This debut novel completely captivated me, keeping me up until 2am because I couldn’t put it down. The characters, especially Lilah, were so relatable that I felt like I was living the story with them. Lilah was a beautiful, complex character who deserves to be written about more. The author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was experiencing everything with them.

I really appreciated the focus on men’s mental health, especially in Arthur’s character. Their relationship, with its small, intimate moments, had me smiling and cheering for them. The way Arthur was written from Lilah’s perspective was incredible, and while I would have loved to see his POV, I truly adored the single point of view. The story was fast-paced, with a clear and engaging plot. The side characters added depth, and the found family element was heartwarming. I can’t wait to reread this book and dive into more of Madge Maril’s stories.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What an unexpectedly fun ride! I didn't even request this ARC - it was actually just sent to me. I was super apprehensive when I read the synopsis because I grew up as a NASCAR fan that has completely lost interest in my adult years and I thought for sure that I would be bored to tears by a Formula 1 romcom. We love a sports romance though so I dove in and I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I enjoyed the characters, the fake dating trope, the fun banter and the documentarian aspect. Just like the twists and turns of a racetrack, this story had plenty of appropriate pace and romance so I am glad to say that this was a four star read for me. Sports romances will always have my heart!

Arthur is indeed a KING!

I was kinda nervous to read this bc I know nothing about F1 but I enjoyed it despite that (I fear some of the F1 stuff was a little boring especially at first but then it really picked up in the middle)

I will say there were like a handful of things I didn’t enjoy (like Max’s entire character…) but for the most part, I enjoyed Lilah’s journey (even tho some of it felt a little underdeveloped)

I also didn’t really understand the whole buy-in for the fake dating like at all so there had to be a bit of suspending of disbelief on my end regarding that and the goal of what they were even doing but it didnt really impact the fun I had throughout.

finally, I thought the ending was kinda rushed/I wish the epilogue was maybe longer ? but I enjoyed this more than I expected to and very much would be sat for another book from this author!

thank you so much to netgalley and simon & schuster for this arc to review!

For the F1 girlies! This was a very fast-paced (pun intended), unique romance that will have you on your knees for the MMC. The plot and the absolute satisfaction that the ending gave was *chef’s kiss*. I loved watching the FMC grow into herself and build such a backbone, while the MMC showed such love and vulnerability. This book also heavily represents ADHD, anxiety and other mental health issues which I thought was very cool. A fantastic debut for this author.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this ARC!

Wow, Formula 1 racing and an intense romance between two polar opposites. This book blew me away and totally exceeded my expectations. Full disclosure: I've never watched car racing on TV and know nothing about it. I was honored to receive this book as a widget, but once I read the first few pages, I was hooked. I stayed up late to finish this book because Lilah and Arthur and the world of racing completely drew me in.

Lilah is a documentary filmmaker who meets Arthur, a Formula 1 driver, as the subject of her company's next film. She is quickly dumped by her boyfriend/partner and fired from the job. She and Arthur come up with a plan to continue working on the documentary and a fake dating scenario ensues. They are an unlikely couple, but end up supporting each other through many challenges and their own personal mental health struggles. While opposites in many ways, they were a perfect fit. While an unlikely match, these characters had great banter and amazing chemistry. The international setting and exhilaration of the F1 races were very entertaining and kept the story moving at a fast pace. I loved Arthur's team and how they welcomed Lilah into their little family.

It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. Madge Maril knows how to write angst and deep yearning. She created really interesting characters with many layers, and dealt with mental health issues with sensitivity. The author gave the reader a great introduction and background information about Formula 1 racing as well. She writes great steamy scenes, and I only wished there were more of them. I loved how she wrapped up the story in the epilogue in a positive way that included the whole team.

This is a great beach read, even if you know nothing about Formula 1. Bring this book with you on your summer vacation!

Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

As a certified F1 girlie, I was thrilled to get approved for this ARC - thank you to the publisher and Netgalley!

Slipstream follows Lilah, a documentarian, who is unceremoniously dumped when she moves to Texas to work with her boyfriend on an upcoming Formula 1 documentary. Oh, her boyfriend, Max, also fires her from the film. Left alone and jobless, Lilah runs into the Ignition team’s reserve driver, Arthur, and they strike up a plan. Revenge.

I absolutely ate this book up! Lilah begins as a sports hater but after watching her first F1 Grand Prix race, she quickly realizes the fun and exhilaration of the sport. And same, reading about the races and the glitz and the glam was perfection. Seeing “Lights out and away we go” in a contemporary romance book??!! So fun.

Lilah also starts off as a timid character who has always just followed what Max wanted to do. Her character was frustrating to read at times because I just wanted to shake her and tell her stand up for herself 😅 But by the end of the book, Lilah’s growth as a character was so satisfying. She learns to stand up for herself and go after what she wants. And Arthur..the man that he is! Charming and hilarious. He truly sees Lilah while also working through his own issues as a driver. I would’ve loved to see some Arthur POV chapters because the man was YEARNING!

I absolutely adored this book and Lilah and Arthur’s story! This is Madge’s debut novel and I can’t wait to see what else she writes.

🏎️ Fake dating
🏎️ Slow burn with YEARNING (spicy ch: 22, 23 @ 75%)
🏎️ Neurodivergent/anxiety rep
🏎️ He falls first
🏎️ Second chances

This was a disappointment. I was intrigued by the synopsis but the female main character is insufferable. Pacing was a bit off- we finally reached the peak of the book at 80% . Just a bummer. thanks netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is closer to a 3.5 than a 4, but alas, Goodreads won't let me rate it that way.

In my quest to find Great F1 Romance Novels, I have been granted an eARC of Slipstream. Slipstream follows Lilah as she makes an F1 documentary about Ignition Racing. Simple enough, right? WRONG. You have your shitty boyfriend, some cheating, fake dating, paparazzi scandals, mental health issues, family drama, and some SUPER tough feelings. Lilah is a mess, but the kind of mess where she's really trying and you end up really wanting her to succeed.

The F1 part, although a major part of the book, kinda just seemed like it could be swapped out for any number of sports. Well, except for the travel. Author did <i>fine</i> on the F1 aspects. Not enough glaring errors for me to be too picky about it.

There was one line that almost, <i>almost</i> dropped this all the way to a 2 star for me, and that's just based on personal preference. Spoilers for smutty stuff: <spoiler>at one point during the first time they actually get to it, he says he wants to get her pregnant and see her all round and full of his kids and oh my god that is the LEAST SEXY THING YOU COULD SAY. I HATE IT.</spoiler>

Thank you to author/publisher/netgalley for the eARC. I had a good time.

Thank you for the ARC, Simon & Schuster! I was intrigued by the synopsis, especially formula 1, but I could not get over Lilah's personality and behavior. This just wasn't for me, but I think readers will enjoy the he falls first trope, exploration of men's mental health, and fast-paced sports romance vibe.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced reader copy.

When Lilah Graywood is unceremoniously dumped and fired from a job, to document a Formula 1 racing team, by her boyfriend/business partner, she finds a way to get back onto the job by teaming up with the team's bad boy, Arthur, to exact revenge (for her) and freedom from a controlling uncle (for him) by fake dating.

I'm hoping this proliferation of racing and tennis romance novels is marking the end of hockey romances. SLIPSTREAM was a fun novel packed with information about the convoluted sport of Formula 1 racing--not quite Ali Hazelwood levels of explanation--that made the story feel grounded in some reality. Lilah is slightly unlikeable, just enough to make her interesting and to make her a compelling character to watch evolve.

I'll be curious to see what comes next from this writer.

Slipstream is out May 20, 2025

Slipstream by Madge Maril is a debut novel that absolutely delivers on the thrill of a great slow burn, all set against the backdrop of the fast paced, high drama world of Formula 1. As someone who is an F1 fan, I found this book to be top tier in its portrayal of the sport—engaging even for readers with little prior knowledge. It perfectly balances romance, revenge, and career driven ambition, making it an addictive and satisfying read.

The fake dating trope is usually a tough sell for me, as it often spirals into instant attraction without enough tension, but Slipstream pulls it off flawlessly. Lilah and Arthur’s relationship is built, layer by layer, with the kind of slow burning chemistry that keeps you teetering on the edge. By the time they finally come together, it feels like they are about to combust. Arthur’s feelings were clear long before Lilah realizes them, yet it never feels forced or contrived. Her obliviousness makes complete sense given her circumstances, and when everything finally clicks into place, it’s so worth the wait.

Arthur Bianco is the perfect balance of confident and vulnerable, and watching him navigate the complexities of his career and personal life while falling for Lilah is deeply satisfying. Lilah is strong willed, smart, and rightfully jaded. Their dynamic is electric, with sharp banter and underlying tension that never feels overplayed.

The one thing keeping this from a full five stars is the final stretch of the book. The last several chatpers felt a bit rushed and leans into melodrama in a way that doesn’t quite match the careful build up of the rest of the story. The conflict, while understandable, is a little too underbaked and resolves too quickly. Some moments are more cringey than compelling, and I found myself wishing the pacing had stayed consistent.

That said, Slipstream is still an incredibly fun, engaging, and emotional read that I’d recommend without hesitation. If you love slow burn romance, high stakes drama in the F1 sports world, and a fresh twist on fake dating, this one is definitely worth picking up. Madge Maril has set the bar high for herself with this debut, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next! 🔥🏎️💙

Thank you to NetGalley, Madge Maril, and Simon & Schuster for the eARC of this book.

The F1 stuff, while not incredibly specific, at least wasn't wrong, so points for that. Some of the plot motivators were a bit slippery, but the thing is well written enough that it doesn't become a huge problem.

I really wanted to like this book, but the FMC was unbearable for me. There’s being insecure and then there’s telling your boyfriend “I get why you don’t want to date me, I wouldn’t either” as he’s breaking up with her. She continues to pile on - “I get why he cheated, how could he not?” And “I thought when Max had taken me under his wing and made me as palatable as possible, I’d become less disposable.” I desperately needed her to stand up. She also had ADHD and refers to herself with self-hatred over traits from this disorder very, very frequently. It felt very insulting to read honestly, both as a woman and as a person with ADHD.

Despite not knowing (or caring?) much about F1, the blurb intrigued me. I was on board for the slow burn romance and found the first three-quarters of the story to be fairly engaging—Lilah’s job as a documentarian was interesting, as was learning a bit about F1.

The revenge/fake dating/trying to get the documentary pulled plot was convoluted and some of the dialogue was awkward. The last quarter of the story is where things fell apart for me. Thrilled for Lilah but I am not sure I understood why Arthur was immediately and completely head over heels for her. I might have preferred Lilah and Arthur as work colleagues/friends/collaborators rather than a as a couple. In any case, I think this will charm plenty of readers interested in a F1 romance.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Do I know anything about Formula 1? Nope absolutely nothing. Am I in love with this book? Yes. Absolutely yes. Like we have Formula 1 racing combined with betrayal, revenge, and a fake relationship that turns WAY too real that has me squealing in the middle of the night and kicking my feet? YEA this book was a wild ride from start to finish (pun intended).

Lilah, a serious documentarian, finds herself in the world of fast cars- fake dating Arthur Bianco, an F1 driver who happens to be far off her coaster. But you know what? It’s what made the relationship SO hot that I couldn’t even put the book down. Their chemistry was undeniable from the get-go. And the slowburn was absolutely DELICIOUS😋.

This book is a beautiful mashup of revenge, redemption, burning chemistry, high stakes, and did I mention a hot F1 driver that will have you clutching your pearls? Had me holding my e-reader like it was a steering wheel fr.

If you're into everything I said plus the fact that the romance your getting into is the kind where they are questioning if they’re pretending or not (spoiler: they’re definitely not), then you NEED to read this. A full-throttle, heart-pounding must-read. I’m not even joking when I tell you ITS WORTH IT.

Madge Maril's debut novel, Slipstream, offers a thrilling dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing, intertwined with a heartfelt romance that explores themes of redemption, revenge, and unexpected love.

The story follows Lilah, a dedicated documentarian who, after a series of personal and professional setbacks, embarks on a project to film Arthur Bianco, a charismatic yet troubled F1 reserve driver. Together, they devise a plan to take control of a documentary orchestrated by Lilah's ex, aiming for both Lilah's revenge and Arthur's career redemption. As they navigate the glamorous and cutthroat circuits of Formula 1, their partnership evolves into a fake relationship that blurs the lines between pretense and genuine affection.

