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Throttle & Thrust #2
The Inner Line
A fallen champion risks everything for love with the doctor who holds his career—and his heart—in his hands.
Former Formula 1 championship contender Jackson "Jax" West is running out of chances. Two years after a catastrophic crash, he's been relegated to a backmarker team, dismissed by his tyrannical father, and haunted by demons that threaten to end his career for good. When he seeks anonymous escape in the exclusive thermal spas of Baden-Baden, the last thing he expects is to find solace in the arms of a mysterious stranger whose touch promises healing he never thought possible.
Dr. Luca Rossi has built his reputation as the FIA's leading sports psychology consultant on two heal traumatized drivers and stay far away from his powerful racing family's influence. But when fate forces him to psychologically evaluate the very man he shared one perfect, forbidden night with, every boundary he's ever maintained shatters. Worse yet, Jax West is exactly the kind of damaged driver Luca has dedicated his career to saving.
As Luca uncovers the devastating truth about Jax's hidden brain injury—a neurological deficit that makes racing lethally dangerous—he faces an impossible report his findings and destroy the man he's falling for, or risk everything to train around the damage. Their secret pact creates a dangerous web of mutual blackmail, professional ruin, and a love that grows stronger with every stolen moment.
But in the ruthless world of Formula 1, secrets don't stay buried. When family legacies, medical ethics, and million-dollar careers collide, Jax and Luca must decide what matters the dreams that have defined them, or the love that could destroy them both.
A high-octane romance about finding your true path when everything you've ever wanted is on the line.
Perfect for fans of intense sports romance, forbidden doctor/patient dynamics, and authentic Formula 1 insider details. Features dual POV, complex family dynamics, PTSD recovery themes, and steamy romance.
Former Formula 1 championship contender Jackson "Jax" West is running out of chances. Two years after a catastrophic crash, he's been relegated to a backmarker team, dismissed by his tyrannical father, and haunted by demons that threaten to end his career for good. When he seeks anonymous escape in the exclusive thermal spas of Baden-Baden, the last thing he expects is to find solace in the arms of a mysterious stranger whose touch promises healing he never thought possible.
Dr. Luca Rossi has built his reputation as the FIA's leading sports psychology consultant on two heal traumatized drivers and stay far away from his powerful racing family's influence. But when fate forces him to psychologically evaluate the very man he shared one perfect, forbidden night with, every boundary he's ever maintained shatters. Worse yet, Jax West is exactly the kind of damaged driver Luca has dedicated his career to saving.
As Luca uncovers the devastating truth about Jax's hidden brain injury—a neurological deficit that makes racing lethally dangerous—he faces an impossible report his findings and destroy the man he's falling for, or risk everything to train around the damage. Their secret pact creates a dangerous web of mutual blackmail, professional ruin, and a love that grows stronger with every stolen moment.
But in the ruthless world of Formula 1, secrets don't stay buried. When family legacies, medical ethics, and million-dollar careers collide, Jax and Luca must decide what matters the dreams that have defined them, or the love that could destroy them both.
A high-octane romance about finding your true path when everything you've ever wanted is on the line.
Perfect for fans of intense sports romance, forbidden doctor/patient dynamics, and authentic Formula 1 insider details. Features dual POV, complex family dynamics, PTSD recovery themes, and steamy romance.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2025
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Reed
7 books16 followersRyan Reed writes spicy M/M romance that pushes boundaries and explores social taboos. His stories feature authentic, multidimensional characters grappling with the complexities of attraction and sexuality. When he’s not writing, Ryan enjoys eating tacos while stargazing on clear Texas nights.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 13, 2025
B / 4 stars
Ryan Reed’s Throttle & Thrust series set in the world of Formula 1 racing continues with book two, The Inner Line, which features a romance between driver Jax West and sports psychologist Dr. Luca Rossi. I enjoyed this book a bit more than the previous one; the leads have more chemistry so their romance makes more sense, and the storyline is fascinating and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
A couple of years before this story takes place, Jackson – Jax – West, the eldest of the three West brothers was involved in a devastating crash that could have ended both his career and his life. When his father and ruthless boss of Team West realised Jax wasn’t going to be winning anything anytime soon, he dumped him, just like he did with his middle son, Wyatt, ( The First Turn ). Jax has worked hard to regain his fitness, and although he has some lingering physical and psychological issues, he’s back in the game and has been signed by one of the less prestigious teams in F1. They may not be championship contenders, but it’s Jax’s chance to prove he’s still got what it takes.
