This book left me feeling like a glass half full. writing a love story that involves F1 is quite popular due to Lauren Ashers series dirty air. That is not what I got from this book. at times the story line was confusing, the family tree of our main character was also confusing. I felt like there was so many run on sentences. That being said there were a handful of one liners that I did find myself highlighting them in my kindle. I just feel like it could of been so much better if it had gone through a fews more editing sessions. This is the first book that I've read from this author so I won't go writing her off but I will keep these thoughts in the back of my mind when considering her next book. Multiple times while reading this book I found myself saying, " you were good but I'm waiting for you to be great".

This is really upsetting to write, as I had such high hopes for this book. As a huge formula one and rom-com lover, I was really excited to be offered the opportunity to check this book out. The story line sounds great a little drive to survive style drama, I got the vibe that Arthur was a Daniel Ricciardo esque character and he's my fave so I was fully ready to dig in to this. What I found was a main character with a laundry list of struggles that just felt overwhelming and I found my self more annoyed with her than feeling sorry for her. She would go from confident documentarian one minute to sad Mary Jane the next. The dialogue was cringe, and the fake dating aspect came about so quickly and really kind of without reason, it felt forced. I really hope for a formula one romance I think there is so much potential here. Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for giving me the privilege of reading this ARC.

Marge Maril’s debut novel, Slipstream, was absolutely breathtaking. I was apprehensive, as I’m not someone who’s really into F1 or any racing, but from the first page, I was hooked. The ADHD representation, the heavy topics of family trauma, mental health, and the journeys of trusting yourself and others were so well done and written with such great care and compassion. Lilah is like so many of us. From a young age, us neurodivergent people are constantly being reminded of our differences. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re surrounded by others who don’t see you the way you need to be seen.

Arthur sees Lilah, almost immediately. He can tell when she’s lost in her head and needs coaxed out—mainly because he feels the same way. Their love story was comforting and soft, yet poignant in little but impactful ways. Witnessing Lilah bloom, come to life, and take up space rather than stay small made me so emotional. Witnessing Arthur open up and tell his story, love Madge in all the ways she needs it, and demand change for *their* future was the perfect ending. This story, her story, his story, makes me feel seen and heard too. Madge, you have a gift. Your writing is so special and I’m honored to have been able to read this before its publishing date. You have made me a loyal reader for the rest of your writing career.

A swoony debut novel that will have the F1 girlies giggling!

When Lilah, a young but thriving documentarian gets into a pickle because cheating ex and business partner Max turns her life upside down, she doesn’t have many options but to join forces with Arthur Bianco, F1 racing star for Ignition, with a reputation on the wild side. With Arthur’s sights on a new contract to race for a different team, and Lilah wanting revenge, the two pair up and fake date to ruin Maxs documentary and Arthur’s family reputation.

Thoughts and Spoilers:
🏎️🏎️🏎️

WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed this! As an F1 fan, and I mean someone who won’t schedule brunch with the girls cause it conflicts with a race, I actually was really impressed! I’ve read some F1 romances where it didn’t feel realistic and felt like the author didn’t do enough research. This wasn’t the case. Slipstream gave me just enough F1 to be happy, but not too much where I would knit pick the details, mixed with a slowburn oozing in that “will they won’t they” energy! There were moments that almost felt parody, but at the same time I could so clearly see that the author took inspiration from current F1 teams like RedBull, McLaren, Haas and Ferrari!

On to the characters! Lilah is interesting and felt very realistic to me! I thought the ADHD and Neurodivergence representation were done very well! Being “weird”, processing things differently, getting overwhelmed, it can be a huge part of someone’s identity. There were times that she came off slightly more AuDHD to me, but neurodivergent can also look like so many different things even with the same “diagnosis”
I also thought the childhood trauma was done well, just enough to see why Lilah struggles with relationships in her adult life.

