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Make Your Move
Reese Maddox is the kind of driver who’s relied on raw talent and unshakable confidence to get her to the top. But when that approach stops being enough, she’s recruited into Formula Next—the all-female racing academy designed to fast-track drivers to Formula 1. Reese is fearless, flashy, and knows how to put on a show. But at Formula Next, raw talent isn’t enough, and Reese is about to learn what it really means to be coached.
Sloane Foster was once the next big thing in Formula 1 until a crash ended her career and made her retreat from the spotlight. Now, she's back—this time on the other side of the circuit, tasked with coaching the next generation of racers. She’s not looking for redemption, and she’s definitely not looking for complications. But Reese is all fire and temptation, and keeping things professional becomes harder with every stolen glance and late-night debrief.
The rules are clear. The lines are drawn. But in a world fueled by adrenaline and ambition, one bold move could change everything.
Sloane Foster was once the next big thing in Formula 1 until a crash ended her career and made her retreat from the spotlight. Now, she's back—this time on the other side of the circuit, tasked with coaching the next generation of racers. She’s not looking for redemption, and she’s definitely not looking for complications. But Reese is all fire and temptation, and keeping things professional becomes harder with every stolen glance and late-night debrief.
The rules are clear. The lines are drawn. But in a world fueled by adrenaline and ambition, one bold move could change everything.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
145 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
31 books2,837 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 28, 2026
4,5 ⭐
I never would have thought that racing could be so sexy. Sloane has hung up her racing career and wants nothing more to do with F1. Until she returns as a favor to her best friend to coach young women in driving. Sloane and Reese’s first encounter is hilarious, and I laughed my head off. I immediately loved the amazing chemistry between the two of them. Sparks flew, lightning struck, and thunder rolled. And the banter? Great! It was just fantastic.
The combination of that connection with the friendship that develops between Reese and the other female drivers was just perfect. It was lighthearted and just fun to watch the women race.
What disappointed me a bit—and is why I’m not giving it a full 5 stars—is the conflict toward the end of the book. I loved the great, healthy communication between Sloane and Reese throughout the entire book. It was mature and just felt real. This conflict, on the other hand… I don’t want to spoil anything, but it didn’t quite fit after all the development between Sloane and Reese. If there’s such healthy communication, why take it away all of a sudden?
Nevertheless, it’s an absolutely great and heartwarming book with strong women. I’m already looking forward to the second part… maybe it’ll be about Veronika? A great woman! Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I never would have thought that racing could be so sexy. Sloane has hung up her racing career and wants nothing more to do with F1. Until she returns as a favor to her best friend to coach young women in driving. Sloane and Reese’s first encounter is hilarious, and I laughed my head off. I immediately loved the amazing chemistry between the two of them. Sparks flew, lightning struck, and thunder rolled. And the banter? Great! It was just fantastic.
The combination of that connection with the friendship that develops between Reese and the other female drivers was just perfect. It was lighthearted and just fun to watch the women race.
What disappointed me a bit—and is why I’m not giving it a full 5 stars—is the conflict toward the end of the book. I loved the great, healthy communication between Sloane and Reese throughout the entire book. It was mature and just felt real. This conflict, on the other hand… I don’t want to spoil anything, but it didn’t quite fit after all the development between Sloane and Reese. If there’s such healthy communication, why take it away all of a sudden?
Nevertheless, it’s an absolutely great and heartwarming book with strong women. I’m already looking forward to the second part… maybe it’ll be about Veronika? A great woman! Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 19, 2026
Arc review ♡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 (4.25 stars)
I gotta say I had my ups and downs while reading this BUT, if given the chance,I would’ve flirted with Sloane the same (somewhat) embarrassing way that Reese did at the beging of this book.
But let’s start with the review for real now; as one might guess, I really liked the characters, both Reese and Sloane were written soooo well and I throughly enjoyed reading how their story progressed throughout the book. Though, I do wish we would’ve gotten even more insight into Sloane‘s POV (I just adored her parts sooo much, I flew through them haha). Besides that, I also really liked the side characters and how well they were included within the story, it all felt natural.
Speaking of side characters and the story, I really loved the Formula 1 & 2 theme. Though, I had no prior knowledge about it, reading about it was still so enjoyable for me and made me want to actually learn more about it to understand how it all worked!
Moreover, I loved the character developments and the fears and struggles of the characters throughout the story, nothing felt overly dramatic, instead it felt rather natural and gave the story overall a very nice flow overall.
However, I did experience moments where the story felt somewhat drawn out and I did struggle a tiny bit with the writing style sometimes (but that’s just my preference coming through).
Overall though, I did enjoy reading this very much and think this is especially for readers who liked a good character driven story which still has a good story overall. And again, I do wish Sloane would exit in real life because damn, I might have developed a little crush on her throughout this book (haha)
Thank you so much for the advanced readers copy. And I want to disclose that this review was voluntarily and honestly given ♡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 (4.25 stars)
I gotta say I had my ups and downs while reading this BUT, if given the chance,I would’ve flirted with Sloane the same (somewhat) embarrassing way that Reese did at the beging of this book.
But let’s start with the review for real now; as one might guess, I really liked the characters, both Reese and Sloane were written soooo well and I throughly enjoyed reading how their story progressed throughout the book. Though, I do wish we would’ve gotten even more insight into Sloane‘s POV (I just adored her parts sooo much, I flew through them haha). Besides that, I also really liked the side characters and how well they were included within the story, it all felt natural.
Speaking of side characters and the story, I really loved the Formula 1 & 2 theme. Though, I had no prior knowledge about it, reading about it was still so enjoyable for me and made me want to actually learn more about it to understand how it all worked!
Moreover, I loved the character developments and the fears and struggles of the characters throughout the story, nothing felt overly dramatic, instead it felt rather natural and gave the story overall a very nice flow overall.
However, I did experience moments where the story felt somewhat drawn out and I did struggle a tiny bit with the writing style sometimes (but that’s just my preference coming through).
Overall though, I did enjoy reading this very much and think this is especially for readers who liked a good character driven story which still has a good story overall. And again, I do wish Sloane would exit in real life because damn, I might have developed a little crush on her throughout this book (haha)
Thank you so much for the advanced readers copy. And I want to disclose that this review was voluntarily and honestly given ♡
April 29, 2026
3.5⭐️ Rounded Up
It’s a classic Melissa Brayden novel, I knew it was going to be a solid, great read from the start. What I appreciate the most about the author is she knows how to write romantic feelings and delivers the dynamic between main characters perfectly.
I enjoyed the grown that Reese had, starting off as a cocky race car driver who lets that control the way she drivers. Her growth really was a breath of fresh air, and she was an incredibly likable character.
Sloane was equally as lovable, but something about Reese had me hooked on her. With Sloane being a big name in the race at driving world, but having a serious crash pushed her away from that scene.
The two come together in such a natural way which I always appreciate. It never felt like they had an 11 year age gap (a trope I always struggle with reading), they felt a lot more like equals.
Where my start rate comes in is the overall feel I had for the story. I loved it, loved the characters, loved the research Melissa Brayden had to have done to write this, but it just didn’t hit the way I thought it would. I felt like I had to drag myself through it during a few parts, and as much as I love really a smut scene, there was a LOT of it. I will always appreciate not having a third act break up, but in my gut it’s just telling me I wish there had been a bit more.
What I’m hoping for next is Reese’s friends to have their own love stories (especially Cassidy, I LOVED her). Overall, it was a solid read and I will forever pick up a need book from Melissa Brayden.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a solid read!
It’s a classic Melissa Brayden novel, I knew it was going to be a solid, great read from the start. What I appreciate the most about the author is she knows how to write romantic feelings and delivers the dynamic between main characters perfectly.
I enjoyed the grown that Reese had, starting off as a cocky race car driver who lets that control the way she drivers. Her growth really was a breath of fresh air, and she was an incredibly likable character.
Sloane was equally as lovable, but something about Reese had me hooked on her. With Sloane being a big name in the race at driving world, but having a serious crash pushed her away from that scene.
The two come together in such a natural way which I always appreciate. It never felt like they had an 11 year age gap (a trope I always struggle with reading), they felt a lot more like equals.
