Burn

The Pretenders #3

by Tamara Lush

A second chance may be too hot to handle in this sizzling romance set in the world of Formula 1 racing.Fired in a spectacular fashion from a job she loved, Lily Onassis has resigned herself to spending her days comfort-baking in her condo. But when her father has a heart attack, her life takes an immediate U-turn. As he’s wheeled into surgery, he has one he wants Lily to take over running his Formula World Team, which includes managing their sexy star driver, Max Becker. Max and Lily have a history, and when she walked away from their affair years ago, she swore she’d never go back to racing or to Max. She wanted a quiet, drama-free life—while he was the rising star of Formula World. Back in close proximity, the two must fight their burning attraction and keep their relationship strictly professional. Lily’s got a job to do . . . and so does Max. No distractions. But as the season develops so do their feelings, and the pair must confront the fact that they’ve been given a second chance. Maybe this time they shouldn’t walk away.

Genres: Romance, Racing, Sports Romance, Second Chance Romance, Forbidden Romance, Second Chance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

Tamara Lush writes steamy and emotional contemporary romance stories set in tropical locations. Her book Constant Craving was a 2018 RWA RITA® finalist in erotic romance.

She's married and lives near a beach in Florida. For many years, she was an award-winning newspaper journalist. In 2017, she was one of 24 writers chosen by Amtrak to ride around the United States on a train and write fiction. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Tara Lush.

Tamara's a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, coloring books, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and journalism.

Reviews

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

"But the feelings I’ve harbored for her all these years have come rushing back in full force. Giving her up again will be impossible."

This is a second chance romance between an F1 driver and the daughter of his team's owner. Max was a good guy, he always stepped up to help Lily whenever she needed it. It was obvious that he hadn't gotten over her and was always hoping for a happily ever after with her. While I liked Lily initially, her actions and choices made me dislike her bit by bit tbh. I could understand why she abandoned their relationship for the first time but I just couldn't get why she constantly blamed and berated Max like he didn't suffer from the heat of their break up as much as her. She tried to victimize herself while she was solely responsible for their relationship to end, which I did not like one bit. If she behaved like the mature adult she should've been, maybe I would've loved the book. While the plot and writing were engaging, the side characters felt dull and the ending felt abrupt. So overall, it was a 3.25 star read for me.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

[Alya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I ate it up so fast in the beginning cus I’m falling in love with the aesthetic of F1 universe. But the ending was SO BORING, VERY BORING. EXCRUCIATINGLY BO! RING!

I know i said I’d never go near dual povs of straight couple but what choice do i have? NONE, apparently. Fortunately Max wasnt so bad to read, he wasnt all boobs, ass and sex all the time (almost?) and he had his own personality which I appreciate but I dont get why the number 1 driver is under a small team company??????? Like for what??? And just for him to retire after that? Bruh..

As for Lily, I hated that she looked exactly different than the cover cus why do i have to be surprised everytime she talked about her glasses and i assumed thats one of the thing that makes her feel ‘ugly’? Kill me. Lily was an okay character but she didnt have lots of personality to dissect, and i guess like she said herself, she is pretty boring? BUT THERE WAS ONE TIME WHERE WE THIUGHT WE MIGHT GET SOME CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND SHE PROCEED TO STAY!! THE!! SAME?!!! The audacity of this girl, and for what? TO DRAGGGGGG USSSS FOR ANOTHER 5 CHAPTERS (or more) !!!!! JUST SAY ITTTT DONT KEEP US WITH THE SAME EXCUSES FOR ANOTHER TEN CHAPTERSSS!!! Criminal, i say.

I loved that they had a pretty straightforward relationship but hated when they started having sex, THAT IS LITERALLY ALL THEY DO. So yeah, pretty boring.

I loved that Lily was older than Max and although they werent equal in professional relationship, i wish there is more trope (f1 driver x team prinipal or engineer) like this in F1 romance books.

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. This one was a struggle and I honestly think I only finished it because it was a quick read and I loved the little F1 fan moments and facts and the occasional German words. I did not like the writing style, the storyline was super disjointed and mostly unbelievable, and I was just not a fan.

Thanks to Wattpad and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Onassis has recently been fired from her job at a Racecar video game company. Her family is big on racing. Lily finds out her father has had a heart attack and he wants her to lead the team while he recovers. Lily's only problem is Max her old love. He's the team's lead driver.

