The Unwritten Rule

by Anne Nikolaiken

If you love your Formula One romance with Slow Burn Heat and Forced Proximity, this one is for you!
They weren’t looking for anything serious, only a sizzling one-night stand. But once ignited, their hearts didn’t listen.

Sydney

To match his legendary father’s record on the track, Sydney McKinnly needs a third world championship win. But after a dreadful year in and out of the cockpit, the only way he’s keeping his driver’s seat is by agreeing to have his bloody biography written.

It wasn’t supposed to challenge his decision of not getting distracted by love this season. Harder said than done when the biographer is none other than his Rockies holiday fling. And the sparks are still flying high.

Can he keep to their no-strings-attached deal? Or is their chemistry putting everything he’s been working for this season at risk?

Heather

Heather Everett-Fortier is a successful biographer, yet each new book brings her further away from her dream of writing romance novels.

After a bad breakup, travelling the world with the St-Pierre Racing team provides Heather with unparalleled opportunities for gathering romance story-setting inspiration. But it also brings Heather closer to her one-night stand. As strangers, they weren’t supposed to see each other again, let alone work together! And yet, when they meet again, they can’t pull away. Writing Sydney’s biography brings Heather closer to her dreams, but will their steamy attraction steer her off track?

Can Heather and Sydney keep their passion in check long enough for them to finish this biography?

The Unwritten Rule is book #1 in the Racing Line Series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but they are interconnected. This is a high-octane contemporary sports romance filled with open-door spice, swoon-worthy moments, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Anne Nikolaiken is a contemporary romance author, who writes open-door spice stories featuring determined heroines set in small towns (with the guy next door) or international destinations (with swoon-worthy athletes) and guaranteed happily ever afters.

When she isn't writing, Anne watches Formula One races on repeat, draws in her sketchbook, and bakes too many cookies... She lives in a lake-filled area of Canada with her family. Anne is currently hard at work writing her next book.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a good read. I fell in love with the Main characters so much I wanted more!! Love that the book includes glossary to understand the slang. My husband is an F1 fan so this book was fun for me to read and it helped me understand the F1 world a bit which is plus! Can wait to read the rest of the books.

[Ace Enni Vinadetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh brother, where do I even start? First of all, I won a copy of this book via Storygraph giveaway, but my opinion/review is wholly my own. Secondly, I'm gonna split this review into three parts - the craft, the romance, and the sports. Let's get into it.

Starting with the craft, and jeez, this was really bad. The writing was amateurish, never really pulling me in and settling me into the world of the story. I'm a huge Formula 1 fan and have watched every race weekend since Monaco 2024 with delightful passion, and this? This didn't invoke F1 to me. I genuinely did not care about any of the locations we found ourselves in. Half of the locations were literally just slapped at the beginning of each chapter, with nothing added to flesh them out. Spa had Eau Rouge mentioned, and a couple of the turns at Silverstone were named, but that's it. The writing lacked so much description and detail. I'm someone who cannot visualize things without seeing a visual interpretation of them first, so a lot of description in books just slides off my back. This reflects really poorly on the book, then, when I noticed the screamingly loud lack of description. It should never be like that. Grey eyes, auburn locks, flowing black hair - that's about it for my memory. Maybe a few dresses here and there - red, green, blue, yellow, maybe a black one? Think Sydney wore a blue shirt at one point too, but who knows. I was never immersed, and I feel like we could've done so much more that we quite frankly didn't.

The writing was also just really simplistic. Paragraphs rarely went longer than 5 sentences, there were scenes with huge amounts of dialogue, and absolutely no setting to enrich the conversations, and the chapters were so short that it felt like the author was just rushing to get through the F1 calendar as quick as she could. And I love me a short chapter, however, I wanted more development, longer chapters that went in depth on Sydney and Heather's relationship and their feelings for each other. I wanted more, and the writing left a lot - so fucking much - to be desired. 