Where my start rate comes in is the overall feel I had for the story. I loved it, loved the characters, loved the research Melissa Brayden had to have done to write this, but it just didn’t hit the way I thought it would. I felt like I had to drag myself through it during a few parts, and as much as I love really a smut scene, there was a LOT of it. I will always appreciate not having a third act break up, but in my gut it’s just telling me I wish there had been a bit more.
What I’m hoping for next is Reese’s friends to have their own love stories (especially Cassidy, I LOVED her). Overall, it was a solid read and I will forever pick up a need book from Melissa Brayden.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a solid read!
April 24, 2026
3.25 ⭐
April 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I knew nothing about Formula One Racing going into this. I did however, think that it sounded interesting and I was excited to learn more. That being said, I didn’t double check if things were accurate but I felt like I learned a lot and was able to grasp the basics of racing thanks to how the author wrote about it.
I think I’ll never forget Reese and Sloane’s meet-cute. It was hilarious to witness Reese make a complete fool out of herself. I think she needed a little bit of the ego check. For a hot second she was a little hard for me to root for, but that quickly changed. Their chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning and only got better with each interaction.
I think the way that Melissa Brayden handled Sloane’s mental health journey was well thought out and well done. It was realistic and I was glad that she took the story where she took it in the last fourth of it. I was wondering where the story was going to go when I reached about the 55% mark, knowing there wasn’t a third act break up. I appreciate where it ended up going.
Can we talk about the friends in this book? I don’t know if I’ve ever loved side characters/friends/found family more than I did in Make Your Move. Especially Veronica’s friendship with Sloane. She is truly a gem. I was so touched when she said, “ That’s my girl [..] That’s my best friend. The closeness of The Starting Grid was so wholesome and I loved how close they all got and how loyal they were. I also liked that there wasn’t jealousy and they all genuinely wanted the best for each other.
This is the second book by Melissa Brayden that I’ve read and this is the second book that I’ve absolutely loved. I think with the light angst, tasteful spicy scenes and over wholesomeness of the novel, I will be rereading as a comfort read. 4.5 Stars!
**side note- I don’t know why but I want Shanelle and Julie to be a thing and have their own book!
I knew nothing about Formula One Racing going into this. I did however, think that it sounded interesting and I was excited to learn more. That being said, I didn’t double check if things were accurate but I felt like I learned a lot and was able to grasp the basics of racing thanks to how the author wrote about it.
I think I’ll never forget Reese and Sloane’s meet-cute. It was hilarious to witness Reese make a complete fool out of herself. I think she needed a little bit of the ego check. For a hot second she was a little hard for me to root for, but that quickly changed. Their chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning and only got better with each interaction.
I think the way that Melissa Brayden handled Sloane’s mental health journey was well thought out and well done. It was realistic and I was glad that she took the story where she took it in the last fourth of it. I was wondering where the story was going to go when I reached about the 55% mark, knowing there wasn’t a third act break up. I appreciate where it ended up going.
Can we talk about the friends in this book? I don’t know if I’ve ever loved side characters/friends/found family more than I did in Make Your Move. Especially Veronica’s friendship with Sloane. She is truly a gem. I was so touched when she said, “ That’s my girl [..] That’s my best friend. The closeness of The Starting Grid was so wholesome and I loved how close they all got and how loyal they were. I also liked that there wasn’t jealousy and they all genuinely wanted the best for each other.
This is the second book by Melissa Brayden that I’ve read and this is the second book that I’ve absolutely loved. I think with the light angst, tasteful spicy scenes and over wholesomeness of the novel, I will be rereading as a comfort read. 4.5 Stars!
**side note- I don’t know why but I want Shanelle and Julie to be a thing and have their own book!
April 24, 2026
Great prologue!
One main isn’t immediately likeable, not unlikeable but a bit arrogant. I like how we see her become better….. this is not a redemption arc but I liked her more as the book went on. There is of course Brayden batter between buddies that is amusing. There is longing, pretty instant, pretty overpowering. There is of course a barrier and I think Brayden has shown really well what the cost of that could or should be, emotionally. There can be a tendency in some novels for the barrier to be we can’t, we shouldn’t, we did. And the changes take place as quickly as reading that sentence. Time wise, in this book is has been quite quick but at least we are seeing the emotional road.
At the beginning I was enjoying the book but not all in. Just under 40% there was a pivotal incident that moved me further in. Well done Brayden. I read the incident through one mains eyes, but the next scene I could feel when we saw impact. Well set up!
I grew in to the book. I loved that there were not silly misunderstandings. That a conversation that had to be had, while delayed, did happen and did happen organically.
There is of course a barrier and I enjoyed the reality of the way it was overcome. The book started a 3, progressed to a 3.5 and ended up a four…. Slow and steady did win the race!
One main isn’t immediately likeable, not unlikeable but a bit arrogant. I like how we see her become better….. this is not a redemption arc but I liked her more as the book went on. There is of course Brayden batter between buddies that is amusing. There is longing, pretty instant, pretty overpowering. There is of course a barrier and I think Brayden has shown really well what the cost of that could or should be, emotionally. There can be a tendency in some novels for the barrier to be we can’t, we shouldn’t, we did. And the changes take place as quickly as reading that sentence. Time wise, in this book is has been quite quick but at least we are seeing the emotional road.
At the beginning I was enjoying the book but not all in. Just under 40% there was a pivotal incident that moved me further in. Well done Brayden. I read the incident through one mains eyes, but the next scene I could feel when we saw impact. Well set up!
I grew in to the book. I loved that there were not silly misunderstandings. That a conversation that had to be had, while delayed, did happen and did happen organically.
There is of course a barrier and I enjoyed the reality of the way it was overcome. The book started a 3, progressed to a 3.5 and ended up a four…. Slow and steady did win the race!
April 29, 2026
I adore Melissa Brayden, that’s more than a fact at this point.
I really enjoyed Make Your Move, I’m always a sucker for age gap and sports romances. The chemistry was electric from the start. I would have NEVER recovered from Reese’s first attempt at flirting, I would have simply crawled in a hole and died. The development of their relationship was so beautifully written and I loved that their communication was always mature, supportive and understanding. We support healthy communication as much as we love a little miscommunication.
The conflict resolution, for me, felt a bit too easy but I was very surprised when that sudden silence and distance was present and no conversation to go along with it.
The Starting Grid might be my new favorite friend group and I hope we get each of their stories along with Veronica’s.
Thank you to Melissa Brayden and Luna Literary Management for providing me with an eARC.
Rated 4.5 stars
The conflict resolution, for me, felt a bit too easy but I was very surprised when that sudden silence and distance was present and no conversation to go along with it.
The Starting Grid might be my new favorite friend group and I hope we get each of their stories along with Veronica’s.
Thank you to Melissa Brayden and Luna Literary Management for providing me with an eARC.
Rated 4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
5⭐️
I knew I was going to love this the moment I saw it was a lesbian F1 romance.
Reese is aspiring to become an F1 driver and joins an academy created to help bridge more women into the sport. That’s where she meets Sloan, a mentor for the new racing academy who retired from F1 years ago.
I literally couldn’t put it down. There was a great balance between racing action and romance. I also really enjoyed the side characters.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I knew I was going to love this the moment I saw it was a lesbian F1 romance.
Reese is aspiring to become an F1 driver and joins an academy created to help bridge more women into the sport. That’s where she meets Sloan, a mentor for the new racing academy who retired from F1 years ago.
I literally couldn’t put it down. There was a great balance between racing action and romance. I also really enjoyed the side characters.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2026
I’m not into motorsports at all, but I do love Melissa Brayden’s books, so I was really curious to see how this reading experience would turn out.
In the end, it was solid but not outstanding. The story worked, the characters were enjoyable, and although I was a bit worried about the racing aspect, it never felt overwhelming or off-putting. Still, the overall experience came across as somewhat average. I love it when a book pulls me completely into the flow—when I just can’t stop reading. Not always practical, I know, but incredibly satisfying. Unfortunately, that never quite happened here.
My rational side says this deserves a solid 4 stars, but emotionally I can’t quite go beyond 3.5. Rounded up, though, it still lands at 4 stars.
In the end, it was solid but not outstanding. The story worked, the characters were enjoyable, and although I was a bit worried about the racing aspect, it never felt overwhelming or off-putting. Still, the overall experience came across as somewhat average. I love it when a book pulls me completely into the flow—when I just can’t stop reading. Not always practical, I know, but incredibly satisfying. Unfortunately, that never quite happened here.
