“Cross the Line” by Simone Soltani (4 stars)
Sexy, friends-to-lovers, sports romances will always have a place in my heart. I’d never read a racing romance before, but the adorably written, sexy scenes made me want about a million more.
I’d never read a formula one romance before, but when I saw this on Audible, I thought “what the heck” and I’m so glad I did! Who knew racing was such a sexy sport? Friends-to-lovers is also an automatic win in my book (pun intended), so I knew immediately that I was going to adore the hidden romantic shenanigans of Willow and Dev. I now have quite a few racing romances being suggested on my feed and I wasn’t aware it was such a big part of the sports romance genre.
Maybe Cons: I will say that there were times when the storyline seemed a bit forced and I’m not sure if that’s because I was listening to the audiobook version or what. There were often repetitions of scenes that I felt like readers would have remembered without the blatant reminder (or could’ve been done in a more subtle way maybe?). Constantly reminding readers that Willow’s brother will be mad if he finds out about her relationship with Dev is one of the main hallmarks of the story, so after one or two times, readers understand it. But it’s still repeated multiple times before being resolved. It seems like overkill.
Storyline: Willow has already been burned by dating one of her brother’s friends before, but there’s something about Dev that makes her want to risk it all again. Maybe it’s that she’s had a crush on him since they were little, or the way he always includes her in the boys’ plans, or maybe it’s that super hot, forbidden kiss they shared last year…either way, when Dev offers her a job as his social media manager, she’s in for a wild ride.
Narration: I loved the Audible narration on this one. I was engaged throughout, the characters’ chapters were clearly defined and well acted. Plus, the steamy scenes were almost too much for me, but in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat to see how Willow and Dev were going to end up. I will admit that I listened at 2x speed (as I do with most of my audiobooks), but it didn’t detract from the story at all. It’s a perfect pick for those who enjoy an easy romance audiobook.
Romanticism: There were a few open door scenes that got pretty sexy, but nothing completely insane. It’s sneaky, hot, and perfectly executed in various spots throughout the novel. The friends-to-lovers trope gets a new spin by being combined with brother’s best friend, work colleagues, and secret romance. I mean obviously Willow and Dev can’t be together while she works for him and is busy hiding their relationship from everyone they know (but especially her big brother who forbids his friends from dating her). It gets messy, it gets romantic, and it gets resolved. Romance is a trope-focused genre for a reason; because it works.
Review: It’s an easy read in the best possible way. It’s not grand literature but it will entertain you if you like cheesy romances with a bit of spice. Best for those that enjoy bantering main characters, will-they-won’t-they tension, and grand romantic gestures. Because yes, Dev will do anything to get his girl.
Ultimately, I can’t wait to listen to more of Soltani’s stories! I might just have found my new niche in sports romances. It’s engaging, intriguing, and you’ll speed right through it. I listened to it in about three days worth of driving because I just couldn’t put it down. I’m curious if I’ll enjoy other formula one racing romances or if I simply hit the jackpot with this choice. Let’s find out…
About the Creator
Kristen Barenthaler
Curious adventurer. Crazed reader. Librarian. Archery instructor. True crime addict.
Instagram: @kristenbarenthaler
Facebook: @kbarenthaler
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“Temple of Swoon” by Jo Segura (5 stars)
To be fair, I’ve loved both of Jo Segura’s books so far, so I’m a tiny bit biased in saying that this was a five star read. However, it’s a great romance read that is quick and easy for any fans looking for a romantic rendezvous in the Amazon rainforest. Might seem a bit niche maybe, but it’s also completely perfect for a lazy afternoon read. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, hidden agendas, third act plot twists, or even just enjoy some searing sexual tension, this is the book for you.
