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Fuel #1

Shift

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Dustin Bridges has always had two things he could count on—his fearless instincts behind the wheel and the support of his two best friends, Tommy and Hannah Judge.

Dustin brought the speed.

Tommy, the brains.

And Hannah . . . she was the glue that held everyone together.

Together, they were unstoppable.

From the dirt tracks of their youth to the late-night drag races under a desert moon as teens, the Judge siblings pushed and watched in awe as their friend edged closer to his dream. Always racing, always running. That was Dustin’s gift and curse. And while his life at home was unbearable, his world with the Judges always seemed perfect.

Growing up with people makes for a special bond. But sometimes life has a way of testing just how strong a relationship is. And falling in love with one of your best friends, not to mention your other best friend’s sister? Well, that can be the toughest test of all.

Heartbreak doesn’t know what it’s up against, though, because when there is a prize to be won, nobody bets against Dustin Bridges.

**Shift is the first book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott. Books 2 and 3, Wreck and Burn, will release in July!

306 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2021

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About the author

Ginger Scott

66 books3,399 followers
Ginger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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5 stars
221 (38%)
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212 (36%)
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109 (18%)
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30 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for AJ.
3,015 reviews1,007 followers
June 25, 2021
5 stars and so many feels!

Oh wow. This little book just rocked my world. The characters, their story, the drama, intensity and the romance all had me completely wrapped up, and I devoured every single moment. This is only the first in the trilogy, the beginning of what is sure to be an epic love story, and I am here for it!

17-year-old Dustin Bridges was born into near-poverty, and grew up with an abusive father and neglectful, drug-addicted mother. His saving grace was his best friend, Tommy’s family, who pretty much adopted Dustin into the family. He grew up with Tommy and Tommy’s younger sister, Hannah, and the three of them were inseparable, throwing themselves into Dustin’s passion of dirt racing, living for the next race, and celebrating his successes. His life is hard, but there are moments of joy, and Dustin’s come either when he is behind the wheel, or with the people that he cares about. And when those two things combine, sparks fly.

Our eyes lock as her laughter fades, and I can’t help but hold on to her gaze when it stops completely. I’m suddenly aware of how we appear to the dozens of eyes on us. We look like two young people doing a shit job at pretending not to like each other. We look exactly like what we are.

Hannah and Dustin have always had a special connection, and I loved watching as their feelings for each other are finally revealed, naturally and effortlessly evolving into a beautifully sweet, honest and passionately intense romance. They don’t hold back, they don’t hide from their feelings, and once the line is crossed, they know there’s no stopping it. They instinctively follow their hearts, and I was completely swept up with them.

We’re Hannah and Dustin, same as always yet nothing like we were. It seems too light to call what we have “dating,” and we’re not “seeing each other” or any of those other bullshit terms people use to describe high school relationships. That’s not what this is. I won’t belittle Hannah’s and my connection with something so fleeting. We’re an evolution. An inevitable result. Fated, I guess.

Theirs is a beautiful love story, and I love these two together so much! Even as children, their friendship was more, Hannah was always there for Dustin when she needed him, and Dustin always made sure that she was a part of the group, and he was always her protector. Their bond is so special, and their feelings for each other only enhance that, and it was so beautiful to see.

This family is all I need. It’s the only thing that has ever seen me through to the next day. And right now, Hannah is the one piece holding me together.

But not everybody is happy with their relationship, and oh, it made my heart hurt. Dustin knows that his life is tainted by his upbringing and the sins of his parents, and seeing that reinforced in such a devastating way, when he’s trying so hard for Hannah, is absolutely heartbreaking.

Most of me knows letting her go is what’s best for her. But then…she looks at me. And I know nothing.

The “I’m not good enough” storyline can be excruciating to read, but in this case it was completely understandable, absolutely believable, and it broke my heart. It’s drilled in to Dustin over and over again – even by those he feels the closest to. I couldn’t blame him for feeling like he did, and I ached for him.

I want to scream that I’ve always loved her. That she is the one person I can confide in, the person I run to, and the only thing that keeps me from following in Colt’s dark footsteps. But saying that—laying all of my baggage and bullshit on her heart like that when I’m nothing—isn’t enough. I need to be worthy, to be the man she sees in me.