My rational side says this deserves a solid 4 stars, but emotionally I can’t quite go beyond 3.5. Rounded up, though, it still lands at 4 stars.
Read
April 27, 2026F1… definitely not my sport. To be honest, no racing or driving really holds my attention. I couldn’t care less.
That being said, I did like this book, despite all the racing.
If we look at the F1/ racing as just a job and forget about the noise it makes, how irritated I get by it, this is a very nice love story. It has many strong female characters, all different, all layered and big personalities. I like it. Our romance starts with a VERY poor pick up line and it is funny. It’s great how these characters, both mains and secondary, help each other grow and evolve. They give each other perspective, room to grow, and lo and behold communication. The thing that’s so rare in these sapphic books, glad to see it in this book. We’re all grown women, we do know how to communicate.
Even if you don’t like F1, like me, this is still worth picking up. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
That being said, I did like this book, despite all the racing.
If we look at the F1/ racing as just a job and forget about the noise it makes, how irritated I get by it, this is a very nice love story. It has many strong female characters, all different, all layered and big personalities. I like it. Our romance starts with a VERY poor pick up line and it is funny. It’s great how these characters, both mains and secondary, help each other grow and evolve. They give each other perspective, room to grow, and lo and behold communication. The thing that’s so rare in these sapphic books, glad to see it in this book. We’re all grown women, we do know how to communicate.
Even if you don’t like F1, like me, this is still worth picking up. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Did Not Finish
April 28, 2026So sad that I DNF'd this one - the premise was amazing (I'm totally in my F1 era, and throw sapphic into the mix?!), but something fell flat with the execution for me.
I think for me, too much telling, not enough showing, in need of a possible extra edit, and just... idk. Did not tick any of the boxes I had hoped it would.
I think for me, too much telling, not enough showing, in need of a possible extra edit, and just... idk. Did not tick any of the boxes I had hoped it would.
May 4, 2026
4.5
from now on, i'm going to need every sports romance to be sapphic, thank you so much.
this was SO GOOD! i love the setting that was created, the academy for women drivers, making space and opportunities for them to join f1. i love reading about ambitious women, especially when they're passionate about something that's male-dominated, and this story gave it to me tenfold.
reese and slone were both amazing main characters, individually and together. the pacing of their love story felt so natural and so good to read—even when they got together and there were still some struggles to overcome. it was beautiful, fun, emotional, sexy, everything you might need in a romance.
but my favorite part was the starting grid. from the soho loft series, i knew melissa brayden could write a friend group like nobody's business, but getting to read about this friend group being formed and growing close, and creating that bond we seek in found family stories... oh it was the absolute best.
i grew attached to all of these characters so much (including ronnie, of course!) and so fast i'm honestly feeling a little bit empty inside that everything about these people available to be read, i've already done it. if this whole series was out already, you bet i would've binge-read it in a week.
i'm counting down the days where i will be able to revisit this world and these girls and get to see more of the crew getting their own happily ever afters. i can't wait to see what story is coming next!
(cassidy, you are my favorite! you're my baby! i've adopted you!)
ARC kindly provided by luna literary.
from now on, i'm going to need every sports romance to be sapphic, thank you so much.
this was SO GOOD! i love the setting that was created, the academy for women drivers, making space and opportunities for them to join f1. i love reading about ambitious women, especially when they're passionate about something that's male-dominated, and this story gave it to me tenfold.
reese and slone were both amazing main characters, individually and together. the pacing of their love story felt so natural and so good to read—even when they got together and there were still some struggles to overcome. it was beautiful, fun, emotional, sexy, everything you might need in a romance.
but my favorite part was the starting grid. from the soho loft series, i knew melissa brayden could write a friend group like nobody's business, but getting to read about this friend group being formed and growing close, and creating that bond we seek in found family stories... oh it was the absolute best.
i grew attached to all of these characters so much (including ronnie, of course!) and so fast i'm honestly feeling a little bit empty inside that everything about these people available to be read, i've already done it. if this whole series was out already, you bet i would've binge-read it in a week.
i'm counting down the days where i will be able to revisit this world and these girls and get to see more of the crew getting their own happily ever afters. i can't wait to see what story is coming next!
(cassidy, you are my favorite! you're my baby! i've adopted you!)
ARC kindly provided by luna literary.
April 21, 2026
While I was reading this book, I literally turned to my wife and told her in an alternate universe, I’m a driver and she’s an engineer.
I finished Make Your Move last night and can’t stop thinking about it. I already wish I could go back and experience this book for the first time again.
As usual, Melissa’s writing is immaculate. I’m not sure I can think of another author who writes banter so well—and not just between the main characters, but a room of four or more of them.
The meet-cute had me laughing so hard. I think it’s probably my favorite book meet-cute to-date. Reese is as goofy as she is sexy and it shows. Sloane is a simp who sucks at pretending to be an ice queen. The tension between these two is insane and while it’s a slow burn, it didn’t take the entire book (thank god).
If you love spice, this one definitely has you covered. I loved the spicy scenes as much as I loved the racing scenes…which, by the way, will have you holding your freaking breath.
Then, of course, the friendships throughout this book are top freaking tier. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series.
Needless to say, I’m obsessed and it may only be April, but this is my favorite book of the year.
I finished Make Your Move last night and can’t stop thinking about it. I already wish I could go back and experience this book for the first time again.
As usual, Melissa’s writing is immaculate. I’m not sure I can think of another author who writes banter so well—and not just between the main characters, but a room of four or more of them.
The meet-cute had me laughing so hard. I think it’s probably my favorite book meet-cute to-date. Reese is as goofy as she is sexy and it shows. Sloane is a simp who sucks at pretending to be an ice queen. The tension between these two is insane and while it’s a slow burn, it didn’t take the entire book (thank god).
If you love spice, this one definitely has you covered. I loved the spicy scenes as much as I loved the racing scenes…which, by the way, will have you holding your freaking breath.
Then, of course, the friendships throughout this book are top freaking tier. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series.
Needless to say, I’m obsessed and it may only be April, but this is my favorite book of the year.
April 24, 2026
This book had me hooked from the first lap 🏁
Make Your Move delivers everything I want in a sapphic sports romance. Ambition, tension, and a relationship that walks a very fine line between professional and personal. Reese is all confidence and instinct, while Sloane is controlled and closed off, and watching those walls slowly come down was so satisfying.
The mentor and mentee dynamic adds that perfect forbidden edge, and the chemistry is there from the start. Every interaction feels loaded, especially in those quieter moments away from the track. The racing world adds intensity, but the emotional stakes are what really pull you in.
I also loved the friend group and the sense of community around Reese. It balances out the pressure and gives the story warmth alongside the angst.
If you are into sapphic romance, age gap dynamics, and high pressure settings with real emotional payoff, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Already need book two 😭
Make Your Move delivers everything I want in a sapphic sports romance. Ambition, tension, and a relationship that walks a very fine line between professional and personal. Reese is all confidence and instinct, while Sloane is controlled and closed off, and watching those walls slowly come down was so satisfying.
The mentor and mentee dynamic adds that perfect forbidden edge, and the chemistry is there from the start. Every interaction feels loaded, especially in those quieter moments away from the track. The racing world adds intensity, but the emotional stakes are what really pull you in.
I also loved the friend group and the sense of community around Reese. It balances out the pressure and gives the story warmth alongside the angst.
If you are into sapphic romance, age gap dynamics, and high pressure settings with real emotional payoff, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Already need book two 😭
May 4, 2026
i like that we keep it real and don’t have a rookie miraculously getting p1s but the angst was not up to speed (pardon the pun)
May 5, 2026
A huge thank you to Melissa Brayden for providing an ARC of Make Your Move in exchange for review.
First of all: wow. I will have to admit I was a little hesitant going into this book - I absolutely love watching Formula 1 with my friends, and over the past few years have developed pretty strong opinions about the sport. I need not have worried! It is so, so obvious just from the first few chapters that the author really did her research with regard to racing, the different series, and how her main character Reese Maddox could move up into the world of F1.
I absolutely loved Reese as a character. She's fiery, a little hotheaded, and extremely competitive, which all make her compelling - and she has the bravado to match it, which makes her a fantastic romance protagonist. While this book doesn't go into the small details of superlicence points and the like, Reese has a very believable career progression: she goes from karts, to working her way through the feeder series, and then after some drama in F2 ends up in Formula Next, which is this universe's answer to the F1 Academy. Reese is so passionate about racing that it is so obvious that on the track is where she belongs, and this makes for some nice conflict with her love interest, Sloane.
