Close Quarters: MM Sports Romance

Faster #2

by Regina Kyle

I left racing for a reason.

But when team owner Jacques LaRue offers me a chance to try to make amends for my best friend’s accident, I find myself back on the circuit hand-holding rookie driver Grady Lewis. We’re miles apart, and not just in age. He’s the sunshine to my grump. The fresh-faced newcomer to my jaded veteran. The friendly free spirit to my solitary recluse.

And if I want to help the man who I put in a wheelchair fund his new charity, I’m stuck being Mr. Sunshine’s race engineer for the rest of the season. The voice in his ear on race days. The link between him and the rest of the team. Which means we’ll be practically joined at the hip.

Strangely, despite our differences, the relationship works, on and off the track. And it’s the off-track part that’s the problem. Sure, we’re hot for each other. I mean, who wouldn’t want Grady? The guy is seriously smoking, with his California surfer boy good looks. But hooking up isn’t just a terrible idea, it’s potential career suicide. For both of us.

And falling in love? Well, that would be a disaster of epic proportions. Every time he goes out on the track, his life is in my hands. The last time I was responsible for someone I cared about, he wound up paralyzed, and I almost drowned myself in a bottle of Jameson. My head is telling me there’s no way I can risk that happening again.

But it seems like my heart has other ideas.

Close Quarters is a contemporary mm sports romance about open-wheel race car drivers. It’s a grumpy-sunshine, age gap love story set against the glitzy backdrops of Monaco, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and more. Close Quarters is a stand-alone book in the Faster series, which also includes books by Leslie McAdam and Victoria Denault.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports, M M Romance, Racing, LGBT, Sports Romance

242 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2023

About the author

Regina Kyle knew she was destined to be an author when she won a writing contest at age ten with a touching tale about a squirrel and a nut pie. By day, she writes dry legal briefs, representing the state in criminal appeals. At night, she writes steamy romance with heart and humor.

A lover of all things theatrical, Regina lives on the Connecticut coast with her husband, teenaged daughter and two melodramatic cats. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely singing, reading, cooking or watching bad reality television.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than book one!

I liked Grady and Ben together but a lot of their relationship happens off page and we're told about it in a brief summary after the fact. Not a fan of that really, I'd rather have less sex scenes and more romance/relationship building scenes because without seeing their connection building it's just like a string of hook ups which isn't that interesting.

Quite a few things felt like loose ends. Kip seemed to disappear and never really built any kind of relationship with Grady. Grady's dad disappeared after the accident but we don't see the fallout. We just get told 'that was a bad day' which felt kinda lazy for all the build up of their tension and animosity.

There were also quite a few inconsistencies between chapters which is always something that bothers me.

On the plus side, GCSE German finally paid off! Don't recall ever seeing German in any book I've read that wasn't academic, so that was nice to see that I still understand it!

[Emily]

*dnf 35%* Whoever wrote this clearly does not watch F1 enough to have more than a very basic knowledge and it’s infuriating. It feels like they did a google search and hoped that would be enough. The final straw was the fact that the driver freaked out cause a reporter knew what he said on the radio when it reality everything said between a driver and their race engineer is public. It just felt like lazy writing not to research enough to know that. On top of that, the writing is mediocre at best and the characters have no chemistry in my opinion. I had high hopes for this as it seemed like such a fun concept but clearly they were misplaced. If you don’t watch F1 and are here for a fun story this might be for you but if you do I highly recommend you go elsewhere.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 RTC

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close Quarters

Close Quarters is a contemporary mm sports romance about a race car driver and his engineer. It’s a grumpy-sunshine, age gap love story set in the world of Formula 1.

[Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘s all right. Better than Off Track, kind of, but somehow more annoying too. Off Track was annoying because it explained certain F1 things too much. This was annoying because it managed to get too many things wrong (and, maybe most annoyingly, not even consistently so).

Also, straightaway is *technically* a correct term, but it’s clunky and I’ve never heard anyone refer to them as anything other than straights.