And when all of his fears are reinforced in the worst possible way, his entire future is thrown into turmoil, setting the stage for what is sure to be an emotional ride to come in the next two books.

I felt everything reading this book. The race scenes had my heart pounding, the anticipation of the romance was fantastic, the drama was intense yet realistic, and the love story absolutely owned my heart. I adored these two together! The characters are so well written, and as much as I fell for Dustin, Hannah absolutely shines. She’s fierce and brave, she feels deeply, and she follows her heart and holds nothing back, not caring what others think, and I love her honest strength so much.

“I love you, Dustin Bridges. You did nothing wrong. And I love you for you. I love you,” I say. I’ll repeat these words until he believes them, until he hears them in every part of his body. I’ll say them to anyone who asks, to anyone who dares to question where my loyalty lies. I’ll pronounce my love for this boy in a court of law, in the face of death, at the line of fire. I’ll love him for always because I know, whether he can say it yet or not, he loves me back. He loves me, and I won’t let go.

This is a really strong start to the trilogy, and I am so excited to see where Dustin and Hannah’s story goes next. The potential is there for an absolutely epic love story, and I want it for them so much! The book ends on a cliffhanger… but not. Scott gives us just enough of a glimpse of what is to come, that I finished this book feeling hopeful, yet desperate to get my hands on the next one.

A fantastically beautiful and emotional read – 5 stars!

An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Ginger Scott.
Author 66 books3,399 followers
Read
June 25, 2021
I loved every single moment (even the really late night ones and the wee morning ones) that it took to bring this book to life. I hope you all love Shift. It's angsty and steamy and swoon-worthy and a rush. Just like a race should be. And books 2 and 3 (which will give you Hannah and Dustin's complete journey to their mid twenties) will be here in weeks so no big wait. Just lots of binging, I hope!
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
984 reviews770 followers
June 23, 2021
“I’m convinced he’s going to leave a massive mark on this life—in anything he touches. On me.”

The cliche is true: You never forget your first love. And oh do I love those first love, young adult (YA) romances! Ginger Scott’s latest sensation, Shift, is a feel-worthy saga that flawlessly captures first love. I loved every bit of this beautifully broken book!!!

Set in the small town Arizona racing circuit, this coming-of-age romance, told by a teen hero and heroine, is equally heartbreaking and heartwarming. An all-the-feels tale threaded with friendship, fate, and forever love. You’ll fall hard for the ruggedly handsome boy from the wrong side of the tracks who owns the race track, and the stunning and selfless heroine who shows him his worth. The sparks between Hannah and Dustin … oh my! I felt this couple’s chemistry and love that melted me!

“We’re an evolution. An inevitable result. Fated, I guess.”

Shift marked my heart and stamped my soul. I felt that sensation of falling in love for the first time as I devoured this street-racing romance fueled by fate and forbidden love, and woven with resilience. An adrenaline rush of a romance that made my heart race and my soul shake. So HEADY. So HEART-POUNDING. So HEARTFELT. So YES!!!

Shift is a bit broken and so beautifully told. Brimming with the rich character history, burning with angst, and radiating with the fluttery first love feels, it’s the YA romance lover’s dream! It’s everything you want in a YA romance and more!

No one writes coming of age and first love YA stories like Ginger Scott—real-feeling romances with relatable characters that carve out a place in your heart and soul. Scott has quickly become my go to author for YA romance and I’ll never get enough of her books. I NEED the rest of this series NOW!!!

💋💋💋💋💋 heart-racing kisses
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,860 reviews2,067 followers
August 7, 2021
description

4.5 Series Stars

**SPOILER FREE TRILOGY REVIEW**

‘In life, people are lucky to experience once that feeling of completely and utterly falling in love. I’ve had the honor of feeling it three times, each with the same girl.’


The Fuel series by Ginger Scott had us compelled this week. There really is something about reading a series in one hit, everything is fresh, there’s no cliff-hanger to deal with and we never lost our momentum with the story. This is our personal preference of reading due to the vast number of books we already read, and for us personally, we never need to fear losing that intense emotional connection to the story as well as the characters. And wow did we have an intense connection with Hannah and Dustin.

‘Anyone seeing this right now is seeing love. They see a young lifetime of yearning and waiting, two souls meant to collide. They are seeing my heart break open to let this man in, let him own me. Again.’

