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Lights Out
Pole Position
Pole position gives a driver the best chance at winning, but can there be a winner when a long-term relationship is on the line?
Mateo Llorente was born to be Formula 1 World Champion. Charming, handsome, and incredibly talented, Mateo is everything a champion should be. Dean Williams has fought for his position in Formula 1 with everything he has, and dreams of podium finishes and championship trophies.
For the past three years, Mateo and Dean have kept their long-term relationship under wraps, but when they both find themselves driving for Cadigan Racing, they know things won’t stay simple for long.
Keeping their relationship a secret is one thing, but dealing with the demands of the season is another. As both drivers rack up points and the media scrutiny puts them under pressure, cracks start to appear in Mateo and Dean’s relationship.
Can their love survive the intensity of Formula 1? Or will winning cost Dean and Mateo everything?
This M/M romance from Charlie Novak features a steamy long-term secret relationship between teammates, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.
Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order
Mateo Llorente was born to be Formula 1 World Champion. Charming, handsome, and incredibly talented, Mateo is everything a champion should be. Dean Williams has fought for his position in Formula 1 with everything he has, and dreams of podium finishes and championship trophies.
For the past three years, Mateo and Dean have kept their long-term relationship under wraps, but when they both find themselves driving for Cadigan Racing, they know things won’t stay simple for long.
Keeping their relationship a secret is one thing, but dealing with the demands of the season is another. As both drivers rack up points and the media scrutiny puts them under pressure, cracks start to appear in Mateo and Dean’s relationship.
Can their love survive the intensity of Formula 1? Or will winning cost Dean and Mateo everything?
This M/M romance from Charlie Novak features a steamy long-term secret relationship between teammates, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.
Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
23 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
61 books589 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 9, 2023
Really enjoyed this, but I generally love everything from Charlie Novak.
The secret, established relationship between the teammates was really entertaining and I definitely enjoyed the drama. I also really like how they had the bonding activities like Ferrari do on their YouTube, but then I got sidetracked imagining Sainz and LeClerc being the teammates in love 🥵😂
The only thing I wanted that stopped me rating higher was more emotional angst? There was clearly a lot of pressure but they dealt with everything pretty smoothly - maybe I'm just weird but I want to feel the emotions and cry a bit!
The secret, established relationship between the teammates was really entertaining and I definitely enjoyed the drama. I also really like how they had the bonding activities like Ferrari do on their YouTube, but then I got sidetracked imagining Sainz and LeClerc being the teammates in love 🥵😂
The only thing I wanted that stopped me rating higher was more emotional angst? There was clearly a lot of pressure but they dealt with everything pretty smoothly - maybe I'm just weird but I want to feel the emotions and cry a bit!
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August 13, 2023Kind of not sure why this book exists - we know from book 1 & 2 that this couple gets married in a surprise Vegas ceremony. And this book starts when they have already been together 3 years. So we miss the beginning and already know the ending?
I skimmed and skipped so much of this book that it wouldn’t be fair to rate it 🤷🏼♀️
I skimmed and skipped so much of this book that it wouldn’t be fair to rate it 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
You can say I decided to read this to celebrate the win for Ferrari duo in Singapore yesterday after 10 consecutive wins from Red Bull can you believe it?
I’m more of a MotoGP guy, but hey, tomato tomahto.
Anyway, back to the review.
This had soooooooo many info dumpings. For an established couple, their relationship felt forced. The info dumps overshadowed the opportunity of the book to introduce the characters’s personalities and MCs’ relationship. Some of the monologues felt like a story-telling. The writing is definitely not for me.
The two MCs had no emotional connection. Their relationship was rooted by sex and they’re the people that have sex a lot. In the early part of the book, they were all about cumming and dicking each other, which turns out to be meh. Frequent sexual encounters devoid their emotional connection, and they tend to be dull. They already had sex like 3 times by 18%. Imagine I already skim by then :’)
In terms of Formula 1, I do appreciate the details on the races and there was a lot of coverage even though it was a subplot. As a fan of motosport in general, I love this kind of focus while balancing out the romance part altogether. It’s proven that this subplot was taken seriously and I like it. Otherwise, just like the writing, most of the racing scenes were the case of telling than showing. Lack of emotions and sweats on the track. I needed more atmosphere and details. Also, because of this F1 genre, these two had quite a few angst with each other rather than them against the angst.
I was also expecting intensity and the pressure of them being closeted. Although I’m grateful they had that support system they needed from the friends and factory team, it was not what I expected from this book. I would’ve give it a 3 if it was at least memorable.
And if I see one more “Tiktok”, I’d be pissed.
I’m more of a MotoGP guy, but hey, tomato tomahto.
Anyway, back to the review.
This had soooooooo many info dumpings. For an established couple, their relationship felt forced. The info dumps overshadowed the opportunity of the book to introduce the characters’s personalities and MCs’ relationship. Some of the monologues felt like a story-telling. The writing is definitely not for me.
The two MCs had no emotional connection. Their relationship was rooted by sex and they’re the people that have sex a lot. In the early part of the book, they were all about cumming and dicking each other, which turns out to be meh. Frequent sexual encounters devoid their emotional connection, and they tend to be dull. They already had sex like 3 times by 18%. Imagine I already skim by then :’)
In terms of Formula 1, I do appreciate the details on the races and there was a lot of coverage even though it was a subplot. As a fan of motosport in general, I love this kind of focus while balancing out the romance part altogether. It’s proven that this subplot was taken seriously and I like it. Otherwise, just like the writing, most of the racing scenes were the case of telling than showing. Lack of emotions and sweats on the track. I needed more atmosphere and details. Also, because of this F1 genre, these two had quite a few angst with each other rather than them against the angst.