So here I am again: getting more bothered by fairly minute details than problems with the overarching story. Love gonna Love, I guess 🤷🏼

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



When former race engineer, Ben, walked away from F1, he thought it would be forever. He can't stomach being in the very industry that caused his friend Stefan to be in a wheelchair. But when team owner Jacques, comes to him with an arrangement involving his son, a driver in need of an engineer, he has to walk back into the life he left so Jacques will fund Stefan's organization. Now not only is Ben going to be the voice in rookie Grady's ear, he's trying not to act on his inexplicable attraction to the man. He cannot be with the racer whose career and possibly life, he holds in his hands, can he?



Grady's a nepo driver. He knows it, and can't do anything to change minds but race his best. His former engineer didn't exactly help him with that, but his new one is the opposite - supportive, gently guiding, and oh, did he mention - HOT?!? He can have his hot new career AND Ben, too, right?



Grady and Ben don't work on paper, but are actually perfect for each other. Their chemistry is hot, they complement each other in all the best ways, and Ben in particular, stands out as a really interesting, lovable character. This MM racing series just keeps getting better.



ARC provided by 1852 Media for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub

[« cille » · Rating 2 out of 5]

note | rating: 2.5 stars

after reading the first book (… which i wasn’t that impressed with), this one seems quite similar and a little repetitive. for example the fact that grady is also involved in a crash, which also makes his car burst into flames just like cristian in “off track”. i mean, couldn’t the author had thought of something different? also ben’s reacting is similar, but it’s him panicking and saying running of to the track to see if grady is okay. i mean it just doesn’t work a second time and it also felt like it came out of nowhere, since there’s only 15 pages left of the book. couldn’t they have used that time for something else? because just like with the first book, 200 pages is not a lot to develop a story within. it also aeems like the crash was included just for the dramatic effect, or for the sake of just having it there, to have that situation or event that would make ben and grady announce their relationship to the world, not caring about potentially putting themselves, because in that moment all they care about it making sure the other one is safe and okay; and wanting to say “i love you” to each other. yeah, it’s just quite predictable

aome books manage to tell a whole story in 200 pages, a story that leave you satisfied and where you’re left with a feeling that you got all or most of your questions answered. but this one is not one of them. 200 pages is just too short to tell a love story between two characters who’be never met before, and it just wasn’t believable i guess. i didn’t feel the connection or the love between them, it went too fast and i can’t really explain why they even liked each others what made them fall for each other because they never really said so. just like the first one, it seems like they were sexually attracted to each other, then they because friends with benefits and suddenly they were in love with each other, after we’ve only read about them having sex and not much else.

i’m tired of reading mm romance that’s seriously lacking substance, depth and actual plot. mostly it’s just two male characters who’s horny for each other and doesn’t se to do much else that fuck and not talk about their feelings because they all have daddy issue and learned that “real” men doesn’t do feelings, so why even try to change that. until someone comes into their life and change it overnight, which only leaves the reader confused as to why… i know romance books are sometimes a bit over the top and in a lot of ways are structured the same ways as rom-com movies, but i’m just tired of those books… i miss the mm romance books with more depth, with more plot and characters development (and characters descriptions), where the story actually feels rounded and thought through, where we actually get to know the characters separately and together, where it doesn’t feel rushed or anything. but maybe i’m asking too much… who knows

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Scorcher
Coming out
Age-gap 10+ years
Grumpy/sunshine

I really enjoyed reading this story. The writing flowed well and I finished it much more quickly than I expected (that's a compliment). I liked both of the MCs a lot and thought they had great chemistry together.

Other than the love story for Ben and Grady, which I loved, I enjoyed learning more about Stefan, the driver who was injured in the first book in the series, Off Track by Leslie McAdam. You do not need to read Off Track to enjoy Close Quarters as both books standalone.

