A super cute and steamy addition to the F1 romance canon. I honestly liked this even better than the author’s first book and tbh I love seeing an author improve. Stella and Thomas were adorable and Thomas is the definition of Man Written by a Woman™️. I liked the glimpses we got of last book’s couple and I’m super excited about what I’m hoping is the set up for Reid, Zaid, Axel, and Lorenzo’s books, especially Lorenzo.

It did get a tiny bit slow and repetitive in the middle there, with me getting frustrated by how much Thomas and Stella were actively refusing to communicate their feelings. It felt like they were having the same conversation multiple times. And a pet peeve of mine is when a book with a waking up married in Vegas hook takes too long to get to the married in Vegas part. It doesn’t happen until chapter 7, 20% of the way into the book. I’m ok with a chapter or two if you don’t want to open with the trope and in cases like this where it is important for us to get backstory for the individual characters and them as a couple but I got impatient with this one. I pushed through and I’m glad I did but it could likely turn off other readers.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for honest review. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

this unfortunately wasn’t for me. it was too slow. I had high hopes because the synopsis seemed so interesting to me and the beginning got me since they were both in the throes of a scandal but it just didn’t seem to pick up post marriage. I enjoyed their banter and how they couldn’t help but to touch one another even in the most casual ways. maybe in another time I’ll return and try this out again but as of right now it’s just not it.

Ahhh firstly want to thank netgalley for the ARC, I absolutely loved cross the line and was so excited for this one!

This story follows Stella and Thomas, Stella gets left at the alter in vegas and Thomas swoops in and thus the fake marriage/marriage of convenience begins. I absolutely adored stella, I think she was a very realistic and relatable character, she had a huge personality but she also had these things about her that sometimes made her own little rain cloud. I adored that when she loved she loved hard and although she had her heart broken she never once took that hurt out on thomas or made him feel like he could not live up to what she and her ex had, she had flaws but was still such a loving, caring and giving person. She always put others first and never tried to make anyone feel like they needed to fix her problems. BUTTTT thomas was literally a king, a walking cinnamon roll honestly he was so sweet and caring even though he gave such a grumpy exterior. He loved stella hard, made sure he was there for her 100% and gave the love he thought he deserved. He’s one of my favorite book men literally my shaylaaaaa. I think his and stella’s relationship worked so well because they could relate to each other on the same level but in different ways with the family situations and they just gave the other the love they always wanted.

Honestly i’ll read anything simone writes at this point, she always delivers for me with diverse characters who are so likable and yet so relatable. I knew I would love this, marriage of convenience and formula 1? like of course i am sat! Truly if you love cute romances simone’s writing is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wholesome and yet sexy, Simone Soltani really cooked with this one. While not a five star romance for me this was still so enjoyable - it was really only a couple things at the end that spoiled the experience. But for the most part I love nothing more than people finding much deserved peace and happiness together, especially if they're British.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find myself a British F1 driver to snag.

4/5 Stars!!!!

"Ride with me" By Simone Soltani is the perfect late night read for kicking your feet and twirling your hair (if I say so myself). This story takes the classic "Vegas Mistake" trope, and then turns it into a delightful tale of love and self-discovery.

As someone who absolutely is obsessed with F1, and therefore F1 romances, this was such a fun read! I loved that both Stella and Thomas had their own unique personalities, it made them stand out as characters, and push me to continue reading.

The chemistry between these both is instant, and deliciously sizzling. And while their initial encounters after being married are quite awkward, their attraction (love) grows slowly, and believably over time. Both their lovable personalities, faults and all, creates the perfect dynamic that pushes you to continue turning pages.

Now onto the characters:

Thomas:

Thomas was absolutely perfect. I have zero notes for him. He is such an enjoyable character to read about, and his relationships with those around him make me gush (way too many times). His insecurities made him humane, and completely relatable. He is a complete panda bear, so sweet and kind. Seeing him work through said insecurities, and the struggles that he had was endearing, especially the support that he was given along the way. I am glad that he finally had a place to feel like home, through the people he has met, and grown to love!