I was also expecting intensity and the pressure of them being closeted. Although I’m grateful they had that support system they needed from the friends and factory team, it was not what I expected from this book. I would’ve give it a 3 if it was at least memorable.
And if I see one more “Tiktok”, I’d be pissed.
May 20, 2023
I walked into this book without reading the blurb. So finding out Mateo and Dean were already in a relationship felt wild to me. It's an interesting twist to the usual romance novel structure. And it lead to a very different, yet still very appealing, kind of story.
So far I'm three books in to this series, and they've all been hits. I'm really interested in the rest of the books that are coming
So far I'm three books in to this series, and they've all been hits. I'm really interested in the rest of the books that are coming
May 18, 2023
This book is epic! I absolutely loved it, especially how Charlie uses the same trope as RJ's opener - teammates in a relationship - but turns it into something completely different.
Here, Dean and Teo have been together almost three years, hiding their relationship from nearly everyone, with only a select few in Formula 1 having any idea.
When Dean picks up the second seat at Cadigan Racing, home to Mateo, things get a whole load more complicated.
I think Charlie shows the conflicts and difficulties with both men racing for the same team with some consummate skill. We can feel their discomfort, the repressed frustrations and unwanted jealousies as things head up out on the track, the tension as pressure mounts race by race.
But we also see the dedication each man has to each other, this is 100% a deep, abiding, lifetime love that they're both willing to do everything they can to keep.
It's also smoking hot, oh boy does Charlie lay down the heat for this pair, they're burning up the sheets as well as the motor home, their holiday villa and all points in between!
As with the first two books, we get to see the happenings of those events from a different perspective and I think it's a really clever way to anchor this series of multiple authors together.
Here we don't get as much about Augusto's almost fatal crash, more the feelings of fear both Dean and Mateo have over it happening to either of them and no-one knowing they were together.
Charlie kept the pacing tight here, there's a growing sense of dread building up as the racing season goes on and you begin to wonder just what might happen, can something external pull these two men apart in spite of their love for each other?
I would have been biting my nails if I had that habit, but have no fear, there's a truly spectacular event which takes place that had me smiling like the Cheshire Cat and the Epilogue, set nine-and-a-half years in the future, is the very definition of epic!
Loved this book and would happily have read another 500 pages more of them.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Here, Dean and Teo have been together almost three years, hiding their relationship from nearly everyone, with only a select few in Formula 1 having any idea.
When Dean picks up the second seat at Cadigan Racing, home to Mateo, things get a whole load more complicated.
I think Charlie shows the conflicts and difficulties with both men racing for the same team with some consummate skill. We can feel their discomfort, the repressed frustrations and unwanted jealousies as things head up out on the track, the tension as pressure mounts race by race.
But we also see the dedication each man has to each other, this is 100% a deep, abiding, lifetime love that they're both willing to do everything they can to keep.
It's also smoking hot, oh boy does Charlie lay down the heat for this pair, they're burning up the sheets as well as the motor home, their holiday villa and all points in between!
As with the first two books, we get to see the happenings of those events from a different perspective and I think it's a really clever way to anchor this series of multiple authors together.
Here we don't get as much about Augusto's almost fatal crash, more the feelings of fear both Dean and Mateo have over it happening to either of them and no-one knowing they were together.
Charlie kept the pacing tight here, there's a growing sense of dread building up as the racing season goes on and you begin to wonder just what might happen, can something external pull these two men apart in spite of their love for each other?
I would have been biting my nails if I had that habit, but have no fear, there's a truly spectacular event which takes place that had me smiling like the Cheshire Cat and the Epilogue, set nine-and-a-half years in the future, is the very definition of epic!
Loved this book and would happily have read another 500 pages more of them.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
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August 13, 2023Skimmed/dnf
I never really got into this one, it felt written as “and then this happened” “and then that happened” rather than living it with the characters and I found it generally to be rather bland.
The most exciting part was the mc’s wedding at 80% but this was already seen in book 1 and the scenes were virtually the same. It seems weird that book 1 has spoilers in it for books 2 and 3.
The characters have been together for 3 years at the start and we’ve already seen them get married in the previous book. It’s all very low angst and I found myself just skimming through from pretty early on.
I never really got into this one, it felt written as “and then this happened” “and then that happened” rather than living it with the characters and I found it generally to be rather bland.
The most exciting part was the mc’s wedding at 80% but this was already seen in book 1 and the scenes were virtually the same. It seems weird that book 1 has spoilers in it for books 2 and 3.
The characters have been together for 3 years at the start and we’ve already seen them get married in the previous book. It’s all very low angst and I found myself just skimming through from pretty early on.
February 24, 2025
I'd give it like 4.50, but it could have been a bit more exciting.
The blurb suggests way more problems than it was. I honestly expected them to break up at some point and almost start to hate each other. Spoiler alert, they don't. I mean, it's nice. There's a lot of issues couples would be handling together when they're working, regardless if they're F1 drivers or not.
I do quite like this story, and Mateo and Dean, too. They're quite endearing, and I love to read about them together. And, of course, I love when Mateo curses in French (*swoon*).
The blurb suggests way more problems than it was. I honestly expected them to break up at some point and almost start to hate each other. Spoiler alert, they don't. I mean, it's nice. There's a lot of issues couples would be handling together when they're working, regardless if they're F1 drivers or not.
I do quite like this story, and Mateo and Dean, too. They're quite endearing, and I love to read about them together. And, of course, I love when Mateo curses in French (*swoon*).
