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Wide Open #6

Bump and Run

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Everything changed the night I met Charlie Callahan.

Charlie introduced me to things I had never tried before; hard cider,
skinning dipping and kissing. So much kissing. In turn, I shared things of my own with him. Stockcar racing, my love of taking photos and my innocence. An innocence that Charlie took from me when I offered it to him, because I thought he was different. But I had been wrong.

Charlie had said he was mine and that we would be together no matter what anyone told us.

It didn't matter that we were going to be stepbrothers or that we were from completely different worlds. Except he lied to me just like everyone had warned he would... I guess I was naïve to believe someone like Charlie could care for someone like me.

I managed to move on.

I toughened myself up and began my racing career, but I never really got over the one that got away; the one that broke my heart. And now Charlie's here again. He keeps telling me things that I want to hear. That he loves me, and he wants us to be together. And he wants to explain why he ghosted me.

The walls I built around my heart aren't strong enough to keep him out.

And I'm not sure I want to anymore.

** This is book six in the Wide Open Series. It can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in order. **

396 pages, Paperback

Published November 18, 2024

2 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Sundae Leighton

21 books273 followers
Sundae Leighton writes romance novels that are sweet with a dark twist. She got her start writing fanfiction with her friends in school, but didn’t take the plunge to publish her first book (Picture Perfect) until 2020. Born and raised in Connecticut, where she currently resides with her husband and their cats. She sometimes scares herself when she writes things darker than intended, considers coffee the nectar of the Gods, and once ran the NYC marathon (OK - half marathon). When she isn’t writing down what the voices in her head tell her to, she likes watching murder shows, NASCAR, and reading romance books with lots of dark angst.

You can keep in touch with Sundae at SundaeLeighton.com and find her on most social media platforms.

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5 stars
49 (63%)
4 stars
18 (23%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Manic killer.
331 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2024
ARC Review

This started off pretty well. I thought Jones and Charles meet cute was really nice. I loved the scene where they met for the first time. Loved everything about the first half of this book. The dates, doing fun things together, just existing in each other’s orbit, it was super cute and nice.

However it went downhill for me from the second half of the book. If you know me, you know I love a good stepbrothers romance and I had so much expectation while reading this, given how good it was at the beginning.

With the way Jones and Charles parted, I’d expected a lot of grovelling. Charles doing more than just showing up four years later. I wanted to see him work for the forgiveness he sought from Jones and it was pretty much not giving what I wanted. Jones was so quick to fall back in bed with Charles, the apology was flimsy at best and I just lost interest in the rest of the story. I literally skimmed to the end just to be done with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dee.
674 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2024
Love Stands Strong

This is another fun love story taking place in the racing world. Jones and Charlie will make you a believer in love at first sight.
Profile Image for Daryn Johnson.
311 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2024
Bump and Run ARC Review:

Charlie and Jones meet one summer and fall head over heels for the other. They, however, have roadblocks to being and staying together, ones that make this a second chance romance.

Jones really was just the kindest and sweetest guy! Charlie was also incredibly romantic throughout the story and I really felt for him and Jones. Yes, even when I was angry or upset with the reason for a second chance to be needed. I had a fun time with the story, watching them overcome fear and threats.

4.25/5🌟
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
619 reviews54 followers
November 26, 2024
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

Even though Bump and Run left me with mixed feelings due to some of the plot details, it was a book that I really enjoyed too, especially since I didn't know what to expect from Jones due to his first appearance in the series, plus, Sundae gave me a love story that captivated me despite being so quick: it made me fall in love with Charlie & Jones, it gave me my favorite pair of best friends with Ollie & Travis, and I think one of the things I liked most about this book is that it's the one that can be read the most as a standalone of the entire series, which was very refreshing.

Sundae Leighton was right when she said that Jones was her sweetest character so far! His personality is really cute, innocent, and I love that he doesn't swear at all, plus I loved reading how grateful, kind, and considerate he is to his mom (even when she doesn't behave the best in specific situations). I also really enjoyed reading him with Ollie & Travis, how funny and beautiful they all are together and how they are the biggest support for Jones at all times.

Charlie is completely different from Jones: a daring, outgoing, rich, and flirtatious guy who always says what he thinks and wants. His family situation is complicated and it breaks my heart to read the decisions he has to make, however, I didn't love his attitude when he meets Jones again, although things quickly take an unexpected turn between them, so I'm not complaining a lot. I also really liked that Charlie was there for Ollie, that he understood his bond with Jones and that he came back determined to fight for what he wants no matter the consequences.

