Thank you to Afterglow Books and Karen Booth for the e-arc of this book! I loved it, from start to finish. It felt like Karen Booth looked into my psyche while writing Mia’s character (and we share a name too!). She started out nervous, unsure, and full of self-doubt, and became so confident and even stronger by the end. Xander was so giving, thoughtful, and perfect for Mia. Their journey together was beautiful, and I loved how they grew as people together. Also, Xander’s siblings were so fun!! I LOVE Freya and her impish nature. Overall, a solid intro to formula one romances and a great summer read.

4 🌟

Mia can't seem to commit to any kind of career despite being a genius, usually overthinking herself into a change. When her best friend suggests combining her journalism degree and her love of F1 racing into a podcast, she decides to give it a try. Her sometimes salty truth about the drivers, especially Xander Bishop who seems to be struggling this year, has gone viral. She's shocked when Xander's teammate invites her to a race, but his intent to get into Xander's head backfires when they discover there's a spark between them.
This was a fun behind the scenes race romance with fun believable characters and a great storyline. I like how Mia helps Xander get his confidence back even before they start seeing each other. Cute story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this was such a cute and fun read! I usually gravitate toward hockey or football when it comes to sports romances, so diving into the world of Formula One was a refreshing change, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Mia and Xander had such great chemistry! Their banter and the bond they shared really pulled me in. There were a few moments where my attention dipped a bit, but the story always managed to pick right back up and keep me engaged.

A new F1 romance between a British driver fighting to keep his seat and the podcaster who has flown in to interview her favorite driver...him. Mia Nelson loves Formula One and has been lucky enough to have a famous driver pay for her to attend the Miami Grand Prix.... by her favorite driver's teammate... and it's been known that Mia despite loving Xander has been a bit critical of his driving on her podcast. Mia absolutely adores Xander but he knows that the only reason she was invited was because his teammate hates him and wants to get under his skin. Xander is a driver with his seat on the line, if he doesn't perform well he is out of the seat. Yet the more time Mia and Xander spend together the more feelings begin to arise and maybe she's just the thing that could bring him luck... but Mia's fans are not loving that she's getting this close to him... and can she risk losing her podcast or losing her heart to the one man who's used to going fast. This was unfortunately not for me. I adore F1 and trying to find a good F1 romance has been a bit hard... and this one just missed the mark for me. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two characters and their romance... was lacking romance. I just didn't find myself caring all that much about them.

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books for providing the ARC.

This book was a sweet and simple look into a relationship between an F1 racer and a podcaster who's a fan of the sport. Both Mia and Xander were fun characters to read about and their story was cute, but it definitely lacked substance. There is a level of insta-love between the two of them, and the plot is relatively thin without a lot of consequences for either of them. It just felt very surface level.

I will say that Booth's book did get better the more I read of it, but most of it was fluff. There weren't a lot of problems that Mia and Xander faced, and the few that did make it on to the page were solved with relative ease. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the book lacked depth to make it a truly interesting read. Instead, it just feels a little rudimentary and could have benefited more from a bit more conflict.

Not a bad book. I enjoyed my foray into F1 books and I enjoyed this one as well. I just wanted a bit more from the story.

What’s not to like about this story? First, I, like many of the US, has gotten to know and love F1 racing and reading a story set in that world intrigued me. Second, podcasts are just the thing in romance novels right now, so combining those two things seemed a smart strategy. Mia and Xander were totally likable characters, with both being surprisingly down to earth and normal. Xander didn’t throw his money around, was a family man, and his struggle to succeed in the F1 world was an interesting take. Mia, too, had a great back story and a struggle to overcome and her need to stay true to herself and her fan base gave her character a truthfulness that you just couldn’t turn away from. I liked them both!

The only thing missing for me was that the author toned down the glitz and glamour in order to make the characters real and easier for the reader to connect with. I would’ve actually liked to read about the behind the scenes world in F1 racing including the money and fashion. However, what we got was still fun and made for a great weekend read.

This was my first time reading this author, and I will definitely read her again! This was super cute, a lot of fun, and steamy!! I loved the balance between the romance and the sports aspect, especially the mental toll that being a professional athlete takes on a person. 

