4.5 stars

This was a fun read! I really enjoyed it. I liked the racing aspect of it. The only other books I’ve read with this type of setting have been Lauren Asher’s Dirty Air series (which I also loved), so it was cool to see it from another author and with different characters! Definitely a type of setting/storyline I would read again. I thought Chloe was a very strong character and the woman in a male dominated field aspect of the story was well done. I only wish the ending was a little more drawn out. Check this one out if you like childhood friends to strangers to lovers!

Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the arc! All opinions are my own.

A quick immersive read that shows the world of F1 through the lens of the romance between Chloe and Matt. I liked the dual POV especially hearing how both of them remembered the past and how it informed their adult relationship. It was fun to see Chloe rise to the top while still getting the guy in the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!

“So, you’re quietly mine?” he says, his eyes a little misty. “I always was.”

ˋ°•*⁀➷ 3.25 stars

This was a lesson in how much better a sports romance can work when the author understands the sport. However… there came a point where the choices in creative liberty took you out of it if you know enough about the sport as well. I’ve read a few F1 romances and this is definitely grouped within the ones that are well-researched and written with a clear appreciation and knowledge about the sport and certain aspects of the culture. I give it full marks for that, but there were also certain liberties taken with the sport that I feel like hindered the premise of the book. *Slight spoilers ahead* The premise centers around Chloe Coleman coming onto the team Arden to improve them from the bottom of the pack and yet, a choice was made to remove the practice sessions from the book. This felt like a mistake reading it because it would have been a time to really focus on the driving/sport aspect and how they needed to improve. But without them, I feel like that aspect of the plot falls flat. That also ties in with a large part of the MMC, Matt Warner’s personal side of the story where he is recovering from a major crash earlier in the season. While I understand wanting to fit within a certain timeline, not every practice session needs to be included and I feel like removing them all together took out a larger opportunity to build on those parts of the plot that could be tied to them. Lastly, there are also certain plot points that don’t get followed up on that I wish had been such as the FIA investigation.

On the other hand, the romance worked for me to an extent. It had its ups but it also had its downs. I love a childhood friends to lovers story and this has that but I feel like there is a bit of a lack in really emphasizing the feelings that they had when they were younger to make the older romance work as well as it could have. Matt’s reflection on when they were younger felt rushed and patched up quickly in order to keep moving when I would have liked if he had more time to really reflect and question what he used to feel for Chloe. The tension was there and prominent as they do lean more into a bit of an exhibitionist-esque while still secret relationship but it was the emotional side of the romance that I felt like needed to be emphasized more rather than the sexual lust they clearly had for each other.

Overall, it’s not a bad book at all and I did still enjoy reading it. There are just aspects of it that I wish were explored more and given a bit more time to breathe. The epilogue is cute but doesn’t hold much weight with where the main story left off. Most of all, I think the book would have been improved if it was grounded less in the reality of Formula 1. A nitpick for me is the amount of cursing that Matt did over the radio and in press because you know the FIA would have fined him into oblivion. Don’t bring in Redbull, McLaren, Hamilton, and Lando. Make it your own little world and this story would have thrived a lot better in my opinion.

~ My Ratings ~

Characters - 3.75 ☆ - flat, likable, one-dimensional

Plot - 3 ☆ - disjointed, plot holes, rushed, uneven pacing

Setting - 4 ☆ - expansive, realistic, surreal

Writing Style - 3.5 ☆ - clunky, easy to read, repetitive, witty

Rating ⭐️: 3.75/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Expected Release Date: January 6 2026

F1 Romance ✅
Childhood Crush ✅
Forbidden Love ✅
Strong FMC ✅

Things to note: Not a fan of a team principle and a driver romance BUT since it’s a childhood crush and they knew each other for years prior, I let it pass and I am so glad I did because this book had me HOOKED.

This was the most accurate F1 Romance book I’ve read when it comes to explaining F1. Prior to this, I have never read anything by Lizzy Dent, but her writing style completely drew me in. I flew through the pages and felt like I truly got to know the characters through her story telling. I will be definitely picking up more of her books.

The only reason this book wasn’t a 4/5 or higher for me is that some parts felt rushed. I really wanted to see a few more deeper conversation between some of the characters since I left this world with some questions unanswered.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun read especially in between watching the Miami Grand Prix weekend 🏁

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was... okay! I really wanted to love it, especially because the F1 stuff was genuinely great. You can tell Lizzy Dent actually knows the sport—everything about the paddock, the teams, the behind-the-scenes politics felt super real and fun. If you’re an F1 fan, there’s a lot to appreciate there. But once you move past the racing? The romance didn’t really hit for me.

