From bestselling author GiGi Meier, a dark, forbidden, grumpy-sunshine biker romance set on Harvard’s elite campus, where a brooding neurochemistry grad student clashes with the brilliant criminologist assigned to work by his side.
What’s worse than getting roped into profiling a killer? Being forced to work with a woman who disrupts my perfectly controlled world.
That was me. Dominic Barrett. That was my mistake. I let her in.
Dr. Claudia Marlowe is all sunshine and confidence, the kind of woman who lights up a room just by walking into it. Too bad I prefer the dark.
I’m a Harvard neurochemistry grad student with a restless mind, a motorcycle that outruns my demons, and a long list of vices to keep me sane. I don’t do warmth. I don’t do easy. And I sure as hell don’t do people like her—bright, untouchable, everything I can’t afford to want.
She thinks we’re just research partners. Thinks I’ll play nice, help her profile a murderer, and then go back to my carefully constructed life. She’s wrong.
The closer we get, the harder it is to stay away. She’s a dangerous variable in my perfect equation—unpredictable, chaotic, impossible to resist.
And the real problem? I don’t want to resist her at all.
Pinned Throttle is a steamy, grumpy-sunshine, reverse age gap biker romance featuring a brooding neurochemistry grad student, a brilliant criminologist, and a collision neither of them saw coming. Book two in The Bikers of Boston Series, is a connected standalone.
GIGI MEIER retired from a thirty-year career in corporate America to write romance novels about strong female characters and their complicated, swoon-worthy men. She loves telling stories and figuring out why her characters do what they do. With heartbreaking angst, panty-dropping lust, and enviable love, her stories linger long after you close the book.
When GiGi is not eating over her laptop, she likes to spend time in the pool with her children, walk her furry babies, and film videos for Instagram. Whether working out with her trainer, attending a book club, or hosting a game night, she loves connecting with new people and making friends.
I was privileged to receive the ARC for this book...I'm a huge fan of Gigi's work and was very much looking forward to book #2 in this series. What can I say except I was not disappointed. In my opinion this is by far her most compelling book and characters to date. I was prepared to dislike Dom but the more I read the more she made me feel for him. Claudia is a strong, intelligent, likeable character that you wouldn't think would work with Dom. But their chemistry is undeniable. No spoilers...if you want to know more...get the book you won't be sorry.
Slow burn and Angsty but suddenly that all changes and their Chemistry was undeniable! Good plot and decently paced making for a good read that flows nicely.
The thing that I really love about this series is that it isn’t what you expect when you read it is a biker story. The men in these books all feel the rush of being on their bikes, speeding in and around Boston. But they also are intellectuals. This book has a such an interesting plot to it and it really grabs your attention. I don’t know if I have read anything like this story. The tension between the two main characters was so thick that you can choke on it. I love a reverse age gap, especially when the MMC is so dominant and strong. Both of these characters seem so mature and professional until they really aren’t professional anymore. The spice is just plain hot and when these two characters finally get together, I can’t even describe how amazing it is. Most romances have spicy scenes that last a few pages, even when there are multiple guys. But this has it spread over three chapters. The build up is such a perfect tease.
These two characters have to be some of my favorites. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated by people who can profile people. The way that Claudia works and is able to read even Dominic is so fascinating. Even though she is in complete control of her life, the way that she is willing to give control to Dominic is perfection. What I really loved about Dominic is that he is a buff, sexy man that rides a motorcycle and enjoys some herbal refreshment, but he also is extremely intelligent. He is a Harvard grad student that uses his brain in all aspects of his life. These two characters were so different and just so perfect. I was hooked on their interactions with each other.
Reading the title and the tropes for this book just scratches the surface. I loved the suspense and mystery to it and I found that Dominic was so relatable to me. Sometimes when you are the intelligent child and all of your life is boiled down to that intelligence. It can be crippling. But the spice levels between the two main characters was fantastic. I would definitely recommend this book.
"Paolo" and "Giovanni" by Gigi Meier were both five star reads for me, so when she announced she was releasing a book a little darker with an element of mystery, I was so ready to dive in! Claudia is a renowned criminologist, author, and public figure who gets roped into working with Dominic, a young neurochemistry student at Harvard to solve a case. Four victims were found with the same mysterious compound in their systems. Dominic's research and knowledge are their only hope to cracking the case and putting a stop to a serial killer's madness.
