The Arden Racing Team is a place for second chances, comebacks, and people in Formula 1 racing that the world thinks has no chance of ever making it big. Barry hires Chloe as his principal only for the news splash she would make and as a surprise announces he also bought out Matt Warner's contract as a gift to Chloe. Or did he? Matt had left Chloe in his rearview mirror when he made it to Formula 1, and she has a lot of resentment as a result. Matt suffers from guilt and trauma from an accident that took out his best friend and has been unable to race well and Chloe suffers from imposter syndrome and lets Barry and a bad strategist run roughshod over her. Can these two rally and bring Arden from the bottom into the running while fighting their attraction for each other? I loved how Chloe took a fractured team and put them together to make an amazing racing team. As they realized their love for each other, they worked out a solution to keep Chloe's reputation. Great racing story.

2 stars! Drive Me Crazy drove me a little crazy tbh. It took me several tries to get into it and struggled to get past the first page but once I did, I read it in one day… mostly because I just wanted to get it over with. Chloe got her first big gig as a principal of an F1 team, shes eager to prove herself and nothing with derail her, except possibly her childhood friend and F1 racer Matt who was newly brought onto the team without her knowing. This story had a lot of potential, I loved Chloe’s drive to prove herself in the start but it seemed to fizzle out by the end. Also the ending? Don’t even get me started. The chemistry between Chloe and Matt just wasn’t there for me, I tried so hard but this book gave me a whole lot of nothing. I will say this is my first F1 romance so if this is your sub genre maybe that would makeup for the lack of chemistry and you’d love it, it just wasn’t for me. The book felt so rushed and the ending made 0 sense. I genuinely did not think it was the end and then all the sudden it said epilogue and I was like what was that. The third act conflict barely felt like a conflict so I was still waiting for shit to hit the fan and it never did. It was an easy lighthearted story but without any major conflicts it didn’t feel like much happened. We got a little character development from Matt with the crash plot line but even that felt incomplete. My 2 stars go to the idea behind the book, it could’ve been a lot of fun, it just didn’t hit the mark.

Book Title: Drive Me Crazy
Author: Lizzy Dent
Tropes: Childhood Crush, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, He Falls First, F1 racing, She’s his Boss
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🤩The Vibe:
This one is for the F1 girlies and the fans of slow-burn, workplace romance with real emotional depth. Drive Me Crazy brings together the adrenaline of the racetrack and the ache of past crushes colliding with adult realities. It’s got tension (in and out of the garage), complicated histories, and a leading lady who owns her space in a male-dominated field without changing who she is. Plus, the childhood crush is flipped on its head in a super satisfying way.

👩‍❤️‍👨Main Characters:
Chloe: One of the first female team principals in F1, Chloe is smart, capable, and quietly badass. She knows what she’s doing, even if she downplays it sometimes. She’s got a soft spot for the past—but she never lets it derail her present.

Matt: A disgraced former champ looking for redemption, Matt is cocky, charming, and surprisingly tender beneath the bravado. He respects Chloe, roots for her, and knows when to push and when to back off. Major green flag energy.

💕What We Loved:
• The gender role reversal: Chloe had the childhood crush, but now she’s the one calling the shots—and the one saying “no” when it counts.
• The vulnerability. Both characters go through big emotional arcs: guilt, pressure, self-worth, forgiveness. It’s more than just trackside flirting.
• The setting! F1 fans will love the behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the grid—complete with strategy meetings, press drama, and late night go karts.
• Matt’s unwavering support of Chloe’s leadership. He doesn’t want to outshine her—he wants her to shine.
• That spicy moment in Mexico? Let’s just say… the tension build-up delivered.

🚫What Didn’t Work for Me:
• Chloe’s self-doubt dragged just a bit too long. We were ready for her to take the wheel and fire that awful strategist.
• Barry’s intentions stayed fuzzy. Was he pushing Chloe to grow or just being a sexist jerk? Either way, we’re filing an HR complaint.

🤔Final Thoughts:
Drive Me Crazy is an empowering, slow-burn romance that mixes the thrills of F1 with the complexities of ambition, trust, and second chances. Chloe and Matt are the kind of characters you root for—on and off the track. If you love strong heroines, groveling heroes, and a romance that revs up over time, this one belongs on your TBR.

I received this book early as an ARC through NetGalley. Drive Me Crazy releases January 6, 2026—add it to your TBR now!

