A good book. Well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read. The romance the drama and overall character's development was really enjoyable.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Formula One. The sport that dominates my weekends, whether I like it or not. And let’s be clear—I do not like it. The endless drone of engines, the relentless stream of races for what feels like two-thirds of the year… it’s enough to drive anyone mad. So, the fact that I enjoyed Not So Fast, a romance steeped in F1 culture, is nothing short of miraculous.

Karen Booth delivers a fun, steamy enemies-to-lovers story that follows Mia Neal, an F1-obsessed podcaster, and Xander Bishop, the British racing driver she’s been mercilessly critiquing online. When Mia gets the chance to meet Xander at the Miami Grand Prix, their friction quickly turns into something a lot more combustible. It’s fast-paced, full of witty banter, and packed with just the right amount of angst to keep things interesting.

Mia is an easy heroine to root for—intelligent, sharp, and a little neurotic in a way that makes her feel real rather than cartoonishly quirky. Xander, meanwhile, is an absolute dream: brooding, charming, and carrying just enough emotional baggage to make him compelling rather than tedious. The book does an excellent job of exploring mental health without making it the point of the story—it’s just naturally part of who these characters are, which is incredibly refreshing to see.

The dual perspectives work brilliantly, particularly Xander’s journal entries, which provide a raw, unfiltered look into his head. This was a clever narrative choice, adding depth to his character beyond the standard “hot but tortured sportsman” archetype. However, one issue I had was with some of the British dialogue. There are few things more jarring than reading a supposedly British character calling women’s underwear panties. No. Just no. It’s knickers or pants. There were a few other Americanisms sprinkled in that made me wince, but nothing so egregious that it completely pulled me out of the story.

My other minor gripe? The speed at which Mia and Xander’s relationship escalates. I love an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and I was fully on board for their attraction, but I would have liked a bit more tension before they jumped into bed together. That said, the book is on the shorter side, so I understand the need to move things along. At least there was no unnecessary third-act conflict—Booth avoids that tired trope and instead allows the couple’s challenges to feel organic rather than manufactured drama.

And despite my well-documented disdain for F1, I have to admit that the racing elements were handled well. The book captures the glamour, the intensity, and the cutthroat nature of the sport without alienating readers who aren’t die-hard fans. Even I—who resent every second that F1 is blaring from my television—found the backdrop engaging.

Ultimately, Not So Fast is a fun, fast, and fiery romance with well-developed characters and a satisfying emotional core. If you can forgive the occasional linguistic slip and don’t mind a romance that goes from zero to sixty in record time, you’re in for an entertaining ride.

call me the rb19 with the way i sped through this masterpiece. i read this so fast that i had to make sure i had limbs and not pirelli tires. i’m an absolute SUCKER for social media person x driver. it’s such a niche thing and it’s exactly where i reside. if i could have a book tattooed on the back of my eyelids id beg for it to be this. i’ve been obsessed with racing my whole life and was both scared and excited to read this. this is my first time reading one of karen’s books and she did not let me down.

This was a fun, fast paced read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and it went fairly in-depth with backstories even with it being a book on the shorter side. I liked the range of side characters as well though I do wish there had been slightly more development of them, alongside this I also really hoped that the ending would have been extended to add some scenes though I won't go into specifics as I don't want to reveal any spoilers.
The relationship gowing between them was fun and I felt I could really understand their feelings and the chemistry between them was great. I did feel confused occassionally when the POV switched between them with little warning but that was a fairly small issue.
Overall, I enjoyed the drama and the chemistry between them and I felt the ending was a great mix of emotions, wrap up and comedy.
Favourite Quote - Going fast is my speciality.
Favourite Character - Xander

Thank you to Afterglow Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count. Only now her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at all the shade she’s been throwing his way. It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—all Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

Mia is a perfectionist - and it is clear because she has done so many different jobs. She wants things to, understandably, go a certain way and when they don’t, she flounders and quickly tries to move on. I really liked that this book broke that cycle for her. She got to focus on something she loves, something that brings her joy - and brings other people joy too! She’s sassy and can be hot headed but that just made me like her more. She has many strengths but I loved that she allowed herself to be vulnerable too. Just a brilliant character from start to finish.
Xander intrigued me from the beginning but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t sure where his character would go. He seemed standoffish and blunt but as we get to know him more, it is so clear that it is a defensive mechanism. He has a lot on his shoulders and that stress bleeds out and into the world around him. His softness and care with Mia was absolutely heart melting. He is an absolute sweetheart and he must be protected at all costs!

