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Be Quiet and Drive
Giulianna Gardella, heir to the Hollow Point Brotherhood, has had one hell of a week.
Between calling off her wedding and faking her own death, she can at least look forward to a Texas road trip with her brother. But when Giulianna finds herself trapped in the passenger seat with Gage, her former high school lover turned rival gang leader, her week goes from bad to worse.
Navigating together through highway shoot-outs, words left unspoken, and high octane fueled drama, will these two be able to set aside their differences for a common goal, or will their tumultuous past lurking in the rear view mirror slam the brakes on a second chance?
Suspenseful and strangely hilarious, BE QUIET AND DRIVE is a dark romance with a touch of tender puppy love about untethering ourselves from the damaging trauma of our past and begging the question, how far would you go for the ones you love?
Between calling off her wedding and faking her own death, she can at least look forward to a Texas road trip with her brother. But when Giulianna finds herself trapped in the passenger seat with Gage, her former high school lover turned rival gang leader, her week goes from bad to worse.
Navigating together through highway shoot-outs, words left unspoken, and high octane fueled drama, will these two be able to set aside their differences for a common goal, or will their tumultuous past lurking in the rear view mirror slam the brakes on a second chance?
Suspenseful and strangely hilarious, BE QUIET AND DRIVE is a dark romance with a touch of tender puppy love about untethering ourselves from the damaging trauma of our past and begging the question, how far would you go for the ones you love?
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Want to Read
August 7, 2026I'm so incredibly excited to finally share my very first novel, Be Quiet and Drive, with you all.
What started as a late night nagging idea about two enemies forced into very, very close proximity with one another, ended up becoming an exploration of learning the difference between blood-family and chosen family, learning to stop giving chances to those who don't deserve it, while also learning how to forgive yourself.
Writing Be Quiet and Drive was one of the most fun and heartbreaking journeys of my life and I hope readers can enjoy the wild ride for what it is. If you like angst, a killer playlist, and women hellbent on revenge, I think you'll really enjoy this story.
Lots and LOTS of love,
Chelsea
What started as a late night nagging idea about two enemies forced into very, very close proximity with one another, ended up becoming an exploration of learning the difference between blood-family and chosen family, learning to stop giving chances to those who don't deserve it, while also learning how to forgive yourself.
Writing Be Quiet and Drive was one of the most fun and heartbreaking journeys of my life and I hope readers can enjoy the wild ride for what it is. If you like angst, a killer playlist, and women hellbent on revenge, I think you'll really enjoy this story.
Lots and LOTS of love,
Chelsea
August 20, 2026
ARC review - This was a solid read, especially for a debut and an influencer novel!
I think the writing was phenomenal and flowed really well. Never a dull moment, I was very eager to keep reading!
I think the faults I have with the novel are more centered on the plot itself. For starters, it’s a very trope heavy book. I understand what tropes are used for, but instead of a plot that flows well from one trope to the next and actually makes sense of the tropes it utilizes, this novel felt like it was *insert trope here* to *insert trope there* with very little flow in between. There wasn’t really any lead up to most of these plot lines used and were imo thrown in just to have the trope.
I also found a few plotholes/story bits that weren’t expanded on that left me a little disappointed. For example, I think a major plot line or point of contention could’ve been how Gigi’s father was in the brotherhood for a reason. He must’ve done some horrendous things to be a member, and that wasn’t even brought up until the end of the book, and was only brought up for like one sentence.
Gigi’s brother, when describing Amos’ behavior, mentions how horribly Amos treats their mother, which was surprising to me since Gigi never mentions this at all. Not surprising in the sense that Amos treats her badly, because it’s very clear from the start that Amos is a dick, but surprising that Gigi never really brings this up.
Finally, I think the one-liners used throughout the book fall really flat and ruin the immersion of the novel. Like, we are in this serious mafia-esque business meeting and we’re making fun of each others dick sizes?? Like what?? The furry convention thing was also just really weird and did not fit the tone of the novel like at all. Look at my vigilante group dog I’m going to jail!!
All in all, a decent debut from an influencer. I think the author has some real potential and I’d be interested in exploring future novels from her!
I think the writing was phenomenal and flowed really well. Never a dull moment, I was very eager to keep reading!
I think the faults I have with the novel are more centered on the plot itself. For starters, it’s a very trope heavy book. I understand what tropes are used for, but instead of a plot that flows well from one trope to the next and actually makes sense of the tropes it utilizes, this novel felt like it was *insert trope here* to *insert trope there* with very little flow in between. There wasn’t really any lead up to most of these plot lines used and were imo thrown in just to have the trope.
I also found a few plotholes/story bits that weren’t expanded on that left me a little disappointed. For example, I think a major plot line or point of contention could’ve been how Gigi’s father was in the brotherhood for a reason. He must’ve done some horrendous things to be a member, and that wasn’t even brought up until the end of the book, and was only brought up for like one sentence.
Gigi’s brother, when describing Amos’ behavior, mentions how horribly Amos treats their mother, which was surprising to me since Gigi never mentions this at all. Not surprising in the sense that Amos treats her badly, because it’s very clear from the start that Amos is a dick, but surprising that Gigi never really brings this up.
Finally, I think the one-liners used throughout the book fall really flat and ruin the immersion of the novel. Like, we are in this serious mafia-esque business meeting and we’re making fun of each others dick sizes?? Like what?? The furry convention thing was also just really weird and did not fit the tone of the novel like at all. Look at my vigilante group dog I’m going to jail!!