And don't get me started on the plot. There wasn't one. The backdrop (aka the supposed plot) was so interesting - reuniting after a brief affair, only to realise you now have to work in a professional capacity with each other. That could've been so good, but no. The biography writing and the interviewing of the people involved in Sydney's life was sorely underutilised. I think it would've been interesting to see Heather trying to compare the Sydney she's learning to the Sydney everyone else knows and is telling her about, but literally every interview is cut short, or not even included. It was a total waste of time, and I'm so frustrated. You could've changed the plot line and nothing much about the plot would've been affected. I wish I was joking.

The conclusion to the plotline with Sydney's ex was also way too easy. A deus ex machina, and a dusty old man one at that. Seriously, this was pitifully bad. Felt like the author knew her book was lacking stakes and decided to throw in a plot point such as this one, but didn't want to do the messy work of resolving it. Like seriously. It was so fucking stupid.

Now, to the romance. Why did these two love each other? No fucking clue. They went from shagging to pining in about 2-3 chapters (aka hours), and I don't understand why. Literally... the relationship made no sense. There was no development, no believable chemistry. Hell, pretty much all the scenes of Sydney and Heather alone together were just kissing or sex scenes. There was no build up, no relationship development, nothing. There's a scene right at the beginning of the book where they're having dinner and it says "The food is excellent. Dougal is charming. He tells me about his favourite part of the trip between the entrée and the main course. Then about the Scottish Highlands while we have dessert." GIVE ME THAT CONVERSATION?! DON'T JUST TELL ME ABOUT IT?! I literally vented to my father about that because that would've made for a good introduction to their relationship, to the idea of feelings potentially blooming between then, but no. We got nothing. And this happens multiple times throughout the book. Perfect opportunities for the relationship to develop, for the characters to explore each other and be exposed to me, the reader, but no. They just got brushed over in favour of sex scenes, or some other random scene that contributed fuck all to the plot.

Considering this is a romance book, I must say that I'm feeling pretty starved for romance right now. I've read erotica novels with better romantic plots than this... AND THE SPICE WASN'T EVEN THAT GOOD! Scenes barely lasted a page before they were nuttin' and moving on to something else. Genuinely just so bad.

The only redeeming quality was the sports bits, and that's barely. There wasn't... many. The scenes that we did get weren't offensive or wrong, however, so I can appreciate that. I'm a stickler for accurate portrayals of sports in books, and F1 especially as it was the first sport I fell in love with. Nikolaiken gets a bonus point for that alone. However, I will say that you could've changed this to literally any other sport, and nothing would've changed. Like... at all.

Overall, I'm really disappointed. I wanted to like this as someone who is a stickler for sports romance books, especially F1 books, but nope. This flopped, and it did it hard. And, quite literally the only reason this didn't get 1 star is because it didn't make me violently angry (despite what vibes this review may give off). It was like... compulsively readable in the worst possible ways. (Plus I got to joke about it with my dad so, you know. Fun times!)

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unwritten Rule follows Sydney McKinnly, a world-famous driver trying to rebuild his career after a messy breakup, and Heather Everett-Fortier, a biographer who wants to chase her dream of writing romance. They crash back into each other’s lives after a holiday fling. What begins as a simple work agreement turns into a slow burn filled with heat, tension, and all the trouble that comes from pretending feelings can stay boxed up. The book blends a jet-setting racing world with the quiet hopes of two people who keep trying to guard their hearts. And it builds toward a love story that hits hard in all the soft places.

I found myself caught off guard by how warm the writing feels. The tone is bright. The emotions creep up. The dialogue snaps with charm. I liked how the chapters alternate between Heather and Sydney. The voices feel distinct and real. Heather’s mix of self-doubt and stubborn hope made me root for her right away. Sydney’s grief and grit pull the story in deeper. I kept thinking about how both of them try so hard to convince themselves they don’t want more. The way those walls fall apart is sweet and a little messy. I liked that. The snowy getaway scenes hooked me fast. The racing-world details give it an extra spark without dragging the story down.

