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Shut Up and Drive #1
Dangerous Strategy
Welcome to the world of Formula 1, a high intensity sport, where drivers’ lives are scrutinized, relationships are tested, and if you don’t perform, you’re out.
Arabella Cedillo just landed her dream job as photographer for her favorite Formula 1 team, Albatross Racing. Suddenly, her quiet life is upended, full of fast-paced race weekends and trips across the globe. But Arabella is keeping a secret. She’s in love with her father’s old rival-turned-best friend, Albatross’s lead driver, Mateo Silva. And now that she’s spending every weekend up close and personal with Mateo, she’s not sure she can keep her feelings a secret anymore.
Mateo Silva used to be a champion. But that was years ago. Now he’s hanging on to his Formula 1 seat as tight as he can, forced to face the fact that he’s not as young as he once was. His team has made it very win a championship this year or kiss a future contract goodbye. The only thing keeping Mateo going every week is the one person who never stops believing in him, his best friend’s daughter.
But his best friend’s daughter is also the one person he shouldn’t be thinking about kissing, the one person he absolutely cannot fall for if he wants to keep his career on track. Mateo has to decide what he wants Formula 1 or Arabella’s heart.
Arabella Cedillo just landed her dream job as photographer for her favorite Formula 1 team, Albatross Racing. Suddenly, her quiet life is upended, full of fast-paced race weekends and trips across the globe. But Arabella is keeping a secret. She’s in love with her father’s old rival-turned-best friend, Albatross’s lead driver, Mateo Silva. And now that she’s spending every weekend up close and personal with Mateo, she’s not sure she can keep her feelings a secret anymore.
Mateo Silva used to be a champion. But that was years ago. Now he’s hanging on to his Formula 1 seat as tight as he can, forced to face the fact that he’s not as young as he once was. His team has made it very win a championship this year or kiss a future contract goodbye. The only thing keeping Mateo going every week is the one person who never stops believing in him, his best friend’s daughter.
But his best friend’s daughter is also the one person he shouldn’t be thinking about kissing, the one person he absolutely cannot fall for if he wants to keep his career on track. Mateo has to decide what he wants Formula 1 or Arabella’s heart.
- GenresRomance
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 14, 2025
3.75/5
Dangerous strategy is a dual POV sports romance (Formula 1) featuring Arabella and Mateo. Arabella has had a crush on Mateo for many years, the only problem is that Mateo is 17 years older than Arabella and is her father’s best friend. However, this doesn’t stop Arabella from accepting the photographer position for the team that Mateo is part of. As the story progresses, the attraction between them is undeniable.
The book is very well written with many spicy scenes. However, I feel that some parts of the story just dragged the story and could have been left out. Will definitely be continuing this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dangerous strategy is a dual POV sports romance (Formula 1) featuring Arabella and Mateo. Arabella has had a crush on Mateo for many years, the only problem is that Mateo is 17 years older than Arabella and is her father’s best friend. However, this doesn’t stop Arabella from accepting the photographer position for the team that Mateo is part of. As the story progresses, the attraction between them is undeniable.
The book is very well written with many spicy scenes. However, I feel that some parts of the story just dragged the story and could have been left out. Will definitely be continuing this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2025
Age gap ✔️
Dads best friend ✔️
Steamy ✔️
I love a good age gap! And this hit the spot. It was well written a little slow burn for my taste but I still enjoyed it.
I did want a little more at the end of the couple but it still was a good book!
I highly recommend this for a quick, good read!
I received this book as an ARC before it is released.
Dads best friend ✔️
Steamy ✔️
I love a good age gap! And this hit the spot. It was well written a little slow burn for my taste but I still enjoyed it.
I did want a little more at the end of the couple but it still was a good book!
I highly recommend this for a quick, good read!
I received this book as an ARC before it is released.
May 24, 2025
why am i crying ?
this is an absolutely masterpiece. omg.
