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Popping the Clutch: A Car Influencer, Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, RomCom
One bed, one deal, zero brakes—this road to romance is about to take some unexpected turns.
Callie Ferenzo knows cars, cameras, and how to keep her brother’s CarTube channel from backfiring. What she doesn’t know is how to pop the clutch on her own dream without breaking a promise to her late father.
Her ambition’s stuck in neutral… until internet-famous CarTuber Dyson Gabbard offers her a deal that’ll shift everything into high pretend to be his girlfriend during a two-week family reunion in Alaska. The trade-off? An all-expenses-paid trip and the keys to her dream car.
A fan-turned-stalker puts Callie in the crosshairs and Dyson in the driver’s seat as her unexpected protector. Suddenly, their fake relationship isn’t just about fooling his family—it’s about keeping her safe.
Callie Ferenzo knows cars, cameras, and how to keep her brother’s CarTube channel from backfiring. What she doesn’t know is how to pop the clutch on her own dream without breaking a promise to her late father.
Her ambition’s stuck in neutral… until internet-famous CarTuber Dyson Gabbard offers her a deal that’ll shift everything into high pretend to be his girlfriend during a two-week family reunion in Alaska. The trade-off? An all-expenses-paid trip and the keys to her dream car.
A fan-turned-stalker puts Callie in the crosshairs and Dyson in the driver’s seat as her unexpected protector. Suddenly, their fake relationship isn’t just about fooling his family—it’s about keeping her safe.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
6 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Bradley
32 books469 followersRochelle puts an artistic spin on everything she does but there are two things she fails at miserably:
1. Cooking (seriously, she can burn water)
2. Sewing (buttons immediately fall back off)
She loves baking and makes a mean BTS (Better than Sex) cake. When in observation mode she is quiet, however, her mouth is usually open with an encouraging glass-is-half-full pun or, quite possibly, her foot.
She is a Bearcat, a Buckeye, an interior decorator, and fluent in sarcasm.
Rochelle shares her home with a big black cat, an itty-bitty orange tiger kitty, her daughter, her son, and her Prince.
She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on Facebook (search for Author Rochelle Bradley), Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Visit Rochelle's website to sign up for her newsletter to keep up to date about future novels and book signings (RochelleBradley.com).
1. Cooking (seriously, she can burn water)
2. Sewing (buttons immediately fall back off)
She loves baking and makes a mean BTS (Better than Sex) cake. When in observation mode she is quiet, however, her mouth is usually open with an encouraging glass-is-half-full pun or, quite possibly, her foot.
She is a Bearcat, a Buckeye, an interior decorator, and fluent in sarcasm.
Rochelle shares her home with a big black cat, an itty-bitty orange tiger kitty, her daughter, her son, and her Prince.
She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on Facebook (search for Author Rochelle Bradley), Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Visit Rochelle's website to sign up for her newsletter to keep up to date about future novels and book signings (RochelleBradley.com).
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this one, but I ended up loving it. The story kept me turning the pages and I couldn’t stop reading. Callie and Dyson had amazing chemistry and I enjoyed every moment between them. The romance was strong, but the story also had some surprises that made it even better. The writing was fun and easy to follow, and the characters grew a lot. It felt light and exciting, but still had heart. Definitely a 5 star read for me. Thank you so much to the author and Sara Cunningham PA for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
July 29, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, Popping the Clutch. This is about Callie, she loves cars and works with her brother on their car channel. One of their friends, Dyson, asks her for a huge favor, if she will go to Alaska for his family reunion and pretend to be his girlfriend. But she brings more than her luggage along on this trip, she has a fan turned stalker around every turn. This pushes Callie and Dyson closer and he will do everything in his power to protect her. And before they know it Dyson is no longer protecting Callie his "fake girlfriend" because now Callie is his real girlfriend. Things keep happening to make her feel like her stalker is around every turn, watching her and waiting to strike. This was an enjoyable story, a romcom with a side of suspense. I liked the storyline involving cars, it was a fresh take on a romcom. The connection between Callie and Dyson was so sweet and fun to read! And I loved the side of suspense in this story! 🩵📚
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Popping the Clutch, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Popping the Clutch, in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
4.5 stars
What a great story! I grew up fixing and driving cars with my guy friends, and I absolutely love a good car movie, so this book had instant appeal as soon as I read the blurb. Rochelle did such a great job with everything in this book. It was fast paced, full of authentic experiences and car vibes,
well-developed lovable characters, spicy car analogies, witty banter, and the perfect amount of tension and suspense. Callie and Dyson were the perfect pair, and I loved every moment of their story unfolding.
I’m so thankful to Rochelle for the early review copy. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series, because I’m definitely hooked!
