The Best F1 Romance Books, According to Top Authors From BookTok’s Raciest Reading Trend
Racing heart? These Formula 1 romance faves serve passion, drama and big summer vibes
If you’ve been on BookTok (book TikTok) lately, then you know that people are obsessed with sports romance books. And the newest one that’s racing to the top of everyone’s TBR (to-be-read list): Formula One or F1 romances, a subgenre that centers around professional racecar drivers falling in love in a swoon-worthy and speedy way. Woman’s World recently sat down with two authors of books in this genre—Amy James, who penned Crash Test, and Madge Maril, author of Slipstream—to learn more about the popular publishing trend and discover which F1 books they recommend readers pick up this racing season. Read on for more.
Amy James talks about writing her heartfelt novel ‘Crash Test’
Amy James is a romance author whose most recent novel, Crash Test, is perfect for fans of racing. The plot follows Travis Keeping after his boyfriend, Jacob Nichols, is involved in a devastating crash that could threaten both their personal and professional lives (more on this book, below).
“Guaranteed to bring all the feels, Crash Test is the book of my F1-loving heart,” James told Woman’s World. “The world of Formula 1 racing is defined by three things: high stakes, edge-of-your-seat tension and heart-wrenching emotion. Those same things are key ingredients for a great romance novel, and with the recent explosion of female F1 fans, it’s no surprise that Formula 1 romances are becoming a hot new trend in the literary world.”
Madge Maril on what makes a good F1 romance book, like her novel ‘Slipstream’
Madge Maril’s debut novel, Slipstream, was published in May of this year. The plot follows a documentarian named Lilah Graywood who is working on an F1 film, but soon finds herself falling in love with the handsome driver Arthur Bianco.
“To me, Formula 1 taps into the same elements that make romance novels so addictive. There’s heart-pounding action, character-driven narratives and impossibly high stakes riding on each race,” Maril says. “In Slipstream, for example, Arthur and Lilah’s fake-dating scheme could cost his team millions of dollars in revenue—that’s just so fun to sink your teeth into as a reader. Is love worth it? (Always.) Are they going to get together? (Definitely.) Then add in the history of the sport, the luxury, the globe-trotting and the reality TV-level absurdity? It’s billionaire romance meets sports romance meets the “society is watching you” stakes of historical romance. F1 romance is a party, and I want to invite everyone!”
5 F1 romance books to read next, according to authors Amy James & Madge Maril
‘Offtrack’ by Esha Patel
This sizzling tale is the first in Esha Patel’s bestselling Offtrack series. The ploy follows a world-champion F1 driver named Miguel de la Fuente as he begins to fall in love with Diana Zahrani, the first female racecar driver. It is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and female empowerment.
Says Maril: “If you’re looking for an F1 romance featuring a female racing driver, try Offtrack by Esha Patel.”
‘Overdrive’ by Esha Patel
Says James: “Esha Patel explores the technical side of Formula 1 in Overdrive, which features a savvy tech programmer whose new race simulator might help a hotshot F1 driver win his first championship. With a delightful grumpy/sunshine romance alongside a thoughtful portrayal of women in motorsport, Overdrive is perfect for romance fans who like their Formula 1 with a side of STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics].”
‘Slipstream’ by Madge Maril
Says James: “Madge Maril aces the beloved fake dating trope in her debut novel, Slipstream. The female protagonist, Lilah Graywood, is a documentarian who is new to the world of motorsport, which allows readers to discover the thrills of Formula 1 alongside her—and to swoon with her when she falls for charismatic F1 driver Arthur Bianco. Filled with humor and heart, Slipstream also offers great neurodivergent representation in Lilah, who has ADHD.”
‘Ride With Me’ by Simone Soltani
Says James: “Kicking off with an accidental Vegas wedding between a British F1 driver and an American entrepreneur, Ride With Me perfectly captures all the glitz and glamor of the Formula 1 world. Protagonists Stella and Thomas embark on a sexy, playful romance grounded in compatibility and connection. Soltani nails the chemistry between her two leads and creates a standout character in kind, confident Stella.”
Says Maril: “If you’re going to the beach and need a rom-com to devour in like three hours, try Ride With Me by Simone Soltani.”
‘Crash Test’ by Amy James
Says James: “Crash Test opens with a scene that will chill any racing fan’s heart. After a massive crash, Formula 2 driver Jacob Nichols has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition. When F1 driver Travis Keeping learns of the crash, his whole world flips upside down. He and Jacob have been secretly dating for a year—and now, he’ll have to navigate Jacob’s recovery while trying to keep their relationship under wraps. ”
Says Maril: “If you love Slipstream and want another contemporary romance with BIG feelings, try Crash Test by Amy James.”
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