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Lights Out
Ever since Maddie Michaels was a little girl, she's dreamt about being a racing driver.
When she's signed by Ferrari for her debut into Formula One, the first woman in history to ever do so successfully, it's all too good to be true... Until she meets her teammate Nick Larson.
He's arrogant, infuriating and downright rude, but Maddie is determined to hold her own and prove her worth to the racing heavyweight.
The sparks start flying between them both on and off the track, leading to a passionate and turbulent secret relationship.
Can Maddie blaze a trail for women in motorsports or will the heat of the competition prove too much for her to withstand?
When she's signed by Ferrari for her debut into Formula One, the first woman in history to ever do so successfully, it's all too good to be true... Until she meets her teammate Nick Larson.
He's arrogant, infuriating and downright rude, but Maddie is determined to hold her own and prove her worth to the racing heavyweight.
The sparks start flying between them both on and off the track, leading to a passionate and turbulent secret relationship.
Can Maddie blaze a trail for women in motorsports or will the heat of the competition prove too much for her to withstand?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
72 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Thorne
18 books65 followersUK-born romance writer, filth aficionado and fantasy fanatic. Self-published author of the Hestaesia series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 21, 2024
Lights Out is an enemies to lovers Formula One romance story. Maddie has loved racing her whole life and finally made it to F1. She joins teammate and champion Nick Larson and there are instant sparks but she needs to prove herself and he's not sure she's good enough. The banter between them was fun. It doesn't take long for things to get physical and then feelings get more involved. Can she prove herself? Will their relationship last?
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July 25, 2025“I was let loose in a tiny, motorised go-kart and had never looked back.”
Ever since Maddie Michaels was a little girl, she's dreamt about being a racing driver. When she's signed by Ferrari for her debut into Formula One, the first woman in history to ever do so successfully, it's all too good to be true... Until she meets her teammate Nick Larson. He's arrogant, infuriating and downright rude, but Maddie is determined to hold her own and prove her worth to the racing heavyweight. The sparks start flying between them both on and off the track, leading to a passionate and turbulent secret relationship. Can Maddie blaze a trail for women in motorsports or will the heat of the competition prove too much for her to withstand?
This was a book I came across during a Stuff Your Kindle Day and having been enjoying F1 romances recently, I knew I’d need to give it a go. But unfortunately this did not live up to my expectations and I had to DNF at 31%. The plot has so much promise but the execution is lacking. Something that really got to me was the obvious lack of proofing throughout. I kept coming across spelling errors that jolted me out of the book because my attention was on those and not the unfolding story. There are plenty of misspelled words to the point it became commonplace and as someone who inexplicably always finds them, it was just a bit too distracting. The characters felt too one-dimensional and their chemistry was non-existent. We have a male lead who is too cocky and frankly sexist to be likeable which put me off. I really wanted to like this but I had to stop and step away.
Overall, Lights Out is a book that with some editing and refining, could be quite good.
Ever since Maddie Michaels was a little girl, she's dreamt about being a racing driver. When she's signed by Ferrari for her debut into Formula One, the first woman in history to ever do so successfully, it's all too good to be true... Until she meets her teammate Nick Larson. He's arrogant, infuriating and downright rude, but Maddie is determined to hold her own and prove her worth to the racing heavyweight. The sparks start flying between them both on and off the track, leading to a passionate and turbulent secret relationship. Can Maddie blaze a trail for women in motorsports or will the heat of the competition prove too much for her to withstand?
This was a book I came across during a Stuff Your Kindle Day and having been enjoying F1 romances recently, I knew I’d need to give it a go. But unfortunately this did not live up to my expectations and I had to DNF at 31%. The plot has so much promise but the execution is lacking. Something that really got to me was the obvious lack of proofing throughout. I kept coming across spelling errors that jolted me out of the book because my attention was on those and not the unfolding story. There are plenty of misspelled words to the point it became commonplace and as someone who inexplicably always finds them, it was just a bit too distracting. The characters felt too one-dimensional and their chemistry was non-existent. We have a male lead who is too cocky and frankly sexist to be likeable which put me off. I really wanted to like this but I had to stop and step away.
