If you’re new to F1 romances, Slipstream makes the explanations of sports racing very accessible to the reader. It was my third F1 romance and I felt like the writing was good at creating a mental picture. Arthur and Lilah are intriguing characters, and the side characters also stand out in the story. There is forced proximity and he falls first/harder tropes at play. There is also ADHD (FMC) representation as well as panic attacks (MMC), the later of which was very relatable to me! There is good representations of mental health and quasi-conversations around adoption (FMC is adopted).

Unfortunately, the romance fell very flat for me and overall was disappointing. They don’t even kiss until 77% of the story is over…it just came too little too late for the kind of romance books I enjoy. The scheming was a little confusing throughout because there are a lot of moving parts. Also, the spicy scenes were almost unnecessary considering there was kind of a lack of fake dating tension built up (and one of the things the MMC said during gave me a massive ick (light spoiler) re: put a baby in you). I don’t want to bash a promising debut writer’s book, but this one definitely needed more editing of the plot. I would say don’t strongly judge an author’s plotting from the first book, but hopefully she will improve. If you want more F1 than romance, this book is the one for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Formula 1 romance is exactly what we need and I was so excited for this. It started out fairly well and I was excited to see what came next. There was a lot of mental health representation which for the most part added to the story. I felt as though we needed maybe a bit more background on our main female character to really connect with her. This was a very insta love situation and I wanted more of the relationship development. Loved the Formula 1 elements and you can’t go wrong with a hot, devoted F1 driver, I just needed more!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

I have so much to say about this book,

Starting off with the things I really enjoyed about it: The writing style and the pacing of it all. This book really feels electric. It sucks you in with the F1 atmosphere, the drama of it all. The book really feels addictive and impossible to put down. Sometimes, when reading a new romance, I feel held back a little by the writing style—sometimes it feels too chunky or simplistic—but the writing in this one feels a little more layered. I really appreciated that.

On top of that, the main character, Leila, was written in a really interesting way. There are things I truly appreciated in her character, and some parts that felt a little exaggerated or dramatized.

She has ADHD (something a lot of people today are diagnosed with, myself included) and I really appreciated how her ADHD is portrayed in the book. I’ve never seen my ADHD represented in this way. It felt so much more accurate to the experience than just someone who fidgets a lot or forgets things. I really appreciated it, even if at times it felt a little dramatized and over-explained. After every little tell or tick, she felt the need to explain that her actions were directly related to her ADHD. And as someone who experiences the overthinking and self-awareness Leila goes through in the book, I felt like the repeated reasoning and justification actually pulled me away from the story at times.

The book did feel a little soap-opera-y at points. It leaned a bit corny with the dialogue, and the feelings between the two characters developed a little too quickly. They felt so much so fast that, at times, it felt like I was getting love-bombed by both of them—even though they hadn’t really had a chance to build the basics or foundation of their relationship. I enjoyed the slow burn, but it did feel a bit cheesy at times.

That said, I think this book is great for anyone stuck in a reading slump and looking for something fast-paced and exciting. It’s definitely entertaining!

this was very cute! i enjoyed the documentary aspects of this a lot. this did leave a bit to be desired though, i feel like it lacked a bit of depth and even though it did address deeper subjects, they felt very surface level. i really wasn’t crazy about arthur at first, but he did grow on me! however i found lilah very annoying and didn’t feel like she had much character growth. i do feel like this writing was pretty good for a debut author, so im curious and interested to see where her writing takes her next!

Lilah Graywood is a documentary filmmaker who suddenly finds herself in the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing. After a personal and professional betrayal, she's assigned to document Arthur Bianco, a reserve driver with his own set of challenges. Their initial collaboration, rooted in mutual goals of revenge and redemption, evolves into a complex relationship filled with unexpected emotions and high-speed drama.

This novel offers a fresh take on the sports romance genre, blending the thrill of racing with deep character development. Lilah's journey, marked by her neurodivergent experiences, is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. Arthur's character adds depth, showcasing the pressures athletes face both on and off the track. The story's pacing mirrors the adrenaline of F1 races, keeping readers engaged throughout.

This book was written for you if:
- You're intrigued by the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.
- You appreciate narratives that explore neurodivergence and mental health.
- You're a fan of slow-burn romances with rich character arcs.

