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The Break

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362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2026

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About the author

Sam Whitelock

6 books17 followers
Sam Whitelock is a contemporary romance author from Norway in Scandinavia. She started writing romance stories from an early age and finally took the leap to publish her stories to the world. The Championship romance series is a sports romance series featuring swoon-worthy men in Formula 1, ice hockey, and football who meet their match in strong heroines.

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5 stars
18 (29%)
4 stars
32 (51%)
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8 (12%)
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3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Robin ❤️.
527 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2026
She consumes me. A single kiss from her and I’m ready to burn down the world for her.
❤️

A bad boy who is actually a hopeless romantic? Uh yes.

Peter is marked as the “bad boy” always getting into trouble, lost the title last year and is looking for redemption. Getting caught up with Molly 💯 isn’t supposed to happen.

Molly is the boss’s daughter. Her dad Arthur just bought the team that Peter is on. A man that Molly definitely needs to steer clear of.


The chemistry was so on point. I was blushing, Peter definitely has a mouth on himmmm. 😩

I love how peaceful Molly made Peter feel. He was so at ease with her, she was honestly his safe space . I loved it. ❤️

Molly is such a sweet girl, love her to pieces. 🫶🏻
Peter? Where do I start? That poor man. He had me all in my feelings. I am beyond glad he got his HEA. No one deserves it more than that man.
Not going to lie, both chapter 30 and the epilogue did have me in tears. I was balling like a mad woman. 😭🫶🏻

————
The touch steadies me. She steadies me.
————
Such quick and fun read. I’m so glad I gave this one a shot!

As always thank you Luna Literary and Sam WhiteLocke for this arc. These are all of my honest thoughts and opinions.
4.5/5⭐️
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
938 reviews89 followers
July 14, 2026
3.75🌟, 3🌶️

I went into this one expecting a fun Formula 1 romance and found something much more emotional.

Peter begins as the sport's infamous villain, but watching him slowly shed that image and allow himself to be vulnerable made his journey incredibly rewarding. His connection with Molly developed at just the right pace, and their chemistry felt natural from beginning to end.

What stood out most was the found family element.
Molly's father believing in Peter when so few others did added so much heart to the story, while Molly's confidence and independence made her the perfect match for him. Their workplace romance, mixed with Peter's emotional healing, gave the relationship plenty of depth without taking away from the racing backdrop.

The Formula 1 setting brought excitement without overshadowing the characters, and the emotional moments landed exactly where they needed to. While I wanted a little more from a few parts of the story, the redemption arc and heartfelt ending made this a genuinely satisfying read.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more trom this world.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Sam Whitelock and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Sam Whitelock.
Author 6 books17 followers
July 24, 2026
Rating my writing experience <3
Creating the story of Molly and Peter meant more than words can describe. Being able to disappear and create a world filled with swoon, heat and characters of my own is everything and more. Thank you to the ones cheering me on and reminding me to push through on the hard days of this journey

Love, Sam

TROPES
🏎️Formula 1 leading driver x editor
🤍Boss’ daughter
🏎️Found family
🤍Element of fake dating
🏎️Reformed playboy
🤍Open door spice


Profile Image for yue.
219 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2026
The Break by Sam Whitelock is a contemporary romance story set in the fast paced world of Formula 1. The story follows Formula 1 driver Peter and secret heiress, as well as the daughter of their team owner, Molly. As someone who is a sucker for Formula 1 novels, this immediately piqued my interest.

The plot had a lot of promise, but personally, I think the story moved a little too quickly. I don't usually mind fast paced stories as long as the execution is done well, but for me, I didn't think it was executed quite as well as it could have been. I could definitely see the vision of where the story was heading, but I just don't think it fully landed for me.

The relationship moved so quickly. Molly went from having so many preconceived opinions about Peter to wanting to make out with him just a few pages later. Things happened so fast that they weren't really able to grab hold of me emotionally. The reveal of her identity and even their relationship felt a little too casual. I wish there had been more build up to both because they were such big moments and were supposedly a huge part of the plot as well. Molly also gave in to Peter so quickly, which, for me, contradicted the character that was introduced earlier. She was portrayed as a strong, self made woman who wanted to build a name for herself, yet she folded pretty quickly. Personally, I also didn't feel like Peter was doing all that much to really earn that shift.

There were a lot of misses for me, but at the same time, there were also quite a few things that I genuinely loved about this book.

First, I really loved the character development for both Peter and Molly. I enjoyed seeing Peter mature as the story progressed. He started off as a reformed playboy but slowly became someone who was genuinely committed to Molly. I also really liked his rationale about addiction. I found that aspect of his character really commendable.

Second, I really liked Molly as an FMC. She was strong willed and determined to make it on her own without relying on her family's name, especially her father's. That made her really easy to root for.

Third, I loved them together because you could really see that they brought out the best in each other. Despite my issues with the pacing, I still liked what they represented as a couple.

Lastly, the found family aspect. As a reader, that's probably one of my favorite tropes. I loved seeing the characters become so close that they were essentially family. I especially loved how Molly and her dad became that for Peter. It was really heartwarming to see her father slowly become the father figure Peter never really had, especially since his own wasn't exactly the best role model.

Overall, it was a pretty straightforward, fast paced Formula 1 romance story. Again, please note that reading is subjective. My experience and opinions about this book aren't always going to be the same as other readers'. I personally just didn't enjoy how fast paced it was, but I know that's something a lot of readers actually prefer.

Many thanks to Sam Whitelock and Luna Literary for granting me advance access to this book. I read this in advance, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions about the story.
Profile Image for Nikki Dunlap.
236 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
I picked this up because the Formula 1 setting immediately caught my attention, and I ended up loving every second of it. This was my first book by Sam, and it definitely won’t be my last. The racing backdrop added so much excitement, but the heart of the story was the characters and the emotional journey they took together.

Peter completely surprised me. At first glance, he’s the reckless, headline-making driver everyone thinks they know, but underneath all that confidence is someone carrying years of hurt and self-doubt. Watching him slowly lower his guard and finally allow someone in made his character arc incredibly rewarding.

Then there’s Molly—what a fantastic heroine. She’s driven, intelligent, and determined to build a life that’s hers, not one defined by her family’s wealth. I loved that she never let Peter intimidate her. She challenged him, supported him, and became the one place he finally felt safe enough to be himself.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the found-family dynamic. The relationships within the team felt genuine, especially the way Molly’s father welcomed Peter without hesitation. Those moments added so much warmth and showed that sometimes the family you choose can change everything.

The romance was exactly what I was hoping for. It’s a slow burn with plenty of chemistry, but the emotional connection is what really stood out. Every step forward in their relationship felt earned, making the payoff even sweeter.

Even if you don’t know much about Formula 1, don’t let that stop you. The racing elements are exciting without ever becoming overwhelming, and they blend seamlessly with the romance.

This story gave me compelling characters, heartfelt moments, sizzling tension, and a romance that had me rooting for the couple from beginning to end. I had such a great time reading this one and can’t wait to see what this author writes next.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
Profile Image for Katey Olson.
233 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
-Formula 1 Driver x Editor
-Boss’s Daughter
-Reformed Playboy
-Found Family

This is the first book I have read by Sam and I love it! For starters I love formula 1 and this is the first book I have read written around formula 1 and I’m hooked! If you want a book that has slow burn and some good spice as well as a really good plot, this is your book.

Let’s start with the found family! The fact that Molly’s dad just took Peter under his wing and almost immediately accepted him as family, I absolutely loved that. You could tell her dad was the most genuine man who truly knew that Peter was more than the media portrayed. I loved how easily he trusted everyone word that Peter said and he felt like he could open up to Molly’s dad who is also his Boss.

Now let’s talk about Molly. I loved her personality in this book. She was a little flirty, firey, but so sweet. She is Peter’s safe place and I absolutely loved that. She is so ambitious and truly what I want to read when it comes to a female character. She is so strong and brilliant at her job and I appreciate her not wanting people to know she was a millionaire!

Let’s finish off with Peter. He was the true definition of a bad boy. But once he met Molly things changed. He was immediately hooked. Of course he tried to fight it because he did not truly believe he deserved her but once he came around, he saw they were a true match. I love how she tried to make him jealous and eventually he cracked. Peter has a traumatic past that was really hard to deal with but once he felt he could confide in Molly, so many things changed for him!

This book is truly a must read! I loved this book and the writing style! Thank you so much to Sam and the agency for allowing me to read this Advanced Readers Copy!
Profile Image for Katherine.
104 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and minor spoilers ahead.

Solid tropes, but not the best execution. I thought the pacing of the book was a little too fast and I wished there was more of a build up, especially when it came to Peter and Molly's relationship. Spoilers ahead: by chapter 3, they're already on a date*, by chapter 7 (~page 59), they're making out, and by chapter 17, they're having sex.

*Molly was on a date and her date ditched her and ofc Peter just so happened to be at the same restaurant. They ended up getting dessert and chatting, which was their first date.

There were a few minor conflicts that the author quickly resolved and I wished the conflicts have been more developed or drawn out. Some of the conflicts were Molly being the owner's daughter, Molly and Peter not telling Arthur that their relationship was real and not just a PR stunt (this conflict was resolved by chapter 18), and Peter telling Molly and Arther that his father is an addict. By chapter 18, the story was essentially wrapped up , but the author did try to add in random third act drama of making it seem like Peter was cheating. The rest of the book mainly consisted of Peter winning the championship, Peter and Molly having a lot of sex, and him eventually proposing.

The author decided to use more modern terms (i.e. Molly would refer to Peter as "my man" and had her say "I’m down so bad for him.”), which I thought dated the book and came off as too casual.

Despite the book's fast pace, there were some elements of the story I enjoyed like Peter and Arthur's father-son relationship, Peter and Ryan's friendship, and the trust and care Molly and Peter have for each other.

Overall, I wouldn't read this book again.
Profile Image for Bianca.
41 reviews
July 12, 2026
ARC Review

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Firstly, I would like to thank Luna Lit. and Sam Whitelock for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I had fun with this book. Once I started, I just couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in 24 hours. It’s my first time reading the work of this author and I’m now curious about the other books she’s written.

Molly was a great FMC. To be honest, there wasn’t much growth with her end as it was centered more on the growth of Peter, however, I did like how she was with him. She grounded him and gave him a safe place. I also admired how, despite being a millionaire’s daughter, she was determined to make on her own without the name of her family. In all honesty, I would have loved to have seen her make Peter grovel a bit after all the time he pushed her away. What through me off a bit though was at the beginning when she so pissed at her dad for his actions but suddenly switched-up and accepted it. It was so sudden that it gave me whiplash. Other than those, I had no really issues.

I really loved the character development of Peter in this book. He was so broody and mad at the world at the beginning but that started to change thanks to Molly and her dad. He was pushing Molly for quite a while but when he decided to let her in you can really see how he was trying so hard to be worthy of her. He adored her so much and was just obsessed with her. His relationship with Arthur was all also heartwarming to see. After all he’s been through, Arthur was the best father figure he could have asked for, and he always stood by Peter’s side and not being swayed by what others say.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,677 reviews72 followers
July 3, 2026
Happy Pub Day to The Break by Sam Whitelock

Thank you to Luna Literary and Sam Whitelock for the eARC!

You know what day it is. It’s F1 Friday! And what better weekend to celebrate than Silverstone, one of the most iconic tracks on the calendar, packed with history and corners with some of the best names in motorsport. Even better, my daughter is there this weekend in the Landostands, so I’m crossing everything that our boy can deliver a home race to remember. 🧡

Now let’s talk about The Break.

I am such a sucker for a bad boy finally finding the person who changes everything. You just know when they fall, they’re going to fall hard. Peter Centimo went from zero to purple sectors the second Molly entered his life, and I was completely here for it.

Peter has built a reputation as Formula 1’s villain, but underneath all that swagger is someone carrying far more than the headlines let on. Watching his walls slowly come down for Molly made this romance so satisfying.

I absolutely adored Molly. Even though her dad has just bought an F1 team, she refuses to let anyone think she’s where she is because of his money or influence. She wants to prove herself on her own merits and not just STROLL along on his coattails (See what I did there? 🤭)

The chemistry between these two was electric from the start, but I especially loved that this story gave us a redemption arc for the guy everyone loves to hate. It’s a reminder that sometimes the “villain” just needs someone willing to see the person behind the reputation.
Profile Image for Tanya.
321 reviews30 followers
July 8, 2026
As someone who's quickly fallen down the Formula 1 romance rabbit hole... The Break was such a fun ride. 🏎️❤️
Peter and Molly had chemistry from the very first chapter, but what I loved most was getting to watch Peter prove that there was so much more to him than the reputation everyone had already decided he deserved.
He's known as the playboy, but underneath all of that was someone who just wanted to be seen for who he really was. Molly never tried to change him—she simply gave him the space to be himself, and I loved watching their relationship grow because of it.
The workplace romance and boss's daughter dynamic added just enough forbidden tension to keep me turning the pages, and I had so much fun with the fake dating moments sprinkled throughout the story. They brought the perfect balance of humor, tension, and swoony moments.
I also really enjoyed the Formula 1 setting. The racing world felt exciting without taking away from the romance, making this just as enjoyable for someone who reads for the love story first.
✨ what to expect:
🏎️ formula 1 romance
❤️ workplace romance
🏎️ boss's daughter
❤️ reformed playboy
🏎️ fake dating elements
❤️ found family
🏎️ dual pov
❤️ open-door romance
If you're looking for a Formula 1 romance with great chemistry, plenty of banter, and a hero who turns out to be so much more than his reputation, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
128 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2026
🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️ and 🌶️🌶️ : keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!

The Break, Sam Whitelock’s most recent book in her Championship Series! Some aspects of this one were my favorite of the series others, were not.

I loved the villain gets his shot at being the good guy. Sam did a very nice job portraying that!

Molly is by far my favorite in the book. She made me proud of her with her wanting to make her own in the world of Formula 1 without using her father’s name/money.

Peter and Molly had a great start to their romance. This time around. Peter was kinda an a** in the past. Hopeless romantic’s are fun for me to read and Peter took the cake on that one! Some of the things he does for her 💙💙💙💙

Peter’s relationship building with Molly’s dad really tugged at the heartstrings. I thought the relationship was very well written and was some of my favorite parts to the book.

The pacing of the book was pretty even for me throughout. Not many fast or slow moments, just kept driving steady. That being said very quick read, finished in a day! I’ll continue to read her books!

Tropes:
🏎️ Formula 1 Sports Romance
🎉 Reformed Playboy
🙉 Boss's Daughter
🎥 Workplace Romance
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family
📅 Element of Fake Dating
2️⃣ Dual POV
🌶️ Open Door Spice

⚠️: discussions about 💊 and 🍺

I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!

Thank you Sam Whitelock and Luna Literary Management for the chance to read The Break early!
Profile Image for Elena.
51 reviews
July 18, 2026
1⭐ 3,5 🌶️ *some spoilers ahead*

Ugh I really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, I didn't.

This entire book felt like something I've read before over and over again, same tropes, same mediocre execution, the same playboy MMC with a traumatic past that's forced him to be a f@ckboy, same generic FMC whose only personality is the romantic interest.

If it were just that, I'd probably give it another star if it was well written.
However, this entire story was so rushed that it left no time for the MCs to experience bonding and tender moments that would help shape their relationship. By chapter 7 they're already making out and they've only spoken to each other like 4 times 🤣 There's absolutely no relationship build, absolutely NONE. We go from "I've seen him around and know his reputation" to "gone on 1 accidental date and I'm now heartbroken that he said our kiss meant nothing" like HOW?! 😤
Where's the build up? The yearning? The awkward touches and sneaking around whilst denying yourself to fully enjoy the other? There was absolutely no chemistry because there were no interactions.

The style of writing was also more telling than showing. Very little dialogue for a story this fast paced.

No hard feelings, I was just very disappointed by this book because I think the combination of tropes and plot had so much potential to be a very fun book. 🤷

*Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for this ARC in exchange for my free and honest review*
Profile Image for sky ~miss.littlereader~.
239 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2026
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

⭐⭐⭐.75
The Break by Sam Whitelock

The chemistry between them was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Their romance is a satisfying slow burn with a few steamy moments, but what I appreciated most was how those scenes never took away from the emotional heart of the story. I also loved the found family dynamic within the team. The supporting characters brought so much warmth, humor, and heart, making everything feel even more authentic.

Profile Image for Tulip.
9 reviews
July 22, 2026
MOLLY & PETER 💗🏎️

The new Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and the biggest news? Molly’s dad buys an F1 team….the very same team that’s home to the paddock’s bad boy, Peter Centimo.

Peter’s only goal this season is to reclaim the championship title he lost last year. The last thing he expects is to fall for the new owner’s daughter, the one woman he absolutely shouldn’t want.

What starts with heated banter soon turns into something neither of them can resist.

Molly and Peter were the F1 couple. Their chemistry was effortless, their banter was fun, and the way they stood by each other through every challenge made them so easy to root for. Peter’s painful past was heartbreaking, but watching Molly help him heal and believe in himself again was one of my favorite parts of the story.

A huge shoutout to Molly’s dad, he was such a sweetheart! His unwavering support, love, and care for Peter made some of the most emotional moments in the book even more special.

By the end, Peter finally got everything he deserved, and I couldn’t have been happier for him.

If you’re obsessed with Formula 1 romances, protective yet vulnerable heroes, strong heroines, and a couple that remembers all the little things about each other, this book is definitely for you. 🏁💗

Thank you for sending arc🫶🏼
Profile Image for butterfly_reading_effect.
89 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
Is this my favorite, sport romance book - 100% yes
I love this books since I first beta read it and after a few rereads I am happy to report I do in fact still love it.

This book is just the perfect amount of chemistry between characters, found family, enemies to lovers (the mmc I despised in The Race but now I love him so much), bit of banter and emotional growth.

It is part of an interconnected series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Sam instantly grabs your attention and draws you into the story from the first page and keeps you invested every page makes this another book that you wont be able to put down.

Molly our Fmc is such a likeable character, and I was rooting for her from the first sentence, and our most beloved side character Arthur was just everything and more!
Peter's character growth is amazing, and truly like the dedication”Because even the villains wear disguises and deserve their own happy ending.” -he deserves everything. My heart was breaking for him in parts but so glad he got his happy ending, not just in love but in family too.

I loved how the F1 component was effortlessly part of the story and the race action was done super well! Also had just the perfect amount of spice.

Such a great read that i highly recommend!
Profile Image for Katarinabluu.
41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
4★

This was my first F1 romance novel, and it completely lived up to my expectations. The story follows Molly May Wilder, a reporter at Star News, and Peter Centimo, a reformed playboy and Formula 1 driver.

Peter's character development was one of my favourite parts of the book. I loved how differently he treated Molly compared to everyone else. He always believed she deserved better, and I especially appreciated his personal rule of never kissing her if either of them was drunk. It showed how much he respected her.

On the other hand, Molly was exactly the kind of person Peter needed. She always tried to understand him, stayed by his side whenever he needed her, and never tried to change who he was. Instead, she accepted him while encouraging him to become a better version of himself.

I also can't forget Arthur, who became a father figure to Peter. It melted my heart when Arthur called Peter "son" for the first time.

The ending was so satisfying. Peter truly deserved every bit of his happy ending, especially everything that happened with his father. After everything he went through, seeing him finally find love, acceptance, and a place where he belonged was incredibly heartwarming.

The chemistry, the yearning, and the mutual understanding between Peter and Molly were beautifully written. One of the biggest messages I took away from this book is not to judge or accuse people without knowing the full story because assumptions can hurt others more than we realize.
Profile Image for Itsmep .
264 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2026

🏁Formula 1 Sports Romance
🏎Reformed Playboy
🏁Boss's Daughter
🏎Workplace Romance
🏁Found Family
🏎Element of Fake Dating
🏁Dual POV
🏎Open Door Spice

This story delivers.

The MCs (Peter and Molly) had undeniable chemistry from the start, and I really enjoyed the layers of the MMC peeling back as the story progressed. The MMC was so much more than the reputation he'd built for himself, and him finally getting a chance at happiness made it easy to root for him. The FMC was a great match for him: confident, supportive, and unwilling to judge him based on what everyone else believed.

The boss's daughter and workplace romance dynamic added just the right amount of forbidden tension, while the fake dating moments were fun and kept the sparks flying. I also appreciated the found family elements and getting both of their perspectives through the dual POV.

The Formula 1 setting kept the story fast-paced, and the racing scenes blended well with the romance. While I would have loved a little more emotional depth in a few places, the romance, banter, and plenty of spice made this a thoroughly entertaining read.

If you love Formula 1 romances, and even if you don't, this was a great story.
I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nikky.
160 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
Sam has smashed it again with this book. The Break is a captivating Formula 1 romance with great chemistry, emotional depth, and an exciting racing backdrop.

Both Peter and Molly are easy to root for, and the story balances romance and personal growth well.

Molly is a strong, independent FMC who you can't help fall in love with and root for. Where our "bad boy", Peter is everything you want from MMC. He is flirty, misunderstood and has the biggest heart ever. The way his character grows throughout the book is beautiful to read.

Sam, not only writes amazing stories but she has this talent of writing side characters that just bring the whole story together. The little sprinkle of past characters making an appearance just warms my heart and always makes me want to go and reread their stories 🥰

The Break is perfect read for fans of sports romance and F1, with just the right mix of heart and tension. Highly recommended! This is book 4 in the championship series but you don't have to read them in order, but previous characters are mentioned.

Forever a fan of Sam. Truly a "if she writes it, I'm devouring it" author 💕
Profile Image for Ash M..
123 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
I really wanted to love this book because the premise and tropes were right up my alley, especially the reformed playboy and F1 tropes, which is one of my guilty pleasures. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me.

The pacing felt a little too fast for me, especially when it came to Peter and Molly’s relationship. I wish there had been more of a buildup between them because their connection ended up feeling a bit shallow. While I don’t mind a fast-paced romance, I felt like we moved through the major milestones of their relationship so quickly that I never really had the chance to become invested in them as a couple. The writing style also didn’t quite work for me. Some of the commentary felt a little juvenile, and the use of modern phrases like “my man” and “I’m down so bad for him” came across as too casual and made the story feel a little dated.

There were also several conflicts that were introduced and resolved very quickly. I wish Molly being the owner’s daughter, Peter and Molly hiding their relationship from Arthur, and Peter opening up about his father’s addiction had been developed more. By chapter eighteen, the story was essentially wrapped up, followed by some random third-act drama that tried to make it seem like Peter was cheating. The rest of the book mainly focused on Peter winning the championship, Peter and Molly getting together, and eventually him proposing.

Despite my issues with the pacing and writing style, there were parts I really enjoyed. Molly was a great FMC. I loved that she was determined to make something of herself without relying on her millionaire family’s name, and I loved how she grounded Peter and gave him a safe place. I did wish she had made Peter grovel a little more after all the time he spent pushing her away. I was also a little thrown off by how angry she was with her dad at the beginning, only to suddenly accept everything so quickly.

Peter had some great character development. He started off broody and angry at the world, but slowly began to change because of Molly and Arthur. Once he finally let Molly in, you could really see how hard he was trying to become someone worthy of her. He was completely down bad for her, and I loved that. His relationship with Arthur was also incredibly heartwarming, and I loved that Arthur always stood by Peter’s side.

Overall, this was an easy and enjoyable story to follow, but I felt like it was missing something that would really grip me. I enjoyed the characters and the premise, but I ultimately wanted more depth, more buildup, and more development from the romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,040 reviews14 followers
July 4, 2026
Molly + Peter

When 'The Break,' begins we meet Molly and Peter separately. Peter is the picture bad boy. His image is not the greatest and with Molly's dad being the owner of the team that Peter drives for.. it's a problem. So, Peter has to show Molly's dad he isn't what the media is portraying him to be.

Molly is adjusting to the fact that she is going to see her dad on the paddock more often than not. I really enjoyed how our two MCs interacted because it was one kiss. & it ruined them both.

Molly tries to date other men but her mind is still on the kiss with Peter. & Peter cannot help himself. He is 100% jealous. He wants Molly all to himself but the kind of relationship that Molly wants Peter cannot give her. He is trying to turn over a new leaf. & to prove that to Molly he only spends time with her. They share moments and the friendship blossoms into so much more.

I really loved Peter's character arc and how Molly listened as well as gave him the benefit of the doubt instead of rushing to conclusions which weren't accurate.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Amanda.
25 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Break by Sam Whitelock because it was more than just a romance. I liked how the Formula 1 setting made the story feel exciting and different from other books I've read. Even though I don't know everything about racing, the author explained enough that I could follow along without feeling lost.

My favorite part of the book was watching Molly and Peter's relationship grow. Their chemistry felt real, and I liked that they both had flaws and had to learn to trust each other. Peter especially surprised me because, at first, he seemed arrogant, but as the story went on, I understood why he acted the way he did. Seeing him open up made me care about him even more.

The book also did a great job of balancing emotional moments with the excitement of Formula 1. There were times when I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next, both on and off the track. I laughed at some of the characters' conversations, but there were also emotional scenes that made me really feel for them.
Profile Image for Alexandrea Howard.
233 reviews
July 17, 2026
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I loved it! This book had me hooked from the beginning!

I loved Molly and Peter. Peter has a bad-boy reputation, but he has not really earned it. Also, he was secretly a romantic, and he didn't even know it himself. I love Peter!

Molly is who I want to be when I grow up. She was fierce, sassy, flirty, confident, and sweet. She is ambitious and doesn't want to get to the top using her family's name. She wants to do it on her own merit. She is also a safe place for Peter.

Besides loving Peter and Molly, I love the found family in this book! Molly's dad, even before Peter starts dating Molly, believes in him and takes him under his wing. He treats him like he were his own. He trusted Peter and didn't think or believe the worst about him, as the previous owner did and the “suits” do.

This book was so good! It was well written and it will keep your attention. It will make you want to read the other books in the series. It will also make you want more of Peter and Molly!
Profile Image for Robyn.
385 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2026
I have been trying to fuel my love of F1 between races with as many F1 books I can find. So immediately I started off on a good note reading this book. I hadn't read the rest of the books in the series (But I am going to) but I found that I was able to follow along with the side characters that were in previous books.

Peter is the bad boy of the grid but he is mostly misunderstood or just trying to play the part. When Molly comes into his life he has to take pause and starts showing her his true self, the stuff that no one else sees.

One of the things that I loved best about this story is the relationship between Peter and Molly's Dad (who owns the team) Her Dad really believes in Peter and wants to help guide him and also let the world see the other side of him.

Pick up this book if you are looking for a great redemption arc with some fake dating (was it ever fake?) Even if you aren't a fan of F1 you will love this book. But also if you aren't check it out! I'm a F1 girly through and through.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
848 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2026
⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional: 3.5/5

Peter is the bad boy.

Molly is the boss’s daughter.

And her dad just bought the Formula 1 team Peter races for.

Basically, Molly is completely off-limits—which makes their chemistry even more interesting.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Peter and Molly and the added tension that came from their circumstances. Peter is trying to focus on racing and reclaiming the championship title, but falling for the new owner’s daughter definitely wasn’t part of his plan.

With Formula 1, workplace romance, a reformed playboy, found family, and that boss’s daughter dynamic, there was plenty to enjoy.

The Break is book four in the Championship Romance series but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Sam Whitelock for the ARC opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicoletta Tompros.
366 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
June 20, 2026
The Break was such a cute, easy read and honestly gave me all the nostalgic early-2000s romance vibes. 🖤

We have the bad boy and the millionaire's daughter, and from the start, the chemistry between them was there.

And let's talk about the fact that he calls her *Sweetheart* because I am weak. 😭

This man literally heard a mechanic talking badly about her and fired him... despite not really having the authority to do it. Did he care? Absolutely not. 😂👏

Overall, I really enjoyed their story and found myself rooting for them from the beginning. My only wish is that we had gotten more depth between the characters. I wanted more conversations, more quiet moments, and more time watching their relationship develop because everything moved pretty quickly.

That being said, it was still a fun, sweet romance that kept me turning the pages.
Profile Image for Ananya.
119 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy
June 24, 2026
This was an absolute quick, fun and feel good romcom.
The reformed playboy just hit so different here. I was in love the chemistry of characters till the end of the story.
I particularly liked the ploting and fast paced dynamics of the story. Also the flow was very smooth and engaging.
There was also many swoon moments. Just loved it! Completely sweet story.

So overall this was 3.6 ~ 4 stars.


What to expect-
• F1 sports romance
• Reformed play boy
• Owner's daughter
• He falls first
• Caretaking


Must read when it comes out on 3rd July!
*Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC of this lovely book.
Profile Image for Mayazings Books.
88 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This was ones of those books where I gave my kindle/the book applause. I loved every moment in this book. Thank youuu for no third act breakup. It had such good drama, romance, sexual chemistry, friendship, found family. LOVED IT ALL. I did not want to put this down!
I loved that it showed different stories and depths and that people do things for reasons and aren’t always what they are on the surface or made out to be by others, get to know someone a little before you judge them.
Molly girl you are a queen! You are amazing at your job and such a beautiful person with such a big heart.
Peter dude!!! If I meet a guy who’s never had a girlfriend or doesn’t ‘know’ how to be romantic then I would be sooooo happy. It’s the things that might seem little but are actual massive and show that a person pays attention and cares.
197 reviews
July 23, 2026
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: The Break

Thank you so much @samwhitelock for trusting me with this ARC! Receiving this book did not influence my review — my thoughts are always honest 💕

⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️

📱 Format: Kindle

💬 Favorite Quote:
“ She consumes me. A single kiss from her, and I’m ready to burn down the world for her. To handover my power to her simply isn’t an option. The exact reason why I lied and said that our kiss was nothing. The truth is that it was everything.”

💭 My Thoughts:
I was really excited to dive into Peter and Molly’s story because the F1 setting and the team owner’s daughter trope had so much potential! The overall plot was interesting, and I enjoyed getting to see the world of Formula 1 through their story. However, the pacing felt a little too rushed for me, especially when it came to Peter and Molly’s relationship. Their connection developed so quickly that I wished there had been more buildup, tension, and time for their relationship to grow. The writing style also felt a little simple at times, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the story.

✨ Tropes & Vibes:
🏎️ F1 Romance
💞 Driver x Team Owner’s Daughter
🔥 Forbidden Romance
🏁 Fast-Paced Romance

Overall: A quick and entertaining F1 romance with plenty of potential, but the rushed pacing and lack of buildup kept me from fully connecting with Peter and Molly’s story.
Profile Image for K Webz.
2,807 reviews
Review of advance copy
July 2, 2026
I have to start with Peter, this man is the bad boy of Formula 1 racing, getting a second chance with a new owner of the team. Only problem, he is finding it hard to resist the owner’s daughter,Molly. He believes he doesn’t deserve someone like her. Once he started opening up to her, showing his vulnerabilities, things really changed with these two.

Molly, she becomes such a great support and safe place for Peter. I loved her fiery spirit, her flirtatious attitude and her sweet, kind side.

What I loved the most though was the found family in this story. The way Molly’s father takes Peter under his wing, getting to know him beyond what the media portrayed and trusting Peter had my heart melting.
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