Diffuse (Special Edition) (The Pitstop Series

Pitstop #6

by Bridget L. Rose

Pain and grief are old friends. I’ve done my best to balance them, ignore them, simply live with them my whole life. And I had a plan. Summer break was going to be my time to finally address all of my undealt with feelings with Nevaeh by my side.
We were supposed to be happy, to start planning the rest of our lives together because I’ve known from the moment we met that I’m going to marry her.
Nothing was supposed to go wrong.
But then everything did.
Now, my whole world is upside down and nothing makes sense anymore. Not my feelings. Not right or wrong. Not even left or right.
All I can focus on is that I’m leading the Drivers’ Championship, but my rivals aren’t far behind me. They’re threatening to take away my chance to get my first title.
Worst of all, the reason I’m lost, the cause behind it all, isn’t going away. It’s here to stay, no matter how forcefully that may be.
And I’m scared it’ll cost me the one person I need more than oxygen to breathe.
I’m scared it’ll cost me the love of my life, and if I do…
That’s something I could never survive.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance

417 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2024

Reviews

[drew :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALPHA READ🕺

so good I read it in 2 days 🤭🤭

[Nikky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reserved (book one) and Diffuse (book two) by Bridget L Rose


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - beautiful and real


Reserved is a fast, exciting, and heartfelt romance set in the glamorous world of Formula One racing. Adrian Romana is a focused, determined driver with a reputation for being a heartbreaker—until he meets the beautiful Nevaeh Fuchs, a strong and relatable journalist.


Diffuse picks up right after Reserved and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Adrian is under intense pressure to win the Formula One championship while still dealing with the grief and pain from his past. Nevaeh is his safe place, but even their relationship is tested as the weight of expectations and old wounds threaten to pull them apart.


The way Bridget writes their struggles feels so real. You can truly feel Adrian’s heartache and Nevaeh’s fierce love for him. The found-family moments with friends like Gabriel and Valentina bring warmth and balance to the heavier scenes. The story also touches on mental health in a sensitive, authentic way, making it relatable and powerful.


On top of the emotional depth, there’s romance, tension, and just enough spice to make it addictive. By the end, you’re left feeling like you’ve been right there with them, cheering for their love and their healing.


Both books balance raw emotion with tender romance, meaningful friendships, and just the right amount of spice. By the end, you’ll be rooting for Adrian and Nevaeh as much as you would for your favorite race team. They leave you with a racing heart, a tear in your eye, and a smile on your face. A definite win for romance and F1 fans! 🧡💛🩷♥️

[Thalia Saghbini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly so GOOD!! I wanna thank Bridget for the ARC of this book because i actually couldnt wait after the way the first one ended. This book was actually a masterpiece adrian and neveah are my loves i love their maturity and how they depend on each other while still being independent. Adrian no one can hate u in my eyes 🫶🫶🫶 this book was ITTTTT to get me out of my reading slump pls read it!!! 5🌟

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh Bridget really outdid herself with this one, the perfect amount of romance and spice, mixed with a bit of a thrill and drama ❤️

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly showcases Bridget’s capabilities as an author. From the beginning, this book is full of depth, heartache and I’ve teared up on numerous occasions. Reserved left off with so much to be explored and trauma to be dealt with. It is being addressed so well in the sequel! Bridget’s writing gets stronger with each new release. I can always picture the story so well, it feels like I’m living it.

Adrian’s confrontation scene in the second chapter is everything! I could feel his pain. It was written so well! So full of anger, angst and heartbreak. I wish I could’ve reached out and just held his hand.

Chapter 9 is one of my favourites in Diffuse. The way Nevaeh reassures Adrian and the way he feels safe to voice how he feels…AHHH my heart!

The found family in this book is unmatched. I love Adrian’s relationship with Gabriel and Nevaeh’s with Valentina. Each other side character as well, adds such much life to their story.

Also can we just give a moment for Valentina’s chapter!! YES!!! That scene could only have played out in her POV and I’m so happy Bridget gave us this moment.