Ben feels guilty for what happened to Stefan even though it wasn't his fault. He's reluctant at first to take the job working with rookie driver, Grady. The sparks fly pretty quickly between Ben and Grady and things just get hotter and hotter as the story goes along.

Grady's dad is a real jerk, a former driver himself he's constantly criticizing Grady and belittling his performance as a driver. I loved how Ben stood up to him and backed Grady up.

This is the second series I've read recently about F1 racing. I know nothing about it other than what I've read in these great MM stories but I'm enjoying the thrill of racing that we get to see through the driver's eyes. The third book in this series is Apex and I'll be reading it soon.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Faster series and it is Ben and Grady’s story. When Ben’s friend Stefan was in a serious accident that left him paralysed Ben wanted nothing to do with the track or formula 1 racing until he is asked to take on Grady and the owners would help Ben with his charity so Ben takes a chance and says yes hoping that he hasn’t made the wrong decision but also Ben doesn’t realise that complications are going to follow. When Ben and Grady meet there attraction and chemistry is instant but if they give in to how they feel it completely finish both of their careers but are they both willing to put everything on the line and take a chance so that they can be together and hopefully have a future. I have to say that MM romance are definitely not a genre that I read but as it was by Regina Kyle and also being part of her team I decided to give it a try and I must admit that I enjoyed reading this book and the complexity of the characters. I really liked Ben and Grady even though they were the total opposite of each other in every single way but they just seemed to gel and understand each other and the description of the surroundings and racing track made you feel like you were there living through the whole experience. I recommend you give this book a try even if it is not a genre that you have read before because sometimes you can get a nice surprise and enjoy reading it.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben has avoided Formula 1 ever since his best friend his best friend, Stefan, got into an accident on his watch and left him paralyzed. Feeling guilty that for what happened, he just can’t seem to look at the track the same without thinking of his best friend. Even though his friend has never blamed Ben for the accident at all. But when an opportunity arrives for Ben to take on rookie driver, Grady Lewis, Ben is sure there is nothing that can get him back on the track. At least until the team owner promises to help launch Stefan’s charity off the ground. And deep down, there is a part of Ben that misses the track. But he never expects the chemistry that sparks between him and Grady when they meet. One that will make things a whole lot complicated if they give into their feelings. Grady didn’t get along with the last guy who was his race engineer. But when Ben takes his place, Grady knows things will be different. He also knows that he is super attracted to Ben and is willing to take the risk to be with him. Even when no one knows he is gay. It won’t take long for these two to give into their feelings and it will be everything the other is looking for. But there is still a lot to figure out when it comes to being on and off the track for these two. Really loved this one! The grumpy and sunshine combination was great and I loved the banter with these two. Really fun story and I’m looking forward to the last book!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start this review by admitting that M/M romances aren’t my usual choice. Neither are sports romances. But I do enjoy Regina Kyle’s writing, so I thought I’d give this a chance. And am I ever glad I did. This book grabbed me and held tight to the very end. The characters were compelling, the racing was exciting. And the romance… Whew! Ben and Grady were so good together. Whether it was the scorching sexy times or the quiet understanding between these two, it was just so good. There was a great blend between the racing and the romance, too. I never felt like one was being sacrificed for the other. (And as someone completely ignorant of the racing world I was impressed by the way Ms. Kyle made it interesting and exciting.) I also loved that both Ben and Grady were honest with themselves and each other. They were so different from one another and yet so perfect for each other, too. Ben was so sweetly protective and Grady was the burst of sunshine he needed in his life. I can’t recommend this book enough.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

A fantastic addition to this F1 racing multi-author series involving a driver and his race engineer.

Ben left racing when his friend, Stefan, had a racing accident that put him in a wheelchair. It wasn’t his fault but he holds a lot of guilt and personal angst over it. It’s made him a bit grumpy and closed off, Which is a fun juxtaposition to the sunshiney and younger driver he’s been lured back into racing to work with.

Grady needs a kind voice in his ear, not the belittling one he had with his previous race engineer.

