Burnout

Burnout Plot Summary

Introduction

# Engines and Balance: Finding Control Through Chaos The desert heat shimmers off the motocross track as Knox Holland grips his handlebars, thirty minutes into what should be his redemption race. Five years he's waited for this moment—five years of raising his younger brothers after their father abandoned them, five years of watching his racing dreams gather dust. Now, with victory within reach, his teammate Link makes a calculated move that sends Knox tumbling down an embankment, his championship hopes scattered like debris in the dirt. Miles away in a sterile gymnasium, Avery Oliver freezes on a balance beam, her reconstructed knee locking as phantom pain shoots through her leg. The Olympic silver medalist who once soared fearlessly through the air now hesitates before every dismount, her confidence shattered along with her bones nine months ago. When these two broken champions collide in the most unlikely of places, neither expects salvation to come wrapped in such a dangerous package. Knox needs to learn control before his rage destroys what's left of his career. Avery needs to remember what it feels like to fly without fear. What they discover is something far more terrifying than any jump or routine—the possibility that healing might require trusting someone else with their carefully guarded hearts.

Chapter 1: Derailed Champions: Knox and Avery's Parallel Falls

Knox's world explodes in a symphony of twisted metal and flying dirt. The championship race he's dominated for thirty brutal minutes ends in three seconds of betrayal when Link's rear tire clips his bike, sending him cartwheeling down the embankment. As consciousness fades, Knox presses his gloved hand to his helmet's mouthpiece, whispering an apology to his dead mother on what would have been her fiftieth birthday. The betrayal cuts deeper than the physical wounds. Knox had clawed his way back to professional racing after five years of sacrifice, putting his dreams on hold to raise his three younger brothers when their father walked out. Every missed opportunity, every night spent helping with homework instead of training, every dollar spent on groceries instead of bike parts—all of it was supposed to lead to this moment. Instead, he watches Link celebrate on the podium with the trophy that should have been his. The media swarms like vultures, cameras capturing Knox's moment of spectacular self-destruction as he shoves his teammate in front of millions of viewers. His carefully controlled temper, forged through years of responsibility and restraint, finally snaps. The footage goes viral within hours—Knox Holland, rising star turned cautionary tale, destroying his career in a fit of rage that will haunt him forever. Across town, Avery Oliver faces her own moment of reckoning on a four-inch strip of leather suspended four feet above the ground. The balance beam that once felt like home now seems impossibly narrow, impossibly high. Her teammates watch with barely concealed pity as she opts for a simple layout instead of the twisting double pike that once made her famous. The Olympic medalist who believed no dream was too crazy now questions whether she'll ever compete again. Coach Weaver's restrictions echo in the empty gymnasium like a death sentence: floor work only, no beam routines, nothing that might reinjure the knee that took nine months to heal. Each limitation feels like another step backward from the fearless competitor she used to be. The girl who once defied gravity now finds herself earthbound, trapped by phantom pain and the crushing weight of what-if scenarios. Both athletes carry the burden of expectations—Knox from a racing community that remembers his potential, Avery from sponsors and fans who wonder if her Olympic success was lightning in a bottle. Their falls from grace have left them isolated in their respective worlds, struggling to rebuild not just their careers but their fundamental sense of who they are when everything they've worked for crumbles to dust.

Chapter 2: Reluctant Partnership: When Motocross Meets Gymnastics

The Valley University gymnastics facility smells of chalk and desperation as Knox follows Coach Weaver through the maze of equipment that looks more like medieval torture devices than training tools. His last resort after every trainer in town turned him down, the stern woman moves with military precision, her gray hair pulled back severely, eyes that catalog every weakness. She leads him to a corner where a girl in a pink leotard moves across a balance beam like liquid mercury, her body defying physics with each precise turn and leap. Knox finds himself transfixed as she launches into a backflip that should be impossible on such a narrow surface, landing with the whisper-soft touch of bare feet against leather. Avery Oliver dismounts with graceful authority, her blonde ponytail swaying as she turns to assess the leather-clad intruder in her domain. Her blue eyes are sharp as surgical instruments, taking in his defensive posture and barely concealed skepticism. When Coach Weaver introduces him as the motocross rider who needs to learn body control, Avery's expression shifts from curiosity to something approaching disdain. Their first exchange crackles with mutual antagonism. Knox sees a pampered princess who couldn't possibly understand real training or genuine struggle. Avery sees another arrogant athlete who thinks her sport is child's play, dismissing years of dedication with casual ignorance. When he suggests gymnastics is just handstands and shit, her response is swift and cutting—she'd rather set herself on fire than help him. The standoff might have ended there, but desperation makes strange bedfellows. Knox's need for redemption outweighs his pride, while Avery's own struggles with confidence make her sympathetic to another fallen champion, even one wrapped in leather and attitude. Their reluctant partnership begins with a simple challenge: hold a handstand for sixty seconds. Knox discovers that raw strength means nothing without control as he crashes to the mat after three seconds, his legs flailing like a drunk toddler's. Avery watches with predatory intensity, correcting his form with sharp commands that strip away his illusions about athletic superiority. For the first time in years, Knox finds himself completely out of his element, humbled by someone half his size who makes the impossible look effortless.