Despite not being a Formula One fan in any way, shape or form, there is something addictive to me about F1 romances. I just cannot seem to get enough! So when the chance to read this one came along, I jumped at it! This plot is great. It’s fast moving (no pun intended) and full of so much life! I was a little confused initially about the journey entries because they’re in first person and in the ARC, there is nothing distinguishing that. I first thought it was a mistake and the author changed the story from first to third person. But once it was explained it was the journal, I was back on track (once again, no pun intended!). The characters were great. There is quite the sizeable cast here. What I enjoyed most was we got to know people but they weren’t a massive focus, that was still placed on our leads and their developing story. I think that was very cleverly done. The romance was amazing. So tense, so steamy, so wild! And the spice that came along with it. Rev your engines ladies because it was HOT! I would not mind having a lover like that! The ending was brilliant. I had perhaps expected a bit more drama but I actually enjoyed it being a little more lowkey. I think Booth has done a fantastic job here.

Overall, Not So Fast is a brilliant Formula One romance that I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to Afterglow Books for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day and is available now on Goodreads.

This was a really cute read. It’s ur regular romcom and I enjoyed it.

There was definitely some points where I got slightly bored but it would quickly pick up and pull me back in which was nice.

The third act wasn’t as bad as I was dreading which I’m sooo glad about. They were mature and made some good calls.

Mia was a decent fmc. I liked her passion for her career and her thoughts were so cute and relatable.

Xander was rlly sweet but also hot like damnnn. I love the way he never tried coming in between her career and gave her space when she needed it. He had his complexes lol but it still didn’t take away from the romance.

Overall a really cute and fun book <3

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Mills & Boon | Afterglow Books for the ARC! ♥︎

I love F1 so when I see a new F1 based book being published I’m often one of the first to give it a read. Unfortunately with this one it didn’t hit the spot, I enjoyed the basics of the story and the relationship between Mia & Xander but for me it didn’t feel like there was any depth between their relationship or characters. Their relationship grew quite quickly but there wasn’t much building to get them to where they were. I’ve read books where relationships have moved fast but their scenarios have often justified it, and unfortunately this one didn’t. I really wanted to like this book more, but just didn’t feel the connection to the characters.

I hate to admit I struggled a little with this book. I was really confused to begin with as to why the beginning of each chapter started in first person and then the next paragraph would jump to third person. It took me a while to realise they are diary inserts from the journal Mia gives Xander.
A part of my struggles with this book could be because it’s in third person, for some reason me and third person books don’t entirely get along.

I did like the rivalry between Xander and Dirk and I liked the small twist at the end to help with their relationship. I also liked the fact that Mia had her own podcast, it’s a different take on a way to meet an F1 driver.

I'm rating this book 2.75 stars.

when i saw the premise of this book i was excited and thought i would love it so much but sadly that wasn’t the case.

as a f1 lover i really enjoyed that aspect of the book and i also did enjoy mia her character and how she has a podcast for f1 however when it came to her relationship with xander i just didn’t feel it i feel like it went from a 0 to a 100 so incredibly fast but without any development or real depth to it. it just feels a little unrealistic with the speed it went from not liking her and what she said about him to then him not being able to get her out of his head from just seeing her for one minute. i feel like we didn’t get to know them much at all. it all felt like it was just surface level and attraction and i just prefer when there is a deeper connection and more of a build up so this could just be me. i just really wish they would of had more development seperately and together, wish we saw more about both their careers and growth in that aswell.

this book was definitely a fast and easy light read it just sadly wasn’t for me.

thank you netgalley and karen booth for this arc :)

2.7 Stars
This book had so much potential and I really wish I loved this more... unfortunately for me I found this book a bit too rushed, it very quickly went from Mia running her podcast solo from her room to her jetting around the world with Xander then being in a relationship…
I felt the book lacked the depth into the characters as we didn’t really get much background on them, just felt like something was missing throughout the book. I personally also struggled with the jumping between the different povs.
This was a easy and quick read, if you enjoy a fast pace F1 romance book with a hint of spice then this might be the right book for you but just wasn’t for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, and Harlequin - Romance, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this Arc. This was my first Karen Booth book and it won’t be my last. This had everything I could want in a book. Enemies to lovers, sizzling chemistry and great characters made this a 5 star read for me. I’m an avid f1 fan and this helped me pass the time until the new season finally started. I’d recommend this book to all romance loving readers is their f1 era!

This was a fun, fast-paced sports romance set in the thrilling world of Formula 1, and I definitely enjoyed it! Not So Fast delivers the excitement of F1 alongside a light, entertaining romance.

Mia and Xander had solid chemistry, engaging banter, and, for those who appreciate it, no third-act breakup 🥳 However, the romance leaned a little too much into instalove for my taste. I would have loved more tension, a slower build-up, and deeper character development to really elevate their connection.