3 / 5 Stars

I had such high hopes for this book! While there were parts that I really liked, there were others that were just hard to follow and understand. First, a quick synopsis: Lilah is a documentarian with her boyfriend, Max. Max has signed them up to film Ignition, an F1 team, which isn’t really Lilah’s vibe, but Max is a shithead so he doesn’t really care. Oh and Max has been cheating on her and tries to kick her out of their company (because he is what? Say it with me now – A SHIIIIITHEADDDD). Enter Arthur Bianco, Ignition’s reserve driver, whom Lilah was supposed to be filming. He is charming, hot, snarky, and hates the media. But he and Lilah come up with a plan to get back at Max, save Lilah’s documentary, and potentially level up Arthur back to being a non-back-up driver. Oh, and they just have to fake date to make it happen. Sparks fly. Feelings get confusing. Hearts race (pun intended).

There were a lot of things I really liked about the book. I thought the explanation of F1 was detailed enough to describe the intricacies without being overwhelming. I thought Arthur was a great love interest and some of their banter was really charged in the best way possible (I was teeheeheeing). I thought that the representation of neurodiversity was well written – I can’t speak to the ADHD representation but I thought that the anxiety and panic disorder depictions were really well done. I also appreciated having LGTBQ+ representation in the book.

I really love complicated characters. I want to know as much as possible about the character to get into their psyche, to understand their actions, and to be able to fully go on the journey with them. And I could really relate to Lilah feeling like an outsider and weirdo and having a hard time navigating relationships because some people in her life have reinforced that idea that something is wrong with her (cough, Max, cough). But I felt that with Lilah, we veered from complex into convoluted. I could explain Arthur and how his past had impacted his current behavior but in order to do that for Lilah, I would have to go back and take notes.

The felt true for their decision to fake date. I ended up rereading those scenes multiple times and still felt like I was not 100% sure why they decided on that as their only or best solution, which made it harder to invest in their relationship. And while I don’t want or need an easy character or an easy plot, I want my reading experience to be easy.

I think that if you enjoy sports romances or want to dip your toe into F1 romances, this is a great book to give you F1 context and has some really fun romantic scenes to back it up. But know that you may find yourself a little bit lost when it comes to character and plot development.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.

Slipstream is an entertaining debut with an excellent banter. The main characters, aka Arthur and Lilah were both great and the plot was written very nicely.
What made me think that this book is an absolute masterpiece is that the writing was so engaging, and it didn’t seem like it was way to short or long, it just gave the perfect amount needed without any drama.
I thoroughly thought about what Arthur said of his perspective on happily-ever-afters. Lilah’s mother is so sweet and really added to the story.
I will definitely read whatever this author writes next!
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Madge Maril enters the literary world with an absolute masterpiece of a debut. Slipstream is a beautifully written, emotional, humorous, and enjoyable story. It follows Lilah Graywood, a documentarian, as she is faced with the task of documenting Formula 1 racer, Arthur Bianco. After being unexpectedly broken up with by her business partner, boyfriend and best friend, Lilah and Arthur formulate a revenge plan with an end goal that benefits them both. We go on this journey with Lilah as she’s thrown into the fast-paced and intense lifestyle of Formula 1, navigating her revenge, her career, and her unexpected romantic feelings.

Lilah is a beautifully written, complex, and relatable character. The ADHD representation within her character is something I not only appreciated, but deeply resonated with. She’s quiet, emotional, witty, and extremely passionate. After being told time and time again that she’s too weird, too different, or too much, I enjoyed getting to see her become more confident and comfortable in herself and the beautiful quirks of her personality. Her dedication to her craft and her hardworking nature is admirable. I loved her so much, she was so intriguing to learn, and I loved being in her head!!!

Arthur is charisma personified. Literally. He’s an incredibly well-written, complex, and wonderful character. He can come off broody and a bit of a jerk, but once you peel back those layers, there is an incredibly vulnerable and caring man underneath. A man who just wants to prove himself, who has been burned in the past, and wants to feel like his future is in his own hands. I loved him so much. His witty, caring, and charming personality is enough to have you wrapped around his finger!!!

The romance in this story is a slow-burn for the ages. Boy oh boy. Tension and chemistry galore between these two, and it’s only furthered by the fake dating aspect of this story. They clash and they’re different in so many ways, but it comes together so, so beautifully. These two need each other on ways that should be studied. I loved them so much and absolutely ADORED getting to see their friendship and love story develop. The rooftop, the dance scene, the hotel room scene….. I can’t stop thinking about them.