Chloe and Matt had zero chemistry IMO. Like, the book tells us they have this connection, but I never felt it. Their relationship leaned hard into physical tension but didn’t give me any of the emotional payoff I wanted. It just felt flat. Plus, everything happened SO fast—five races, seven weeks, and suddenly they’re in love? I needed more build-up, more intimacy, more actual talking between them.

Also, not gonna lie, the public hookups were a big nope for me. They’re supposed to be keeping it quiet, and yet they’re constantly making out or hooking up in places where literally anyone could walk in? Just felt really unrealistic, especially in a sport that’s all about image and media scrutiny.

The worldbuilding also pulled me out of the story a bit. Like, why mix real F1 teams and drivers with made-up ones? If you’re going to invent a whole new team for the main characters, just go all in and make everything fictional. Referencing real teams and drivers while erasing others (when there are only 10 total!) just felt messy and kinda lazy. It ended up reading like thinly veiled Kick Sauber fanfic.

And don’t even get me started on the ending. That last podium? After only a few races? Nope. That’s just not how car development works. If the book had taken place over a full season, sure, but this was too fast to be believable.

I also found Chloe’s imposter syndrome a little inconsistent. I get it, being a woman in a male-dominated field is hard, and that storyline is super relatable. But she’s been in the sport for 15+ years. At some point, she should know her value—yet she still acted like she didn’t belong, which made her feel a bit all over the place.

Oh, and the third act conflict? Kinda weak. The drama felt forced, and the resolution was way too quick. I don’t feel like Chloe really took responsibility or learned anything, and it made the ending fall flat for me.

That said, I’d totally be down to read a Noah book if we get one! There’s something fun here, and I think with better pacing and more emotional depth, future stories in this F1 world could be awesome. This one just didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping for.

Chloe has just secured her dream job as principal team lead for an F1 team. They might be the worst in the league but the opportunity is still nothing to scoff at. Things get complicated when team owner announces that on top of selecting a female principal he’s also bringing driver Matt Warner onto their roster. Matt was once the best driver in the league but after a major crash he’s struggling to get back on top. Chloe is not happy to have Matt back in her life, after he left town to race and never once looked back on the friendship they shared. But now he’s back and he realizes how badly he messed up choosing his career over Chloe. Only now Chloe has her career to protect and worry about.

Lizzy Dent is a hit or miss author for me. I absolutely love her writing. Every one of her books always intrigues me. But sometimes her characters drive me crazy. Not this one though. Chloe and Matt both have a good head on their shoulders and are extremely lovable. Once I started I just couldn’t put it down. The attraction between them was off the charts! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally get together.

Friends to lovers
F1 racing star
Workplace romance

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Drive Me Crazy is one of many Formula 1 romances I’ve picked up this year, and it’s clear the sport is having a well deserved moment in the genre. The premise is immediately compelling: a female lead in a leadership role (yes, please!) and a second chance romance built on shared history between Chloe and Matt.

The book kicks off strong. Chloe is a newly appointed team principal for a struggling F1 team, and her world is turned upside down when her childhood crush turned superstar driver, Matt, is traded to her team. Their chemistry is undeniable and the F1 setting feels authentic. Lizzy Dent clearly knows and loves the sport, and that passion shines through.

That said, while the start had me hooked, the story lost some steam midway through. The romance leaned heavily on physical tension, but lacked the deeper emotional development I was hoping for. Chloe’s imposter syndrome made sense given the male dominated setting, but sometimes felt overdone, making her seem inconsistent with her experience in the industry. And the third act conflict? A bit underwhelming, with a resolution that wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my taste.

Still, Drive Me Crazy is a fun, fast paced read that’s perfect for a palate cleanser, a quick fun read, or if you are a fan of the sport and want to feel at home. It doesn’t break new ground, but it’s enjoyable for what it is, especially for F1 fans looking for a light romance set in the paddock.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzy Dent, and the publisher for the eARC of this book.

3.5 stars

Drive Me Crazy is the second F1 racing-themed book I’ve read this year—seems like the sport is having a moment in the romance genre. The book starts strong with a fun premise: a female lead in a boss role (love that!) and a romance rooted in shared history between the characters.

The beginning had me hooked, but the middle started to lose momentum. It didn’t quite keep the spark going all the way through. Still, it’s a fun, easy read—perfect for the beach or a weekend getaway. Nothing too deep, but enjoyable for what it is.

I enjoyed this a lot. That said, I’m an F1 fan and would only recommend this book to other F1 fans.