Chapter 3: Breaking Barriers: Training Beyond Comfort Zones

The gymnasium becomes their battlefield, where Olympic precision meets motocross rebellion in a clash of wills that leaves both athletes questioning everything they thought they knew about strength and control. Avery pushes Knox through exercises that expose every weakness in his seemingly powerful frame—press handstands that leave him wobbling, flexibility work that reveals how years of riding have turned his body into a collection of tight knots. Knox's frustration mounts with each session as the man who can control a 450-pound motorcycle at sixty miles per hour struggles to hold his body straight in a simple plank. His ego chafes against taking orders from someone who looks like she'd break in a strong wind, especially when she corrects his form with the patient condescension of a kindergarten teacher dealing with a particularly slow student. But something shifts in the spaces between their verbal sparring matches. Knox begins to understand the connection between mental discipline and physical precision that Avery has spent fifteen years perfecting. The girl who seems so delicate proves to be forged from steel, pushing him harder than any trainer ever has while maintaining a composure that both impresses and infuriates him. Avery watches Knox's gradual transformation with growing respect that she tries desperately to hide. His determination to master skills completely foreign to his experience reveals a work ethic that matches her own obsessive dedication. When he finally lands his first clean handstand, holding it for the full sixty seconds, his boyish grin reminds her why she fell in love with her sport in the first place. Their training sessions become charged with an undercurrent of attraction that neither dares acknowledge. Knox's hands steadying her during demonstrations linger longer than strictly necessary, sending jolts of electricity through both of them. Avery's corrections require her to stand closer, her touch burning through his shirt as she adjusts his position, both of them hyperaware of every point of contact. The tension builds until it becomes impossible to ignore, crackling in the air between them like static before a thunderstorm. When Knox storms out early one evening, Avery assumes he's finally given up on her methods. But his hasty departure stems from family crisis—his youngest brother Flynn failing math and facing academic probation that could destroy his athletic future. Knox's role as guardian and protector adds another layer to his complex character, showing Avery the man beneath the arrogant exterior who carries the weight of four lives on his shoulders.

Chapter 4: Victory Kisses: The Beginning of Something Undefined

The underground race track pulses with danger and raw energy as Knox lines up against seasoned competitors who've heard about the fallen champion trying to claw his way back. Avery watches from makeshift bleachers, her heart hammering as he navigates the treacherous dirt course at speeds that seem to mock death itself. This isn't the controlled environment of her gymnasium—this is Knox's world, unforgiving and brutal. His victory is decisive and beautiful, a masterclass in controlled aggression as he leaves his opponents choking on dust clouds. The crowd swarms him like he's conquered kingdoms instead of just a local race, but Knox cuts through them all with single-minded purpose, his eyes locked on Avery's face in the stands. The tradition of a victory kiss becomes something electric when their lips meet, a moment of triumph shared between two people who understand the weight of winning and losing. The motorcycle ride that follows shatters Avery's last defenses against him. Wrapped around Knox's powerful frame as they speed through the desert night, she feels truly alive for the first time since her injury stole her confidence. The girl who's spent months playing it safe surrenders to the thrill of letting someone else be in control, her body pressed against his as they carve through darkness at speeds that should terrify her. Their first intimate encounter in the shadowy parking lot burns away any pretense of professional distance. Knox's hands map her body with the same precision he brings to riding, while her eager response drives him to the edge of his famous self-control. The connection between them transcends mere physical attraction—it's recognition of kindred spirits finding solace in each other's carefully hidden brokenness. But their newfound intimacy comes wrapped in complications neither anticipated. Knox's reputation as a player who never stays conflicts with feelings that grow stronger with each stolen moment. Avery struggles to maintain emotional distance while her body craves his touch like an addiction she can't shake. They agree to keep things casual, but the intensity crackling between them suggests nothing about their relationship will ever be simple. The night ends with promises and boundaries that both know they're already breaking. Knox rides home alone through the desert, but for the first time in years, he's not running from something—he's running toward a future that suddenly seems possible, even if it terrifies him more than any jump he's ever attempted.