______________________
sooo.. imagine that you’re in love with your father’s best friends and you’ll be a sports photographer… for his F1 team 🤡
and.. you have to take photos of him and Cassie (a famous pop star) that is interested in him 🤡
and then… you kissed him. and he told you that he can’t do that because your relationship will break someone’s heart.. and he don’t really believe in love because him ex leave him because F1.
but you are there because of him.
but he didn’t trust on that.
until… he left that life because of you. 🤍
Mateo, te quiero mucho cariño 😮💨
________
this book makes me feel what F1 life is… it’s not all about money and cars..
thank you for the opportunity to be an arc reader ❤️🩹
this is an absolutely masterpiece. omg.
______________________
sooo.. imagine that you’re in love with your father’s best friends and you’ll be a sports photographer… for his F1 team 🤡
and.. you have to take photos of him and Cassie (a famous pop star) that is interested in him 🤡
and then… you kissed him. and he told you that he can’t do that because your relationship will break someone’s heart.. and he don’t really believe in love because him ex leave him because F1.
but you are there because of him.
but he didn’t trust on that.
until… he left that life because of you. 🤍
Mateo, te quiero mucho cariño 😮💨
________
this book makes me feel what F1 life is… it’s not all about money and cars..
thank you for the opportunity to be an arc reader ❤️🩹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
Dangerous Strategy
By B. Randall
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
Tropes:
F1 romance
age gap
father's best friend
he falls HARD
Main Characters:
Mateo & Arabella
Stand out lines/quotes:
“You just don't get it, do you? Even after all this, you still don't get it.” “Get what?” “You are everything to me. And I choose you, every time, over everything else.”
My Thoughts:
Yeah, my dads friends were definitely not this hot.😂 I loved Mateo and Arabella. I think B Randall did a wonderful job bringing these two characters to life.
By B. Randall
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
Tropes:
F1 romance
age gap
father's best friend
he falls HARD
Main Characters:
Mateo & Arabella
Stand out lines/quotes:
“You just don't get it, do you? Even after all this, you still don't get it.” “Get what?” “You are everything to me. And I choose you, every time, over everything else.”
My Thoughts:
Yeah, my dads friends were definitely not this hot.😂 I loved Mateo and Arabella. I think B Randall did a wonderful job bringing these two characters to life.
June 15, 2025
This review is based upon the Advanced Reader Copy I was given.
My actual star rating is closer to a 3.75, but I am not given the opportunity to adjust by partial amounts of a star.
This book is contains scenes and scenarios that are open door descriptive, not necessarily “explicit” outright.
It is intended for mature readers age 18 and over only.
I appreciated the maturity level of the writing, and the dialogue that was presented within. Especially for Mateo’s character.
I felt like their was a good pace, and consistent time line throughout the book.
Something that doesn’t often happen in books these days.
Where instant love, and HEA’s in books occur in a matter of a few days or maybe a couple weeks.
I am not saying there is anything wrong with those tropes.
I am just saying I appreciate reading more variety.
I found the information within the book in regards to Formula I to be pretty accurate. Well as best as one could expect at least.
In order to really be able to create the story.
With the characters that were chosen, and the jobs they had within the team.
I would have liked to see more open communication during the “off times’’.
Especially after their relationship started, but what was shared.
Was fairly well done, and easy to comprehend.
My disappointments with this book is:
Yet, another author who willingly uses;
and, but, or & because to start sentences.
Too often, and generally these are unnecessary, as well as redundant.
There are plenty of ways to annunciate a statement or phrase without them.
Use bold, italics, or; even exclamation points.
This book had the potential for a 5 star rating, had it not been for those issues.
Plus the miss spelled words or the wrong name given during a reference.
I do recommend this book, and I will begin keeping an eye out for more books in this series.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, and I am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest albeit critical review.
My actual star rating is closer to a 3.75, but I am not given the opportunity to adjust by partial amounts of a star.
This book is contains scenes and scenarios that are open door descriptive, not necessarily “explicit” outright.
It is intended for mature readers age 18 and over only.
I appreciated the maturity level of the writing, and the dialogue that was presented within. Especially for Mateo’s character.
I felt like their was a good pace, and consistent time line throughout the book.