By Kristen Barenthaler11 months ago in Geeks
Good Night and Good Luck”: Why These Four Words Still Matter in a Noisy World
Few phrases in modern media history carry as much weight as “Good night, and good luck.” Simple, calm, and almost understated, the line became famous through legendary American journalist Edward R. Murrow, who used it to sign off his television broadcasts in the 1950s. Decades later, the phrase resurfaced as the title of George Clooney’s acclaimed 2005 film, reminding audiences that its message is not locked in the past. In an age of information overload, misinformation, and shrinking trust in institutions, these four words feel more relevant than ever. The Origins of a Quiet Defiance Edward R. Murrow worked during one of the most politically charged periods in U.S. history: the era of McCarthyism, when fear of communism led to blacklists, censorship, and public intimidation. Murrow’s broadcasts did not rely on shouting or sensationalism. Instead, he practiced something radical for his time — measured truth-telling. When Murrow ended his programs with “Good night, and good luck,” it was not a throwaway farewell. It was a subtle acknowledgment of uncertainty. Viewers were navigating a world shaped by fear, propaganda, and political pressure, and Murrow knew that journalism alone could not guarantee safety or justice. What he could offer was honesty — and a wish for resilience. Journalism as a Moral Act The phrase came to symbolize journalism not as entertainment, but as a civic responsibility. Murrow believed that the press should challenge power when necessary, even when doing so carried professional or personal risk. His calm confrontation of Senator Joseph McCarthy remains one of the most studied moments in broadcast history, precisely because it relied on facts rather than theatrics. In today’s media environment, where outrage often drives clicks and algorithms reward extremes, Murrow’s approach feels almost revolutionary. “Good night, and good luck” reminds us that journalism’s strength lies not in volume, but in credibility and courage. A Film That Revived the Message George Clooney’s film Good Night, and Good Luck reintroduced Murrow’s philosophy to a new generation. Shot in stark black and white, the movie avoided modern spectacle and instead focused on newsroom debates, ethical dilemmas, and the quiet tension of speaking truth to power. The film resonated because it was not just about the 1950s. It was about any era in which fear threatens free expression. Clooney’s work suggested that the fight for honest journalism is not a single historical moment, but a recurring challenge. Why the Phrase Still Resonates Today In the digital age, information travels faster than ever — but truth often struggles to keep up. Social media has blurred the lines between opinion, fact, and performance. Deepfakes, manipulated headlines, and viral misinformation make it harder for audiences to know what to trust. Against this backdrop, “Good night, and good luck” feels like a quiet anchor. It acknowledges that certainty is rare, that truth-seeking is difficult, and that integrity matters even when outcomes are unclear. It is not a promise of victory, but a commitment to effort. Beyond Journalism: A Broader Meaning The power of the phrase has expanded beyond newsrooms. It now speaks to anyone navigating uncertainty — students questioning authority, artists pushing boundaries, activists challenging injustice, or ordinary people trying to stay informed in confusing times. At its core, the message is human. It recognizes fear without surrendering to it. It accepts risk without glorifying recklessness. And it reminds us that sometimes, all we can do is act with principle and hope for the best. The Cost of Silence Murrow once warned that television could teach, illuminate, and inspire — but only if people chose to use it that way. Otherwise, he cautioned, it would merely distract. That warning applies equally to today’s digital platforms. Silence, complacency, and passive consumption allow falsehoods to flourish. “Good night, and good luck” challenges both creators and audiences to stay engaged, skeptical, and thoughtful — even when doing so is uncomfortable. A Message for the Future As societies face political polarization, climate anxiety, technological disruption, and global instability, the phrase endures because it does not pretend to have easy answers. Instead, it offers something rarer: moral clarity without arrogance. It reminds us that truth is not guaranteed, freedom is not automatic, and courage often appears in small, quiet choices rather than dramatic gestures. Conclusion “Good night, and good luck” is more than a sign-off or a film title. It is a philosophy — one that values truth over noise, integrity over popularity, and responsibility over convenience. In a world that often rewards certainty, Murrow’s words accept uncertainty while refusing surrender. And perhaps that is why, after all these years, they still feel like advice worth carrying with us — into the night, and into whatever comes next.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 4 days ago in Geeks
Comments (1)
I “Cross the Line” all the time! Wonderful