Rivals

The Driven World

by Stephanie Nichole

Rathe McCall was at the top of his game in the Indy Racing World until one tragedy knocked him off the track. After a race season of losses he knows he needs to move forward or his career will be the next thing to go up in smoke.
Sutton Pierce has never had anything handed to her but when the opportunity of a lifetime is, what will she do? It's too good to pass up but is it too good to be true too? Then she meets Rathe, her Revv-It Racing teammate but it's not the warm welcome she would hope for.
The two are forced together off and on the track but as the pasts and true colors start to show can they stop the feelings from speeding up their hearts? When the smoke surrounding them starts to create sparks will the rivals find love on the track?
Stephanie Nichole's Rivals is an enemies to lovers romance written in K. Bromberg's Driven Worlds project.

304 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2020

About the author

Stephanie Nichole is an Amazon Bestselling Author. She lives in a small town with her family in New Mexico. She graduated college in 2010 with a degree in business and accounting. However, her true passion is all things book related. As a student English and Literature were her favorite subjects. Weekly library trips with her mother also helped instill her love for books. Stephanie would look forward to summer most of all, not because she was out of school but for the summer reading groups at her local library. After a friend’s encouragement she started her author journey in 2016.


Stephanie is an avid book, music and old Hollywood movie lover. When she's not busy reading or writing she's probably binge watching Netflix.


Stephanie also loves to connect with her readers and love social media.


Reader's group: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeRG
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Author page: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeFB
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeBB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WF23P0
Instagram: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeIG
Kingston Publishing Company Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KPCRe...

Reviews

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! This book is good. This is an enemies to lovers racing romance. This is part of K. Bromberg's Driven Series and this author totally fit the bill. It had all the feels that a K. Bromberg novel has. This is the story of Rathe who is a racer on top and then an accident happens that leaves him with guilt and fear that he feels he can't overcome. He is supposed to be the top driver. Now his team has hired a new driver, Sutton. Sutton hasn't had it easy and she almost doesn't believe she is good enough for this race team. But soon her skills show on the track. Sutton and Rathe start out as rivals but soon the sparks fly and they become more. But there are major things in the way and they aren't sure if they can overcome. I was instantly pulled into this novel. I wanted both of their happiness. The chemistry with these characters was amazing and I couldn't get enough. The racing scenes made me feel like I was there, on the track, watching it all happen. This is a must read for racing romance fans. Get ready to be consumed fully by this story.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a great enemies to lovers tale. Throw in the Driven world that I love so much and you have a fast paced entertaining story to lose yourself in. Rathe and Sutton’s chemistry sparked to life the first time they met. What started as friction ignited into so much more and it had me secretly rooting for their happily ever after. It was nice getting to reconnect with Colton and Rylee. No matter how much time passes it always feels like meeting up with old friends. This was my first time reading Stephanie Nichole and I look forward to reading many more.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You turned my world upside down the day you came racing into it. I was certain you were meant to be my rival but I think it’s so much more than that. You’re meant to be the love of my life. I see that now. I know I hurt you. I know you’re scared but I promise to protect you at all costs. You belong with me. You’re mine Sutton.”

Rivals brings us the story of Sutton and Rathe. Two Lovers of speed and race drivers who end up playing for the same team. What they didn't expect was to find each other, help each other heal from traumas of the past and also find love at the end of their journey.

They're both a little broken, more Sutton than Rathe. She's used to being along and hurt by the people who was supposed to love her no matter what. It's hard to trust for her, but Rathe, he breaks her walls little by little and helps her see not everyone is the same. I was a little annoyed by Sutton at times, but overall this is a sweet story with a Happy Ending.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe and Sutton demanded my attention from the first moment I met each of them in this book. He’s got the persona of a racing playboy but hides the torment and grief inside, while she’s the rookie who never even dared to dream that her life could take the turn it has. While their animosity toward each other seems bone-deep, all it takes is some honesty for their attraction to thrive. That is, until ego gets in the way. And boy, does it get in the way. But Rathe doesn’t know how to give up and crafts the perfect plan to prove to Sutton just how he truly feels.