Luca Rossi is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists and consults regularly for the F1 teams. His father, Paolo, owns a championship-winning team, but Luca was always determined to make his reputation on his own and to stay well away from his father’s influence – which he has done, despite repeated requests from Paolo to come work for him.
When Jax and Luca first meet at a posh hotel spa in Germany, they have no idea who the other is, knowing only that they’re powerfully attracted to each other. Their hook-up is hot and incredibly satisfying, but they go their separate ways afterwards, not expecting to see each other again.
Except, of course, that they do. Luca is the expert called in by Jax’s team to assess his psychological fitness after a couple of incidents on the track indicate he might be having some neurological problems – and when Luca’s testing shows that Jax has a brain injury that makes racing lethally dangerous, he faces a serious ethical dilemma – report his findings and end Jax’s career at a single blow, or risk his hard-won reputation to train around the damage and help Jax to bow out of F1 on his own terms.
As in The First Turn, the author demonstrates considerable knowledge of and love for the world of professional motor racing. The on-track scenes are intense and thrilling,and Ryan Reed once again does a terrific job of showing that there’s a lot more to motor racing at this level than sitting in a car and pointing it in the right direction. All the behind-the-scenes details – about the track-side crew and the cut-throat politics of the sport are really well written, and I was completely enthralled by the plotline around Jax’s injury and Luca’s investigations. I have no idea how accurate any of the medical elements in the story are, but Luca’s research and approach to mitigating the problems Jax is experiencing with his peripheral vision while racing is fascinating. BUT – I struggled with the fact that Luca is utterly compromised, morally, from the minute he agrees to take on Jax’s case without disclosing the conflict of interest. I did understand his need to try to keep the man he’s falling for safe, but I had a hard time believing that someone with Luca’s experience and expertise would be so irresponsible as to allow Jax to continue to compete once he knew for sure that Jax’s condition was becoming worse with each race and that he was almost certainly going to cause massive damage (and worse) to himself and others.
That does ding my final grade a bit, but on the upside, the romance works better in this book than in the previous one – the romantic chemistry is much stronger - and I enjoyed the author’s exploration of the family dynamics in both the West and Rossi families; there’s a lot of baggage between fathers and sons and it’s clear that Reid (the youngest West) is struggling under the weight of the pressure being heaped on him by his father and is close to the end of his rope. I’ll be picking up his book, The Red Flag , when it comes out in 2026.
I enjoyed The Inner Line despite my reservations about Luca’s actions. On the one hand, I appreciate the author’s decision to explore that moral ambiguity – so many romance characters these days are so clean-cut as to be dull – on the other, I still found it difficult to believe that Luca would act as he does given everything we’re told about his work and his professionalism – not to mention the massive risks involved. The romance does take a bit of a back seat to Jax’s physiological issues, but I was so caught up in the plotline that I didn’t mind that too much and I was very much on board with the relationship angst that resulted ;)
[As a side note: I read the published version of this book and noticed quite a few really weird spelling errors.]
Ryan Reed’s Throttle & Thrust series set in the world of Formula 1 racing continues with book two, The Inner Line, which features a romance between driver Jax West and sports psychologist Dr. Luca Rossi. I enjoyed this book a bit more than the previous one; the leads have more chemistry so their romance makes more sense, and the storyline is fascinating and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
A couple of years before this story takes place, Jackson – Jax – West, the eldest of the three West brothers was involved in a devastating crash that could have ended both his career and his life. When his father and ruthless boss of Team West realised Jax wasn’t going to be winning anything anytime soon, he dumped him, just like he did with his middle son, Wyatt, ( The First Turn ). Jax has worked hard to regain his fitness, and although he has some lingering physical and psychological issues, he’s back in the game and has been signed by one of the less prestigious teams in F1. They may not be championship contenders, but it’s Jax’s chance to prove he’s still got what it takes.
Luca Rossi is one of the world’s leading sports psychologists and consults regularly for the F1 teams. His father, Paolo, owns a championship-winning team, but Luca was always determined to make his reputation on his own and to stay well away from his father’s influence – which he has done, despite repeated requests from Paolo to come work for him.
When Jax and Luca first meet at a posh hotel spa in Germany, they have no idea who the other is, knowing only that they’re powerfully attracted to each other. Their hook-up is hot and incredibly satisfying, but they go their separate ways afterwards, not expecting to see each other again.
Except, of course, that they do. Luca is the expert called in by Jax’s team to assess his psychological fitness after a couple of incidents on the track indicate he might be having some neurological problems – and when Luca’s testing shows that Jax has a brain injury that makes racing lethally dangerous, he faces a serious ethical dilemma – report his findings and end Jax’s career at a single blow, or risk his hard-won reputation to train around the damage and help Jax to bow out of F1 on his own terms.