Something that doesn’t often happen in books these days.
Where instant love, and HEA’s in books occur in a matter of a few days or maybe a couple weeks.
I am not saying there is anything wrong with those tropes.
I am just saying I appreciate reading more variety.
I found the information within the book in regards to Formula I to be pretty accurate. Well as best as one could expect at least.
In order to really be able to create the story.
With the characters that were chosen, and the jobs they had within the team.
I would have liked to see more open communication during the “off times’’.
Especially after their relationship started, but what was shared.
Was fairly well done, and easy to comprehend.
My disappointments with this book is:
Yet, another author who willingly uses;
and, but, or & because to start sentences.
Too often, and generally these are unnecessary, as well as redundant.
There are plenty of ways to annunciate a statement or phrase without them.
Use bold, italics, or; even exclamation points.
This book had the potential for a 5 star rating, had it not been for those issues.
Plus the miss spelled words or the wrong name given during a reference.
I do recommend this book, and I will begin keeping an eye out for more books in this series.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, and I am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest albeit critical review.
July 2, 2025
Mateo and Arabella have known each other for years. She’s hid her feelings since the age gap between them is 17 years and Mateo is also her father’s best friend. Now she and Mateo are going to working side by side to one another and she has come to work for formula 1 for Mateo which he doesn’t know he thinks she is doing this for herself. One thing leads to another and they finally get their moment in the elevator and Arabella runs and says I can’t believe I just kissed him. Mateo is in shock that he kissed her back tries to go after to for him to say what? They don’t want casual between them, too many feelings would be hurt and she has been pinning for him for 6 years. She had another opportunity that she is thinking of not taking to sacrifice being here with him and he takes it upon himself to make that decision for her, was that right of him?
The media gets wind of the relationship that is now blossoming between them and her dad if LIVID and is quite mean to them both. Weeks go by and they break up because Mateo can never be anything more than racing or so he thinks. Arabella has made an impact on his life and he finally figures out that she is the only thing he wants.
Enter grand gesture to win her back, kisses goodbye did racing career to follow her through the next phase of their lives, with her parents blessing of course.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The media gets wind of the relationship that is now blossoming between them and her dad if LIVID and is quite mean to them both. Weeks go by and they break up because Mateo can never be anything more than racing or so he thinks. Arabella has made an impact on his life and he finally figures out that she is the only thing he wants.
Enter grand gesture to win her back, kisses goodbye did racing career to follow her through the next phase of their lives, with her parents blessing of course.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I thought this was a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Being over a decade apart, it could be easy to write off the main characters as just lusting after each other, but the chemistry between Arabella and Mateo was solid. The emotional relationship between the two of them made me smile more than once and I really appreciated that the author didn’t make Arabella an insipid, whiny main since she is so much younger than Mateo – well done! Personally, I know very little about Formula 1 racing, but I found the parts that did talk about the sport interesting. The idea of splitting up the book into the many “rounds” of racing was clever and helped readers with a general timeline.
This all being said, I also felt parts of the novel dragged a little, though, I suppose that helped with the tension. The ending few chapters seemed to really rush through and I was honestly, a little disappointed at the ending. Like, I do understand why it took the turn it did, but I feel that could’ve been an alternative way to wrap things up that would’ve been much more satisfying (at least, for me). Overall though, I enjoyed this read and would be interested in the rest of the series.
Thank you Voracious Readers and B. Randall for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought this was a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Being over a decade apart, it could be easy to write off the main characters as just lusting after each other, but the chemistry between Arabella and Mateo was solid. The emotional relationship between the two of them made me smile more than once and I really appreciated that the author didn’t make Arabella an insipid, whiny main since she is so much younger than Mateo – well done! Personally, I know very little about Formula 1 racing, but I found the parts that did talk about the sport interesting. The idea of splitting up the book into the many “rounds” of racing was clever and helped readers with a general timeline.