All in all, a decent debut from an influencer. I think the author has some real potential and I’d be interested in exploring future novels from her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
ARC read - 5🌟 I love it!
This debut from a Chelsea T. Reed left me wanting more. The dual timeline giving us the present day and history between Giuliana and Gage helped me to really understand the characters and what they get themselves into. Minor characters turn out to be not so minor in the grand scheme of things and holy moly I did not expect the twists and turns she takes on during the journey. Super well paced and kept my attention from the very beginning. This book leaves me wanting more from Giuliana, Gage, Nico and Samiyah. Truly a well developed plot and mind blowing ending.
This debut from a Chelsea T. Reed left me wanting more. The dual timeline giving us the present day and history between Giuliana and Gage helped me to really understand the characters and what they get themselves into. Minor characters turn out to be not so minor in the grand scheme of things and holy moly I did not expect the twists and turns she takes on during the journey. Super well paced and kept my attention from the very beginning. This book leaves me wanting more from Giuliana, Gage, Nico and Samiyah. Truly a well developed plot and mind blowing ending.
August 28, 2026
2.5 ⭐
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book, Be Quiet and Drive.
I thought this book was alright. I liked the before story with Gigi and Gage meeting and started falling for each other. I didn't like the present time's story. There were so many parts that pulled me immediately out of the story. First examples are the random quips like furries and "putting faith in a McDonald's ice cream machine", and the whole chapter of vape conversion. Next were the couple of holes in the story. Who is bringing a fully loaded handgun on a plane?
After that was Gage ripping hands off people? What? And the gang wanted $600,000 to help feed kids in school? That's just some vigilante stuff that I was not expecting and didn't think fit in.
I found myself skimming the last 30% of the book because I just wanted it done and over with.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book, Be Quiet and Drive.
I thought this book was alright. I liked the before story with Gigi and Gage meeting and started falling for each other. I didn't like the present time's story. There were so many parts that pulled me immediately out of the story. First examples are the random quips like furries and "putting faith in a McDonald's ice cream machine", and the whole chapter of vape conversion. Next were the couple of holes in the story. Who is bringing a fully loaded handgun on a plane?
After that was Gage ripping hands off people? What? And the gang wanted $600,000 to help feed kids in school? That's just some vigilante stuff that I was not expecting and didn't think fit in.
I found myself skimming the last 30% of the book because I just wanted it done and over with.
August 21, 2026
Be Quiet & Drive by Chelsea T Reed
319 Pages
The Passenger Duet
Oh my, where to start, this book quite literally takes you on a trip one I wasn't ready to end, I am completely besotted with Guilianna and Gage from the very first moment we meet them but also when they meet each other,
With every chapter that passed I was eager to know what was coming next whether that was in the past or the present it didn't matter I was so invested in what made them well click, the events which shaped them into the individuals we see is the present,
I am excited to see where we go next and see more into what happens beyond the epilogue if that is what will come next.
I would highly recommend this book to honestly anyone looking for a wild ride! For fans of Dark Action Romance, Dual Timeline, Friends to Lovers to Enemies, Right Person Wrong Time, Forced Proximity and some Delicious Spicy Goodness.
319 Pages
The Passenger Duet
Oh my, where to start, this book quite literally takes you on a trip one I wasn't ready to end, I am completely besotted with Guilianna and Gage from the very first moment we meet them but also when they meet each other,
With every chapter that passed I was eager to know what was coming next whether that was in the past or the present it didn't matter I was so invested in what made them well click, the events which shaped them into the individuals we see is the present,
I am excited to see where we go next and see more into what happens beyond the epilogue if that is what will come next.
I would highly recommend this book to honestly anyone looking for a wild ride! For fans of Dark Action Romance, Dual Timeline, Friends to Lovers to Enemies, Right Person Wrong Time, Forced Proximity and some Delicious Spicy Goodness.
August 30, 2026
Review to come 🖤🖤🖤
August 16, 2026
I got the ARC, and it was her debut book. I can honestly say, this book was great. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC is absolutely perfect, the tension is great. The plot was amazing. Its a duology and I hope to get the ARC on that one too.
SPOILER:
Gigi's revenge was great!!! I loved the fact that her anxiety was so relatable and her insecurities as well. I love that she got to find out things on her own time. I also liked that she didnt go into details on their frist time sexually but she does when its present time, age does matter.
SPOILER:
Gigi's revenge was great!!! I loved the fact that her anxiety was so relatable and her insecurities as well. I love that she got to find out things on her own time. I also liked that she didnt go into details on their frist time sexually but she does when its present time, age does matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
An east coast dark romance? WAWA mentions?
Oh, I’m so in.
@chelseareads__ , you dropped this 👑👑👑 this book was so much fun! I loved being able to ARC read the tension between Gage and Giulianna! The tension, banter, suspense, and jokes had me HOOKED. I’m also dying to see what crazy road you take us down next.
Seriously y’all, don’t miss your chance to preorder this one. The writing style and pacing will play out like a movie in your head while you read.
Oh, I’m so in.
@chelseareads__ , you dropped this 👑👑👑 this book was so much fun! I loved being able to ARC read the tension between Gage and Giulianna! The tension, banter, suspense, and jokes had me HOOKED. I’m also dying to see what crazy road you take us down next.
Seriously y’all, don’t miss your chance to preorder this one. The writing style and pacing will play out like a movie in your head while you read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I had all, and then most of you, some, and now none of you. Take me back to the night we met."
