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Queens Crescent #2

Pole Position

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Charles Worthington was once the best driver in Formula One…until the lifestyle took over. Now, fresh out of rehab, he’s ready to take back his crown. Then he meets new teammate and handsome Brazilian, Luis Salvatore.

Despite being a famous womaniser, Charles has always had an eye for an attractive male. This time it’s different—Luis has the most profound effect on him. Being sober changes everything.

But in Formula One, teammates are also rivals and Luis’ contract is up for renewal. Only the number one podium will do.
Bitter rivalry and animal lust are an explosive combination. Will this get them both to the chequered flag?

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2023

7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Kristian Parker

35 books57 followers
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,792 reviews24 followers
February 1, 2023
‘Every fibre of Charles wanted to kiss him right then and there. He could just imagine Meera’s reaction to that, let alone Luis’. She had wanted to kill a rivalry. He didn’t think she would be too pleased at swapping it for an ill-conceived kiss in front of the world’s press. “You’re a revelation, Luis Salvatore,” he said, instead.’

What is star race car driver Charles, recently out of rehab, to do when he is teamed up with a beautifully kind upcoming driver? Maybe unexpectedly fall in love!

Charles has had a spectacular amount of highs and lows, both on and off the track, but must come to terms with both his sexuality and his emotions when handsome, young and openly gay driver, Luis, becomes a challenge to his not only his career but more importantly his heart, in Pole Position, book 2 in Kristian Parker’s delightful Queens Crescent series.

There is drama, as those who support these two drivers make their journey a rough one. But rest assured, you will find a Happy Ever After at this finish line!
Profile Image for Ellie Thomas.
Author 62 books76 followers
January 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas at Queen's Cresent, the first story in this new series by Kristian Parker, so I was really looking forward to this sequel. I must say that this faced-paced, entertaining tale exceeded all my expectations.

I loved the way that Kristian threw us into the fast-paced world of Formula 1, with all its glamour, money, and pitfalls. Charles was a terrific MC, someone who had succumbed to the temptations of the lifestyle and is emerging on the other side, sober, wiser, sadder, and a great deal more circumspect.

The high-octane atmosphere of the international racing circuit and celebrity back-stabbing and manouevring was hugely entertaining and the plot rolled along very engagingly. What gave the story its depth was Charles' newly acquired self-knowledge and heart-searching, together with the dynamic between him and Luis which was a delight to read.

And when we did return to Queen's Crescent, it was a delight to meet the regular neighbours again. I hope we get to see more of them in the third instalment of this very entertaining series.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
February 8, 2023


Check out our full post for POLE POSITION on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
If you enjoy Formula One, and like to imagine the machinations behind the scenes, and the potential romances between drivers, you will find this a very enjoyable read. It is both racy thanks to the cars, but also because Charles and Luis are hot on and off the track.

It was fun to see their rivalry in races, their obligations as teammates, and the chemistry they are unable to deny. It would complicate things in any workplace, but in the high-octane world of Formula One it is unique and explosive.

A fun read; I am looking forward to the next installment.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Annie.
23 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
3 stars. Pole Position features two Formula One drivers on the same team, one of which is the first out driver, and the other is in recovery from alcohol addiction that nearly ruined his career a year prior.

Stuff You Should Know:
Single POV: third person limited, past tense
Explicit
I didn’t know that there was a first book in this series, so I assume that it’s not necessary to read it. I didn’t have any trouble understanding anything.
MC with a mental illness: alcohol addiction (in recovery)
Insta-lust/insta-love

What I Loved:
F1. What we saw felt the way that F1 really feels. Teammates often fight with each other for a position, and they can knock each other out as a result.

Luis’s care regarding Charles’s addiction. He was very understanding and supportive.

What I Didn’t:
Everything happened too fast. It didn’t feel like a cohesive story. Maybe it’s because I don’t love an insta-lust/insta-love story, but everything that happened felt very sudden. From the start of the book to the end was three or four weeks.

There wasn’t enough F1. We only saw three races! For a book set in F1, we hardly saw anything that actually had to do with F1.

What happened to Barnaby? What happened after Charles came out? How did the rest of the season go? Did they get their contracts renewed? It was like the last 50 pages just got cut off.
318 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2023
I loved the first book in the series, and this second installment takes a new approach by moving out of the neighborhood in favor of globe-trotting action. It's all about two race car drivers falling in love while competing (although they're on the same team).

Charles, with his determination to maintain his sobriety and his drive (heh) not to be put out to pasture due to his age, was very relatable. I was rooting for him. I wish, though, I cared more about the sport or the setting. I was disappointed that the neighborhood wasn't nearly as important in this volume as the first, with only a few mentions. But then, it's hard to set events at home when the main characters are competitors traveling the world for races. I similarly wished that some of the supporting cast had more personality development; at times, they were merely plot devices, and I don't know why they did what they did other than the need for some story conflict.