Chapter 5: Family Matters: Bringing Her Into His World

Knox's house buzzes with chaotic masculine energy as four brothers navigate the complex dynamics of a family forged by abandonment and held together by sheer stubborn will. Avery steps into this testosterone-filled world with nervous excitement, unprepared for the warmth that greets her despite Knox's warnings about his complicated family situation. Hendrick, the eldest after Knox, sizes her up with the protective instincts of someone who's watched his brother sacrifice everything for their family's stability. His fiancée Jane provides immediate female solidarity, recognizing another woman trying to find her place in the Holland brothers' intense orbit. Their easy acceptance both pleases and unnerves Knox, who's never brought a woman home before. Brogan and Archer, the middle brothers, waste no time testing Avery's mettle with playful ribbing designed to see if she can hold her own in their verbal combat zone. To Knox's surprise and secret pride, she gives as good as she gets, threatening to sell embarrassing videos of his gymnastics training to the highest bidder while maintaining the sweet smile that's already charmed his family. Flynn, the youngest at seventeen, watches everything with quiet intensity that reminds Knox of their father before he abandoned them all. Knox's protective instincts toward his baby brother run deeper than any ocean, shaped by years of serving as guardian rather than sibling. The family dinner reveals the sacrifices Knox has made—learning to cook, managing schedules, putting his own dreams on indefinite hold to keep them all together. Avery observes the intricate web of relationships with growing understanding of what drives Knox's need for control. She sees how his brothers both depend on him and worry about the crushing weight he carries, how his role as protector has shaped every aspect of his personality from his reluctance to ask for help to his terror of letting people down. The evening culminates in Knox's bedroom, where their physical connection deepens even as emotional barriers remain stubbornly intact. Avery's insistence on taking things slowly—no sex, not yet—reveals her own protective instincts, scarred by her ex-boyfriend's betrayal when her injury made her vulnerable. Knox's surprising acceptance of her boundaries shows a gentleness that contradicts his rough exterior, proving that beneath the leather and attitude beats the heart of a man who understands that some things are worth waiting for.

Chapter 6: Hearts Racing: The Struggle to Keep Things Casual

The Tipsy Rose bar thrums with birthday celebration energy as Colter's freestyle motocross team gathers to honor their fearless leader. Knox watches Avery navigate the crowd of leather-clad riders and their admirers, her pink dress and clean appearance marking her as an outsider in his gritty world of engines and adrenaline. Jealousy flares hot and unexpected when other men notice what Knox has been trying to keep to himself. Mitch's obvious interest in Avery and his inability to remember her name spark Knox's possessive instincts in ways that surprise him with their intensity. The careful boundaries they've established blur as Knox finds himself wanting to claim her publicly, to mark his territory like some primitive alpha male. The evening takes a darker turn when Knox disappears to help his brother's bartender through a busy night, leading Avery to assume he's moved on to other conquests. Her jealousy surprises her with its razor-sharp intensity—she's supposed to be keeping things casual, not caring who else captures his wandering attention or shares his bed. Knox's midnight appearance at her dorm room shatters any pretense of emotional distance between them. His explanation about helping family reveals another layer of his character, while his determination to find her shows how far he's willing to go for what he wants. Their reunion is explosive, all pretense of casual hookups abandoned in favor of desperate, hungry need. Their physical relationship intensifies even as they maintain the fiction that it means nothing more than mutual satisfaction and convenient release. Knox's skilled touch and Avery's eager response create a feedback loop of desire that leaves them both shaken and questioning everything they thought they knew about keeping things simple. The morning after brings awkward questions about definitions and expectations that neither wants to answer. Knox's admission that he's never brought a girl around in daylight reveals how different Avery is from his usual conquests. Their agreement to exclusivity—no other partners while they're hanging out—represents a compromise neither fully understands but both desperately need.