Stella:

Stella's personality was so exciting to read about! From her donning this new personality to let go and flirt with Thomas, to being a kicks business woman building up her "empire," she really had a lot to go around (in the best way possible) Even though she was heartbroken, and therefore fairly embarrassed with the situation, she finally grew into herself, with and without the support from Thomas (see how they support each other, very demure, very mindful). Additionally, I love how caring and kind she was to those around her, and how she makes everyone feel like they are worthy. Now, did I always agree with what she did, no. But I believe this is what makes her so uniquely human, and therefore relatable.

For the story as a whole, I had a grand time! The writing was extremely fluid, and I felt like I was flying through the story. There is just something about a perfect Fake Marriage that always keeps me on my toes. I never wanted the book to end, and I will always stand by this statement.

However, I felt that this slow burn was just a little too slow for me. These characters were clearly in love with each other throughout the book, however, the fact that they only got together towards the end of the book made me feel like I was missing out on so much of their togetherness! Additionally, some of the miscommunication was an infuriating.

At the end of the day, I had so much fun reading this book, and I can't wait for more Simone Soltani books!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkely publishing for a chance to read this ARC!
And thank you to Simone Soltani for writing this masterpiece!

Ride With Me by Simone Soltani is an absolute gem of a romance novel that had me hooked from the first page. The story follows Stella, a strong, witty entrepreneur, and Thomas, a swoon-worthy British Formula 1 driver, who end up in a marriage of convenience after one wild night in Vegas. What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas, and their journey to navigate their unexpected marriage is nothing short of electric.

The banter between Stella and Thomas is laugh-out-loud funny, and the chemistry? Off the charts. Their push-and-pull dynamic is so addicting, but what really stood out to me was how deeply they respect and care for each other. Thomas is the ultimate book boyfriend—supportive, charming, and swoon-worthy—and Stella’s resilience and humor make her the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for.

The backdrop of the Formula 1 world adds a unique and exciting twist to their love story. Even if you don’t know much about racing, Simone Soltani makes it feel glamorous and accessible without overshadowing the romance.

This book has everything I love: humor, heartfelt moments, and characters who ride for each other (literally and figuratively). It’s the kind of story that leaves you with a smile and a happy heart. If you’re a fan of smart, romantic comedies with top-tier banter and swoon-worthy heroes, this one is a must-read!

Beautifully written story that pulls at your heartstrings while delivering a perfect mix of romance and self-discovery. The characters are so authentic and relatable that you can’t help but root for them from start to finish. Their chemistry is palpable, and the emotional depth of their journey feels both genuine and moving. Soltani captures the complexities of love, personal growth, and taking risks with such grace and charm. This book left me smiling, swooning, and completely satisfied. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves heartfelt romance with plenty of emotional payoff!

I really thought that this is a very good story! I really loved the plot and all of the characters! I would recommend this book to anyone who would read sports romance!

This was so enjoyable and diving back into this world of F1 and romance was just what I needed.

This was the perfect balance of f1 without being too much, and as an f1 fan was perfect to read on the current f1 break!

I adored our MMC Thomas so much like if he wanted to he would!!! Stella and Thomas made such a perfect Match, and this marriage of convenience story was such a fun way to keep them closer than they maybe would have been without it!!

Highly recommend thank you Berkley and netgalley for the arc.

3.75/5⭐️

🥂🏎️"She could burn me, and i'd fan the flames."🏎️🥂

This one was cute. The start of the book drew me in immediately, Stella and Thomas's characters were both so entertaining. The build up to their "accidental" marriage (bc this is a marriage of convenience situation ofc) had me hooked from the first 5 chapters. And I was expecting the somewhat classic fake relationship romance with the tension, and all the "my wife" moments, and the drama. And while all of that and more was in this book, I can't help but feel that the second half of the book ran a bit slow for me. Especially after the 70% mark. Tension is one thing, but the utter lack of communication from Stella had me wanting to tear my hair out😭. The time that they were "friends" robbed us of any cutesy scenes between them and, for me, it lacked the connection growing between them. I was just left wanting more I guess.