Giulianna Gardella is running from her past - for a crime syndicate heiress, the endless skies of the Texas plains are surely wide enough to hide her forever. But her plans to disappear are cut short when the vigilante ex who broke her heart reappears to personally ferry her to her next destination - and he's not taking "no" for an answer. Across hundreds of miles and the echoing tides of their shared past, these two star-crossed enemies will uncover that which is best left unsaid; the betrayals which shape us; and - if they're lucky - a love smoldering begging for a spark to reignite.
One of my gripes with books that promise witty banter and tension and "dark romance" is that they end up feeling formulaic - girl meets guy, there's very little that actually makes them enemies/creates conflict, and over and over they fall into insta-love (really, insta-lust) and things are perfect. None of it feels human, and even stories with a good premise turn into a reskin of the same tropes - "sassy [profession] FMC X dark/brooding [profession] MMC".
"Be Quiet and Drive" takes convention and leaves it in so much octane-tinged dust baking under a southern sun - yes, at the end of the day it's a slow-burn romance, but it's also brimming with bright sparks of dark humor forged in the furnace of an elder millennial god; the fresh and nostalgic yearning of young discovery tinged by the bitterness of doors forever closed with the passing of years; the heart-pounding anxiety of living up to expectations internal and external; the cliff of a life carefully curated against the backdrop of the unknown; and the fragile and cautious hope curling towards the light of discovering that life may be offering you a second chance.
It's easy to try and pare down a book to tropes that people can pick and choose from when making a selection in what can sometimes feel like a saturated market. For me, "Be Quiet and Drive" takes this convention and makes its own roads - it's dark romance without the cringe and cliche; the underbelly of a crime syndicate that isn't run by GQ models who want to make Y/N their mafia princess; little moments of sunburn and funnel cakes and used-car-smells that make falling in love feel real; and the gut-twisting tension that you hope gets picked up by the likes of an A24 studio because it's destined to be the next cult classic.
I can't write an unbiased review of this book - Chelsea has been my best friend for the last decade (#DeleteItOld), and I've been lucky beyond belief to get to watch and help edit "Be Quiet and Drive" from its start as a rough outline in Microsoft Word to a fully-fledged manuscript in the final rounds of polishing before being debuted to the public. This book is the labor of all that she is - an eldest daughter with a healthcare career; a charismatic force of literature; a friend who puts others first to her own detriment; and genuinely one of the funniest, most caring people I know. It is the honor of my life to be her friend, and I can't wait for readers who've loved her online - and those who may be finding her for the first time - to fall head-over-heels into her debut novel (and many more to come).
Giulianna Gardella is running from her past - for a crime syndicate heiress, the endless skies of the Texas plains are surely wide enough to hide her forever. But her plans to disappear are cut short when the vigilante ex who broke her heart reappears to personally ferry her to her next destination - and he's not taking "no" for an answer. Across hundreds of miles and the echoing tides of their shared past, these two star-crossed enemies will uncover that which is best left unsaid; the betrayals which shape us; and - if they're lucky - a love smoldering begging for a spark to reignite.
One of my gripes with books that promise witty banter and tension and "dark romance" is that they end up feeling formulaic - girl meets guy, there's very little that actually makes them enemies/creates conflict, and over and over they fall into insta-love (really, insta-lust) and things are perfect. None of it feels human, and even stories with a good premise turn into a reskin of the same tropes - "sassy [profession] FMC X dark/brooding [profession] MMC".
"Be Quiet and Drive" takes convention and leaves it in so much octane-tinged dust baking under a southern sun - yes, at the end of the day it's a slow-burn romance, but it's also brimming with bright sparks of dark humor forged in the furnace of an elder millennial god; the fresh and nostalgic yearning of young discovery tinged by the bitterness of doors forever closed with the passing of years; the heart-pounding anxiety of living up to expectations internal and external; the cliff of a life carefully curated against the backdrop of the unknown; and the fragile and cautious hope curling towards the light of discovering that life may be offering you a second chance.
It's easy to try and pare down a book to tropes that people can pick and choose from when making a selection in what can sometimes feel like a saturated market. For me, "Be Quiet and Drive" takes this convention and makes its own roads - it's dark romance without the cringe and cliche; the underbelly of a crime syndicate that isn't run by GQ models who want to make Y/N their mafia princess; little moments of sunburn and funnel cakes and used-car-smells that make falling in love feel real; and the gut-twisting tension that you hope gets picked up by the likes of an A24 studio because it's destined to be the next cult classic.
I can't write an unbiased review of this book - Chelsea has been my best friend for the last decade (#DeleteItOld), and I've been lucky beyond belief to get to watch and help edit "Be Quiet and Drive" from its start as a rough outline in Microsoft Word to a fully-fledged manuscript in the final rounds of polishing before being debuted to the public. This book is the labor of all that she is - an eldest daughter with a healthcare career; a charismatic force of literature; a friend who puts others first to her own detriment; and genuinely one of the funniest, most caring people I know. It is the honor of my life to be her friend, and I can't wait for readers who've loved her online - and those who may be finding her for the first time - to fall head-over-heels into her debut novel (and many more to come).
September 6, 2026
**Big thank you to Chelsea Reeds for allowing me to be apart of her street team and having the opportunity to read an advance copy of her debut novel**
Tropes:
🚗 Forced Proximity
🚗 Friends to Lovers to Enemies
🚗 Feminine Rage
🚗 Dual Timeline
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite quotes:
“I've spent nearly all my life living under someone else's
boot. I've had to follow their rules, make decisions to benefit them, sacrifice everything that made me, me in hopes of appeasing their wishes.”