Neveah is such a strong, empathetic character. She’s so understanding and compassionate. You could feel her love for Adrian throughout and it made me love her all the more.

I cried during the last 25% of the book! Bridget broke my heart and then put it back together. It was so action packed as everything this book was building towards reached its peak. I literally could not tear my eyes away from the page. It’s so hard to choose a favourite book from this series and I can’t wait to see Adrian and Neveah return in future books!


SLIGHT SPOILER BELOW
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I absolutely loved getting Adrian’s point of view of meeting Nevaeh for the first time! It was so precious and wholesome seeing this interaction from a different POV. He truly was down bad for Neveah from the moment he met her.


Thank you so much Bridget for the ARC copy! All opinions are entirely my own.

[Hali Hegeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day, Bridget! I loved going on this journey with Adrian and Nevaeh.

Diffuse is the second half of Adrian and Nevaeh’s story. This is a forced proximity, forbidden romance.

I loved Nevaeh so much! There are so many moments where I related to her, especially when she experiences things that make her feel like a failure. I understood why that would make her want to stay in her happy little cocoon with Adrian and their friends, but I also loved how even when she was hurting, she always remained a safe space for her loved ones, especially Adrian. I can only imagine what it’s like to feel so loved that no other feeling can compare. Her anxiety was handled beautifully, there were so many moments where I felt seen by reading her struggles with panic attacks and anxiety flare-ups that @bridgetl.rose handled masterfully.

Adrian was so relatable! When he struggles with accepting being happy or hopeful because he doesn’t think he deserves to be happy, that’s something I’m all too familiar with. When he’s struggling with the emotional pain he’s going through, I completely understood how he would want to make everything go numb by any means possible. His reasons for not asking for help are the same reasons I don’t, because we don’t want to feel like a burden to our loved ones, something I think a lot of people will relate to. And when you feel like you don’t have anything left to hope for, it’s easier to feel nothing at all. It made watching him open up to Nevaeh and their beautiful found family that much sweeter to see, knowing they love him so much that he can love them and trust them, and they won’t ever abandon him. I loved how he wants Nevaeh in his life forever, even if it meant they weren’t a couple, and how he gives her a safe space to heal, the same as she does for him.

Another beautiful addition to the series, and I can’t wait to see what Bridget has in store next💕

[wisteria · Rating 5 out of 5]

i somehow girlbossed my way to the sun and was chosen as an ARC reader by bridget for the latest installment in the pit stop series, and in the continuation of adrian and nevaeh’s story. when i tell you diffuse absolutely knocked me off my feet in the best ways, i mean it. i had to force myself to slow down on reading it so i could enjoy it longer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 but once again would give endless if possible like i always do when it comes to bridget.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 literal chefs kiss on the spice levels. not too much, just the perfect amount(and the spicy epilogue???? take me to church)

from the storyline, the development of the characters, the plot twists i never saw coming. i can not express how absolutely amazing this book is. it had me giggling and kicking my feet, crying on my couch, angry in all the right places. bridget’s books have a way of making you feel things, making you feel seen in your own struggles and this one was no different. she talks about anxiety and panic attacks within this book and i can’t even begin to explain how deeply i resonate nor give enough kudos to how delicately she handled such dark, deep topics.

adrian’s character growth and development was everything, i fell in love with him even more. and the strength nevaeh continuously shows? i’m in awe of her and i hold her so close to my heart.

this book will be available to purchase and on kindle unlimited december 3rd and if you love F1, or even just sports romance, please do go read it.

[Jane - *Book Gremlin* · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Everything will be okay. Take deep breathes. You're more powerful than your anxiety. It may control you at times, but you can control it, too. With a willpower as strong as yours, it doesn't stand a chance.'

First and foremost, thank you to Bridget L. Rose for the opportunity to read this ARC, I adored it.