At first, I wasn't sure how much I would like Dominic. He's a genius with a brilliant mind but also a jerk at times. I soon found myself as intrigued and drawn in by him as the mystery. I really enjoyed Claudia as a character from the very beginning, and one of the things I like about Meier's books are her strong female characters. Their chemistry simmers and sizzles from their first meeting until it's blazing hot!
I can't wait to read the next book about Dominic's mom and Hollister. Just the little snippet in this book has me wanting more.
Dom is a brilliant college student and chemist who the police ask to help find a person unaliving others using an unknown chemical. Claudia is a criminalologist also helping the case. They have chemistry sparking when they meet but Dom doesn't like people and especially not in a way leading to relationships. The more they work together, the more their chemistry ignites. They begin a relationship of sorts but when the Unaliver threatens Dom, he tries to push her away. Dom works on finding a signature in the chemicals used on the victims. Will they be able to solve the mystery before more people get hurt?
I loved this book. It's my favorite of this series. Thank you to Gigi and Happily Booked for the ARC. This was a bit of a slow burn at the start of the relationship, no angst, but when they happened, they combusted! Dominic's whole life is his scientific work, it's all he knows, and when Claudia walks into his space uninvited, well, that just pisses him off! All work and no play makes Dom ( and Claudia) no fun! But that's about to change!! Claudia is investigating strange and unusual deaths, and the only scientist able to help is Dom, this mystery is right up his ally, and then they get the breakthrough they both need.
Great story, absolutely freaky, but fantastically sexy at the same time.
OMG the way I absolutely loved this book! A MMC that rides bikes :D. A FMC that is a baddie. I loved how they worked together to figure out this mystery that is going on. The fact that he does not feel threatened by her intelligence was absolutely sexy ;).
love this book the action pack book i couldn't keep the book away from me i loves the control Dom needed and the love for the dr he was feeling and couldn't let go
Dominic Barrett loves dark ,he’s a motorcycle easy rider full of bottle when he turns over the throttle . The darker the better so why is he keen on this ms sunshine Dr. Claudia Marlow? Well he doesn’t know . Is it her charm or easy nature? So frustrating is her stature. And it’s everything he usually detests …Not impressed. Being a Harvard neurochemistry grad isn’t bad but what’s driving him mad ,insane in fact is that she thinks he’s a profiler ,who will play ball , a smiler . Nope not at all. He’s not interested in what she has invested . That’s not for him ,he’d rather look grim. Huh he’s a rider but he doesn’t do easy. Claudia is reflective after a case ,where they did for a waste of space ….and here’s her assistant Lena telling her to go and blow off steam ,maybe find her dream of a date . See what happens when you leave options open to fate. Live a little. This dream situation ,comes sooner than they expect in the form of Dom . But he far from treats her with aplomb ,it’s not a great situation, cos in she walks getting in his face invading his space at his work station. He’s moody as hell ,she thinks he’s swell and is going to make her dreams come to fruition . In the lab much to his derision . If she thinks he’ll play nice she has another thing coming he thinks as he sits across his cycle ,engine thrumming. Soon though ,he goes where he didn’t oughta for his own good . She does haunt but she’s all the dreams he’s resigned not to want. This heady book is sexy as ,and would I go there? YES! He’s moody ,she’s broody ,a match made in heaven? More like hell . This hot story does mightily compel. Well I read with greed in my bed , wonderfully penned story indeed by the one and only Gigi Meier. With these biker books she writes she does soar higher and the desire? Phew 😮💨 so hot I’m telling you . She makes us hunger for more of the same . On the deck melting with thoughts of this guy Dom . Oh my I’m going to ….oh hum ,crazy with lust ,because on this author you can be trusting to get all your engines thrusting. Awesome storyline and the telling is divine!
This is Book 2 in The Bikers of Boston Series, and in this book, Dominic Barrett is front and centre with the intriguing Dr Claudia Marlowe appearing.
The story focuses on Dom, who is personally requested to support a Police investigation due to his skillset in science and his 'partner' of sorts Claudia, a brilliant and well-known Criminologist specialising in Criminal Profiling.