Arthur? SWOON! He EXUDES F1! Confident airing on the side of cocky, but just playful enough to still love him as a character! His own trauma and struggles with mental health and ptsd were so subtle but felt so realistic as he was fighting with his own toxic masculinity mindset of “men don’t cry”
I also am such a sucker for a ✨he falls first and hard but she’s completely oblivious about it✨

Perfectly unlikable villainous characters in Max, Holmes and Birth mom. Sometimes you just need someone without a character arc. Someone to wish a wet sock upon.
And a lovely lil found family that sets up some fun characters that could eventually have their own stories

There were some plot choices I found interesting. I didn’t fully understand why Arthur didn’t just hire Lilah on his own, under the pretense of being his personal videographer, in order to ruin the documentary? The fake dating was slightly confusing as well. It was like they were pretending to fake date? It was a very thin line to tread. They wanted rumors in the paddock to get Arthur out of his contract and fired because F1 racing star with a family legacy could never date a common videographer…? But not too many rumors that it would ruin Lilahs documentarian reputation? Though in the end I think it worked but definitely a different approach to a fake dating trope!

All in all I really liked it, would definitely get a physical trophy copy for my shelf and am excited to see what Mario does in the future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an ARC! All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It seems the new trend in books is sports and sporty type subplots. I can't say I've read a formula one romance before! Cute story, nice and easy.

i have, once again, been fooled by a cute cover. this is the second f1 romance i’ve given a chance, and i’m 0 for 2, so perhaps that’s a sign i should be giving up. arthur was the best part of this book, and honestly, even he was way too out there at times!! when he talked about wanting to impregnate her the FIRST time they ever had sex i was so out. i don’t care if you’re convinced you’re going to marry her, that’s freak behavior 😭 couple that with lilah’s complete lack of self worth, a cartoonish villain randomly shoved in, and very little character or relationship development, and you have a very unsatisfying read.

that being said, my biggest issue lies in the handling of lilah’s bisexuality. it was barely discussed, which isn’t a huge deal (it’s fine to not want to define yourself by your sexuality), but it was so under-discussed that i genuinely wasn’t sure for a while if she was actually bisexual or if i was making things up. it was eventually confirmed, but i counted a total of 3 times that it was mentioned — and one of those times was so offhand that i thought i was reading into it too much. the worst mention, however, was easily when it was used during a sex scene as, like, her “coming out” to arthur in a way that i think was supposed to be her opening herself up to him entirely or whatever but came off as something to turn him on. i put coming out in quotes because it was genuinely just her saying she’s been with a woman in “sexy” phrasing (it was not sexy). if it’s supposed to be a vulnerable moment where she wants him to see all of her before they sleep together, why is it expressed the way it is?? i can’t explain how uncomfortable this made me — this part of her identity that’s barely discussed has its biggest moment on page as a vehicle to make lilah more desirable. or something. i don’t know, i just found it in really poor taste, especially as a lesbian. at that point just don’t make her bisexual!! i would seriously rather her be straight than have whatever this is, and that’s saying a lot as someone who will make anything and everything gay if possible. ugh.

i already wasn’t enjoying myself by that point, but that was the nail in the coffin. it was like 6 nails in the coffin just on its own. sad. the best thing i can say about this is that it was a quick read.

This high-octane romance delivers a perfect blend of passion, revenge, and exhilarating drama set against the electrifying world of Formula 1. Lilah Graywood, a determined documentarian, never wanted to be part of the racing scene—until betrayal forces her to join forces with Arthur Bianco, a reserve driver desperate for a comeback. Their alliance, originally built on mutual benefit, soon spins into something neither of them saw coming: an undeniable, all-consuming attraction.

What makes this story truly shine is the dynamic between Lilah and Arthur. She’s fierce, stubborn, and unwilling to back down, while he’s charismatic yet vulnerable, fighting to reclaim his place in the spotlight. Their fake-dating scheme adds a delicious layer of tension, creating a slow-burn romance that feels as thrilling as a last-lap overtake. The behind-the-scenes look at F1 racing, from the intense rivalries to the cutthroat politics, adds authenticity and depth, making the setting as compelling as the romance itself.

With sharp dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a plot that keeps readers on edge, this book is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and high-stakes romance. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or just love a story about two people pushing past their limits, this novel is an irresistible ride from start to finish.