I loved that Rathe refused to simply move on after everything went south and I especially loved that he had Sutton’s back at every turn. This was a fabulous tale of just how much a man will risk for the woman he shouldn’t love, but absolutely does anyway.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe is a Indy driver, who is letting the past interfere with his future.
Sutton hasn’t had it easy and finds it hard to trust.
When they meet it is clear they are not only meant to be rivals but that they would turn each other into better versions of themselves .
The attraction between these two had me turning pages faster than ever, add in that this author never disappoints and I was buckled in for a great ride !

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe is trying to live through his past and keep his position as a driver for Rev-it Racing. But if he can’t get his head back into it he’s done. So the last thing he needs is a new driver coming on board and being his rival. Especially when she gets out of the car, his heart stops.

Sutton won’t let the walls of her past come down for any reason. So when she’s offered a chance to race for real, all her dreams start to come true. But when she meets Rathe, he makes her rethink everything.

But they can’t seem to make it work, everything is against them!

[Raja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivals!!!!

Everything about this word just gives me all the feels!! I don’t want to give the names away because this story will make you think about who the loves interests could be!

I’ll start by saying I have never read a book that featured a female race car driver! That alone made the story even more interesting, throw in a few obstacles along the way and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster, or do you?

The storyline was great! I do love a good enemies to lovers romance and this book gave me what I loved and then some!

Okay I can’t hold it any longer! Rathe was sex on a stick and I was so in love with him from the moment I met him. His mean streak towards Sutton proved to only be because he didn’t know how to hand her beauty!

Sutton was feisty and sassy all in one! She always put much thought into anything that concerned her or her BFF Evanna! She had a hard time trusting others and that’s why for the longest it was just her and Evanna against the world! I loved Evanna too and I hope she gets a HEA!

This book was a great start to awesome series! I loved every minute of it!

[Makayla Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indy driver Rathe McCall had the world in the palm of his hand until tragedy struck. Sutton Pierce is a guarded up-and-coming driver who doesn't mind a little competition from her brooding Revv-It Racing teammate. The two of them collide in a hard-hitting romance that has them willing to risk it all.
I was hooked on Sutton's character from the beginning. Her take no sh-t attitude that stemmed from her childhood trauma made her seem a little guarded, but you can tell that she loves deeply and fiercely. Rathe was used to winning, but after his tragedy he became bitter and lashed out at people he suspected may care about him. Sutton was just the person to break through that tough guy exterior and bring him back to the top of his game.
Rivals is a story of letting go and leaving it all on the track told through compelling characters, a gripping storyline and a hefty dose of romance that fired on all cylinders.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! What an incredible story! I had no idea this was part of a series. I can't wait to read all of the books in the “Driven World Series”. This story is full of hope and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. I rooted for Sutton and Rathe. This was a sweet, forbidden romance that will appeal to those who love Indy racing, a sexy hero and a sweet heroine! I absolutely loved it! I did not want this story to end. I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe is an Indy racer who is at the top of his game until tragedy strikes. Sutton has trust issues understandably after continually being hurt by the people who are supposed to love her. These two are broken souls, and they end up as teammates, where they butt heads, and the chemistry between them is undeniable, and they heal each other from their pasts. This is a well written tale which is sweet, intriguing, and entertaining, which had me hooked throughout this amazing story. I highly recommend for all.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! I love when she tells us stories about street racers, although this time they become Indy racers. Sutton is a very strong, sassy, smart woman and Rathe is a sexy and smart young man. They meet on the track and initially hate each other, but eventually that changes. A lot of situations happen in between and they end up having their HEA and creating a wonderful project. Loved it!

[Stacy Curtice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe and Sutton’s story is exactly what an enemies o lovers book should be. What these two had to go through before finding their place that they belong makes you cheer for them so much more. These two deserve their HEA!

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rathe and Sutton have a hate/love relationship when they first meet and I loved the banter and the back and forth because of it. Their attraction is simmering and working together, they can't help but realize that maybe there is more than meets the eye. The story grabbed and kept me reading until the very end. I loved the characters and how their relationship developed.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe and Sutton definitely were made for one another! They completed each other and healed the tattered remains of their past. In a world of racing, you need to push past the need for speed to achieve each everything you need.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Rathe and Sutton are complex and endearing characters. Both of them have to learn to let others in. I loved seeing how it all pans out. The whole Indy racing team atmosphere pulled me in and held my attention.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all are a little bit broken. When you find someone who helps you heal and make you whole again grab on and enjoy the ride. This is a wonderful love story with all the feels.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. I felt so many emotions whilst reading this story, it was a brilliant ride. The storyline was captivating and kept me interested throughout. The characters were fantastic to read about and so enjoyable. A fantastic edition to this series.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe, an Indy driver, has been been struggling on the track. The last thing he needs is a new driver and a rival joining Rev-it Racing. Sutton joins the team as a new driver. When Rathe and Sutton meet they hate each other, but that soon changes. I loved Rathe and Sutton’s chemistry. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this one did not disappoint. I loved it!

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rathe and Sutton’s journey. Rathe is a Indy driver who has been struggling on the track. Sutton is an up and coming driver that joins Rathe’s team Rev-it Racing. I enjoyed their chemistry, even though they both tried to deny it at first. I loved the way they healed each other. Their story was beautifully written and I was happy they got their happy ending.

[buzy_reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

She was meant to be his rival on the track. Rivals is about rookie Indy car driver Rathe who crashed during his first season on the track. Rathe is an excellent driver but nightmares and anxiety hold him back.
Because Rathe is no longer the driver he was at the start of the season Tucker had to recruit another driver to help the team get some wins. Tucker recruits street racer Sutton. Rathe doesn’t know it yet but the new recruit is a woman and his newest rival.
Rathe is angry with Tucker for recruiting another driver. He knows this rival is going to be competition for him. He needs to get his head on straight and pull off a few wins.
Sutton is a confident racer. While watching Rathe practice on the track her heart breaks for him and trauma he’s allowed to cloud his thoughts. She knows crashes is apart of racing, but to see him crumble under the pressure does something to her.
Rivals is a character driven story with a few supporting characters. I would expect nothing less from a race car story. However, a few characters crowded the storyline. Evanna’s character was one of those characters I could’ve done without.
I appreciated how Ms. Nichole focused on many other aspects of racing that go unnoticed such as the scheduled appearances and team rivals between a female driver in a male dominated sport. However, I had hoped there would be more racing storyline not just the mention that they raced. The story’s more about the relationship between two racers off the track.
The enemies to lovers trope wasn’t very convincing. I didn’t feel like they were enemies at all. Rathe came across as bitter and a little sore that his number one spot might be taken by a female rookie.
I really wanted to be more invested in this story since it’s based on the Driven series by K. Bromberg. I was so excited by the prospect of this book. I just wasn’t drawn in. There wasn’t a connection. I envisioned more of a racing story not a story about racers. They spent more time off the track then on it.
I wasn’t expecting so much of the storyline to revolve around the press tour I guess in my mind since this is a story about rival Indy race car drivers we would read about them competing on the track not falling in love off the track.
The obstacles Nichole created weren’t very challenging. They were pretty common fears. I way they overcame them wasn’t very compelling.
I did like the way Nichole incorporated Colton and Rylee’s characters into the story. Although, I would’ve liked a little more interaction.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can either of them win the checkered flag

Rivals by Stephanie Nichole is part of the multi-author The Driven World series. It is the story of Rathe McCall and Sutton Pierce.
Rathe is an Indy racecar driver and is the best on his team. But when he is involved in a bad accident his confidence shaken to it's core leaving him with panic attacks and anxiety. He is not sure what to do or how to get back to the way her was before. When the team hires a new driver it turns out to be a double-edged knife for Rathe. The driver is a woman, Sutton, and he is attracted to her. But she is also a rival and they start out in a battle to see who will come out on top. Sutton is a young woman who has not had an easy life. But she is extremely talented at driving (street racing) and knowing a car so her talent has led to some breaks. When she gets the offer to join the team she is not sure she actually belongs but soon she is shining on the track and letting her talent speak for itself. However she still has her own demons to fight and attitudes which need to be shifted before she can be really successful. For Sutton there is also Rathe, the man that is her teammate, her rival and will soon become her lover. But will either of them get the checkered flag in the end.....each others heart?

