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.

3.75!! Thank you Net Galley for the arc!! Full review & Instagram post to come closer to publication!! Loved the adoption rep, mental health rep, introduction to formula 1, drama, romance!! Such a fun read!! 🏎️❤️‍🔥 I loved how the topics of adhd and anxiety weren’t shyer away from and the FMC really worked to stay true to herself. I especially loved how patient the MMC was with her. A few things could have been fleshed out a bit more but overall I liked the book!

it's not the book, it's me.

i don’t think i was in the mood for an f1 romance i'm in the middle of a book slump. i don't know. like, it’s a bit of a slow burn and the characters are likeable and there's honestly not much to complain about. a little basic and cliche at times, but that doesn't bother me. it just found me at the wrong time.

thank you to netgalley & simon and schuster for an arc! all opinions are my own <3

An emotional upheaval going around a dangerous track at top speed, getting battered and yet asking when the next one is.

Lilah’s voice was so clear throughout the whole entire book (SHOUT OUT TO THE NEURODIVERGENT REP) that it completely ensnares the reader into the world.

The writing so cleverly reacts the tempo of F1 racing that even when we weren’t on the track, it felt like an exhilarating race.

The juxtaposition of Arthur and Lilah created just the right amount of tension, burn, and swoon worthy moments.

This book is going to change F1 forever, or at least F1 romances.

P.S
It’s rare when I’m ready to physically try to fight a fictional character (okay you got me it’s not) but still Max is the worst piece of human excrement ever.

OUT MAY 20th! You need to add it to your TBR immediately

“Once you get into Formula 1, you don’t get out. Trust me.”

Slipstream by Madge Maril
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
Rating: 🌟🌟 🌟 🌟🌟(5/5)
Spice: 🌶️(1/5)

Review:
Lilah Graywood moved all the way to a small town in Texas to cover a racing team she knows nothing about just to find out her business partner and boyfriend cheated on her and stole her business. Lilah was assigned to cover the reserve driver while her ex continues to cover the rest of the team. Now, Lilah has to figure out how to continue to make her documentary while trying to get along with the incredulous Arthur Bianco. We get to follow along on Arthurs return to formula one.

As an F1 girly I absolutely ADORED this book. Madge maril knocked it out of the park. I love that lilah is dropped into the world of F1 with absolutely no knowledge of the sport. By doing this, the reader learns with lilah about the summer tracks and generally how this sport works. I will be giving this book to all my friends to learn about F1 in a fun way.

If you like:
- Documentaries
- Formula 1
- Enemies to Lovers
- Revenge Success

QOTD: Who is your favorite F1 driver?

Thank you to Net Galley and Simon and Schustee for proving me with an eARC of this novel.

Ok so this was fun, it was just a bit confusing at the beginning. I think the overall plot is good but it's messy. And not messy like drama messy, but like messily written. I think the author could have done a b better job explaining why certain things were happening. Because those things were really important, and I think it made the necessity of the main trope really confusing. But maybe I just didn't pay enough attention, I'm not sure. However, the reason this has three stars is that it has a LOT of potential, I think with some edits it could have been a 4 star read for me. The romantic relationship is good. Those characters have chemistry. And it's not presented in the usual way, it's like kind of immediate while also being a slow burn at the same time? Which makes no sense,but that's how it feels to me. I was also skeptical going in because of the ADHD rep but I think she did a really good job. There were moments where I was like why the heck is this happening and then I'd be like girl this literally happens to you once a week. And the MMC was a lover boy!!!!! And the mouth he had on him? Yeah I liked that. So overall, it is a good and cute romance, the beginning is just a bit all over the place for me.
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for this arc!

three and a half stars rounded up. i am choosing to believe that part of this author's craft was writing a book that is as overstuffed and over the top as real life F1 racing. the sport and its culture SOUNDS like it's fake and insane in addition to BEING insane about the level of wealth and privilege that gets thrown around. this is all to say, the book succeeds in being frequently over the top and unhinged. is that a GOOD reading experience? well, your mileage may vary. that's a driving joke. i think the author did a reasonably good job of capturing how a racing skeptic could easily be overwhelmed and then fall in love with the drama of F1, especially when she gets the ultimate level of access. i didn't find the romance especially compelling; single POV without good representation of how the love interest developed their feelings makes that hard. i think it is a good book ABOUT F1 that happens to have a romance grafted on. i thought the author clearly knew a lot and/or researched a lot into making the niche setting feel accurate and lived in (by awful billionaires) in a way that i always enjoy and seek out in books.