4.5🌟
In my era of F1 sports romances at the moment hehe. I don't know what it was about this one but I really enjoyed it and whizzed through it in a day. I wouldn't necessarily say it's grumpy x sunshine as such, but there's more of a dislike to love vibe going on between the 2 of them.

Darien is an F1 driver, with a lot riding on his driving this upcoming season. Shantal works for a company that uses data analysis and brand new tech to improve their performance. Close proximity, having to work together and dealing with the stresses of the f1 season - what could possibly go wrong?

Add in the fact that this book has a really strong narrative in relation to grief, for both characters. 1 with some more recent grief and 1 from a long time ago, but it showcases how grief has a profound impact and how it can be different for each and every person but also how time can change some things.

Their romance was just the right level of slow burn and cute for me, and it didn't feel too smutty at all, which some other books have gone overboard with at times!

Overall, I enjoyed reading it a lot and thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with an eARC.

Overdrive is serving the flare of Brazil in Fast Five, an explosion culture, and of course all the hallmarks of Formula One realness.

I will always say this: REPRESENTATION IN ROMANCE MATTERS. The audience of the publishing world is so vast. However, when an author takes the time to step back, listen, and say “Yes, I see you and this book is for you”. I salute them and stick with them. Esha puts in the research and WORK. This isn’t superfluous, it’s an author with a commitment of doing everything at level 100.

Yes, I love the analysis of Formula One and in this novel especially the technology of a simulator. But lemme tell you: CHAPTER 28. Essays can be written about it. A moment of sincerity, it’s the quiet intimate moments that I appreciate as a reader. Shantal and Darien visit a mandir. The scene is all about taking the time to wish for someone’s wellbeing. It’s selfless, accepting, and just overall a golden moment.

Darien and Shantal are ambitious, healing, and are dealing with PTSD from two heartbreaking experiences. Overdrive explores that fully. The romance for me is a slow burn and when it gets started, whew celebrate.

Esha Patel girlie you’ve got me as a reader for life and I’m ready for more!

Thank you so much Avon Books UK for providing an ARC!

I really enjoyed this novel. It was easy to follow and had a good cast of characters. I love all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment. Overall a good novel that I would recommend to other readers.
❤️ Thank you to netgalley, Avon books and the author for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

As an F1 fan, it's always fun reading a racing romance, plus grumpy x sunshine!
Overall it would have been nice to have a bit more technicality about F1 (but this may just be personal taste), but overall I found this a perfect racy summer read!