The Fast Lane was a very easy breezy read - the writing is bountiful, vibrant and so easy to get into from the get-go. The short chapters definitely helped but I highly commend Sharon Peterson's writing style and the story for The Fast Lane being a complete page-turner!
Ali and Theo are the most loveable characters. Where Ali is confident, unhinged, quirky and relatable - Theo is calm, composed, sweet, thoughtful- and resolutely supportive (side note: all the supporting characters are beautiful, in fact, with one obvious exception being Ali's ex, Alec) - the moments Ali and Theo share and the direction of the story too was unpredictable and so fun (Ali, and therefore the reader, being "introduced" to Theo's flirting - wowzas!) The equation between these two was electric!
At points, we revisit the past to show the history behind Ali and Theo's friendship which were lovely to read and did not confuse the storyline which was a relief. Everything just unfolded gracefully and I was invested in finding out more. The narrative is a mix of all your favourite tropes - think brother's best friend/friends to lovers/forced proximity - again, in the most bizarre setting (nudist (non descriptive) spa retreat) - if you enjoy those, then The Fast Lane is one for you! P.s. Theo's profession is another reason to read this!
The story is not just about the budding romance between Ali and Theo though - many major themes are dealt with and handled with sensitivity (almost effortlessly) by Sharon Peterson - I have to credit Sharon again, especially after reading the author's note at the end of the book, as representation really does matter. I hope many readers will feel seen when they pick this book up.
From what I understand when I finished the book, The Fast Lane is a part of a series however it can definitely be read as a standalone (I have not read the other books and did not find any issue in following this story....given how much I loved this book though, I will definitely be picking up the others!) What I would say is that the first few paragraphs do name drop alot which almost did put me off as I thought we were going to be dealing with multiple characters without context but the leads do become obvious as you get into the book - Peterson helpfully reminds us, where necessary, of the background within the story too if a character makes an appearance after a break, which I found helpful.
In summary, what you can expect:
- Friends x Lovers/Brother's best friend trope
- Epilepsy representation
- Loveable characters (Mains/Side)
- Engaging writing/pageturner
- Banter and wit galore!
- Wild road trip adventures
- “I am not your brother” (Just wait for it - Lord, have mercy).
- Dysfunctional/Functioning family - perfectly imperfect in every way.
Trigger warnings: minor reference to car accidents, injury detail, seizures, nudity (nondescriptive), and death of a family member.
Spice: kissing-only
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Sharon M Peterson for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unedited review.