Thanks, Forever, for the arc! 

This book review is a two-fold review for me. I liked it, but it had a lot of problems. The two big things to take away from my review before you read it are to check your content warnings. And would I read this author again? Yes. And now on to the main event - the review:

I’ve read another Formula 1 romance book and kept thinking while reading DOUBLE APEX by Josie Juniper: "Why have I not read more?!?” Fast cars. Exotic locals. Sexy men. Intelligent and gorgeous women. Please tell me what more you could want? Plus, in this novel, Cosmin and Phaedra add a nice amount of witty banter and chemistry to all that. 

First and foremost, I must say that I had a big issue with the book and almost DNF’d it right at the beginning. Cosmin calls Phaedra nicknames and makes sexual innuendos when they work together as driver/race engineer. When asked to stop, he doesn’t. He also doesn’t take no for an answer. And Phaedra is told, “That’s just how he is.” I can handle a jerk MMC, but not a douchecanoe who doesn’t understand consent. But everything wrong isn’t all his fault because Phaedra has issues, too: with consent, anger, and physical abuse. They have an interesting love story, but it’s not easy. So, please, again, check your triggers. 

You’re probably wondering, “Katie, why did you finish this book when you are known to DNF?” When I read a sports romance, I like to learn about the sport, feel like I’m cheering for that team, and have a story with characters on the side. Juniper has written a story like with DOUBLE APEX. Also, I was on a plane and told myself I would wait until food service came by before I decided to quit. I reached a point where Phaedra and Cosmin talked - no sexy teasing, yelling about cars, or witty banter - they talked about life, and I realized there was more to the story, and it hooked me in. 

Besides having a fantastic name, I liked Phaedra. She was smart, and seeing her do a typical man’s job was awesome. I don’t think Cosmin will ever be a book boyfriend for me, but he has his moments that I like. I also liked his Romanian representation. And the ending of the book does make me smile. 

Check your triggers first, then follow your heart. Experience an F1 racing romance book. 

Content warnings: (per author in the book) the illness and death of a main character’s family member during the story, moderated mentions of past child abuse, sexually explicit content, profanity; (from my reading observations) cancer, physical abuse, emotional abuse, gaslighting