As the 2025 Formula One World Championship speeds ahead with thrilling action on the track, romance and racing fans alike have a new reason to get excited—Karen Booth’s upcoming novel, “Not So Fast”, is set to bring the high-stakes drama of F1 into the world of romance.
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The season has already delivered electrifying moments, with McLaren’s Lando Norris clinching victory at the Australian Grand Prix, not only securing McLaren’s first win in Australia since 2012 but also ending Max Verstappen’s incredible streak as the leader of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship. Verstappen had held the top spot in the standings uninterrupted since the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix, making Norris the first driver in nearly three years to dethrone him.
The momentum continued in China, where Oscar Piastri not only secured his maiden pole position but also led McLaren to an impressive 1–2 finish at the Shanghai International Circuit. With F1 dominating headlines, “Not So Fast” arrives at the perfect time, promising readers a love story that moves just as fast as the cars on the grid.
Why You Need “Not So Fast” in Your Life:
A Love Story at Full Throttle
Mia Neal has always been passionate about Formula 1, channeling her knowledge into a successful podcast where she isn’t afraid to dish out her brutally honest takes. One driver in particular—British racer Xander Bishop—has been on the receiving end of her sharp critiques, and when her opinions go viral, it lands her a surprising invitation to the Miami Grand Prix.
But Xander isn’t exactly thrilled to meet his outspoken critic. What should be a clash of egos quickly shifts gears into something else entirely when the undeniable chemistry between them threatens to overtake their initial animosity. As their attraction intensifies, Mia finds herself facing a new challenge: can she navigate the fast-paced world of F1 while keeping her heart in check?

Meet the Author: Karen Booth
Karen Booth, a Midwestern native now living in the South, is no stranger to crafting engaging, heartfelt romances. Inspired by ’80s music and countless readings of “Forever” by Judy Blume, Booth has made a name for herself in the romance genre. Married to her own real-life love story, she continues to write swoon-worthy novels that captivate readers with wit, passion, and plenty of sparks.
Pre-Order “Not So Fast” Now
Set to release on May 22, 2025, in both e-book and paperback formats, “Not So Fast” spans 288 pages of fast-paced romance and F1-fueled tension. It will be published by Afterglow Books, which is a publishing series from Mills & Boon. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan or just love a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, this novel promises to keep you hooked from start to finish. For fans of signed editions, Karen Booth has her own online store where she sells signed editions of her previous novels, and we expect “Not So Fast” will be added to that collection; however, signed editions of this forthcoming novel are available from Flyleaf Books.

With the 2025 Formula One season already delivering shocking victories and unexpected twists—such as the dramatic disqualifications of Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly in China due to their cars being underweight, along with Lewis Hamilton who was disqualified for excessive skid wear—”Not So Fast” is the perfect read to keep the adrenaline going off the track. Buckle up—this romance is one wild ride you won’t want to miss!