
Member Reviews

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this super fun book!
I will say that I read this as a standalone and have not read the first book in the series. This book is definitely giving how Stella got her groove back in the best ways. The story was so enjoyable and pleasant! I have no idea about Motorsport or F1 racing but the characters made it really come alive.
I feel like Stella and Thomas are super adorable and hilarious! Their banter was to die for! I love when a couple is just such a good match for each other even before THEY realize it! I thought the writing was good. Light and airy - this would be a perfect summer beach read! Only thing I didn’t like that’s a slight spoiler is that I wish Thomas would’ve let Stella handle Arlo. 🙃 Overall, a solid read! I found myself laughing out loud at several moments!
I feel like Thomas' character wasn't necessarily a HUGE out loud romantic, but he was romantic in the ways that mattered - making sure that Stella was heard and cared for, even when she did not know that would look like for herself. This healed a part of my soul lowkey. I also felt like Stella and Thomas were such a great match!
Would recommend this book to those who love fake dating/fake marriage tropes, or accidentally married couples, stories where he falls first, girlies who love Motorsport and fast cars, folks who love a good pair of heels, couples who resist each other where the tension is so thick and real and folks who enjoy good, witty banter!

I waited to long for this book and i always feel so sad when i finish book like this because… i can’t not talk about it until it comes out 😭
thank soooooo much simone for trusting me with this book. you don’t know how much that means to me, and i love the way this book was such a blessing to my heart and life right now.
thomas & stella own my heart, and they deserve all the good they are such a wonderful couple. i feel so much for stella, my little beautiful leo 🥺 she really is amazing an a queen and i cannot wait for people to met her.
thomas is a simp and im here for it he deserves everything good and he loves loved stella so much, which is exactly what my queen deserves.
love this book so much 🥺and i cannot wait to have it on my hands.

Stella meets Thomas at a joint bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas where the two wind up accidentally married.
This was a slower paced read especially in the beginning but the story overall held my interest. I was invested in their relationship and the will they won’t they stay together aspect.
Thomas and Stella’s chemistry was off the charts. I love a he falls first romance and this one delivers. I would say Thomas is a bit obsessed and just the right amount of possessive.
I also appreciated the celebrity status of both characters. I love a good celebrity romance and this was a nice sports/baker version of one.
This is an open door romance just incase you’re wondering.
💍 Accidental Marriage
🥰 He Falls First
📝 Relationship Rules
☯️ Opposites Attract
🏎️ Sports Romance
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 3/5
👉🏼 #bookstackcityreviews
🙏🏼 Thank you @berkleypub for this #gifted copy of #ridewithme !!
🏎️🏎️🏎️

Thank you to NetGalley and thank you to the publisher for the chance to review this ARC. Full review coming soon.

Simone Soltani’s Ride with Me is a delightful, whirlwind romance that had me hooked from the very first page! I devoured Stella and Thomas’s story, which kicks off with one of my favorite tropes: a wild Vegas wedding between two strangers who might be exactly what the other needs.
Stella’s heartbreak and her fierce, slightly messy energy made her so relatable. I loved watching her navigate the fallout of her failed wedding with humor and vulnerability. And Thomas, our brooding Formula 1 driver, was the perfect blend of charming and complicated. His struggles with family pressure and career insecurities added depth to the romance.
The chemistry between Stella and Thomas crackled off the page. Their Vegas antics, sizzling banter, and unexpected connection were so fun to read! But it wasn’t just about the heat. Soltani did a fantastic job showing how these two wounded souls find comfort and strength in each other. Their slow realization that they might have stumbled into something real made my heart so happy.
If I had one quibble, it’s that I would have loved a bit more time with the side characters; they were all so colorful, and I wanted to know more about them! But honestly, Stella and Thomas’s journey was the perfect ride, complete with all the twists and turns you’d expect from a romance that starts in Vegas and ends in something much more lasting.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the ARC. I’m already looking forward to whatever Simone Soltani writes next!

3.5⭐️
the way that i adored both stella and thomas!! 🥹 i loved the quips that stella and thomas had with each other, they just hit it off right away and i really enjoyed the banter. the way simone soltani writes these characters and has you rooting for them the whole way through.
i loved that stella was a baker and she worked so hard to get to where she is now, plus thomas who was willing to grow in his F1 career and ultimately deciding that clearing his name and reputation was worth all the risks. the fake marriage turned real aspect was fun, i'm always quite the sucker for thatt trope! i loved that thomas was always so supportive of stella and vice versa, they really got to know each other. while it did slow down a bit for me through the middle, it picked up and ended so beautifully. i am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series 🤭
thank you to berkley for the ARC!