Yearning is SO BACK!!!! This is about to be your new favorite sports romance. Hands down the best debut novel I’ve read in recent memory. Slipstream is so incredibly poignant and tender— watching Lilah work through her perceptions of herself and who and what she wants had me teary eyed some moments, and cackling the next. You can viscerally feel and read her character growth through the first person narrative. Lilah and Arthur truly want for each other throughout this book. It’s the perfect slow burn with just the right amount of intimacy at just the right time. Maril has a unique writer’s voice I connected with deeply. I cannot recommend this enough! If you’re a fan of Emily Henry or Ali Hazelwood with a dash of prestige sports, this might be perfect for you. A sexy, singular, sweeping romp across the F1 circuits. 5 stars!! Thank you Madge Maril, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for this advance copy.

I want more! Give me another 200 pages of Lilah and Arthur! I love the he fell first trope and this gave me that and so much more. Having two supportive main characters that take the time to learn each other so they can help their partner in the exact way they need is more rare than you think. I adored that the characters were “fake dating” but it was actually very real for them. Even through Lilah’s POV it’s very apparent to the reader that Arthur fell first and continuously told her they were dating and she’s his girlfriend/wife, Lilah just didn’t take him seriously.

There was a minor third act break up that I actually really enjoyed because it was Lilah pushing Arthur to put his ego aside and figure out what he really wanted. I found their relationship and friendship really healthy and loving. This definitely was a slow burn but the payoff was definitely worth the wait.

This was such a well done novel, I couldn’t believe it was the author’s debut. I’d never read an F1 romance before, but I really enjoyed this being my first foray into it. Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down once I started. I just really wanted to see Lilah and Arthur’s journey all the way through. I thought Arthur was such a sweet MMC, and I loved the way he supported Lilah. I think the inclusion of both main characters’ mental health struggles felt very real and gave them the depth that a lot of romance novels fail to deliver. When you’re reading this book, you can’t help but root for them each on their own, but you also get to enjoy getting to see how they grow together.

wow, slipstream was an unexpected obsession for me. by the time i got to chapter 3, i couldn’t put it down. there were so many things i loved, but i think the uniqueness of arthur & lilah’s situation, mixed with their individual growth- it was relatable, encouraging and highly entertaining. arthur loved lilah so authentically, so genuinely- it was beautiful. also, chapter 19- TEARS, everything about it was classic slow burn romance.
4.5/5

I knew close to nothing about F1 racing but now I am going to look into it. This book has it all: romance, he falls first and harder, and fake dating. I loved the depth the characters had and the short timeframe of the racing summer. If you like cocky guys and women who put them in their place, this is a book you don’t want to skip.

Slipstream is the book I didn’t know I needed—fast-paced, heartfelt, and full of the kind of tension that makes both a great race and a great love story. Maril seamlessly brings the world of Formula 1 to life, capturing the thrill of the track while delivering a romance that feels just as exhilarating.

The chemistry between the leads crackles with energy, balancing fierce ambition with undeniable attraction. It’s refreshing to see a story where motorsport isn’t just a backdrop but an integral part of the characters’ journeys. Whether you’re here for the romance, the racing, or both, Slipstream delivers a ride worth taking.

This was my first F1 romance, and I’m definitely a fan. This was a great read! This was pretty fast paced, but easy to follow. It was fun and funny but also pulled at the heartstrings.

I loved the mental health rep and watching both of the main characters grow. The documentary aspect was interesting, and I liked learning more about F1 as well. I loved watching Arthur and Lilah’s friendship and relationship grow. They were so great for each other and seemed to really understand what the other needed.

The side characters were great too. I enjoyed the found family. I also ended up really liking Sarah and that she’s a girl’s girl.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! I also look forward to reading more F1 now that I’m officially a fan.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Slipstream is a fun, intriguing, and really engaging book with lots of chemistry. It's about Lilah Greywood, a documentary filmmaker working on a new Formula 1 documentary, and Arthur Bianco, an F1 reserve driver who's dealing with a lot of drama. Arthur's stuck driving for Ignition (basically McLaren) when he wants to be with another team, like Ferrari. Lilah, meanwhile, is stuck filming for her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her. Arthur and Lilah make a deal to pretend to date, which helps them both get back at the people causing them problems.