What a great story! I grew up fixing and driving cars with my guy friends, and I absolutely love a good car movie, so this book had instant appeal as soon as I read the blurb. Rochelle did such a great job with everything in this book. It was fast paced, full of authentic experiences and car vibes,
well-developed lovable characters, spicy car analogies, witty banter, and the perfect amount of tension and suspense. Callie and Dyson were the perfect pair, and I loved every moment of their story unfolding.
I’m so thankful to Rochelle for the early review copy. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series, because I’m definitely hooked!
August 1, 2025
What's not to love about a strong woman in a Porsche? They say not to judge a book by it's cover, but what an incredibly beautiful cover! It's getting a place of distinction on my bookshelf. And the artwork on the inside is so cool! You're definitely going to want to check out the bonus material.
July 16, 2025
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book! It has lots of romance, action and cars. I’m not that knowledgeable about cars but I found it interesting. I was addicted from the start and couldn’t put it down.
July 18, 2025
This is my first book to read by Rochelle Bradley and it did not disappoint. I'm so glad I got an advanced reader copy because it was a fun read.
Callie and Dyson have such great chemistry and I loved the slow burn. I am not knowledgeable on car details but thoroughly enjoyed the car banter between the characters in this book.
I love a good romance book but this also gave me a little suspense which kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a fun, quick read with some fun and adventure look no further, Popping the Clutch is the book for you.
Callie and Dyson have such great chemistry and I loved the slow burn. I am not knowledgeable on car details but thoroughly enjoyed the car banter between the characters in this book.
I love a good romance book but this also gave me a little suspense which kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a fun, quick read with some fun and adventure look no further, Popping the Clutch is the book for you.
July 31, 2025
This was my first book by Rochelle Bradley, and I loved it!!
It was a perfect contemporary romance with some suspense for me.
Callie and Dyson, I really enjoyed both of these characters. I loved seeing the banter, the growth, the spiciness.
I shed some tears as well, I was so into this book lol
This book had it all for me 🩷
It was a perfect contemporary romance with some suspense for me.
Callie and Dyson, I really enjoyed both of these characters. I loved seeing the banter, the growth, the spiciness.
I shed some tears as well, I was so into this book lol
This book had it all for me 🩷
August 11, 2025
📚 Review ~ Popping the Clutch
A CarTubers Manual for Love Book 1
🖋 Author ~ Rochelle Bradley
🖋 Genre: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, RomCom
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dyson and Callie
A fake relationship to impress his family is just a reason for Dyson to get closer to Callie. A relentless stalker brings them even closer together.
🔧Popping the Clutch is a sweet read. Full of slow-burning humorous innuendos. While forced proximity and a fake relationship are the excuse to bring Dyson and Callie together, they were always meant to be a couple. There’s a lot more to Dyson than just his car show. That comes through in the way that he thinks about Callie.
🔧She’s more than just a walking advertisement for her brother’s CarTube channel. “How did she learn everything, and what else did she know? I planned to plunder her mind like I plundered her b%dy.” He is also completely supportive in helping her get her own show up and running.
🔧Getting to know Dyson’s family was a fun experience. I especially like the way the women not so subtly keep pushing Dyson and Callie together. However, Dyson’s cousin needs to be disowned.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 4. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 4. Characters: 5.
💌 Favorite Moments:
🖇 Dyson: She had asked if we were still pretending. How would she react if I told her I never had?
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #RochelleBradley #PoppingtheClutch
A CarTubers Manual for Love Book 1
🖋 Author ~ Rochelle Bradley
🖋 Genre: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, RomCom
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dyson and Callie
A fake relationship to impress his family is just a reason for Dyson to get closer to Callie. A relentless stalker brings them even closer together.
🔧Popping the Clutch is a sweet read. Full of slow-burning humorous innuendos. While forced proximity and a fake relationship are the excuse to bring Dyson and Callie together, they were always meant to be a couple. There’s a lot more to Dyson than just his car show. That comes through in the way that he thinks about Callie.
🔧She’s more than just a walking advertisement for her brother’s CarTube channel. “How did she learn everything, and what else did she know? I planned to plunder her mind like I plundered her b%dy.” He is also completely supportive in helping her get her own show up and running.
🔧Getting to know Dyson’s family was a fun experience. I especially like the way the women not so subtly keep pushing Dyson and Callie together. However, Dyson’s cousin needs to be disowned.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 4. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 4. Characters: 5.
💌 Favorite Moments:
🖇 Dyson: She had asked if we were still pretending. How would she react if I told her I never had?
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #RochelleBradley #PoppingtheClutch
September 3, 2025
Callie Ferenzo knows cars, cameras, and how to keep her brother’s CarTube channel from backfiring. What she doesn’t know is how to pop the clutch on her own dream without breaking a promise to her late father.
Her ambition’s stuck in neutral… until internet-famous CarTuber Dyson Gabbard offers her a deal that’ll shift everything into high gear: pretend to be his girlfriend during a two-week family reunion in Alaska. The trade-off? An all-expenses-paid trip and the keys to her dream car.