This was a steamy, forced proximity, second chance Romance. I enjoyed it immensely. 😉🥵

[Zeina Aldarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burn 🔥🔥
Genre: Romance
Pub Date: Jan 2nd
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lily Onassis is now in her 30s fired from her job and living an ordinary life baking and doing other stuff trying to sort out her life. Years ago she was her father's intern in the hopes of following him into the family business of Formula One World. However, soon af terwards she ran away from this sport and this lifestyle to a safer path shattering her heart and others in the way.

Now, Lily is back at it coz she has to take over the team after her father had a heart attack until he recovers and that means she needs to unite with the one that got away Max Becker a Formula One superstar her father's best driver, and her ex love.
Her fear of commitment and hatred of the lifestyle made her break up with him 7 years ago, will this be a second chance for them or is it a little too late??

I loved this book so much and Max was just the perfect cinnamon roll hero
So sweet, thoughtful, and affectionate.
Second-chance romances are always a favorite for me and this one nailed this category so make sure to add it to your TBR of course approaching women's problems in work regarding sexual harassment and other unfair behavior and issues was an important topic throughout the novel that I highly appreciate the author for talking about it.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #Burn in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo💋

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐭.”

The second-chance romance Burn by Tamara Lush centers on race car driver Max Becker and HR manager Lily Onassis.

All of my favorite romance novel tropes were combined in this novel, and Tamara did not disappoint. Like, Max was in fact still in love with Lily and had won all the races for her, even though Lily had broken his heart. They were both so hot in every way.

Because there was such excellent communication between both characters in this, there was also no third-act breakup.

Everything was going smoothly until the very end. After an awful crash that leaves Max with slight amnesia, the story jumps to the last chapter, which takes place seven months later. It felt like I needed a little more than to have everything feel rushed and unfinished.

All things considered, this novel was a hot and wholesome combination with the ideal tropes for Lily and Max.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Wattpad Books, and to the author, Tamara Lush, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Onasiss was fired from her job and is back in Miami before deciding what her next move will be. Her father, who owns a Formula 1 team, has a heart attack and asks her to lead the team while he recovers. Besides feeling imposter syndrome, this puts Lily back in close proximity with her ex and first love, Max, who also happens to be her father's star driver. Lily broke Max's heart seven years ago and they haven't spoken since besides a few pleasantries at industry events. Now, spending time together is necessary and both Lily and Max start to wonder if they can rewrite their past.

I remember really loving the previous book in this series, but this one fell flat for me. Firstly, I think this could have benefitted from a bit more editing. The dialogue was rather awkward and the writing was repetitive at times. I also don't understand why Max was German - the random "ja" and "hallo" did nothing to advance the story and were just odd. I also didn't enjoy how down on herself Lily was and didn't understand why she had to keep mentioning how plain or ugly she was/felt. Overall, I felt the chemistry between Lily and Max but their reasons for breaking up before were flimsy at best and it was predictable how things were going to end up. Speaking of the ending, it felt very rushed. I was wondering how it was going to resolve itself with so few pages left and I was disappointed by the abrupt conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and W by Wattpad Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burn
By: Tamara Lush
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I love how this was set in the F1 world.

•Lily and Max have amazing chemistry. I wanted to know what happened to them previously!

•Lily is an amazing, strong woman, and it was cool to see her hold a position of power in a male dominated industry.

•No spoilers, but there are a few really great plot twists.

•Even if you do not watch F1, you will still enjoy this book.

——————————————————————————————————

Burn was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Wattpad Webtoon Book Group. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: Out Now!

I always love a good sports romance, and obviously, Formula One is my second favorite sport (behind football), so I knew I had to jump into this story.

We meet Lily, a girl intrenched in F1 in more than one way. Her Dad is the owner of a team, and she had a previous relationship with a driver named Max. She ends up needing to run the team for a while, and that causes her to be in proximity to Max. She is also trying to overcome a very public firing from a tech company, and that adds to her anxiety over running the team.

You see Lily and Max try and fight their feelings for each other while also trying to avoid press speculation AND win some F1 races. It’s a balance they are trying to achieve, and I loved the evolution of their story.

This book also has one of my favorite tropes, only one bed!