As in The First Turn, the author demonstrates considerable knowledge of and love for the world of professional motor racing. The on-track scenes are intense and thrilling,and Ryan Reed once again does a terrific job of showing that there’s a lot more to motor racing at this level than sitting in a car and pointing it in the right direction. All the behind-the-scenes details – about the track-side crew and the cut-throat politics of the sport are really well written, and I was completely enthralled by the plotline around Jax’s injury and Luca’s investigations. I have no idea how accurate any of the medical elements in the story are, but Luca’s research and approach to mitigating the problems Jax is experiencing with his peripheral vision while racing is fascinating. BUT – I struggled with the fact that Luca is utterly compromised, morally, from the minute he agrees to take on Jax’s case without disclosing the conflict of interest. I did understand his need to try to keep the man he’s falling for safe, but I had a hard time believing that someone with Luca’s experience and expertise would be so irresponsible as to allow Jax to continue to compete once he knew for sure that Jax’s condition was becoming worse with each race and that he was almost certainly going to cause massive damage (and worse) to himself and others.
That does ding my final grade a bit, but on the upside, the romance works better in this book than in the previous one – the romantic chemistry is much stronger - and I enjoyed the author’s exploration of the family dynamics in both the West and Rossi families; there’s a lot of baggage between fathers and sons and it’s clear that Reid (the youngest West) is struggling under the weight of the pressure being heaped on him by his father and is close to the end of his rope. I’ll be picking up his book, The Red Flag , when it comes out in 2026.
I enjoyed The Inner Line despite my reservations about Luca’s actions. On the one hand, I appreciate the author’s decision to explore that moral ambiguity – so many romance characters these days are so clean-cut as to be dull – on the other, I still found it difficult to believe that Luca would act as he does given everything we’re told about his work and his professionalism – not to mention the massive risks involved. The romance does take a bit of a back seat to Jax’s physiological issues, but I was so caught up in the plotline that I didn’t mind that too much and I was very much on board with the relationship angst that resulted ;)
[As a side note: I read the published version of this book and noticed quite a few really weird spelling errors.]
October 31, 2025
I would like to thank BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ooooooh The Inner Line was so much fun! Once again Reed has wowed me with the research that's gone into this narrative. I'm neither in the medical field nor an F1 enthusiast, so this might hit differently if you are. But I thought the storytelling in this was smart and sharp, sexy, and the right amount of emotionally achy.
Luca was brilliant! I found his research and tactical approach to mitigating the dangerous spells Jax experienced while racing fascinating! But he was also morally compromised…and I still don't know how I feel about that. Luca's efforts hit even harder when he fell in love with Jax, and his work became doing anything and everything to keep Jax safe and alive. But every race since discovering Jax's declining state was a potentially triggering event, that could lead to mass danger for everyone on the track. The right thing is the right thing, and Luca's moral negligence is a no-no for me. But, I dooooo get it though.
And then there's Jax. He was an unprofessional weirdo at first for whatever reason, but thankfully he got a clue and settled down, and allowed Luca to help him through his brain's episodic malfunctions. The technical details that went into Jax's races enhanced how thrilling and intensive racing can be, and both Jax and I F E L T IT when he learned that the devastating impact of his brain injury was career-ending.
I enjoyed that Jax and Luca's romance went hand-in-hand with layers of sport and brain science intricacies. And on top of all that, there was a bit of meltdown melodrama, the usual heavy-handed Rossi-West manipulation/emotional+career blackmail, and ofc the spicy steamy loving that made me blush!
The Inner Line was another entertaining read in Reed's Throttle & Thrust series, and I cannot wait for Reid's story up next in The Red Line! I'm very much living for these messed up West boys, who end up finding the best kind of love while sticking it to their dad, and living the drama only legacy kids can have!
Ooooooh The Inner Line was so much fun! Once again Reed has wowed me with the research that's gone into this narrative. I'm neither in the medical field nor an F1 enthusiast, so this might hit differently if you are. But I thought the storytelling in this was smart and sharp, sexy, and the right amount of emotionally achy.
Luca was brilliant! I found his research and tactical approach to mitigating the dangerous spells Jax experienced while racing fascinating! But he was also morally compromised…and I still don't know how I feel about that. Luca's efforts hit even harder when he fell in love with Jax, and his work became doing anything and everything to keep Jax safe and alive. But every race since discovering Jax's declining state was a potentially triggering event, that could lead to mass danger for everyone on the track. The right thing is the right thing, and Luca's moral negligence is a no-no for me. But, I dooooo get it though.