I enjoyed the exploration of trauma and mental health that this novel did with our other protagonist, the driver-turned-mentor Sloane Foster. Sloane is driven, practical, and a little bit of a perfectionist. So when she can't control her anxiety when it comes to racing...well, there's a bit of a clash. But Melissa Brayden handles it with such care and compassion, it really makes Sloane and her struggles feel real. At no point is Sloane judged or brought down by her very real ordeal in being trackside again.
This book has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments (especially when The Starting Grid, Reese's best friends from Formula next, are involved) and also some incredibly heartwrenching, edge-of-your-seat moments. It was exactly what I'm searching for in a sapphic romance: a nice balance of actual plot while still containing the perfect romantic elements. Honestly, the plot involving Reese's racing career was so good, sometimes I wanted a little less of the romance! Okay, I'm kidding about that, mostly. But this is a damn good story, and it's so well told.
The final pages indicate this is the first in a series. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I want to know what else The Starting Grid are getting up to, I want some more peeks in at Reese and Sloane's life together, and I really, really want to see how Cassidy is doing in future books. She was easily my favourite character.
I loved this and I cannot wait to pick up more of Melissa Brayden's books.
First of all: wow. I will have to admit I was a little hesitant going into this book - I absolutely love watching Formula 1 with my friends, and over the past few years have developed pretty strong opinions about the sport. I need not have worried! It is so, so obvious just from the first few chapters that the author really did her research with regard to racing, the different series, and how her main character Reese Maddox could move up into the world of F1.
I absolutely loved Reese as a character. She's fiery, a little hotheaded, and extremely competitive, which all make her compelling - and she has the bravado to match it, which makes her a fantastic romance protagonist. While this book doesn't go into the small details of superlicence points and the like, Reese has a very believable career progression: she goes from karts, to working her way through the feeder series, and then after some drama in F2 ends up in Formula Next, which is this universe's answer to the F1 Academy. Reese is so passionate about racing that it is so obvious that on the track is where she belongs, and this makes for some nice conflict with her love interest, Sloane.
I enjoyed the exploration of trauma and mental health that this novel did with our other protagonist, the driver-turned-mentor Sloane Foster. Sloane is driven, practical, and a little bit of a perfectionist. So when she can't control her anxiety when it comes to racing...well, there's a bit of a clash. But Melissa Brayden handles it with such care and compassion, it really makes Sloane and her struggles feel real. At no point is Sloane judged or brought down by her very real ordeal in being trackside again.
This book has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments (especially when The Starting Grid, Reese's best friends from Formula next, are involved) and also some incredibly heartwrenching, edge-of-your-seat moments. It was exactly what I'm searching for in a sapphic romance: a nice balance of actual plot while still containing the perfect romantic elements. Honestly, the plot involving Reese's racing career was so good, sometimes I wanted a little less of the romance! Okay, I'm kidding about that, mostly. But this is a damn good story, and it's so well told.
The final pages indicate this is the first in a series. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I want to know what else The Starting Grid are getting up to, I want some more peeks in at Reese and Sloane's life together, and I really, really want to see how Cassidy is doing in future books. She was easily my favourite character.
I loved this and I cannot wait to pick up more of Melissa Brayden's books.
May 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!
I didn't know that I needed lesbians in F1 until this very moment, and honestly, I kinda need more. Full disclosure, I circle around F1 and I know a decent amount about it from friends who are into it; but I'm not into the sport myself even after watching a few races, but that didn't feel like it mattered while reading this book.
In this book we have our pairing, Reese, cocky up-and-coming racer who has her eyes set on the prize: Actually racing in F1, instead of F2 where she begins the story at. And Sloane, and older former racer who after an accident doesn't want to be anywhere near the track.
This book surprised me in a variety of ways to be honest, and most of them pleasant! The way Brayden describes the racing is honestly enthralling, and I found it more entertaining than actually watching the races themselves. Wanting to know what's about to happen, feeling the anticipation, the excitement, and of course the benefits of skipping to the exciting parts of races instead of just the same laps over and over again.
I also adored the main couple! Besides for something small at the end that irked me, I felt like they bounced off of each other perfectly and fed into each other's strengths and weaknesses. Also! No miscommunication trope! Which is such a win in my book.
There was also some interesting insight into the world of F1 and being a woman in F1, which I appreciated that it didn't gloss over; as well as the realities of coming from money vs not, and the realities of how dangerous the sport itself is and what these injuries could cost.
Overall, I rate this book a 4.25/5, it was humorous, romantic, and the racing was even a bit thrilling to read about! The relationship between Sloane and Reese was a highlight, and I'm anticipating the next book! (Manifesting it's either about Cassidy or about Danielle)
I didn't know that I needed lesbians in F1 until this very moment, and honestly, I kinda need more. Full disclosure, I circle around F1 and I know a decent amount about it from friends who are into it; but I'm not into the sport myself even after watching a few races, but that didn't feel like it mattered while reading this book.
In this book we have our pairing, Reese, cocky up-and-coming racer who has her eyes set on the prize: Actually racing in F1, instead of F2 where she begins the story at. And Sloane, and older former racer who after an accident doesn't want to be anywhere near the track.
This book surprised me in a variety of ways to be honest, and most of them pleasant! The way Brayden describes the racing is honestly enthralling, and I found it more entertaining than actually watching the races themselves. Wanting to know what's about to happen, feeling the anticipation, the excitement, and of course the benefits of skipping to the exciting parts of races instead of just the same laps over and over again.
I also adored the main couple! Besides for something small at the end that irked me, I felt like they bounced off of each other perfectly and fed into each other's strengths and weaknesses. Also! No miscommunication trope! Which is such a win in my book.
There was also some interesting insight into the world of F1 and being a woman in F1, which I appreciated that it didn't gloss over; as well as the realities of coming from money vs not, and the realities of how dangerous the sport itself is and what these injuries could cost.
Overall, I rate this book a 4.25/5, it was humorous, romantic, and the racing was even a bit thrilling to read about! The relationship between Sloane and Reese was a highlight, and I'm anticipating the next book! (Manifesting it's either about Cassidy or about Danielle)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Start your engines! Get to the starting grid! Because when the lights go out (which I learned is how the race starts in F1) the cars aren’t the only ones pushing their limits.
The meet cute between Reese and her idol Sloane was so well done, it had me both laughing and embarrassed for Reese. It was such a good scene to set up their playfulness throughout the book.
The chemistry between Reese and Sloane is just as explosive as the races! The attraction, the circling around one another, and the forbidden aspect of a mentor-mentee relationship. There was a sense of inevitability from their first meeting that they would get together, but the will they, won’t they aspect was well written and thought out. You could tell they didn’t want to mess things up for one another, but their connection was too much to fight.
Reese is a superstar on the race circuit, more because of her sponsorship deals than any success on the track, but her celebrity and the spotlight that follows her around is just what is needed to attract attention to the new racing academy. Some of her fellow competitors resent her for it, but she finds her core group of friends and they become such an important part of her life and the story. Their friendship and support of one another was so well constructed and really showed that even with what would be considered an individual sport there is more of a team dynamic than you would think.
Sloane broke the barrier for women in F1, but she was involved in a crash that not only stopped her from racing, but from setting foot at F1 races. Her struggles with anxiety and PTSD were handled with grace as we watched her determination to work on her own issues so she could be there for others.
I didn’t know much about F1, or really cared about F1, before reading this book. It gave me new appreciation for the work of the drivers and how difficult and dangerous racing can be. Honestly, you don’t need to be a fan of racing to like this book. The romance and the friendships are what drives the story with F1 racing providing the scene for how they all get together.
There is a crash involved as part of the storyline, as an emergency responder myself, I can tell you that how it is described on the pages, especially the personal reactions, is completely realistic.
I want more of Reese and Sloane and Melissa Brayden left us a teaser at the end of the book that there might be more coming and let me tell you I am here for it!!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The meet cute between Reese and her idol Sloane was so well done, it had me both laughing and embarrassed for Reese. It was such a good scene to set up their playfulness throughout the book.