I have to start this off by saying that not only am I somewhat new to reading F1 romance, I know just shy of nothing about the sport. But let me tell you, Lizzy Dent sure does. I was not only impressed by her knowledge, but how even with all the jargon I didn’t really understand, I stayed interested the entire time. It’s easy for the “sport” of a sports romance to get overshadowed but this one played out perfectly.

Tropes included childhood best friends, unrequited love, “enemies”-to-lovers, and secret relationship. There was low steam (imo, still open door) but lots of chemistry.

A few things I loved:
* FMC in a position of power in a male dominated sport 🏎️
* Barry’s pups 🐶
* Barry in general
* Bug 🐛
* Spotlight on PTSD/mental health in men
* Big Ronny’s Ring Burner 🔥

The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was that the pacing just felt slightly off. Some parts probably could’ve been done without and others expanded on. In a similar way, a few of the side characters felt underdeveloped, while others shone bright.

I only wish we got a little bit more of a run down of how things played out between the ending and the epilogue. Despite that, it was such a great epilogue, I almost didn’t even care. So cute.

This was my first Lizzy Dent read but it’s definitely got me interested in her other work!

The Basics:
F1 Driver//F1 Team Principal
1st Person Dual POV
🌶️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍

I really loved that the main character was a woman in such a powerful role within a male-dominated sport—it was refreshing and made the story feel unique. The F1 setting was super fun, and the romance was really cute and enjoyable to follow. Some of the dialogue felt a bit choppy, and it was a little hard to tell who was talking at times, which pulled me out of the story here and there. But overall, it was a really sweet read and I had a great time with it!

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

I laughed and fell in love with the characters in Lizzy Dent's Drive Me Crazy! Chloe is a spitfire, strong, determined woman in a male dominated industry as team principal of Arden racing. She's developed a reputation of really knowing her stuff both as a former race car driver and in Formula 3 so it's not surprise to her that she's earned this place at the top but will continue to need to prove her worth. When childhood friend and recently unpredictable hot-shot driver Matt Warner is brought over to her team, Chloe is professionally and personally shocked. Matt always made her heart race, and, despite their years apart, her traitorous body still remembers her past feelings. Matt and Chloe realize they both need each other in order to prove their worth at the top as F1 driver and team principal, but is there potential for more now? Or is Chloe mixing up signals again and will set her career back exploring the same worn path or her past?

As a casual Formula 1 fan, I really enjoyed this sports romance, especially with such a strong female character at the top. Lizzy Dent created Chloe with an appropriate amount of impostor syndrome and confidence as well as the awareness of being even more closely watched as a representation of a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. I really loved how the miscommunication trope was not used as Matt and Chloe began to work together and explore their adult relationship. By keeping the teenage angst, feelings, and confusion in the past, the reader was able to see how they both developed into adults yet remembered memories in their past. I loved the characters being in their 30's and acting like it--not jumping into fights and assuming the worst in each other, but taking time to actually have an adult conversation and support one another when it called for it. Characters supporting each other in their careers is a real swoon! It was great to also have the romance develop in the context of a Formula 1 season with real driver and team names, races, and the pressures of the industry.

♥️ 30's main characters who deal with real problems and do real communication 🗣️
♥️ second chance romance--Who doesn't cheer on the girl who might get the guy when they're grown up?
♥️ mental health representation
♥️ strong FMC and supportive, reflective MMC

What I think can be improved--Based on their shared history, I would have loved to see more banter and review of their shared history throughout the book. The dual POV was great for seeing who the characters were, but I would have loved to hear them interact more and have the development of the relationship over time be more overt and clear outside their heads and wonderings.

Would 4.5/5 stars recommend as a different kind of grown-up easy to read romance!

🌶️🌶️ a few more graphic intimate scenes, but can be skipped by the reader and not lose any story

I would definitely read it again and recommend this book.

Okay, so going in I knew absolutely nothing about F1 except they drove super fast expensive cars.

The writing felt so off. Very choppy. There were too many instances where I couldn’t follow the conversation, like it didn’t flow.

I love the fact FMC was in male dominated role and being the boss lady.

This book has a lot of potential, but it just wasn’t for me.

Cute story. Many times it had me kicking my feet and giggling! I'm so glad I was able to read this one because I will 100 percent be hyping it up.

Why was this the cutest little F1 story ever! I’m talking feet kicking, cute snort giggling, adorable little story!

Chloe and Matt are probably the cutest thing I’ve read about in a long time.

Also a really refreshing vibe where the female main character can be who she is and stand up for what she wants. Good job creating a character a lot of young women could either envision themselves embodying or someone a young woman can aspire to!

“A scorching, high-stakes romance set against the pulse-pounding backdrop of Formula 1.”

Drive Me Crazy is an irresistible blend of fierce ambition, unresolved history, and off-the-charts chemistry. Lizzy Dent delivers a swoon-worthy sports romance that perfectly balances emotional vulnerability with adrenaline-fueled tension.

Matt Warner, once a Formula 1 champion, is traded to a lower-ranked team without warning after a traumatic crash and media fallout that left his career—and confidence—shaken. Reeling from betrayal and guilt, he’s stunned to find that his new team is led by none other than Chloe Coleman, his childhood racing friend and now one of the few female team principals in F1. Their shared past through karting and F3 makes their reunion intense—and complicated.

Chloe had no idea Matt was being added to her team, and with only a few races left before the team might collapse under financial strain, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As they work to rebuild the team’s reputation and performance, old emotions and new desires collide. From charged moments in Mexico to secret nights at race tracks, Matt and Chloe push boundaries—professionally and personally.

What stands out is how Dent handles their growth. Matt’s emotional journey—from guilt and jealousy to healing and courage—makes him more than just a cocky driver. Chloe, strategic and resilient, carries the pressure of saving a legacy while guarding her heart. Their passion feels risky, raw, and real—whether it’s a late-night confession, a secret rendezvous, or a red-carpet reveal one year later.

The ending delivers everything a romance reader could want: a podium finish, personal redemption, and a quiet but meaningful happily-ever-after. And if you’re like me, you’ll finish this book hoping for Noah’s story next.

This was such a cute, fun read that made me want to dive into more F1 romances! I loved the second chance element and the dynamic between Chloe and Matt as they navigated their past and present while working together on the same team. The public hookups were spicy and added some fun tension, but the emotional connection felt underdeveloped. The chemistry was there, but it leaned heavily on lust rather than a deeper bond, and I wish Matt’s reflections on their childhood connection had been explored more thoroughly.

Chloe’s journey as a woman in a high-ranking F1 position was compelling, but her imposter syndrome felt inconsistent given her 15+ years in the sport. I wanted more scenes of her asserting herself and owning her role rather than feeling stuck in self-doubt. Also, the conflict with the journalist felt unnecessary—I think a more personal, character-driven conflict could have given Chloe a stronger arc and really shown her growth.

Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read with plenty of heat and some standout moments, but it left me wanting a bit more depth in the emotional development and character arcs.

Thank you to Lizzy Dent, Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

this was a nice, quick read!

i’m sure F1 fans will love this - and as someone with no F1 knowledge i think this book did a great job including just enough detail to keep me in the loop.

unfortunately, the third act breakup and the lack of communication between the MCs was so frustrating for me and kept be back from being truly invested in the relationship.

otherwise, i think this was well written and i enjoyed the strong FMC!

thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Chloe has just landed her biggest gig yet. She is now the principal of an F1 racing team. The 2nd woman to ever be an F1 principal. The catch? She has to figure out a way to turn around Arden Racing, the worst performing team on the track. But Chloe knows that she can do this. Until a new driver is sprung upon her. A driver who broke her heart when they were young.

There were several things I liked about this story. I loved that the FMC was in a male dominated leadership role in a “boys” industry. Usually with F1 romance, the FMC is the owner’s daughter, a journalist, or marketing agent. It was nice to have it be switched up a little. I also enjoyed that the characters were in their late 20s/ early 30s. It’s nice to read about characters closer to my age.

There were a few things that I was not a fan of as well. The dialogue in this book felt off to me. It seemed very forced and unnatural. Or maybe even out of order. It kept throwing me for a loop and I’d have to look back to see if I could make sense of why a character was saying that. The intimacy between the two main characters felt rushed as well. For two people that have barely spoken to each other in 10 years, it didn’t take long for them to have their first moment together.

Overall, this book has a lot of potential, but there are a few things that just did not sit right with me.

I am obsessed and I need a sequel. Sports romance takes on a whole new level in this F1 world. When Chloe gets hired on as one of the first female team principle's, she's ready to show them she's got it. Until the team owner also hires on her girlhood crush as their new driver, without telling her. Oh and the team she was hired on to is the worst in the league. So she's got her work cut out for her all around.