We’re not quite sure why it felt like coming home as soon as we started reading Shift, perhaps a combination of the setting, atmosphere, the friends to lover romance, and of course the beautiful writing skills of Ginger Scott who nailed the emotions of that first teenage love, the raw intensity of familial struggles as well as the typical angsty youth navigating through life.

“Stay here. Stay tonight. Stay tomorrow. Stay always. Just…stay.”

Spanning years, this love story felt epic in its entirety. We felt like we’d run a marathon of feelings, moods, and emotions, making our way through a complicated and obstacle-filled landscape. It was not an easy journey, but the thrills, the love, the friendships, and hope shone like beacons and led the way. We fell in book love and every single instalment wowed us for different reasons. Though we do have to mention that when a pet peeve of ours occurred, it frustrated us no end. It was in our personal opinion a superfluous twist that was not necessary and was in fact character damning with the difficulty of redemption. Also, the reasons behind it were never really justified nor explored or resolved. We can’t say what it was as it’d be a spoiler but it’s something we take great issue with. Fortunately, it didn’t overshadow the greatness of this immense love story that had enough twists and turns to last a lifetime. We felt emotionally exhausted, but in a good way!

‘Everyone’s road is different. How we get from our beginning to our end isn’t a straight line, but if it were, how boring would that be? Our roads come with curves and accidents and lots of intersections – turning points…I haven’t driven it alone, though. I’ve never been alone, even when I thought I was. Hannah was there. Hannah’s always there. She always will be.’

Dustin’s story broke our hearts, an innocent young lad growing up under horrific circumstances, who seeks refuge from family toxicity with his best mate Tommy’s family. Tommy, his sister Hannah and Dusty became inseparable. Three kids growing up, thick as thieves chasing the thrills of racing with hope in their hearts and battles in the shadows. There is so much to this three-leaf clover friendship and the story. Beauty, sadness, and joy. Struggles and self-discoveries. Secrets and deceptions. But the one constant is the overwhelming love and passion! Spanning over a decade we felt like we were a part of Dusty and Hannah’s epic love story, the writing so amazing it evoked all our senses, all our emotions, and above all, all of our hearts.

‘I didn’t want anything to take this from Dustin. I wanted him to get what he earned, what he deserved. I always do. I always have.’

As we’re reviewing the entirety of the series we haven’t said too much, as spoilers are the bane of most readers’ existence, and we personally despise them ourselves. Truly experience this series as Ginger Scott intended and go forth and read, get stuck in another world of tears and laughter, it’s both quite the heart-warming and heart-breaking story of life, love, and the thrill of racing. We highly recommend #TeamEatMyDust and cannot express how intensely invested we were in Dustin and Hannah’s love story.

‘Because we’re real, and we’re forever. And even the fucking hands of fate with all their destructive power can’t undo our destiny…’

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Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,134 reviews601 followers
July 11, 2021
Ok that was good and unexpected.
One, the angst in Shift hit the spot…add into it the drama for the whole ‘brother’s best friend/ best friend’s sister”….I was living it.

Shift was so an adrenaline rush from not only the forbidden love aspect of the love story but also because of the rush of racing. 

I enjoyed this and I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,024 reviews938 followers
August 6, 2021
description

description

4.5 Series Stars

**SPOILER FREE TRILOGY REVIEW**

‘In life, people are lucky to experience once that feeling of completely and utterly falling in love. I’ve had the honor of feeling it three times, each with the same girl.’


The Fuel series by Ginger Scott had us compelled this week. There really is something about reading a series in one hit, everything is fresh, there’s no cliff-hanger to deal with and we never lost our momentum with the story. This is our personal preference of reading due to the vast number of books we already read, and for us personally, we never need to fear losing that intense emotional connection to the story as well as the characters. And wow did we have an intense connection with Hannah and Dustin.

‘Anyone seeing this right now is seeing love. They see a young lifetime of yearning and waiting, two souls meant to collide. They are seeing my heart break open to let this man in, let him own me. Again.’

We’re not quite sure why it felt like coming home as soon as we started reading Shift, perhaps a combination of the setting, atmosphere, the friends to lover romance, and of course the beautiful writing skills of Ginger Scott who nailed the emotions of that first teenage love, the raw intensity of familial struggles as well as the typical angsty youth navigating through life.

