Driven Together: A High-Stakes Formula 1 Second-Chance MM Romance

by Neil S. Plakcy

They were each other’s first love—and the one that got away.

When journalist Wally Pulaski reunites with his college sweetheart Jonathan Hirsch, now a Formula 1 driver, old feelings ignite with dangerous speed. Jonathan is fighting for the championship of his life. Wally is assigned to cover the season, reporting every triumph and failure to a global audience that demands objectivity. Falling in love again could cost them everything they’ve built.

As the Formula 1 circus sweeps from Monaco’s glittering streets to historic European circuits and roaring modern tracks, Wally is pulled deeper into a world of precision engineering, split-second decisions, and relentless scrutiny. Behind the glamour lies a sport where careers are made and broken in fractions of a second, where every personal choice is magnified under the spotlight.

Balancing professional integrity with unresolved passion becomes a high-wire act. Media pressure mounts. Rivalries intensify. And the closer Jonathan comes to his dream, the harder it is for either man to pretend their hearts aren’t still in the race.

Driven Together is a second-chance MM romance set against the adrenaline and international spectacle of Formula 1. Combining the emotional depth of Tal Bauer and the sports-romance energy loved by readers of Rachel Reid, it delivers an intimate story of ambition, identity, and the courage to choose love in a world that never slows down.

As the season intensifies and the spotlight grows harsher, Wally and Jonathan must decide what they’re willing to risk for a second chance at the love they never forgot. Because in Formula 1, every fraction of a second matters—and so does every choice of the heart.

Genres: Sports, Romance, LGBT

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

My newest adventure romance books are The Big Race (a takeoff on The Amazing Race) and Driven Together, a Formula 1 MM romance.

I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.

Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.

I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.

It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.

I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.

My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.

I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.

Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.

My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.

I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Driven Together feels like someone took a second‑chance romance, strapped it to a Formula 1 car, and hit the accelerator until your heart was doing laps around your ribcage. It’s messy in that delicious, emotional way where two grown men with actual careers and actual trauma try very hard to pretend, they’re fine while absolutely not being fine at all.

Wally walks back into Jonathan’s orbit like he wasn’t the heartbreak that derailed an entire era of his life, and Jonathan—oh, Jonathan—is out here driving a literal rocket on wheels while trying not to crash every time Wally looks at him with those “I remember everything” eyes. Their chemistry is that slow‑burn, simmering kind that feels like standing too close to a bonfire: warm, dangerous, and absolutely going to leave a mark.

The F1 world is chaotic in the best way. Monaco glittering like a fever dream, European circuits roaring like they’re alive, the whole sport spinning so fast you can practically smell the rubber and adrenaline. And Wally is supposed to be objective — sweetie, please. The man is one lingering glance away from writing poetry about Jonathan’s helmet hair.

The tension between professionalism and “I never stopped loving you” is the real engine here. Every interview, every press moment, every stolen second behind the scenes feels like they’re balancing on a wire stretched over a career‑ending drop. And the closer Jonathan gets to the championship, the more impossible it becomes for either of them to pretend they’re not still tangled up in each other.

It’s tender, it’s angsty, it’s a little messy, and it absolutely delivers on the emotional payoff. But it doesn’t always hit top speed—some scenes drift, some beats feel predictable, and the romance sometimes takes a backseat to the sport. Still, the heart is there, beating loud enough to keep you hooked.

A solid, satisfying 3.5‑star ride with sparks, speed, and two men trying very hard not to crash into each other again—and failing beautifully.

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ | · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book and decided to read it on a whim. It was a new author for me, and the story is set in the F1 world. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me, I think it might just be a me problem.
I’m really sorry to leave a low rating.

Imo, the writing style is very descriptive, and I found it difficult to get into the plot or connect with the mcs. I also didn’t really feel at all the chemistry between them.
There is a lot of detailed discussion about the F1 world: drivers, races, press, and so on.
it just wasn’t the right book for me, but maybe someone who loves F1 will enjoy it?

[Neil Plakcy]

When I started writing Driven Together, I wasn’t just thinking about speed.

Formula 1 is already a world of pressure — sponsorship politics, media scrutiny, split-second decisions at 200 miles per hour. It’s a sport where careers can rise or fall in a single corner. That felt like the perfect backdrop for a love story that couldn’t exist quietly.

What interested me most wasn’t just rivalry or attraction. It was the cost of visibility. What happens when two men fall in love in a space that thrives on spectacle? When ambition, reputation, and public image collide with something private and fragile?