If you love F1, I am CERTAIN you will love this one!!! If you have an interest in filmmaking or just adore the craft, you will also love this one!!! If you love a beautiful debut filled with incredible writing, emotion, slow-burn love, tension, chemistry, ADHD representation, and so much more… Here you go!!!! Definitely a favorite of mine this year!!!!

I am fully convinced this book was written for the souls who were told they were too quiet, too peculiar, and too obsessive or needy. It was also, of course, written for those who happen to love sports romance.

Lilah and Arthur are two people quietly marked by their past trauma. Toss them into a whirlwind summer of formula 1 racing and documentary filming, and what blooms is a slow, tender love story with just the right amount of adrenaline. Lilah and Arthur learn, slowly and gently, how to let someone in again and trust that their heart is in good hands.

I adored watching Lilah grow throughout this story. Her journey felt so deeply personal and powerful. She’s one of those soft, reserved main characters who slowly finds the strength to live life on her own terms, no longer bending herself to fit the expectations of the men around her or shrinking to make space for their wants.

I loved the depth of Arthur’s character. He appears so resilient, so sure of himself at first glance. The more his character is explored, the more you’re reminded that even the most composed souls can be carrying unseen heartaches.

🏁 Tropes in this book include
🚥 slow burn
🚥 fake dating
🚥 mental health rep
🚥 adoption rep
🚥 “my wife” (leaving this here with NO explanation)

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an arc in exchange for an honest review 🏎️💨

Slipstream was my first racing romance, and I was not prepared to like it as much as I did! As a debut novel Madge Maril nailed it!

Slow Burn, Close Proximity, tension and F1 racing make this a complete package in a genre I didn't know I needed in my life.

I will definitely be reading whatever Madge comes out with next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. Lilah and Arthur are both such wonderfully fleshed out characters, with their personal journeys beautifully mapped out individually, becoming even more beautiful as they intertwine and help each other heal.

The almost double storyline as we follow the reality of life at Ignition while also unravelling the story Lilah is expected to put together for her documentary is handled to perfection.

The F1 aspects are thrilling and realistic, while being accessible to readers who are new to the sport.

I enjoyed this story. I always love a romance book and one featuring not only formula 1 (my second obsession after reading) but also a shy/awkward FMC with ADHD had me hooked! I do think some of the connection between the two love interests felt like it wasn’t building and then all of a sudden there but outside of that I really enjoyed the story!

ARC Review:

This is the best F1 Romance I have ever read! I started reading with low expectations because the F1 Romances I had read were not great, but the author of this book actually showed that she knew F1, which I really appreciated. Because of this book, I will give F1 romances another chance (and I will be eagerly awaiting Madge Maril's next book).

The plot of this book was so different from most sport romances I had read before so I also really appreciated and enjoyed that. This was also kinda angsty which is my favorite vibe from a book. Also, I really loved that the plot was believable but not predictable.

I loved these characters (and was shocked when I read that the main character was from Erlanger, KY (10 minutes from me)). The character development was also great and overall this was just a really enjoyable read. I can't wait to read more of Madge Maril's books because I know that if this is what she can do with a debut novel, it can only get better from here.

🏁 Love, Lies & Lap Times
🏎️ This Relationship Had No Business Taking That Turn—and I Loved It

So, here’s the setup: a betrayed documentarian, a backup Formula 1 driver, and a shared “let’s blow up both our lives” pact that somehow turns into something deeper. I picked this up for the revenge angle, but I stayed for the banter, the mess, and Arthur Bianco (who might now live rent-free in my head, thanks).

Lilah starts out sharp and a little unhinged—in the best way. She’s scrambling to take back her career after her partner (and ex, yikes) tanks everything, and teaming up with Arthur wasn’t exactly on her vision board. He’s got secrets, too, and the two of them fake their way into something that definitely stops feeling fake about halfway through the season.

Was it chaotic? Yes. Did I follow every twist of the documentary plot? Not always. But when this book hits, it hits. The emotional moments between Lilah and Arthur felt earned, messy, and weirdly tender. And the backdrop of luxury racing drama? Honestly, kind of addictive, even for someone who couldn’t care less about F1 before this.

There’s neurodivergent rep, some really thoughtful moments around trust and vulnerability, and a slow burn romance that simmers more than it sparks—which actually worked for these two. It’s not a swoony fairytale; it’s a “we’re both a little broken but trying” kind of love story, and I was into it.

The ending wrapped a bit fast for me, and a few character arcs felt like they got dropped in the final stretch, but overall, this was a fun, layered ride with heart and heat in all the right places.