The chemistry between Reese and Sloane is just as explosive as the races! The attraction, the circling around one another, and the forbidden aspect of a mentor-mentee relationship. There was a sense of inevitability from their first meeting that they would get together, but the will they, won’t they aspect was well written and thought out. You could tell they didn’t want to mess things up for one another, but their connection was too much to fight.
Reese is a superstar on the race circuit, more because of her sponsorship deals than any success on the track, but her celebrity and the spotlight that follows her around is just what is needed to attract attention to the new racing academy. Some of her fellow competitors resent her for it, but she finds her core group of friends and they become such an important part of her life and the story. Their friendship and support of one another was so well constructed and really showed that even with what would be considered an individual sport there is more of a team dynamic than you would think.
Sloane broke the barrier for women in F1, but she was involved in a crash that not only stopped her from racing, but from setting foot at F1 races. Her struggles with anxiety and PTSD were handled with grace as we watched her determination to work on her own issues so she could be there for others.
I didn’t know much about F1, or really cared about F1, before reading this book. It gave me new appreciation for the work of the drivers and how difficult and dangerous racing can be. Honestly, you don’t need to be a fan of racing to like this book. The romance and the friendships are what drives the story with F1 racing providing the scene for how they all get together.
There is a crash involved as part of the storyline, as an emergency responder myself, I can tell you that how it is described on the pages, especially the personal reactions, is completely realistic.
I want more of Reese and Sloane and Melissa Brayden left us a teaser at the end of the book that there might be more coming and let me tell you I am here for it!!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Melissa Brayden and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
My first book by Melissa Brayden and I absolutely loved it. I have recently developed a fascination with Formula One and this was my first time reading a novel centered on motorsports. It completely pulled me in. The story follows Reese, a talented and very confident Formula 2 driver with dreams of reaching Formula One and becoming a world champion. After an impulsive decision costs her a race and puts her career at risk, she is offered a spot in a new academy created to help women reach F1. It felt fresh and exciting to read a romance set against the high pressure world of professional racing.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the dynamic between Reese and Sloane. Sloane is a former F1 driver who stepped away from the sport after a devastating crash that left her with a rod in her spine. She becomes a mentor at the academy and immediately recognizes both Reese’s talent and her tendency to make reckless decisions. Their first meeting at a bar before the academy even begins is funny and sets the tone for their chemistry. Watching Sloane challenge Reese to mature as a driver while Reese slowly earns her respect was incredibly satisfying.
The racing elements were just as engaging as the romance. Reese begins the academy by bombing her first race because of the same impulsiveness that nearly ended her career, but over time she learns patience and strategy and begins landing podium finishes. I also loved the friendships that form among the drivers in the academy, especially the group they call the Starting Grid. The camaraderie between the drivers added a lot of heart to the story and made the competitive setting feel supportive rather than cutthroat.
As Reese moves closer to her dream in Formula One, the story expands beyond the academy and explores the realities of the racing world. Reese and Sloane navigate a relationship that is often long distance because of the demanding schedule of the sport. There are moments that highlight the danger of racing and the emotional weight that comes with it, especially for Sloane after her accident. I loved watching them support each other while still pursuing their own paths. By the end Reese proves she belongs in F1 and Sloane confronts her fears, making for a really satisfying and hopeful conclusion. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys motorsports stories or grew up loving the movie Cars.
My first book by Melissa Brayden and I absolutely loved it. I have recently developed a fascination with Formula One and this was my first time reading a novel centered on motorsports. It completely pulled me in. The story follows Reese, a talented and very confident Formula 2 driver with dreams of reaching Formula One and becoming a world champion. After an impulsive decision costs her a race and puts her career at risk, she is offered a spot in a new academy created to help women reach F1. It felt fresh and exciting to read a romance set against the high pressure world of professional racing.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the dynamic between Reese and Sloane. Sloane is a former F1 driver who stepped away from the sport after a devastating crash that left her with a rod in her spine. She becomes a mentor at the academy and immediately recognizes both Reese’s talent and her tendency to make reckless decisions. Their first meeting at a bar before the academy even begins is funny and sets the tone for their chemistry. Watching Sloane challenge Reese to mature as a driver while Reese slowly earns her respect was incredibly satisfying.
The racing elements were just as engaging as the romance. Reese begins the academy by bombing her first race because of the same impulsiveness that nearly ended her career, but over time she learns patience and strategy and begins landing podium finishes. I also loved the friendships that form among the drivers in the academy, especially the group they call the Starting Grid. The camaraderie between the drivers added a lot of heart to the story and made the competitive setting feel supportive rather than cutthroat.
As Reese moves closer to her dream in Formula One, the story expands beyond the academy and explores the realities of the racing world. Reese and Sloane navigate a relationship that is often long distance because of the demanding schedule of the sport. There are moments that highlight the danger of racing and the emotional weight that comes with it, especially for Sloane after her accident. I loved watching them support each other while still pursuing their own paths. By the end Reese proves she belongs in F1 and Sloane confronts her fears, making for a really satisfying and hopeful conclusion. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys motorsports stories or grew up loving the movie Cars.
May 6, 2026
Make Your Move is a fun read, mainly because of its topic: women and formula racing. I especially enjoyed the racing details about Formula One and the overall setting.
My main issue was the repetition of certain words, such as “hum,” “hummed,” and “humming,” which appeared over 45 times. While repetition is sometimes necessary in writing, it felt overused here and pulled me out of the story.
In the elevator-stuck scene, the lights hummed, the charge between Sloane and Reese hummed, then the elevator hummed again, and again:
(p.140) …space between them felt charged, humming with something Sloane…
(p.143) …flickered and switched to dim, humming emergency fluorescents.
(p. 145) The elevator hummed around them, a soft mechanical heartbeat. Time felt suspended.
(p.147) …each other in the dim, humming quiet of the elevator.
(p. 148) Then the machinery groaned, hummed, and miraculously began to move.
Similar phrasing appears throughout the book in different contexts, from settings to emotional beats:
(p.190) …broken only by the faint hum of the hotel air conditioning and their matched breathing.
(p.212) Just the quiet hum of being midseason—press done for the day…
(p.231) The hum of the hotel faded.
(p.233) Reese watched her go, heart full and humming.
(p.233) Glass, brushed metal, and the quiet hum of money doing what it always did best.
(p.260) Outside, the city hummed and honked and lived, but…
(p.272) The AC hummed.
(p.351) Cassidy hummed in agreement.
(p.371) The paddock hummed with its usual race day…
(p.385) …adrenaline of the night still hummed through Reese’s veins.”
Even in intimate scenes, similar wording is reused:
(p.187) Sloane hummed against her, the vibration pulling another whimper, then sealed her mouth over…
(p.389) Sloane hummed against her, the low vibration rippling straight down Reese’s…
While this didn’t totally ruin the story for me, it bothered me enough that once I started seeing weaker verbs, I couldn't unsee them. Some readers focus less on word choice, and while these sentences are not grammatically incorrect, I am still surprised that some of these sentences weren't flagged by the copyeditor.
My main issue was the repetition of certain words, such as “hum,” “hummed,” and “humming,” which appeared over 45 times. While repetition is sometimes necessary in writing, it felt overused here and pulled me out of the story.
In the elevator-stuck scene, the lights hummed, the charge between Sloane and Reese hummed, then the elevator hummed again, and again:
(p.140) …space between them felt charged, humming with something Sloane…
(p.143) …flickered and switched to dim, humming emergency fluorescents.
(p. 145) The elevator hummed around them, a soft mechanical heartbeat. Time felt suspended.
(p.147) …each other in the dim, humming quiet of the elevator.
(p. 148) Then the machinery groaned, hummed, and miraculously began to move.
Similar phrasing appears throughout the book in different contexts, from settings to emotional beats:
(p.190) …broken only by the faint hum of the hotel air conditioning and their matched breathing.
(p.212) Just the quiet hum of being midseason—press done for the day…
(p.231) The hum of the hotel faded.
(p.233) Reese watched her go, heart full and humming.
(p.233) Glass, brushed metal, and the quiet hum of money doing what it always did best.
(p.260) Outside, the city hummed and honked and lived, but…
(p.272) The AC hummed.
(p.351) Cassidy hummed in agreement.
(p.371) The paddock hummed with its usual race day…
(p.385) …adrenaline of the night still hummed through Reese’s veins.”