June 7, 2023
Mateo and Dean are two talented F1 drivers from very different backgrounds, who had been in a secret relationship for three years already, when Dean gets an offer to join Cadigan Racing team and become Mateo's teammate. Despite having the experience racing against each other while keeping their relationship secret the two don't expect things to become even harder now that they're on the same team. They're still fully committed to each other while at the same trying to win against each other, but their nebulous team positions and the media and fans questioning their professional relationship starts to put a strain on their romantic relationship as well.
Mateo and Dean weren't unlikable characters but I didn't really connect with either of them nor did I feel all that invested in their relationship. The fact that the writing focus seemed quite tightly contained around the interactions between the two of them and very little else on the side, did not help my enjoyment of the story. Even though almost all the chapters were plotted around the specific races the descriptions of actual races were very vague. Also even though other events were mentioned as happening, one example being dinner with Mateo's parents (which turns into a big celebration instead), we never actually get to witness the actual events on the page. I couldn't help but think that getting to read about the event taking place and see Dean and Mateo act in a different setting and interact with other characters might have made the story more interesting. While we're on the subject, being spoiled in Team Orders about the big event, that does takes place in this story, completely annihilated any chance of surprise and did take majority of the excitement out of it for me.
In general I'm not a big fan of romances with already established relationships and in particular I'm not sure if this author's work just might not be for me (I tried to read one of their books before this one and at the moment my progress is still stuck somewhere in a limbo between Currently reading and DNF). This was an okay story and a good addition to the series but it just wasn't all that for me personally.
Themes: dual POV, character of color, closeted characters, established relationship, secret relationship, teammates, F1 racing
Mateo and Dean weren't unlikable characters but I didn't really connect with either of them nor did I feel all that invested in their relationship. The fact that the writing focus seemed quite tightly contained around the interactions between the two of them and very little else on the side, did not help my enjoyment of the story. Even though almost all the chapters were plotted around the specific races the descriptions of actual races were very vague. Also even though other events were mentioned as happening, one example being dinner with Mateo's parents (which turns into a big celebration instead), we never actually get to witness the actual events on the page. I couldn't help but think that getting to read about the event taking place and see Dean and Mateo act in a different setting and interact with other characters might have made the story more interesting. While we're on the subject, being spoiled in Team Orders about the big event, that does takes place in this story, completely annihilated any chance of surprise and did take majority of the excitement out of it for me.
In general I'm not a big fan of romances with already established relationships and in particular I'm not sure if this author's work just might not be for me (I tried to read one of their books before this one and at the moment my progress is still stuck somewhere in a limbo between Currently reading and DNF). This was an okay story and a good addition to the series but it just wasn't all that for me personally.
Themes: dual POV, character of color, closeted characters, established relationship, secret relationship, teammates, F1 racing
July 29, 2023
In a series that has already been terribly disappointing, this book has been my least favourite so far. It was extremely boring and took me absolute ages to finish because I just barely cared about the MCs. We start off with an established relationship (that's your first mistake there) between Dean and Mateo, teammates on one of the top F1 teams. This is their first season racing together, and apparently the stress of competing against each other is supposed to like strain their relationship. But in reality, nothing really happens. It was just us watching them race and be a healthy couple. It was like watching paint dry.
June 5, 2023
Mateo and Dean are already a couple for more than three years, not out just secretly. They are both F1 drivers, both want to reach the podium.
They are thrilled when Dean got a position with Mateo’s team. Their relationship is put to the test.
There’s so much to love, Mateo and Dean and the team who have their backs are awesome!
Trust is necessary in this incredible racing sport, it never lacked, thank you very much!
Still, they keep their relationship secret, and yes, it sucks, not being able to express yourself and be honest about who you love. All for the focus on racing, in the coming years, ugh.
They are professional and mature, the emotions and stress run high, and their bond was taken to the test.
Both have the drive for success, for themselves and the other.
It was such a great read. The F1 world was wonderfully portrayed, and the characters greatly developed.
The construction of the story is original and I loved that. Mateo and Dean are already a couple.
We can follow them with their careers and relationship, and with the very ups and downs.
They are thrilled when Dean got a position with Mateo’s team. Their relationship is put to the test.
There’s so much to love, Mateo and Dean and the team who have their backs are awesome!
Trust is necessary in this incredible racing sport, it never lacked, thank you very much!
Still, they keep their relationship secret, and yes, it sucks, not being able to express yourself and be honest about who you love. All for the focus on racing, in the coming years, ugh.
They are professional and mature, the emotions and stress run high, and their bond was taken to the test.
Both have the drive for success, for themselves and the other.
It was such a great read. The F1 world was wonderfully portrayed, and the characters greatly developed.
The construction of the story is original and I loved that. Mateo and Dean are already a couple.
We can follow them with their careers and relationship, and with the very ups and downs.
June 6, 2023
Pole Position by Charlie Novak is part of the Lights Out multi-author series. This story is about Dean and Mateo, both are Formule 1 drivers trying to be world champions. They've been in a relationship for a while but this season they're also on the same team.......
I loved their story. It was fast (🙃😉), sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
I loved their story. It was fast (🙃😉), sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
June 6, 2023
Mateo and Dean were really sweet. I loved that this book started after these two had already been in a relationship and how the everyday twists and turns in life affect a relationship. They had a lot to navigate in the Formula 1 world and came out on the other side with a super sweet happily ever after.
September 12, 2023
It's not often you start a book with the main characters already committed to each other. And rarer still for the story to not be about potentially breaking up.
I really liked this unusual plot and the journey of the relationship. It was different and refreshing. And so good to see such dedication. Recommended.