I loved writing the contrast between the roar of the track and the quiet moments off it — hotel rooms after the race, the tension of press conferences, the way one wrong headline can change everything. I also wanted the story to welcome readers who don’t follow F1, so the sport unfolds through the journalist’s lens as the relationship develops.

At its heart, this book is about choosing love when it would be easier to choose safety.

And about what winning really means.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Driven Together is a second chance MM Romance filled with chemistry, risk and drama all surrounding Formula 1 racing. Jonathan and Wally were once upon a time in college but both making a choice of trying to being "practical" and going their separate ways. Fast forward 10 years later, Jonathan is racing for Formula 1 and on the rise with fame....while Wally is a journalist that is covering the racing circuit. With a chance encounter, sparks reignite...but also leads to taking a risk to keep everything a secrets or come out in the open.....

This is a good story and I enjoyed the details of the racing circuit and the love between the Jonathan and Wally.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Enjoyed the setting and characters but couldn't get past the insurmountable hurdle of having a compromised journalist reporting on his lover. The story explains the conflict and then tries to explain it away by using "guardrails" but in the real world the character would be fired and cancelled in social media. I wish there could have been a less grievous issue used to create conflict because I could have liked this a lot more.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven Together
By Neil S. Plakcy
Published by the author, 2026
Five stars

Some of you might have seen the remarkable 2025 film F1, starring Brad Pitt. If you read this book, you’ll want to see the film, too.

The world of Formula 1 racing is right up there with alien sci-fi fantasy for weirdness. I was prepared for (and intrigued by) Neil Plakcy’s book because I’d seen the film. Plakcy has done an extraordinary job researching his subject, and putting all of the details, jargon-filled and esoteric, into this romance novel that is way more than a romance novel.

Wally Pulaski is a sports journalist with Apex magazine, covering the F1 circuit stop in Monaco. There he runs into Jonathan Hirsch, a rising star on the F1 circuit with the American-owned Meridian team. The catch here is that Wally hasn’t seen Jonathan for ten years; not since University of Pennsylvania, where they were boyfriends.

I have enjoyed lots of sports-themed m/m romances, but this is, I’m sure, a first in the genre. Any good sports romance really needs to educate the reader about the sport, because it draws the reader into the story more, and helps them identify with the characters. I am a bit of a challenge with any sports-themed romance, because of the enormous “I don’t care” aspect of my approach to all sports. That said, I always enjoy learning about a sport in these books, and was totally caught up in this story because of Plakcy’s writing, even if, ultimately the allure of F1 racing eluded me.

Thus, using the framework of the F1 circuit as it moves around Europe, Wally’s reacquaintance with his old college flame sets the tone for the narrative. Jonathan’s high-profile presence in this most expensive of all sports, funded by his family’s fortune, is shown in contrast to Wally’s striving to build a reputation as a top sports reporter without compromising his integrity. Both of these young men fell in love with car racing when they were young, which is part of what draws them together in university. Wally’s father owns a garage that works on race cars – part of the American, blue-collar version of automobile racing. Jonathan’s family wealth gives him access to the more elite forms of racing, which both ties him to Wally and keeps a clear separation between their worlds.

Plakcy gives us a romance that is caught up in the professional politics of sports and journalism. The conservative hetero quality of F1 racing traditions plays a role, but it’s never as big a theme as the worries about conflict of interest relating to journalistic integrity.

It’s not as typical of m/m romance as you’d think to create relationship tension based on typically masculine worries about losing one’s identity in a romantic pairing. All same-sex couples have to negotiate issues of career, but rarely are those issues as intense as they are in “Driven Together.” It’s an impressive, fascinating read, and a marvelous addition to Plakcy’s oeuvre.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book because I have become obsessed with F1 racing and the plot sounded good. I love a good second chance romance. This book has everything that any reader could possibly want. It is messy-messy, there is romance, drama, a very adrenaline addictive sport, and has an ending that all readers will like. I did fall for the characters because they are relatable in the way they feel things. It's messy because they were together before and one of them remembers everything as if it was yesterday. That is a lot to get over, not only that but they are both working through their own issues to be better people. What's that saying, "you can't be the best for someone else until you are the best for yourself." Not sure if that is a saying but it should be. That is what these characters seem to be doing to me. They know what they want but they struggle to do the work to get there. This F1 in the book seems very knowledgeable. I love when I can learn new things while reading. I thoroughly enjoyed a look at a sport that is becoming more relevant in my world, thank to a series on a streaming platform. I am a sucker or adrenaline, a good solid romance, messy storylines due to character's having issues, and a feel good read. It is a fast paced book, it didn't take me to long to read it. There are a few parts where the storyline felt a little dragged through things but then it would pick back up in the next scene and be good for a while before doing it again. It didn't annoy me to much because the parts that I flew through, I thoroughly loved. Also, some of the parts that dragged where places seemed logical for it to drag. It will make sense when you read the book. I gave this book 5 stars because it is meeting with the demand of what people are wanting to read right now. It is a quick read, the plot is really good, the character development is fabulous, it pulls the reader in and makes you cheer for the characters, and finally it might make you want to watch some F1. I am looking forward to more books from this author.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wally has worked his way to this point through his career to be standing in the press area of the Monaco F1 working for Apex publishing is a pinch me moment, although there is a nervousness in his gut when he sees from across the area his past, the man he loved but walked away from all those years ago.