A fan-turned-stalker puts Callie in the crosshairs and Dyson in the driver’s seat as her unexpected protector. Suddenly, their fake relationship isn’t just about fooling his family—it’s about keeping her safe.
I was drawn to the book by the great artwork and was happily enjoying the dual POV between Dyson and Callie. Personally, the fake girlfriend trope is correct, but not for long, as their attraction to each other they realise they may actually want to be together.
Whilst I enjoyed the stalker subplot at the start, the author leads you to believe that the person is no longer bothering them since he didn't appear at their second stop in Alaska. Having Dyson's cousin try to steal Callie's lingerie and then, once he apologised, there was no more interrogation about what else the stalker wanted.
And Callie forgave Dyson a bit too easily, but for me, it was an enjoyable read, and I would read a sequel in the same world, it could easily be focused on their siblings dating the other sibling. I rated the book four stars.
Her ambition’s stuck in neutral… until internet-famous CarTuber Dyson Gabbard offers her a deal that’ll shift everything into high gear: pretend to be his girlfriend during a two-week family reunion in Alaska. The trade-off? An all-expenses-paid trip and the keys to her dream car.
A fan-turned-stalker puts Callie in the crosshairs and Dyson in the driver’s seat as her unexpected protector. Suddenly, their fake relationship isn’t just about fooling his family—it’s about keeping her safe.
I was drawn to the book by the great artwork and was happily enjoying the dual POV between Dyson and Callie. Personally, the fake girlfriend trope is correct, but not for long, as their attraction to each other they realise they may actually want to be together.
Whilst I enjoyed the stalker subplot at the start, the author leads you to believe that the person is no longer bothering them since he didn't appear at their second stop in Alaska. Having Dyson's cousin try to steal Callie's lingerie and then, once he apologised, there was no more interrogation about what else the stalker wanted.
And Callie forgave Dyson a bit too easily, but for me, it was an enjoyable read, and I would read a sequel in the same world, it could easily be focused on their siblings dating the other sibling. I rated the book four stars.
July 17, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel, Popping the Clutch, by Rochelle Bradley. I was drawn to this book because of the car influencer romance aspect, and truly found the story hard to put down. The banter between the main characters is fantastic, really leaning into the whole friends-to-lovers trope. Dyson is adorable and nerdy, while Callie is so genuinely enthusiastic about her work. Readers can really feel the fun tension that flows between them, especially as the reality of their fake relationship takes hold.
The main characters had strong character growth throughout the novel, and kept me up until early morning several times as I kept rooting for them. The author did a good job of maintaining certain themes throughout the novel, keeping the importance of those themes at the forefront of the reader's attention, and utilized those themes for character growth too. I loved Dyson and Callie and look forward to future novels in this series!
The main characters had strong character growth throughout the novel, and kept me up until early morning several times as I kept rooting for them. The author did a good job of maintaining certain themes throughout the novel, keeping the importance of those themes at the forefront of the reader's attention, and utilized those themes for character growth too. I loved Dyson and Callie and look forward to future novels in this series!
July 13, 2025
I received this book in advance in order to review it hurtfully and honestly.
The story hooked me from the beginning!!
Do I love cars? Hell yes.
Do I love slow burn romance? Hell yes.
Do I love some suspense? Hell yes.
You read it right, I loved that book.
The romance is very nicely put and so much fun to read ! The card details are amazing for a car lover.
And the stalker put so much suspense and tension ! Let me tell you that I skipped a lot of sleep hours 😅
I had my suspicions about who hired him but I was so wrong !! The revelation shocked me so much until I realized why it was done.
This book was so much fun to read ! I loved Callie and Dyson faking their relationship! It was so amazing to read !
I literally can’t wait to see if there will be a second book !! I really hope so !!
The story hooked me from the beginning!!
Do I love cars? Hell yes.
Do I love slow burn romance? Hell yes.
Do I love some suspense? Hell yes.
You read it right, I loved that book.
The romance is very nicely put and so much fun to read ! The card details are amazing for a car lover.
And the stalker put so much suspense and tension ! Let me tell you that I skipped a lot of sleep hours 😅
I had my suspicions about who hired him but I was so wrong !! The revelation shocked me so much until I realized why it was done.
This book was so much fun to read ! I loved Callie and Dyson faking their relationship! It was so amazing to read !
I literally can’t wait to see if there will be a second book !! I really hope so !!
August 7, 2025
Love and Cars
Lots of car puns in this romance between two different online car influencers. When Dyson is ready to tell Callie that he’s interested dating her, she finds out her father has passed away.
Callie’s father led Callie and her twin brother Jay into the business of restoring classic cars. The twins get along great, but definitely compete against each other in the industry.
