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Hating Game In The Fast Lane: A Formula 1 enemies to lovers romance for fans of arrogant, gorgeous racing drivers and workplace romance! New in 2026!
Not yet published
Expected 19 Nov 26The latest story by Harlequin Romance author Jenni Fletcher, an enemies-to-lovers, workplace, sports romance set in the world of professional racing!
From hate to heat in record time!
On a much-needed vacation, physical therapist Chloe is furious to be accused of trespassing by an arrogant, if gorgeous, stranger! He’s none other than Javier Varela, the famously difficult racing driver suffering from a career-changing injury. His physio has quit, so despite their animosity, he offers Chloe a job—and she shocks herself by accepting! Ensconced in a luxury French chateau, Chloe’s intent on remaining immune to Javier’s charm—until a sense of adventure soon takes over, and antagonism turns to undeniable attraction...
Read all the On Track for Romance
Book 1: Off Grid and Off Limits
Book 2: Hating Game in the Fast Lane
From Harlequin Pack your bags—love is boarding now. Glamour, charm and swoons are included in every journey to beautifully earned happily-ever-afters.
From hate to heat in record time!
On a much-needed vacation, physical therapist Chloe is furious to be accused of trespassing by an arrogant, if gorgeous, stranger! He’s none other than Javier Varela, the famously difficult racing driver suffering from a career-changing injury. His physio has quit, so despite their animosity, he offers Chloe a job—and she shocks herself by accepting! Ensconced in a luxury French chateau, Chloe’s intent on remaining immune to Javier’s charm—until a sense of adventure soon takes over, and antagonism turns to undeniable attraction...
Read all the On Track for Romance
Book 1: Off Grid and Off Limits
Book 2: Hating Game in the Fast Lane
From Harlequin Pack your bags—love is boarding now. Glamour, charm and swoons are included in every journey to beautifully earned happily-ever-afters.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 19, 2026
About the author
Jenni Fletcher
96 books208 followersJenni Fletcher writes heartwarming Historical Romance and fun Formula 1 romances. She has won 2 Romantic Novelists' Association Awards and teaches creative writing at Bishop Grosseteste University. Originally from Scotland, she now lives in the north of England with her family and one extremely hairy dog.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe and Javier are at odds, which is a problem for two reasons: 1) She's his personal trainer, and 2) They're developing feelings for each other. They both have a lot of growing to do, which they do at some of the most glamorous places in Europe. The question is, can their quests to become better people result in lasting love?
This was super fun. Is the writing the best ever? Not exactly. Could this story have been fleshed out a little more? Yes, but I know it's hampered by the required word count. My point is, even with the two issues I just mentioned, I was riveted to this story! I loved the locales. I thought the ensemble cast was good. I loved the New Years Eve and winter settings. And the locations? OMG! I LOVED them.
I was worried that our grumpy hero wouldn't redeem himself in time, but I was impressed by this growth and willingness to change. There could have been a bit more chemistry, but I was happy overall with the slow-burn. The love scene was depicted in broad strokes, which strikes a great balance for those who enjoy open door love scenes but are put off by overly graphic descriptions. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book in the "On Track for Romance" duet: "Off Grid and Off Limits", but I definitely want to now!
(An aside before I finish, as this doesn't directly impact the plot, but it meant a lot to me: As an adult child of an alcoholic myself, I appreciated Javier's choice to abstain from drinking, based on his father's history. It's refreshing to see a character choosing to drink sparkling water instead of champagne, especially when one often associates excotic locales with champagne, etc. Not that alcohol is inherently bad, but the representation of characters choosing to be sober based on family history is really nice to see.)
Content warnings: death of father from alcohol-related complications (before story begins), parents' divorce (before story begins), feel of failure and self-esteem issues related to dyslexia, maternal abandonment (before story begins), parent struggling with alcoholism (before story begins)
I'd like to thank Harlequin and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was super fun. Is the writing the best ever? Not exactly. Could this story have been fleshed out a little more? Yes, but I know it's hampered by the required word count. My point is, even with the two issues I just mentioned, I was riveted to this story! I loved the locales. I thought the ensemble cast was good. I loved the New Years Eve and winter settings. And the locations? OMG! I LOVED them.
I was worried that our grumpy hero wouldn't redeem himself in time, but I was impressed by this growth and willingness to change. There could have been a bit more chemistry, but I was happy overall with the slow-burn. The love scene was depicted in broad strokes, which strikes a great balance for those who enjoy open door love scenes but are put off by overly graphic descriptions. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book in the "On Track for Romance" duet: "Off Grid and Off Limits", but I definitely want to now!