Burn is a fun read, even if you don’t watch Formula One. Check it out!

[jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

At first I was genuinely confused as to why this book had a lower average rating, but I get it now, it started off really great but fell apart a bit in the last 25%.

While this book was filled with super sweet and swoony moments from Max, the MMC, there was a lot of back and forth about the same issues that plagued their relationship the first time around. Also, the way the book ended was very abrupt and happened rather conveniently. Instead of Max and Lily having an extensive serious conversation about their future and what they want together, their fate was decided through a particular event that ultimately made the decision for them. It was unsatisfying to say the least.

The writing was decent, and I would gladly read from this author again. She knows how to write a perfect, cinnamon roll of an MMC. Unfortunately, the ending just ruins it for me. This would have been a 4 star read if not for that.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

[Francis M. Prensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance tropes, I read from this author before and I had a feeling I would enjoy the next one in the series. Loved the plot, I liked Lily, she grew up in the world of racing being that her dad owns his own team, she meets and falls in love with Max 7 years ago but with the spot light and the attention she broke his heart and moved on. Now that she’s unemployed and her dad needs her help to run the team while he’s getting better she has to work side by side with her dad’s star driver, Max.

Their chemistry was uncanny and I loved them together, even though Lily has her own issues with being a woman in a male dominated industry, which is a topic that I appreciate being brought up in this book because it’s a real thing, I feel like Max made this book even better…. He was swoon worthy! And we all need one of those.

It was a quick read, the end was a little rushed, but nothing beats a HEA

[Hailey Brzoska · Rating 3 out of 5]

🛞🛞🛞/5

This is a second chance romance between an F1 racer and the Team’s owner’s daughter, who was his first love. This was my first race car driver read and I am so wanting to read more…? Didn’t think I’d be into that but here we are!

I loved the premise of this book. The idea was there, but the execution was lacking for me. I felt like some things were really drawn out or repetitive a little TOO much. While other things were completely rushed. And I would’ve loved more depth to everything. More understanding of the sport, more perspective from both of the characters, more background of their history together and individually, and just more emotional connection. It all felt a little too surface level and shallow for me. I simply wanted more the entire time and never got it.

With that being said, I loved the plot. The plot was always progressing and just when you think it’s going to end there’s more. So that was very exciting to watch unfold. And the pacing and writing style was easy and simple, so it was a quick read.

I feel like this story has so much potential and it really inspired me to want to read books more like it. So I was definitely a fan, although I didn’t completely love it. And to me, that’s a win!

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 22%

I tried with this one. I really did.

The issue I think is I'm an actual F1 fan, nor someone who enjoys sports romance and picked this one up so I noticed the issues with the portrayal of the sport.

I'm guessing this is what happens for hockey, football, or fans of other sports when they read books set in those worlds and they have errors, but I don't catch those.

I also couldn't very past calling the sport Formula World. It's possible the author was trying to get around copyright issues, but since it's the "Formula One World Championship" leaving out the "one" was just distracting.

For a casual fan of the sport, or for someone who reads sports romance but doesn't follow the sports themselves, I'm sure this book would work but it just didn't for me.

I'm unable to recommend this title.

[Sonia Renaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

I would like to preface this review by saying that while I watch F1 racing, I wouldn't say I follow the sport, but as someone who barely knows anything about it I can confirm that this book is still a really good read even if you have 0 interest in F1!

I loved the chemistry between Max and Lily, and while I questioned some of Lily's life choices, I have only amazing things to rave on about Max - what an interesting and swoon-worthy love interest! Loved the dual POVs but I did find that the ending of the book felt very rushed and felt like I was left hanging even though the story is absolutely concluded. I just wish the author would've taken her time with their HEA.

I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher, W by Wattpad Books, for a DRC of this novel.

[Bella Toric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was super cute and such a quick read for me! Loved the premise of the book & the characters had a fantastic little banter thing going for them. The main characters were clever, funny, and overall just a hoot to read about.