That said, if you're looking for a whirlwind romance with engaging writing and a dynamic F1 backdrop, this is a great pick. It's a fast, fun read that keeps the pages turning.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mills & Boon for the eARC—this review is entirely my own.

A fun, enjoyable read. Perfect for fans of romance. It was light hearted. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I read this book in one setting - not because it was incredible but because it was easy, simple (slightly cringey) and quick to get through.

The story idea itself is so good and I really want to read more F1 / racing style books. I enjoy the whole idea of some being famous and meeting someone who is overly critical and that’s how the relationship blossoms.

I really wanted more from this story, I wanted more from the characters - they fell a bit flat for me and I had no emotional connection to them. This may because it was in 3rd person but I just think it’s because nothing was really given to me in regards to their personal lives.

I wanted more build up, more tension. More realistic relationship building! He is travelling all over the world racing - life is not going to be easy!!!

Overall it was a nice easy read, I wouldn’t read it again nor would I really recommend it to people. It was a nice breather in between the high fantasy books I read.

Thank you!

I liked it! It was a cute and quick read, and it was well researched about the F1 world and the different dynamics of how it operates. Fitting in themes of individual empowerment, community building, and class, it encapsulates a lot of what the real F1 industry is like. The romance was a solid one as well but I thought it was a little abrupt of the characters to quickly start texting and then diving into a relationship - it could build more even though it isn't a slow burn, it should brew slightly longer - and make more romantic hints/attraction at the start.

Formula 1 romance... YES PLEASE

It may have taken me a little while to get into the book but once I did, I was reading chunks of the books at once. There was the perfect balance of romance and sports for me but I felt like it needed slightly more drama.

This gave be fan x F1 driver vibes rather than enemies to lovers and I was so here for it. They cared so much for each other whilst trying to focus on both of their careers and future.

Having both people who agree with your job and doesn't is something that is very normal in every day life but isn't spoken about as much. However, this book showcases this aspect in the most effortless way.

More F1 Romances pleasee

The vibes!!

This is what I want come my sport romance books. It’s was so much fun and I loved the twist of an F1 fan getting with the driver she always loved! Great characters and a good amount of revenge where needed.

My only criticism is I wish it was a bit longer so parts could have been more fleshed out and maybe made my wait a bit longer for them to be together

She was an overthinker and I related to that a lot, and while it was a good depiction of what one goes through, it wasn't written in the best to read about. Especially since in the end it kind of seemed like all her stress and think was for naught. Maybe that was the point though? idk.

The drama surrounding her mother and aunt seemed important but actually wasn't. And was solved so quickly, I wondered how the two didn't get along for years. I appreciated the relationship between the two MCs. It felt very real and healthy.
The characters themselves though....It's surprising that characters that are so focused on their flaws, while also being competent, still somehow felt one dimensional. While this was slightly less the case for Xander. Nothing I read made me particularly attached to the characters, even if I related to Mia.

The writing left me wanting, and seemed like it tried a bit too hard to be British. It was also very weird to see the word "underpinnings" meant as a description of underwear.

She's depicted as plus size on the cover, which I loved, but I didn't actually find any reference to that in the text. A plus size body shouldn't have to be a main point of the plot, but it would be nice to have explicit text to back up the artistic decisions, even if it's just mentioned in passing. The "not-tiny" comment didn't really do it for me.

The story was so simplistic, there was very little real tension and not enough sweetness for it to be fluff. If you want something to pass the time while waiting for the next GP, then this is for you.

Thank-you NetGalley and Afterglow Books for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed, and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I rated this 4.5⭐️

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was short, easy to read and also just really sweet. It was comforting as well, I think it had a lot of fairly classic tropes and I enjoyed that. The only slight negative for me is that it took me a minute to get used to it, because Xander (the MMC) is very stereotypically British. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and I did eventually get used to it, but I found as a British reader that at times it felt a little off. I loved the main characters and the side characters though; a racing romance (is this what it’s called? I’m not entirely sure) is somewhat out of my comfort zone in the sense I know nothing about racing and cars, but it felt accessible for someone with my limited knowledge. I also ADORED the use of the journal and how it helped me see more of Xander and Mia’s feelings, I thought that was really clever.

🏁I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily🏁

Firstly I want to say thank you to @netgalley and @karenbbooth for giving me the opportunity to read this
ARC
I absolutely ate this book up especially since the F1 season is only 20!! Days away the chemistry between Xander and Mia was and it got me kicking my feet like a school
girl, this was just a cute romcom set in the F1 world and I couldn't ask for me.... I need another one
5/⭐️