Overall, Lights Out is a book that with some editing and refining, could be quite good.
May 4, 2025
⭐️4.5🌶️3.5💧0
📗 F1 Drivers
📕 Rivals to Lovers
📘 Strong FMC
📙 Arrogant MMC
📚 Spicy!!
I actually read this book several days ago and totally forgot to post my reviews! Ooops! Hahaha
Can’t say I’ve ever read a book with F1 driving Main Characters! To be completely honest the entire sport is alien to me hahaha But it sure sounds like fun!!! Where do I sign up!?
I adored Maddie and Nick and was rooting for them right from the start! The banter and chemistry was off the chart!
#lightsout #klthorn #penelopeward #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
📗 F1 Drivers
📕 Rivals to Lovers
📘 Strong FMC
📙 Arrogant MMC
📚 Spicy!!
I actually read this book several days ago and totally forgot to post my reviews! Ooops! Hahaha
Can’t say I’ve ever read a book with F1 driving Main Characters! To be completely honest the entire sport is alien to me hahaha But it sure sounds like fun!!! Where do I sign up!?
I adored Maddie and Nick and was rooting for them right from the start! The banter and chemistry was off the chart!
#lightsout #klthorn #penelopeward #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
January 27, 2025
Anyone who reviewed this positively and said they are an F1 fan is lying. Perhaps this book could be enjoyed by someone who is not a Formula One fan. Unfortunately for me, I am. I got about 37 pages in before I could not continue any further. The inaccuracies and blatant misinformation became too much.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
I will now list the issues I have with all 37 pages of this book:
1. In Chapter One, Maddie says she will be the first female to compete in F1 since 1976. This is wrong. In 1980, Desire Wilson won the British Aurora F1 Championship, which is classified as a Formula One race.
2. Ferrari is based in Silverstone. I will not go into depth on this as it should be obvious what the issue is.
3. The garage is said to be full of men and the said men are described as acting "... like they'd never seen a woman before". Ferrari currently have a female driver signed to their F1 Academy team (the goal of F1 Academy is to make it easier for female drivers to make it to Formula One). The Formula One team currently has several women working for them, with Giada Montorsi having held a role as a mechanical engineer since 2013. This is not to say that women are upsettingly sparse in the more traditionally masculine roles within Formula One; however, it seems an affront to ignore all of the work that women such as Giada have done.
4. Ferrari does not have any test drivers other than Maddie participating in the testing session. Maddie is not even an employee of the team at this point. All Formula One teams have at least two test drivers generally.
5. Maddie decides when to begin a pushing lap despite having never raced a Formula One car before;
6. Maddie does not seem to struggle to adapt to the difference between an F2 car and an F1 car. See various recent drivers who have excelled in the junior categories/other series but struggled within an F1 car i.e. Logan Sargeant and Nyck De Vries to name a few recent cases.
7. Maddie gets signed after one testing session. As a rookie. In winter. At Ferrari. Charles Leclerc signing to Ferrari after only being at Sauber for one year was a shock to many within the Formula One world as Ferrari is very unlikely to sign a rookie driver in general, with the last being in 1972 (Arturo Merzario). Also the fact that she is signed after just one testing session is insane, especially to a team of Ferrari's caliber (see Yuki Tsunoda's entire Red Bull 'junior' career). Also, most teams have already signed their drivers for the next year at this point, or at least have a general indication of who will be getting the seat.
8. Maddie is signed without any discussions with her manager and it seems as if her signing were already a decided thing before her SINGLE test driving session.
9. Nick is framed as being rude for suggesting that signing a driver fresh out of F2 to Ferrari isn't a good idea. See points six and seven.
10. The drivers are competing against each other in the first test drive, especially considering Maddie is a rookie and has only driven a Formula One car ONCE before.
11. The race engineers barely seem to talk to the drivers and nobody other than Nick seems to care about a dangerous move that Maddie makes at the end of their fake race to win - it was a practice session. Maddie and Nick were very specifically told not to risk the cars. Yes, Nick did take a risk, which was exceedingly stupid especially for a driver of his supposed caliber plus the fact that it was a testing session and they should not have been competing in the first place. The Team Principal should have had a serious discussion with both drivers following this incident, but he seems to shrug it off and not even mention that anything was wrong.