Even in intimate scenes, similar wording is reused:
(p.187) Sloane hummed against her, the vibration pulling another whimper, then sealed her mouth over…
(p.389) Sloane hummed against her, the low vibration rippling straight down Reese’s…
While this didn’t totally ruin the story for me, it bothered me enough that once I started seeing weaker verbs, I couldn't unsee them. Some readers focus less on word choice, and while these sentences are not grammatically incorrect, I am still surprised that some of these sentences weren't flagged by the copyeditor.
April 27, 2026
I pay to stream every F1 race and was beyond excited when Melissa Brayden, one of my favorite author’s, delivered a sports romance set in that world. Reese Maddox is a rising star in racing. She has gone from karts to F2. She doesn’t come from money and puts extra time in her social media, sponsor work and anything else to keep her racing funded. She is currently driving F2 but her dream is driving the elite F1 cars. She is selected for an Elite academy of women drivers racing F2. One of the mentors is Sloane Foster. Sloane is eleven years older and one of the first of few women to have raced in F1. Her career ended after a horrific crash.
The first meeting between Sloane and Reese is classic and delightful. I love the locations and track mentions. As an F1 fan I was looking to see if Brayden did her homework, and she did. The racing scenes aren’t the focal point but they are exciting and well written. Reese forms a friend group with three other drivers and I loved their after race get togethers. Since this was advertised as the first in a series, I am hoping future romances may feature them. Brayden continues to have characters who banter with and flirt easily. And I love the subtle grounding moments like the leads touching foreheads when words aren’t needed.
Everything isn’t easy for the pair. Reese needs to improve her skills and be more disciplined. Sloane’s arc includes dealing with the trauma and PTSD of her own accident while trying to support Reese. There is sweet and mature communication that is often missing in romances. I am enjoying Brayden’s foray into self publishing. She is writing longer novels and upped the bedroom heat. I am enthusiastically cheering on both. And as a fan of the author’s, I love the cameo appearance of Autumn and her Venice Beach coffee shop, The Cat’s Pajamas. It was a favorite haunt of the characters in Brayden’s Seven Shores series (2017-2018).
This has already been added to my read again pile as I blazed through it the first time at lightning speed. Thank you to the author, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
The first meeting between Sloane and Reese is classic and delightful. I love the locations and track mentions. As an F1 fan I was looking to see if Brayden did her homework, and she did. The racing scenes aren’t the focal point but they are exciting and well written. Reese forms a friend group with three other drivers and I loved their after race get togethers. Since this was advertised as the first in a series, I am hoping future romances may feature them. Brayden continues to have characters who banter with and flirt easily. And I love the subtle grounding moments like the leads touching foreheads when words aren’t needed.
Everything isn’t easy for the pair. Reese needs to improve her skills and be more disciplined. Sloane’s arc includes dealing with the trauma and PTSD of her own accident while trying to support Reese. There is sweet and mature communication that is often missing in romances. I am enjoying Brayden’s foray into self publishing. She is writing longer novels and upped the bedroom heat. I am enthusiastically cheering on both. And as a fan of the author’s, I love the cameo appearance of Autumn and her Venice Beach coffee shop, The Cat’s Pajamas. It was a favorite haunt of the characters in Brayden’s Seven Shores series (2017-2018).
This has already been added to my read again pile as I blazed through it the first time at lightning speed. Thank you to the author, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 1, 2026
Sloane was one of the first women to make the F1 cut, until she crashed and burned. Years later, she returns under the urging of her ride-or-die bestie to help with a new racing academy focusing on elevating opportunities for women in racing. Reece is the F2 racing worlds darling with a thriving social media base and a hunger for a spot in F1. She’ll do anything it takes including some risk taking manoeuvres.
I’d like to start this by saying I know nothing NOTHING about Formula 1 racing, other than what I’ve absorbed through osmosis as people talk about it e.g cars go fast and sometimes crash. That’s the extent of my knowledge. However, if you find yourself in a similar place, let me assure you that the lack of knowledge does not hinder the reading experience. In fact it might heighten it because I never knew what was going to happen next. It was a little bit thrilling.
The kehehehe I gave during Sloane and Reese’s first meeting sent me rolling about my floor. Reese, gurllll, I was cringing right there with you. She comes across very true to her later nickname ‘Hostshot’. But after Reese has her first official meeting with Sloane, under the banner of the Formula Next academy, she is forced to face some hard truths. That’s when Reece starts to change into the woman that we love.
I’m a sucker for a found family trope and the ‘Starting Grid’ girlies filled that void for me. The way they supported and uplifted each other, despite the fact that they were all gunning for the same position. Sweet baby Cassidy was my favourite!
I came into this expecting a book focusing on romance, heat, passion. I did not expect the deep dive we took as Sloane’s mental health had a wobble. The way that there was support and understanding between Reese and Sloane, but you could still see them struggling.
I want the next book about Veronica; Ronnie needs her moment! Or Cassidy and her come back moment!
I’d like to start this by saying I know nothing NOTHING about Formula 1 racing, other than what I’ve absorbed through osmosis as people talk about it e.g cars go fast and sometimes crash. That’s the extent of my knowledge. However, if you find yourself in a similar place, let me assure you that the lack of knowledge does not hinder the reading experience. In fact it might heighten it because I never knew what was going to happen next. It was a little bit thrilling.
The kehehehe I gave during Sloane and Reese’s first meeting sent me rolling about my floor. Reese, gurllll, I was cringing right there with you. She comes across very true to her later nickname ‘Hostshot’. But after Reese has her first official meeting with Sloane, under the banner of the Formula Next academy, she is forced to face some hard truths. That’s when Reece starts to change into the woman that we love.
I’m a sucker for a found family trope and the ‘Starting Grid’ girlies filled that void for me. The way they supported and uplifted each other, despite the fact that they were all gunning for the same position. Sweet baby Cassidy was my favourite!
I came into this expecting a book focusing on romance, heat, passion. I did not expect the deep dive we took as Sloane’s mental health had a wobble. The way that there was support and understanding between Reese and Sloane, but you could still see them struggling.
I want the next book about Veronica; Ronnie needs her moment! Or Cassidy and her come back moment!
Review of advance copy
Thank you Luna: Author Services for the ARC
“Make Your Move” is a sweet sapphic romance between Reese, a cocky pilot who dreams of racing in F1, and Sloane, a retired F1 driver, because of a crash. Both Resse and Sloane are passionate about racing, Reece is hot-headed, she’s impulsive and therefore makes many mistakes. Sloane is more level-headed, she’s more analytic, but she believes that with the proper feedback, Reese will achieve her dreams. Their relationship is really beautiful, I enjoyed watching Sloane being Reese’s biggest fan, she never brought her down, she never wanted Reese to give up anything, while Sloane struggled with racing a lot.
Sloane cares for Reese, because even if Sloane still hasn’t been totally over her crash, she’d attend Reese’s race, and she would be a nervous wreck. She was always afraid Reese’s career would have the same fate as hers. Reese basically worships Sloane, since she was her rode model for her career, while Sloane is very considerate and an amazing partner. Their banter is also really sweet, even after they admit their feelings and stop struggling with their mentor/mentee status, their interactions are really adorable. Reese is a tease, and she plays really well with Sloane's more down-to-earth personality. Reese’s little friend racers group is also really wholesome. It was great seeing so many women uplifting each other. Even Sloane had Veronica by her side when she needed a friend.
Also, I read this book during the week where Doriane Pin raced for Mercedes, so it felt really nice to be reading something that is no longer fiction and it’s very real.
“Make Your Move” is a really cute sapphic romance, especially for those who like it all: plot, romance, yearning, smut, spice, feelings! If you’re down for these and want more wlw with positive and uplifting personalities, then look no further.
“Make Your Move” is a sweet sapphic romance between Reese, a cocky pilot who dreams of racing in F1, and Sloane, a retired F1 driver, because of a crash. Both Resse and Sloane are passionate about racing, Reece is hot-headed, she’s impulsive and therefore makes many mistakes. Sloane is more level-headed, she’s more analytic, but she believes that with the proper feedback, Reese will achieve her dreams. Their relationship is really beautiful, I enjoyed watching Sloane being Reese’s biggest fan, she never brought her down, she never wanted Reese to give up anything, while Sloane struggled with racing a lot.