I really liked this unusual plot and the journey of the relationship. It was different and refreshing. And so good to see such dedication. Recommended.
May 24, 2023
It was good to read a story where the MCs were already in an established relationship, albeit still in the closet. The connection between Mateo and Dean jumped from the page. It was obvious that they loved one another, and respected the other. Some problems occur when Dean joins the same F1 team as Mateo, however, I liked that they always kept an eye out to ensure that their partner was okay. The author writes well, and like the previous books in the story, really captured the excitement of F1 racing. A good addition to the series.
June 12, 2023
Mateo and Dean and their secrets. I am honestly surprised at the fact that no one picked up on it LOL and I know the author wrote it that way...
This was another good read in this multi author series.
The invite at the end was absolutely the perfect way to do and thank goodness for amazing PA's.
This was another good read in this multi author series.
The invite at the end was absolutely the perfect way to do and thank goodness for amazing PA's.
June 7, 2023
Check out our full post for POLE POSITION on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is part of a connected series written by a group of very talented writers and I have enjoyed them all so far – and am looking forward to the others.
I really, really enjoyed the premise of this book and would love to think it was based on reality, as it is just such a fun idea. The cover picture is cleverly designed to give a Formula 1 fan an enticing idea of who it might be!
Mateo and Dean have been a couple for three years, completely on the quiet. When Dean is asked to join Mateo's racing team, they know that they have to be honest with the team principal. This, for me, set the story up to be one I would enjoy, because they were upfront with the team, and so all the possible disasters and miscommunications got taken out of the game. It also meant that we know, as they do, that those people in the team who know have their back. In a world where they drive cars at 200+mph it is important that there is trust, just as it is in a close relationship.
There is a lot of humour, love, passion, and racing in this story – and I am going to say no more so that you get to it fresh and I am sure will enjoy it as much as I did. I will never watch a race build up again without wondering, and smiling at the thought!
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
POLE POSITION is technically book three in the Lights Out multi-author series. It can be read as a standalone, but I feel it completely reads better if you read what has come before it. You won't be missing any information if you choose to just read this one though.
Mateo and Dean are already in a long-term relationship after meeting in their teens. Dean gets a spot on the Cadigan Racing team, the same team Mateo is already racing for. They both think that being on the same team will make their racing life and relationship easier. What they don't expect are the little blips in their relationship on the way.
When I first read about Dean and Mateo in TEAM ORDERS, I couldn't wait to get their story. I loved getting an already established couple and getting to see the day-to-day battle of making that relationship work. Mateo was fun and light, and Dean seemed so serious, but together they are perfection!
I can't wait to see what's next in the world of F1 racing!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
June 13, 2023
Pole Position: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
I've never read a romance book about an established relationship before, so I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this story aside from the things I always know I'm going to get from a Charlie Novak book: great banter, a swoony romance, and some excellent steamy scenes. But, I gotta say: I really enjoyed this.
Mateo Llorente and Dean Williams are Formula 1 drivers who have been keeping their long-term relationship a secret from their teams and the rest of the racing world for the last three years. But, when Dean's contract with his old team is up, and he joins Cadigan Racing alongside Mateo things get more complicated. Letting their new team know about them makes sense, but it won't make it any easier to navigate their relationship with the intense demands of a Formula 1 season including an increase in media media scrutiny as these two learn how to be both teammates and partners.
As someone who tends to prefer external relationship angst to internal relationship angst, the established relationship set up really worked for me in this book (though I definitely wouldn't say no to a short story about how these two fell in love). I love getting to see these two working together to defend and protect their relationship from their careers while navigating what it means for them to be both teammates and competitors, and it really made me believe in their relationship and root them them to get their HEA.
I also definitely appreciated that this book didn't rely on miscommunication (or a lack of communication) to up the angst factor, but the setting of Formula 1 racing still allowed for some pretty intense moments. While I was never quite sure what was going to happen next, I loved knowing that despite their ups and downs and the pressure of competition, Mateo and Dean were committed to each other and making their relationship work.
Three Things:
1. The fact that these two characters were able to have honest conversations about their jealousy and competitive natures was fantastic. A+ communication.
2. Dean's relationship with his dad hurt my heart a little bit, but I really liked seeing him navigate that and work through his feelings on it.
3. The bingo game? Absolutely brilliant. *claps*
This was a fast-paced, relatively low-angst story that kept me invested from the first page that I recommend picking up. And, it has convinced me that I absolutely need more established relationship romances in my life.
content warnings: sex (on page), references to the criminalization of homosexuality around the globe, complicated parental relationship, references to racing-related injuries
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
I've never read a romance book about an established relationship before, so I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this story aside from the things I always know I'm going to get from a Charlie Novak book: great banter, a swoony romance, and some excellent steamy scenes. But, I gotta say: I really enjoyed this.
Mateo Llorente and Dean Williams are Formula 1 drivers who have been keeping their long-term relationship a secret from their teams and the rest of the racing world for the last three years. But, when Dean's contract with his old team is up, and he joins Cadigan Racing alongside Mateo things get more complicated. Letting their new team know about them makes sense, but it won't make it any easier to navigate their relationship with the intense demands of a Formula 1 season including an increase in media media scrutiny as these two learn how to be both teammates and partners.
As someone who tends to prefer external relationship angst to internal relationship angst, the established relationship set up really worked for me in this book (though I definitely wouldn't say no to a short story about how these two fell in love). I love getting to see these two working together to defend and protect their relationship from their careers while navigating what it means for them to be both teammates and competitors, and it really made me believe in their relationship and root them them to get their HEA.