The plot itself was really interesting and a part of me wished I got more of it, but the book itself did a great job at telling the story and wrapping it up by the end so nicely and perfectly. This was such a cute and fun read!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddie Digristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGally for letting me read this book! I thought this book was greatly executed! There was a good plot and character development, theirs a little bit of spice, but most importantly there’s also hidden important messages that you can get from this book. I think if you like the formula 1 world you would find this book to be adorable, even if you know nothing about it, it’s a really good read.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute second chance romance read. The plot felt a bit rushed at the end, and I feel like there was a lot of missing emotional development for the female main character there (she just decides to grow up when they visit the cabin?). Both characters were very like-able and I enjoyed the Formula One aspect and the attention to sexual harassment in male dominated fields of this novel.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

This was really cute. I love that they never fell out of love with each other and that they kept tabs on each other for all those years. I do wish we got to see them stick it to Lucas but I still loved the ending. I want a bonus scene of them possibly finding out that they are pregnant.

I received an arc through netgalley.

[Mallori]

A fun return to the track and race car romance. I had fun comparing the characters to real life. I liked the Max and Lily dynamic, and bring in the Celebrity Romance tropes of learning to live with paparazzi.

Still some of the power dynamic issues, but more a second chance romance with secret dating to fulfill The Pretenders theme, no fake dating this time.

[Briar Grace-Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love finding new series to recommend and this is definitely in my list now. I sprinted through all three books over the last day and half.
Amazing! Max and Lily deserved their happy ever after, especially after that little hurdle at the end I wasn’t expecting that.

[Kalyn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book took a while to finish mostly because it was not the most interesting , which is kind of sad considering how much i really liked the other two books , don’t really have much else to say about it other than , not my fav …

[Morghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free Wattpad version pre-edits.
Fun story!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this. Perfect for F1 fans.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

F1 second chance romance 🏎️💘nothing too special but fun and cute

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

maybe the end was a bit rushed for me but it was a cute story. also I didn't see it coming to add a blond german guy to my bookboyfriends list.

[Usi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I had a great time reading it, finished it in just over a day, would highly recommend!

[abbiealwaysreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really fun one! Lily and Max were each other’s first loves but life wasn’t ready for them. They both left heartbroken and full of regret but that was years ago. When fate gives them a second chance, it’s up to them to come together and choose one another. This second chance romance is in the F1 racing world and gives readers a lovely balance of emotional content and sporty content. It also has a super sweet MMC and likable FMC. A great second chance romance!

[Jxn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the captivating novel, "Burn" by Tamara Lush, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with passion, second chances, and the exhilarating world of Formula racing. The story revolves around Lily Onassis, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads after being abruptly let go from her beloved job. With her days now consumed by baking in her condo, Lily's life takes an unexpected turn when her father suffers a heart attack. As he undergoes surgery, Lily is entrusted with the daunting task of managing her father's Formula World Team, including the enigmatic and alluring race car driver, Max Becker. Lily and Max share a complicated history, marked by an intense affair that Lily chose to walk away from years ago. Determined to lead a quiet and drama-free life, Lily finds herself once again entangled with Max as they work closely together in the high-pressure world of racing. Both understand the importance of keeping their relationship strictly professional, resisting the burning attraction that continues to pull them together. As the racing season unfolds, so do their feelings, forcing Lily and Max to confront the undeniable truth that they have been given a second chance at love. Perhaps this time, walking away is not the answer. Tamara Lush skillfully weaves together a tale of love, longing, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula racing. Her vivid descriptions bring the thrilling race tracks to life, immersing readers in the heart-pounding action. Moreover, the complex and well-developed characters of Lily and Max add depth to the narrative, allowing readers to emotionally connect with their journey of self-discovery and redemption. What sets "Burn" apart is not only its enticing romance but also the exploration of themes such as forgiveness, personal growth, and the courage to follow one's passions. Lily's transformation from a comfort-seeking recluse to a strong, determined woman taking charge of her father's team is inspiring, while Max's internal struggle to overcome his own demons adds an additional layer of depth to the story. Lush's writing effortlessly captures the complex emotions and conflicts that arise as the characters navigate their professional and personal lives. "Burn" is a compelling novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Tamara Lush's ability to create a vivid and engaging story, combined with the irresistible chemistry between Lily and Max, makes this book a must-read for fans of romance and sports. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply enjoy a passionate love story, "Burn" delivers on all fronts, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment from this talented author.

[Taylor B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

A second chance romance set in the world of Formula 1 racing, Lily and Max are reunited on the heels of her father's heart attack and at the edge of what's poised to be a comeback year for him. Forced to work together for the foreseeable future, they have to manage the old feelings that bubble back up between them; the good, the bad, and the unresolved.

