This book wasn't what I was expecting but was wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a race car fan you will love this but it's also a beautiful romance.

There were moments that I really loved in this book and some really beautiful pieces of dialogue between the two main characters, but ultimately the story kind of fell flat for me. And ultimately I ended up disliking it more than I liked it.

Isabel and Grayson are former acquaintances linked together by a tragedy involving Isabel's late husband and Grayson's childhood friend (see: frenemy). When Isabel decides she wants to have a family and get pregnant by her late husband, she is shocked when Grayson interrupts her fertility appointment with claims that something is wrong. And what follows is a story of two people fighting an attraction that becomes harder to ignore the longer they spend time together.

Off the premise alone, I was ready to fall head over heels for this couple and their story but the longer the book went on, the more frustrated I got with the back and forth of "I want you, but I know you could never want me like that" and "Its best if I keep myself at a distance less you discover how much I actually want you, its better for you-- even though I haven't been 100% honest with my feelings for you." And its possible that my dislike of the miscommunication trope and third-act breakups (although these two characters weren't really "together" so I'm not sure it counts as a breakup) clouded my ability to enjoy this book, but every time I thought the characters had finally had a breakthrough, there would be another moment of miscommunication or inner monologue insecurity that sabotaged the moment and when this was still going on 77% into the book, it felt like I was reading in circles. I'm just glad the characters got it together by the end-- even if it was in the final 10%.

2.5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for this arc.

The story follows Izzy, a widow desperate for a baby, who discovers that if she had undergone IVF as planned, she would've had her late husband's best friend Grayson's child instead. As they are snowed in together, secrets unravel, and they must decide their future. Despite the delayed appearance of the baby, the book explores the deep connection between Izzy and Grayson as they navigate their past and present feelings. Ultimately, it highlights the unpredictability of life and the power of love to overcome obstacles.

I usually enjoy harlequin for a quick read while on train. This book caught my eye and started off quite good. However, it did seem to stall somewhere in the middle which caused it to drag. I do like this author and it will not put me off reading her other works. I did rate a 3.

**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

It was so all over the place. I breezed through this book in almost no time. Nice and quick read. Not boring but nothing to keep in the memory bank for re-reading. Loved how obsessed H was with h. Hated that h was a plus size girl with confidence. Couldn’t relate.

3.5 stars.

After her husband Julian dies, Isabel “Izzy” O’Sullivan still wants a baby, so she goes to the Swiss fertility clinic where they planned to do the procedure due to Julian being sterile. Enter Grayson Koh, F1’s recently retired billionaire superstar and Julian’s best friend to stop her plans. Why? Because the sample she’s about to use in the fertility process is his, not Julian’s! Instead, Grayson comes with an outrageous proposal: Izzy will have a baby—his baby—by doing it the traditional way.

Ms. Cinelli did a good, solid start for the The Fast Track Billionaires’ Club trilogy with this book. Izzy and Grayson’s romance is credible, and their chemistry is spectacular. Looking forward to the next installment of the trilogy. I have the feeling it will be great.

READ FULL REVIEW IN MY BLOG:
https://aishasbookworld.wordpress.com/2024/01/16/review-the-bump-in-their-forbidden-reunion-the-fast-track-billionaires-club-1-by-amanda-cinelli/

• ARC given by Amanda Cinelli & Harlequin Books via Netgalley. Thanks for your trust.

The h is prepared to be artificially inseminated when the procedure is stopped when the H steps in and tells the h that the sperm isn’t her husband’s but his. He is a world class race car driver. They decide to have a baby the traditional way.

This has a unique storyline with FI racing golden boy Grayson and Izzy the past family friend nanny- now BFFs widow, and their scandalous offer. We get Dublin and Singapore as settings. The high rolling lifestyle of a F1 driver and the past coming back to haunt him. These two have past and deep chemistry from the start. It was a fast, fun, and entertaining read with these two.
I enjoy Cinelli’s writing and this was another winner- can’t wait to see where she goes with this series! F1 racing was a fun plot line.

Starting off the new year with a bang! Literally.

Izzy is a widow and has no other family and desperately wants a baby, so she decides to go along with her late husband’s wishes and do IVF at a Swiss clinic. But who barges into her appointment but Grayson Koh, her husband’s best friend, race car driver, the guy who got her fired from her nanny job before her marriage….and who she shared a secret kiss with. He has big , secret news for Izzy. If she had gone through with three procedure, she would’ve had his child, not her husband’s.

As a storm descends and Izzy and Grayson are snowed in at his fabulous house, all the secrets come out and they must decide if Izzy will get a baby after all. 👀

This was a fun book and I enjoyed the way the author made the past and all these secrets collide into the perfect storm. The only downside IMO was that while the BUMP features prominently on the cover and blurb, it really only arrives in the epilogue, but I can see why the author did it so that their I Love Yous are motivated by each other and their feelings and not a baby.

Harlequin Presents knows the biz, and their titles continue to grab. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for the eARC. This is my honest review.
4⭐️

The emphasis on consent is a key highlight for me. 😍👌
These romances are my guilty pleasure—they bring to mind the charm of a Hallmark movie. The second half was definitely sweeter and right up my alley.

The last half of the book was much better than the first. I know death and conception are tough topics but there was so much awkward angst in the first half I almost DNFed.

Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Presents for the temporary ARC to review.

This was a quick romance. I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The writing was very well done. The romance was perfect

Quick Summary: A never too late for love, pregnancy romance

My Review: The Bump in Their Forbidden Reunion by Amanda Cinelli is a Harlequin Presents novel. It is associated with The Fast Track Billionaires' Club books.

About the Book: Retired racer Grayson Koh had a dark, delicious encounter with Izzy O'Sullivan that left him completely shaken. Before he had a chance to pursue her, she disappeared. Not only had she departed from his presence without a word, but she had also been linked to his best friend. Will he win the race for her heart?

My Final Say: I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this romance novel very much. Even though the initial scene in this story was peculiar, it set up the relationship and arrangement between this couple very well. The tension between Grayson and Izzy was palpable. From the minute they shared their first private moment until the final Elite One race, they sizzled.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🌶

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley. Thank you for for providing access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.