Jonathan Hirsch could be champion, after all the years of mediocre cars to be here and challenging the main guys he is confident he can do it. He is privileged in a way that his father has been able to sponsor and plow money into his career but his father wants a return and soon. As he walks through the arena he spots a blast from his past, the only man he truly loved and still does have feelings for.

As the season goes on they can't seem to keep away from each other and ask they get more serious they need to keep it under wraps and a professional until something is leaked and their worlds and careers may come tumbling down around them.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it, the story flowed and I had a little knowledge on F1 before I started reading, although I think it would have been advisable to place the Appendix and the brief explanation about F1 at the beginning of the book so people have a better understanding of phrases and jargon.

The main characters where just so suited to each other, where Wally was the calm though out character and Jonathan being the spontaneous character worked well with there private conversations and thoughts, the story was fast paced but at times did repeat itself and become a bit samey but that did not detract from the overall story.

The characters were well developed and was the a brilliant story to read, I loved the character of Wally and his interaction with his family and the beautiful scene with him and his father at the motor race was beautiful to read.

I can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author.

[Anya Davies-schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven Together is an MM romance between a racecar driver, Jonathan, and a journalist, Wally. These two were each other’s first love when they met in college. Circumstances keep them apart until they both find themselves in the same place once again, the Formula 1 sector. Jonathan is a Formula 1 driver trying to make a name for himself, and Wally is sent to be the new sports writer on the circuit. Seeing each other again reignites the sparks that have never left, but their circumstances are complicated, and the romance needs to be kept secret. Jonathan’s family is affluent and never really supported him as a person, only what he could bring to the reputation of the family. No racer is openly gay in Formula 1, which complicates the situation further. Wally doesn’t want to be seen as playing favorites in his writing, so he is trying to produce fair and even writing of the entire circuit. As they travel the world for Jonathan’s career, the two grow closer, but this closeness also causes concerns. The two characters never seem overly concerned with what the world will say; they just want to be together. However, they understand others have concerns and are used to bending to others' will instead of their own, but never lose sight of their end goal - each other!
There were many things I enjoyed about this story. The characters were enjoyable. They kept true to who they were; there was no miscommunication, and the way they loved each other was sweet, maybe a little too sweet. I like seeing what the world sees as “manly” environments and showing a loving, softer side to these individuals, too. While I did like the love story, I did wish for a little more angst and a little more smut, but that’s just me!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Wally did not expect to be reconnecting with Jonathon after all these years, especially not with the way things ended between them, and how their lives have taken them in very different directions. But here he is, covering the Formula 1 season and once again in Jonathan's orbit, and though he tries, it's difficult to ignore how easily old feelings return, even after 10 years apart.

Unfortunately, this was not for me. There were quite a few moments throughout the book where I kind of wanted Plakcy to linger a little longer in a moment, to give us more of their history and background. While we did have some of those moments, I could not help feeling that they felt a little rushed, not giving me as much time to get to know the characters and what truly makes them tick. That’s not to say that there weren’t some really nice things here to enjoy, such as watching Jonathon and Wally reconnect and sort of hash out what happened between them all those years ago. I thought some moments between Wally and Jonathon were refreshingly insightful and mature, instead of the usual trope of overly long and drawn-out miscommunication.
I thought Jonathon and Wally were pretty decent characters, although I did find at times that I was struggling to connect with them. I think that this book has shown me that I am not mad about sports romances, and there is no format with which I will enjoy Formula 1. I do think that if this had been in another setting, I may have enjoyed it a little more, but yeah, it was mostly the pacing for me.