The novel's portrayal of the Formula 1 scene is both vivid and accessible, making it appealing to both racing enthusiasts and newcomers. The chemistry between Lilah and Arthur is palpable, with their slow-burn romance unfolding amidst high-speed drama and personal growth. Maril's writing adeptly balances humor and heart, delivering a narrative that's as exhilarating as a race to the finish line.

In summary, *Slipstream* is a compelling and fast-paced romance that masterfully blends the thrill of Formula 1 racing with the complexities of personal relationships. It's a testament to second chances and the unexpected turns life can take, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction alike.

This book was everything. I loved Lilah, I loved Authur, I loved everyone. Will definitely be looking out for more from this author!

This was such an unexpected delightful slow-burn romance. I know nothing about the world of Formula 1 racing, but I did not feel out of my element reading this book. It was an engaging and stimulating story, that just happened to be set in the world of racing. Lilah, the main female character, is such an intriguing person, she is just learning who she is in this book. Arthur, the main male character, is a multi-layered person who struggles beyond what we initially see. These two opposite people seem made for each other, which carefully and skillfully drug out through the book. This was my first story from this author, but I had such a good time I know I will look for more books going forward. This was a fabulous book, with a well-told story and I highly recommend it. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

2.5. I'd give Arthur all the stars, but Lilah gets 0, so here we are.

I myself have ADHD that I take medication for, and I will never ever get over how some people portray ADHD in their books. I'm sure that Madge has it as well - but the way it's written here makes it seem like everyone with ADHD has the same exact symptoms and are always "weirdos" and "aliens" for just being normal people. To be honest, Lilah sounds more like she's on the spectrum vs. ADHD. She's like the Mary Sue of ye olde fanfic but has ADHD and anxiety which makes her SO weird, I mean just SUCH weirdo, and "I wear cargo shorts to the beach" because she's just soooo weird you guys. Big Jughead "I'm weird, I wear this hat all the time" energy.

Also, she's accepted filming this doc and says she's looked up stuff but doesn't know what free practice is? And how was Arthur's crash not mentioned in any of the articles she looked up? Sorry, this F1 girlie calls BS. Mostly, this does a better job portraying the politics and frenzy of F1 than most F1 books but reserve drivers don't take over *that* many times in a row, usually.

This could've been so, so much better if the author hadn't tried to make Lilah the manic pixie dream girl of ADHD and anxiety.

A slow-burn, fake dating, sports romance set in the dynamic world of Formula 1.

Fresh off of a breakup with her business parter and cheating ex, Lilah agrees to team up with reserve driver Arthur in a plot to ruin both her ex’s documentary and trigger the morality clause in Arthur’s contract.

I sped through reading this book because I was having so much fun. The timeline moves quick, but feels natural with the grueling travel schedule of the sport. In contrast, the romance is an excellent slow-burn filled with fantastic sexual and romantic tension.

Lilah is smart, driven, and at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life. Arthur is arrogant and clever, with a clear soft spot for those he cares for. They both mask their true personality around other people (Lilah to compensate for her ADHD and Arthur as part of his celebrity status), and it’s very satisfying when they see through and accept the other’s true self. You get fake dating with a hint of forbidden romance as they pretend to be coy and deny everything.

As someone who follows F1, I’m very critical of the details in F1 romance books and can often be distracted by inaccuracies. That wasn’t an issue with Slipstream. Lilah knows almost nothing about F1 which gives room to explain things without getting too in-depth. The races don’t get too technical and there’s a focus on the energy and excitement surrounding the sport, which is something every reader can relate to and gives actual F1 fans a chance to enjoy the story without picking it apart. There were one or two F1 things that felt improbable but were easily overlooked in the pursuit of building a good romance. Fake dating tropes already ask you to suspend reality so it wasn’t a stretch to apply that to the racing portion of the plot as well.

I have very few complaints. The romance isn’t quite insta-love because it IS a true slow-burn, but the obvious jealousy both characters experience early on feels a little quick and unearned. There were some time-jumps that felt like they jumped over the getting-to-know you portion of the relationship, and overall I don’t mind but I do feel like I missed out. I was pretty sure I could see where things were going early on but the plot did manage to surprise me a few times by doing something unexpected, and that’s always a delight.

Slipstream is a really solid fake-dating/slow burn romance in the world of F1 that will appeal to both fans and non-fans alike. I would absolutely recommend this to others and will be purchasing and rereading it in the future.