Driving In Neutral

by Sandra Antonelli

A new, quick–witted, quip–heavy romance for grown–ups from Sandra Antonelli about facing your fears – because love is the greatest risk of all. Levelheaded Olivia Regen walks away from her car–racing career and the wreckage of a bad marriage to take on new work that's far removed from the twists of racetrack. Her new life is about control, calm and the good friends that she adores. But her first task on her very first day involves getting up close and too personal with her claustrophobic boss, alone in a broken elevator. Her unconventional solution for restoring his equilibrium shocks them both and leaves Olivia shaken. Determined to stick to her plan, Olivia drives headlong into work and planning her best friend's wedding, leaving no room for kissing, elevators, or workplace relationships. But Emerson is not one to be out–manoeuvred. Can he convince Olivia that her fear of falling in love again is just another kind of claustrophobia – one that is destined to leave them both lonely?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Sandra is the author of romantic suspense and romantic comedies featuring 'seasoned' characters who have four decades or more of life experience. Firmly believing foxy doesn't end at forty, her novels place women over the age of 40 as capable heroines, as lead characters, not as stereotypes.
Her books have twice been nominated for Australian Romance Readers Association awards.

Reviews

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Escape Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"While his sartorial choice said Lamborghini Diablo, the raging timbre of his voice said 1982 Datsun 210 with a rusted, holey muffler."

Right from the moment that they get stuck in the elevator, and all the way throughout this fantastic book, it was clear to me that this was going to "rev my reading engine" (pardon the terrible pun).

I do harp on about it, but I love reading about the lives and loves of people who aren't always fresh out of the nursery. There is mention of Olivia and Emerson's ages, and those of the supporting characters, however that was all - and I couldn't be happier with that. We get to see them being them, and not dwelling on the golden years, or whinging about getting older.

You can check out the full review at My Written Romance.

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

DRIVING IN NEUTRAL was a great little read and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. The bridezilla whose wedding was central to the story was something to behold – although I probably would have walked out and left her rather than pampering to her bad behaviour – Olivia was either demented or a saint for putting up with her! It did take me a while to settle into the stories as there were a few characters that all seemed to be introduced at once after the elevator scene, and it took me a while to work out which characters I should be concentrating on. It also verged onto farcical rather than funny once or twice which again had me wanting to slap the characters concerned (the two bridesmaids come to mind here). The romance between Emerson and Olivia was very gradual and I liked that they weren’t in bed with each other from page one – the kiss in the elevator doesn’t count as that was medicinal!! I also liked the conflict that needed to be overcome, although I felt that what Olivia did to Emerson was very wicked, and was a little mollified to see that she was remorseful for her action; still she should not have done that, it was spiteful and cruel, and actually let the story down for me that she even did it. Of course you’ll have to read the book to find out what I am referring to and judge for yourself; in fact pour yourself a glass of bubbly and settle in for a wonderful wedding weekend with some really quirky characters and some serious life issue lessons learned. Overall I recommend DRIVING IN NEUTRAL as a perfect weekend read.


3 stars – Above average. Was very readable and I really liked it but was easily able to put it down and walk away for a while.

With thanks to Escape Publishing and the author via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[*The Angry Reader* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author’s unique and pared-down style. I don’t love her characters’ tendency toward introspection.

[AusRomToday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Driving in Neutral with a to-do-list that spanned 2 a4 pages telling myself I’d read a chapter then get back to my work. Do you think that happened? Nope. Once I started there was no way to put this one down and I must confess to devouring the entire book in one sitting (thanks Sandra!). As always with Sandra’s writing it’s fun, flirty and sassy—much the same as the central character, Olivia. Fun and refreshing to read and I highly recommend reading Driving in Neutral!

[Elisabeth Lane]

DNF. The head hopping was bad enough (new perspective every three paragraphs), but when I hit the poorly rendered dialect I had to stop. A word on dialect. First, don't. But if you have to, it can't be "I" one sentence and "Ah" the next. You can't have "doing" and "weddin'" in the same paragraph. I'm sad because I really liked the older characters and snappy dialogue, but this book is a craft trainwreck.

[Georgina Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Brilliant chemistry. Review to come...

[Marg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually started reading this about a month ago which is actually more about me than the book.

[Mysterious · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 20%

MMC came off like a raging chauvinist.

[Chris]

DNF 11%

[Baca Buku · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hero and heroine over 40? Yes, thank you. I like that the relationship between Olivia and Emerson developed over time, but while I could see how he would fall in love with her (she's a kickass lady!), the feeling I got was that she was only attracted to him physically.

The story was cleverly written, and the MCs fleshed out. They had interesting conversations, they were playful but mature too, and they felt real.

As for the secondary characters, well, some of them were horrible (I'm looking at you Justine!). One thing that bugged me was why the heroine's best friend/the bride-to-be affected a Southern accent. It wasn't consistent, or even necessary.

And why, oh why, was the reader left to imagine what the ending would turn out?! Is this not a romance? We know they probably have an HEA/HFN, but it would have been more satisfying to see it on the page.

[Vivian Jane ✯]

**ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review!**
*Quotes may differ upon publication*
No rating. DNF @ 30%

Too confusing. Almost every paragraph was from a different POV and it required me stop and try to figure what was happening.
Don't get me wrong, the beginning was great, plus I love heroines who are tough and put up a fight, but it's just the writing... I'm not planning on spending two hours of my life reading a book where I spend every page trying to figure out who's thoughts I'm currently reading.

[Lyn Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't mind this book although I did get a bit lost at times with who's POV I was reading. Seemed to waffle on in some places but had me laughing out loud in others. The ending was disappointing and felt unresolved.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia Regen is starting over again after her second divorce. Her BFF's brother has offered her a job with his company where she meets his partner Emerson Maxwell. Em and Olivia have a very unusual meeting in a stalled elevator.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 23%

Maybe it's me, but I felt SO LOST reading the first 23% of this book. I was confused with who was speaking and there was no immediate attachment to the characters. Ho hum.

[Sarah Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this books was so lively and well written, and it had me laughing out loud. Seriously attractive love interest too!

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Sandra Antonelli!!!:)

[MB (What she read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I've enjoyed these books more on the re-read.