If you’re looking for an MM sports romance about Formula 1, second chances, and learning what's truly important in life, I really think this is for you.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting second chance romance based around the fast paced world of Formula 1 racing. As a person who doesn’t follow F1 so I know nothing about it the authors writing was descriptive and informative enough that I could follow the story and the implications of what the world of an F1 driver is like. This is a MM second chance romance.

This is the story of Wally a sports journalist and Jonathan a up and coming F1 driver. This couple fell in love, however circumstances and their different ambitions made their relationship impossible to continue. Doing what he thought was right Wally told Jonathan that they should end their relationship so that he could follow his dreams.

Fast forward 10 years and Wally is sent to report on the Monaco race. Imagine his surprise when Jonathan was one of the stars of that race.
As they spent time together with Wally reporting on the race old feelings start to stir and when Wally realises that he’s going to be following Jonathan to continue reporting on the races they decide to see what it can lead.
Could this be the second chance their romance needs? Or will fame, success and their different ambitions drag them apart from each other all over again?

This is a story about high stakes, a fast paced world and making decisions to either have an easy life or fight against things that are threatening to destroy their love all over again. The author did an amazing job with the research and making the world of F1 easy to understand and follow even for someone like me who knows nothing about the sport

[Rochelle Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been hearing a lot from multiple romance readers about sports romance and I saw Driven Together and thought I’d finally give sports romance a try, it’s also a male/male romance which was a great change of pace to the regular heterosexual romances I usually read. I am trying to read more books from other points of views. The tropes of second chance romance and the way they had to fight for each other through out the book kept me pushing through. I had to know if they would work out or not. I think the tension could’ve been written a little bit better especially at the end, I think the author was trying to make me feel like Jonathan was pushing Wally aside at the end which I feel could’ve been explained a little better than it was because it didn’t feel like that big of a deal.

I grew up with a brother who races ARCA cars so I knew a little bit about racing but nothing about Formula 1 so I appreciated the “primer” at the end of the book to learn more about it.

Lastly, the sexual relationship between the two of them felt like how a real life relationship would be. It wasn’t the we are so in love that we have sex every night. Jonathan was exhausted after the races and just spent so they didn’t make love then and that just felt like how a relationship in real life is and it’s kind of refreshing. Overall, I gave this 4 out of 5 stars and I look forward to checking out more sports romance LGBTQ+ and straight.

[Moriah Venable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wally and Jonathan are brought together 10 years after meeting in college. Wally is a journalist covering the F1 Formula Championship. Jonathan is a F1 Formula driver competing for said championship.

A chance encounter opens up old wounds and maybe even a second chance at a relationship they were too young and too afraid to fight for a decade before.

With Wally covering the races, he is also trying to get a position at Apex. When his relationship with Jonathan is discovered, his career and credibility are on the line.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into the novel from the first few pages but by chapter 2, I was hooked.

Wally and Jonathan have great chemistry and despite some of their flaws as people, they do eventually come together and talk about their issues even if the problem isn’t solved that day or right away. The issue is out in the open and acknowledged by both parties.

The love scenes were beautifully written and just the novel in general was written in a way that reminded of poetry.

I don’t know much about Formula 1 drivers, their politics, the inner workings or the amount of stress the drivers are under.

I was reading, half expecting Jonathan to get into an accident. There were some intense scenes.

The way this ended, I feel it could warrant a sequel but I also liked the open ending it had.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Driven Together' is a second-chance M/M romance set in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing. The story follows Wally, a journalist assigned to cover the Formula One races in hopes of securing a contract with the prestigious Apex organisation, and Jonathan, a Formula 1 driver who has been striving to win the championship for the past ten years.

Complications arise when Wally and Jonathan reconnect after a decade apart. They must decide if the connection they still feel for each other is valid and if the potential impact on their careers is worth pursuing. Maintaining professional objectivity becomes challenging when emotions are involved, especially since Jonathan needs to stay focused to win the championship. How do Wally and Jonathan navigate the difficulties of rekindling their romance while managing their professional responsibilities? What sacrifices are they willing to make for each other and their careers as the championship approaches?