“Stay here. Stay tonight. Stay tomorrow. Stay always. Just…stay.”

Spanning years, this love story felt epic in its entirety. We felt like we’d run a marathon of feelings, moods, and emotions, making our way through a complicated and obstacle-filled landscape. It was not an easy journey, but the thrills, the love, the friendships, and hope shone like beacons and led the way. We fell in book love and every single instalment wowed us for different reasons. Though we do have to mention that when a pet peeve of ours occurred, it frustrated us no end. It was in our personal opinion a superfluous twist that was not necessary and was in fact character damning with the difficulty of redemption. Also, the reasons behind it were never really justified nor explored or resolved. We can’t say what it was as it’d be a spoiler but it’s something we take great issue with. Fortunately, it didn’t overshadow the greatness of this immense love story that had enough twists and turns to last a lifetime. We felt emotionally exhausted, but in a good way!

‘Everyone’s road is different. How we get from our beginning to our end isn’t a straight line, but if it were, how boring would that be? Our roads come with curves and accidents and lots of intersections – turning points…I haven’t driven it alone, though. I’ve never been alone, even when I thought I was. Hannah was there. Hannah’s always there. She always will be.’

Dustin’s story broke our hearts, an innocent young lad growing up under horrific circumstances, who seeks refuge from family toxicity with his best mate Tommy’s family. Tommy, his sister Hannah and Dusty became inseparable. Three kids growing up, thick as thieves chasing the thrills of racing with hope in their hearts and battles in the shadows. There is so much to this three-leaf clover friendship and the story. Beauty, sadness, and joy. Struggles and self-discoveries. Secrets and deceptions. But the one constant is the overwhelming love and passion! Spanning over a decade we felt like we were a part of Dusty and Hannah’s epic love story, the writing so amazing it evoked all our senses, all our emotions, and above all, all of our hearts.

‘I didn’t want anything to take this from Dustin. I wanted him to get what he earned, what he deserved. I always do. I always have.’

As we’re reviewing the entirety of the series we haven’t said too much, as spoilers are the bane of most readers’ existence, and we personally despise them ourselves. Truly experience this series as Ginger Scott intended and go forth and read, get stuck in another world of tears and laughter, it’s both quite the heart-warming and heart-breaking story of life, love, and the thrill of racing. We highly recommend #TeamEatMyDust and cannot express how intensely invested we were in Dustin and Hannah’s love story.

‘Because we’re real, and we’re forever. And even the fucking hands of fate with all their destructive power can’t undo our destiny…’


Ebook
Paperback
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,693 reviews528 followers
July 3, 2021


Vroom Vroom! Roll on up to the starting line and rev-up your engines with the beginning of a new high-speed racing trilogy by Ginger Scott. And no, it isn’t a re-do of K. Bromberg’s Driven series. Shift is an immersive teen novel -- a coming-of-age experience in itself and has its own pathway onto the racing circuit. No help needed from the more seasoned drivers. It also has a deep and growing love story extending from a lifelong crush on an older brother's best friend.

The storyline is intimately youthful, heartbreaking and full of raw emotion. Strong characters, difficult drug-infested abusive family troubles, first love, heartbreak and how far you’ll go to hold onto that special someone when everything is falling apart all around you.

I won’t say much more – other than there's a painful cliffhanger ending - and two more books to come in July following this same couple to hopefully happier times. I don’t want to spoil the build-up or be stingy with the torturous wait. You must know that misery loves company!
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
1,984 reviews50 followers
June 26, 2021
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I've read a few books by Ginger and I've liked them all. Including shift. I just felt that shift was a lot more tamed then her other books. Which in this case worked for the book to really constant on plot and characters. I am excited for next one.
Profile Image for Nicole*bookaholic*.
562 reviews27 followers
July 24, 2021
This was soooo good. I'm a sucker for bad boy from wrong side of the tracks and good girl from good family stories. This had it all. I instantly fell in love with Dustin's story. I can not wait to start Wreck and see where it takes me.
Profile Image for Tammy - .
910 reviews124 followers
June 23, 2021
I don't know why I do this to myself. I know better than to start a trilogy before the 2nd and 3rd books are published, but I did it anyway. Luckily, we don't have to wait too long, because I need the rest of this story NOW!