"Giulianna, you're not a selfish woman who took up too much space and let others suffer for it. You were the hopeful dreamer who fell in love. And when the time came to
choose between saving me or potentially killing us both, you let yourself drown."
This book gave me the full rollercoaster of emotions, I was experiencing all the feels along with the characters. Chelsea’s ability to write believable and love-able characters sticks with you and will have you thinking about them all the time.
The setting and descriptions were beautiful and made you see and feel the things and places the characters were experiencing while reading.
Be quiet & drive is action packed from start to finish, the ending was satisfying and worth every heartache this journey takes you through. The little detail of setting up book 2 and the possible “big bad” was perfect!
I really enjoy when it’s duel pov and you get to the see the story from different perspectives as it ties the duel timelines together in nice little bow. Seeing things from Nicko’s pov and how everything was one big set up to get Giuli out of the brotherhood caught me off guard. (Especially with the whole glove thing when the shoot out was happening!)
Expanding the world and more threats at the end caught me off guard! I am so excited about book 2 and can’t wait to read it!
Giuliana and Gage are truly meant to be and even when they weren’t together you could sense the tension between them. They are drawn to each other like moth to flame.
I shipped both couples from the time they are thrown together in the book to the very end. I can’t wait to see more of their found family in book 2.
This book gives us romance while also mixing in a Mr and Mrs. Smith vibe. If you enjoy action packed stories, romance, “it’s always been you”, then be quiet & drive is the book for you!
Be quiet & drive will be out Nov. 3 and it now up for preorder. Again, thank you to Chelsea for sending me an ARC to read early and thank you for picking to be apart of the street team. It’s been so fun being apart of the team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Tropes:
🚗 Forced Proximity
🚗 Friends to Lovers to Enemies
🚗 Feminine Rage
🚗 Dual Timeline
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite quotes:
“I've spent nearly all my life living under someone else's
boot. I've had to follow their rules, make decisions to benefit them, sacrifice everything that made me, me in hopes of appeasing their wishes.”
"Giulianna, you're not a selfish woman who took up too much space and let others suffer for it. You were the hopeful dreamer who fell in love. And when the time came to
choose between saving me or potentially killing us both, you let yourself drown."
This book gave me the full rollercoaster of emotions, I was experiencing all the feels along with the characters. Chelsea’s ability to write believable and love-able characters sticks with you and will have you thinking about them all the time.
The setting and descriptions were beautiful and made you see and feel the things and places the characters were experiencing while reading.
Be quiet & drive is action packed from start to finish, the ending was satisfying and worth every heartache this journey takes you through. The little detail of setting up book 2 and the possible “big bad” was perfect!
I really enjoy when it’s duel pov and you get to the see the story from different perspectives as it ties the duel timelines together in nice little bow. Seeing things from Nicko’s pov and how everything was one big set up to get Giuli out of the brotherhood caught me off guard. (Especially with the whole glove thing when the shoot out was happening!)
Expanding the world and more threats at the end caught me off guard! I am so excited about book 2 and can’t wait to read it!
Giuliana and Gage are truly meant to be and even when they weren’t together you could sense the tension between them. They are drawn to each other like moth to flame.
I shipped both couples from the time they are thrown together in the book to the very end. I can’t wait to see more of their found family in book 2.
This book gives us romance while also mixing in a Mr and Mrs. Smith vibe. If you enjoy action packed stories, romance, “it’s always been you”, then be quiet & drive is the book for you!
Be quiet & drive will be out Nov. 3 and it now up for preorder. Again, thank you to Chelsea for sending me an ARC to read early and thank you for picking to be apart of the street team. It’s been so fun being apart of the team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Because when we love someone, it’s not only when they’re whole. We l or them when they fall apart, too.”
Massive thanks to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
JAIL. Straight to jail. I can’t believe I finally get to scream out into the world about how much I love this book. It’s not everyday that your friend writes a book that’s also an absolute banger. And while I may be slightly biased, I wouldn’t put my weight behind a book I didn’t love.
This story hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. Giulianna has really been going through it and is looking forward to a road trip through Texas with her brother. But he’s not at the airport; Gage is. They were best friends in high school but after a falling out ended up in rival gangs. He doesn’t look at all like she remembers, but as they drive through Texas the tension can be cut with a knife. Gage knows more than he’s letting on and she’s determined to get it out of him despite her resurfacing feelings.
The tension and chemistry between Giulianna and Gage is absolutely perfect, especially as they fall into familiar banter. The dual timeline works so well her not only to establish their past as friends to lovers to enemies, but to also show their trauma and struggles. Giulianna’s loyalty to the Brotherhood seems straight forward until Gage is able to blow everything up. Finding out everything she believed to be true is a lie upends her whole life. And being stuck with Gage makes things difficult.
Gage is such a swoon. Regardless of their history, you can instantly tell how much he still cares for her. What this book does so well is the slow burn romance (which let’s be honest is a favorite of mine) mixed with the edge-of-your-seat feeling of a mafia romance. Both main characters have significant trauma that has bled into adulthood, and it makes them feel so rooted in reality. They’re humans in extraordinary circumstances. And I loved them so much.
I was lucky enough to beta read this in an earlier form, and I’m thrilled and proud to see where it has ended up. I remember screaming about the setup for a sequel and I did it again in its final form. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
Massive thanks to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
JAIL. Straight to jail. I can’t believe I finally get to scream out into the world about how much I love this book. It’s not everyday that your friend writes a book that’s also an absolute banger. And while I may be slightly biased, I wouldn’t put my weight behind a book I didn’t love.
