Throttled Review

by Lauren Asher

From the Back

Noah

Maya Alatorre is the sister of my teammate…and my new obsession.

Keeping my distance during the Formula 1 season should be easy, except I always find ways to see her.

Press tours. Pre-race rituals. Sponsor events and black-tie galas.

The more time we spend together, the stronger my desire grows.

Sneaking around with her is one thing, but wanting more?

Never going to happen.

She might be a distraction dressed like a daydream, but no woman is worth risking the championship title over.

Or so I thought.

Maya

Noah Slade is Formula 1 royalty and my brother’s biggest rival.

When I’m invited to join my sibling while he competes for the World

Championship, I promise to avoid Noah at all costs.

Twenty-one races. Two drivers who hate each other. And one forbidden attraction I can’t ignore.

Developing feelings for Noah wasn’t part of my plan.

But then again, neither was anyone finding out.

Turns out the man I was warned about happens to be the one I can’t stay away from.

Even if he breaks my heart once the season comes to an end. 

Themes

• Ambition and Fame: The narrative prominently highlights the competitive realm of motorsports, emphasizing the intense pressure to achieve success.

• Healing and Growth: Characters deal with trust issues and emotional trauma, with an emphasis on personal development and self-discovery.

• Found Family: The story delves into the loyalty and support within the team environment, offering a sense of belonging.

Review

This book may not have been extraordinary, but for a debut author, it was quite impressive. It was well-executed, thoroughly researched, and thoughtfully crafted. Maya Alatorre was an exceptional character, with a dream job and friendships with other drivers. Her relationship with her brother was particularly delightful and one of my favorite aspects due to their charming interactions. Initially, I wasn't fond of Noah Slade, but his character became more likable as the story progressed, especially when he sought therapy for her. I also appreciated Asher's handling of his relationship with his toxic and abusive family, striving to rise above it. I enjoyed Lauren's subtle hints at other couples in the book, and the absence of a third-act breakup was an excellent choice. Lauren Asher's writing style, with its fast pace, short chapters, and dual perspectives, is something I enjoy in romance novels. Overall, I found the book enjoyable, and it even sparked my interest in Formula 1.