My review contains spoilers.

I was disappointed in this book. Lily speaks so poorly of herself and her looks, constantly compares herself to others as the lesser character and uses the word "plain" and "fugly" routinely. While I understand that the author is trying to convey the insecurity and outsider status she feels within the racing world, it was disheartening to read and to also find that the only resolution she gets is the acceptance of the males around her. I would be devastated if my daughter read the way Lily felt about herself and thought it was okay to describe yourself or others that way, even if you were "okay with it".

The motivations of both Max and Lily don't feel fleshed out. Lily can't get past his post-breakup lifestyle and he can't get past the professional boundaries. It took a third of the book to even be sure that Max still harbored feelings for Lily and wasn't just reflecting on their past. Seven years have passed since these characters knew each other substantially and they are both so intent on claiming they've changed while refusing to believe the other one could have too.

Max is at a professional crossroads in his life, and Lily is at a personal one with her father. Max's conflict is referenced but only discussed off-page; he doesn't take the discussion of leaving the racing world to his best friend, to Lily, or even to a C character. It gets pushed further and further down the line until BAM - the decision and roadblocks to their relationship are simply removed and alleviates the burden of them having to fight through it together and build their relationship. I'd like to see the ending explored more alongside deeper conversation of what it means, other than "oh, well, guess I won't be racing anymore, that solves everything".

[Kassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Especially for any F1 fans out there. Lots of easter eggs to notice if you follow the sport in real life. There were certain parts at both the beginning and the end that felt a bit rushed to me. The end especially. It felt like the story really would have benefitted from exploring a bit more about the consequences that happen to conclude the book. It was a big enough change from what was happening in the rest of the novel that I was surprised it happened at the 95% mark of the book instead of the usual climax point around 75% of the way through. Especially considering it will vastly change the lives of a few key members of the plot. It felt like an odd choice not to explore it more.

Overall, Max and Lily had great chemistry. I wish we'd gotten a little more in depth to what led to their first relationship ending so we could understand the angst a bit more, but it was still an enticing read without it. I'll be going back to read the first two in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Merged review:

This was a fun read! Especially for any F1 fans out there. Lots of easter eggs to notice if you follow the sport in real life. There were certain parts at both the beginning and the end that felt a bit rushed to me. The end especially. It felt like the story really would have benefitted from exploring a bit more about the consequences that happen to conclude the book. It was a big enough change from what was happening in the rest of the novel that I was surprised it happened at the 95% mark of the book instead of the usual climax point around 75% of the way through. Especially considering it will vastly change the lives of a few key members of the plot. It felt like an odd choice not to explore it more.

Overall, Max and Lily had great chemistry. I wish we'd gotten a little more in depth to what led to their first relationship ending so we could understand the angst a bit more, but it was still an enticing read without it. I'll be going back to read the first two in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy of Burn by Tamara Lush in exchange of an honest review.
"Burn by Tamara Lush captures the essence of a second chance romance between Max, a talented F1 driver, and Lily, the daughter of his team's owner. Max's unwavering dedication and willingness to step up for Lily when she needed him most showcase his genuine love and hope for a future together. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring how circumstances and personal choices can shape and change the dynamics between two individuals.

While Max's character remains consistent and relatable throughout, Lily's actions and choices gradually diminish her likability. Her tendency to blame and berate Max for their past struggles, while failing to fully acknowledge her own role in their separation, can be frustrating. It becomes challenging to empathize with her as she repeatedly victimizes herself, overshadowing the growth and maturity that one would hope for from her character. I give it a 3.75 Stars!

The plot of "Burn" is engaging and offers a mix of adrenaline-fueled racing scenes and intimate moments between Max and Lily. However, some readers may find that the side characters lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the ending may feel somewhat abrupt, leaving a desire for more closure and resolution.

Despite its flaws, "Burn" is a thought-provoking exploration of second chances, personal growth, and the complexities of love. Tamara Lush's writing style keeps the reader engaged throughout, painting vivid scenes and eliciting a range of emotions. While Lily's choices and the underdeveloped side characters may detract from the overall reading experience, the core story and Max's unwavering devotion offer a compelling narrative that will resonate with fans of second chance romances."