This was a nicely written book with a solid story-line and well developed characters. The author has done a really wonderful job with writing about racing and weaving the action and adrenaline with the romance and sexy. This is a very enjoyable rivals to lovers story with more than a few bumps and spin-outs along the way.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed in Rivals by Stephanie Nichole. I have not read The Driven World series by K. Bromberg, but I just expected more from this book. I wanted more relationship development, more racing, more excitement, more spice.

The author had Rathe and Sutton in a rival to lover forbidden romance, but then just jump over the forbidden part of the ending. The entire conclusion just felt underdeveloped. I also think this book could have been spicier, but that's up to the discretion of the author.

For a book with two characters in the racing circuit, the author included little to no racing in the story. Most of the book took place before the racing season, but once the season started, the author just skipped all the races and instead told the reader what place the characters won. This was disappointing. Reading the race from the driver's perspective would have been interesting and added excitement to the book.

This book was just kind of boring, and I wanted more. I would only rate this book two stars.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I loved Rathe and Sutton's story. This was a great enemies to lovers story that was a real page turner. You could feel the chemistry between these two from the moment they met. Rathe is trying to get over the anxiety he feels every time he gets behind the wheel after a tragic race accident. Sutton is a street racer who is recruited to join the Indy Racing World. Even though there is an instant attraction between these two, they are both stubborn and fight it because on the tracks they are rivals. Forced to spend time together off and on the track, they intensity between these two finally combust, but obstacles and insecurities has them questioning their relationship. Another great story in the Driven World I have read. I look forward to reading more from this series.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read the Driven series in a hot moment but when I saw this book I had to get it because I know what Miss Nichole is capable of and how she writes! I highly recommend this series and the Driven series also! This book is number 16 and it is a great addition to this series! In this book we meet Rathe and Sutton. Now these two are explosive and divine. One is already at the top and managing to fall the other is at the bottom striving for the top! It is one of the rarities and is so worth the time to read! You do not need to read the whole series to get the jist of what is happening but I do want you to know that each story is written wonderfully and you will not be sorry that you did! This is a great addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe has created a successful career racing cars, but a traumatic event has left him struggling to regain the confidence he used to have. The last thing that he needs is a new member to challenge his position on the team especially when his thoughts about her go much deeper than co-workers.

Sutton may not have the experience that Rathe has when it comes to racing but there is no denying her ability. She has had to work for everything she has achieved in her life and she is prepared to battle for her place on the team as well.

There is no denying the chemistry between them and even though their journey had its setbacks they prove that they make the perfect team both personally and professionally.

[Maribel Palazuelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Stephanie Nichole can write any trope and I’m gonna like it. I love this book! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop, I liked it since the beginning.
I love the chemistry between the main characters and how they felt something for each other since the beginning, they’re needed each other and I’m so happy for them.
I’ll admit that I got frustrated at the beginning cause I could feel the sexual tension, I was screaming “Just kiss already” since they met, that’s how amazing they’re connection was.

I just keep loving Stephanie’s books, she’s a really good writer and this book was really really good,

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a collision course! Rathe and Sutton are complete opposites on the surface, but as you start to look more closely, there are similarities.

They both got their start in a similar fashion. Street racing is apparently the way to get noticed in certain circles, but you definitely have to be able to back it up. But after a horrible accident in front of him on the track, Rathe is scared, and Sutton maybe the punch in the stomach he needs.

Here’s the thing, Sutton has issues... She runs scared and has a bad “track” record with men, yeah, I went there. When she thinks Rathe cheats, she goes back to her scumbag ex... The winner’s circle isn’t only on the track in this one.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rathe and Sutton are rivals and team mates. Thrown together, Rathe struggles to overcome issues to allow them to have any type of relationship. Can these two manage to get along? There is a fine line between love and hate. What happens when they can’t resist each other anymore? A great story and addition to this world of stories!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Rivals and what a great read by Stephanie Nichole. I thoroughly enjoyed this book that takes you on a great emotional ride full of insta-connection, twists & turns, as these enemies-to-lovers figure out how they feel about each other. There was never a dull moment, I love the ease of Stephanie Nichole’s writing style, it was easy to pick up the book and not want to put it down.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic !! It works so wonderfully in the Driven world ! I was so excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint !! It is a very well written racing story that kept my attention the entire time !!

I absolutely recommend this book, and look forward to reading more by this author !!