Simone Soltani's *Ride With Me* is a delightful four-star romance that masterfully blends humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry. The story centers on Stella Baldwin, a successful entrepreneur reeling from being left at the altar, and Thomas Maxwell-Brown, a British Formula 1 driver grappling with career pressures and a tarnished reputation. Their unexpected, drunken marriage in Las Vegas sets the stage for a compelling marriage-of-convenience tale that evolves into a genuine love story.
Stella and Thomas's relationship unfolds through a slow-burn narrative, rich with witty banter and emotional depth. Thomas's unwavering support and affection—often referring to Stella as "my wife"—highlight his immediate devotion, while Stella's journey from guarded skepticism to open-hearted vulnerability adds layers to their dynamic. Their interactions are marked by mutual respect and admiration, making their romance both believable and endearing.
While the pacing may feel leisurely at times, the payoff is a heartfelt and satisfying exploration of love's unexpected turns. Soltani's portrayal of Stella and Thomas's evolving connection offers readers a charming and emotionally resonant experience.

Love when the story starts at a bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas, you know things are going to get exciting.
Stella and Thomas were both looking to shake things up. I love when a new relationship reminds a person that the person before was toxic or just in it for something. It hurts coming to that realization but sometimes accidentally getting married is the best thing that could happen to two people.
This was so spicy and full of tension and slow burn since after they got married they decided to not be physical, too bad they both were extremely attracted and kept ending up in one bed, forced proximity situations.
This was all set up in the F1 racing world so he was a celebrity. And she was a celebrity in the baking world but just by name. Loved this!!

I loved Soltani’s previous book, 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 so yes, I was over the moon to receive this ARC. Though I hardly watch F1, I’m fascinated by it.
Stella and Thomas meet at a co-ed bachelor-bachelorette party that neither wants to be at. It’s instant attraction with lots of sexy flirting, and innuendos. I totally loved it! And being that it’s in Vegas you know no good will come of all night drinking and shenanigans and…they wake up married. It’s not the kind of PR either needs at the moment though if they work it just right they could make the situation work for them.
I liked that it’s Thomas who falls hard first while Stella keeps her distance. It’s awkward and yet they’re so freaking good together. Both of them have something to prove and it takes a lot of trust and vulnerability to overcome their insecurities.
Highlights:
🏎️ Romance, dual POV, instalust, accidental marriage, fake marriage
🏎️ British F1 driver, American entrepreneur
🏎️ Strong spice, open door
🏎️ Getting over the ex (previously left at the alter)
Thomas and Stella have good chemistry together. I didn’t tire of their flirting and banter. Their intimate scenes are perfect. Thomas’ personality makes him even more attractive than he’s already described. Honestly, I envy Stella, that lucky woman! I know I’ll read any romance by Soltani after enjoying this one so much. If you’re wanting sweet, spicy and exciting, here you go!
Thanks To Berkley Romance for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book overall, for what it was.
What it isn't is a Formula 1 romance. His job could have been absolutely anything and it wouldn't have changed the story.
The bulk of the action takes place the night they meet and during winter break. There are small snippets of him being a driver, but they are barely anything and if they were removed, it wouldn't change the story. So that was disappointing.
Thomas and Stella are a slow burn. Really slow. And at times I really struggled with her as a character and some of the choices she was making. I also felt a few of them were there to drag out the drama, which felt unnecessary.
When they were together, I liked them and I believed in them, which did keep me reading this one.
The writing is strong and while the FMC did annoy me, she was consistent with her doubts, even if a choice at the end really had me questioning her. (Sorry, no spoilers but I feel you will know it when you get to it.)
I do think one of the characters on his side was unnecessary and definitely there for drama, which I didn't love and I do think this person could have been removed, but they were only a minor irritant so not enough to ruin the story.
I enjoyed and recommend this title, but not as an F1 romance.

I'm a big fan of accidental weddings and F1 racing. This book failed to resonate with me. I lived Thomas but I struggled with Stella. I felt like she lacked growth and compassion. The ending was cute but I had hoped for a bit more fireworks. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

I was so excited for my first Berkley pick that I read this in one night. Ride With Me was steamy, funny and heartfelt at times and as marriage of convenience is my favorite trop, I ate it up. Seeing a dark skin FMC get loved on and protected meant so much to me and Stella and Thomas felt like real people. What a great read!

Although we’ve seen the spontaneous Vegas marriage, marriage of convenience trope in romance many times before, Simone’s writing just elevated it. I loved both main characters, their personalities and careers. Thomas, an F1 driver, was devoted and endearing and Stella, a nationwide bakery owner, was strong and vulnerable (also the baddie vibes were so good!!). I loved Thomas and Stella’s dynamic: their banter was witty and their chemistry was scorching. I liked how they both took care of and support each other. Everything flowed and none of their choices seemed silly or immature. Also Thomas was so down bad but in a subtle way. The Formula 1 setting was appealing and added an exciting backdrop to their romance. This novel was so satisfying. When I finished it, I was like give me 10 more just like this. I immediately borrowed the first book in the series from the library.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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If you into racing this is the perfect book going into Indy 500 weekend! Granted it’s a F1 romance but regardless it’s a fun racing romance. These books are just pure fun!

