Sweet Lucifer, where to begin?!

Okay let me at least say that the adventure and action is fine. That was pretty fun. And thanks for at least, too, introducing me via your characters to some beautiful antique cars and fine, luxury items. Not like I can afford but still...

So the problem? The outdated tropes. The damsel always falls for the guy. What constitutes as flirting is weird. Get out of the 50's. Give us a woman who is grateful for the rescue, IF she has to be rescued, but has absolutely no romantic interest in Dirk and politely rebuffs his advances. The "witty" one-liners in the face of danger are either old and stale or just dry and weak. To me it's almost a given that an author will imbue on their protagonist qualities they have or wish they have. And sometimes, yes, even give them the same hobbies. I can overlook that. But to insert yourself time and again? Is it not enough that you are living vicariously through your character? You probably don't even have to do that since you can afford old foreign cars. You dragged down a book with some cringy moments to fanfiction for the bit when you are actually in it. And it comes across as self-serving, ego-boosting.

And speaking of egotistical, did anyone else see that his son's name is Dirk? Seriously, I hope the son came first, because my God, to name him after a character would be an awkward reminder of how much his father thinks of himself and his creation. My dude, quit making love to your ego!