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Pitch and Pits #2

Hold On, Sweetheart

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He’s Formula 1’s history maker. She’s the engineer who forgot they ever had a past.

Vedant Patel is ruthless on track, silent off it. He’s got a calculated mind, pure race skill and a lock around his heart that is tighter than his racing line. With a fractured past and a last name that is too powerful to challenge, he keeps his headlines controlled and his image polished. The world sees a champion without the cost that he paid for it. To him, there was only ever one person worth knocking his walls down for, but that changed the night she forgot him.

Leah Macari is the paddock’s legacy genius. With motorsport royalty in her blood, she’s known for her brilliance and the crash that changed her life. Now she’s one of the youngest and most respected engineers in Formula 1, who helped Vedant’s career turn into a legend before he left her for their rival team. But when she needs a date for her sister’s wedding, and the only man that offers is the one that her brain forgot, the last thing she expects is falling for someone who makes it feel like coming home.

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, losing has never been an option for either of them. But with secrets in between them and the world watching, will they find their way back to each other or let the past drive them apart for good?

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

15 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Chahak Kawatra

7 books60 followers

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for coconats (⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠).
15 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
When two of your favorite worlds collide, there’s no way you can resist being pulled into the story. For me, those worlds are Formula One and books. So when I picked up Hold On, Sweetheart by Chahak Kawatra, it immediately felt like a dream come true. This book didn’t just blend romance and racing, it celebrated both in ways that made me laugh, swoon, and even whisper familiar F1 catchphrases under my breath as I flipped the pages. It was a fun, exhilarating read, and one that reminded me of why I love both storytelling and motorsport so much.

From the very first chapters, the references to Formula One pulled me in. Every time a circuit name was mentioned, my heart did a little happy dance. I was literally sitting there thinking, “Yes! I love it.” It wasn’t just about recognizing the names, it was about the way the book tied real racing moments into its fictional narrative, grounding me as a fan. At one point, I even found myself repeating Crofty’s iconic line, “It’s lights out and away we go!” because the energy of the races was so vivid on the page. The fact that a romance novel could evoke the same adrenaline rush I get from watching a Grand Prix on a Sunday was, to me, pure magic.

And then there’s Vedant. If you’ve been following F1 long enough, you’ll know that certain drivers leave such a strong impression that they’re hard to shake off. Reading Vedant, I couldn’t help but feel Max Verstappen vibes coming through. He had that same combination of determination, skill, and intensity, but in the book, it was filtered through the lens of romance. His personality was a perfect storm of confidence, protectiveness, and most of all, devotion to Leah. The patience he had with her, the little things he did to make her feel loved and safe, it all screamed true love. And honestly, where can I find a man like Vedant?

One of the earliest details that made me laugh out loud was the pitstop metaphor. The book describes pitstops as Russian roulette, and all I could think was: Ferrari didn’t get the memo. Anyone who’s watched a Ferrari pitstop blunder knows exactly what I mean, and the fact that this book captured that reference so casually made it feel even more special. That wasn’t the only time I found myself catching subtle nods to real-life events either. There were clear echoes of iconic racing moments, like the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi finale. It felt like the author had woven in these easter eggs for fans like me, giving us that little thrill of recognition while keeping the story accessible for readers who might not be hardcore F1 watchers.

As much as I loved the racing references, what really carried the book for me was the romance. Fake dating is already one of my favorite tropes, it’s messy, it’s fun, and it gives so many opportunities for tension to build. But fake dating set in the high-stakes world of Formula One? Absolute perfection. Leah and Vedant’s chemistry was undeniable, and their tension could cut through metal. The way they looked at each other, the lingering glances, the moments of vulnerability, it was all so swoon-worthy. At times, it felt like they embodied the lyrics: “In a room full of people, I look for you.” That line sums them up perfectly: no matter what chaos was happening on track or off, they only had eyes for each other.

Vedant, of course, completely stole the show for me. His actions spoke louder than any words could. He abandoned qualifying just to see Leah, something that, in the world of F1, is practically unthinkable. That’s how deep his devotion ran. And then there were the smaller, softer moments: asking if she was okay even when he was the one injured, or giving her the kind of heart eyes that made it clear she was his entire world. It was heartwarming, romantic, and honestly, a little unfair because now my standards are through the roof.

I also loved how the book handled its details. Motorsport can be overwhelming to explain, especially to readers who aren’t fans, but this book struck the perfect balance. It was detailed enough to keep me, a longtime fan, hooked and nodding along, but it never felt like an info dump. The pacing was smooth, the descriptions vivid, and the emotional beats always hit at just the right time. One moment I was laughing, the next I was teary-eyed, and then suddenly I was grinning like a fool. It’s rare for a book to take me through so many emotions in such a natural flow, but Hold On, Sweetheart did exactly that.

Reading it even made me miss qualifying at the Azerbaijan race, something I didn’t expect from a romance novel. It pulled me into the world so deeply that I could almost hear the engines, feel the tension of the pit wall, and picture the crowd roaring as the cars flew by. That immersion, coupled with a romance that felt both tender and passionate, made for one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time.