I'm so very hesitant to read books about racing as it can come across as being 'boring' but the way that this whole series is told from multiple perspectives is in a word brilliant!
I have enjoyed the Pitstop Series since book 1 and have actually read it twice that is how good it is.

Diffuse follows on from our previous story when things just went side ways... the continuation was seamless.
Both of our MC's suffer with mental illness in some way, shape or form, and the way it has been put into this story is perfection, did I feel through the book that I was sharing in their anxious moments, you damn right I did.
Everything about this story was so well thought out, from the twists and turns, the angst and heartbreak (also - the found family aspect of this COMPLETE story is fantastic)

As someone who suffers terribly with anxiety and mental health in general, thank you for introducing this aspect into one of my favorite genres of sport.

If you want to read this and I suggest you do, keep in mind that your mental health matters.

[Bookish girly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first one if not a little better!!🤭 I absolutely adored this book, don’t get me wrong there were some heartbreaking and nail biting moments but it was so good!

I knew from the moment that I read the first book in this duet, Reserved that I would love anything Bridget writes and well I wasn’t wrong.🤭

This book had everything I love; great romance, an entertaining plot and a bit of romantic suspense with a little action. Bridget really outdid herself with the action scenes in this book!

This book tore my heart open and stitched it back together. Bridget has such a brilliant way of writing the most beautiful romances that have such impactful emotional moments. I don’t get emotional over a book easily but with Diffuse I really wanted to cry with what Nevaeh and Adrian were going through. I’m just happy it all worked out in the end. They feel like my babies and they deserve the world 🥹

James is a character that really stood out to me in this book and I loved seeing how Bridget started giving us bits of information leading up to his own story which is the next book in the series. I sure love the single dad trope 🤭

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an e-arc of this book 🫶

[bia m franca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,75⭐️
I really liked this book but something about the way she calls him mein mond (my moon) is just weird to me, like she did give us reason for it, but I feel like she never explained it to him and the reasons are just kind of meh, like not as deep as him calling her mom paradis (my paradise) which just makes sense because of her name or in the other books Gabriel calling Val sunflower and her calling him sun, like I feel like it just doenst fit very well and was just chosen for her to have a nickname for him in a different language and maybe it might have been better if she chose a different pet name, maybe my love in German (because nevaeh is German, I think) or something like that, also I feel like it was very addictive in some parts but just not always, like I’d read for like 2 hours straight and then take 2 days to finish a chapter, so it kinda just took me longer to read, but it doesn’t make the book worst or something just because it didn’t hook me at all times
Still really recommend the book and the series

[Gaby Leija · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so grateful to be able to be on the ARC read list…and oh my goodness, I do NOT want to spoil this book but if you read Reserved, you CAN NOT miss this 😭 Adrian and Nevaeh’s love is like a true soulmate love. Bridget is an amazing author, all her books make my imagination go crazy in the best ways! Words cannot describe how talented she is and I cried so much reading this book. Every moment was so special, and the intense moments had me in shambles! I’ve been so busy working but I finally had the time to leave a review and I’m currently reading it for a second time. This amazing book had me reading it anywhere and everywhere when I had the smallest chance! The challenges Adrian and Nevaeh got through together truly make them amazing, their love for each other is the most beautiful and truest love out there 😭 truly undying! Please, I am BEGGING you to give this book a read! I’m 1000% positive you’ll love it ❤️❤️ Bridget is my favorite author

[Lisa Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to Diffuse by Bridget L. Rose, especially after loving Reserved. Once again, the romance between Nevaeh and Adrian is absolutely captivating and heartwarming. Their chemistry and tender moments truly carried the story for me.

However, I felt the book fell short in addressing the themes of anxiety and panic attacks that were so beautifully explored in the first book. I had hoped to see more of Adrian's journey in managing his panic attacks and Nevaeh's growth with her anxiety, but these aspects seemed glossed over.

Additionally, the plotline with Adrian's mother felt overly dramatic at times, making it hard to stay invested in those parts of the story. While the romance saved the book, the rest didn't live up to the emotional depth and nuance of the first installment.