This story hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. Giulianna has really been going through it and is looking forward to a road trip through Texas with her brother. But he’s not at the airport; Gage is. They were best friends in high school but after a falling out ended up in rival gangs. He doesn’t look at all like she remembers, but as they drive through Texas the tension can be cut with a knife. Gage knows more than he’s letting on and she’s determined to get it out of him despite her resurfacing feelings.
The tension and chemistry between Giulianna and Gage is absolutely perfect, especially as they fall into familiar banter. The dual timeline works so well her not only to establish their past as friends to lovers to enemies, but to also show their trauma and struggles. Giulianna’s loyalty to the Brotherhood seems straight forward until Gage is able to blow everything up. Finding out everything she believed to be true is a lie upends her whole life. And being stuck with Gage makes things difficult.
Gage is such a swoon. Regardless of their history, you can instantly tell how much he still cares for her. What this book does so well is the slow burn romance (which let’s be honest is a favorite of mine) mixed with the edge-of-your-seat feeling of a mafia romance. Both main characters have significant trauma that has bled into adulthood, and it makes them feel so rooted in reality. They’re humans in extraordinary circumstances. And I loved them so much.
I was lucky enough to beta read this in an earlier form, and I’m thrilled and proud to see where it has ended up. I remember screaming about the setup for a sequel and I did it again in its final form. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god I get to review my friend's book. How many people ever get a chance like this?
I'm a very lucky ARC and beta reader. I'm an even luckier developmental editor who got to see just how much love, pain, and hard work went into this story with each draft, each edit, each revision.
I have watched my friend fall in love with reading over the last several years and know how much it has become a piece of her heart and joy in life. I've watched her chase that dream for a full year and now get to celebrate all her efforts come to fruition.
Please forgive me for being biased. How could I give such a wonderful person anything less than five stars? (especially with the inescapable vanity of contributing edits)
Chelsea knows storytelling. You don't read hundreds and hundreds of books and become a fantastic source of recommendation without it burrowing into you.
What doubts she had when she first started writing, oh boy, they're still there. I've sat on the couch during the very long imposter syndrome fueled rants, and then wiped the tears from my eyes as I share how deeply this story hit me emotionally.
She set out to write something to make people smile, laugh, and be vulnerable about the reality of life, and of love. She hit the mark, dead center.
Her banter is quick, witty, comical, and charming. She knows how to lead you into the scene without you feeling the pull of the author, but guides you gracefully with loveable characters. They're awkward, they're kind, they're rude and crude. They're playful. They are real.
There are twists and turns -- not just the car ride either -- that still give me a sinking feeling of just how afraid I am things won't turn out the way I hope, I dream, I want, them to. Whether you are a Gage or a Gigi, you will find yourself quoting one incessantly for weeks, if not months.
Be Quiet and Drive is a debut that does not feel like a debut, but the work of a devoted and lovestruck writer finally finding her voice and sharing the stories swelling inside her.
I could not be more proud of what she worked so hard for, and how cinematic her vision is.
Chel, congrats. You did it.
I'm a very lucky ARC and beta reader. I'm an even luckier developmental editor who got to see just how much love, pain, and hard work went into this story with each draft, each edit, each revision.
I have watched my friend fall in love with reading over the last several years and know how much it has become a piece of her heart and joy in life. I've watched her chase that dream for a full year and now get to celebrate all her efforts come to fruition.
Please forgive me for being biased. How could I give such a wonderful person anything less than five stars? (especially with the inescapable vanity of contributing edits)
Chelsea knows storytelling. You don't read hundreds and hundreds of books and become a fantastic source of recommendation without it burrowing into you.
What doubts she had when she first started writing, oh boy, they're still there. I've sat on the couch during the very long imposter syndrome fueled rants, and then wiped the tears from my eyes as I share how deeply this story hit me emotionally.
She set out to write something to make people smile, laugh, and be vulnerable about the reality of life, and of love. She hit the mark, dead center.
Her banter is quick, witty, comical, and charming. She knows how to lead you into the scene without you feeling the pull of the author, but guides you gracefully with loveable characters. They're awkward, they're kind, they're rude and crude. They're playful. They are real.
There are twists and turns -- not just the car ride either -- that still give me a sinking feeling of just how afraid I am things won't turn out the way I hope, I dream, I want, them to. Whether you are a Gage or a Gigi, you will find yourself quoting one incessantly for weeks, if not months.
Be Quiet and Drive is a debut that does not feel like a debut, but the work of a devoted and lovestruck writer finally finding her voice and sharing the stories swelling inside her.
I could not be more proud of what she worked so hard for, and how cinematic her vision is.
Chel, congrats. You did it.
September 16, 2026
Now that’s how you do a debut! I love when authors are readers first because they know exactly what we want! The slow tension leading to hot spice, the suspense, the I shouldn’t want him, but I couldn’t stay away. And when did the gangly boy from my childhood get muscles like that? Honestly, I could go on and on about all the things Chelsea did spectacularly. One of my favorite tropes is the right person at the wrong time, and this one does it right. Giulianna made sure that Gage would walk away and never look back, and then having to confront him when her world had been turned upside down was incredible. I mean, she is really going through it, calling off her wedding, faking her death, and then getting kidnapped by her childhood love when she's supposed to be picked up by her brother. Be ready because this one will keep you guessing. I really loved the slow trickle of information as the story built. Chelsea gave just enough to keep you going and drive you crazy! With the flashbacks and the slow road trip, I couldn’t read fast enough to figure it all out. I was so intrigued by the Hollow Point solidarity and just how they fit into this whole disaster of a road trip. Trust that all will be answered, but you will have questions till the end. I love when authors write villains so well that you despise everything a character does, and you will despise Amos (and honestly all the brotherhood). Every time that man was on a page, it had my blood boiling, wishing him the worst. It was so intriguing to watch the pieces of Giulianna's shattered life slowly come back together to give you the depths the brotherhood went in the name of greed. Be prepared for violence, but you will get a little romance, and that spice scene, oh my god! Well done Chelsea, that’s going to live rent-free in my head. I really enjoyed this book. It gave me exactly what I want in a romance. If you want a fast-paced read to keep you on the edge of your seat, barrel down the highway into the chaos.