I also definitely appreciated that this book didn't rely on miscommunication (or a lack of communication) to up the angst factor, but the setting of Formula 1 racing still allowed for some pretty intense moments. While I was never quite sure what was going to happen next, I loved knowing that despite their ups and downs and the pressure of competition, Mateo and Dean were committed to each other and making their relationship work.
Three Things:
1. The fact that these two characters were able to have honest conversations about their jealousy and competitive natures was fantastic. A+ communication.
2. Dean's relationship with his dad hurt my heart a little bit, but I really liked seeing him navigate that and work through his feelings on it.
3. The bingo game? Absolutely brilliant. *claps*
This was a fast-paced, relatively low-angst story that kept me invested from the first page that I recommend picking up. And, it has convinced me that I absolutely need more established relationship romances in my life.
content warnings: sex (on page), references to the criminalization of homosexuality around the globe, complicated parental relationship, references to racing-related injuries
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
June 6, 2023
I’m jumping into this multi-author shared world series in the “middle,” starting with this book, since I was privileged to receive an advance copy from this author. I’m not much of a sports romance reader unless it’s hockey or rodeo, but I found that F1 racing hits that same sweet spot of being a team sport that still highlights individuality I seem to like best. And though everything I know about cars and racing comes from a weird sort of osmosis of not paying attention while the spouse watches YouTube, Novak makes everything that takes place in this book incredibly accessible to newbies without either over-explaining or assuming something is obvious. I already look forward to rest of this series, especially since reading the blurbs seems to indicate that the authors have made this a truly shared world with references to other characters and important events that fleshed out this book without making me feel like I was missing something, keeping this story as a true stand-alone.
While the traditional romance arc includes characters who are brand new to each other, focusing on an established relationship that is undergoing significant change is always a fun twist. The easy affection and loving support between Dean and Mateo are clear from page 1. The change here is not to the relationship but to how both men handle the relationship through significant life changes. Being closer in proximity can make some things easier, but hiding in plain sight can also create a host of other issues both on and off the track. Even though both characters have relatively healthy communication for their ages, that doesn’t mean mistakes won’t get made—especially when events outside their control have a direct impact on their relationship dynamic within their team. Novak’s always excellent characterization work comes into play here, with two men who share the same passions but come at it from vastly different journeys and, therefore, perspectives.
The high-adrenaline aspect of racing had me braced for a book that featured much more angst than this one. However, low-angst does not mean sacrificing any of the emotion, and I adored the relationship plot twist. It was unexpected but totally perfect for these characters, their shared history, and their hoped-for future. I hope other readers take a chance on either a new subgenre or a new author with this fantastic book.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
While the traditional romance arc includes characters who are brand new to each other, focusing on an established relationship that is undergoing significant change is always a fun twist. The easy affection and loving support between Dean and Mateo are clear from page 1. The change here is not to the relationship but to how both men handle the relationship through significant life changes. Being closer in proximity can make some things easier, but hiding in plain sight can also create a host of other issues both on and off the track. Even though both characters have relatively healthy communication for their ages, that doesn’t mean mistakes won’t get made—especially when events outside their control have a direct impact on their relationship dynamic within their team. Novak’s always excellent characterization work comes into play here, with two men who share the same passions but come at it from vastly different journeys and, therefore, perspectives.
The high-adrenaline aspect of racing had me braced for a book that featured much more angst than this one. However, low-angst does not mean sacrificing any of the emotion, and I adored the relationship plot twist. It was unexpected but totally perfect for these characters, their shared history, and their hoped-for future. I hope other readers take a chance on either a new subgenre or a new author with this fantastic book.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
June 6, 2023
Building on a marvellous series, this is a beautiful love story
All these books are standalone but for the best experience, read them all in order. Noah and Archie were the stars of Team Orders, and Archie was friendly with Lennox in that book. Lennox was the star of Full Throttle along with his love, Connor, and Mateo and Dean were mentioned in their book. Now Charlie has given us Dean and Mateo's love story.
Each book is different so far, with Archie being the newbie to F1 alongside the veteran Noah, whereas Lennox had also just moved up from F2 but his love was not another driver. In Pole Position, Dean moves to his secret boyfriend's team. The dynamics of each couple is completely different, but they are all set against the high pressure F1 world, and the books run concurrently so the earlier books contain little teasers for the latter books. I love this approach and I'm in awe of the authors for collaborating so seamlessly.
Dean and Teo were a lovely couple, with Dean the devoted, calm and collected one of the two and Teo the loveable and excitable puppyish one (and the cover is just him as I pictured him). They were complete opposites but absolutely belonged together. Thinking that being on the same team would be great for them, they found that it strained their relationship in ways they'd never anticipated.
I loved the pair all the way through. They were loving, committed to each other, so hot and steamy too. I liked that as an already established couple, there was no will they, won't they, no miscommunication, no silly parting before reuniting. It was a grown up relationship and I loved what happened in Vegas.
I also love an epilogue that gives me an ongoing HEA and this one was fantastic. It rounded off the book perfectly and was completely in keeping with the rest of their story. Full credit to Charlie for an enjoyable read from the first page to the last.
All these books are standalone but for the best experience, read them all in order. Noah and Archie were the stars of Team Orders, and Archie was friendly with Lennox in that book. Lennox was the star of Full Throttle along with his love, Connor, and Mateo and Dean were mentioned in their book. Now Charlie has given us Dean and Mateo's love story.
Each book is different so far, with Archie being the newbie to F1 alongside the veteran Noah, whereas Lennox had also just moved up from F2 but his love was not another driver. In Pole Position, Dean moves to his secret boyfriend's team. The dynamics of each couple is completely different, but they are all set against the high pressure F1 world, and the books run concurrently so the earlier books contain little teasers for the latter books. I love this approach and I'm in awe of the authors for collaborating so seamlessly.