It’s worth the read for fans of Nevaeh and Adrian’s relationship, but as a follow-up to Reserved, it didn’t fully meet my expectations.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC of Diffuse! All opinions in this review are my own.

I loved Reserved but Diffuse takes it to another level. I think because this is part two of Nevaeh and Adrian's story, I am already invested in their romance. Although I liked seeing them get together at first, I like reading about how their relationship deepens over time as they also deal with their individual problems as well.

I also love that there is no shortage of on-track action too! There are a few moments that ground this as not just a romance, but an F1 novel and fans of the sport will be rewarded. However, I like that this series doesn't structure the plot around the F1 calendar. While the races are featured, there is quite a bit that happens outside of the world of F1 for readers who are new to the sport.

[Kahra Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Diffuse by @bridgetl.rose

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💭Thoughts:
I forgot how much I loved Adrian and Nevaeh but once I picked up this book, I fell in love with them all over again! This is the second half of their incredible love story and one that you will want to add to your TBR! I love how kind and caring Adrian is towards Nevaeh making her feel so special.

I appreciated that Bridget explores the topic of anxiety through her characters and she does it so beautifully. I think that so many people will relate to Nevaeh’s character.

🏎️ Anxiety Health
🏎️ Race Drama
🏎️ Mutual Pining
🏎️ Found Family
🏎️ Reformed Playboy
🏎️ Forced Proximity
🏎️ Slow Burn
🏎️ He Falls First and Harder

#indiereads #indieauthor #arcreader #arcreview #spice #spicybooks #spicyromance #f1 #f1romance #bridgetlrose

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved every single page of this book! I highly recommend reading Reserved first—or even the entire collection—to really dive into the characters and their backstories. The book is packed with spice, tension, and drama. There were moments I simply couldn’t put it down, and I felt a pang of sadness when it ended. I’m already craving more of Adrian and Neveah’s story!

Bridget is truly one of the kindest authors I’ve come across. I had some issues accessing my digital copy, but she was incredibly helpful and responsive throughout. I’m so proud to have had the chance to read Diffuse as an ARC reader. Highly recommend this one!

[Kiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Reserved still holds the spot of personal favorite, but Diffuse was such a good read!

As expected the banter and longing between the two main characters, Adrian and Nevaeh, was top tier! They always bring a smile to my face.

This book made me have a deeper appreciation for my love of F1! Chapter 26 was my favorite part, IYKYK 😊.

Valentina and Nevaeh are the best friend duo I never knew I was missing and ai love their friendship. The found family dynamic in this book is so cute too!

If you’re looking for a good F1 romance that has all the good stuff look no further than Reserved and Diffuse! You should also check out Bridget’s other books as well!

[Emma Catchpole · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRIDGET!!!
I swear this woman knows how to write a book! Bridget kindly asked me to beta read this and I couldn't say no I was completely sucked into this world again, there was things in this book that I didn't see coming like I was screaming at the laptop asking why!!
Bridget that extra scene we were talking about had me blushing and I mean blushing this girl knows how to write spice.
Overall I was completely submerged in this book and I can't wait for what's next in the pitstop series.

[lianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

[arc review]

what a cute ending to nevaeh and adrian’s books 🥹

i LOVED the mental health rep in this book, especially with adrian because we almost never see men handling depression or anxiety. and i like that adrian became more outspoken about mental health as a public figure toward the end of the book.

adrian and nevaeh are each other’s rock, each other’s homes. they know each other so well and i absolutely loved how they knew exactly how to ground the other. both of them had a lot of anxiety with cecilia’s delulu is the solulu schtick and given the situation, i think they both handled it to the best of their ability.

not only do adrian and nevaeh give each other so much grace and patience, but so do the people around them.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m utterly grateful to Bridget for providing me an ARC copy of Diffuse!