I also was hoping for some more family drama, especially with Figgy's character.🧍🏽‍♀️

I will always support Simone's work and her writing bc in the end, I truly do love her writing style. But this one just fell flat for me.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc!!🫶🏽

I am a HUGE fan of Cross the Line but sadly this one just didn't work for me. All the good stuff was there: marriage of convenience, obsessed MMC (we love to see it) and spice too. But Idk, something about this one just didn't click for me. I will try again with her next read because Simone Soltani definitely delivers on the humor with her books!

3.5/5

This is my first book that I have read of Simone Soltani, but it will not be my last, The cover was the first thing that really caught my eye. I love all sports romances and this was my first F1 racing one. Throw in a left at the altar, fake marriage and you have a winner. This story was easy to read. Stella, a business owner, and Thomas, an F1 driver, were adorable together. They meet in Vegas after Stella is left at the altar, Their chemistry was instant and combustible, like a high-speed race on the Formula 1 circuit:! full of twists and turns. I enjoyed learning about being a formula 1 racer and their life style. This was a slow burn heartwarming story. Would definitely recommend adding it to your TBR list. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this.

I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. I thought the wedding they didn’t remember added with a formula 1 romance was so fun!

A race car driver meets a driven business owner and they find themselves linked together after their individual internet meltdowns tarnish their reputations. Can they help each other out without falling in love or is this a purely business transaction.

✨ARC REVIEW✨

5 ⭐️’s
2.5 🌶️’s

Thank you to Simone Soltani and Net Galley for letting me read this ARC.

This is my first 5 star read of the year and it deserved every star. I absolutely fell in love with this book and this couple. I’ve been wanting to get in to F1 romances and I’m glad that this was my first one and now I have to read book one in this series!

You meet our main characters Stella Baldwin and Thomas Maxwell-Brown at a mutual friend’s joint bachelor and bachelorette party and fun hijinks ensue that I don’t want to spoil, you just have to read for yourself!

I will say that Stella is such a badass FMC and I love everything about her and even though they talk about how strong she is she has her flaws that she owns as well!

As for our MMC Thomas he has now entered my top boyfriend’s list. He was the absolute sweetest and spoiled Stella to no end but he also paid attention to her to things she said and didn’t say!

You will absolutely love this book, check it out when it releases in May!!!

3.5

I received an ARC from Berkeley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The first 60% is fun and then from 61% to 90% it kinda drags. The two characters had a great conversation about communication and then there was no communication between them. There was also an awkward situation where the MMC had to leave the FMC "immediately" for something that didn't feel urgent. I think if the "conflict(s)" didn't happen, the flow of the book would have been better.

This was an incredible read!! I love a good marriage convenience!! This story kept me hooked the entire time!!

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani is an absolute thrill! Stella Baldwin’s life is turned upside down after being left at the altar and a Vegas bachelorette party gone wrong. Enter Thomas Maxwell-Brown, a Formula 1 driver with his own set of problems, and suddenly, they find themselves married after one wild night. What starts as a marriage of convenience turns into something much more electrifying.

The chemistry between Stella and Thomas is off-the-charts, and their banter is just as sharp as their steamy moments. Soltani nails the “opposites attract” trope, giving us two characters who are impossible not to root for. The story is fast-paced, full of heart, humor, and passion, with just the right amount of drama.

If you’re looking for a fun, steamy romance with lots of twists and emotional sparks, Ride with Me is a must-read!

Thank you to the publisher for an early digital copy of this book to review!

I didn’t think it was possible, but I liked this book even more than the first one! Although there was a definite step back in the amount of the sport (F1) in this sports romance, there was a step up in the romantic connection between the characters.

In the first book, a lot of the chemistry from the main characters came from their shared history, which was mostly off-page, before the events of the book. However, in Ride With Me, the two main characters are strangers until their meet cute. We get to see all of their romantic chemistry develop on-page, which I think makes a difference!

While I don’t agree with all of the FMC decisions, one thing I loved throughout the book was how patient and understanding the MMC was with her. Him being an athlete and British were just bonuses for me!

I also feel like there were a few characters that were introduced that didn’t really add much to the plot, so they could have been condensed to make more of a meaningful impact.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and flew through it, and would love to continue reading more books in this world!

I'm a huge fan of Formula One and Simone and having the two combine is the best thing in the world! I was absolutely riveted to read this and LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! These two characters were so loving and layered and I can't to see who she writes about next!!