Dean and Teo were a lovely couple, with Dean the devoted, calm and collected one of the two and Teo the loveable and excitable puppyish one (and the cover is just him as I pictured him). They were complete opposites but absolutely belonged together. Thinking that being on the same team would be great for them, they found that it strained their relationship in ways they'd never anticipated.
I loved the pair all the way through. They were loving, committed to each other, so hot and steamy too. I liked that as an already established couple, there was no will they, won't they, no miscommunication, no silly parting before reuniting. It was a grown up relationship and I loved what happened in Vegas.
I also love an epilogue that gives me an ongoing HEA and this one was fantastic. It rounded off the book perfectly and was completely in keeping with the rest of their story. Full credit to Charlie for an enjoyable read from the first page to the last.
June 6, 2023
I am enjoying this series so much!
Pole Position is only the second book I’ve read by Charlie Novak and I think I need to change that. The books in this series can be read in any order but I’m reading them as they are published. If you’ve read Team Orders, by RJ Scott, you’ve already met Dean and Mateo so you know at least a small part of what happens in this book. I’m not saying anything though because it would be a spoiler if you haven’t read Team Orders.
Mateo and Dean have been in a secret relationship for three years while driving for different teams. When Dean is offered a contract to drive for Cadigan they see that as a huge plus for them being able to spend mor time together. They didn’t really anticipate how much more difficult it would be for them to keep their relationship a secret.
They are both very competitive and now that they are driving for the same team it adds another level of complexity to their relationship. They both want to win but they also want the other to do well. After another driver is injured in a serious accident, they also come to realize that if that happened to either of them, they might not be able to be by the side of the one who is injured.
I love epilogues and the one for Dean and Mateo is set nine and a half years after the end of the main story answers a few questions that I had while reading the main story. It really was a perfect addition to Pole Position.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Pole Position is only the second book I’ve read by Charlie Novak and I think I need to change that. The books in this series can be read in any order but I’m reading them as they are published. If you’ve read Team Orders, by RJ Scott, you’ve already met Dean and Mateo so you know at least a small part of what happens in this book. I’m not saying anything though because it would be a spoiler if you haven’t read Team Orders.
Mateo and Dean have been in a secret relationship for three years while driving for different teams. When Dean is offered a contract to drive for Cadigan they see that as a huge plus for them being able to spend mor time together. They didn’t really anticipate how much more difficult it would be for them to keep their relationship a secret.
They are both very competitive and now that they are driving for the same team it adds another level of complexity to their relationship. They both want to win but they also want the other to do well. After another driver is injured in a serious accident, they also come to realize that if that happened to either of them, they might not be able to be by the side of the one who is injured.
I love epilogues and the one for Dean and Mateo is set nine and a half years after the end of the main story answers a few questions that I had while reading the main story. It really was a perfect addition to Pole Position.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 4, 2023
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is part of a connected series written by a group of very talented writers and I have enjoyed them all so far - and am looking forward to the others.
I really, really enjoyed the premise of this book and would love to think it was based on reality, as it is just such a fun idea. The cover picture is cleverly designed to give a Formula 1 fan an enticing idea of who it might be!
Mateo and Dean have been a couple for three years, completely on the quiet. When Dean is asked to join Mateo's racing team, they know that they have to be honest with the team principal. This for me set the story up to be one I would enjoy, because they were upfront with the team, and so all the possible disasters and miscommunications got taken out of the game. It also meant that we know, as they do that those people in the team who know, have their back. In a world were they drive cars at 200+mph it is important that there is trust, just as it is in a close relationship.
There is a lot of humour, love, passion and racing in this story - and I am going to say no more so that you get to it fresh and I am sure will enjoy it as much as I did. I will never watch a race build up again without wondering, and smiling at the thought!
This is part of a connected series written by a group of very talented writers and I have enjoyed them all so far - and am looking forward to the others.
I really, really enjoyed the premise of this book and would love to think it was based on reality, as it is just such a fun idea. The cover picture is cleverly designed to give a Formula 1 fan an enticing idea of who it might be!
Mateo and Dean have been a couple for three years, completely on the quiet. When Dean is asked to join Mateo's racing team, they know that they have to be honest with the team principal. This for me set the story up to be one I would enjoy, because they were upfront with the team, and so all the possible disasters and miscommunications got taken out of the game. It also meant that we know, as they do that those people in the team who know, have their back. In a world were they drive cars at 200+mph it is important that there is trust, just as it is in a close relationship.
There is a lot of humour, love, passion and racing in this story - and I am going to say no more so that you get to it fresh and I am sure will enjoy it as much as I did. I will never watch a race build up again without wondering, and smiling at the thought!
November 3, 2024
3.5 rounded. I really liked how mature the MCs here were, and that this was an extended timeline of several months. And I absolutely loved that this was an established couple story. Even though I didn't get to see the falling in love part, I absolutely felt the love between Mateo and Dean. . But other than that, I enjoyed this.
Although, I am still waiting for something as good as The Head Coach (a Lincoln Knights short story giveaway, not published or listed on GR) and am hoping that series will be as good as the short story.
Progress update: 8% (with comment)
Although, I am still waiting for something as good as The Head Coach (a Lincoln Knights short story giveaway, not published or listed on GR) and am hoping that series will be as good as the short story.