There was such great chemistry with these two and loved how they both helped each other face their demons and find their happiness.

They had great banter, which made them a lot of fun. It was also fun to watch them try and be discreet about their developing feelings.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this not expecting to read it so quickly but I definitely couldn’t put it down. I’m a sucker for UST. There’s something about the vibe of it that keeps me flipping the pages waiting or the will they, won’t they to turn to will they. Some side parts of the story maybe could have been better explored or resolved, like Kip sorta disappears but could have played a more major role as a friend to Gardy perhaps and everything with Grady’s father is left very unsatisfying not resolved. But the central romance was great and ends with a satisfying HEA.

[Jess Bracewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good.

This book was good, just good tho. The 1st book in the series was amazing and oh so hot, so I was hoping this one would be too. It is an age gap mm book and it showed. I dont know how to explain it other than it felt very "old" to me. It wasn't highstrung, sexy scenes galore. It was calm and neutral, like let's plan a sexy scene once a month. Like I said still a good book but just didn't live up to the fast pace of F1

[Jangyvee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, there are cliffhangers and then there is "Huh? Was there an error in the download and the rest of the book is missing?"
This one just didn't grab me, and due to the fictional world I encountered several situations in which I wasn't sure whether the author hadn't fully understood the track rules, or just made up different ones. Nerdy comment to make, I know, but it threw me out of a story where I was already barely invested in the main characters at all.

[sevyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this one was sweeter than the first book, and I would say slightly better on the build-up side even when, again, the build-up isn’t exactly shown in the story. I really liked Ben and Grady. Also, noticed few mistakes but not major ones so I guess you can ignore them. I am not a fan of insta-love at all, but I appreciate pushing the admission till quite late in the book.

[ash-reads-romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is SMOKING! It's sexy, hot, the details are exquisite and I can smell the oil fumes as I read! I'm going to devour the whole series in no time. If you're an F1, motorsports or just a sports fan in general you need to read this stat!

[Karin Gesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This checks a lot of boxes - grumpy/sunshine, smoking chemistry, sports romance. It’s part of a series, which I haven’t read the others, but won’t stop your enjoyment of this one. Of course, now I want to read the others!

[Mr terence Michael Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a race to finish book.

A excellent read great storyline full of great moments and not so great. It has a beautiful finish with great thought going into the outcome.
A must read

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Melissa Heeres · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are going to reference an American university, it might be good to not spell it like a brand of frozen chicken…. The university is Purdue, not Perdue.

And yes that bugged me a lot

[Sazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww I loved this!! Loved the relationship between Ben and Grady, loved that the age gap wasn't really a thing once they got started and I loved how it all just made me smile and go all gooey inside 😊

[tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what I just read but I didn’t expect that ending. WHAT WAS THAT??? I hope the third book clears everything up or I’m gonna cry.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read my favorite of the 3 books.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel now I'm gonna be thinking more seriously about race engineers whenever I watch F1

[Alipo909 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Anu Vaarama · Rating 5 out of 5]

In entertaining way a love story and F1-world meet. The plot went forward in good rhythm and was interesting enough. The amount of dramas were just good.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooooo good!

I really liked this book! Picked it up and it grabbed my attention and I just couldn’t put it down!

[Amanda Nan Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben comes back to racing after disappearing from the sport when his driver/best friend ends up paralyzed and he blames himself. Grady is a nepo-baby who isn't respected by his team and is having a hard time finding a connection with those he works closest with. I love how Grady really embodies sunshine and keeps his public-facing persona as positive as possible, even when his dad is a total dick. Lots of angst about the dangers of the sport and being closeted.

Tropes: age gap, grump/sunshine, workplace

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a major fan of Regina Kyle's writing since her first series I was very interested in reading Close Quarters. I know nothing about racing but her in depth descriptions showed how much research goes into her books. I got into it very quickly. I loved how she developed Ben and Grady's relationship from coworkers with benefits to a loving couple.
It was a fast fun read with great characters, and a hot romance.