In my opinion, this book does the "fake dating" trope really well, and it shows the world of Formula 1 in a way that highlights all the work that goes into it. The chemistry between Arthur and Lilah is amazing to watch unfold, and the "enemies-to-lovers" aspect is great, although it's more like "dislike to lovers." I wish there were more scenes of them just hanging out and going on dates, but overall, it was a really fun and exciting read that kept me hooked the whole time.

Tropes

-slow burn
-enemies to lovers
-fake dating
-formula 1
-revenge dating

A big thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This debut novel completely captivated me, keeping me up until 2am because I couldn’t put it down. The characters, especially Lilah, were so relatable that I felt like I was living the story with them. Lilah was a beautiful, complex character who deserves to be written about more. The author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was experiencing everything with them.

I really appreciated the focus on men’s mental health, especially in Arthur’s character. Their relationship, with its small, intimate moments, had me smiling and cheering for them. The way Arthur was written from Lilah’s perspective was incredible, and while I would have loved to see his POV, I truly adored the single point of view. The story was fast-paced, with a clear and engaging plot. The side characters added depth, and the found family element was heartwarming. I can’t wait to reread this book and dive into more of Madge Maril’s stories.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What an unexpectedly fun ride! I didn't even request this ARC - it was actually just sent to me. I was super apprehensive when I read the synopsis because I grew up as a NASCAR fan that has completely lost interest in my adult years and I thought for sure that I would be bored to tears by a Formula 1 romcom. We love a sports romance though so I dove in and I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I enjoyed the characters, the fake dating trope, the fun banter and the documentarian aspect. Just like the twists and turns of a racetrack, this story had plenty of appropriate pace and romance so I am glad to say that this was a four star read for me. Sports romances will always have my heart!

Arthur is indeed a KING!

I was kinda nervous to read this bc I know nothing about F1 but I enjoyed it despite that (I fear some of the F1 stuff was a little boring especially at first but then it really picked up in the middle)

I will say there were like a handful of things I didn’t enjoy (like Max’s entire character…) but for the most part, I enjoyed Lilah’s journey (even tho some of it felt a little underdeveloped)

I also didn’t really understand the whole buy-in for the fake dating like at all so there had to be a bit of suspending of disbelief on my end regarding that and the goal of what they were even doing but it didnt really impact the fun I had throughout.

finally, I thought the ending was kinda rushed/I wish the epilogue was maybe longer ? but I enjoyed this more than I expected to and very much would be sat for another book from this author!

thank you so much to netgalley and simon & schuster for this arc to review!

For the F1 girlies! This was a very fast-paced (pun intended), unique romance that will have you on your knees for the MMC. The plot and the absolute satisfaction that the ending gave was *chef’s kiss*. I loved watching the FMC grow into herself and build such a backbone, while the MMC showed such love and vulnerability. This book also heavily represents ADHD, anxiety and other mental health issues which I thought was very cool. A fantastic debut for this author.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this ARC!

Wow, Formula 1 racing and an intense romance between two polar opposites. This book blew me away and totally exceeded my expectations. Full disclosure: I've never watched car racing on TV and know nothing about it. I was honored to receive this book as a widget, but once I read the first few pages, I was hooked. I stayed up late to finish this book because Lilah and Arthur and the world of racing completely drew me in.

Lilah is a documentary filmmaker who meets Arthur, a Formula 1 driver, as the subject of her company's next film. She is quickly dumped by her boyfriend/partner and fired from the job. She and Arthur come up with a plan to continue working on the documentary and a fake dating scenario ensues. They are an unlikely couple, but end up supporting each other through many challenges and their own personal mental health struggles. While opposites in many ways, they were a perfect fit. While an unlikely match, these characters had great banter and amazing chemistry. The international setting and exhilaration of the F1 races were very entertaining and kept the story moving at a fast pace. I loved Arthur's team and how they welcomed Lilah into their little family.

It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. Madge Maril knows how to write angst and deep yearning. She created really interesting characters with many layers, and dealt with mental health issues with sensitivity. The author gave the reader a great introduction and background information about Formula 1 racing as well. She writes great steamy scenes, and I only wished there were more of them. I loved how she wrapped up the story in the epilogue in a positive way that included the whole team.

This is a great beach read, even if you know nothing about Formula 1. Bring this book with you on your summer vacation!

Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.