We met Dom in Full Throttle, but it was great to learn more about Dom and why he is how he is. Is is brilliant in his science field, but learning why, that was heartbreaking for him.
I love GiGi's strong female characters, and Claudia is no different. She is fiesty, intelligent, and not much phases her. It's great to see a character like hers on a book like this!
I'm not going to discuss the bigger storyline too much as I think the reader deserves the full impact of what they're reading as it slowly come to light... but I will say that GiGi must have spent ALOT of time meticulously researching science and certain theories, etc, as it's very believable in the labs, etc.
This is a darker themed book, so reader discretion is advised, but it is worth every moment reading it as GIGi has such an engaging way of telling her stories that end up sucking you into the book!
“For the ones who crawl to the monster—the bruises are worth it.”
What I wasn’t expecting was for the broody friend of the group to give everything he had in this book. Dominic Barrett, where are you? Where can one find such a complex specimen of a man? Lady Doctor, Marlowe, Claudia you are one lucky girl. Criminologist Claudia Marlowe is looking for a serial killer that has been drugging its victims and is in need of some serious help to figure out who is behind this. Dominic Barrett is a student at Harvard neurochemistry department and is top of his class. He is a broody, cocky, temperamental fine specimen of a man. Both of them have to work together to figure out what this new drug is and who is creating it. Pinned Throttle has suspense and ties it all together with two people who not only make sense but that they compliment each other. Dominic has a very hard demeanor and in no sense does he ever back down. He knows what he wants and it is up to that person to give it to him. The dom qualities he presents are evident in the way he speaks and Marlowe has no reason to obey. From the spice to the story line I was drawn in from the start. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars rounded up) Pinned Throttle is the kind of book that grabs you with its tension and refuses to let go—and I honestly think Gigi Meier has stepped up her game with this second installment. While book one laid the groundwork, this one brings stronger character chemistry, a tighter plot, and tropes that hit just right.
We’ve got: 🏍️ Biker Romance with real grit 🩸 He Falls First (and falls hard—my favorite!) 🏍️ Grumpy/Sunshine (with a twist that works so well) 🩸 Reverse Age Gap that actually adds to the emotional stakes 🏍️ Forced Proximity that delivers all the delicious tension 🩸 Damaged Hero (and yep, he’s broody and beautiful) 🏍️ A brilliant Asian criminologist heroine 🩸 And a neurochem grad student heroine who’s just as smart as she is fierce
There’s definitely some angsty insta-lust, but it’s handled in a way that feels earned, layered with emotional depth and personal stakes. I especially appreciated how the characters’ backgrounds influenced their decisions and vulnerabilities without ever turning them into clichés.
If you enjoy gritty, steamy romance with brains, heart, and edge, Pinned Throttle is totally worth the ride. Looking forward to what Gigi Meier has in store next—because this series is just getting better.
“The closer we get, the harder it is to stay away. She’s a dangerous variable in my perfect equation—unpredictable, chaotic, impossible to resist.
And the real problem? I don’t want to resist her at all.”
Pinned Throttle is book two in The Bikers of Boston series. This was such an amazing read! I love how relatable Dom is and his story was very well written. This was my second reverse age gap (both by Gigi Meier) and I have to say it’s a new favorite trope for me! All around the characters and the story was so interesting I didn’t want it to end! The spice was definitely spicy 🌶️ 🥵 Pinned Throttle is in my top three best reads of 2025! I highly recommend if your into dark/angsty MMC, bikers, romance, criminology, and “chemistry”) 😉🫶🏼
Thank you again @authorgigimeier for letting me read an ARC copy of this wonderful masterpiece! You surpassed my expectations with this one🖤 #arcreader #comingsoon #reverseagegap #grumpysunshine #forcedproximity #hefallsfirst #romancebook #pinnedthrottle #damagedhero #angst #instalust @happilybookedpr
This is the second book in the Bikers of Boston series and I enjoyed this book as I did the first.