This all being said, I also felt parts of the novel dragged a little, though, I suppose that helped with the tension. The ending few chapters seemed to really rush through and I was honestly, a little disappointed at the ending. Like, I do understand why it took the turn it did, but I feel that could’ve been an alternative way to wrap things up that would’ve been much more satisfying (at least, for me). Overall though, I enjoyed this read and would be interested in the rest of the series.
Thank you Voracious Readers and B. Randall for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 16, 2025
Arabella has loved Matteo for years—not the way one admires a legendary racer, but in the quiet, unwavering way one loves someone they truly understand. As the daughter of a former racing champion who once fiercely competed against Matteo, she grew up watching their battles on the track, witnessing the intensity and passion that fueled every race. Now, as a photographer for the team, she sees a different side of Matteo—the man behind the strategist, the one burdened by expectations yet craving someone who truly sees him.
This slow-burn romance expertly explores unspoken emotions and lingering tension. Matteo finds a rare comfort in Arabella—she’s not just someone who knows his world, she’s someone who understands him in a way no one else does. When the pressure of the sport threatens to break him, she’s his anchor, the only person with whom he can truly be himself. Their connection is built on stolen moments in the paddock, deep conversations late at night, and the steady, undeniable pull that neither of them can ignore.
With the roaring engines of Formula One as its backdrop, Shifting Gears blends high-stakes racing with heartfelt emotion. The age gap adds complexity, layering their relationship with unspoken fears, family drama, and societal expectations. Yet, beneath the hesitations and hidden feelings, Matteo and Arabella’s story is a testament to love’s ability to withstand time, rivalry, and the relentless speed of the racing world.
A gripping, emotional journey of love, trust, and finding home in another person—Dangerous Strategy delivers a romance worth every exhilarating moment!
This slow-burn romance expertly explores unspoken emotions and lingering tension. Matteo finds a rare comfort in Arabella—she’s not just someone who knows his world, she’s someone who understands him in a way no one else does. When the pressure of the sport threatens to break him, she’s his anchor, the only person with whom he can truly be himself. Their connection is built on stolen moments in the paddock, deep conversations late at night, and the steady, undeniable pull that neither of them can ignore.
With the roaring engines of Formula One as its backdrop, Shifting Gears blends high-stakes racing with heartfelt emotion. The age gap adds complexity, layering their relationship with unspoken fears, family drama, and societal expectations. Yet, beneath the hesitations and hidden feelings, Matteo and Arabella’s story is a testament to love’s ability to withstand time, rivalry, and the relentless speed of the racing world.
A gripping, emotional journey of love, trust, and finding home in another person—Dangerous Strategy delivers a romance worth every exhilarating moment!
August 8, 2025
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.
Photographer Arabella Cedillo has spent the last 6 years in love with F1 driver, Mateo Silva. There’s just a small problem with that: he’s her father’s best friend, and 17 years older than her. No matter what, she has followed his career religiously, and has now found herself a job as the art director for Albatross Racing, the team Mateo drives for. Spending the next year documenting every minute of Mateo and teammate, Jayce’s, races, Arabella is going to have to keep a hold on her feelings, because surely Mateo won’t reciprocate them?
I haven’t read many F1 romances before, I think this might be the 3rd one, and definitely not one with a forbidden romance with such an age gap as Arabella and Mateo had. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, but for the majority of the book, that 17 years difference wasn’t so obvious. It was clear that there was a strong connection and chemistry between Arabella and Mateo, and the fact that Mateo hadn’t started to really spend time with Arabella until she was at college, and definitely didn’t have feelings for her until she joined the Albatross team, definitely made it less creepy. I enjoyed the F1 aspect of the story too, even though I’m not a big fan of the sport. It was clear that the author is a big fan, and that she had done a lot of research before writing this book. Having a female F1 driver in Lola, who was not an ememy of Mateo’s, but a friend, was a great addition too.
Photographer Arabella Cedillo has spent the last 6 years in love with F1 driver, Mateo Silva. There’s just a small problem with that: he’s her father’s best friend, and 17 years older than her. No matter what, she has followed his career religiously, and has now found herself a job as the art director for Albatross Racing, the team Mateo drives for. Spending the next year documenting every minute of Mateo and teammate, Jayce’s, races, Arabella is going to have to keep a hold on her feelings, because surely Mateo won’t reciprocate them?
