Romance set in the world of F1 Racing. Knowledgeable references to the races and history of F1 add to the fun of enemies to lovers. Podcaster and F1 superfan Mia insults British driver Xander leading to sparks and racing around the circuit.

3.5 ⭐️

Not So Fast by Karen Booth follows a podcaster who suddenly finds herself thrust into the glamorous and fast-paced world of Formula 1 after one of her comments goes viral. What begins as a whirlwind of unexpected attention quickly turns into a blooming romance with the star of F1, Xander Bishop. After getting off on the wrong foot, Xander is focused on shifting the public opinion caused by Mia. Instead, they find that maybe they have more in common than they thought.

This was a really enjoyable, quick read that pulled me in from the start. There aren’t too many F1 stories out there, and I was excited to dive into the world. The enemies to lovers aspect of the plot pulled me in as well. Mia and Xander had some good chemistry together, after they got past their initial bad meeting. However, I did find myself wishing the relationship would grow at a slower pace. Xander got over his issue with the podcast relatively fast, and they did not have much of a buildup. It almost felt a bit unbelievable how fast they went from dislike to falling into bed with each other. But I definitely enjoyed this book overall!

I really liked this story and the character development for Mia. At times Xander felt a bit static but was still likeable

Not So Fast is a great romance read for fans of racing. Social media is linked so strongly to racing, and Booth brings that to life with the dynamic between Mia and Xander.

Scenic getaways, steamy chemistry (open door romance), professional ambitions and personal boundaries... coupled with racing scenes trackside and history, kept me wanting to read more.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a review copy.

3.50

A simple, cute, and quick read.

Mia has a podcast where she talks about Formula 1, and in one episode, she had nothing but nice things to say about a racer named Xander. When her podcast suddenly began to grow, Xaden Bishop's team invited her to join them, where she begins a journey they didn't expect but also don't want to let go of. I liked the main characters and how they handle their "secret" relationship, and the plot is quite good, but at times I got bored and just wanted it to end.

honestly kind of sad because the idea of the book was truly incredible. i won’t go into the details but basically there is a girl who started a podcast where she shares her opinion on the sport, teams and drivers. as the season goes she makes it clear that one specific driver is definitely not as great, creating a tension between the two. somehow she gets to the game, gets the pass for behind the scenes and meets the not and only driver.

the hit of super fast and they become into each other like by the next chapter of meeting. i definitely think tension would be so much better than the insta love. they hook up also pretty fast and by the 60% i became tired. the story had no hooks or downfalls, it went in a straight line of them seeing each other and talking.

there was no growing of her podcast or his career, the story mainly focused on characters, making them sound boring and weird. the conversation sounded a little fake, because if i understood correctly, she was still pretty young and how old was he? no idea.

overall, the story had so much potential. both characters were unique and had a spark at the beginning. however, with the 50% it became repetitive and predictable.

It’s already been established that Karen Booth is one of my favorite authors. I’m still trying to get used to her writing under Harlequin’s Afterglow Books imprint. I’m used to Karen’s drama-filled books, where the characters are surrounded by opulence, and the heroes wear business suits like a second skin. I was not prepared for Not So Fast, or to laugh so much.

Not So Fast combines romance with Formula One racing, where fun banter is the warm-up to a fast and furious love affair. Xander Bishop has finally gotten his shot to drive for Formula One after spending years being successful in Formula Two. However, his success from before isn’t transferring with him. Out of the twenty drivers racing, Xander hasn’t finished higher than sixteenth. Rumors are starting that he may lose his spot with Mega Racing, the team he’s currently working with. Mia Neal has been a fan of Formula One since she was introduced to it as a child. She created her podcast, “Not So Fast with Mia Neal”, as a hobby, but is now slowly turning it into something where she could potentially make a living. Her most successful episodes have been her criticizing Xander. This leads to Mia being asked to be a guest of Dirk, Xander’s teammate, at one of the races.

Mia and Xander’s first meeting doesn’t go as smoothly as Mia would have hoped, with both taking jabs at the other. Their second meeting is more personal, with Mia getting a glimpse into who Xander is. Slowly, the two start to build a bond, where professional and personal lines become blurred. Soon, questions start to arise about Mia’s integrity, and she wonders if her success and aspirations are worth the criticism she's facing.

In true Karen fashion, she gives you a hero and heroine who burrow themselves into your heart, leaving you on pins and needles, waiting and hoping for them to realize that they’ve found “the one” and are willing to do whatever it takes to be together and claim each other as their own. Not So Fast was a fun story, with many laugh-out-loud moments. This was a sweet yet spicy read. I loved all the interactions between Xander and Mia. Both characters carry scars, making them doubt themselves. But together, they find their obstacles easier to overcome.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Curiosity is a hallmark of intelligence.”