Claudia is a renowned criminologist and author has been working a case and now assigned to work with Dominic who is a brilliant Harvard neurochemistry student. With Dominic’s research and knowledge, the two of them have to determine what the mysterious compound is found in four victims by a serial killer. However, Dom is broody, temperamental and doesn’t enjoy the presence of others and having to work with Claudia infuriates him. Claudia is a strong FMC, intelligent and has quite a bit of sass. The more the two of them spend time together the more the chemistry heightens. The lurking danger of the serial killer, suspense and twists had me on the edge of my seat. A definite thriller and page turner.
As before, I enjoyed the authors writing style. It was immersive and allowed me to connect with the characters. She kept me fully engaged until the end. The is an exciting read for those who enjoy a MMC on a bike, strong FMC, grumpy/sunshine, and angsty insta lust.
🏍️ Biker Romance 🩸 He Falls First 🏍️ Grumpy/Sunshine 🩸 Reverse Age Gap 🏍️ Forced Proximity 🩸 Damaged Hero 🏍️ Asian Criminologist 🩸 Brillant Neurochem Grad Student 🏍️ Angsty Insta Lust
Claudia is the famous criminologist/profiler who's just been given a new case & asked to work with the grumpy Harvard grad student, Dominic. Nobody has ever been able to truly read him or acknowledge what he needs & nobody has been able to get under her skin the way he does. The way they interact will get you giggling as they work to purposely get on each other's nerves.
There are many twists & turns throughout this story. I definitely saw some things coming but not everything. Despite the length, this was a really quick read. Be prepared for plenty of technical jargon related to neurobiology & criminology if you're not used to it. It's not overwhelming though.
My only complaint is that I wanted to throttle Dom every time he called her "Lady Doctor", but I know this was purposeful.
Thank you to Gigi & HappilyBooked PR for the ARC on this one. It's not my normal genre, but I definitely enjoyed it.
Pinned Throttle is book 2 in The Bikers of Boston Series.
I really loved this book! I didn't read book one I think it can be read as a standalone however this book was great and I wish I read book one first. I really loved how the author was able to draw me in from page one, and was able to keep my attention throughout the book. Claudia a criminologist is who is asked to work on a murder case where they are also bringing in Dominic a Harvard neurochemistry student. Why would they bring in a student, and will they be able to find out what is going on before more people die? Guess you better read to find out!
Tropes: Biker Romance ( In this book there isn't a lot of mention of "Biker" but it didn't take away from the story for me) He Falls First Grumpy/Sunshine Reverse Age Gap Forced Proximity Damaged Hero Asian Criminologist Brilliant Neurochemistry Grad Student Angsty Insta Lust
As Always Please read TW's! Your Mental Health Matters!
Dominic Barrett doesn’t do bright, soft, or emotionally available—but Claudia Marlowe is all three. When they're paired to track a killer, their clash is instant, electric, and impossible to ignore. She’s a risk he shouldn’t take. But the closer they get, the harder it is to stay away. I am loving this series so much — and honestly, Pinned Throttle might be my favorite one yet. Dom? The broody, brilliant Harvard neurochemist who keeps everyone at arm’s length. Claudia? The older criminologist who doesn’t flinch in the face of blood or Dominic’s sharp tongue. Put them on a case together with murder, tension, and one bed? Yeah. I was done for. This book is dark, addictive, and so smart. Their chemistry , bickering and the tension. I was all for it. Claudia’s smart, unbothered, and doesn’t back down from Dom’s walls, and Dom? He falls first in the most soul-crushing, beautiful way.
Dom and Claudia are forced together on a case, Dom the scientist and Claudia the profiler. Dom is instantly obsessed with Claudia but she threatens to unravel him and his ways. Dom is constantly chasing his own demons but Claudia becomes his peace and he will burn the world down for her but when they're both getting threats from the serial killer they have to try to get the answers before anyone else dies. This was a great read. I liked the dynamic between the characters and the inner workings of their thoughts. These two are toxic together but also perfect for each other. I did not see the twists in who the killer is and it wasn’t until it was revealed that it all made sense. Overall a very good read.
This was my first book by Gigi Meier and I really didn’t know what to expect, but I’m happy to have read it.
I do love a slow burn , enemies to lovers-ish romance with mystery and intrigue thrown into the mix. I loved their chemistry and love a motorcycle riding man. I loved how the story played out and didn’t see who the killer was until just before it was revealed, which I love for thrillers.
I’m excited to read the next book, as well as go back and red the first of the Bikers of Boston.