4/5 stars 2/5 spice
Tropes
Right person wrong time
forced proximity
lots of angst
revenge
tattooed MMC
friends to lovers to enemies
4/5 stars 2/5 spice
Tropes
Right person wrong time
forced proximity
lots of angst
revenge
tattooed MMC
friends to lovers to enemies
Review of advance copy received from Author
A second chance romance works best in cases like this one where there is a large time difference. The people they were at 18 are not the same as they are at 28. With that trope as a major plot device I felt the dual timeline format of this story was perfect. The reader gets the full story of what previously went wrong and why that happened. As kids not having a lot of control over their own lives I can understand why young Giuliana did what she felt she needed to do. I do have a few more questions for adult Giuliana though because that girl was naive.
This book is dark romance-lite and mafia-lite. Yes there was a good amount of gun usage, but there was also mention of gun safety and reform. The violence mainly served a purpose and wasn't too exaggerated. Although there's a scene involvingthat had me doubling back on what I just read.
Overall I really enjoyed the writing in this book. The story was fairly action packed and the pacing worked well for me. It never got too slow but perhaps a few things moved too fast. There was a lot of tension and dark humor, along with many references to where the author lives. But hey, write what you know, right? Definitely one of the better debut author books I have read.
There was just enough of a cliffhanger and questions not answered that keep you wanting to find out what comes next. I will absolutely be reading whatever Chelsea puts out next.
Thanks to the author for an ARC to review.
This book is dark romance-lite and mafia-lite. Yes there was a good amount of gun usage, but there was also mention of gun safety and reform. The violence mainly served a purpose and wasn't too exaggerated. Although there's a scene involvingthat had me doubling back on what I just read.
Overall I really enjoyed the writing in this book. The story was fairly action packed and the pacing worked well for me. It never got too slow but perhaps a few things moved too fast. There was a lot of tension and dark humor, along with many references to where the author lives. But hey, write what you know, right? Definitely one of the better debut author books I have read.
There was just enough of a cliffhanger and questions not answered that keep you wanting to find out what comes next. I will absolutely be reading whatever Chelsea puts out next.
Thanks to the author for an ARC to review.
August 25, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for an early ARC of this book! I LOVED this! It was like a thriller meets mafia meets romance vibe, and the absolute sass from both MCs hooked me from the first chapter. The story is told through a back and forth between different parts of the timeline to really give it that thriller type feel that was just delicious! DEFINITELY pick up this book in November!
✨“‘Giulianna, for Christ's sake, you're in an airport.
Put down the gun.’ …I say ‘Technically, I'm outside an airport,’ and click off the safety.”
✨“I don't even care that he's my brother; the next time I see Nico, I'm stabbing him. I might even slice a jalapeño or two with the knife before committing the act.”
✨“I have to squint as my pupils adjust to the bright lights of the convenience store in front of us. Or, at least I think it's a convenience store? It's massive, like if a 7-
Eleven and a department store had a baby. A ten-foot-tall buck-toothed beaver in a red hat stares at me
through the window. The lack of cars on our journey suddenly makes sensethey're all parked at this gas station Mecca.”
✨“…firing this gun might be better than sex”
✨“It's a wonder people don't instantly go into heat like un-spayed cats just being in his orbit.”
✨“‘Giulianna, for Christ's sake, you're in an airport.
Put down the gun.’ …I say ‘Technically, I'm outside an airport,’ and click off the safety.”
✨“I don't even care that he's my brother; the next time I see Nico, I'm stabbing him. I might even slice a jalapeño or two with the knife before committing the act.”
✨“I have to squint as my pupils adjust to the bright lights of the convenience store in front of us. Or, at least I think it's a convenience store? It's massive, like if a 7-
Eleven and a department store had a baby. A ten-foot-tall buck-toothed beaver in a red hat stares at me
through the window. The lack of cars on our journey suddenly makes sensethey're all parked at this gas station Mecca.”
✨“…firing this gun might be better than sex”
✨“It's a wonder people don't instantly go into heat like un-spayed cats just being in his orbit.”
August 19, 2026
What an absolutely fantastic debut! I don’t even know how to describe it to be perfectly honest. Gives off mafia vibes, but more so like motorcycle club, in actuality a gun club. Moderate violence throughout the book until it gets way more heated. If you’re a fan of the Raven Hood and what that group is to its community, and I feel like the HOB is similar vibes? I don’t know, I’m speechless and having trouble finding words because I just loved it so much and it just sucked me right in. Most important thing to know in my opinion is it is a debut novel written by a reader, very active in the book community, and truly understands what fellow readers enjoy. She took her knowledge and understanding of the community and poured it into a book and executed it in such a fantastic way. I am assuming it is set up to add more to the series with our side characters and I am so here for it if that’s the case. Pick up the box, go in blind, and just enjoy the ride.