“Only you can decide what you want.”

“I think you want everything to make sense. And life isn’t like that. You pick a path and you work hard and you hope for the best. But if something can go wrong, it will. I guarantee you that. Almost nothing in your life will happen the way you think it will.”

This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review may contain mild spoilers

This was a solid 3-star read for me.

Mia, our main female character, is an F1 podcaster. I enjoyed that she knew about the sport and was making a career out of it! Her overthinking and moments of self-doubt felt authentic and added real depth to her character. Xander, who is grappling with the pressure of the new racing season, was getting some heat from the comments that Mia is making on her show about him. I thought this made for a unique meet-cute and added some tension to the story. Watching both characters grow and learning to see beyond their perspectives and recognize the impact of their actions was rewarding.

The romance moved a little fast, but I didn’t mind one bit. Their chemistry worked, and they were so genuinely supportive of each other’s careers that I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. This is my second F1 book, and I will be continuing to add them to my TBR!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book that has it all! Including a cute, low-spice romance, family issues, mental health awareness, and that is all wrapped up in a high-octane sports romance

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #NotSoFast #NetGalley

Not So Fast by Karen Booth is a fast-paced, insta-love romance set against the high-stakes world of Formula 1. I found it to be a quick and engaging read, perfect for fans of sports romance with a contemporary flair. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

The story follows Mia, an ambitious up-and-coming Formula 1 podcaster who gains notoriety after publicly criticizing veteran driver Xander Bishop. Once a dominant force on the track, Xander’s career has recently faltered, and his confidence is shaken. Mia is invited to a race by Dirk, Xander’s teammate and rival, only to discover his true motives—he intends to use her presence to destabilize Xander. While Mia and Xander initially clash, he unexpectedly invites her to a series of races, motivated in part by his ego. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into something deeper.

As their romance unfolds, Mia learns about the personal struggles Xander is facing, particularly his mother's serious illness. The story also explores the consequences Mia experiences once her listeners discover her connection with Xander.

Overall, Not So Fast is an enjoyable and heartfelt read. While it leans into the tropes of insta-love and features some predictable turns, it delivers on charm and emotional depth. Fans of light, romantic sports fiction will appreciate its breezy pacing and satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Karen Booth’s work in the future.

Many thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Such a fun read, loved the chemistry between Mia and Xander! Author did an amazing job with the banter and creating tension. Definite recommend for a fun summer read.

🏎️eARC Book Review🏎️

“There was something about normal, everyday women daring to live their lives and take up space in a not-tiny body that some people simply couldn’t handle. Mia had zero time for that.”

Not So Fast by Karen Booth
Pub Date: May 27, 2025 (out now)
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟(4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️(3/5)

Summary:
Mia is a new podcaster for her long time special interest of Formula 1. A clip where she criticizes her favorite driver goes viral and his teammate invites Mia to the next race. Xander is a veteran driver on a new team, trying to make a name for himself. Then he meets Mia and his mind goes blank. We get to see Mia and Xander fall for each other.

Review:
This was such a fast read. I absolutely adored it. As an F1 girly on a sports romance kick this was *chefs kiss*. I was so excited to read this. Def will be added to my F1 book recs. The spice was spicy but not cringy and the formula 1 references are so realistic.

If you like:
- Formula 1
- Spontaneous Travel
- Plus Size MC
- Enemies to Lovers

QOTD: What’s your favorite F1 driver?

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin for proving me with an eARC of this novel.

This was a cute read, but it definitely followed your typical rom-com formula. There were moments where I felt like I had to push myself to keep going—or debated skipping ahead just to get to the good stuff. That said, the story did finally catch my attention toward the end, and I’m glad I stuck with it. Not a new favorite, but a light, easy read if you're in the mood for something familiar and feel-good.

I fell in love with the main characters, Mia and Xander. They are so adorable, sweet and very thoughtful of each other. I couldn’t get enough of the back and forth between Mia and Xander. Their playfulness made my heart warm and happy.

This book had me giggling, squealing, swooning and feeling a bit 🥵. Omg, the spice is 🔥. I was not prepared but it was perfect not too much but still enough to make me blush. I have to go out and buy this book now, like immediately!

I have found myself obsessed with F1 racing romance books. I hope to maybe see a book about Mia’s bestie and Emilio in their own book 😆. I 100% ship them and feel like I NEED more of this group. Maybe also see books for Oliver and Freya too! 🥰

I enjoyed this book immensely and am so thankful to the author and Netgalley for providing me the opportunity to ARC read this book.