Progress update: 8% (with comment)
June 4, 2023
4-4.5 stars
This is part of the multi-author Lights Out series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I loved that the two MCs in this book were already in a long-term, established and healthy relationship even though they weren't out. I also loved that Dean was immediately honest with his new team and didn't keep his relationship with Mateo a secret. There was a refreshing lack of angst and secrets and I really liked that. I loved Mateo and Dean together too, theirs is a real relationship built on a solid foundation, and as a result it makes for a better story, I thought.
It's less a love story than a story of a single season of Formula 1 and the pressures of the team, the media, and the drive to win they both have as both want to be champion. I liked all the secondary characters too, although this is more focused on a single team and their season. Mateo and Dean together are great, it's super hot, yet sweet and both want to make it work and I loved that they communicated so well with each other to make it work.
I really enjoyed this, it was a real page turner as I just didn't know how it was all going to come good in the end, but I loved that they did it as they did everything - together. It's a low angst, sweet story and I loved it all.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is part of the multi-author Lights Out series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I loved that the two MCs in this book were already in a long-term, established and healthy relationship even though they weren't out. I also loved that Dean was immediately honest with his new team and didn't keep his relationship with Mateo a secret. There was a refreshing lack of angst and secrets and I really liked that. I loved Mateo and Dean together too, theirs is a real relationship built on a solid foundation, and as a result it makes for a better story, I thought.
It's less a love story than a story of a single season of Formula 1 and the pressures of the team, the media, and the drive to win they both have as both want to be champion. I liked all the secondary characters too, although this is more focused on a single team and their season. Mateo and Dean together are great, it's super hot, yet sweet and both want to make it work and I loved that they communicated so well with each other to make it work.
I really enjoyed this, it was a real page turner as I just didn't know how it was all going to come good in the end, but I loved that they did it as they did everything - together. It's a low angst, sweet story and I loved it all.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 7, 2023
I felt a little unsure if I’d enjoy this as much as Charlie’s other books as Mateo and Dean are and established couple. I don’t know why I worried; Charlie worked her usual magic there’s still a tiny bit of angst and lots of typical Charlie fluff. While they’ve been together for over three years. It is their first season racing together on the same team. There’s a few testing times for them and a couple of points in the book I was teary eyed and needed to hug Mateo. I loved see how their love shinned through and how strong they became. I’ve only read one other book in this series so far ( R J Scott’s team orders) but it was great to see some of the events from Mateo and Dean’s view. How they feel after Augusto’s crash really pulled at my heart strings. They chose to keep their relationship a secret even through their struggles with it, it made the epilogue that bit sweeter though. I enjoyed seeing them finally tell the world I felt so proud of them for making it to that point.
Mateo and Deans feel so real their emotions are easily felt Charlie really gets across just how much they love each other and the sport. I think pole position it a perfect showcase of Charlie’s talent.
I received a copy in return for my honest review
Mateo and Deans feel so real their emotions are easily felt Charlie really gets across just how much they love each other and the sport. I think pole position it a perfect showcase of Charlie’s talent.
I received a copy in return for my honest review
June 7, 2023
Dean and Mateo were absolutely magical in this story! I had no idea what Formula One racing was before reading this book but I am super interested now! Mateo is the goofy, outgoing, jokester of the Cadigan team and his long-term secret boyfriend and new teammate Dean, is much more reserved and serious. I haven't ever read a book about an established couple but I really enjoyed it! While I would have loved to see more of how Dean and Mateo started, I was thrilled to get to see these two fighting not only for a championship but also for their future. There were so many obstacles that Dean and Mateo faced throughout the season because of events on the track that affected their life at home. Despite some definite struggles throughout the season, I loved seeing how these two went from competing fiercely on the track to being supportive partners right after. I LOVED the ending so much! The epilogue was absolutely amazing and so beautiful! I love when epilogues are set years in the future and it was wonderful to see what Mateo and Dean were doing in the future! There were so many lovely side characters in this book that I hope Charlie will give their own HEA in the future!
June 9, 2023
It’s so fun reading this series, and since this book was one of my favourite authors, that made it even better!
Always funny and fresh, that’s how I would describe Charlie Novak’s writing. In this book, part of the Lights Out multi-author series, she tells us the story of Dean and Mateo’s relationship.
This book has a slightly different than usual structure, in that it does not focus them getting together as a couple, as they have already been secretly dating for more than 3 years when the book begins. Instead the focus is on how they are navigating their first year as teammates. What they thought would be easier as they got to spend more time together, throws unexpected and unforeseen challenges their way. Nut I really loved how much of a united front they present. They may get mad, snap, close themselves up for a bit, but it never lasts long, and in the end their love wins over everything else and they are back on each other side unites as ever.
I loved the banter, the “mostly” playful rivalry between the two F1 pilots, who may love each other with all their heart, but that doesn’t hinder their competitiveness at all!
Always funny and fresh, that’s how I would describe Charlie Novak’s writing. In this book, part of the Lights Out multi-author series, she tells us the story of Dean and Mateo’s relationship.
This book has a slightly different than usual structure, in that it does not focus them getting together as a couple, as they have already been secretly dating for more than 3 years when the book begins. Instead the focus is on how they are navigating their first year as teammates. What they thought would be easier as they got to spend more time together, throws unexpected and unforeseen challenges their way. Nut I really loved how much of a united front they present. They may get mad, snap, close themselves up for a bit, but it never lasts long, and in the end their love wins over everything else and they are back on each other side unites as ever.
I loved the banter, the “mostly” playful rivalry between the two F1 pilots, who may love each other with all their heart, but that doesn’t hinder their competitiveness at all!
June 30, 2023
Summary: Dean and Mateo have been together for more than two years, but only their family knows. They are Formula 1 race car drivers. But Dean is offered a spot on Mateo’s team. They tell their boss, but decide to not go public because they’re afraid of the extra scrutiny. But as the season goes on, being on the same team starts to bring challenges they weren’t expecting.