I haven’t read many F1 romances before, I think this might be the 3rd one, and definitely not one with a forbidden romance with such an age gap as Arabella and Mateo had. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, but for the majority of the book, that 17 years difference wasn’t so obvious. It was clear that there was a strong connection and chemistry between Arabella and Mateo, and the fact that Mateo hadn’t started to really spend time with Arabella until she was at college, and definitely didn’t have feelings for her until she joined the Albatross team, definitely made it less creepy. I enjoyed the F1 aspect of the story too, even though I’m not a big fan of the sport. It was clear that the author is a big fan, and that she had done a lot of research before writing this book. Having a female F1 driver in Lola, who was not an ememy of Mateo’s, but a friend, was a great addition too.
May 28, 2025
I’m going to be honest, I love B’s stuff, she’s a great writer. But this, this is like the biggest slow burn ever. And it’s really different for her. Not bad, just different.
It took me a minute, won’t lie, to dive into the book. At times, Arabella kinda irked me, I kinda felt like she did let Mateo walk over, but then, the shift happened. And the slow, uphill climb that you were coasting on, shifts gears and you’re on the downslide of that roller coaster. And when it starts, oh my goodness, there is no getting off and there is no putting the book down. Even the start, I was dying to know what happens next. And let me tell you, B is always so good at keeping you on the edge of your seat, and this one did.
And when it’s all said done, and after the fight with her dad, the epic blowup Mateo and Arabella have, it’s the sweetest thing to see love finally form, and a clear answer comes up. But I can’t share the question, but you’ll know when you see it. So, go see it already.
It took me a minute, won’t lie, to dive into the book. At times, Arabella kinda irked me, I kinda felt like she did let Mateo walk over, but then, the shift happened. And the slow, uphill climb that you were coasting on, shifts gears and you’re on the downslide of that roller coaster. And when it starts, oh my goodness, there is no getting off and there is no putting the book down. Even the start, I was dying to know what happens next. And let me tell you, B is always so good at keeping you on the edge of your seat, and this one did.
And when it’s all said done, and after the fight with her dad, the epic blowup Mateo and Arabella have, it’s the sweetest thing to see love finally form, and a clear answer comes up. But I can’t share the question, but you’ll know when you see it. So, go see it already.
July 16, 2025
Arabella and Mateo. He’s a driver and she’s the photographer hired to ohotograph the team for the season. She has had a crush on him forever but he’s older and her dads former rival turned best friend.
I like them, I do. But in the beginning the constant hashing over her crush on him got to be a bit much. Once it mellowed I started to like the story more. Mateo isnt overbearing or cocky, he’s portrayed as someone who is real with insecurities and doubts like the rest of us. He doesnt understand why she wants him and she doesn’t understand why he doesnt get it. Cause he pretty much sucks at relationships cause he’s so focused on racing.
I think Arabella is more in touch with her feelings and is the first to throw it out there.
The only thing I really didnt get was the Friend Lana’s hostility. It made no sense to me.
It’s a slow burn with spice that i think most will like. Give it a read. I did like it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like them, I do. But in the beginning the constant hashing over her crush on him got to be a bit much. Once it mellowed I started to like the story more. Mateo isnt overbearing or cocky, he’s portrayed as someone who is real with insecurities and doubts like the rest of us. He doesnt understand why she wants him and she doesn’t understand why he doesnt get it. Cause he pretty much sucks at relationships cause he’s so focused on racing.
I think Arabella is more in touch with her feelings and is the first to throw it out there.
The only thing I really didnt get was the Friend Lana’s hostility. It made no sense to me.