Chapter 7: Finding Balance: Navigating Fear and Attraction

The gymnastics showcase looms like judgment day as Avery's first real test since her injury, but her progress remains frustratingly incremental. Coach Weaver's continued restrictions feel like votes of no confidence, while teammates and sponsors watch for signs of her former brilliance with the patience of vultures circling wounded prey. The pressure builds with each passing day until she can barely breathe under its weight. Knox's own struggles with freestyle techniques mirror Avery's battle to regain her fearless edge. His improvements are measured in degrees of rotation and seconds of control rather than the dramatic victories he's used to claiming. The humbling experience teaches him patience he's never needed before, forcing him to confront the reality that some things can't be conquered through sheer force of will. Their training sessions become increasingly charged with unresolved tension that crackles between them like live wires. Knox's growing skill level allows for more complex exercises, bringing them into closer physical contact that leaves both breathless and aching. Avery's role as teacher gives her the control she craves, while Knox's submission to her expertise reveals a trust he's never offered anyone. The underground racing scene provides Knox with validation his professional career currently lacks. Each victory builds his confidence while showcasing his talents to Avery, who begins to understand the fierce competitor beneath his damaged exterior. Her presence at his races marks a fundamental shift in their relationship—she's no longer just helping him train, she's supporting his dreams with the devotion of someone whose heart is fully invested. Family dynamics complicate their careful balance as Knox's brothers embrace Avery while questioning his intentions toward the girl who's clearly fallen hard for their damaged protector. Their obvious affection for her forces Knox to confront feelings he's tried desperately to suppress, emotions that threaten everything he's built his identity around. The season's first major competition approaches for both athletes, carrying the crushing weight of comeback stories and second chances that could make or break their futures. Knox's freestyle skills improve enough to consider performing with Colter's professional team, while Avery faces the beam routines that will determine if she's truly healed or forever broken. Their parallel journeys toward redemption become inextricably intertwined with their growing feelings for each other, creating a perfect storm of possibility and terror.

Summary

Knox Holland and Avery Oliver discover that healing requires more than physical rehabilitation—it demands the courage to trust again, to be vulnerable with someone who could destroy you as easily as save you. Their unlikely partnership transforms from mutual necessity into something neither expected: a connection that makes them stronger together than they ever were apart, even as it terrifies them with its intensity. Knox learns that true strength isn't about controlling everything alone, but about accepting help and building genuine partnerships that don't diminish his power but amplify it. His journey from isolated competitor to team player mirrors his emotional growth from guarded loner to someone capable of love that doesn't feel like weakness. Avery rediscovers her fearless spirit not through conquering her fears in solitude, but by finding someone worth being vulnerable with, someone who sees her strength even when she can't find it herself. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of engines and balance beams, two worlds that seem incompatible but share the same fundamental truth: success requires the perfect combination of power and grace, speed and control, individual excellence and trust in others. In finding each other, Knox and Avery don't just reclaim their athletic careers—they discover that the greatest victories come not from standing alone on podiums, but from having someone to share the triumph with, someone who understands that falling is only failure if you don't get back up. The desert that witnessed their separate falls becomes the place where they rise together, engines roaring and hearts racing toward a future neither dared imagine possible.

About Author

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Rebecca Jenshak

Jenshak reframes the landscape of new adult romance through her unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and engaging sports backdrops. Her early aspiration to emulate the style of Judy Blume evolved as she found her niche, with her first romance book published in 2016. This shift allowed her to carve a distinct space in the genre, where her narratives explore themes of love, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships. By setting many of her stories in college environments or around sports teams, Jenshak crafts worlds that are both relatable and emotionally resonant, which helps her build a dedicated readership.\n\nIn her career, Jenshak has mastered a style that merges sweetness with spice, often incorporating witty banter and themes of found family. Her books, such as "Tutoring the Player" and "Wildcat," showcase her talent for developing relatable characters and scenarios that guarantee a satisfying happily ever after. Meanwhile, series like "Campus Wallflowers" and "Wildcat Hockey" highlight her ability to intertwine romance with sports elements, adding layers of depth and excitement to her plots. This method of blending genres not only captivates her audience but also solidifies her impact as a versatile author within the new adult romance community.\n\nReaders drawn to Jenshak's work benefit from her ability to weave emotionally rich narratives that emphasize personal growth and connection. Her status as a USA Today bestselling author underscores the significant impact she has made in the field. With a bio that reflects her dedication to creating engaging and uplifting stories, Jenshak continues to be a prominent voice, appealing to fans of romance looking for stories with substance and heart.

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