Jones & Charlie are about to become stepbrothers, but neither of them know it when they meet, so their relationship is not easy when their parents find out, BUT we can't deny that these two have a very sweet, adorable and funny chemistry. I really liked that the author showed them as what they are: two teenagers who are trying to survive while fighting for their dreams, needless to say I HATED Charles' dad, and that is precisely one of my biggest problems with the plot: I think this conflict that seemed to be so important was resolved too quickly and without a real explanation of how it happened. I also think there were times when it felt like we were already reading Ollie & Kit's book because sometimes they stole the show a bit from Jones & Charlie, but what I do have to thank the author for is that in Bump and Run she introduced Jones to the WAGs in a more organic way and until the end of the book.

🏁Jones: 4.5/5
🌊Charlie: 4/5
🏁Plot: 3/5
🌊Love story: 4/5
🏁Secondary characters: 4/5
🌊Universe: 5/5
🏁Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Aún cuando Bump and Run me dejó con sentimientos encontrados gracias a algunos detalles en la trama, también fue un libro que disfruté mucho, especialmente porque no sabía qué esperar de Jones debido a su primera aparición en la serie, además, Sundae me dio una historia de amor que me cautivo a pesar de ser tan rápida: hizo que me enamorara junto a Charlie & Jones, me dio a mi par favorito de mejores amigos con Ollie & Travis, y creo que una de las cosas que más me gustó de éste libro es que es el que más se puede leer como standalone de toda la serie, y eso fue muy refrescante.

Sundae Leighton tenía razón cuando dijo que Jones era su personaje más dulce hasta ahora! Su personalidad es realmente tierna, inocente y amo que no maldiga para nada, además de que me encantó leer lo agradecido, amable y considerado que es con su mamá (aún cuando ella no se porta de la mejor manera en situaciones especificas). También me gustó mucho leerlo con Ollie & Travis, lo divertidos y hermosos que son todos juntos y como ellos son el mayor apoyo para Jones en todo momento.

Charlie es completamente diferente a Jones: un chico atrevido, extrovertido, rico y coqueto que siempre dice lo que piensa y quiere. Su situación familiar en complicada y me rompe el corazón leer las decisiones que tiene que tomar, sin embargo, no me encantó su actitud cuando se reencuentra con Jones, aunque las cosas dan un giro rápidamente inesperado entre ambos, así que no me quejo del todo. También me gustó mucho que Charlie estuviera ahí para Ollie, que entendiera su vinculo con Jones y que regresara decidido a luchar por lo que quiere sin importarle las consecuencias.

Jones & Charlie están a punto de ser hermanastros, pero ninguno de los dos lo sabe cuando se conocen, así que su relación no es sencilla cuando sus papás se enteran, PERO no podemos negar que estos dos tienen una química muy dulce, tierna y divertida. Me gustó mucho que la autora los mostrara como lo que son: dos adolescentes que están intentando sobrevivir mientras luchan por sus sueños, de más está decir que ODIÉ al papá de Charles, y ese es precisamente uno de mis mayores problemas con la trama: creo que este conflicto que parecía ser tan importante se resolvió muy rápido y sin una explicación real de como sucedió. También creo que hubo momentos en los que parecía que ya estábamos leyendo el libro de Ollie & Kit porque a veces le robaban un poco el protagonismo a Jones & Charlie, pero lo que si tengo que agradecerle a la autora es que en Bump and Run introdujera a Jones con los WAGs de manera más orgánica y hasta el final del libro.

🏁Jones: 4.5/5
🌊Charlie: 4/5
🏁Trama: 3/5
🌊Historia de amor: 4/5
🏁Personajes secundarios: 4/5
🌊Universo: 5/5
🏁Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Profile Image for Caitlin Loggins.
Author 2 books29 followers
December 11, 2024
This was a really cute story that also has LOTS of spice. But I really enjoyed reading Bump and Run from the first page to the very last page. 🙂

Jones and Charlie are such a cute couple and all of the little things that they do for each other are so sweet! ❤️

One of my favorite parts of Bump and Run was when Charlie and Jones went to the carnival together and when Charlie went to the arcade with Ollie and Travis and won the gift for Jones. That scene was really cute. 🥰 I also loved the proposal scene, it was adorable! 🩷

These were a few of my favorite lines/quotes from "Bump and Run"

"I can see it written all over you face that you have already fallen a$$ over tea kettle for that boy, and if he feels even half of what you do right now, you two are going to burn up the night sky together.”

"You make me feel nervous but in a good way. I like you. I like having your hands on me, and I enjoy touching you. I just don’t want you to think it’s silly.”

"He had dragged me out of the house, after telling me to pack an overnight bag, told me he wanted to show me something, and then asked if he could drive. I would have let him drive us off a cliff if he had asked me, because that’s how stupid I was for the man."