🏁 Not So Fast by Karen Booth 🏁

Mia Neal is a fierce, funny Formula One podcaster known for her sharp critiques—especially of British racing star Xander Bishop. When one of her viral episodes catches his attention, Mia is unexpectedly invited to the Miami Grand Prix for an insider’s look. What starts as professional curiosity quickly turns into something much more complicated.

This slow-burn romance perfectly captures the tension between two very different people thrown together by fate and public scrutiny. Mia’s wit and honesty bring humor and heart, while Xander’s vulnerability shines through the high-pressure world of racing. Beyond the romance, the book thoughtfully explores mental health, self-worth, and the challenges of living in the spotlight.

If you love enemies-to-lovers with clever banter, emotional depth, and a sports backdrop that’s more than just a setting, Not So Fast will pull you in and keep you hooked.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A smart, sexy, and heartfelt read that hits all the right notes.

#NotSoFast #KarenBooth #SportsRomance #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #MentalHealthInRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #F1Romance #BookReview

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title, but unfortunately it didn’t quite capture my interest. While the premise was promising, I found it difficult to stay engaged. That said, I’m sure it will find its audience with readers who connect more strongly with the writing style or pacing.

Super cute romance palate cleanser romance if you will. Nothing happened that I couldn’t predict, but I still enjoyed it!

3.5 stars

Not So Fast was a fun take on an F1 romance. As someone who is a big fan of Formula 1 and romcoms I enjoyed this read.

Many of the F1 romances I have read, the FMC is somehow involved in the F1 world, but not typically has a fan or podcaster. It created a fun dynamic. I liked the MMC and his family as well.

What I struggled with was how surface level everything felt between the characters. I would have loved more depth not only to each of the characters individually but to their relationship. It felt like it relied heavily on physical attraction and less on who they are.

I think adding this level of depth could have really elevated the story in general. I also think that the third person writing, contributed to the fact that I didn't feel like I got a good grasp on who the characters were. We didn't get into their mindset in the same way as I feel we would have if it were written in first person. There felt like a lot of flip flopping back and fourth between perspectives mid scene because of the third person writing style.

Talon David delivered a great audiobook performance. It was enjoyable to listen to even though I would prefer multiple narrators for multiple POVs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow/Harlequin & Harlequin Audio for the ARC/ALCs.

Not So Fast is a cute romance between podcaster Mia Neal and British F1 racer Xander Bishop. Mia's had some things to say about Xander on her podcast, and there's plenty of tension and animosity between these two, until they meet in person.

There are no big surprises here, just a sweet romance set against the backdrop of auto racing. There's an immediate attraction between these two and things progress from their with a low level of conflict provided by Mia with issues that may impact the longevity of their relationship. After all, she's been bashing Xander on her podcast -- how could she fall for him?

Overall, this was a quick romance with steamy scenes and entertaining main characters.

Thanks to Harlequin for this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion! I devoured Not So Fast in one sitting - what a delightful, feel-good read! First, the chemistry between Mia and Xander was palpable and I loved seeing the sparks between them. Second, this book had so much heart - the depth of both characters figuring out what was best for their mental health and who they wanted to be and the way they supported each other to get there was really fun to see; I also loved how their families played into that too. I found Mia to be incredibly relatable - the curse of curiosity and knowledge making you jump from thing to thing really resonated with me and I loved seeing her find a way to harness that power! An F1 setting is always a fun way to incorporate elements of glamour and romance around the world and that did not disappoint in Not So Fast. This would be the perfect book to devour at a beach club in Miami or Monaco!

Mia Neal is an F1 fanatic! She watched with her aunt since she was a kid. She channeled all that love for F1 by starting a podcast about the sport. She loves talking all things F1 especially giving opinions on drivers. When one of the drivers invites her to a race in Miami she jumps at the opportunity. Xander Bishop is the typical British F1 driver. He’s confident but facing some struggles in the racing world. He hasn’t been winning as many races and Mia has been talking about it on her podcast. When they finally meet instead of clawing each other’s eyes out, they have an instant connection. Mia is nervous and throwing out caution flags when it comes to relationship territory but it’s worth it for Xander.

This was a quick and fast paced read! I loved the passion Mia had for her podcast and trying to move up in her career. I also enjoyed that Xander never tried to make light of her podcast or tear her down. These two were so cute together and I liked how they balanced each other out. This book was a fun way to get introduced to the sport of F1 and a classic rom com read!

A huge thank you to Karen Booth, her team, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!