Ride With Me was a cute story with likable characters and a sweet HEA.
Thomas and Stella may have drunkenly gotten married but their union just might be a good move for both of them. Each is embroiled in controversy of their own making unfortunately and need to rehab their images. Once they decide to stay married, for awhile at least, they soon find they're very compatible. Thomas is so thoughtful when Stellas needs to move her work to his home and sets her up the kitchen of her dreams. What man does that? Stella is so accomplished with her own business. They both come from money but have become hugely successful in their own right.
Of course, their relationship is not all easy. There are plenty of bumps along the way which make the story more interesting, of course. The trope may be a well worn one but this story is interesting and enjoyable.
I enjoyed the hours I spent with Stella and Thomas and was glad to see them realize they make sense and to find their HEA.

Stella Baldwin just got left at the altar. Now she is stuck going to a hen do. Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown has been living in a PR nightmare after a video of him saying something bad leaked. He’s stuck going to a stag party to represent his family. Only, this hen do and stag party are a joint party. Stella and Thomas wind up hanging out. The next morning they wake up… married. Ready to get it annulled, they then decide to use this marriage to help them in their business lives. Soon though, it’s more than just a fake marriage and what happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay there!
This was a really sweet and enjoyable read! I was so excited to read this book for many reasons. First, I met my husband in Vegas. Second, we are a racing family (though it’s NASCAR). Third, I just really love the fake marriage trope. Put these all together with this authors amazing writing style, and it makes for a great book.
Thomas had me smiling from ear to ear. He really is the dream man. He’s sweet and sexy, caring and loving, thoughtful and loyal. I mean, really, he’s perfect!! It was all he little, quiet gestures that really made me fall in love with him. I really enjoyed Stella as well. While she’s working through what happened to her, we learn that she’s brave, strong, talented, smart, vulnerable, learning to trust herself again, and learning to be herself again. It’s true to how one would feel if that happened to them, but also really nice to see her rising from the situation.
The spice in the book was on point as well. It was timely, and it was written well. It wasn’t in there just for the sake of it being in there. I respected the author’s decision to have the two characters make the choices that they did. This has quickly become one of my favorite sports romance books. Now I need to read more racing romance books!

Thomas Maxwell-Brown is a well known Formula 1 driver, unfortunately recently he’s known for cursing a fellow driver, who then had a near fatal accident.
Stella Baldwin has a successful business but was left at the altar by her last boyfriend. She goes to a Las Vegas bachelorette party anyway, where she meets Thomas. When they wake up after a drunken night, they discover that they got married for real.
They decide to stay married for 6 months, but as they spend their time together they start falling for each other. Can their relationship survive Formula 1 groupies and two busy schedules?
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so good. I couldn't put it down at all. I loved the story and the spice. 10/10 recommend if you love sport romances. You really can't go wrong with this read

3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
I liked this one more than the first, although, I’m not sure if it’s because I listened to the audio of the first one and didn’t care for the narrators’ voices.
Thomas and Stella were a great match for each other. From the beginning, their banter was bantering and the chemistry was off the charts. Overall, I really liked this book. My only complaint was Stella’s bot being communicative with Thomas 1) about her feelings and 2) about Etienne wanting to talk. For the majority of the story, she talked about appreciating how Thomas allowed open communication and even the number one rule that she set called for “no secrets,” but her choosing to clam up seemed out of place. I’m glad that she finally got it together in the end.

If you’re a fan of the marriage of convenience trope paired with the ever-satisfying he falls harder dynamic, this book is a home run. Blending heartfelt character growth with a backdrop of competitive sports, it’s the kind of romance that builds its fire slowly—and earns every emotional payoff.
The story follows a strong but emotionally bruised heroine, Stella, recovering from a messy breakup that’s left her wary of love. When circumstances push her into a marriage of convenience with the male lead (Thomas)—a disciplined, quietly charming athlete—the setup seems purely transactional. But what starts as a practical arrangement gradually blooms into an authentic friendship, one that becomes the foundation for something deeper.
What sets this romance apart is its pacing. There’s no instant passion or rush to the bedroom. Instead, the story gives space for both characters to heal, connect, and truly get to know each other. Their banter feels natural, their emotional moments are deeply earned, and watching the male lead fall—hard—is incredibly satisfying. His subtle gestures, growing protectiveness, and quiet vulnerability will win over readers just as steadily as they win over the heroine.
For those who prefer romance without an overload of steamy scenes, this book strikes a perfect balance. The chemistry is there, but it’s the emotional intimacy and trust that take center stage.
Whether you’re new to sports romance or already a fan, this book offers the perfect blend of tension, tenderness, and slow-burn satisfaction. It’s a love story that unfolds like a season-long game—strategic, surprising, and ultimately victorious.