12. It is seriously unrealistic for any rookie to beat their teammate in their first session driving the car. See point 6 for the struggles changing series' into F1.
13. The Team Principal mentions going over the calendar for the next year as if he has only just received it. Formula One releases the calendar for the next racing year WELL in advance.
14. Maddie comes off as extremely cocksure after "beating" Nick in their practicing session (which, as previously stated is unrealistic). THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RACING IN THEIR FIRST PRACTICE SESSION.
As you can see from the aforementioned points, I chose not to finish this book. Upon looking at the author's instagram page, I noted that she posted an edit saying she was such a fan of the sport that she wrote a book. I find this highly unlikely. She does not even follow any Formula One drivers on instagram nor the official F1 page. Yes, social media is not everything, but if you're posting an edit of the drivers shirtless because you're a fan of the sport you would think you would at least follow their accounts.
Please, if you are a Formula One fan, don't waste your time.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
I will now list the issues I have with all 37 pages of this book:
1. In Chapter One, Maddie says she will be the first female to compete in F1 since 1976. This is wrong. In 1980, Desire Wilson won the British Aurora F1 Championship, which is classified as a Formula One race.
2. Ferrari is based in Silverstone. I will not go into depth on this as it should be obvious what the issue is.
3. The garage is said to be full of men and the said men are described as acting "... like they'd never seen a woman before". Ferrari currently have a female driver signed to their F1 Academy team (the goal of F1 Academy is to make it easier for female drivers to make it to Formula One). The Formula One team currently has several women working for them, with Giada Montorsi having held a role as a mechanical engineer since 2013. This is not to say that women are upsettingly sparse in the more traditionally masculine roles within Formula One; however, it seems an affront to ignore all of the work that women such as Giada have done.
4. Ferrari does not have any test drivers other than Maddie participating in the testing session. Maddie is not even an employee of the team at this point. All Formula One teams have at least two test drivers generally.
5. Maddie decides when to begin a pushing lap despite having never raced a Formula One car before;
6. Maddie does not seem to struggle to adapt to the difference between an F2 car and an F1 car. See various recent drivers who have excelled in the junior categories/other series but struggled within an F1 car i.e. Logan Sargeant and Nyck De Vries to name a few recent cases.
7. Maddie gets signed after one testing session. As a rookie. In winter. At Ferrari. Charles Leclerc signing to Ferrari after only being at Sauber for one year was a shock to many within the Formula One world as Ferrari is very unlikely to sign a rookie driver in general, with the last being in 1972 (Arturo Merzario). Also the fact that she is signed after just one testing session is insane, especially to a team of Ferrari's caliber (see Yuki Tsunoda's entire Red Bull 'junior' career). Also, most teams have already signed their drivers for the next year at this point, or at least have a general indication of who will be getting the seat.
8. Maddie is signed without any discussions with her manager and it seems as if her signing were already a decided thing before her SINGLE test driving session.
9. Nick is framed as being rude for suggesting that signing a driver fresh out of F2 to Ferrari isn't a good idea. See points six and seven.
10. The drivers are competing against each other in the first test drive, especially considering Maddie is a rookie and has only driven a Formula One car ONCE before.
11. The race engineers barely seem to talk to the drivers and nobody other than Nick seems to care about a dangerous move that Maddie makes at the end of their fake race to win - it was a practice session. Maddie and Nick were very specifically told not to risk the cars. Yes, Nick did take a risk, which was exceedingly stupid especially for a driver of his supposed caliber plus the fact that it was a testing session and they should not have been competing in the first place. The Team Principal should have had a serious discussion with both drivers following this incident, but he seems to shrug it off and not even mention that anything was wrong.
12. It is seriously unrealistic for any rookie to beat their teammate in their first session driving the car. See point 6 for the struggles changing series' into F1.
13. The Team Principal mentions going over the calendar for the next year as if he has only just received it. Formula One releases the calendar for the next racing year WELL in advance.