What do I mean by that: the F1 details and references were fun. It’s clearly Lizzy Dent actually knows F1 and brought her love of the sport into the book. Additionally, I enjoyed her writing style (and realistic dialog) so would happily give other books of hers a read.

However, there were some issues I had with the overall story that would be more irksome if I didn’t have the F1 references to enjoy. First and foremost, I didn’t buy into the romance. It felt like physical intimacy was prioritized over Chloe and Matt actually talking to establish their relationship. Secondly, while I think imposter syndrome, especially in a male dominated field, is believable, it was hard to unite the Chloe who has been in the racing scene for 15+ years and thus knows how it works & what she needs to do to be successful with the Chloe who consistently acted like she didn’t belong nor earned the role. Thirdly, the third act miscommunication. Not only did Chloe not really take ownership of her actions but I wasn’t convinced she really learned from them (e.g., she was still happy to complain to a complete stranger about Barry and his effort to get ready). Plus, it seemed odd that Matt was so quick to forgive without much discussion… which brings me back to my first issue.

Thank you to Lizzy Dent, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Drive Me Crazy" by Lizzy Dent is a fun, fast-paced second-chance romance set in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Chloe, a determined woman stepping into the role of team principal for a struggling F1 team, is reunited with her childhood crush, Matt, a driver recovering from a career-threatening crash. Their chemistry is palpable, but the romance feels rushed at times, lacking the emotional depth I was hoping for. The F1 backdrop adds excitement, but some moments, especially their intimate scenes, feel too abrupt. While Chloe's journey as a female leader in a male-dominated field is empowering, I wished for more exploration of Matt's trauma and their relationship growth. Overall, a cute and enjoyable read, perfect for F1 fans or those looking for a light romance with a sports twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for giving me access to this ARC! All thoughts are my own!

So first things first, this book was so much fun! It had all the vibes I was looking for in an F1 romance and Lizzy Dent is clearly someone who understands a bit about the sport and is not just using it as a backdrop without prior knowledge! I'm really just getting into the F1 and F1 romance world and so far, this has been my favorite of the two I've read thus far!

I felt like both of the characters were really strong leads, with complex individual emotional arcs/journeys in addition to their relationship! Matt and Chloe both had distinct voices and tones, but they were braided together in a way that I felt was well done!

Matt in particular had a really interesting emotional journey, I only wish I could have spent a little more time getting to understand his journey of moving forward! It's mentioned multiple times that he goes and sees a therapist to deal with his trauma post-crash; maybe getting to experience one of those sessions, or him reflecting on it or telling Chloe or Archie about it would have helped!

In a similar vein, I felt I wanted a little bit more as Chloe works through her imposter syndrome and issues speaking with the press! However, I recognize that it is so hard to do that without the MC coming off as whiny or annoying (two things which I think Lizzy did a good job of making sure Chloe isn't).

Their relationship arc was really cute and I felt like it was well-paced! This book ascribes to the childhood crush trope, as Chloe and Matt were childhood friends back in her racing days. I felt like I could feel the history of their pre-established relationship and how things have shifted since then! They definitely had a lot of chemistry and I only wish that I got to see more of them sneaking around with each other!

(However, there seemed to be a little bit of a voyeuristic undertone to some of the romantic scenes that I was a little iffy on)

My only real gripe is that the conflict was kind of resolved very quickly and swiftly. However, I appreciate that the conflict didn't hinge on some fundamental miscommunication or unrealistic third-act breakup!

The writing itself was good and I'll definitely have to give Lizzy's other books a shot at some point bc it flowed well!

Overall, I had a lot of fun with this and would definitely recommend it to someone looking to get into F1 romance!

Thank you again to Putnam Books and NetGalley for this opportunity!

2.5 stars

I guess I should just stick to watching F1 and stay away from books that have it in the plot. I am sorry but I could NOT stand Matt. I liked the writing don't get me wrong but I think I'm over reading romances where grown adults behave like teenagers who have no control over their hormones.

This was super cute!! I enjoyed reading it, I just became an F1 fan so reading this was SO fun. The banter was cute, though I didn’t really like how they had to hide their relationship but alas. Super cute, super fun!

I had a lot of issues with this book. The second half was much better but I found the front half to be kinda disappointing. My main problems were that the characters felt very insta love. You never really got to see them fall for each other or anything because their entire relationship was based on passed dynamics which made it not as fun to watch them get together. The front half was also so dialogue heavy it felt very hard to know the characters emotions and thoughts. Also for a couple that needed to be secret they really need to get a room all but one scene was outside. Beyond that I thought the second half was much more interesting from a plot perspective although it did seem rather too good to be true but I never really felt like I got the main characters dynamics. So as an f1 book it was decent but as a romance not my favorite sadly.