Mia is a huge F1 fan and has a podcast where she gives her unbridled opinion on the drivers and races. Her favorite driver, Xander, is struggling since he's switched teams, and his teammate, taking full advantage of his struggles, invites Mia out to a race since she's said some not-so-nice things about Xander's season. What starts as a tense meeting paves the way to friendship and more once Xander and Mia spend some time together and find that maybe they were exactly what the other needed. 

I loved the progression of their relationship and the fun side characters, too! Mia and Xander were adorable together and I was hooked! 

Thank you to Harlequin & Karen for this ARC!

I feel like I was very disappointed with this week especially with it being a F1 romance and Mia being from Austin. It needed more to me and very basic.

Another new to me author but also with a new-ish concept. I’ve had my fair share of sports romance but with the increase of F1 popularity, I’m not surprised someone jumped on the racetrack as it were. Also new is the concept of a podcaster/influencer; a risky venture because the internet can become a gruesome place. Mia Neal has lead her life jumping job to job but not from a lack of effort but more from an inability to feel fulfilled in her work. But her life as an F1 podcaster is personal, she’s loved the sport since she was a little girl and she knows it top to bottom. When her outspoken views land her the opportunity to work with her dream F1 racer, Xander Bishop, she grabs it with both hands. HOWEVER, her favorite racer is also the one she critiques the hardest and that’s because of how much she likes him. Now face to face, Mia and Xander clash it a delightful bout of banter and tension.

The obvious attraction between Mia and Xander was delectable and I liked watching their relationship unfold; alongside their battles of Mia’s rising popularity online and Xander’s redemption as a racer who was on a downward trajectory. BUT, I really wish we had more of the banter; enemies to lovers is always my favorite and this had all the makings but it felt like more of the insta-love rather than heated bickering that turns to passion. All in all, this was a really cute sports romance and I enjoyed seeing Xander regain his footing in racing amongst falling in love. And even seeing Mia find her happy place, personally and professionally was heartwarming.

Thank you to Karen Booth and Afterglow Books for a review copy.

A fun and cute read. I enjoyed the characters, the banter and the chemistry. It was a well written story and I enjoyed the F1 side of the story. It’s an entertaining read.

I am still searching for a F1 romance that hits the spot, and unfortunately, this one didn't quite get there. It read as a bit predictable, a bit surface level. I found the romance a bit lopsided, and an instant lust focus. Mia was okay, and Xander was fine, but I think there wasn't enough build up or tension to pull you along. It also read on the younger end of romance, but that's likely a me issue and not a book issue! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books for an eARC of this book!

3 stars is probably generous since I considered DNF’ing after the first chapter because complaining about missing two questions on the SAT was very annoying. I don’t regret not DNF’ing, it was a fun read. Xander is a cinnamon roll of a MMC. Mia grows on you a lot. The world of F1 was fun to read about. Xander and Mia are a cute couple. This is certainly not enemies to lovers by any stretch. There’s very little tension and it’s a bit insta-lovey. Overall, cute read.

Not So Fast is a fun, spicy, and fast paced romance set in the world of Formula One.
Mia is a witty F1 podcaster whose sharp opinions about British driver Xander Bishop unexpectedly put her in the spotlight.
When the two meet in person, the tension is instant and so are the sparks. I loved their enemies to lovers dynamic and all the snarky banter that turned into real chemistry.
The story also touches on deeper themes like anxiety, self doubt, and finding confidence, which added heart to the heat.
Even if you're not into racing, the story is easy to follow and really enjoyable. Xander and Mia’s relationship grows naturally, and their connection feels genuine.
The backdrop of F1 and podcasting made it unique and refreshing. If you enjoy romance with spice, banter, and some emotional depth, this book is a great pick.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Overall a solid f1 romance book! As a huge f1 fan I loved getting the POV from Mia about how races from the paddock are because it’s such a rare luxury to be able to see the race from there.

The jump for first person with the journal entries to a third person writing style felt a bit off at times. It often didn’t gel super well too when it went from Mia to Xander abruptly mid chapter.

I don't think this is the book for me. I tried to get into it but the characters fell a little flat. I just overall did not enjoy it.

