unnecessary.

Willow and Dev's behaviour around telling Oakley the truth honestly felt a little bit dramatic, and at one point when Willow is near to tears that he might discover them, I rolled by eyes so hard I gave myself a headache.

Overall, this book felt mediocre when it had the potential to be a 5 star. I enjoyed the writing style but unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the characters and the plot didn't hold my attention.

Includes:
- Sunshine x Sunshine
- Sports romance (F1)
- Brother's best friend / best friends little sister
- Workplace Romance
- Chronic Illness Rep
- BIPOC main characters
- Secret dating
- No third act break-up!

I received an advanced audio copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#Review: *Cross the line* - Simone Soltani [18+]
4.5/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

When I saw that this book is available on @netgalley I run as fast as I could to sign up for it. I'm a huge fan of Formula 1, so any book with this theme will get my attention 😍🥰. Thank you Simone Soltani and NetGalley for this chance! It was an amazing audio book experience and I loved the narrators💕.

Willow Williams is trying to find a place to work after college graduation. When Formula 1 driver Dev Anderson suggests to be his social media assistant she is a bit undecided because they had a little moment a year ago and she is not really over that. And there is another problem, she is the little sister of Dev's best friend, Oakley - and he is way too overprotective of Willow, especially after her disastrous breakup from her ex boyfriend. He is ok with them working together, but is he prepared for a romantic relationship between his baby sister and his best friend?

Aside from this Willow-Dev banter, there were many scenes regarding formula 1, which I enjoyed sooo much! Especially in the epilogue, where my adrenaline limit reached a new high and made my heart beat so fast.

The only minus in this story were some little parts which were repeated a couple of times. I enjoyed the rest of it, loving the forbidden and secret romance which was formed around Willow and Dev. He was so protective of her and thought about what it's best for her, personally and professionally. Honestly, from the cover and the descriptions of Dev from the book, the image in my head was of Daniel Ricciardo. He is the perfect match to fictional Dev 🥰. The other drivers were also very well described and I matched them too, in my imagination, with those from real F1😂.

I really liked this book and I truly recommend it for those passionate of F1. It's also perfect for those who love sports romance too 🤭.
🌟Tropes🌟
🏎️#SportsRomance;
🏎️#Athlete;
🏎️#SecretRomance;
🏎️#ForbiddenLove;
🏎️#Billionaire;
🏎️#BrothersBestFriend;
🏎️#Banter...

This is why I love reading romance books! Not gonna lie I'm getting a little fed up of the brooding borderline misogynistic grumpy guy we keep seeing in the genre and this was a great example that your MMC doesn't have to be an a-hole! Dev and Willow were just so sweet and cute and fun I loved it. And he got her macarons?!?! That's a neon green flag if I ever saw one ma'am. And don't worry I have ZERO interest in F1 (still don't lmao) but I didn't get lost in all the new terms or anything so you're good on that part. 4.5 stars

General info:
- Contemporary sports romance
- Double POV. First person. Single timeline.
- Part of a series of standalone books

Tropes/Hooks:
- F1 sports romance
- Brother's best friend
- Childhood friends
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden romance
- Very reach MMC
- Black FMC/South Asian MMC
- Chronic illness
- No third-act breakup

Synopsis & my opinion:
Dev is a very promising F1 racer and his career is in danger because of the media debacle he finds himself in but fortunately, the solution comes to him most unexpectedly. His best friend's sister Willow recently graduated and needs to gather some experience to find a permanent job so Dev asks Willow to manage his social networks temporarily. Of course, once they start working closely Willow's teenage crush on Dev is back and Dev is starting to notice her. They can't act on their attraction because that would destroy Willow's career and because of her brother. Willow already dated one of her brother's friends (sidenote said friend turned out to be a sleazy bastard) and let's say someone ended up in a hospital in that scenario, so Dev and Willos have a valid reason to be preoccupied. I love all the banter, longing, pinning, and forbidden of their relationship. They really try to not act on their attraction but it's so hard for them. I fell in love with both Willow and Dev as separate characters and as a couple. They are extremely cute. Dev's love language is acts of service/quality time and he takes it to a level worth all the millions he owns. I ate up each and every Willow and Dev interaction. The sexiest thing about them? They communicate, they talk and I love it. No miscommunication or third-act breakup here. The representation (both for FMC being black, MMC being South Asian and FMC suffering a chronic illness) was done very well and didn't seem forced at all. Besides the romance, I really enjoyed the F1 aspect of this book. I don't consider myself F1 fan, I have never actually seen an F1 race not on TV or IRL but I found myself captivated and cheering for Dev in the chapters where the races were described.

Audiobook:
I loved the audiobook. The narration was very pleasant and showing of all that the characters were feeling. I had no problems with any of the narrators and I do even believe the audiobook made my experience better than reading the book physically because some could argue the book is a little bit on a slower pacing side.

I received an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks, NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this opportunity.

Synopsis: Dev Anderson, a Formula 1 driver facing career jeopardy after a social media debacle, seeks help to salvage his image. Fate intervenes when he encounters the perfect solution at a Monaco party: Willow Williams, his best friend's sister and a recent college graduate in need of employment. Despite past sparks and undeniable chemistry, they agree to keep things professional. But in the competitive world of Formula 1, lines blur as they navigate their growing attraction amidst high stakes.

Review: ☆☆☆.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its quick and easy read. I acquired the audiobook through NetGalley, I swiftly became engrossed in the story. Although I had some reservations about the female narrator, it didn't deter me from listening. The concept of a Formula 1 romance was intriguing, and I immediately felt the connection between the main couple. His unwavering support for her was endearing. However, I found the secrecy surrounding their relationship with Oakley and their patronizing treatment of her to be annoying. Despite these minor drawbacks, I am excited about the possibility of this evolving into a Formula 1 series in the future.