Overall, I enjoyed the story, even though I’m not a Formula 1 fan. I found some of the technical details a bit tedious, but I understand their importance in illustrating the mindsets of the characters, particularly Jonathan's. There was also a bit more angst than I typically prefer in my main characters, but the situation warranted that kind of emotional response.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story filled with racing information. I learned a lot about that sport and journalism as well while reading about these two. It did seem a little slow for me and I had to remind myself to refocus more than a couple times. Then I felt is just ended. I guess I was expecting more since the race season was not over but I was more than surprised when I turned the page and there was information not more story.

Both characters seemed to have something to prove to others and their romance was always put on the back burner. I was not a fan of the “guardrails” as they seemed intrusive. I was also surprised at how even keeled/openminded Jonathan was about what Wally wrote. It was and wasnt what I expected from a high caliber athlete.

Overall this is a good one. My biggest take away is the racing information. The characters both had deep backgrounds by some tie in the racing world. The take down and put up of the racing teams. Sitting in the media center with all the information they get from watching and listening to the race. How technical and what knowledge they have as well. It was all very interesting. A few touches on a couple things that could blow up the MC’s or their jobs but not a lot of drama.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Driven Together by Neil S. Plakcy is an MM sports romance set against the high-octane Formula 1 racing circuit. With second chances, adventure, chemistry, passion, drama, angst, emotion, ambition, and taking a chance on love – made for a fun read.
If you love Formula 1 racing, and all the circuit politics and maneuvering that comes with it – then you might want to check this out. But even if you aren't unfamiliar with Formula 1, the author includes a glossary of racing terms, a racing guide, and other interesting ‘racing’ facts that will allow you to more fully appreciate the story.
What happens when former college sweethearts are thrust together in Monaco for the F1 race – Jonathan is now one of the drivers, and Wally is a journalist who has been tasked to cover the race. Sparks ignite, rekindling old feelings – but will they both be ready or brave enough to take a chance on love? You’ll just have to read the story to find out~
Happy Reading…

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is a newer author for me in which I enjoyed their use of details that not only made the story realistic but the characters pop as well. This is a story about first loves and getting a second chance at that love. This is Jonathan and Wally’s story. They have a past and were first loves. They come together when Wally is assigned to report on the Formula 1 season and Jonathan happens to be one of the drivers. Will these two find their way back to each other? You don’t want to miss what happens with these two for sure. Their story will pull you in from the beginning and keep you turning pages fast. I enjoyed both of these characters and what they bring to the story. They are engaging, strong, connectable and I just wanted to see them together. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story which made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven Together was a great Formula 1 MM romance by Neil S. Plakcy. I came into reading this book as a minor fan of car races, but this made it so much more. The intensity of the close races, the excitement and drama that happen behind the scenes, and everything that goes on in the fast-paced background. I was entranced by the storyline of how two men had to juggle their own careers as well as their opportunity at a second chance at romance when both are being pushed to make split-second decisions that could be life-altering. Awesome storyline, drama, speed, romance, and characters that are so in-depth that you can connect with the realism of their characteristics. This MM romance has it all and is a great read for anyone looking for a feel-good story that will have them on the edge of their seats.
@Brandy Rymer
03/2026

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven Together: A High-Stakes Formula 1 MM Romance by Neil S. Plakcy. This is a M/M romance that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Its the story of Journalist Wally who is sent to follow the Formula 1 Circuit. That includes traveling all over Europe. It also means Wally is going to run into his college ex Johnathan who is a formula one driver. They both know that if they were to try a relationship again it would cost them their careers. They truly loved one another at one time and feel like they can get it back but are worried about the impact it will have on their careers. Will they be able to continue on with their relationships and their careers or will one have to give up all their dreams that they have worked on all their lives. Read this fast paced romance to find out!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven Together: A High-Stakes Formula 1 Second-Chance MM Romance


I am not a race fan, but after reading this I might need to try it. We have a F-1 track here in Austin which will make giving it a try a little easier.

Wally is given a once in a lifetime opportunity and takes it only to end up reconnecting with the one who stuck with him for the last 10 years.

Jonathan has finally achieved step 1 in his dream to be the best driver on the circuit. He comes across so many people during the tour and the last one he expects to see is Wally.

Precision in the balancing of both personal and professional lives for the average person is hard enough but when you are in the public eye it's even tougher to find that balance.

I am 100% in love with these guys. I hope I get a chance to catch up with them in the future.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lovely second chance romance story about two characters who are determined to try to make things work. Formula 1 racing isn’t something I know much about so it was really interesting to have a story set within this world. The detail the author provided around it made me think they are very much a fan of the sport and that really came through in the writing.
The characters were interesting to read about. I didn’t always fully connect with their story but I was invested enough to want to see the book through to the end. As the first book I have read by this author, it was a good introduction to their writing style. I am looking forward to seeing what their other work has to offer.

