The Hotshot vs the Reporter

On the Track, Book 2

By: Nicole Dykes

Narrated by: Liam DiCosimo, Tim Paige

Royal

I'm the hotshot—both on and off the track. I know how to work the crowd and show off. And I'm good at it. I've had to become very effective at putting on a show.

But my agent is not a fan of my over-the-top antics. So she did something I still can't believe...

She called in the press—the media. Specifically, the reporter who hates everything I stand for. And now, he's tasked with showing the world a different side of me.

Yeah... Good luck with that.

Soren

I'm a sports reporter, but I'm so much more than that.

My social media following has allowed me to be more. To do more. To try and help my corner of the world do better and be better.

I believe in accountability. I believe in integrity. And that sports professionals are obligated to be a moral compass to their fans.

I'm loud and outspoken about that point. Maybe more so with Royal Dutton—the loudmouth, crude racer with absolutely no morals.

And now, I'm supposed to find the redeeming side of him. I took this job to find something deeper within him. The good guy inside.

Yeah... This is going to be impossible.

©2023 Nicole Dykes (P)2024 Podium Audio

Wanted more from these two but still enjoyed!

Book 2 in this series was a rollercoaster of emotion haha. I do feel like this one didnt get as deep as the other stories were able to, I was left wanting more answers from the author with some things that were glanced over but overall still a solid overall 4 stars from me!

We get Royal in this one going toe to toe with a very strong-willed reporter who does his job to get to know him and make him look better for the fans instead of just the hotshot who people are sick of. It was a tough journey but Soren was able to get Royal to open up begrudgingly haha (that day at the theme park was so cute!). I liked the back and forth between them, but again I wished we got more from Royal in this one. I didn't connect with him as much as I did the others in book 1 or even Soren in this one. I was sorta shocked how strong Soren was and then sometimes was a pushover when it came to Royal when it was vulnerable or intimate. I feel for them and want to hug them both based on their past (was there another story with Soren and his past football relationship that I totally missed?!?!). The steam in this one was more than book 1 and I was here for it!!

I think the narrators did a phenomenal job with this one with the accent and feelings and helped bring this up to a 4 stars from me (I had the story at a 3.5 because of what I mentioned before). I feel the inner turmoil and conflict with Royal and being confused with everything with Soren, unsure of his feelings and letting things happen with Royal. I felt the hurt Royal endured from social media (seeing how bad social media can be, I can only imagine) and Soren attempting to curb their nastiness with him. I loved the cameos from book 1, seeing how happy they were, seeing Cash and Jenny and everyone else. And don't even get me started on meeting one of my favorite characters from this series (I love Cooper so much and all the animal adoption events and how he worms his way into this family and saves so many animals makes my heart so happy! Couldn't stop smiling).

I love the camaraderie from the guys and their supporters in this one. Despite the harsh reality of not always being supported for who you are/who you are attracted to, they come together to be there for each other and help each other out. More review to follow for the other books (book 3 was my all-time fav!).

Better than the First

Loving this series and this book is better than the first. Perfect narration by Liam and Tim. Highly recommend!

Loved Royal’s backstory

Soren and Royal are great for each other. I was very touched by Royal’s backstory. Nicole did a wonderful job writing their story.

Liam and Tim are an amazing duo and I always love listening to them.