I absolutely loved the first book, Reserved, but unfortunately, Diffuse didn’t resonate with me in the same way.
While the portrayal of mental health struggles was beautifully and thoughtfully done, I found myself losing connection with the characters.
The villain's motive felt a bit unbelievable, and the way the characters were so closely intertwined made the racing aspect feel implausible.
That said, I truly appreciate the emotional depth and effort that went into this story—it just didn’t click for me this time.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that you didn’t want to finish because you just didn’t want it to be over.

Adrian and Nevaeh’s story is one full of excitement, heartbreak, and an all consuming love. This book shows us the true meaning of all love - the soul mate type of love, the love of friends turned to family, the love of siblings and parents, all of it.

In my opinion, the best thing and author can do is bring real life aspects into a fiction work to build the emotional connection to the characters and story, and Bridget does this perfectly (in this book and all her others). The way she describes anxiety and panic attacks is like I’ve never read before. As someone who has anxiety, it’s extremely validating and wholesome to be able to read a story and it be so representative of what I’ve felt. Every emotion in this book - love, joy, heartbreak, anxiety, anger - is described perfectly and led me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire book.

Please read the trigger warnings of this book, especially if you are sensitive to topics such as anxiety and panic attacks.

Thank you Bridget for the ARC read opportunity. I can’t wait for what’s next 🫶🏼

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you as always for picking and trusting me to be an ARC reader Bridget.

Adrian and Nevaeh go through many highs and low but work through it together. Their character and relationship development is top tier. I'm so not ready for this story to be over.

Quick PSA, this is the hottest Adrian has ever been.... (hello Mr defensive).

As usual I don't want to say too much without giving anything away, but this beautiful story will blow you away.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin? This book healed me in ways that I didn't even know I needed, which I know is silly to say about a motorsport romance book, but the character Nevaeh speaks to me on a level that no other character has. I love the love Nevaeh and Adrian have for each other. The family drama is top tier!! It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I honestly can't wait for the next installment and to get to know these characters on an even deeper level.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1 am and I am positively in tears;

This is EVERYTHING I IMAGINED and More! Doesn't matter that I'm sleep-deprived and probably dehydrated!

Read this in one sitting; cried with Adrian and Neveah, smiled with them, feared for them and fell in love with them all over again.

The story, the pacing, the drama; BRIDGET, YOU ARE AMAZING! I LOVE YOU!

I need my babies' wedding cause GOD! I don't what to say except, they're perfect. The story's perfect, and Bridget, you are amazing!

[Mariah Xerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so grateful to have gotten an ARC copy! If you read Reserved, you definitely have to read Diffuse. I won’t give any spoilers but if I had to give it more than 5 stars, I would.

The portrayal of mental health issues is not overdone but it is through real experiences.

I cried and laughed during the book and I related to it a lot especially in regard to the anxiety parts.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!!

I love the passion and angst Bridget puts into her books. I know when I read them they are going to take me through an emotional roller coaster and this one did not disappoint!! I didn't think this one could be better than Reserved, but it was.

FANTASTIC JOB QUEEN BRIDGET!!

[Emma James · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing book! I really enjoyed reading it the story was really good!!




the event at the end almost got me I was kinda scared for Nevaeh and Adrien because of Cecilia but I'm glad the end was what I read!!

[Sami Stanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love any book Bridget writes but this book was blew me away. It was beautiful. It was heartbreaking and heart warming. It was strong and it was EVERYTHING. Nevaeh and Adrian have my heart. I will forever love them. Thank you Bridget for doing the damn thing AGAIN!!!!

[Mariana Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

So goooood!! Took me so long to finish but this was amazing. Unpopular opinion, these books are better than Gabriel and Valentina’s books 🫢 anyways, giving it four stars because the plot itself is very very similar to some of the other books in the series.

[Jordan Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian’s character development *chefs kiss*
Neveah always being there for him
Them together just too good

[Krissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved it. Read it in 3 days after work 😍 Bridget you did an amazing job. Thank you for choosing me as an arc reader.