October 9, 2026
This book was a delightful second change romance w a hint of enemies to lovers. It follows Guiliana and Gage, jumping between the present day as adults and their teenage years. The scenes of them as teens together had me tearing up myself!
Guiliana is a hard working, kind lady who has had many choices taken from her due to her family's connection to the gun club (essentially a PA mafia). She's been working tirelessly for 10 years to give back to the community through the club but darkness and corruption operate in the shadows.
We unravel her and Gage's love story w a split timeline, lots of banter, and spice that is spicing. There is a true innocence and beauty to the teenage love story that deepens every scene in their adult relationship.
The side characters are thoughtful and fun (book 2 should be delightful).
If you love a heartfelt, second chance romance with an FMC who learns the truth and acts on it, definitely check out this book!
Be Quiet and Drive drops November 3, 2026.
Guiliana is a hard working, kind lady who has had many choices taken from her due to her family's connection to the gun club (essentially a PA mafia). She's been working tirelessly for 10 years to give back to the community through the club but darkness and corruption operate in the shadows.
We unravel her and Gage's love story w a split timeline, lots of banter, and spice that is spicing. There is a true innocence and beauty to the teenage love story that deepens every scene in their adult relationship.
The side characters are thoughtful and fun (book 2 should be delightful).
If you love a heartfelt, second chance romance with an FMC who learns the truth and acts on it, definitely check out this book!
Be Quiet and Drive drops November 3, 2026.
September 3, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Well this book was a trip, in more ways than one!
The writing was so well done, it was a dual timeline and I thoroughly enjoyed both the “past” and “present” chapters which is not something I can always say about dual timeline books.
And these characters!! I was so attached to them from the beginning and I don’t think I’ll be letting go any time soon!
Guiliana was such a well represented character in terms of her anxiety and everything she’s been through, you could really see the difference in her from the past and present chapters and I appreciated that so much!
Gage was a bit more realistic as a teenager for me than he was as his present-day self, but their banter and chemistry made up for it.
Samiyah and Nico were such good side characters! I loved Samiyah SO much for being by her side from young and her personality as well!
Unfortunately there were a little bit of plot holes for me with the gun gangs pre-fake death. Between the gangs, I get why they had to bring the money up and where they got it from as Gage and Gigi had history with it - as well as other a couple of other things that came up in that fight - but that seemed like more of a vigilante issue than a gun club problem.
Aside from this, I loved the writing style, I loved the characters’ arcs and the plot twists! And the banter was just top tier!
September 14, 2026
Be quiet & drive
Read this if you love…friends to strangers to lovers. A whole lot of history. Dual timeline chapters. Dark romance. Road trip.
As I’m sure many of you guys know Chelsea runs a booksta account full of stunning recommendations and vids. This is her first book and I jumped when I saw the ARC sign ups, because I just knew this was going to be so freaking good. Honoured to be part of Chelsea’s street team and discord server also 🫶🏻
Gigi and Gage…what a dynamic duo. I loved the shooty meet cute and history between them. My heart physically ached for Gigi and everything she (and everyone else) went through. Big ouch
There were some spicy scenes, yearning, scenes that made me feel so sad, wholesome falling in love scenes too. This book had it all
The way this story wrapped up and finished (…kinda) I loved. I love happy endings but also bittersweet ones that leave you feeling a lot and have so many questions running through your mind
Read this if you love…friends to strangers to lovers. A whole lot of history. Dual timeline chapters. Dark romance. Road trip.
As I’m sure many of you guys know Chelsea runs a booksta account full of stunning recommendations and vids. This is her first book and I jumped when I saw the ARC sign ups, because I just knew this was going to be so freaking good. Honoured to be part of Chelsea’s street team and discord server also 🫶🏻
Gigi and Gage…what a dynamic duo. I loved the shooty meet cute and history between them. My heart physically ached for Gigi and everything she (and everyone else) went through. Big ouch
There were some spicy scenes, yearning, scenes that made me feel so sad, wholesome falling in love scenes too. This book had it all
The way this story wrapped up and finished (…kinda) I loved. I love happy endings but also bittersweet ones that leave you feeling a lot and have so many questions running through your mind
August 21, 2026
I was absolutely engrossed in this book and could not put it down. I absolutely adore the chemistry of the main characters Gigi and Gage. I love how Chelsea intertwines their history and past in to the story so it doesn't just feel like a lot of lore and history being dumped on you. Instead it feels like you are remembering the last events with Gigi as they happen. This book had me laughing, crying, and giggling and kicking my feet in happiness. This had all my favorite aspects in one book, friends to enemies, enemies to lovers, the one who never stopped caring. The main female learning she is a badass and can save the day. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone, and will probably become extremely annoying about wanting to talk about this book. I can't wait for book two.
September 20, 2026
Lets go for a road trip across one of the largest states in America for a few days. While we're at it, let's unpack a complex decade long relationship, look at all the things we try to ignore about our life and ourselves, but have delicious banter, a solid playlist and a handsome divil of an MMC with us. Sound good? You're going to love this book.
Through emotional flashback sequences, Ms Reed expertly provides detailed context for our main characters intricate relationship. Ms Reed's attention to detail extends to her pulse racing action sequences, that would rival any movie franchise. With a cherry on top, she has also restored my faith in blonde MMCs.
This is a debut novel. We're in for one hell of a ride with this career.
Through emotional flashback sequences, Ms Reed expertly provides detailed context for our main characters intricate relationship. Ms Reed's attention to detail extends to her pulse racing action sequences, that would rival any movie franchise. With a cherry on top, she has also restored my faith in blonde MMCs.