Sloane cares for Reese, because even if Sloane still hasn’t been totally over her crash, she’d attend Reese’s race, and she would be a nervous wreck. She was always afraid Reese’s career would have the same fate as hers. Reese basically worships Sloane, since she was her rode model for her career, while Sloane is very considerate and an amazing partner. Their banter is also really sweet, even after they admit their feelings and stop struggling with their mentor/mentee status, their interactions are really adorable. Reese is a tease, and she plays really well with Sloane's more down-to-earth personality. Reese’s little friend racers group is also really wholesome. It was great seeing so many women uplifting each other. Even Sloane had Veronica by her side when she needed a friend.
Also, I read this book during the week where Doriane Pin raced for Mercedes, so it felt really nice to be reading something that is no longer fiction and it’s very real.
“Make Your Move” is a really cute sapphic romance, especially for those who like it all: plot, romance, yearning, smut, spice, feelings! If you’re down for these and want more wlw with positive and uplifting personalities, then look no further.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was way better than I had anticipated, now among my top three reads by the author. I am not a big fan of racing, so I had some concerns, but it was all described in such a loving, not too detailed way so I was immediately sold. Fortunately, the focus is on the characters and who does not love amazing Sloane from the very beginning. It takes a while to also love Reese, she is so cocky in, so ultra overconfident, in her driving as well as in her flirting.
Their first meeting is hilarious, Reese flirts with Sloane, the former formula 1 driver, telling her about racing as if she was a dummy, and Sloane plays along for so long. Things get real soon though since Sloane has been hired to mentor a team of promising female drivers. The older Sloane is the perfect mentor for Reese and the others. She knows exactly what is needed to succeed, is super supportive and can even make Reese calm down a bit and listen, she has so much to learn. It all works so well, perhaps even too good since they have the hots for each other from the very beginning and that plays out in such a sweet way, I love loved to read how their relationship developed and no stupid 3rd act break-up.
Then we come to the part of the book that I loved the most, Sloane’s struggle, get an insight in Sloane’s past, will she cope being back in this special world and watch Reese and the others race and stand on the side and just being able to watch, hoping the cars keep moving and all are fine. When she also falls for Reese, it is even harder, can she really do this and not crack, is this a life she can go back to after her terrible crash knowing about all the risks.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
April 26, 2026
I gave this story a 4.5 stars even though you can't select that option. The only thing I was not a fan of was the cover. But that does not impact all the other great points in this book and Melissa's writing. There are several things I liked about this story.
First of all I am a sucker for any and all sport themed stories, across all sapphic genres. I liked the fact that the Cat Pajamas and a little of the seven shores was brought back into this story. I love the way Melissa Brayden is able to put her thoughts into the written word with attitude and humor, both hidden and right out there in front of you to read and smile. That is one of the things that makes this story flow so well. There is a good amount of character anxiety that is real and that makes the story real to read. Melissa has always been able to convert that spoken word and conversation into the pages of her books. I don't think she has been over the top in any of her stories, that is what I think makes them fun to read and keep your interest going.
I have never been to a Formulas 1 race, but I grew up around nascar racing when when they became popular in the 60's and watched the sport grow over the years. I admit it was more fun hanging in the pits rather than watching it, but all the same the race, the speed and the dynamics of the sport make it fun for me. Where I live now, we have international road races every summer and I am lucky enough to watch them drive by all the time, both during the days and nights throughout the switch backs on our mountain roads.
Well done Melissa and can't wait for book 2 and the bonus features and naturally the audio book. I have my thoughts on how it will act out verbally, I am sure I won't be disappointed.
First of all I am a sucker for any and all sport themed stories, across all sapphic genres. I liked the fact that the Cat Pajamas and a little of the seven shores was brought back into this story. I love the way Melissa Brayden is able to put her thoughts into the written word with attitude and humor, both hidden and right out there in front of you to read and smile. That is one of the things that makes this story flow so well. There is a good amount of character anxiety that is real and that makes the story real to read. Melissa has always been able to convert that spoken word and conversation into the pages of her books. I don't think she has been over the top in any of her stories, that is what I think makes them fun to read and keep your interest going.
I have never been to a Formulas 1 race, but I grew up around nascar racing when when they became popular in the 60's and watched the sport grow over the years. I admit it was more fun hanging in the pits rather than watching it, but all the same the race, the speed and the dynamics of the sport make it fun for me. Where I live now, we have international road races every summer and I am lucky enough to watch them drive by all the time, both during the days and nights throughout the switch backs on our mountain roads.
Well done Melissa and can't wait for book 2 and the bonus features and naturally the audio book. I have my thoughts on how it will act out verbally, I am sure I won't be disappointed.
May 7, 2026
This is a slow paced read about trying a relationship when personal goals and other circumstances stand in the way.
It's for those of you who don't mind a literal writing style and a longer book.
I'm honestly a little torn about it.
On one hand, I loved the racing storyline which was a big part of the book and really gripping.
It was also easy to root for Reese. I loved her character. She was so sweet and confident and very direct.
Unfortunately, the romantic storyline missed the mark.
Firstly, there was too little conflict and tension between the MC's which led to it being boring in the second half of the book and I think the author overcompensated with lust. There was a lot of spice where I wanted actual relationship development to be. It was also very insta-lust and love.
And then, I couldn't warm up to the writing style. It was very literal and repetitive. Not only was it too much tell, it was over-explanatory. So there wasn't any room to read between the lines. And also, emotions and character details got repeated a lot which got annoying and made the book way too long.
The povs were often confusing because the MCs were very similar in terms of voice, which is probably due to the writing style being the same in narration and dialogue.
On the other hand, I liked the fast-paced banter part of the dialogue. And although Sloane annoyed me too, I get that writing a character with anxiety and panic isn't easy. Maybe all the overthinking hit a little too close to home or maybe it just wasn't as interesting to read about.
Overall, it wasn't bad and if you're here for the racing you'll probably like it. But if you're here for the romance, be prepared for a slow pace (not slow burn though).
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
It's for those of you who don't mind a literal writing style and a longer book.
I'm honestly a little torn about it.
On one hand, I loved the racing storyline which was a big part of the book and really gripping.
It was also easy to root for Reese. I loved her character. She was so sweet and confident and very direct.
Unfortunately, the romantic storyline missed the mark.
Firstly, there was too little conflict and tension between the MC's which led to it being boring in the second half of the book and I think the author overcompensated with lust. There was a lot of spice where I wanted actual relationship development to be. It was also very insta-lust and love.
And then, I couldn't warm up to the writing style. It was very literal and repetitive. Not only was it too much tell, it was over-explanatory. So there wasn't any room to read between the lines. And also, emotions and character details got repeated a lot which got annoying and made the book way too long.
The povs were often confusing because the MCs were very similar in terms of voice, which is probably due to the writing style being the same in narration and dialogue.
On the other hand, I liked the fast-paced banter part of the dialogue. And although Sloane annoyed me too, I get that writing a character with anxiety and panic isn't easy. Maybe all the overthinking hit a little too close to home or maybe it just wasn't as interesting to read about.
Overall, it wasn't bad and if you're here for the racing you'll probably like it. But if you're here for the romance, be prepared for a slow pace (not slow burn though).
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
❤️ Blurb -
Reese Maddox is the kind of driver who’s relied on raw talent and unshakable confidence to get her to the top. But when that approach stops being enough, she’s recruited into Formula Next—the all-female racing academy designed to fast-track drivers to Formula 1. Reese is fearless, flashy, and knows how to put on a show. But at Formula Next, raw talent isn’t enough, and Reese is about to learn what it really means to be coached.
Sloane Foster was once the next big thing in Formula 1 until a crash ended her career and made her retreat from the spotlight. Now, she's back—this time on the other side of the circuit, tasked with coaching the next generation of racers. She’s not looking for redemption, and she’s definitely not looking for complications. But Reese is all fire and temptation, and keeping things professional becomes harder with every stolen glance and late-night debrief.
The rules are clear. The lines are drawn. But in a world fueled by adrenaline and ambition, one bold move could change everything.
🩵 Review -
This was such a brilliant page turner. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Make Your Move certainly didn't disappoint. I loved Reese and Sloane's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to the author Melissa Brayden for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reese Maddox is the kind of driver who’s relied on raw talent and unshakable confidence to get her to the top. But when that approach stops being enough, she’s recruited into Formula Next—the all-female racing academy designed to fast-track drivers to Formula 1. Reese is fearless, flashy, and knows how to put on a show. But at Formula Next, raw talent isn’t enough, and Reese is about to learn what it really means to be coached.
