Rebecca J. Caffery’s Pole Position delivers a thrilling blend of speed, rivalry, and romance that hooked me from start to finish. The chemistry between Kian and Harper crackles with tension, perfectly capturing the high stakes of both their personal and professional lives.

I especially appreciated how the backstories for both characters were richly developed, making their actions and emotions feel authentic and relatable. The journey from rivals to something more was handled with nuance, keeping me invested every step of the way.

The conclusion tied everything together beautifully, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more stories in this high-octane world.

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC!

The first formula one romance I’ve actually enjoyed. The use of terms and language that I know if I turned on sky sports or espn, would be what I actually hear on those channels. I loved seeing them go from Rivas to lovers. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I really enjoyed this story. It was heavy at times, but it was done well. The relationship development was fun to witness. This is my first F1 romance book. I am not hugely familiar with the sport, so I can’t speak to details in that regard. The spice was good. The narrators were excellent! Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters.

This was a great audiobook. The tropes are Enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, spicy, sports romance! You will not be disappointed with this book. Highly recommend it.

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
3 ☆
Kian Walker has always been the golden boy of motorsport. The four-time championship winner has racing in his DNA. Harper James, this year's rookie, was called up to compete with the big boys—and Kian's new teammate.

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, spicy, sports romance 🏎️

This is my first M/M romance, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the romance and spice between the two main characters. This is also my first motorsport book, so I was a little curious about that aspect. But it was nothing major. The pacing was difficult for me because it felt extremely slow, making the read a little boring.

The audiobook is dual narration, which is a major plus! The narrators did a good job telling the story, and they were easy to listen to and understand. I started listening at 2x speed, and once I hit 56%, increased it to 2.5x speed to finish the book.

Thank you, Netgellay, and Harper Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

It was good, definitely gave enemies to lovers vibes similar to Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. There was lots and lots of spice and forced proximity! I felt like it could have been shorter and I didn't like all of the grief that was present in the story.

This is the Formula 1 Romance I have been waiting for! I will start by saying I am a newish but fervent F1 Fan AND a romance reader so of course I am loving all of these new sports romances!

Kian Walker is a multi-time world champion who is poised for his next season at the top of the sport, even if people keep asking him if he's going to retire. When his long-time teammate is suddenly injured, a new young hot shot takes the second seat and these two clash immediately. Kian dislikes how casually Harper treats the spectacle that is being a professional racing driver, and wishes he was more serious and dedicated. Meanwhile, Harper is just in shock to be working alongside his hero and doesn't get why Kian doesn't like him.

I thought the pacing of this book was perfect. Kian and Harper have to go from distant, to familiar, to intimate and all of those beats felt earned and delicious. Once the relationship is fairly established, the moments they have to navigate together are handled beautifully and really hit you right in the feels.

It also has just the right amount of racing! Caffery does enough to show her knowledge of the sport without overwhelming readers who might not know anything about it. This is a great step into the world of F1 and F1 Romance, and I would definitely recommend it as a fan!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca J. Caffery, and HarperAudio for this audiobook ARC.

Pole Position has quickly made its way to my FAVORITE book of 2025. I grew up drag racing with my dad so the setting of this book felt EXTREMELY relatable to me. The handling of anger & grief came off flawlessly. The development of their relationship made me laugh and cry, and I will be thinking about this book for a LONG time. ❤️

Pole Position
By Rebecca J. Caffery
Narrated by Joshua Chase; James Joseph
3.5 ⭐️

Overall: a fun entertaining read. The spice, spiced but didn’t seem forced into the story. The last 20% far outshines the first 80%. I adored the last part of this story. It’s purely emotionally driven and allowed me to finally connect with the MCs. I missed that emotional component so much in the bulk of this book where it read like a Days of Thunder fanfic/remix. Many of the issues I had listed out around the midpoint of this read improved in the last part of the book. Had the whole story been written with the same care, I would have been head over heels for this one. Alas. No such luck.

The audiobook was delightful. Both narrators were so easy to listen to. They were easy to identify for POV shifts and really added depth to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca J. Caffery, and HarperAudio for this audiobook ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. 4.5 stars and 3.5 chili peppers for spice. This is my second time reading/listening to this story and I fell in love with it even more listening to it. The voice actors were amazing and I loved the emotion that they put behind the characters. I didn’t know anything about racing before I picked up this book so I figured I’d give it a try. I honestly loved this story and the characters. The racing terms and logistics behind the sport were easy enough to understand. Definitely would read a second book if this is a series with some of the side characters.

If you’re craving a sports romance packed with high-octane drama and heart-stopping moments, Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery is a must-read! This book delivers all the angst, tension, and emotional rollercoasters you’d expect from a story about two rival F1 teammates navigating more than just the track. 🖤

Kian Walker, the golden boy of motorsport, is struggling to escape his father’s shadow while Harper James, the brash rookie with a reputation as big as his ego, barrels into the spotlight as Kian’s new teammate. Sparks fly both on and off the track, and let me tell you—the chemistry is electric! The dislike-to-love dynamic between Kian and Harper had me hooked from the start. Add in a healthy dose of queer rep (a Bi MC and Gay love interest!), and this story checked so many of my boxes!!

The racing action feels authentic to this reader with admittedly very little F1 experience but I loved how integral to the story the sport was! i
It’s the emotional depth though that takes this book to the next level! Tackling topics like parental health, grief, abandonment, and scandal, these leant a weight to the story that was woven in beautifully alongside tropes like hurt/comfort, an age gap, and the “rookie vs. almost-retiree” rivalry. The tug-of-war between Kian and Harper kept me on the edge of my seat, even if the “will they/won’t they” tension lasted a bit longer than I’d hoped... (Seriously, I wanted to shake Harper more than a few times!) That said, I totally get why it played out the way it did—mental health and personal growth are huge parts of this story, and it’s handled with care!

Ultimately, Pole Position is a compelling blend of sizzling romance and fast-paced sports drama that I couldn’t put down.. totally worth the sleepless night and bags under my eyes from staying up late to finish it! It’s a solid 4-star read for me, and I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf!

Absolutely love the banter and chemistry between the two characters! Even for a reader who is not the most familiar with Formula One, this was still an exciting and enjoyable read. I also really liked the audiobook narrators as well!

I adored this. Not usually an audiobook girly because i’m picky about narrators but damn was this one good. His voice was soothing and I loved the british accent and the accents he would do for different characters, it was really immersive. I loved the chemistry and the banter, two things that are vital in making a good rom com esque book like this work. This was exactly what you would expect with the added bonus of being a really well done narration. I had a blast listening to this while doing chores around the house. Definitely give it a listen if the description appeals to you!!!

Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery is a fast-paced, emotionally charged MM romance set against the adrenaline-fueled backdrop of professional motorsport. It’s a story of fierce rivalries, unspoken desires, and the pressure of living up to impossible legacies. With stellar narration by Joshua Chase and James Joseph, the audiobook captures not only the high-speed world of Formula racing but also the slow-burning intensity of an unexpected connection between two men who, on the surface, couldn’t be more different.

Kian Walker is the quintessential golden boy of racing: disciplined, methodical, and cool under pressure. However, beneath his polished exterior lies a man haunted by his father’s tumultuous legacy and the fear of becoming the same kind of reckless presence in someone else’s life. Kian’s depth is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. He’s not just a high-achieving athlete—he’s someone navigating complex emotions and family baggage with a quiet vulnerability that makes him incredibly relatable.

Harper James, by contrast, is all swagger and chaos—a cocky rookie determined to make his mark, both on the track and in life. His hot-headed persona hides his own insecurities and desire for recognition beyond his reputation as a heartbreaker. Harper’s raw energy and impulsiveness serve as a brilliant foil to Kian’s composure, and their dynamic crackles with tension from their very first interaction.

Caffery’s depiction of motorsport is immersive and detailed, but you don’t need to be a racing enthusiast to enjoy the story. The descriptions of high-speed chases, practice laps, and the cutthroat nature of the sport add authenticity without overshadowing the emotional core of the novel. The danger of the sport also serves as an effective metaphor for the vulnerability that comes with falling in love—both can be exhilarating and terrifying, especially when your heart is on the line.

The relationship between Kian and Harper unfolds at a deliberate pace, their initial hostility giving way to reluctant respect, friendship, and eventually something deeper. The slow-burn romance is handled with care, making their transition from rivals to lovers feel organic and believable. The moments where their defenses crack—whether during a quiet post-race conversation or a shared moment of grief—are beautifully written and pulse with emotional intensity.

The audiobook narrators, Joshua Chase and James Joseph, bring Kian and Harper to life with distinct, pitch-perfect performances. Chase captures Kian’s reserved demeanor and inner conflict, while Joseph’s portrayal of Harper exudes charisma and emotional volatility. The dual narration enhances the dual perspectives, making each character’s internal monologue feel personal and immediate.

One of the novel’s strengths is how it handles themes of masculinity, legacy, and vulnerability. Kian’s struggle to step out of his father’s shadow and Harper’s desire to be seen for more than his brash exterior create a narrative that feels as much about self-acceptance as it is about romance. However, there are moments where the pacing falters slightly, particularly in the middle sections, where the story spends a bit too long in the emotional limbo of unresolved feelings.

The supporting cast, including racing managers and teammates, adds texture to the story, though they occasionally feel like set pieces compared to the depth of Kian and Harper’s characterizations. The real focus is always on the growing connection between the two leads—and rightly so.

By the time the checkered flag waves on the final act, Pole Position delivers a satisfying blend of passion, heartbreak, and triumph. It’s a romance that understands that winning isn’t always about crossing the finish line first—it’s about who you choose to have by your side when the race is over.

For fans of sports romance and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamics, Pole Position is an exhilarating ride with plenty of heart. Whether you’re in it for the high-speed action or the emotional stakes, Caffery’s story is a thrilling testament to the power of love, resilience, and finding your own path—even when the track is treacherous.

the narrators did a fantastic job with this story! i absolutely it! i enjoyed the back and forth of their relationship, the internal struggle was very believable and overall i had a great time listening to this book!

Four-time motorsport champion Kian finds his carefully constructed world disrupted by his rookie teammate, reckless and charismatic Harper. Their rivalry on the track ignites unexpected feelings off it. I loved this fast-paced and deeply emotional romance with strongly developed characters. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

So I really had high hopes for this one but it just fell a little flat. There was a lot of potential in the teammate, forced proximity, opposites attract tropes. But the rivals to lovers trope…….were they ever actually rivals? Overall I did enjoy it and it was a quick read for me.

I know absolutely nothing about car racing and having read this book, I’ll say that I know only just slightly more than nothing about car racing. But it didn’t matter. The author does a great job of teaching us the stakes and giving us the atmosphere without over-explaining the sport. And so you’re left with an enemies to lovers, veteran/rookie romance that feels familiar. If you’ve read one, you’ve read them all and this one is no different. However, it was still enjoyable in a familiar and comfortable way. The characters were sort of caricatures but there was enough there that it still felt swoon-worthy. It’s a sweet, spicy story that was fun to read. Don’t try to look for more than that because it’s not there, and really isn’t supposed to be. And I think to compare it to Red, White and Royal Blue sets up unfair expectations for this read. It’s not as strong or as complex. If you go in looking for a fun sports romance, it’s what you’ll get and you’ll be satisfied with it.

🏁Pole Position 🏎️by Rebecca J. Caffery
Narrated by Joshua Chase; James Joseph
Thank you @netgalley for this ALC, this is my honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
💭My thoughts: To start off, the cover was enough to convince me to sign up for this ALC. It gave off exactly the vibes I felt throughout the book. The audiobook was so good and I couldn’t have casted the narrators better. The accents, the inner dialogue, was perfect! There was a buildup of so much sexual tension, and I usually enjoy that, but it didn’t click right with me on how they ended up hooking up. Just two grown men thinking with the wrong heads lol. Even though that part didn’t sit well with me, I did love the moment when they realized it turned from like to love. Without any spoilers, the last third of the book was written so well and I hope for an another book, maybe about Johannes and why he was acting so off in the book. 👀