It’s a slow burn with spice that i think most will like. Give it a read. I did like it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2025
I've read books by this author and compared to some of the Bersker Gym series, this definitely more of a slow burn. There are still open door scenes, but only a few that are definitely still spicy. This is an age gap, father's best friend story. I don't know a whole lot about F1 racing and it did not matter. The story itself was good and I didn't need to know anything about the sport to enjoy it. Arabella is the daughter of a former F1 champion, now she's working as a photographer for a team her Dad's best friend drives for. Mateo is a 3 time F1 champion, he's one of the oldest drivers and is trying to prove he still has it. Arabella has been in love with Mateo since she was 19, now she's with him travelling the world. She finally gets the courage to make a move, but will she gets what she wants or will it destroy everything she knows? Mateo is shocked and can't wrap his head around everything she admits and why she would ever want to be with him.
June 11, 2025
I really liked the writing style and having updates on the championship in between the chapters as well as championship standings at the beginning of the chapters. The pace was good, not too quick and not too slow. The characters were well written and had depth to them, they all had their struggles and own topics to deal with. While I dont mind the age gap trope in general it was sort of a bother in this book for me. Arabella was very young when she crushed on him and although he didnt reciprocate the feelings at the beginning I got sort of weird vibes from the love story. The story itself was very cute though, the love was real and they both sacrificed things and communicated. The spicy chapters were also well written, overall a good book to read if you dont mind age gaps that are a tiny bit too much and when the focus is on them throughout the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2025
Dangerous Strategy by B Randall 👩🏽❤️👨🏽🏎️📸
Rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️
Age gap? Check!
Dad’s best friend? Check!
Race cars and photography? Check!
I got this book before the public as an ARC. I really enjoyed this story. It was well written, only very minor grammatical errors.
Arabella and Mateo are delicious separate and together. Arabella has been in love with Mateo for six years and Mateo is obsessed with racing. The slow and steady relationship growth was so sweet. The loyalty, the romance, the communication for the most part, the desire for the best for each other. Swooon 😍😍
You have to read this if you want a quick read that sucks you and you requires you to devour it in one sitting. I appreciated the plot to spice ratio. I enjoyed the characters. I wish I had more! It comes out May 26th!
May 14, 2025
Just had the chance to be an ARC reader for Dangerous Strategy by B. Randall. Growing up I was a fan of racing whether it be Nascar or Formula 1. So when the opportunity presented itself to be able to read a workplace, age-gap romance book involving racing I was sold.
This age - gap romance drew me in immediately. The way that Matteo and Arabella work together but don't allow their relationship to affect their work (mostly) was one of my favorite parts of the book. One thing I was a little confused on was halfway through the chapters it looked like the POV was gonna change but it was still the same person's POV however after the first couple chapters it didn't bug me.
Overall I really liked this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
This age - gap romance drew me in immediately. The way that Matteo and Arabella work together but don't allow their relationship to affect their work (mostly) was one of my favorite parts of the book. One thing I was a little confused on was halfway through the chapters it looked like the POV was gonna change but it was still the same person's POV however after the first couple chapters it didn't bug me.
Overall I really liked this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
May 22, 2025
I don’t encounter any Formula One books and then I ARC read two in a row?? WEIRD.
Dangerous Strategy manages to squish a whole lot of tropes into one book. There’s an age gap (17 years). He’s her dad’s best friend. It’s a sports romance AND technically a workplace romance. So, there’s something for everyone, really!
There are very few sports in the world where men and women can compete directly. I really like how the book addresses women in a male-dominated sport in a really positive way. The romance is a bit of a slow burn, but once it gets started, things take off with the door wide open. This book will take you on a whirlwind world tour and have your heart racing with both the romance and the drama of the track.
Dangerous Strategy manages to squish a whole lot of tropes into one book. There’s an age gap (17 years). He’s her dad’s best friend. It’s a sports romance AND technically a workplace romance. So, there’s something for everyone, really!
There are very few sports in the world where men and women can compete directly. I really like how the book addresses women in a male-dominated sport in a really positive way. The romance is a bit of a slow burn, but once it gets started, things take off with the door wide open. This book will take you on a whirlwind world tour and have your heart racing with both the romance and the drama of the track.
July 13, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a good dad’s best friend trope and I wasn’t disappointed on that front. The dynamic between the main characters was compelling and it was really enjoyable watching their relationship unfold over time. That said, the trope felt a bit forced at the start it took a while before it clicked naturally for me.