In the end, Hold On, Sweetheart wasn’t just a story about fake dating, or even just about Formula One, it was about love, passion, and the way two people can find each other in the midst of chaos. Vedant and Leah’s journey was as thrilling as a last-lap battle, but also as comforting as a warm cup of coffee (and yes, I agree with Vedant, coffee is life). This book had everything: humor, heart, racing, and romance. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me feel like I was right there on the grid, experiencing it all alongside the characters.

For me, this was a five-star read, no hesitation. I loved every moment of it, from the cheeky F1 references to the heart-melting romance. It was exactly the kind of book I’ve been searching for, one that brings together my love of motorsport and my love of romance novels in one irresistible package. I’m so grateful to have been chosen to read this ARC, and I know it’s a story I’ll be recommending to fellow readers and F1 fans alike. Hold On, Sweetheart isn’t just a book, it’s a race I’ll want to relive again and again.
Profile Image for Summer Munroe {sum.mun.reads}.
77 reviews11 followers
September 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 ⭐️

This is my first time reading a book that has F1 racing, and gosh I loved it!
The description of the tracks and the races were just the perfect amount. Enough for me to understand and really feel it, but not so much that I was like, alright already. It was just the perfect addition to the story to help me understand. The real highlight of the book is the love story between Vedant and Leah. And my gosh, it is just so sweet. I really enjoyed the 2 separate POVs and the way their history was just slowly unraveled for you! It was a great payoff and I really enjoyed that!! I absolutely love a MMC that is protective and loyal, with a dash of “it’s always been you”… sighhh. These characters aren’t perfect, but their humanness is so relatable that you can’t help but just love their love story. Author Chahak, you did it again!! I am loving your stories! Thank you to the author for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. Oh and when you get to the point in the book where you learn why the book is named what it is…🫠🫠🫠 just perfection.

You’ll love this story of you love: He Falls First; It’s Always Been You; She doesn’t remember their past; Old Money Rich; Beautifully rich locations; Women in STEM; supportive MMC; Fade to black romance. 🤍

Quotes that I loved:

“Yes.” The word was immediate, solid, not even a pause. He shifted just enough to look down at me, his eyes dark and steady. “Because I would do anything for you, Leah. Even if it hurts. Especially then.”

“You’re playing with fire, sweetheart.”
I smiled sweetly, biting on my lower lip as I leaned in just a bit closer. “Good, burn with me.”

“You want to break the rules? I’ll hold your hand as you rewrite them. You want to tear it apart? I’ll help you shred the pieces until they’re dust. You want to light it on fire? I’ll stand by you and hand you the match. Just tell me what you want, Leah. I’ll give it to you all.”

“…but hurt doesn’t erase love.”

“Hold on, sweetheart.”


Gahhhhhhh 🥹🥰🫶🏼
Profile Image for est.
315 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2025
i loved this. so much. fake dating brilliance paired with amnesia trope which created the perfect balance of angst and longing and swoon. so so dreamy.

also the fire elements!! the analogy and imagery, the undertones that carry so much meaning. beautiful.

as always, grateful for the ARC! this one is special.
Profile Image for Em.
396 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2025
PLEASE MY POOR HEART CANT TAKE THIS
Profile Image for Abigail Enright.
5 reviews
October 20, 2025
Chahak Kawatra does it again!
The perfect amount of suspense and mystery in the back story, whilst completely drawing you into the romance of the main plot.
I cannot wait for the net book in the series 🥹
Profile Image for Jasmine Petznick Wright.
46 reviews
October 12, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC and want that noted on my review moving forward.

I know that I most likely signed up for this because I’m an F1 girly who loves romances novels but I will down grade myself for not realizing or not paying attention to the fact that this was the 2nd book in a series.

I will say this being a stand alone interconnected romance novel left me very confused.

I felt like I was missing something much context and for the life of me couldn’t figure out what was brought up in the first book or what the secret the main characters were hiding.

I felt disappointed and dissatisfied with a lot of things.
The plot running so long and so slow. This was not a slow burn because these two were far gone so quickly but the plot was and it left me almost DNF multiple times. I’m too much of a noisy gal to so I kept pushing.
To get 75% of the way through before anything seriously happening with them romantically and for some of the plot to come forward was a drag and the MMC big secret was idk boring? Not that deep? Maybe again I just didn’t have the back story and still felt like I didn’t even understand it.

It was dramatic in a way a nostalgic old teen tv show was like gossip girl or one tree hill but no nostalgia and they weren’t teenagers.

I also definitely disliked FMC sister more than her mean parents. She was a bridezilla that was far more concerned with her own happiness and knowing tea then actually invested in her sisters feelings. Idk so much of her dialogue gave me the ick…

I think someone starting from book 1 might enjoy this far more than I did but don’t suggest reading as a stand alone.