Dyson doesn’t know how to bring up his affection for Callie, so he asks her to be his plus one at his family reunion. While on the trip to Alaska, things happen… between Callie and Dyson and with a creepy stalker who also has a thing for Callie.
The story isn’t terrible, but more convoluted than the author knew how to deal with. The sliver of suspense doesn’t have a satisfying conclusion, but Dyson gets the girl in this three star romance. Mild spice.
Lots of car puns in this romance between two different online car influencers. When Dyson is ready to tell Callie that he’s interested dating her, she finds out her father has passed away.
Callie’s father led Callie and her twin brother Jay into the business of restoring classic cars. The twins get along great, but definitely compete against each other in the industry.
Dyson doesn’t know how to bring up his affection for Callie, so he asks her to be his plus one at his family reunion. While on the trip to Alaska, things happen… between Callie and Dyson and with a creepy stalker who also has a thing for Callie.
The story isn’t terrible, but more convoluted than the author knew how to deal with. The sliver of suspense doesn’t have a satisfying conclusion, but Dyson gets the girl in this three star romance. Mild spice.
July 20, 2025
I thought the plot of this book was fun, interesting, and it really kept me on my toes with the surprising stalker angle I didn't know that the book was going to take!
Both characters were lovely, and it was a fun version of brother's friend, but also the brother was constantly wanting them together.
The third act breakup had me actually crying real tears. The genuine emotion really felt like it seeped through on the pages and I hurt because they hurt!
There were certain parts of the story that felt out of character for what I thought I knew to be true with our MCs which would take me out of the groove of reading, but I acknowledge this very much just could have been a me-thing!
overall: I'd recommend this story!
spice: open door
Both characters were lovely, and it was a fun version of brother's friend, but also the brother was constantly wanting them together.
The third act breakup had me actually crying real tears. The genuine emotion really felt like it seeped through on the pages and I hurt because they hurt!
There were certain parts of the story that felt out of character for what I thought I knew to be true with our MCs which would take me out of the groove of reading, but I acknowledge this very much just could have been a me-thing!
overall: I'd recommend this story!
spice: open door
July 22, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Popping The Clutch delivers a fun, fast-paced ride packed with charm and heart. Callie and Dyson’s fake-dating adventure in Alaska adds just the right mix of humor, warmth, and tension, with their chemistry slowly building into something real. The backdrop of the CarTube world feels fresh and adds a unique spin to the typical rom-com setup. A subtle suspense element, thanks to Callie’s stalker situation, adds depth without overshadowing the romance. Overall, this is an enjoyable read that balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotion—perfect for fans of quirky, feel-good love stories.
Popping The Clutch delivers a fun, fast-paced ride packed with charm and heart. Callie and Dyson’s fake-dating adventure in Alaska adds just the right mix of humor, warmth, and tension, with their chemistry slowly building into something real. The backdrop of the CarTube world feels fresh and adds a unique spin to the typical rom-com setup. A subtle suspense element, thanks to Callie’s stalker situation, adds depth without overshadowing the romance. Overall, this is an enjoyable read that balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotion—perfect for fans of quirky, feel-good love stories.
July 31, 2025
I knew this book is good to pass up. I knew one look but it the Characters will have a good chemistry and I was above my expectation. Also the author sold me because it have cars and I am kinda of F1 (Because of Carlos Sainz) and some car fan but not much fan.
But of all, it worthy to read it. Well not for everyone but I suggest people should read it.
But of all, it worthy to read it. Well not for everyone but I suggest people should read it.
October 6, 2025
The book was good. Writing definitely could have been better. There were too many weird coincidences that had a lantern hanging on them for it to be believable. I rolled my eyes a few too many times. I don't regret reading it because it was enjoyable mostly, but there were things where the math just wasn't mathing.
July 24, 2025
Start your engines for a wonderful cross country ride. A fun, refreshing romance with love, laughter, car guys (& girls) with a side of stalker to spice it up a bit! I absolutely loved Dyson and Callie’s story with all its ups and downs to their HEA.
July 23, 2025
Great slow burn romance! I loved all of the car puns, they had me laughing out loud
July 29, 2025
This book made me laugh!! Popping the Clutch didn't disappoint. Love the banter, the characters and the crazy journey of a stalker, force proximity and the blooming love story between two cartubers!
July 30, 2025
This is such an enjoyable read. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the antics of all the Cartubers and how Callie and Dyson compliment each other. Plus how Cassie's and Dyson's twins snipe at each other but in the end how they love and protect each other. I hope we will see more of Jay and Lucy in the next book!!
August 3, 2025
I loved Callie, how she didn't have the typical girl job, she literally want afraid to get her hands dirty. I loved Dyson and how he was with her, well until that not so little issue. Her brother however yea he definitely went over the lie with what he did and deserved and good right hook.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews