Title:  Formula Chance (Race Fever #2)

Author:  Sawyer Bennett

Published:  March 11, 2025 by Big Dog Books, LLC

Source:  ARC received in exchange for a review

Type:  e-copy

Blurb: 

Nash Sinclair abandoned the world of formula racing after a deadly crash left him injured and on a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Even prior to the crash Nash was healing in another way, putting together the pieces of a broken heart. They say time heals all wounds and when Brienne Norcross, owner of the newly acquired Titans Racing team approaches him about a job, he decides it might just be time to reclaim the life he once loved.

Bexley Toliver just joined the Titans’ team as their chief race strategy engineer. As a woman working in a male-centric sport, Bex is no stranger to a man’s eyes on her. Whether it’s in silent awe, not-so-silent disgust, or somewhere in between, Bexley has earned her way. But there is one set of eyes that Bex hasn’t seen in years and when Nash Sinclair walks into the conference room for a team meeting, old memories are hard to ignore. As the heat between them becomes all-consuming, they are unable to resist the temptation to fall once again.

Bex and Nash’s history is…complicated. Young love that turned into the promise of forever crashed and burned long before the race that ended Nash’s career. Years apart dulled the pain of their failed union but some things aren’t meant to be forgotten, no matter how hard one tries. When the same issues that broke them apart re-emerge and spin them full-speed toward a barricade, Bex and Nash need to make a decision—hit the brakes and walk away or race forward to their happily ever after.

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads

Introduction

There aren’t as many F1 romances out there, compared with hockey or football. But those out there are at least quite good, if not absolutely amazing! “Formula Chance” by Sawyer Bennett is one of the best. It can be easily read as a stand-alone, even if it’s book 2 in the series.  

Summary

Nash Sinclair decides to return to Formula International, after a traumatic event left him scarred physically and mentally. Little did he expect to work together with his ex-fiancé Bexley Toliver, who is the newly appointed chief race strategy engineer. The two will have to leave the past behind, for the benefit of their professional careers, while fighting other battles of their own. Seeing the two navigate the sometimes-ruthless world of F1 and their feelings was a beautiful experience.  

Characters

Nash is still haunted by nightmares from his accident. It has taken him long hours of therapy to accept that there was nothing he could do more to save the other driver involved. He still has the burns from that unfortunate event and still battles the anxiety. However, he wants to push through, he wants to be the best driver and prove to himself he can do it again.

Bexley is a woman in a men’s world. She’s smart, has the needed attitude and the evidence to back up her ideas and strategies. She is not willing to back down from a challenge, especially if the numbers are there to prove her point.

If he is guided by impulse, she applies math and statistics. But they find common ground in their path to success. When love collides with their professional objectives, each will have to put aside their pride.

Themes

The author has created a story around powerful women. Smart, successful and determined to make it into a men dominated world. Brienne Norcross, the owner of Titan Racing leads an empire, Bexley struggles to make her voice heard in front of the drivers and other engineers, an F1 female driver may have her debut. Sawyer Bennett is a true advocate for female strength and empowerment. I am new to the author, but I hope Brienne has her own book (most probably yes).

Besides the strong female characters, we see Nash coping with anxiety. He is not ashamed of admitting his fears and he did not shy away from seeking professional help. I liked how his trauma was not minimized and I liked how the character deals with the pain.

Writing

The story is full of details regarding F1, from the preparations before a race, to the discussions during and post-race. Her extensive knowledge and passion for the sport is visible throughout each chapter. To some readers, it may feel too researched. I am a fan and I never get tired of reading about F1. The romance is simple, with little complication. There is plenty of spice (and everything nice), but I think the technicalities of the sport take over in most instances.

Reflections

The book made me think a lot about how women are perceived in several careers. From Politics, to Engineering or even Motor Sport, some of us ladies may feel out of place. I have not faced misogyny to the extent described in the book and I think (I hope) these are very few cases as serious as the one described in the book. I do believe however, that women are viewed mostly in strict relation with their look and certain appeal. There are few books that leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the final chapter and this is one of them.

Cover Review: Stunning cover, fully fitting, love the colors, love the race car and the silhouettes above it. Elegant and just beautiful!  

Conclusion

I wholeheartedly recommend “Formula Chance” by Sawyer Bennett, especially if you are an F1 fan. If this is not your kind of sport, the romance is great and there is also strong female representation. I am interested to read about the other couple mentioned in the book and I will definitely look forward for the next ones in the series.

Let me know in the comments if you are an F1 fan, what are some of your favorite F1 romances or what type of sports romance you prefer.

Until next time, happy reading!

 About The Author 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).