Racing Hearts: A Dive into Amy James's Crash Test Release Date July 1, 2025

Okay, bookworms, gather 'round! I've got a sneak peek at a book that's already got me hooked: "Crash Test" by Amy James. Seriously, this one sounds right up our alley. Imagine the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping world of Formula 1 colliding with a romance that just gets you in the feels.

I was lucky enough to snag an advance copy of "Crash Test," which is dropping on July 1, 2025, thanks to Avon Books! This beauty is 352 pages of pure emotion – trust me, I loved every single one. It's priced at $18.99 USD (or $23.99 CAD) for the paperback.

Now, I don't want to spoil the ride, so here's what the publisher has to say:

Formula 1 meets Red, White, & Royal Blue in this contemporary romance in which an F1 phenom battling for the championship is sent spinning after his secret love is involved in a massive crash.

Okay, if that doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will! Twenty-four-year-old F1 superstar Travis Keeping is on track for a championship when his secret boyfriend, fellow driver Jacob Nichols, is in a devastating crash. Suddenly, Travis's carefully constructed world starts to crumble. He's dealing with a partner fighting for his life, a confused team wondering about his drop in performance, and Jacob's parents who basically want him gone.

You'd think things would get easier when Jacob wakes up, right? Wrong. His parents have other ideas. As the F1 season continues, Travis and Jacob find themselves continents apart, both navigating their own struggles with the help of some new friends. It sounds like a journey of self-discovery that might just bring them back together. Fingers crossed!

What I really loved is how Amy James, who lives over in eastern Canada, blended the high-stakes drama of F1 with such a tender and real love story. It feels so relevant right now, especially with the popularity of shows like "Drive to Survive" and the growing love for authentic queer stories. Plus, who can resist a good secret romance and maybe a touch of enemies-to-lovers vibes?

And it’s not just me who's excited! I’ve seen some early buzz from authors like Sarina Bowen and Emma R. Alban praising the book's romance and emotional depth. Sounds like we might need some tissues for this one!

So, if you're like me and you're a sucker for a great sports romance, a heartwarming queer love story, or just a book that grabs you and doesn't let go, mark your calendars for "Crash Test" in July 2025.

Now for the real question: Does this sound like a book you'd pick up? Seriously, let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear your thoughts! And hey, if you enjoy these chats and want to keep the bookish love flowing, any support is always appreciated. But honestly, your comments and thoughts are what make this fun!

Until our next bookish adventure, happy reading!

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A Whole New World of Writing - "Under the Lifeguard's Watch"

 

Hey everyone!

So, you know how I'm usually here on Thursdays dishing out book reviews? Well, things have taken a delightfully unexpected turn. For the past five months, I've been completely immersed in bringing my own story to life. Yep, I'm talking about my debut book, "Under the Lifeguard's Watch," and honestly, being that this is my first effort as a solo writer and not as a content provider or ghostwriter, it's been a wild, wonderful ride.

I'm aiming to release it super soon – maybe even within the next month, fingers crossed! I gave you all a sneak peek a few days ago, and since then, it's been a whirlwind of proofreading, revisions and those little tweaks that make all the difference. Honestly, I had to put a stop to adding any more to the story. It's already got so many layers, adding anything else would risk turning it into a tangled mess. Plus, those new ideas and characters? They're just begging to be part of the next book – yes, it's going to be a series! I'm officially hooked on building this world.

This week, with all the final touches on "Under the Lifeguard's Watch," I just haven't had the time to write a proper book review. But don't worry, I've still been reading plenty! I always wondered how authors managed to read while writing their own stuff and now I totally get it. It's like a different kind of fuel for the creative fire.

From here on out, I'll be keeping you updated on my book's progress and release. It's honestly thrilling to share this journey with you. My autobiography? Well, that's taking a backseat for now. Right now, two guys named Casper and Soren have pretty much taken over my life, not to mention my dreams! They’re front and center and I can't wait for you to meet them.

Anyway, I'm rambling a bit, but this is what it feels like when you put your heart and soul into something. It's a little chaotic, a lot exciting and incredibly rewarding. I'd absolutely love to hear your thoughts and if there are any questions you have about the book, just ask below. Every single one of your comments genuinely makes my day and keeps me inspired.

And if you're so inclined and wish to show your support in any way, every little bit truly helps fuel the daytime and late-night writing sessions and keeps this whole dream alive. Whatever you think would be meaningful.

Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure!

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Date Me Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye Book Review

Date Me Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

Date Me Bryson Keller North American cover

This YA romance was absolutely adorable, featuring a coming-out storyline that felt genuinely realistic, especially in regions of the US and the world where conservative religion still holds sway. I appreciated how Kai and Bryson were portrayed as real teenagers rather than exaggerated stereotypes. Their relationship reminds me a little bit of one I had with a classmate throughout middle and high school though our ending was nothing like Kai and Bryson. Often in YA novels, characters quote unlikely things or have peculiar hobbies that stretch believability. However, Kai’s aspirations to be a writer, his love for a band, his daily school drives with friends, and his struggle to keep his sexuality a secret all felt authentic and relatable. The romance between Kai and Bryson was incredibly sweet, showcasing some of the best chemistry I’ve encountered in a gay YA novel in a long time!

Date Me Bryson Keller UK Edition Cover

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Some of the blurbs from various authors and booksellers include:

"One of the most adorable, big-hearted, charming books in existence." --Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"I can't tell you how much joy [Date Me, Bryson Keller] brought me. One of the most adorable, big-hearted, charming books in existence." —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

“[A] fantastic love story. . . . Uplifting.” —BuzzFeed

"A poignant, cute queer love story that showers teens with support and shows that the hate will never win as long as we stick together." —The Nerd Daily

“An adorable featherlight romance.” —The Guardian

"A fun, feel-good story that shows the importance of having a strong support system, that love is love, and that everyone deserves to love and be loved." —School Library Journal

"This #ownvoices debut is scrupulously romantic. . . . A solid blend of swoon-worthy moments and minor injustices." —Kirkus Reviews

"[Kevin van Whye] writes a coming-out story with authority and empathy. . . . The execution is appealing, and readers, too, will want to date Bryson." —Booklist

"Debut author van Whye uses the dare to set up a book filled with good-natured sweetness." —Publishers Weekly

"A sweet romance and exploration of the ways we can accidentally fall in love. Adorable and authentic." —L. C. Rosen, author of Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) and Camp

The basic storyline for those who love spoilers would be:

What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com! 

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. 

But Kai Sheridan never expected Bryson to say yes to him. As the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Drawing on his own experiences, Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story. Readers will root for Kai and Bryson to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.

About the Author: Kevin van Whye is a writer born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. At four years old, he quit preschool because his teacher couldn't tell a story. Kevin's love affair with stories led him to film school to study script writing. Date Me, Bryson Keller is his first novel. Kevin currently lives in Johannesburg, and when he's not reading, he's writing stories that give his characters the happy rom-com endings they deserve. Find him at kevinvanwhye.com and on Instagram.

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Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Book Review: A love story that transcends boundaries and expectations.

Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue: A Book Review

Red White & Royal Blue Paperback Edition

I quit my job at Borders Books for more than two decades, and during that time, I stopped reading despite having bought numerous books with the hope of finishing them. It wasn't until the final days of Borders' liquidation sale that I managed to purchase a mass market paperback copy of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. It took nearly two decades for me to delve into the original story that my all-time favorite musical was based on. Since beginning my employment with Hudson Booksellers, which primarily serves travelers at airports, ports, and other travel hotspots, my reading habits have dramatically increased. This wasn't just for professional reasons but also because I rediscovered my passion for reading. In 2023, I read over 200 books, often enjoying them while listening to audiobooks provided by my company as well as titles acquired from Libro.FM and sometimes the library. Some might argue that listening to an audiobook isn't the same as reading, but I view it differently. Whether you're reading with your eyes or listening with your ears, if you're absorbing the words penned by an author, you're engaging in the act of reading.

Red White & Royal Blue promotional graphic

As someone who rediscovered their love for reading after a long hiatus, I found myself completely captivated by Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue." This New Adult debut novel is a whirlwind of emotions, seamlessly blending humor, romance, and thought-provoking themes of duty and identity. The story revolves around Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. Thrown together by a PR stunt gone wrong, these two young men find themselves navigating a fake relationship that soon blossoms into something real.

McQuiston masterfully crafts Alex and Henry as complex and relatable characters. They grapple with societal pressures, personal insecurities, and the weight of their respective roles. Their journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as they learn to embrace who they truly are and fight for their right to love freely. The supporting characters add depth and humor to the narrative. Alex's sister, June, is a fierce protector, while his best friend, Nora, provides unwavering support. The interactions between these characters are heartwarming and genuine, adding another layer to the story's emotional impact. A recurring theme throughout the book is the concept of duty: to one's family, country, and oneself. McQuiston explores how these obligations can conflict with personal desires and the importance of finding a balance.

Red White & Royal Blue Film Poster

"Red, White & Royal Blue" is a story that leaves you wanting more. While reading, I imagined various actors playing the characters if a film version was made, not realizing the film had already been completed and was slated to be released through Amazon Prime Video within the year. Of course the day Amazon released the movie, I was in front of my television enjoying every bit of it, including one my favorite parts of the book which involved the massive cake incident which led to the PR stunt. It's a hopeful and optimistic tale that celebrates love, acceptance, and the power of individual voices. McQuiston's writing is fresh, engaging, and emotionally resonant. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to overcome any obstacle.

Red White & Royal Blue American Hardcover Edition

For those of you that love bonus material, be sure to check out the hardcover edition which includes some fun artwork on the dust jacket and book cover and an incredible bonus chapter.

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