One of the unexpected highlights for me was Mateo’s sister she’s just the cutest and brought such a fun, warm energy to the story.
As a big Formula 1 fan, I was excited to see a romance set in the F1 world. But I have to admit, the ending left me kind of disappointed. I wasn’t expecting the direction it took, and it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.
I love a good dad’s best friend trope and I wasn’t disappointed on that front. The dynamic between the main characters was compelling and it was really enjoyable watching their relationship unfold over time. That said, the trope felt a bit forced at the start it took a while before it clicked naturally for me.
One of the unexpected highlights for me was Mateo’s sister she’s just the cutest and brought such a fun, warm energy to the story.
As a big Formula 1 fan, I was excited to see a romance set in the F1 world. But I have to admit, the ending left me kind of disappointed. I wasn’t expecting the direction it took, and it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.
August 16, 2025
Ari y Mateo se conocen de hace muchos años. Sin embargo, por los últimos 6 años Arabella ha estado obsesionada con Mateo. Es por esto que toma un puesto en el equipo de F1 de Mateo. Su única meta era tratar de estar cerca de Mateo.
Luego de unos meses y estar constantemente juntos Mateo empieza a desarrollar sentimientos por ella. Todo se vuelve más difícil, cuando Pedro, el papá de Arabella y mejor amigo de Mateo, se entera de su relación.
Esta historia es un friend-to-lovers, dad best friend, age gap con un slow burn incredible. Te muestra cuando a veces el sacrificarse por amor si vale la pena.
Luego de unos meses y estar constantemente juntos Mateo empieza a desarrollar sentimientos por ella. Todo se vuelve más difícil, cuando Pedro, el papá de Arabella y mejor amigo de Mateo, se entera de su relación.
Esta historia es un friend-to-lovers, dad best friend, age gap con un slow burn incredible. Te muestra cuando a veces el sacrificarse por amor si vale la pena.
May 28, 2025
What a wonderful way to get to know B. Randall!
Tension, twists, and a romance that builds against the odds—Dangerous Strategy delivers a solid romantic suspense read. B. Randall weaves a plot full of smart moves, risky alliances, and emotional tension between characters who are each guarding something. The suspense was well-paced, and I loved the strategic, almost chess-like feel to the unfolding storyline. If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat moments paired with slow-building trust and attraction, this is one to check out!
Tension, twists, and a romance that builds against the odds—Dangerous Strategy delivers a solid romantic suspense read. B. Randall weaves a plot full of smart moves, risky alliances, and emotional tension between characters who are each guarding something. The suspense was well-paced, and I loved the strategic, almost chess-like feel to the unfolding storyline. If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat moments paired with slow-building trust and attraction, this is one to check out!
May 28, 2025
This was a fun read. I really liked both of the main characters. Mateo was so driven (like what I did there? 😂😂) and focused until Arabella came and flipped his world upside down. Arabella was a fun character too, though possibly a little obsessive, haha. I really liked their journey and how everything fell together, and that grand gesture? Are you kidding me? Perfection! I’ve never read a race car driver book before, but I really enjoyed it! The detail and storyline were great. If you haven’t stepped into this world, I definitely give it a go.
July 4, 2025
I was given a copy of this book by Voracious Readers. This is my honest review.
I’ve never read a book with F1 as the sport featured and it made a refreshing change.
Arabella and Mateo are always going to be together and this is their story. Arabella takes a job at a F1 team to be closer to their star driver Mateo (she’s loved him for six years, from afar). Mateo can never sustain a relationship because he loves F1 more than anything until Arabella comes along - can she change his mind and their futures?
Beautifully written with some spice added in.
I loved it.
I’ve never read a book with F1 as the sport featured and it made a refreshing change.
Arabella and Mateo are always going to be together and this is their story. Arabella takes a job at a F1 team to be closer to their star driver Mateo (she’s loved him for six years, from afar). Mateo can never sustain a relationship because he loves F1 more than anything until Arabella comes along - can she change his mind and their futures?