Thank you to Gigi Meier and Happily Booked PR for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
📚 Pinned Throttle by Gigi Meier 🔥 Biker romance + grumpy/sunshine + reverse age gap = OBSESSED.
Dominic is a brooding Harvard grad with a dark past. Claudia? A badass criminologist profiling a serial killer. They’re total opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts. 😮💨
💬 It’s dark, spicy, emotional—and I couldn’t put it down. 💀 , mystery, and motorcycles? YES PLEASE. 🚨 Bonus: Dominic is the definition of tortured and hot.
If you love your romance with tension, grit, and steam… this one’s for you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This book was amazing. Dom is a beautiful, tortured soul who is a neurochemist at Havard. He is roped in to helping solve a string of murders with Claudia, an older sassy Criminologist. I loved how from the beginning Claudia rattled Dom. Two completely different people who didn't release they needed each other. She might be his menace, but only because she disrupts his control and makes him feel things he has never felt. She was there for him and I loved how when the tables were turned he did not fail to be there for her. The plot in this book was fantastic and had me up way too late flipping pages. Highly entertaining with a healthy dose of spice. Absolutely perfect to me!
Pinned throttle will take you on a wild ride of love and suspense as Claudia and Dominic fall for one another while on the hunt for a serial killer.
I really enjoyed the thriller element in this one and how the crime plot played out. I guessed who it was from the clues given in the book but it didn't take away from the suspense as it all came to a head.
There are some great tropes for us to enjoy in this one: • Grumpy x Sunshine • Reverse Age Gap • Touch her and Die - he will literally burn the world. • Bike Romance • Forced Proximity
Gigi does a fantastic job creating characters in this book that you love and can feel for even if when the book starts out you're just not sure about Dominic. I will admit that by the time that he's working with Claudia I've fallen. Both characters are smart, witty, sassy and snarky. I love it!!! While this book is a bit longer than I generally read it did keep my interested and turning the pages throughout the rest of the book. I loved it and it kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next. I received the book as an ARC copy and so glad I did.
opposites really do attract especially in Pinmned Throttle Dominic very kept to self, a Harvard neurochemistry grad... his bike was his escape until her.. Claudia was this bubbly ray of sunshine she made the room brighter the second she walked in he'd never go for someone like her but the more time the spent together on the same case he couldn't resist how he felt. the chemistry from these two was captivating & steamy oh you'll love the spicy scenes ! a must read !! grumpyxsunshine reverse age gap steamy biker romance
Despite being a reverse age gap, it isn't mentioned more than a few times. I loved Dominic! It isn't often that you read of a man with a brain that never shuts off and creates anxiety. I loved the honesty and seeing how all this affects him. Claudia is a force of nature who reads everyone really well! The characters were well written and their issues seemed so real! I loved the steamy scenes and the suspense. Looking forward to more books by Gigi!
This is for all you dark romance lovers. This is dark and delicious. The spicy scenes are long and detailed. I always enjoy a crossover and this has it in spades. It has some pretty interesting thriller/mystery vibes in combination with that dark romance.
The only thing that confused me was the title. This shouldn’t be marketed as a biker romance. Very little in the book even involved the motorcycle (3 “scenes”).
I love a good biker series and Gigi is building a stunner of a series with these books, we are only on book 2 of the series and I can’t get enough, and buzzing for the next book. The chemistry between this unlikely duo is undeniable and toasty! It was well written and flowed nicely and the little glimpse into the next books MCs had me itching for their book. I love the dynamic, the growth, the mystery and of course the growing chemistry, it is definitely worth the read.
When Dr. Claudia Marlowe calls in Dominic to help her with a case she is working on their undeniable chemistry is fraught with complications that endangers their lives. The murder mystery was intriguing and suspenseful which added excitement to the plot. Growth of these characters and underlying layers progressed throughout the story which was enthralling to read. It was a very entertaining read.
From the very first chapter, Pinned Throttle delivers a high-octane blend of romance and adrenaline. Gigi Meier creates a fast-paced world where tension on and off the track burns just as hot. The characters felt layered and real, and their connection was both fiery and emotional. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching two strong personalities collide and fall in love—this story nails that dynamic perfectly. A thrilling ride from start to finish.