Thanks to Netgalley & Simon & Schuster for the
E-ARC! Really cute! Liked both characters & the racing setting. Will read more from this author.

4.5 stars

This was exceptional. As someone who has gotten more into F1 racing in the last few years, seeing some of the questions Lilah asked took me right back to the time when I was asking Google the same thing. "What's an apex?" HA.

I loved watching their dynamic stay the same while their feelings changed. Being inside Lilah's head was fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.

How this is a DEBUT novel, I'll never understand, but I absolutely cannot wait for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Shuster for the digital ARC. I can't wait to get a physical copy of this!!

Lilah films documentaries, Arthur competes in Formula 1. Their lives could not be any more different. As she films a sports documentary centered around Arthur and his Formula 1 season before summer break, she realizes that he's not all that he portrays himself to be.

I don't think there was a world in which I put this book down not wanting to immediately turn on Drive to Survive. I think Lilah's indoctrination to the sport was very natural and not too cringe and it made it more realistic and not cringey to read. Arthur's character was very confusing at first and I wasn't even sure if I would have read the book in whole if it weren't for the turn in his character at the bar. I could see their love story brewing from a mile away and I think that's what made me love the two together. It wasn't unrealistic in a way where you can't see them get together in real life. The slow burn of their relationship was just what I needed and the spice that followed was truly insane. When it came time for the third act breakup, I was pleasantly surprised at what happened. I hate a miscommunication trope and I think Lilah and Arthur both did a great job at speaking what was on their minds at the time, whether or not they agreed with each other at the time.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend to a romance lover, even if Formula 1 isn't an interest of theirs.

Serious documentarian Lilah Graywood isn’t interesting in filming a Formula 1 team, but under pressure from her boyfriend and business partner, she finds herself at Ignition Energy Drink Racing’s training facility.

And soon she finds herself single, in danger of losing the business she built, and forming an unexpected alliance with the subject of her film.

At a glance:
- Single POV
- Sports romance (Formula 1)
- Celebrity romance
- Forbidden romance
- A bit enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Travel romance
- Fake dating
- Class difference
- He falls first
- Neurodivergent rep
- Demisexual rep
- PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks
- Discussion of childhood abandonment

This one is perfect for neurodivergent girlies and F1 fans.

I loved the found family, the honest discussions of what it’s like to feel less than, how the love interest is not what he seems, and watching the two of them fall in love.

And—oh my heart—their first love scene tugged at my heartstrings.

I really appreciated the ADHD rep in the book and lost track of how many times I thought, “Been there, felt that,” while I was reading.

I loved this one. It’s a solid debut, and I look forward to reading what Madge Maril writes next.

4.5⭐️

I received an advance copy of the book from Simon & Schuster. All review opinions are my own.

This book was exactly what I needed!! I am an absolute sucker for a slow burn romance, and this hit all the marks for me. Lilah is one of my favorite FMCs now, and as a fellow neurodivergent girlie, I felt so represented in her story. AND ARTHUR????? HELLLOOOOOOOO new boyfriend material!!! absolutely adored this book. would recommend for anyone looking for a feel good romance with sizzling chemistry.

I would like to preface this review by saying thank you to S&S for sending me an early advanced reader copy of Slipstream in exchange for my honest review!

What happens when a very serious documentarian meets a charismatic formula 1 racing driver? When Lilah Graywood is thrown into the world of F1 on her new documentary, her world is turned upside down. After being dumped by her documentary co-owner, she teams up with Arthur Bianco for some revenge.

I absolutely loved this entire book. This book had me hooked from the first chapter. Slipstream is fast paced and perfect for those romance readers stuck in a reading slump. I loved the major grumpy vs sunshine energy with a touch of enemies to lovers. I am personally not much of a sports romance reader but I loved the F1 racing aspects in this book. There was so much action in this book, the end had me reeling for more. Although, I wish I could live in this book forever, I think it ended perfectly.

There is some heavy aspects to this book including family dynamics and mental health. Lilah struggles with ADHD and Arthur has panic attacks. As someone with ADHD, I feel like the representation in most books are off the cuff. But, that is not the case here. I really connected with Lilah and her ADHD struggles. I highlighted so many notes on my kindle where I related to her ADHD. It is really hard reading a book where there is ADHD representation for me because I always feel like it doesn't accurately depict the struggle of ADHD. But this hit the nail right on the head. Madge, thanks for doing your research and giving accurate ADHD representation, I feel seen and I know others will too.