And then there's Jax. He was an unprofessional weirdo at first for whatever reason, but thankfully he got a clue and settled down, and allowed Luca to help him through his brain's episodic malfunctions. The technical details that went into Jax's races enhanced how thrilling and intensive racing can be, and both Jax and I F E L T IT when he learned that the devastating impact of his brain injury was career-ending.
I enjoyed that Jax and Luca's romance went hand-in-hand with layers of sport and brain science intricacies. And on top of all that, there was a bit of meltdown melodrama, the usual heavy-handed Rossi-West manipulation/emotional+career blackmail, and ofc the spicy steamy loving that made me blush!
The Inner Line was another entertaining read in Reed's Throttle & Thrust series, and I cannot wait for Reid's story up next in The Red Line! I'm very much living for these messed up West boys, who end up finding the best kind of love while sticking it to their dad, and living the drama only legacy kids can have!
October 15, 2025
The second installment in a series of Formula One racing MM romance novels features Jackson (Jax), who has received a second chance at racing after a devastating crash that nearly took his life. However, his struggles go beyond physical rehabilitation. He experiences frequent flashbacks and time lapses while on the track, with everyone attributing these issues to PTSD, including Jax himself. Yet, could there be a darker, more insidious explanation lurking beneath the surface? Luca is a doctor specializing in the cognitive performance of race car drivers. He has built his reputation after witnessing the death of a driver who displayed warning signs that were overlooked. An unexpected encounter places Luca in a difficult situation: he must choose between hiding the truth to protect a driver or revealing everything and jeopardizing his reputation, as well as a chance at a lifetime connection with someone who could be his forever love. Will the field of medicine become the ultimate barrier to their budding relationship, or will family ties prove to be their undoing?
Another engaging book in this series centers around the oldest of the West brothers, focusing on his ongoing struggle to escape the shadows of his family's legacy. I found Jax and Luca to have great chemistry, and they both share a deep understanding of the heavy burdens placed on them by their families. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, some readers may find the technical racing jargon challenging if they are not familiar with it, which could detract from their overall enjoyment of the story. The setup for the next book is promising, and I hope to see the brothers unite to support one another. I also wished for more closure at the end of this book, which I hope will be addressed in the sequel. Overall, it is a compelling read that illustrates the fine line between doctor and patient, and the potential consequences when those boundaries become blurred. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another engaging book in this series centers around the oldest of the West brothers, focusing on his ongoing struggle to escape the shadows of his family's legacy. I found Jax and Luca to have great chemistry, and they both share a deep understanding of the heavy burdens placed on them by their families. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, some readers may find the technical racing jargon challenging if they are not familiar with it, which could detract from their overall enjoyment of the story. The setup for the next book is promising, and I hope to see the brothers unite to support one another. I also wished for more closure at the end of this book, which I hope will be addressed in the sequel. Overall, it is a compelling read that illustrates the fine line between doctor and patient, and the potential consequences when those boundaries become blurred. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in the series so was looking forward to Jax's turn in the spotlight after meeting him in book one. Unfortunately I struggled with the story a little, Jax is trying to restart his career as a driver after his crash 2 years before and he's set up with Dr Luca to help fix his neurological issues.
The pair had a chance meeting before where they spent some sweating hours together, the feeling build fast and the lines are quickly crossed. That part of the story was interesting and I enjoyed them together both being outcasts from waring families was interesting and would have definitely enjoyed more of that.
My issue was with the medical side of the story the whole thing felt like it took up a large time in the book and felt like it should have been taken a lot more seriously. Both characters were acting way too dangerous for me to really enjoy the story.
Also big area in the middle of the book where the characters just seem to move position mid situation with no description of movement and conflicting positioning. Had to read the area a few times and still not sure how it makes sense.
Will still look out for book 3 but felt this let down the strength of book 1.
The pair had a chance meeting before where they spent some sweating hours together, the feeling build fast and the lines are quickly crossed. That part of the story was interesting and I enjoyed them together both being outcasts from waring families was interesting and would have definitely enjoyed more of that.
My issue was with the medical side of the story the whole thing felt like it took up a large time in the book and felt like it should have been taken a lot more seriously. Both characters were acting way too dangerous for me to really enjoy the story.
Also big area in the middle of the book where the characters just seem to move position mid situation with no description of movement and conflicting positioning. Had to read the area a few times and still not sure how it makes sense.