Ginger Scott writes some of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking YA romances, and she's done it again with Shift. Dustin, Tommy and Hannah have been best friends for years. Tommy and Hannah Judge are siblings, and Dustin Bridges is like a brother to them. Dustin's home life is horrific, and he often takes refuge with the Judge family. Dustin finds his home on the racing circuit, from dirt tracks to drag races, and he always has Tommy and Hannah by his side. As they grow older though, feelings between Dustin and Hannah start to change, and those feelings? They could ruin everything.

This story drew me right in. Not only do I love anything to do with cars and racing (and this book brings the speed), but there is some incredible character building here. I always have a soft spot for the underdog, and Dustin took my heart. I felt so much heartache and fear for his character, and I was reading while biting my nails, with a lump in my throat. Although I was afraid that this story was headed in one direction, and it proved me wrong, the direction that it took wasn't much better. Poor Hannah. Poor Dustin. I need these kids to get their HEA!

I will be anxiously awaiting the next two books in the Fuel trilogy, and until then, I'm sure that I'll be thinking about this book and these characters quite a bit. Love, love, love it!
Profile Image for Jessica.
484 reviews57 followers
June 29, 2021
4.5 stars

I love Ginger's writing and this had me from the start. Give me the next book now please.
Profile Image for Jessica *The Lovely Books*.
1,234 reviews645 followers
June 22, 2021
Ginger Scott books always leave me with a heavy dose of nostalgia. She writes the teenage years so well that it always takes me back to when I was that age. That teenage angst is no joke. The way this book ended makes me want to WEEP. But don’t let that scare you—because this story is so beautifully told. Plus, you don’t have to wait long for the other two books. They both will be out in July.

Dustin and Hannah have a connection. One being the fact that Dustin is Hannah’s brother, Tommy’s, best friend. So yes, this is a brother’s best friend novel. One of my favorite romantic tropes. The two have always had a connection but have never acted upon it. See, Dustin is from the wrong side of the tracks. He has terrible parents and his only solace is the Judges. A wonderful family that treats him as their own.

I loved that the story centered around racing. I’m not too familiar with it but it makes me interested enough to go and find one to watch. Dustin is good at it and wants to race after high school. Hannah is a grade younger.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. To say I need the second book is an understatement! I can’t wait to see how everything plays out.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,431 reviews113 followers
July 1, 2021
I was in the mood for something angsty and this delivered. I really liked the beginning, but it lost strength for me as it went on. We're supposed to think Tommy, Dustin, and Hannah are all best friends, but for over the first half of the book, Tommy was a total dick in pretty much every scene he was in and he never treated Hannah as anything but an annoying little sister. Even when he was being "protective" of her, it wasn't like he cared about her, as a person, but just as "his sister." About two-thirds of the way through, he stopped acting like a jerk, but never did anything to really make me like him.

I also thought the big dramatic moments didn't play well. When Dustin and Hannah "announce" their relationship, the over the top dramatic responses from everyone involved just made my eyes roll. None of the characters behaved in a way that was even a little bit consistent with what we had learned from them up to that point. I also would have liked the whole big thing with Dustin's dad explained more.

I know it sounds like I didn't really enjoy this, but I did. The quieter, more realistic moments is where the story excelled for me and I'll look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Kimberly Garner.
1,194 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2021
It's the teenage coming of age angst for me. I swear nobody does coming of age angst like Ginger Scott. This fantastic book is no different. You can smell the dust, the motor oil, the heat, in this book. You feel what the characters feel, you get invested in this characters, and they are your friends, your relatives, someone, you know and can relate to.
The emotional toll this book can take is a great one. Ms. Scott comes out of the gate swinging and doesn't let up until you are battered. Just how I like it. There is something to be said about characters that have so much more to offer you than just a cheap trope. There is depth, and it keeps giving as the book goes on. You will have to read all three books to get resolution, but if they are anything like this one. Buckle up, you're going to need it.
1,617 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2021
TWISTED PERFECTION!
Pulls at the heartstrings and is Fueled by Adrenaline. Well written inescapable story that has it all as it gets the heart pounding from the intense drama and nerve wracking suspense.. Your overcome by an abundance of emotions that had me ping ponging from happy to sad to full blown cheesy smiling to holding my breath on edge scared, to my heart racing overcome with adrenaline. You feel it see and can't escape it as this brilliant story comes to life with love, angst, violence, abuse and one helll of a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. I flipping loved it and can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Julie.
353 reviews48 followers
June 27, 2021
OMG, Ginger Scott has created yet another favorite book/series with "Shift", reiterating why she is definitely one of my top favorite authors!