Some moments made me grin. Some made me ache a bit. I enjoyed how the author lets the characters run into their own fears. The book doesn’t rush their growth. The chemistry builds at a slow simmer. Then it hits like a punch of heat when they let go. The writing style kept me turning pages. It’s clean, warm, and playful. At times, I wished a few emotional beats lingered longer, but the pace fits the story’s high-energy world. I also loved how Heather’s dream of writing romance mirrors the romance she is stumbling into. It adds a sweet echo to every chapter.

The Unwritten Rule is a great pick for readers who want a sports romance with heart, tension, and a steamy payoff. Fans of character-driven love stories will enjoy watching Heather and Sydney trip over their own rules and fall anyway. If you like a mix of emotional healing, travel, and slow-building chemistry, The Unwritten Rule is worth picking up.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
21st November 2025
TITLE: The Unwritten Rule
AUTHOR: Anne Nikolaiken

Star Rating: 5

“A captivating ‘sports’ romance with two unforgettable and wonderfully complex characters. A Wishing Shelf ‘highly recommended’ read.” The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I’m a BIG romance fan. And I also happen to enjoy racing – the ‘car’ sort, not the ‘horse’ sort – so this well-written novel was right up my street. I must say, the author did a fab job, offering the readers (and me) two wonderfully complex and fun-to-follow protagonists in the shape of racing driver, Sydney McKinnly and Heather Everett-Fortier who is a successful biographer. There’s plenty of chemistry, plenty of will they/won’t they moments, and the novel also offers an insight into the racing world.
As we all know, books of this nature (sports romance) are VERY popular. And I could see this book going down well with readers of that genre. I’m thinking fans of G. K. Brady who wrote the Playmaker books, or Ali Hazelwood’s Deep End – love that book. I think, like Brady’s and Hazelwood’s work, The Unwritten Rule offers readers the opportunity to dive into a different (very exciting) world. It is addictive stuff and as I understand it’s the first book in The Racing Line set, I’m going to be hunting out book two when it’s published.
To sum up, there’s a lot to enjoy here, folks. The writing style is accessible, the plot is unpredictable, and there’s plenty of sizzling chemistry to keep readers turning the page. But, best of, put simply, the author is a good writer who seems to know what her readers want – you can’t get better than that.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[litandcoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disgraced racing champion hires a biographer to repair his public image and secure his seat for the upcoming season in Nikolaiken’s contemporary sports romance. They were only meant to be a one-night mistake. No promises. No complications. But when racing champion Sydney McKinnly is forced to hire a biographer to save his career, he comes face-to-face with the woman he can’t forget. Heather Everett-Fortier wants inspiration for her own love story, not a repeat of heartbreak. As sparks reignite and deadlines close in, can they keep things strictly professional—or will crossing the line cost them everything?

Nikolaiken places the romance inside the intense world of international racing without drowning the reader in technical detail. Behind the glamour of racing, the politics of the paddock, sponsor pressure, and constant evaluation of results shape the stakes in meaningful ways. Sydney’s struggle to remain focused echoes Heather’s quiet battle between safe career choices and artistic risk. Their connection strengthens through open dialogue and negotiated boundaries, not through exaggerated drama or convenient conflict.

The novel also contains unmistakable heat. Nikolaiken does not shy away from physical intimacy; the open-door scenes are unapologetically sensual, grounding the emotional stakes in palpable, adult desire. While the novel’s central relationship is persuasive and emotionally grounded, some readers may find the familiar tension between career ambition and romantic fulfillment adheres closely to genre expectations. Even so, the author’s attention to character psychology elevates the story beyond formula. A gorgeously written, character-driven sports romance that blends competitive intensity with measured emotional insight.

[S. Jeyran Main]

The Unwritten Rule by Anne Nikolaiken is a fast-paced, emotionally engaging sports romance that blends high-stakes racing with the complications of unexpected connection. The story follows world-champion driver Sydney McKinnly and biographer Heather Everett-Fortier, whose one-night encounter unexpectedly turns into a professional partnership and a growing personal bond.