Beautifully written with some spice added in.
I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
I received this as an ARC and it was my first F1 book and also my first read from this Author.
Overall I enjoyed this story. I wish the book would’ve given a little more about each character’s back story but I really liked the grand gesture. There were a few different characters I’d be interested in reading about in the rest of the series and look forward to seeing which route/characters the author writes.
Overall I enjoyed this story. I wish the book would’ve given a little more about each character’s back story but I really liked the grand gesture. There were a few different characters I’d be interested in reading about in the rest of the series and look forward to seeing which route/characters the author writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
From the moment I started this book, I was sucked in. This book quickly became one of my new top favorite formula one romances. Arabella and Mateo’s story is a perfect blend of both insta love and slow burn. It’s an age gap that’s important to the story but isn’t the complete focus. The characters are lovable, and you’ll root for their successes the whole book. The spice to plot ratio was a great balance. I look forward to hopefully getting more of the side characters in this book.
May 18, 2025
3.5 - 4 ⭐️
🌶🌶
I enjoyed this story and the world within F1 Racing! I also enjoyed this being an age gap trope without including a lot of focus on their ages and how many years were between them (tho I do enjoy the "daddy" trope, that isn't this story and I think it was done just right!). There were a couple of characteristics of the FMC that I didn't relate to and made the story feel slow at times. That being said, I'll read future books in the series and check out other books by B Randall!
🌶🌶
I enjoyed this story and the world within F1 Racing! I also enjoyed this being an age gap trope without including a lot of focus on their ages and how many years were between them (tho I do enjoy the "daddy" trope, that isn't this story and I think it was done just right!). There were a couple of characteristics of the FMC that I didn't relate to and made the story feel slow at times. That being said, I'll read future books in the series and check out other books by B Randall!
May 18, 2025
I grew up watching F1 races with my dad.
So liking this so much was a surprise as i hadnt seen or read about any F1 races in years, I absolutely loved it and finished it in one day. It made me feel all the emotions. The adrenaline from reading about the races to the emotional storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book.
So liking this so much was a surprise as i hadnt seen or read about any F1 races in years, I absolutely loved it and finished it in one day. It made me feel all the emotions. The adrenaline from reading about the races to the emotional storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book.
May 26, 2025
A great ride. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the unique characters. I was impressed with the way that the author gave us the updates throughout the story and made it feel like you could not wait for the next race. It was entertaining to see how everyone else could see the blossoming relationship but Mateo and Arabella were surprised when they were called out. I look forward to reading more by the author.
May 27, 2025
Long but easy read, dad's best friend is a usually troupe but this well very well written. She falls first he falls hard. I love the teen hustler, it just was something that made perfect sense to me. Arabella's fantasies are just so freaking hot. Couldn't put it down. You don't have to be a fan of Formula one racing to enjoy. I am definitely going to read more from B. Randall. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2025
I'm a simple kind of girl—give me a well-written book, add a little spice, make it forbidden, and I’m sold. This read gave me what I needed, honestly. The slow burn was real—it built up slowly but in a good way, it keept me hooked. The tension was palpable, and I loved it. I do wish the ending had been a bit longer to really sink into that final payoff, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the charm of the story.
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this book.
April 28, 2025
The chemistry between the characters crackles off the page, weaving a forbidden love story that's both heart-wrenching and deeply satisfying.
B. Randall crafts a perfect blend of tension, longing, and sacrifice, pulling readers into a world where love doesn’t come easy—but is absolutely worth fighting for.
B. Randall crafts a perfect blend of tension, longing, and sacrifice, pulling readers into a world where love doesn’t come easy—but is absolutely worth fighting for.
April 29, 2025
I LOVED the perfect amount of spice to plot ratio. It is a slow burn but the characters and the drama mixed in with the plot keep you on toes until you get to the heated scenes! I will be reading every single book of this series , hopefully a series?! I need more of arabella and mateo like NOW 🙌🏻😉🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ it took me less than a week to finish this book because I could NOT put it down!
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