I liked Luis and Charles together, but there isn't much background for the relationship; instead, it's instant attraction. So if you like those kinds of stories, where the conflict is more "what will the public think" than "how will these two guys get together", with an action racing overlay, this book will be a better fit for you. (I was given an advance digital review copy for the purpose of review.)
3,044 reviews21 followers
February 5, 2023
Charles Worthington, fresh out of rehab, is trying to make a comeback in Formula One. He wants to get to the top so he can end his career in a good spot and not as someone who let fame get to, went out of control and blew. He gets a chance to sign on with another race team and to work his way back to being a winner. However, his team member Luis Salvatore, who is younger, has lived a lot more quietly off the track than Charles and is out and proud while racing challenges Charles in a way he was not expecting. Charles is attracted to Luis and he realizes that his second chance is not only about his career. It is another chance to connect in a real way with someone and see how love can help shape his life from here forward. Their path is not without challenges and not everyone gets on board with them not only being teammates but partners but just like they are gritty professionals on the track they are fighters off it and they make the tough decisions that they need to make to end up in the winners circle not only on the track but off it as well. 4.5 stars for a good balanced story about the ups and downs of living in the spotlight.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,381 reviews28 followers
February 8, 2023
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is the second book in the Queens Crescent series and this time we meet to Formula One racing drivers we’ve got Charles who is there a recovered alcoholic who was known to be a womaniser, he has always had his eye out there for a good looking man and basically going off the rails big time so he took the time out went to rehab and now this is his first season back he has a lot to prove.
And then we have Luis, he did extremely well last year and is hoping for another explosive year because his contract is up for renewal. He is openly gay and has been accepted by fans and friends alike. He took his driving very seriously wasn’t one to party he like to prepare properly for his races.
But what would happen when these two give in to their feelings and lust for each other???
I really enjoyed the journey that these two had to find their happily ever after. The difference in Charles was like night and day. He knew from the second that they acted on their feelings this was very different to a hook up. He wanted to do everything right to be worthy of Luis. Their passion for one another is off the charts it was just a really nice read
Profile Image for Emily.
357 reviews11 followers
February 12, 2023
A good book - two Formula 1 racers align on the same team in more ways than one!

Charles is a racer who was a high flyer - drinking, partying, women - he did it all. And it all came crashing down. He missed a year of racing to be in rehab and now he's back with a new team to get back on top.

Luis is a young, gay and out racer looking to renew his contract at the end of the season. He's quiet and unassuming, never drawing the spotlight to himself. When Charles joins his team, he's going to find out the world has never known the real Charles. It is wonderful to watch these two open up and learn about the other - they seem to truly care about one another.

Luis and Charles make a good team in all the ways they come together. They race well together, and they play well together. Most of the story's angst comes from their side players - their assistance, Charles's brother Will and Luis's best friend Paulo. I wish the ending would have been different for both of those 2, I was unsatisfied at the lack of closure and karma for those two.

The ending is a little abrupt, definitely not what I'd consider a HEA, more of a HFN in the moment. 3.5/5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
1,913 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2023
Better second book in the series

This was a much better story with far more likeable main characters than the first book. Charles gained my sympathy and my respect, trying so hard to revive his career after a stint in rehab, while out and proud Luis was as delightful as his best friend was obnoxious and Charles' brother was incompetent.
It was insta-love, and there was a lot of sex and hardly any actual F1, but I was drawn to the two men as they fell quickly in love. Charles is, probably, my most favourite Kristian character and I definitely didn't see that coming. His resolution to stay sober and be more honest and open was inspiring, and I wanted him to get his HEA.
Although this wasn't perfect, it was definitely better written and plotted than Kristian's other books and I'm pleased to be able to say that.
Mrs. Wimpole and the Professor were marvellous, and Alexander had a small cameo in advance of his story next. Here's hoping that he is worthy of another three and a half stars from me.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Queens Crescent series. Charles is a former top driver in the Formula One racing circuit. As he is trying to get back into racing, he comes up against an up-and-coming racer named Luis, who is as attractive as he is good at racing. Since they compete for the same team, they are brought together often and Charles is challenged by Luis, not only as a rival racer, but as a rival for his heart.

This was a pretty good book. I am not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination, but this book was written in such a way that I could understand the terminology and could get a feel of the racing. It was fast paced and stimulating enough to keep my interest. I liked the main characters and their dynamic and chemistry. With Luis as an openly gay man and Charles as something different, it was nice to see their connection and relationship unfold.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
February 4, 2023
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

If you enjoy Formula 1, and like to imagine the machinations behind the scenes, and the potential romances between drivers, you will find this a very enjoyable read. It is both racy thanks to the cars, but also because Charles and Luis are hot on and off the track.

It was fun to see their rivalry in races, their obligations as team mates, and the chemistry they are unable to deny. It would complicate things in any workplace, but in the high octane world of F1 it is unique and explosive.

A fun read; I am looking forward to the next installment.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,398 reviews24 followers
February 4, 2023
There’s something about a character who’s trying to find their equilibrium– in life, in their career, in how they conceive of themselves and what they want and need from their relationships– that is seriously had to resist, and so it’s probably no surprise that I liked Charles almost from the start and grew even fonder of him as the story went on. Luis I liked too– he felt perhaps less well-developed but was still compelling. I know nothing of the world of Formula 1 racing, but could still feel it came to life as a backdrop for this story– it’s a fast moving, high stakes, and perilous environment, and one that can, as this author writes it, bring out the best and worst in the characters. Charles and Luis have plenty of challenges to overcome, but also a strong connection.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,590 reviews18 followers
March 8, 2023
Charles Worthington Formula One racing driver at one time was on top of his field until his attitudes, tastes and his values got in his way …..the next stop was rehab.

Now he wants to get back to racing.

Brazilian, Luis Salvatore is Charles's new teammate, stunning to look, openly gay Luis took Charles's breath away ..his body shows Luis how much he wants him, he needs to own his sexuality but the outside world would read havoc if he owned his truth.

The challenges they faced were huge, their connection was instant as their bodies always reacted!
Snarky Paulo Ribeiro, Was written so very well, he is extremely bitchy, I could imagine him …
The glorious banter between Charles and Luis is 100% perfection.
I read this book with a huge grin with laughter escaping many times.
Definitely a five star book for me.

Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,088 reviews66 followers
February 3, 2023
4 stars for a story with a few bumps along the way for the characters.
Book 2 for the Queens Crescent Series which I read as a standalone book.
Charles at 35 wants another go at motar racing. Having the support of his councilor and on the bandwagon from AA, he signed on with a new team and a new partner, Luis.
A great first meeting and their may have been a few sizzles for Charles. Scenes continued and I could sense fowl play and trouble ahead for both by a second party person. A new Bi/ out if the closet awakening romance with Charles still coming to terms.
Their story doesn’t go smoothly with others making troubles for them.
Sexy scenes from them both which leads to an HEA ending.

#GRRarc
109 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2023
Pole position is a quick bite sized read filled with all the sweetness and fluff that you could possibly want from a short stunner. I picked this book as an avid fan of formula one and certainly enjoyed a fictional, romantic, queer insight into the world of formula one that the author has skilfully crafted. The challenges faced by the two protagonists are rooted in the material conditions of the sport and reflect the resilience of individuals when faced with a world that threatens to dictate their lives. This was a beautiful short journey and a much needed sweet break from the deeply angst books.
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
745 reviews34 followers
February 5, 2023
Well written but a bit fast paced. The book centers on the insta lust trope (I hesistate to say love because they don't really know each other). I think the trope was done well because the added competition aspect to the story gave another layer to that and to the main characters.

This is the second in the series, but I don't think they need to be read in order. Of course, it would help with the overall story if it was.

I wish the pacing was slower at times because I didn't connect with the story as much as I had hoped I would.

All in all, it was a good read though.

*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
907 reviews
March 18, 2023
As always, Kristian delivers an exquisite performance with introducing Formula 1 into the storyline. This added to the excitement of the overall storyline with Meera and Hilary becoming strong female characters quickly. Also, the racing dynamics were absolutely perfect, specially with the qualifying rounds!

“𝕀 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕀’𝕕 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕒 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕛𝕠𝕓 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒 𝕡𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪,”

Charles and Luis were quite the pair, more so quite the opposites. They both had their personal issues, along with their personal deterrent. Though there was an instant attraction, their chemistry was pure and the intensity continued to grow throughout. And, their intimacy was fierce, even though it was seldom but extraordinary!

I want to take the time to thank Kristian for including the struggles an alcoholic face daily to stay clean. It is a constant battle with temptations everywhere, and Kristian handled this with care and compassion.
3,557 reviews38 followers
January 31, 2023
Ah, talk about life in the fast lane!

Two Formula One race car drivers are competing for the same team.

Both have a desire to best each other, and one has a past that he is trying to overcome.

Add in a paparazzi that is all over their every move, there is enough heat and tension to melt the tires off their cars.

Unfortunately the two men they should be able to rely on aren't helping the situation at all!

Prepare for some stunning admissions and some races that involve more than just cars.

You're going to be glad you're along for the ride!
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,941 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2023
4.5 stars. A really good combination of plots around formula 1 car racing, fighting an addiction and having to live in a spotlight. Charles is a very admirable character and Luis is very sweet. There were some interesting plot twists, especially around the brother and friend. Personally for me the balance between intimate scenes and those which weren't was slightly awry, although the intimate ones were good I found them to take up a bit too much of the total book. I didn't read the first book in this series, so it works well as a standalone.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,544 reviews48 followers
February 5, 2023
Normally a second chance romance involves those in the romantic relationship getting a second chance with each other. Here, though, it's Charles getting a second chance at life. He's cleaned up, getting another chance to be a Formula 1 driver and suddenly, with Luis he's getting a chance to find the love, companionship and support he's always needed. These two are rivals and teammates, but they are also perfect for each other and while their road isn't an easy one to the HEA they have friends like Mrs. W and the Professor to help them along the way.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,891 reviews14 followers
February 5, 2023
Charles and Luis ❤️
3 Stars ⭐️

This was a unique romantic m/m spin on the inside workings of Formula One racing, it was fast paced..a little insta love, yet sexy and sweet with a dose of heavy subjects mixed in. I enjoyed Charles and Luis as MC's individually as well as together, this is the second installment of this series and I'm eager to see what's next in store for the men of the Queens Crescent series. I would recommend, racing fans will appreciate this one.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4,903 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2023
Exciting and gets your juices flowing. Charles, is the best until he lets his indulgences control him. When he returns to racing, he meets a new team rival, Luis. He faces a double whammy realizing Luis is his direct competition for the number one spot and that he is wildly attracted to Luis. Will Charles act on his interest or will he focus on his pursuit of the pole position? Does he have control of his urges? Does Luis reciprocate? Good story of competition. Nicely done! Powerful cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2023
Formula One racers fall in love? Yep!

Teammates Luis and Charles should be rivals but they can’t seem to not end up in bed together. But it seems like they have so much stacked against them. It was an amazing journey for these men and their happy ending. I think the only thing I would have wanted or would have changed was more of their story. Paulo was a big part of the story but he kind of disappeared after his conflict with Charles and Luis. I hope there will be more in this series.
354 reviews
February 9, 2023
It's misunderstandings galore!! Charles was TSTL in certain moments when he acted on impulse without thinking. Loved Luis and his temperament towards everything, although I wanted to strangle him for defending Paulo initially. Paulo was such a shit and we never get to understand what his problem was with Charles and Will. He purposefully antagonised Charles and Will. And Will is another idiot who is just as impulsive as Charles if not more. It's no wonder that Luis and Charles were able to get together steadily only when they banished Paulo and Will away.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
January 31, 2023
Wow this was a surprising read to me. As a fan of F1, it was great to see driver's depicted in this romance. Charles is back in F1 after a personal downfall and he meets Luis, who is his new teammate. He's completely taken by surprise to find himself attractive to not only a man for the first time in his life, but also a rivalry he wasn't expecting. Good!
16.7k reviews158 followers
February 5, 2023
He was once the best driver but his lifestyle took over and he needed to spend time in rehabilitation. Now he is in a much better place and is back with the team but the team has not stood still. They hired a new driver and he felt himself being drawn to them. How will it go? Will it cause problems? Can they work together? See just how this may affect the team
Profile Image for Sharon.
925 reviews
February 7, 2023
Charles is a formula one race car driver that is just coming out of rehab. He is in the closet but wants Luis another driver. Luis is living his life out loud looking for his break.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,656 reviews36 followers
February 8, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters were wonderful and the story was great. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books101 followers
Read
February 18, 2023
* racing drivers
* F1
* openly gay driver (!?)
* rivals/teammates to lovers
* instalove
* closeted
* coming out

Needed more racing and more background knowledge of F1.
Profile Image for Karen.
418 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2023
Charles Worthington is looking for redemption and Luis Salvatore is looking for top-dog status so he can fund his charity. Both men drive for the same Formula One franchise, and Charles, with his bad rep, must play second fiddle to Luis, the fresh young star with the heart of gold. It's a lot for an arrogant man to swallow, but he's also a changed man who owns and learns from his mistakes, who takes one day at a time, and who is finally mature enough to own his sexuality. their love story is not without its hiccups, but their final decision to stand openly in the light of their love is a lovely way to end their story. Their sidekicks add extra texture to the story, and Luis's in particular is very easy to dislike, which makes Luis's side of things somewhat more balanced since he comes off as more likable in the beginning than Charles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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