Shift is book 1 in Ginger Scott's newest series surrounding racing and the connection between family and those who are like family to us. Lifetime friends and closeness like family, but what happens when finally face the feelings each have.

Thomas and Dustin are best friends and like brothers, and Hannah is more than just the little sister. She is a part of the connection among the three. Hannah is best described as "other girls can have their bath bombs and body spray; racing aroma is my fragrance of choice". And the racing aroma is also the favorite smell that Hannah loves on Dustin too.

"We're an evolution. An inevitable result. Fated, I guess."

What happens when as Hannah and Dustin grow up, they also grow closer and realize that their feelings for each other are more. Will it ruin family connections? Will they be accepted or will Dustin be judged because of the wrongs and faults of his parents?

"I'm good enough to be family, but not good enough to have the feelings I do for their daughter."

Ginger Scott creates such an amazing story around the race tracks and Straights of Arizona, immersing her readers in the adrenaline of the race as well as the adrenaline of a new relationship. Her characters are so life like that you feel like you can discuss the book with them over coffee,feeling like you have an integral part in helping them.

"Shift" is a YA story, and does touch on some harsh topics like abuse, drugs and alcohol. It does end in cliff hanger, as it is part of a trilogy (books 2 and 3 to be released in July 2021). And as always with every book I have read by Ginger Scott, they are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and MUST be added to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!

"You can love something but deny yourself the pleasure of it. That's real love. That's the kind of love that matters, the kind that lasts. Love from afar, it can't get hurt. It can't be broken."
Profile Image for Jules.
1,437 reviews88 followers
June 28, 2021
The first book in Ginger Scott’s Fuel trilogy is, pardon the pun, a high-octane ride. Ms. Scott’s ability to create realistic, empathetic young adult characters never ceases to amaze me. As ever, the writing quality is great and the plot and pace match the fast-paced racing theme of the series.

Dustin, Tommy, and Hannah have grown up together in a small town in Arizona. My heart ached as Dustin’s backstory is revealed. My brow sweated with the shimmering hot, dry air that surrounded their lives. As Hannah grows up from the baby-sister tagalong to a beautiful, confident young woman, her feelings for Dustin grow into a crush. A smile painted my face as Hannah tried to get Dustin, and to some degree Tommy, to see her as more grown-up. Ms. Scott brought back memories of unrealized and unrequited teenaged crushes.

The “forbidden” love is angsty and the characters’ feelings are raw and honest. The anticipation of what is to come is delicious. Shift is a fabulous start to Ms. Scott’s new adult trilogy about family, love, and acceptability. Buckle up and start reading.

4.5 stars

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Yvette | The Saucy Bookshelf.
191 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2021
*SPOILERS*

Wow this book! It’s left me wrecked! I felt so much while reading this. I cannot wait for the next instalment, Wreck! 💔

This is my first book by Ginger Scott and I loved her writing style, I found the book just the right speed for me, I never felt like I was waiting for something to happen. I really enjoy books that write from different points of view, I always enjoy reading from a guys perspective and Dustin was fun (and sad) to read!

I loved how you got a back story, learning about their history and their childhood. Hannah, Tommy (Dustins best friend and Hannahs brother) and Dustin.

Dustin has been brought up with Hannah and Tommy’s family really. His own parents are addicts and couldn’t careless about his whereabouts or him! That part of the story is heartbreaking and I hurt for him. I cried a few times for poor Dustin. What I did love about Dustins story is Hannah. His unspoken love for her and her love for him. I love her unwavering loyalty towards him and her unconditional love and support. He needed her and she’s was there for him without question when his Mum OD’d and when he ended up in a cell. 💔

Him having to leave to keep her safe at the end crushed me. I was so hoping we’d go into the next book with them happy together. They need to be together! They are made for each other.