“It’s going to feel like you’re dying in the beginning. You’ll spend a lot of time crying and wanting to stay in bed all day. Then you’re going to get angry. So mad that you want to hurt him the way he hurt you.”

However, there were a couple of minor things that I would have liked to seen written slightly different but they don't or at least for me, didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. One was at the beginning after Charlie and Jones had first met and the story talked about Charlie going home, long distance relationships, him having an accent, etc. In my mind, I pictured him as being British until I finally reached the part where it was revealed where Charlie was from.

To be totally honest with you, from the descriptions in the story of Charlie and Jones, I imagined them in my mind as I was reading as Liam and Niall from One Direction.

And the second thing was at the beginning of chapter 45 where an accident with one of the other drivers that happened a month prior to that chapter is mentioned but there's no details. I did look at the other books in this series and I see that there's an earlier book about that driver but since I hadn't read that book I was kind of confused about what had happened.

Despite those two minor details, this was a really fun read. I have loved every one of Sundae's books that I have read so far and look forward to her next book. 🙂

*I received an ARC from Chaotic Creatives and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sylvia Pelletier.
446 reviews27 followers
November 19, 2024
Omg Jones is the absolute sweetest human being. As soon as he met Charlie they hit it and off and it was love at first sight. He's definitely a cinnamon roll and so innocent. His Charlie's relationship gets a bit complicated when he finds out they're about to be stepbrothers, but that doesn't stop him from giving him all his firsts. But of course in true Sundae fashion they had to have a little hardship before they can have their happily ever after. Their story is spicy and sweet and a little heartbreaking, but these characters will also live rent free in my head along with the rest of the crew. And I am so happy to see the wags again, even if it was only a snippet. I can't wait for even more of these incredible stories and characters.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,398 reviews28 followers
December 5, 2024
Bump and Run is the sixth book in the Wide Open series and each can be read as standalones but are better in order. I had a hard time with this one, the first part of the book showed so much potential, really thought it would be a 5 star, but I just had a hard time reading after the separation. I loved Jones so much and he deserved so much better than he got, and Charles should have had to work harder when he came back. I will say, this rating is just for my preferences but other people will love it.
Profile Image for Dinoh (Akari).
447 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2024
Such a sweet and nice story with a little bit of angst.

Charlie and Jones meet and fall in love almost instantly, but their story is not easy, and they must suffer a separation when Charlie abruptly disappears, leaving Jones heartbroken, but the love between them is strong, even though several years have passed since they last saw each other until Charlie comes back, and once together again, nothing can separate them.

I really don't understand why Charlie's father acted the way he did, causing pain to both of them, and I don't understand the sudden change of attitude towards the end. Honestly, for me, I wish the guys would remove him from their lives for good...

Anyway, I really enjoyed reading your story, as I enjoy all the ones I've read so far from this author.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Liz.
56 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

What a cute story of first love and second chances!

Jones is such a wholesome character and I love that he never quite loses his innocence.

Charlie is a bit more nuanced and it was a struggle to like him but I really enjoyed the way he turned things around!

Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,494 reviews51 followers
November 24, 2024
This is Jones and Charlie's story and it is full of angst and sadness. This is amazing beautiful story that is written flawlessly and beautifully. I really enjoyed this story and this story was amazing.
2,667 reviews21 followers
November 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am glad we get Jones and Charlie's story. It is full of angst and the unfortunate decisions of youth but has some great redemption. Good read.
Profile Image for MissWho.
224 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2024
Lots of Running, Little Bumping

I love a good MM step-sibling romance, and this one was off to a good start. I thought the way the two MMCs met was super cute, and I loved how the scene was set for the romance to blossom.

I think, sadly, in the middle, the book lost its way a bit, and it was difficult to recover from that. I found some of the dialogue to be a bit confusing at times and the character development a little weak.

If you want an easy read that starts with a meet-cute, a sharing of firsts and a HEA then this might be the book for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Profile Image for Lexi Truitt.
147 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
Thai book was sweet but I could not stand their parents. I’m glad it worked out but I was so irritated with their parents. It was so sweet and romantic tho. Very swoon worthy. 😍
Profile Image for Mandee.
555 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
I adored Jones and Charlie, they were so sweet together, and my heart broke for both of them.

Jones was so sweet and innocent, and he fell hard for Charlie. Charlie loved Jonesy, but thinking he was doing what was best for Charlie, he left.

When they’re reunited years later, they are both changed.

I saw parallels between their story and Leo and Andy’s, as well as their story and that of the Frost family.

I also felt for Kit and Ollie, and cannot wait to read that book!!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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