This is a debut novel. We're in for one hell of a ride with this career.
October 3, 2026
Thanks to Chelsea for the chance to read this ARC!
3.75⭐️
For whatever reason, this took me a minute to get into, but when I did, it was a face-paced, quick read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Gigi and Gage, they were adorable together. This was my first time reading a mafia romance, which I don’t know if that’s exactly my jam, but I did overall enjoy this book and will likely read book 2.
This book could have done with another round of editing to flush out some of the story and character development. Some bits were confusing and unrealistic, then a bit rushed at the end. I also don’t know if I would put this in the dark category, but maybe that’s just my perspective.
3.75⭐️
For whatever reason, this took me a minute to get into, but when I did, it was a face-paced, quick read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Gigi and Gage, they were adorable together. This was my first time reading a mafia romance, which I don’t know if that’s exactly my jam, but I did overall enjoy this book and will likely read book 2.
This book could have done with another round of editing to flush out some of the story and character development. Some bits were confusing and unrealistic, then a bit rushed at the end. I also don’t know if I would put this in the dark category, but maybe that’s just my perspective.
August 11, 2026
so like can i get book two yet? i had such a fun time reading Be Quite & Drive, it was fast paced, funny, steamy, sexy, and just an overall good time. Gage & Giulianna have the best amount of tension and yearning and want. I loved all the little philly easter eggs (wawa is superior) as someone who just moved to the south jersey/philly area it’s always so fun to see places in books that I’ve seen/been to in real life. I cannot wait for book two to see how all of this wraps up. Thank you to Chelsea for the early copy!!!
September 24, 2026
now i KNEW Chelsea was gonna crush it, but i definitely didn’t know she was gonna have me wanting more after each damn page. absolutely stunning and i truly can not wait for book 2.
the tension between our fmc and mmc was PHENOMENAL omg????? the writing made it so easy to feel like i was walking in this world seeing everything first hand.
Chelsea did such an amazing job at making me feel the feelings each character felt. this book was worth the heartache.
thank you to the sweetest Chelsea for this ARC, i am so utterly thankful for you and your story!!!
the tension between our fmc and mmc was PHENOMENAL omg????? the writing made it so easy to feel like i was walking in this world seeing everything first hand.
Chelsea did such an amazing job at making me feel the feelings each character felt. this book was worth the heartache.
thank you to the sweetest Chelsea for this ARC, i am so utterly thankful for you and your story!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god this book was a freaking wild ride *pun intended*
This was such a thrill from start to finish, it actually now holds the position of the fastest I've read a book all year!
I loved the dual timelines and the multiple POVs, I feel like it really added to the thriller aspect of this book.
Chelsea, thank you so much for letting me read this early and thank you for proving me wrong that I can love a blond MMC. 🖤
This was such a thrill from start to finish, it actually now holds the position of the fastest I've read a book all year!
I loved the dual timelines and the multiple POVs, I feel like it really added to the thriller aspect of this book.
Chelsea, thank you so much for letting me read this early and thank you for proving me wrong that I can love a blond MMC. 🖤
August 23, 2026
This is one of those books where your heart wi ll absolutely be shattered and stitched back together. The tears i shed during the events of this book will be ups’d to chelsea for book 2.
this book took me on a ride (pun very intended) that i haven't experienced yet with any book. The right person wrong time trope plays beautifuly throughout the story.
thank you soooo much chelsea for the arc!!!
can’t wait for the audiobook & book 2! <3
this book took me on a ride (pun very intended) that i haven't experienced yet with any book. The right person wrong time trope plays beautifuly throughout the story.
thank you soooo much chelsea for the arc!!!
can’t wait for the audiobook & book 2! <3
August 27, 2026
Arc reader
Be quiet and drive
For a debut author this was a really good read.
I had big expectations for this author and this book and they were met for me.
The book had a good pace that suited my concentration well.
Good bantering that I really loved.
I'm black from this book of what's gonna happen in book two. And That's not many
Authors that I have read so far can do so I can't wait for book two 🤩
Be quiet and drive
For a debut author this was a really good read.
I had big expectations for this author and this book and they were met for me.
The book had a good pace that suited my concentration well.
Good bantering that I really loved.
I'm black from this book of what's gonna happen in book two. And That's not many
Authors that I have read so far can do so I can't wait for book two 🤩
September 5, 2026
Was very blessed to ARC read this beauty. The wit and humor in it are my favorite, the intense scenes are so well thought out, the spice isn’t overwhelming and added to the story which I do think a lot of people forget when writing them, and more importantly I can’t wait to read the next one. There were some really cool twists I didn’t expect - this is not my usual genre but if they were all like this, I’d eat them up. Absolutely brilliant, can’t believe this is her first book. Enjoy!
September 19, 2026
I was so excited to read Chelsea's debut, and I absolutely enjoyed it. I loved the dual timeline, but the high school one was my favorite. Really enjoyed seeing Gigi and Gage's friendship evolve during their teen years, awkward and adorable 😊 Adult Gigi and Gage were badass with some steamy tension. Appreciated seeing them show their vulnerabilities and support for each other. The HPB secrets tho!! I didn't see most of those coming, truly evil. Are we getting a Nico book?? 👀
August 24, 2026
This may be the first dual timeline book I’ve actually enjoyed. Without the glimpses into the past, the present timeline would be boring and overdone. I could have done with more angst between the two main characters, making each other work for their forgiveness. But I’m a sucker for banter so my opinion is biased.
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