Racing into Love

Aiden Reed is a bookshop owner with a crippling fear of cars. Derrek Luna is a race-car driver with a long list of lovers only out for his money. When the two meet, it is clear there is something between them, but with Aiden’s fears, and Derrek’s past, can the two ever it make it in the real world?<br><br>This is a <i>Romance</i>, so of course the answer is yes. But boy are you in for one hell of a ride to get there.<br><br>I’m not joking about that, either. This story is, <i>in no universe</i>, good. The writing is formulaic. The characters are hardly fleshed out, at all. And the “bad guy” is so obvious as to have you rolling your eyes every time they are on screen. But, my god, did I have a hard time looking away from this beautiful trainwreck. If a story is bad, I usually have an excruciating time reading the book, but despite its many (many) flaws, I could not put this book down. I don’t get it, really, but this book was lot of fun to read.<br><br>Do I recommend others pick it up?<br><br>…Yeah, <i>no.</i><br><br>If you happen to read it, and end up enjoying it, I’m thrilled. You had a good reading experience, and I’m fully behind that. I had a good one, too. But, sweet Thor, this read like a book that was in no way ready for publishing. Not in a technical sense. I didn’t see formatting or grammatical errors. But everything about the plotting, the characters, the dialogue…it all felt half-baked.<br><br>It was like Aiden’s PTSD episodes were based off depictions of flashbacks and breakdowns from TV <i>comedies</i>. Aiden’s first PTSD episode culminated with him screaming and running out of the room, and I dropped my kindle because I was laughing so hard at the mental image. It was so incredibly over the top. But not over the top enough that it seemed like the author was in on the joke. This wasn’t a dark comedy, where everyone is<i> supposed </i>to laugh at the horrible stuff on page. No, I honestly think the author intended this to be serious, but failed in creating characters that felt real, or in any way grounded.<br><br>Everything in this story is so over the top. Emotions are exaggerated to the point of absurdity. Who after ONE DATE gets huffy over the thought that the other person might not automatically think they are boyfriends now? At this point in the story, I’m not entirely sure if they knew each other’s last names. I think you might be moving a bit fast there, Derrek. And what is worse, who, after <i>TWO </i>DATES, is telling that person that they love them? It’s been like a week. Have you even had more than three conversations? I’m with Olly on this one, “<i>how can you love someone you don’t even know?</i>” And why, why, for the love of humanity, why, is everyone in this book prone to breaking down in tears at the least provocation? I’m not one to stand by that whole “real men don’t cry” bullshit, but I think a good portion of this book’s cast could do with some therapy, or just a fucking vacation, if their emotions are so frayed by life that the smallest thing could make them break down in tears. I don’t want to jump to conclusions or anything, but it started to feel like that might have been the only way the author had to show emotion in these characters, and relayed on it way to heavily.<br><br>And then there is Diana. Sweet, sweet, Diana. Oh, lord. It’s like if you distilled the essence that was the prototypical Gay Romance Bitch, mixed it with a half-ton of crazy, and then added high heels. I do believe the words “You have got to be fucking kidding me,” left my lips near the end of this story. I’m not going to spoil it, for those few brave souls who might ignore my words of wisdom about avoiding this story…but it was magnificent. For all the very wrong reasons. I kinda have to admire Noah Steele for being that certain that they could pull off what was a deeply, <i>deeply</i>, absurd plot twist at the end there. I mean, they <i>failed</i>, but they also tried, and I salute them.<br><br>All said, it wasn’t the worst couple hours I’ve ever spent reading, before. I also can’t say I’d push anyone else to read it, though. But, hey, if you do read it, I’d absolutely love to talk to you about the whole beautiful mess, because in all honestly I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so paradoxically amused and incredulous in equal measure.<br><br>2.5 stars<br><br><br><i>This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.</i><br><a href="http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/02/25/book-review-racing-into-love-cut-to-the-feeling-1-by-noah-steele/" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://s26.postimg.org/ydpa9r5h5/lovebytesfordaniwordpresscover5b.jpg" alt="lovebytesfordaniwordpresscover5b" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br>

I'm going to be honest and say this wasn't for me. The beginning of the story the writing felt off somehow, constant use of names (too much for me anyway), and there was a lot of "shouting". The pacing was off, too, but by the middle things seemed to even out. <br /><br />I didn't really learn anything about these two though. I wanted more backstory, especially about Derrek. Maybe if we had a dual POV? This was only told in Aiden's voice so I think we really missed out...like why Aiden? What made him so special to Derrek from across the room? <br /><br />Oliver's turn around was too quick for me. It wasn't really believable, for me. <br /><br />I don't think I'll be moving on to Olly's story, but we'll see.

2.5 ⭐<br />Not bad, not good. <br />It was ok, but I didn't connect with the characters and the writing style wasn't what I appreciate the most.

I had the pleasure this week of reading the delightful Cut to the Feeling series by Noah Steele. He offered me books one and two plus a companion novella several months ago as a sort of “package deal.” It was so much fun to start with Aiden and Derrek in Racing Into Love, then follow Oliver into his own love story with Seth in Fighting for Love, while rounding out the experience with the tasty treat of Beckett and Alex’s darling first time romance in Act of Love.<br /><br />I’m not usually a fan of instalove, but Steele handles it well. I wish I could’ve seen Derrek’s POV to better understand just what it was about Aiden that had him going so gaga, so quick, but sometimes a bit of mystery adds to the experience. Plus, I enjoyed their dynamic and the opportunities both had for growth throughout the story. When we finally reached their HEA, it was well earned. And preceded by an unexpected twist that my readerly heart adored.<br /><br />I would recommend this to anyone who loves m/m romance but especially those who thrive on that jolt of fantasy and magic inspired by a well-played instalove.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I really give this novel a 4.5/5.0. I have to say that Noah did a great job with his first novel. The characters were relatable for the most part. Does this story contain "insta-love"? Yes. <br />Does it bother me? No. It's a nice break from the highly involved high fantasy I normally read. And I always say that we don't know if "insta-love" doesn't exist. So, I enjoyed the scenes. There were suspense, action and a good story. It allows a reader to escape reality for a moment, and I like that fact. <br />I enjoy that cover a lot. <br />I recommend this novel to everyone.

3.5 stars <br /><br />This was a pretty good debut novel from Noah Steele. I liked it overall.<br /><br />The beginning of the story did take me a bit to get into as the pacing was a little off and one of the characters came off like a jerk because he did not bother to learn his date's name. Yet, it was a funny read filled with interesting characters. <br /><br />It is definitely instalove and that trope can either be a hit or miss for some readers. I do not know if it fit this particular story, it sometimes felt a bit flat to me in some parts. Mostly, the middle. I did like the 2 MC's together, the chemistry was there and I did appreciate the humorous banter between them two. <br /><br />I am wondering how this will evolve as a series and I hope that the main couple in this book continue to grow in the next installments. I wanted just a bit more character growth.<br /><br /><i> Had the privilege of reading the ARC for this title. I have provided an unbiased review with my honest opinions. </i>

This was a good debut for this author and it was a good mix of heat a Little angst and suspense and I loved derrek and How He was so understanding so all in all a good debut and I look forward to book number 2<br />

<i>A <a href="http:joyfullyjay.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Joyfully Jay</a> review. <br /><br /><b>2.5 stars</b></i><br /><br />The blurb for this one intrigued me, but from the moment I started reading, I had some major issues. The writing style was not for me. It was choppy and the storyline was underdeveloped. There was a juvenile quality to it that really didn’t work for me. So where the story could have been compelling, it fell short.<br /><br />I did like that there was something huge the men faced that seemed insurmountable, and that both Aiden and Derrek had to work to find a compromise. I loved that they actually talked and communicated with each other, as that is something that seems rare in a genre where the big misunderstanding fuels so many plots. We definitely don’t have that here, and that’s the only thing that works to this story’s advantage.<br /><br />But unfortunately, the chemistry that should have been there to make a love at first sight story work was simply missing. There was clear attraction, but I just couldn’t see what would make these two MCs fall in love so quickly. There was nothing binding them together, except for the fact that they said so. For me, this just wasn’t enough to make the story work.<br /><br /><b>Read Kris’ review in its entirety <a href="https://joyfullyjay.com/2019/01/review-racing-into-love-by-noah-steele/" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a>.</b><br />

Inspired with an author takeover by Noah Steele, I picked up a copy of his debut novel Racing Into Love. What I discovered is a new author to follow! This instalove story, with its amusing banter and enormous heart, sucked me in – leaving me with two new fantasy (boy)friends to hold onto.<br /><br />Our man Aiden Reed runs an inherited bookstore that he loves but at the same time feels he needs more from. An accident at a young age has left Aiden with a panic inducing fear of cars. Aiden has a huge heart but needs a little confidence boost when it comes to his personal encounters. <br /><br />Then we have Derrek Luna, a race car driver with a cocky attitude. Although at the height of his career, his love life continually crashes and burns when he is ghosted by every man that ignites a spark. Why is that? Well, for Derrek fame and fortune come with the price of outside forces taking control of his everyday life for selfish gain. <br /><br />First impressions make or break any relationship and for these guys their love story appears doomed from the start. But wait, there is an annoying flame – that lucky for them, and us – is ignited. Aiden and Derrek take us on one intense ride (pun intended) as they navigate the awkwardness and beauty of finding their path to happiness. <br /><br /><i>This instalove story, with its amusing banter and enormous heart, sucked me in – leaving me with two new fantasy (boy)friends to hold onto.</i><br /><br />Racing Into Love is super sweet and sexy, but at the same time manipulating and controlling. As Aiden and Derrek’s lives intertwine we learn more and more about these individuals and discover two souls destined for one another. Each overcome their internal battles and support the other, not just in their words, but actions. As their connection strengthens it builds a strong foundation for them to stand on. <br /><br />When the plot twist appears it is both a shock and transparent. But the heart wrenching realization behind it is real and enraged this reader – in a compassionate way. How can anyone be so cruel for self-gain? Okay, I live in the real world and this “stuff” happens all the time. However, this is one point in their journey where these men absolutely melt your heart. <br /><br />I don’t usually equate the characters I read with celebrities, but in this case it was an easy jump. With Aiden I see <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1360270/" rel="nofollow noopener">Benjamin McKenzie</a> and with Derrek I envision <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1747013/?ref_=nv_sr_1" rel="nofollow noopener">Adam Levine</a>. These may not be perfect matches but I think you will agree there are some striking similarities. <br /><br />Noah Steele has created a captivating start to his standalone Cut to the Feeling series with Racing Into Love. I can imagine he will only become stronger with each installment he pens. I wait patiently (that’s a lie) for Oliver’s story in Fighting For Love, expected to release in April of 2019.

3.5<br /><br />This book wasn’t a bad read!<br />It has insta love, drama and a bit of suspense!<br />The characters were likeable and the story line was really good.<br />The thing I found got to me as a reader was it was repetitive with scenes and words!<br />But I did enjoy it and it’s a great start to a series!<br />I’m looking forward to more of these guys!!