False Start

by Regina Kyle

When the race ends, the real heat begins.Kip Carmichael knows exactly how this is supposed to do the job, keep it professional, don’t get attached. Especially not to someone like Hutch.

Tire gunner, menace, walking bad decision.

He’s grease-streaked hands and a crooked grin, the kind of guy who says whatever he wants and somehow gets away with it. The kind of guy Kip definitely doesn’t have time for.

Until a grounded flight and a spectacular run of bad luck strand them together somewhere in rural Germany with one run-down van, two beds (barely), and way too many hours to kill.

Somewhere between missed exits, questionable motels, and songs neither of them will admit to liking, the lines start to blur. What was supposed to be temporary starts to feel … not.

Which is a problem.

Because the paddock has eyes. Because Kip has rules. Because Hutch doesn’t do careful, and Kip doesn’t do this.

But the thing about bad decisions?

Sometimes they’re the only ones that feel right.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2026

About the author

Regina Kyle knew she was destined to be an author when she won a writing contest at age ten with a touching tale about a squirrel and a nut pie. By day, she writes dry legal briefs, representing the state in criminal appeals. At night, she writes steamy romance with heart and humor.

A lover of all things theatrical, Regina lives on the Connecticut coast with her husband, teenaged daughter and two melodramatic cats. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely singing, reading, cooking or watching bad reality television.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They're combative! They're opposites! They're hot! They're stuck in gorgeous off-the-beaten-path Europe together! Kip: "Because under all the data and discipline, there's someone who's just trying to keep things from going sideways. (loved this comment on him as a person) and Hutch "the one treating continental Europe like a choose-your-own-adventure" who says "Nightmares involve fire or clowns or running out of petrol in Birmingham." are a fun #OppositesAttract pairing. I really enjoyed this read, but felt a little bit like I got the middle of a book? I just wanted more: More description of the scenery, more of the two MMCs. And can I just ask: Is a croissant "the size of his fist" a good thing? I guess I have tiny baby hands so that would be a disappointing pastry, but some of these hot fictional men out here have big hands so maybe it was satisfactory? I guess let me know once you read this?
[spoiler tags just for in-book text, but no major plot points]

All said, 4+ stars because I don't know anything about race cars, but would pick up the next book in this universe. Thanks to the author for the chance to read & review this book early!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun chaotic ride. This was just such a joyful read. Kind of a grumpy/sunshine pairing between two completely opposite guys. Kip is an uptight, by-the books bloke, while Hutch is a total fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants guy. Kip and Hutch both work for a racing team, and their flight home is diverted by fog. Now these two guys are in a rattling rental van trying to get sleep, food, and finally home. What should be a one day car ride becomes a total wild ride.

Kip and Hutch become friends and more on their crazy road trip. While this is a novella, the relationship is well rounded and developed. I felt like I knew these two and was definitely rooting for them to get together. These two men's story is so sweetly wrote, that my only issue with this book is that it is too short. This was a full and complete story, and I felt they did get their due, I just wish I could have spent a longer time with Kip and Hutch.

Thanks so much for the epilogue, I was laughing out loud! Loved it.

Thank you to Regina Kyle for the ARC and the ability to read this awesome story early.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kip likes to be organized and know exactly what is coming next. Kind of has to be considering his job. So when him and Hutch get stuck together in a round of bad luck on their way to their next destination for work, well he is barely hanging on by a thread. Especially when Hutch is his opposite. Goes with the flow and easily adapts to every situation. And as much as Hutch may infuriate Kip…he is also very attracted to Hutch. Being in close quarters with one another gives them a chance to get to know one another more. And maybe, opposites really do attract. This was a cute novella set in the Faster world! I loved Kip and Hutch’s dynamic. They had great chemistry and banter. And despite being pretty different, they actually balanced one another really well. A fun story all around!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Regina for the opportunity to review your book as an ARC.

I really enjoyed this book and finished it in one evening.

MM romance
Road trip
Colleagues to lovers
Only one bed

It was lovely to see the relationship between Kip and Hutch develop over the course of the trip. At first they are antagonistic, arguing about the music and the route. Then there's a spark, that grows... I loved the jump forward in the epilogue to see them a few months later.

I've never read any books by this author before but I will definitely look to read more!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Regina Kyle for sending me a copy of this book to review before release!

An MM romance set in the world of Formula One.

Kip and Hutch work very different jobs on the same Formula One team. An unlikely pair, they embark on an unexpected road trip when their flight is re-routed, and they learn they have more in common then they initially thought. 😊

This book is a quick read, with the perfect balance of tension and spice. I would love to see another book set in this world with the same characters.

My first read by this author and won't be my last!

[Helia Nanashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank u miss. Kyle! For the ARC it was everything I wanted (could have been bigger) but ya know, good things come in small packages. I cant believe i get a first rating! Keep the 5 stars going!

I cant say to much cause of the sheer size of the book, but kip is my perfect book boyfriend! So cute and funny and just ahhh!

Hutch is cute to if your into that sort of thing! He'd be a gay off kind of fellow

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kip and Hutch are an unlikely pair.... and the TENSION!! 🫠🤌💋 Quick, MM, Formula 1 adjacent {careers}. Loved it, start to finish!

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced read full of chaos, cars and chocolate! Loved this quick read about two people who take the scenic route and a few detours on their road to a HEA! Fun times!