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wally (a journalist) is sent to Monaco to cover the Formula 1. He runs into Jonathan, a racer to which he had a brief but serious relationship 10 years ago.
Ten years earlier, Jonathan must leave for Berlin to take an internship to learn to take over the family business and Wally is just starting his journalist career. He ends things so Jonathan can focus on work and his future. Now, they both face each other, the feelings still there and all the what ifs. Did they not fight hard enough all those years ago. There is a lot of detail within the formula 1 aspect to which I really didn’t know much about before hand. Sometimes, just to me, I would have liked a little less but it didn’t ruin the story for me

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read any books by this author before, but with the cute cover and intriguing synopsis, I had no other choice but to dive right in! I also love F1 racing and must say that the author did a magnificent job covering all the bases for that. It’s a fast-paced MM romance that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I couldn’t turn pages fast enough but also wanted to try and take my time to soak it all up. The pacing of the story ebbs and flows well, and the characters are well-developed. Even though it feels like a pretty quick read, the author definitely makes it feel longer in a good way with the number of details that fill it out. If you’re looking for a fantastic MM romance with drama, angst, and a whole lot of F1, this is the next read for you!

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully intense romance set in the high stakes world of Formula 1, when sports journalist Wally and driver Jonathan reignite their student love affair after a ten year gap.
The story is superbly researched and the venues, plaudits and pressures of this high octane world come across vividly.
The author's emphasis is on risk; not only in racing but in love. The emotional tension is heightened at each point where the MCs are faced with making a choice, either for an easier way of life or staying together with all the pressure and risk that entails. A really involving and fast paced read that had me cheering for our couple to win in the love stakes!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven Together was so good, I couldn’t put it down! Driven Together is set in the Formula 1 racing scene which is fast-paced on its own. Add in Jonathon Hirsch driver and Wally Pulaski journalist and the author bring us to another level.
Jonathon and Wally met 10 years prior in college. As life took them on different paths, they meet again when Wally is assigned to cover a race in Monaco. While the two rekindle their romance, they must be discreet. Neither wants to jeopardize the other’s career.
I recommend this book; the characters are so well -written- you can feel their tension, love and vulnerabilities.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Hirsch is a Formula 1 driver fighting to be the top dog and win a championship. Wally Pulaski is a media reporter assigned to cover every win or failure. It has been 10 years since their relationship went awry. One of them remembers every little detail, both good and bad, while the other has moved on from the past. The past has a way of coming back to haunt you though when it's in the form of your first love. Emotions not only run high in this story but they run deep. It's not just a battle for Jonathan to win a trophy but also Wally's heart. Or is Wally's heart the true trophy here? Will their relationship end up in the winning column or the losing one?

[Katie Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven Together is a really engaging second-chance romance that mixes heartfelt emotion with the high-speed world of Formula 1. The chemistry between Wally and Jonathan feels genuine, and their shared history adds a lot of depth to the story. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the sport—it made everything feel exciting and immersive without overshadowing the romance. At times the pacing slows a bit with the media and career pressures, but it still builds nicely toward a satisfying payoff. Overall, it’s a compelling, emotional read with great tension and a well-earned happy ending.

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven Together by Neil S. Plakcy
4 Star Review
Characters Wally Pulaski, who is a journalist, is assigned to cover the formula one season. Jonathan Hirsch, formula one driver, is fighting for the championship. The two meet up and sparks fly.
Driven together is formula one racing meets romance. If you are a fan of racing this is a nice change from the ordinary. In this book, two college sweethearts have a chance to rekindle their old feelings.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A formula 1 story packed full of interesting technical details. This is the first story of this type I have read where existing drivers and teams are mentioned, although Jonathan's team is a fictional one. There were a lot of different types of stress put onto Jonathan and Wally's relationship, from a number of different sources, making their struggle to be together very complicated. The racing felt realistic, as did their growing second chance relationship.

[Chenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second-chance MM romance set in the high-pressure world of Formula 1, perfect for readers who love emotional tension, high stakes, and hard-won happily-ever-afters.

I absolutely loved this book. The characthers are amazing. There is no secret that stays secret in the racing world not with so many eyes. A media personality and fl driver will they get theur happy yes the answer is yes its hard won n messy but yes.