I loved everything about this book. The chapter format. The race season. The side characters. The different cities and being able to picture myself there. I'd also like to compliment the fact this book had a plot, competition, character development, and not just a whole lotta spice. If the rest of Lizzy's books are like this, I found my new fav.

Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam Books! Look for this one next January!

f1 childhood best friends meet again in the race tracks. I want to clarify best friends because the way they talk is definitely how I fight with my best friends. I love the sizzling (ouch so hot) chemistry

All in all I think this book was okay. I wanted to love it, because the F1 stuff , but it felt flat to me. You can tell Lizzy Dent actually knows the sport considering I don't- I think she did her research for sure. If you’re an F1 fan, there’s a lot to appreciate here. But once you move past the racing? The romance felt so cringe to me. And hey maybe its because contemporary tends to be a hit or miss for me, but this one did. I though Chloe and Matt had zero chemistry. Their relationship pushed into physical tension but didn’t give me any of the emotional build up I was looking for.. It just felt like the inevidable was happening because this is a romance novel. The pacing also was cring for me- five races, seven weeks, and suddenly they’re in love was not it for me. I needed more build-up, more intimacy, more actual talking between them.

Also, the public hookups with spice were not it. They’re supposed to be keeping thie relationship quiet, and yet hooking up in places where literally anyone could walk in? Bye. The whole point was to be careful about image and media scrutiny. 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 was weird and I thought for a second I'd see a player I knew. I didn't like the end, I think this goes back to pacing of the book. Character wise, Chloe’s imposter syndrome did not fit. 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 industry 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 and having a man show her that? CRINGE.

✨Tropes✨
⭐️ Imposter Syndrome
🌙 Banter
💫 F1 Romance
⭐️ Secret Romance
🌙 Self Reflection
💫 Childhood Crush

3.5 stars

This was very cute and an easy, fun read. However, I thought it was a little too easy. I wish that Matt had spent more time apologizing to all of his friends who he just straight up abandoned which would have created more tension between characters. I also wish the book would have spent a little more time focused on F1 and cars and racing instead of just using it as the way the two characters are brought together.

Thank you to Putnam Books for the ARC.

Box, Box! Quick Review Coming In!
Status: EPIC read confirmed. tis a hot 10/10 tire temp. Let’s debrief.

Right off the starting line this book launched like a rocket off. The pacing? on point and fire. Tight corners, clean overtakes, no dragging out lap after lap. The world? Locked in. Realistic, authentic, no flags for suspension of disbelief. It’s as if the author studied every inch of the sports circuit before laying rubber on page one.

Characters came with history or baggage ??? solid tire wear, good grip. But hey, we could’ve used a bit more depth in the pit, maybe a few more flashbacks to set the story up or even flashback lap or two more in the story to really push them into podium position. Still, they held the line under pressure, no question. I would have loved to see more of the side characters with one chapter from their POV or a growth and movement from one friend from one team to another maybe that is for book 2.

What really got us across the finish line? That dual POV setup. Smooth gear shifts between the two leads. Watching them develop from both sides of the garage gave real depth like watching from the field instead of the stands on the final lap. Our leading ladies arc just a bit ahead but they came together for the photo finish HEA. You know they've earned it..

Final call: Fast, fierce, and full of heart. An adrenaline-fueled read that stays true to the sport’s spirit, with just enough grit in the gears to keep things interesting. Would pit again and read in one sitting.

Review complete. Box out.

Drive Me Crazy was a fun, fiery ride full of heart, heat, and high-speed drama. Chloe Coleman, one of the first female team principals in Formula 1, was a sharp, determined heroine, and her chemistry with Matt Warner—her childhood crush turned disgraced star driver—crackled from their first scene.
The racing world felt fresh and exciting, and the romance struck a great balance between slow-burn tension and emotional payoff. Their shared history added depth, and the stakes on and off the track kept things moving at full throttle.
A few moments felt a bit predictable, but overall, this was a smart, satisfying sports romance that delivered the drama and the swoon. A must for fans of high-stakes love stories with fierce leads.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I loved reading this book! I'm such a sucker for a workplace romance, and this one was quite well done. The story was fun, the story was hot, the story was full of romance. This was a really good book and it will definitely be enjoyed by readers once it's released!