Thank you to Lizzy Dent and G.P. Putnam and Sons Publishing for this ARC.

Drive Me Crazy is a story about Chloe Coleman, a newly promoted female principal of a failing F1 team who is suddenly the boss off her childhood crush, Matt Warner, who is traded from a top team to a bottom tier team.

I am a huge F1 fan which maybe made it harder for me to suspend belief that a young woman would ever be principal of an F1 team. There has only been 1 and it’s largely in part to it being a family team. Other than that F1 is so much an old white dude’s game.

While the characters were English, it was apparent the writer was not. Even their names were American. I kept getting thrown off because it was written in a very American tone but then there would be some random English phrase.

Their relationship felt rushed. She went from childhood friend to “love” REAL fast. And was it really love or lust? Because it seemed liked all he wanted to do was have sex with her.

This was not it for me. No woman gets to that place in her career then nearly looses it by being SO reckless. This quote scrim the book sums it up for me:

“I mean, sneaking into Silverstone as team principal of Arden and as a world-famous F1 driver is reckless. But at the same time, it feels like something Matt and I need to do.”

Insert eye roll. I just couldn’t by the end of the book.

Arc review!

Drive Me Crazy is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance set in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Chloe has finally landed the role she’s always wanted—as a team principal—though it’s for a struggling team with everything to prove. Matt, once a top driver, is recovering from a brutal crash that left both physical and emotional scars. The twist? They have history. Childhood memories, unresolved feelings, and now, a professional partnership that forces them into close quarters.

The F1 backdrop was thrilling and well-paced, and I appreciated how Lizzy Dent wove past and present together to deepen Chloe and Matt’s bond. However, while their physical chemistry was definitely there, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth. Some of the romantic beats felt rushed—especially when it came to the more intimate scenes, which often skipped over the vulnerability and connection that would’ve made their reunion more powerful. The “we can’t” to “let’s do this” moments happened a little too quickly, without the internal work to make it feel earned.

There’s a solid foundation here—grief, ambition, identity—and I wanted to dig deeper into those layers. I liked it, but I wanted to feel more.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and Lizzy Dent for the early copy!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!!

This was such a cute and fun read! This had the perfect amount of F1, nothing was too much or too overwhelming- so for those who are just getting into this type of sports romance, this is the perfect book. The romance was adorable and believable and it was perfectly paced, nothing ever felt too rushed. There are some cringe nicknames used but it's easy to overlook. Easy 4 stars!

Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent is a friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance. Chloe has just landed her dream job as a Formula 1 team principle, even though it is for the worst team on the circuit. Matt is a successful F1 racer, or at least he was, until he was involved in a terrible accident earlier this season involving his teammate and best friend. Matt and Chloe grew up together and after not seeing each other for years, they will now be working closely together, attempting to overcome Matt's trauma and Chloe's imposter syndrome while making a name for their team. This was a fast paced read and I loved the setting of F1 racing! I enjoyed how the author weaved their childhood relationship into their current relationship while writing the story. While I did enjoy the book, I also felt like there were a lot of forced aspects that just did not feel natural, such as intimate moments going from "no, we can't" to "okay" in seconds. I felt like there was a lot of potential, I just wanted to get to know the characters more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam, and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a thrilling, fast-paced ride full of heart, heat, and high stakes! Chloe is a fierce and inspiring heroine, and Matt is the perfect mix of charm and vulnerability. Their chemistry leaps off the page from the start, and the slow-burn tension had me hooked. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at Formula 1—it added depth and excitement to the romance. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the racing ones. A perfect blend of second-chance romance and sports drama that kept me flipping pages late into the night. A must-read for romance fans!

Ladies and Gentlemen, please start your engines.

I literally ZOOMED through this last night. I'd blame insomnia, but it was really more about enjoying the characters and the vibe of this book.

I loved the childhood crush trope, and while I actually know NOTHING about F1 racing, it felt legit.

Chloe is one determined little lady. As one of the first female team principles in Formula 1, she is set to make a name for herself and decides nothing will get in way.

That is until Matt Warner walks in. He's the hottest new driver and Chloe's childhood crush. Chloe's heart races just about as fast as these cars when Matt is near, and some spice (albeit some unbelievable public sex scene) ensues.

I loved this book, and it kept me smiling all the way to end, which happen to fall around 2:30am..oops.