Because I do want to leave on some positives
- I enjoyed the name pronouncing guide to start the book (I actually think all authors should do this, especially romantasy novels)
- I enjoyed that the leads were Indian. I would embrace more novels with diverse cast especially sports novels!
- I liked the sibling relationship between MMC and his sister. They seem to have a genuine sibling love I always wanted as an only child growing up.
- Especially loved the sisters selective ‘evil cats’ l… we love cats here.
- also a sucker for a one bed trope, always.
Profile Image for Hannah.
15 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
I had absolutely no doubt that I would love this book from the very first page when I saw the dedication. This was a beautiful, heartfelt book that truly took you through all the emotions possible.

I love seeing a smart woman with her head screwed on right that truly cares about her career and that’s exactly who Leah was to me. She refused to let anybody or anything get in the way of what she truly wanted out of life and she loved every second of her job.

The flashbacks through the different parts of the book were always more heartbreaking than the last. I liked how they were labeled, it made it easy enough to figure out what was present day and what were flashbacks.

Vendant longing for Leah after all the years made the moments when he was finally with her and savouring them so much more special to read, you could really feel how he felt. His strained relationship with Dev & his closed off and vengeful persona were unexpected after the first book but I think it was very well written.

Overall I absolutely loved this book and I cant wait for book three to come out next year 🤩🤩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lisas.bookselection.
217 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2025
✨💖 Just finished Hold On, Sweetheart by my beloved Chahak Kawatra. Thank you so much for letting me read this ons as an ARC again. Disclaimer upfront: I recieved this book as an ARC but this didn’t change my opinion of this book.

This book was such a ride. And it plays exactly in my type of books that i just love: sports romance + opposites attract + fake dating 🙈

The banter was adorable, the chemistry was 🔥, and it gave me all the cozy weekend-read vibes. A few side characters could’ve had more depth, but honestly? I didn’t even care because the main couple stole the show. Solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!

If you’re into swoony, fast-paced romances that make your heart squeeze in the best way, this one’s worth adding to your TBR 🥰📚
Profile Image for Isa | bookishandantisocial.
137 reviews
September 14, 2025
Overall it was alright but I had the same problem as the first book with it being confusing. The structure just felt off to me. Vedant and Leah had some good moments but I couldn’t get into the story because I kept having to reread to see if I had missed something. It’s not all bad just not great either.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for OM.
636 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2025
I love all stories by WOC and characters of color.

I really liked the concept and the jump into F1 racing was fun and exciting. Those scenes on the track felt so alive.

The structure was confusing at times and though there was I feel supposed to be a question around the main character’s relationship, I think it was sometimes too confusing to focus on.

Then sometimes it’d go back in the past for awhile which I got what was trying to be done…I think it would have read easier to understand if it was just in the FMC POV

Though I liked the other aspects and characters of the story it was sometimes hard to follow
Profile Image for Lauren.
79 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2025
Overall I really liked both the romance and formula 1 aspects of this book! Vedant was pining and yearning for so long and the slow burn was worth it. The story itself was 5 stars.

My only drawback was the writing being kind of confusing at times, where I would have to read a paragraph or page more than once to understand what was being said. As well as feeling like there was a lot of background info I didn’t really understand until MUCH later in the book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
327 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2025
A little boring...the burn was too slow...felt like I was missing vital info through the WHOLE book. I liked the characters well enough it just felt like nothing ever happened between them. Ending was sweet but almost DNF'd several times and I usually enjoy the amnesia trope.
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
712 reviews13 followers
January 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️. Fake dating sports romance with an interesting plot and twist. Closed door spice. I do feel like I have unanswered questions but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more books to come. I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Sydney.
2,084 reviews39 followers
March 17, 2026
The beginning was a little shaky but not enough to deter me from this book. Leah and Vedant are the sweetest!!! This man silently loved her for 10 years and did nothing about it because he wanted her to live. He was stuck with all the memories and no one to talk to about it.
Profile Image for Mia.
247 reviews59 followers
September 23, 2025
This is a Formula One (F1) romance between driver Vedant and engineer Leah who have a complicated past. This past gets revealed in bits and pieces over time through the book, though I wish the pacing was structured differently as we were 90% into the book before everything was revealed and then the ending just flew by. I loved how the F1 content was represented, but it wasn’t overpowering, so if you’re not an F1 fan, you’d still enjoy reading it. Also, Vedant was a very swoon-worthy MMC and the whole story was very sweet. If you don’t want any spice in your romance, this would be a good one to try. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Sarah M.
124 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2025
Vedant Patel is a Formula 1 star. He is ruthless on the track, untouchable off it, but carrying a past he won’t let anyone see. Leah Macari is the engineer who once helped him become a legend, smart and capable, suddenly thrown back into Vedant’s world when she needs a date for her sister’s wedding. Sparks, second chances, and a little fake dating follow, all under the watchful eyes of the F1 paddock.

I liked the characters and the F1 backdrop, and there were a few interwoven plots and family drama that gave the story some depth. But the spark just wasn’t there for me really, it was a bit predictable, and while it was sweet, it didn’t really leave a lasting impression. A nice, light read - the kind of book you’d happily pick up on holiday.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews