Before You

edit (a few years later): after rereading the book I found a few points that I don't like. Aiden doesn't want to appear weak in front of Mel (because men aren't weak, they are strong and don't show feelings, right?) and he thinks that he should be the strong one in their relationship/friendship/whatever-ship. Making the other one jealous: yep, good idea. Not trusting the other: good start for a new relationship. Unflattering clothes are a no-go (at least that's what the book says). Thinking you are a burden to someone: that sounds toxic. Making fun of someone because they can't drive a car (or don't want to because of trauma in their past). Nice. Note for everyone: you don't have to have a driver's licence. You don't have to like driving a car. It's okay if you don't want to drive. It's not that important.

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As a girlfriend of a Formula One and Nascar-Fan I was quite familiar with the topic. In my opinion Kathryn Freeman, the author, did a really good job with this book. While reading it I was drawn into the story of Aiden and his press officer Mel. There is this tension when Aiden is in a race. There are his struggles when it comes to his father, a very successful racing driver and multiple time worldchampion. Aidan, the womaniser, falls in love with his press officer, who is afraid of being hurt again. A mother who doesn’t care about her eldest son and abandons her 10 year old son Tom, Aiden’s half-brother. Suddenly, Aiden has to look after his brother, whom he left after his birth in order to turn the back on his unloving mother – midway through the racing season.

I’m a bit book hangover now as always when I finish a really good book.