Sloane Foster was once the next big thing in Formula 1 until a crash ended her career and made her retreat from the spotlight. Now, she's back—this time on the other side of the circuit, tasked with coaching the next generation of racers. She’s not looking for redemption, and she’s definitely not looking for complications. But Reese is all fire and temptation, and keeping things professional becomes harder with every stolen glance and late-night debrief.
The rules are clear. The lines are drawn. But in a world fueled by adrenaline and ambition, one bold move could change everything.
🩵 Review -
This was such a brilliant page turner. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Make Your Move certainly didn't disappoint. I loved Reese and Sloane's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to the author Melissa Brayden for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2026
Cute, sexy, and romantic.
A Brayden novel is always a sure thing - effective at giving you butterflies and always delivering a happy ending. Though it’s never the most exciting read either. I enjoyed the ride (see what I did there), but I have to say my heart was only fully in it during the last 20%, when things fell apart temporarily, because I need the angst to balance out all the fluff and vanilla that had me just cruising along, kind of bored and uninvolved, for the first 80% of the book.
Let’s see. You get the usual Brayden ingredients:
- Great friendships and a sort of “family” feel. Warm and comfortable, with the usual banter
- Good, strong, and sexy characters, though never truly distinct personalities you can clearly tell apart, and to me that’s what separates a great writer (her) from an extraordinary one (the ones I’d rate 5 stars)
- The sort-of breakup at the 80% mark
- The chemistry and the smut
Also, Brayden definitely has her writing tics, and once you notice them, you can’t unsee them. Every chapter seems to end on the same kind of note - something along the lines of “she felt this or that, but for now, this was enough,” which starts to feel a bit too vanilla and repetitive. And the phrase “That matters.” shows up a lot. It’s those slightly cheesy, recycled things that make the writing feel safe rather than truly memorable.
But all in all, it did the job. Oh—and yeah, I learned a lot about Formula 1, which I appreciated. And a woman driver stepping out of a racing car, taking off her helmet, shaking her hair, and wiping the sweat from her forehead, all in slow motion, is my new favorite thing to think about. Thanks, Brayden!
A Brayden novel is always a sure thing - effective at giving you butterflies and always delivering a happy ending. Though it’s never the most exciting read either. I enjoyed the ride (see what I did there), but I have to say my heart was only fully in it during the last 20%, when things fell apart temporarily, because I need the angst to balance out all the fluff and vanilla that had me just cruising along, kind of bored and uninvolved, for the first 80% of the book.
Let’s see. You get the usual Brayden ingredients:
- Great friendships and a sort of “family” feel. Warm and comfortable, with the usual banter
- Good, strong, and sexy characters, though never truly distinct personalities you can clearly tell apart, and to me that’s what separates a great writer (her) from an extraordinary one (the ones I’d rate 5 stars)
- The sort-of breakup at the 80% mark
- The chemistry and the smut
Also, Brayden definitely has her writing tics, and once you notice them, you can’t unsee them. Every chapter seems to end on the same kind of note - something along the lines of “she felt this or that, but for now, this was enough,” which starts to feel a bit too vanilla and repetitive. And the phrase “That matters.” shows up a lot. It’s those slightly cheesy, recycled things that make the writing feel safe rather than truly memorable.
But all in all, it did the job. Oh—and yeah, I learned a lot about Formula 1, which I appreciated. And a woman driver stepping out of a racing car, taking off her helmet, shaking her hair, and wiping the sweat from her forehead, all in slow motion, is my new favorite thing to think about. Thanks, Brayden!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed that the chapters weren't necessarily stuck in one person's POV and it was clear to see when the POV changed without it interrupting the flow of the story.
Their meet cute was HILARIOUS. 10/10.
I love Reese's confidence. It really makes for a great character. She's a mad flirt and I think any woman wants to be treated the way Reese treats Sloane.
There are so many quotes in this book that just made me smile and look like a crazy person as I smiled at my kindle. Too many to quote in any review, you'll just have to go read it yourself!
I also really resonated with the way both women supported each other. It was such a beautiful part of their relationship and it really helped me to connect with them and a great way for us to see their relationship grow. The relationships with other side characters was also fantastic and they brought a lot of fun and wit to the book.
I really enjoyed learning about the different parts of racing and it solely not being based around F1, with some of the story line based around F2 and even the mention of F3 which was super insightful. There was also a lot of the story which occurred in the cars as well which was great because I often feel in a lot of sports romances there isn't a whole lot of sport ...
Which leads me to my next point, the spice. God damn Melissa can write some spice! It was beautifully written, with lots of banter and a hell of a lot of fun.
Overall the writing was beautiful and very well paced and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good time!
Their meet cute was HILARIOUS. 10/10.
I love Reese's confidence. It really makes for a great character. She's a mad flirt and I think any woman wants to be treated the way Reese treats Sloane.
There are so many quotes in this book that just made me smile and look like a crazy person as I smiled at my kindle. Too many to quote in any review, you'll just have to go read it yourself!
I also really resonated with the way both women supported each other. It was such a beautiful part of their relationship and it really helped me to connect with them and a great way for us to see their relationship grow. The relationships with other side characters was also fantastic and they brought a lot of fun and wit to the book.
I really enjoyed learning about the different parts of racing and it solely not being based around F1, with some of the story line based around F2 and even the mention of F3 which was super insightful. There was also a lot of the story which occurred in the cars as well which was great because I often feel in a lot of sports romances there isn't a whole lot of sport ...
Which leads me to my next point, the spice. God damn Melissa can write some spice! It was beautifully written, with lots of banter and a hell of a lot of fun.
Overall the writing was beautiful and very well paced and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good time!
April 24, 2026
Disclosure: I received an ARC of Make Your Move in exchange for an honest review.
In Make Your Move , Melissa Brayden shifts gears from the typical sports romance to provide a heartfelt, necessary look at the scarcity of female drivers in Formula 1. Through the eyes of Reese Maddox and Sloane Foster, we get an autopsy of an industry fueled by adrenaline, ambition, and deep-seated sexism.
The Diagnosis:
As a developmental editor, I appreciate when an author does their research. The statistics regarding women in F1, F2, and F3 are problematic, and Brayden addresses this reality head-on without letting the narrative feel bleak or becoming a smut-only read. Reese’s raw talent meeting Sloane’s veteran precision creates a mentor/mentee dynamic that is both professional and crackling with forbidden tension.
The Anatomy of Friendship:
What truly elevated this story for me was the dynamic between Reese, Marissa, Delaney, and Cassidy—which was pure gold with their jokes—especially their race-weekend debriefs in woefully decorated hotel rooms. Similarly, the bond between Sloane and her "emotional support Ronnie" (Veronica) provides a touching look at veteran drivers navigating life after the circuit.
The Verdict:
Make Your Move offers love, passion, and a surgical look at the barriers women face in motorsports. It is a brilliant start to the Formula Next Romance series, and I am already envious of the tight queer friend group Brayden has built. A must-read for fans of Sapphic sports romance!
In Make Your Move , Melissa Brayden shifts gears from the typical sports romance to provide a heartfelt, necessary look at the scarcity of female drivers in Formula 1. Through the eyes of Reese Maddox and Sloane Foster, we get an autopsy of an industry fueled by adrenaline, ambition, and deep-seated sexism.
The Diagnosis:
As a developmental editor, I appreciate when an author does their research. The statistics regarding women in F1, F2, and F3 are problematic, and Brayden addresses this reality head-on without letting the narrative feel bleak or becoming a smut-only read. Reese’s raw talent meeting Sloane’s veteran precision creates a mentor/mentee dynamic that is both professional and crackling with forbidden tension.
The Anatomy of Friendship:
What truly elevated this story for me was the dynamic between Reese, Marissa, Delaney, and Cassidy—which was pure gold with their jokes—especially their race-weekend debriefs in woefully decorated hotel rooms. Similarly, the bond between Sloane and her "emotional support Ronnie" (Veronica) provides a touching look at veteran drivers navigating life after the circuit.
The Verdict:
Make Your Move offers love, passion, and a surgical look at the barriers women face in motorsports. It is a brilliant start to the Formula Next Romance series, and I am already envious of the tight queer friend group Brayden has built. A must-read for fans of Sapphic sports romance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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