Thank you Ginger, it was an amazing book with ALL the feels and I can’t wait for the next! 🙏🏻📚♥️


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,203 reviews24 followers
April 10, 2022
Good book. I’m glad there are 2 more after this. You will need to get them because this ends with To be continued dumm dumm dumm I hate cliffhangers so I never read until the series is finished. I waited a while on this one for that reason. There is also the trepidation that I wont like the book that one of my all time favorite authors wrote. Being honest-here I go:

Gloom follows Dustin wherever his family goes His mother is a drug addict and his Dad is gggrrrrr I can’t say too much but he is a dead *ss loser. The first time he showed up at a race, he watched but never spoke to Dustin. I really thought, when his character was revealed, he was going to want to come in and take money, sponsorships and bring drama. He did a lot of that but it was because he was just a loser. Somewhat scary dealings will come into play. This is the part that was, for me, the best part, a little ATF and FBI story that grows was the opposite direction that surprised me for sure.

His “family” is the Judge family and anyone he races with. Hannah and Tommy were best friends with Dustin since age 7. The history is there. A great foundation to build on. For some reason Amanda, the mother is all of a sudden more into the image she has, bothering me. It seems like her and Hannah are drifting.

Solid friendship with Bailey is important too. The girls need each other a lot.

The characters evolve into young adults as the story goes on. There is a cliffhanger, which I hate, but it is necessary. Miss Ginger did it again! A must read
Profile Image for BookHookup.
1,403 reviews111 followers
June 30, 2021
I couldn't love this book more!! I know that Dustin and Hannah are destined for each other but the universe has a very different opinion. And as I watched them struggle to overcome so many challenges in order to get what they want I felt like I was riding a rollercoaster of emotions with the highest highs and the lowest lows. My heart broke for Dustin and his family situation, filled with happiness as he and Hannah got closer, and darn near stopped as I read the final pages. Let's be honest here - I have no idea how my heart is going to survive this series! I should know by now that I never get through a Ginger Scott book without leaving a piece of my heart stuck there between the pages...a little piece that she expertly selects and tears away from me ensuring that I never forget the story or the characters she's created because they're now a part of me and I'm a part of them. But yet, I go back time after time - her willing victim. And, in truth, I love it!!! I devoured this book and now I'm left waiting for the next two. But I'll tell you this, Dustin and Hannah will never be far from my thoughts as I wait patiently to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jill.
668 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2021
Full throttle - awesome ride!!!!!

Omg this book was AWESOME ! I devoured it and honestly can not wait for the next one to release ! Thankfully In not too many days ! (I’m now counting )
Dustin is everything ! His life and circumstance enough to break someone but not dusty !!! He’s strong and resilient and I love him so much !!
And Hannah .. she’s fun and feisty and I enjoyed her too !
This is a best friends younger sister forbidden love story, twisted in with the rush and adrenaline of street racing (that literally gets your heart racing ) by a child of a junky Mum and dead beat dad who finds solace in his best friends family . It’s the beginning story of young love and impossible situations . It’s heart breaking and soul crushing but Mixed with hope and possible second chances - I just loved it !!!
It’s Easily one of my top reads of this year so far !!!!
Can not wait for book 2!!!!
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,063 reviews
July 6, 2021
This romance novel is just out of this world. The writing in this book makes you so emotional you want to cry and just fall in love. Hannah and Dustin are just so amazing together.

Dustin is like the ultimate book boyfriend. Your heart just breaks for him. He is from a tough life, but has so much love to offer. He cares so deeply, yet doesn't believe in himself. And his love for Hannah is amazing. Hannah is like those amazing girls next door. She is just awesome. She is so sweet and cares for Tommy and Dustin. I loved how mature she is and she is so strong.

The romance is out of this world. I loved the tenderness and the emotion between each moment. There is a lot of sizzle, but there is a tons of honey and sweetness. The ending in the book makes you want to cry.

The book ends on a major cliffy and you just want to see what happens next. I highly recommend this amazing series. The romance is amazing and I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series.

Profile Image for Deanna (A Novel Glimpse).
3,569 reviews58 followers
June 25, 2021
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

4.5 Stars
Excuse me while I take a few deep breaths. Shift was a high-octane read, and I haven’t quite come down from the ride. Ginger Scott upped the intensity with this book. The angst was almost overpowering for me at times. While I didn’t always love the intense feelings going on, I did love the story.