My thoughts:
Formula One romance that I really enjoyed reading.
I loved the chemistry and banter between Mia and Xander.
The romance was not slow burn….things heat up pretty fast!
Is the plot a bit predictable? Some will say yes. I found it to be delightful and engaging.
This is the first book I’ve read by Karen Booth. I am looking forward to reading more books by her. The pacing of the story was perfect as well very informative about Formula One racing.
If you are looking for a light hearted yet spicy read, you definitely need to pick up Not So Fast.
This is my honest review and all opinions are my own.

Not So Fast by Karen Booth is an entertaining, snarky, fun, and sweet fast paced F1 romance. It balanced family issues, boundaries, mental health care, and dealing with negative intrusive thoughts, all wrapped up in a fun sports-romance that explores F1 racing and podcasting. Mia Neal, a F1 podcaster, gets thrust into the world of F1, where she is on top, after she made a comment about Xander Bishop, a British driver who is a bit too cocky for his own good. Mia and Xander get off to a rocky start, especially after he calls her out for talking smack about him on her podcast. These two start out as enemies, but soon sparks are flying, as they burn up the bed sheets. Soon they are relying on each other in order to work through the obstacles of self doubt and self sabotage. This is an enjoyable quick sport romance with found family, rivalry to lovers with some wonderful banter and spice.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley # Kensington # NotSoFast

NOT SO FAST – Karen Booth
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1-335-57498-5
May 27, 2025
Contemporary Romance

Austin, Texas & England – Present Day

Mia Neal loves Formula One racing and started a popular podcast to follow and comment on the sport. She has criticized driver Xander Bishop as his career has suddenly plummeted. One day out of the blue, Mia is contacted by one of his rivals, Dirk, to attend a Formula One event in Miami. He wants to flaunt her in front of Xander to get into his head and make him lose another race. She agrees but secretly admits that she is not going to taunt Xander but to meet him. They do encounter one another but he isn’t exactly pleasant to her as he’s not happy about the shade she’s been throwing his way. However, Mia finds herself attracted to him. Late one night, they end up in a secluded park in Miami. Sparks fly, and soon he invites her to attend Grand Prix events as his guest. Is love about to blossom between them?

Welcome to the fast world of Formula One racing, where rivalries and friendships go hand in hand. While Xander and Dirk race for the same racing company, they are still rivals for the coveted prizes. Dirk has been ripping into Xander and thinks bringing Mia in will make him snap. But Mia admires Xander and isn’t intentionally trying to be mean to him. She wants him to be the best, though she can’t favor one driver over the other. This is where it gets complicated, because if her followers find out that she is hanging around Xander, they might think she is selling out. Yet there is no denying the sparks flying between them. He is nice to talk to, and she offers him advice. When he starts driving better, is it due to Mia?

In NOT SO FAST, readers get a glimpse into the lives and world of Formula One racing. Even if you don’t like racing (or sports), you won’t have trouble following along. This tale is about the burning hot romance of Mia and Xander, as well as the complex relationships around them. Mia was introduced to racing by her aunt, but her mother and aunt don’t get along. Her mother thinks Mia is wasting her time podcasting, but it has proven to be a lucrative experience so far. She enjoys the thrills of being around Formula One racing and the drivers. But the best part is being around Xander. He even ends up inviting her to his home in England, where she meets his family. Is there a future for them together? How will people react when they learn that their favorite podcaster is sleeping with one of the drivers?

An entertaining and intriguing tale, be sure not to miss NOT SO FAST.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This was such a fun audiobook to listen to and read! The characters were so raw and real. Mia's situation was so relatable the not knowing what to do with her life and just trying to find something with freedom and fulfillment! Xander battles with mental health was also something I wasn’t expecting but loved that it was talked about. He really had work to trust himself and her through the book!
I wish it was dual POV and duet narration but all and all it was very good.

Okay, this book? Whew. It's like standing too close to the track when the cars fly by—fast, loud, and impossible to ignore. Mia's snarky inner monologue had me grinning from page one, and Xander? Lord, help me. The man is British broody perfection with just enough arrogance to earn every bit of her sass.
I devoured this in one sitting and didn't even come up for air. The tension? Electric. The banter? Chef's kiss. And when things finally ignite between Mia and Xander? Let's say I needed a minute—and a fan. Karen Booth didn't just write a romance; she dropped me straight into the pit crew of a spicy F1 fantasy with two people who absolutely should not fall for each other but do so in the hottest way possible. Buckle up if enemies to lovers and race cars sound like your idea of a good time.