(An aside before I finish, as this doesn't directly impact the plot, but it meant a lot to me: As an adult child of an alcoholic myself, I appreciated Javier's choice to abstain from drinking, based on his father's history. It's refreshing to see a character choosing to drink sparkling water instead of champagne, especially when one often associates excotic locales with champagne, etc. Not that alcohol is inherently bad, but the representation of characters choosing to be sober based on family history is really nice to see.)
Content warnings: death of father from alcohol-related complications (before story begins), parents' divorce (before story begins), feel of failure and self-esteem issues related to dyslexia, maternal abandonment (before story begins), parent struggling with alcoholism (before story begins)
I'd like to thank Harlequin and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Due to an accident, every doctor tells Javier Varela that his F1 career is over, but he refuses to accept that. When Chloe, his neighbor’s girlfriend’s sister, arrives at his building to spend some time on vacation in Monaco, he finds out she’s a physiotherapist who specializes in hands and offers her a job.
This was such a fast read! I didn’t even realize I was already almost done until I was near the end. The story definitely kept me hooked, but I would’ve loved to see actual racing, especially since that’s one of my favorite parts of F1 romance books.
As for the characters, I just didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Because of that, their relationship going from 0 to 100 felt way too sudden for me. I also personally struggle with third person because I feel like I don’t get as much chemistry between the characters. First person works way better for me when it comes to romance.
That said, this was still a really enjoyable romance that kept me invested until the very end!
This was such a fast read! I didn’t even realize I was already almost done until I was near the end. The story definitely kept me hooked, but I would’ve loved to see actual racing, especially since that’s one of my favorite parts of F1 romance books.
As for the characters, I just didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Because of that, their relationship going from 0 to 100 felt way too sudden for me. I also personally struggle with third person because I feel like I don’t get as much chemistry between the characters. First person works way better for me when it comes to romance.
That said, this was still a really enjoyable romance that kept me invested until the very end!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
These two had the most epic slow burn. Their romance was so beautiful, even if they went around the loop to get their happily ever after.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Harlequin - Romance via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Hating Game in the Fast Lane”, by Jenni Fletcher, is a compelling story with an obnoxious, grumpy hero, who is yet very charismatic, and a heroine who’s not intimidated by him.
I loved the first interactions between Javier and Chloe: when faced with his detestable, irritating attitudes, she puts him in his place. Javier’s arrogance is annoying but he has a worthy opponent.
It’s fun to watch their bickering, with Javier even admiting his own grumpiness.
The dialogue is vivid and reveals a lot about the characters.
Javier is a tortured hero with unsolved trauma from the past.
The bewilderment, desorientation and uncertainty he experiences when he begins to feel attracted to Chloe is brilliantly written and one of the things I enjoyed the most; he’s surprised by his own feelings and emotions.
I loved how the messed up hero and the thoughful, earnest heroine with issues of her own find redemption together towards their HEA.
I also enjoyed the setting and how the author incorporated the clinical aspects and the physioteraphy in the story.
“Hating Game in the Fast Lane”, by Jenni Fletcher, is a compelling story with an obnoxious, grumpy hero, who is yet very charismatic, and a heroine who’s not intimidated by him.
I loved the first interactions between Javier and Chloe: when faced with his detestable, irritating attitudes, she puts him in his place. Javier’s arrogance is annoying but he has a worthy opponent.
It’s fun to watch their bickering, with Javier even admiting his own grumpiness.
The dialogue is vivid and reveals a lot about the characters.
Javier is a tortured hero with unsolved trauma from the past.
The bewilderment, desorientation and uncertainty he experiences when he begins to feel attracted to Chloe is brilliantly written and one of the things I enjoyed the most; he’s surprised by his own feelings and emotions.
I loved how the messed up hero and the thoughful, earnest heroine with issues of her own find redemption together towards their HEA.
I also enjoyed the setting and how the author incorporated the clinical aspects and the physioteraphy in the story.
October 30, 2026
I liked this one but didn't love it. I think it started out really strong but fizzled out as the story went on. I also wish there was room to add more of the F1 aspects of the story but it's hard to do in a shorter book. I also feel like the romance was rushed. The characters started out disliking each other and then flipped the switch and liked each other rather quickly. In the end, it was still a decent story.
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews