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The Break
- GenresRomance
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2026
About the author
Sam Whitelock
4 books17 followersSam 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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⭐️
❤️
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⭐️
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. ✨
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. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
-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!
-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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 12, 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!
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!
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.
⭐⭐⭐.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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 💕
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 💕
July 16, 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.
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.
July 6, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
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.
July 12, 2026
Favorite F1 book
The Break by Sam Whitelock is a remarkable F1 book.
I loved reading this book it follows Molly a reporter for Star News and Peter a troubled, playboy, F1 driver.
Molly has worked hard to get the position where she works. She even hides her rich last name so she doesn’t get special treatment or people think she bought her way up to her position. But she her father Arthur buys the F1 team she covers news about she dreads what’s to come.
Peter a troubled playboy always in scandal news just wants to focus on getting his F1 driver title back and not have any distractions.
Loved how Arthur believed in Peter from the beginning.peter truly was thankful and needed someone on his side.
I loved Peter and Mollys chemistry and eventually getting closer. And how Molly was his safe place.
Quote_
“She consumed me. A single kiss and I’m ready to burn down the world for her.”
Definitely my favorite F1 book!
The Break by Sam Whitelock is a remarkable F1 book.
I loved reading this book it follows Molly a reporter for Star News and Peter a troubled, playboy, F1 driver.
Molly has worked hard to get the position where she works. She even hides her rich last name so she doesn’t get special treatment or people think she bought her way up to her position. But she her father Arthur buys the F1 team she covers news about she dreads what’s to come.
Peter a troubled playboy always in scandal news just wants to focus on getting his F1 driver title back and not have any distractions.
Loved how Arthur believed in Peter from the beginning.peter truly was thankful and needed someone on his side.
I loved Peter and Mollys chemistry and eventually getting closer. And how Molly was his safe place.
Quote_
“She consumed me. A single kiss and I’m ready to burn down the world for her.”
Definitely my favorite F1 book!
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
July 3, 2026
.Content warnings for substance abuse and parental abuse for one instance. I will say to best enjoy this book reading the Race first would be best chronologically and to better understand the hero's feeling. However, as someone who did not read it before, there was enough explained that I did not lose anything, but I did want to read the other book and reread this book when I do. To the book itself, the writing style was a mixture of telling and showing which was a pleasant surprise. In addition, the book was a quick read, and I was able to root for the relationship on page and off. Overall, I am excited to continue more from this author. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in only a few hours, but I couldn’t put this one down! Someone told me that this book was special and they were not wrong!!! I didn’t like Peter AT ALL in The Race, but he 100% redeemed himself in this one! Molly, just like her father saw something in Peter that nobody else did, while everyone saw his past, she saw who he truly was and wanted to be. Peter found safety in Molly and that’s what he needed! The happy ending in this book was so much more than I think I’ve ever read! I’ll be thinking about this one for days to come!!!!
July 6, 2026
Thanks to Sam Whitelock and Luna Literary Management for the ARC of The Break. From the dedication to the last page of the epilogue this book had me hooked, I love a villain story though. Peter was an absolute jerk and completely closed off. Seeing him slowly remove brick by brick of his walls for Molly and subsequently everyone else in his life made me love him even more. Molly was probably the most well rounded millionaires daughter I have read this year. I loved that she stayed true to herself while helping Peter
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Break
I have never read this author before, however I saw this book posted on Threads and as soon as I saw it was about F1 I requested a copy to read.
The Break delivered an entertaining mix of racing, romance and plenty of emotional moments. Peter may have the reputation of being Formula 1's resident bad boy, but underneath the headlines is a man carrying far more than anyone realises. Watching his walls slowly come down as he falls for Molly was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Molly was exactly the kind of FMC I love, confident, capable and determined to make a name for herself rather than relying on her family's success. She challenged Peter while also becoming the safe place he never knew he needed.
The chemistry between them was undeniable. The romance is a satisfying slow burn with some steamy moments, but it never overshadows the emotional journey. I also loved the found-family feel within the team and how the supporting characters helped make the story feel warm and authentic.
The Formula 1 setting added excitement without being overwhelming, making it easy to follow even if you're not an expert on the sport. The racing, team dynamics and behind-the-scenes atmosphere blended seamlessly with the romance.
I have never read this author before, however I saw this book posted on Threads and as soon as I saw it was about F1 I requested a copy to read.
The Break delivered an entertaining mix of racing, romance and plenty of emotional moments. Peter may have the reputation of being Formula 1's resident bad boy, but underneath the headlines is a man carrying far more than anyone realises. Watching his walls slowly come down as he falls for Molly was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Molly was exactly the kind of FMC I love, confident, capable and determined to make a name for herself rather than relying on her family's success. She challenged Peter while also becoming the safe place he never knew he needed.
The chemistry between them was undeniable. The romance is a satisfying slow burn with some steamy moments, but it never overshadows the emotional journey. I also loved the found-family feel within the team and how the supporting characters helped make the story feel warm and authentic.
The Formula 1 setting added excitement without being overwhelming, making it easy to follow even if you're not an expert on the sport. The racing, team dynamics and behind-the-scenes atmosphere blended seamlessly with the romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story taught me that feeling is Messy not linear. Peter Centimo had the greatest character development, and I enjoyed every bit of it. he changed so much about him for Molly. he changed himself. how much he became free because of Molly. She made him happy. And Molly is the greenest FMC ever. Because what do you mean molly didn't pressured him to say i love you even though he never initiated that I love you before that fabricated news. like who does that so I really love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author
I feel like I say books are fun alot but this book truly was a lot of fun to read. Light, not too emotional, pleasant to read. Left me feeling happy.
Good amount of spice but not overly graphic or thrown in just to have spice.
Do believe I will be going back and reading books 1-3 as well.
#indieauthor #arcreader #contemperaryromance #samwhitelock #thebreak
I feel like I say books are fun alot but this book truly was a lot of fun to read. Light, not too emotional, pleasant to read. Left me feeling happy.
Good amount of spice but not overly graphic or thrown in just to have spice.
Do believe I will be going back and reading books 1-3 as well.
#indieauthor #arcreader #contemperaryromance #samwhitelock #thebreak
June 29, 2026
4 ⭐️ I was immediately captivated with the chemistry between Peter and Molly. You could also tell Molly was a straight shooter and wouldn’t let Peter get away with his baby boy image he runs with. Peter was so lost and lonely it made you root for him to find his people, which he found a really good group of people! Such a cute romantic story with some racing sprinkled in!
June 26, 2026
3/5 ⭐️ ARC
This was well done in some aspects but felt a bit juvenile in others. The story of Peter and Molly was easy to follow and enjoyable, I just felt it was kind of lacking in something to really grip me and make me want to not put it down.
A pretty straight forward F1 romance.
This was well done in some aspects but felt a bit juvenile in others. The story of Peter and Molly was easy to follow and enjoyable, I just felt it was kind of lacking in something to really grip me and make me want to not put it down.
A pretty straight forward F1 romance.
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