Will still look out for book 3 but felt this let down the strength of book 1.
October 13, 2025
In this emotionally charged and adrenaline-fueled romance, Jackson "Jax" West and Dr. Luca Rossi collide in a story that’s as much about healing as it is about high-speed thrills. Set against the glittering yet cutthroat backdrop of international motorsports, this novel delivers a potent mix of passion, trauma, and the impossible choices that come with love and legacy.
Jax, once a world championship contender, is a man on the brink—haunted by a devastating crash, estranged from his domineering father, and clinging to the last threads of his career. When he seeks solace in the thermal spas of Baden-Baden, he finds unexpected comfort in the arms of a stranger. That stranger turns out to be none other than Dr. Luca Rossi, the sport’s top psychological consultant—and the one man who could either save Jax or end his career for good.
What follows is a gripping, slow-burn romance laced with forbidden tension and ethical landmines. The chemistry between Jax and Luca is electric, but it’s the emotional depth that truly sets this story apart. Luca’s discovery of Jax’s hidden brain injury raises the stakes to life-or-death levels, forcing both men into a dangerous pact that threatens their careers, reputations, and hearts.
Jax, once a world championship contender, is a man on the brink—haunted by a devastating crash, estranged from his domineering father, and clinging to the last threads of his career. When he seeks solace in the thermal spas of Baden-Baden, he finds unexpected comfort in the arms of a stranger. That stranger turns out to be none other than Dr. Luca Rossi, the sport’s top psychological consultant—and the one man who could either save Jax or end his career for good.
What follows is a gripping, slow-burn romance laced with forbidden tension and ethical landmines. The chemistry between Jax and Luca is electric, but it’s the emotional depth that truly sets this story apart. Luca’s discovery of Jax’s hidden brain injury raises the stakes to life-or-death levels, forcing both men into a dangerous pact that threatens their careers, reputations, and hearts.
October 7, 2025
Enjoyed the first book in the series well enough, so was eager to read this as soon as it was published.
I liked all the F1 details of the first book and it really felt like the author knew what he was writing about. I’m now second guessing myself, however, because none of the F1 details add up in this book.
There are inconsistencies galore (someone is P9 one second, then P6 the next, then suddenly back to P9 – only to be P6 again in the next paragraph. Which would be fine if it was mid-race, but it was post-race so… 🤷🏼), things that just don’t make sense, and a mix of details plucked straight from real-world F1 and made up stuff that boggles the mind.
Also. It’s very obvious that the author first intended to use the FIA as the regulating body, but then changed his mind and did search+replace on every “FIA” in the text. Leading to a whole lot of deIARCnce and the likes.
I liked all the F1 details of the first book and it really felt like the author knew what he was writing about. I’m now second guessing myself, however, because none of the F1 details add up in this book.
There are inconsistencies galore (someone is P9 one second, then P6 the next, then suddenly back to P9 – only to be P6 again in the next paragraph. Which would be fine if it was mid-race, but it was post-race so… 🤷🏼), things that just don’t make sense, and a mix of details plucked straight from real-world F1 and made up stuff that boggles the mind.
Also. It’s very obvious that the author first intended to use the FIA as the regulating body, but then changed his mind and did search+replace on every “FIA” in the text. Leading to a whole lot of deIARCnce and the likes.
October 9, 2025
Another steamy, taboo, emotionally complicated W from Ryan Reed.
After an anonymous, R rated night, the 2 main characters meet in their professional capacities:
Jax is fighting tooth and nail to continue racing and stick it to his father.
Luca is hired to fix him and while he proves that he's more than his family name.
The forced proximity, duty vs. love internal turmoil really sealed the deal for me. I hope these two live happily on the European coast for the rest of time, it's what they deserve!!!
Already excited for book 3!!
Thank you to Book Sirens & the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After an anonymous, R rated night, the 2 main characters meet in their professional capacities:
Jax is fighting tooth and nail to continue racing and stick it to his father.
Luca is hired to fix him and while he proves that he's more than his family name.
The forced proximity, duty vs. love internal turmoil really sealed the deal for me. I hope these two live happily on the European coast for the rest of time, it's what they deserve!!!
Already excited for book 3!!
Thank you to Book Sirens & the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2025
Jackson West was hurt in a severe racing accident. He believes he is now suffering from PTSD every time he gets behind the wheel of a race car. Luca a trained Dr of head injuries in the racing field is hired to help him. Luca & Jackson work together to find the reasoning behind his panic & they find issues not related to PTSD. An excellent view into the world of big business & covering up to keep the money coming in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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