4.5 Stars
Review: It’s not common to read a romance that is about an established couple, but I really enjoyed this book. I love the way Novak can give you characters who are so in love, who never doubt their feelings and devotion to each other, yet the story is still compelling. Dean and Mateo are just amazing together. They have struggles and don’t always handle the complications that come from being on the same team very well. But through it all, they both work hard to make sure they know how much they mean to each other. Real fears about their love being able to weather the challenges come up, and I love how they fight to over come them and be better for and to each other. I love that they are one the same page about competing against each other, too.
This is just a lovely, lovely story. Novak writes the most delightful characters!
4.5 Stars
Review: It’s not common to read a romance that is about an established couple, but I really enjoyed this book. I love the way Novak can give you characters who are so in love, who never doubt their feelings and devotion to each other, yet the story is still compelling. Dean and Mateo are just amazing together. They have struggles and don’t always handle the complications that come from being on the same team very well. But through it all, they both work hard to make sure they know how much they mean to each other. Real fears about their love being able to weather the challenges come up, and I love how they fight to over come them and be better for and to each other. I love that they are one the same page about competing against each other, too.
This is just a lovely, lovely story. Novak writes the most delightful characters!
May 26, 2023
This is a solid book from Charlie Novak despite a very different approach to a romance.
Mateo and Dean are an already established couple, managing to hide their relationship for over 3 years sucessfully until they become team mates as Formula One drivers and the stress is starting to cause friction.
This is a romance about how a couple deals with changes to their relationship and how to come out stronger. I normally love how this author writes how guys fall in love and here she shows what comes after the HEA.
The story is clearly low angst/low drama but it still shows sucessfully how the relationship is affected by decisions out of their control as the team owner/manager is calling the shots.
There are steamy moments, there are tender one. As with all Charlie Novak books you also have lots of funny episodes and great secondary characters you just want to know more about it.
While this is a multi-author series, the books do overlap and characters from other books pop up. The time line is the same as RJ Scott's Team Orders.
Mateo and Dean are an already established couple, managing to hide their relationship for over 3 years sucessfully until they become team mates as Formula One drivers and the stress is starting to cause friction.
This is a romance about how a couple deals with changes to their relationship and how to come out stronger. I normally love how this author writes how guys fall in love and here she shows what comes after the HEA.
The story is clearly low angst/low drama but it still shows sucessfully how the relationship is affected by decisions out of their control as the team owner/manager is calling the shots.
There are steamy moments, there are tender one. As with all Charlie Novak books you also have lots of funny episodes and great secondary characters you just want to know more about it.
While this is a multi-author series, the books do overlap and characters from other books pop up. The time line is the same as RJ Scott's Team Orders.
June 3, 2023
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Pole Position is technically book 3 in the Lights Out multi author series. It can be read as a stand alone but I feel it completely reads better if you read what has come before it. You won't be missing any information if you choose to just read this one though.
Mateo and Dean are already in a long term relationship after meeting in their teens. Dean gets a spot on the Cadigan Racing team, the same team Mateo is already racing for. They both think that being on the same team will make their racing life and relationship easier. What they don't expect are the little blips in their relationship on the way.
Why I first read about Dean and Mateo in Team Orders I couldn't wait to get their story. I loved getting an already established couple and got to see the day to day battle of making that relationship work. Mateo was fun and light and Dean seemed so serious but together they are perfection!
I can't wait to see what's next in the world of F1 racing!
*Wicked Reads Review Team*
Pole Position is technically book 3 in the Lights Out multi author series. It can be read as a stand alone but I feel it completely reads better if you read what has come before it. You won't be missing any information if you choose to just read this one though.
Mateo and Dean are already in a long term relationship after meeting in their teens. Dean gets a spot on the Cadigan Racing team, the same team Mateo is already racing for. They both think that being on the same team will make their racing life and relationship easier. What they don't expect are the little blips in their relationship on the way.
Why I first read about Dean and Mateo in Team Orders I couldn't wait to get their story. I loved getting an already established couple and got to see the day to day battle of making that relationship work. Mateo was fun and light and Dean seemed so serious but together they are perfection!
I can't wait to see what's next in the world of F1 racing!
*Wicked Reads Review Team*
May 17, 2023
What an enjoyable and engaging read this is with two wonderful main characters in Matteo and Dean. They have been together, without it being common knowledge, for a few years but their relationship faces new challenges when they drive for the same F1 team.
It’s not just the constant media obligations but also the new emotions that arise when competing against each other whilst in the same team. Some jealousy and their competitive natures having them both wanting to win as well as outside pressures and internal doubts arising. Fortunately they both know and appreciate the importance of communication so nothing derails their relationship.
This is a beautiful love story between two men fully committed to each other who just so happen to be ranked amongst the best in the high octane world of Formula 1 racing. When you include plenty of side characters to keep things interesting, lots of steam and a heartwarming ending I couldn’t help but enjoy every moment of Matteo and Deans story.
It’s not just the constant media obligations but also the new emotions that arise when competing against each other whilst in the same team. Some jealousy and their competitive natures having them both wanting to win as well as outside pressures and internal doubts arising. Fortunately they both know and appreciate the importance of communication so nothing derails their relationship.
This is a beautiful love story between two men fully committed to each other who just so happen to be ranked amongst the best in the high octane world of Formula 1 racing. When you include plenty of side characters to keep things interesting, lots of steam and a heartwarming ending I couldn’t help but enjoy every moment of Matteo and Deans story.
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