Nikolaiken does a great job balancing the adrenaline of the racing world with the quieter, more character-driven moments. Sydney’s struggle to reclaim his confidence and focus, paired with Heather’s desire to pursue her true writing dreams, makes their journeys feel genuine and compelling. Their chemistry creates plenty of tension without overshadowing the character development or the racing plotline.

Filled with strong pacing, vivid settings, and emotionally grounded conflicts, The Unwritten Rule delivers an enjoyable start to The Racing Line series. Readers who enjoy contemporary sports romances with heartfelt character arcs and a polished writing style will find this a satisfying and engaging read.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Heather meets a handsome Scotsman on her Canadian Rockies vacation, she does not expect to see him again. Then she walks into a meeting with the subject of her next biography, and it is her Scotsman, who also happens to be two-time Formula World Elite Series Champion Sydney McKinnly. Heather and Sydney agree that they cannot be together while she is writing the book, but they will be spending a lot of time together.
As they travel the world, they develop their relationship beyond the physical and learn more about each other. Since Heather knew nothing about racing before this project, it is a great way to help the reader learn about it, too. Additionally, the author has included an extensive glossary that encompasses racing terms, as well as Scottish and Canadian terms. Hidden Gems provided the ARC of this debut novel, and I am anxious to see what the author does next.

[Robin Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Unwritten Rule” hit all the things I enjoy in a romance; slow-build chemistry, characters with real emotional layers, and a world I could slip into even without knowing a thing about racing. Sydney hooked me right away with that mix of confidence and vulnerability, and Heather felt like someone I’d genuinely be friends with: steady, smart, and stronger than she gives herself credit for.
Watching their one-night spark turn into something deeper (especially once they’re forced to work together) was my favorite part. Their banter, the quiet moments, the tension they keep pretending not to feel… it all felt warm and believable. Even as an outsider to motorsports, I never felt lost. The story lets you enjoy the adrenaline without overwhelming the romance. By the end, I found myself genuinely invested in both of them and wanting to see where their journey goes next.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! I have been looking for a change from the usual sport romances and this was it! I loved that there was a “glossary” at the beginning of racing terms as well as translations and usage differences for American English speakers. It made it so much easier! I so enjoyed learning about Formula One AND a having a great romance to go along with it. Having them enjoy their vacation affair THEN have the slow burn when they REALLY meet out a new spin on romance.

While I was often thrown by the constant change of place, it was helpful to have it at the beginning of each chapter. It wasn’t until later in the book that I realized it also helped bring the racing season to life.

[Mia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up for a just one chapter read and ended up finishing it way too late at night, which honestly felt fitting given the story. Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night completely pulled me in. The idea of an underground city beneath Vienna powered by Nocturnal Energy is wildly creative, and the goblin engineers felt fresh instead of the usual fantasy clichés. This world is thought through, not just imagined and dropped on the page.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to goodreads and the publisher for this copy that i won in a giveaway. This is the first book i've read where formula one racing or racing of any kind was part of the theme of the book. It's a heartfelt story that examines the unwritten rules that exist between friends, especially when feelings and relationships start to shift. The characters feel authentic and bring their own perspective and struggles to the story. Really enjoyed this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is trying to show he is as good as his father but it does not seem to be happening. She seems to be getting further away from what she truly wants out of life. They will be pulled together and the sparks will slowly start. So see where it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great tale

[Laura Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I liked this story, following an author and race car driver after their one night stand, but at times I struggled with the writing. At certain times something was restated almost verbatim in two consecutive paragraphs. I did appreciate the terminology overview at the beginning

[Angie Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good liked it so much. A fun read. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.

[Louise Wardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sports romance

Heather and Sydney's story starts as a one night stand with no strings attached changes. Their careers intersect and love blooms.
I won this book on Goodreads

[Lisa L Hastings]

DNF

[Alizé · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

the chemistry is strong and the story keeps you hooked from the very beginning! Loved this!!

[Oneday_abook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOKSIRENS ARC REVIEW:

I liked this very much. This sports romance had me wanting more. I enjoyed the characters chemistry in spicy scenes. It was also well written, and very detailed. Overall I would highly recommend this book.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.