LIGHTS OUT

A Formula 1 racer enters a fake-dating relationship to salvage his bad boy image.

Maisie Evans, a former competitive downhill mountain biker, suffered a career-ending accident, breaking multiple bones, sustaining a concussion, and leaving her with a strong aversion to cycling. Now studying sports psychology at a university in London, Maisie, who presents white, takes on odd jobs during her summer break. While working as a server at an event, she’s startled by a dashing young man, drops a tray of champagne flutes, and gets fired. The cause of the mishap, 21-year-old German-Italian racing driver Giovanni Bauer, decides to annoy the catering manager by inviting Maisie to be his plus one. Gio’s wild antics jeopardize his F1 career, but a wholesome relationship with someone “normal,” “grounded,” and “low maintenance”—like Maisie—could improve his reputation. After signing the contract, which promises generous financial compensation, Maisie finds herself immersed in the world of F1 racing. As Gio and Maisie spend time together, their relationship evolves into a genuine friendship with undeniable romantic undertones. Both initially hesitate to acknowledge their mutual attraction, but once they drop their defenses, their passion ignites. The narrative explores how trauma from accidents and the pressure of extreme sports contribute to poor decisions, fleshing out the characters and testing their relationship’s fragile boundaries. Riveting, visceral accounts of races ground readers in the intensity of the sport.

Full of heat and adrenaline.