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vioreads's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a *huge* fan of F1 - even my dog is named after an old Formula 1 icon. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read a Formula 1 romance book 🏎
The racing scenes in this book are done incredibly well - you can really tell that the author is a Formula 1 fan. I found myself caring about the outcomes of these fictional races with fictional teams 😅 It did have “Drive to Survive” style drama at times too, which really helped to keep my interest!
I was a little surprised with the romance in the book though. It’s being advertised as a rivals to lovers book, but I didn’t really feel rivalry between the two main characters in the book at all. Their relationship at the start felt quite platonic/friendly to me. I did feel plenty of rivalry between Diana and some of the other drivers on the grid and silly season was depicted quite well!
It was amazing to read about a woman making it into Formula 1 as a main driver - I really hope I get to see this happen. Even more, Diana is from an area where women weren’t even allowed to drive until this millennium. Her family was super supportive and I really enjoyed how she held her own in a very male dominated field. It explores the sexism and misogyny in motorsport and we saw how much harder Diana had to work to prove herself compared to her male colleagues.
The MMC, Miguel, comes from an established Formula 1 family and is top of his game. It was nice to see what an absolute softie/sweet guy he was. He has a relationship towards the beginning of the book with a woman through an arrangement with their families that he tries to make work. This felt like it didn’t quite fit in the story in my opinion, but it did show us the kind, non-competitive side of him.
I did enjoy the dual POV - dual POV is always my preference in books, I like knowing what both sides are feeling. Though I struggled with the pacing. There were some time jumps between the chapters, which makes sense when races are 1 to 2 weeks apart, but I think seeing more of what was going on between races would have helped their relationship feel more “real”. I also would have loved more spice, but that’s just personal preference! There is one scene, but it’s very short/surface level 🌶
If you love Formula 1, I think you’ll really like this.
The racing scenes in this book are done incredibly well - you can really tell that the author is a Formula 1 fan. I found myself caring about the outcomes of these fictional races with fictional teams 😅 It did have “Drive to Survive” style drama at times too, which really helped to keep my interest!
I was a little surprised with the romance in the book though. It’s being advertised as a rivals to lovers book, but I didn’t really feel rivalry between the two main characters in the book at all. Their relationship at the start felt quite platonic/friendly to me. I did feel plenty of rivalry between Diana and some of the other drivers on the grid and silly season was depicted quite well!
It was amazing to read about a woman making it into Formula 1 as a main driver - I really hope I get to see this happen. Even more, Diana is from an area where women weren’t even allowed to drive until this millennium. Her family was super supportive and I really enjoyed how she held her own in a very male dominated field. It explores the sexism and misogyny in motorsport and we saw how much harder Diana had to work to prove herself compared to her male colleagues.
The MMC, Miguel, comes from an established Formula 1 family and is top of his game. It was nice to see what an absolute softie/sweet guy he was. He has a relationship towards the beginning of the book with a woman through an arrangement with their families that he tries to make work. This felt like it didn’t quite fit in the story in my opinion, but it did show us the kind, non-competitive side of him.
I did enjoy the dual POV - dual POV is always my preference in books, I like knowing what both sides are feeling. Though I struggled with the pacing. There were some time jumps between the chapters, which makes sense when races are 1 to 2 weeks apart, but I think seeing more of what was going on between races would have helped their relationship feel more “real”. I also would have loved more spice, but that’s just personal preference! There is one scene, but it’s very short/surface level 🌶
If you love Formula 1, I think you’ll really like this.
ymendezzz's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.5
Thank you for giving me this arc.
2.5/5⭐️
I was extremely excited to read this since it would be my second F1 romance book.
My opinion I love the new take of a female driver as we know the sport is male dominated. Which is probably the strongest part of the book. I felt like I didn’t see the chemistry between the two.
2.5/5⭐️
I was extremely excited to read this since it would be my second F1 romance book.
My opinion I love the new take of a female driver as we know the sport is male dominated. Which is probably the strongest part of the book. I felt like I didn’t see the chemistry between the two.
allthingsalicia's review
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Solid 3.25 - I’m a sucker for F1 & romance. Add in the idea of seeing a woman enter the space!
The paddock interviews, media days and energy of a race were enjoyable. I liked the idea of “fate” and “destiny” bringing our main characters together through their respective journeys in the sport, but was craving a bit more chemistry. I can’t really call it a true slow burn, but it was a sweet romance though.
I wish the pace was better and there were aspects of the storyline I didn’t quite enjoy. I could understand where the author wanted to go but think the storyline was lacking to support it.
The paddock interviews, media days and energy of a race were enjoyable. I liked the idea of “fate” and “destiny” bringing our main characters together through their respective journeys in the sport, but was craving a bit more chemistry. I can’t really call it a true slow burn, but it was a sweet romance though.
I wish the pace was better and there were aspects of the storyline I didn’t quite enjoy. I could understand where the author wanted to go but think the storyline was lacking to support it.
caldreads's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
✨Re-written and re-releasing May 9!✨
What a sweet read, full of dream-chasing and drama and heartbreak and travel and racing. I couldn’t put this book down until “The End.”
Diana is a ball-buster breaking into a the male-dominated F1 arena.
Miguel is the sweet, golden retriever MMC we all want/need and who is a racing superstar in his own right.
THOUGHTS 💭
🏎️ I LOVE women kicking a** and breaking glass ceilings. This book featured not only a woman breaking into a male-dominated sport, but a woman of color! I feel so darn empowered after reading this book.
🏎️ The incredible chemistry and each little touch that leads to more between our main characters are perfection; I loved the slow burn between Mig and Di.
🏎️ There’s a ton of drama between these F1 drivers who race against and hang out with each other constantly.
🏎️ Diana and Mig’s relationship doesn’t come without its challenges - from familial obligations (i.e. an arranged marriage) to #secretdating to competing for P1 AND MORE, they overcome all for their HEA.
Thanks so much to Esha Patel and Avon Books for the ARC of this book through NetGalley!
What a sweet read, full of dream-chasing and drama and heartbreak and travel and racing. I couldn’t put this book down until “The End.”
Diana is a ball-buster breaking into a the male-dominated F1 arena.
Miguel is the sweet, golden retriever MMC we all want/need and who is a racing superstar in his own right.
THOUGHTS 💭
🏎️ I LOVE women kicking a** and breaking glass ceilings. This book featured not only a woman breaking into a male-dominated sport, but a woman of color! I feel so darn empowered after reading this book.
🏎️ The incredible chemistry and each little touch that leads to more between our main characters are perfection; I loved the slow burn between Mig and Di.
🏎️ There’s a ton of drama between these F1 drivers who race against and hang out with each other constantly.
🏎️ Diana and Mig’s relationship doesn’t come without its challenges - from familial obligations (i.e. an arranged marriage) to #secretdating to competing for P1 AND MORE, they overcome all for their HEA.
Thanks so much to Esha Patel and Avon Books for the ARC of this book through NetGalley!
dawnthoma100's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This story is a sport a motorsport story. I believe all three tropes were developed and implemented considerably better. The novel will keep you engaged and entertained throughout.
Diana is the first woman to drive in Formula One this century. Miguel, the World Championship favourite, does not take any rookie, let alone a woman, seriously.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of the story, the characters, the F1 drama and players, and Diana's story. What I found lacking was chemistry between the two main characters, as there was no romance in the relationship. I enjoy slow-burn romances, but this one didn't do it for me. The description was extensive, and some of the information was unneeded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review
Diana is the first woman to drive in Formula One this century. Miguel, the World Championship favourite, does not take any rookie, let alone a woman, seriously.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of the story, the characters, the F1 drama and players, and Diana's story. What I found lacking was chemistry between the two main characters, as there was no romance in the relationship. I enjoy slow-burn romances, but this one didn't do it for me. The description was extensive, and some of the information was unneeded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review
elo_0113's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
millhousethecat's review
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I love F1. I’ve been watching since my oldest decided he wanted to be a race engineer when he was 12. (And he was for a few years!) So, I am excited by this trend of F1 sport romances.
Unfortunately, the first one I read…does not win any trophies.
The author wants to address the misogyny that’s rampant in sport. And while I applaud that, and acknowledge that *that* wasn’t the problem here, there was much else wrong.
On a positive note: I found the paddock interviews early on to be cute and fun. It felt most realistic - in the post race high, drivers are more likely to do silly things to each other and for the cameras.
I also enjoyed characters modeled after some of my favorite (and least favorite) current drivers.
But that’s about it.
There’s no chemistry between the two main characters. Both are likable but feel wooden when together. There’s just no spark. I didn’t buy the twist about their go karting days; they were in their late teens so there is no way they didn’t remember each other, especially given the significance of their successes then.
I have no idea why Miguel is in an arranged marriage with Jatziry; it’s never explained and feels so strange in 2022 that it’s impossible to believe.
F1 drivers are arrogant and strong willed and unforgiving. Diana’s personality does match with what a driver needs to do and be to win in an elite sport.
No way a new driver in a mid level team makes Q1 and podium in the first race of the season, much less a championship. Just…no.
——
Miguel is at the top of F1 and this is his year to win the championship. Diana is a young upstart from F2 hired possibly as a stunt, possibly for her talent. As the season progresses and Diana matches and then outshines Miguel, there’s a shake up in the paddock. But despite being promised to someone else, Miguel finds himself falling for Diana. An ultimatum will force these two to make difficult decisions and choose what will make them happiest.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to read and review. Available May 9, 2024.
mynx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
terrilynneereading's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25