Hannah, Tommy, and Dustin have been friends almost their entire life. The three of them are bound together by racing. Dustin’s the driver, Tommy’s the brains, and Hannah’s the cheerleader. Tommy and Dustin are best friends. Tommy and Hannah are siblings. Hannah and Dustin are best friends… who both hope for more. It’s a tricky situation since Dustin is basically part of the family. His own family being so horrible he does everything he can to escape them. Things are messy and difficult, but somehow sweet between Hannah and Dustin. I loved them together, but this is a series where their story continues for two more books so…

I know that doesn’t really tell you much about this book. I’ll try to give you a little more without giving anything away. There’s a lot of family and friendship dynamics going on. There’s the love of racing and spending time at the tracks together. There’s bad people and stuff at play. Shift was a well crafted story (and romance) that left me wanting more — which I am so happy I know is coming soon! The only thing left to really say is buckle up. It’s going to be an intense ride you won’t want to miss.

Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,517 reviews34 followers
June 25, 2021
Dustin and Hannah’s story was crazy good!

Their magnetism towards each other, their connection—it was...
Addictive.
Consuming.
Delicious.

Full of angst, tension, and drama, this book will suck you in.
While there were moments of happiness and hope, there was an underlying thread of grief.
What Dustin had to endure absolutely shredded me inside.

Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Shannon.
443 reviews149 followers
January 27, 2024
A bit dry at times but I will always support Ginger. I won’t be rushing into the next books but will get there eventually.
Profile Image for Anne Melvine.
320 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2021
Started out soooo good, got extremely choppy in the middle and lost it’s way towards the end. Felt very lackluster, like the story waned in meaning.
Dnf’d it like 80% in, so a meh read overall
3 stars⭐️
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,014 reviews50 followers
June 23, 2021
No one writes teenaged angst quite like Ginger Scott does. And with Shift, I was fully immersed in all things Hannah Judge and Dustin Bridges and the heartache these two can't help but create. The excitement of stock car racing, even as homemade as it may be for the trio that is Hannah, Dustin, and Tommy sets the stage early on as it becomes a huge part of their life from the time they were young kids. I liked that the adventure each race brought to their world could be dangerous and yet very carefree when things at home, particularly for Dustin, became too much to handle. As the backdrop to the emerging affection Hannah and Dustin have for one another, it truly did become a race against time as to whether they could ever really be together as outside forces, even those that meant well would keep them apart just as they were finally getting together.

I had that constant sense of dread whenever Dustin's home life took center stage. It was a house of horrors with a drug-dealing father and a forever out-of-it mother. Thankful for the Judge family for making them one of their own, I knew that it was just a matter of time before he would have to come to grips with his feelings towards Hannah and what that would mean going forward. There is so much inner turmoil from not only Hannah and Dustin but from the rest of the Judge family, too. I felt for all of them when circumstances become way too complicated as this first book comes to a close.

But through all the crazy that is being Dustin Bridges, there is no shortage of love especially when it comes to Hannah. I so want them to find a way to be together but Ginger Scott is now holding my heart hostage as I wait for the next book in this trilogy to be released. Dustin is a survivor, I have no doubt about that. And his actions in trying to always do the right thing could change everything for both his future career as a race car driver and his desire to win his girl back.

Shift is a great start to the Fuel trilogy with wonderful characters, even those who are downright evil, and a story that is rich with emotion. Ginger Scott has yet another winner on her hands.

5 solid stars!!
Profile Image for Corinn.
39 reviews
June 25, 2021
This. Book. This. Author.

Ginger Scott unleashes another hit with this heart pounding YA tale. With 2 more books releasing soon after this, I'm not sure my heart can take it.

With an uncanny ability to put me right into the thick of all that happens in this book I'm struggling to take a breath. Ginger not only takes you there, she smacks you dab in the middle of every breath, kiss, race, confrontation; interaction. I struggled to put this down in the moments it was necessary.

Truly mesmerizing start to what can only be a phenomenal series...although nothing like Waiting on the Sidelines series it reminds me of the effortless storytelling there.Ginger has been a long time favorite of mine and only proves over and over why she's at the top of my favorites.

Nobody writes YA with the reverance, heat and passion the way Ginger does. Nobody.
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