14. Maddie comes off as extremely cocksure after "beating" Nick in their practicing session (which, as previously stated is unrealistic). THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RACING IN THEIR FIRST PRACTICE SESSION.
As you can see from the aforementioned points, I chose not to finish this book. Upon looking at the author's instagram page, I noted that she posted an edit saying she was such a fan of the sport that she wrote a book. I find this highly unlikely. She does not even follow any Formula One drivers on instagram nor the official F1 page. Yes, social media is not everything, but if you're posting an edit of the drivers shirtless because you're a fan of the sport you would think you would at least follow their accounts.
Please, if you are a Formula One fan, don't waste your time.
December 9, 2024
Lights Out is a unique take on the typical Formula One romance book as instead of the MMC being the F1 driver, in Lights Out, both the MMC and FMC are F1 drivers and they are teammates and it makes for a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. 🩷
Once Maddie and Nick got past the "I can't stand you" stage when they first met, they were so cute together and the flirting and banter between them was both so sweet and so funny.
Maddie has had a crush on Nick since she was a teenager as she had his posters on the ceiling of her childhood bedroom and wrote her first name combined with his last name on her books in school was I thought was really cute so I loved when she finally stopped hating him and trying to push him away and realized that she in fact, did have feelings for him.
One of my favorite parts of "Lights Out" was the spicy scene that happens when they're on the plane in chapter five.
These were some of my favorite lines/quotes from "Lights Out":
"I’d thought Nick had been hot when he was acting like a complete d!ckhead, but hearing him proudly stating how impressive he found me? It was too much to handle."
“I’ll see you both there. Try not to k!ll one another in the meantime.” “I can’t promise anything,” Maddie muttered dryly. “He tests me daily.” I frowned at her. “Well, f**k, love you too.”
"It was strange how much I missed the flirtatious banter with Nick now it was gone. I’d never have admitted it before, but I’d grown to enjoy catching his eye, knowing he was checking me out whenever he had the chance."
I love racing and I love romance so this book was perfect for me and I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves not just F1 racing, but motorsports in general as this is a great read. 🙂
Once Maddie and Nick got past the "I can't stand you" stage when they first met, they were so cute together and the flirting and banter between them was both so sweet and so funny.
Maddie has had a crush on Nick since she was a teenager as she had his posters on the ceiling of her childhood bedroom and wrote her first name combined with his last name on her books in school was I thought was really cute so I loved when she finally stopped hating him and trying to push him away and realized that she in fact, did have feelings for him.
One of my favorite parts of "Lights Out" was the spicy scene that happens when they're on the plane in chapter five.
These were some of my favorite lines/quotes from "Lights Out":
"I’d thought Nick had been hot when he was acting like a complete d!ckhead, but hearing him proudly stating how impressive he found me? It was too much to handle."
“I’ll see you both there. Try not to k!ll one another in the meantime.” “I can’t promise anything,” Maddie muttered dryly. “He tests me daily.” I frowned at her. “Well, f**k, love you too.”
"It was strange how much I missed the flirtatious banter with Nick now it was gone. I’d never have admitted it before, but I’d grown to enjoy catching his eye, knowing he was checking me out whenever he had the chance."
I love racing and I love romance so this book was perfect for me and I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves not just F1 racing, but motorsports in general as this is a great read. 🙂
December 2, 2024
Can a woman be a worthy contender?
Maddie has been racing for years but Formula One has always been the ultimate dream. She worked her way up in Formula Two and wad a six time champion. When Ferrari's driver enter retirement she is finally given a shot to see if she can compete with the big boys.
Maddie makes an impression and gets added to the team however, her partner doesn't believe she can keep up. A woman hasn't raced in Formula One for a very long time and they have never earned points let alone a championship.
Nick is sure she will bring down the Ferrari name but when she proves she isn't going to drag the team down he is forced to rethink his stance. Of course he also wouldn't mind getting in her pants either.
Follow Maddie and Nick during the season and discover how she can prove she isn't just a pretty face. She us hard working and determined to show that a woman can keep up.
This book was so fun to read. I know nothing about formula one racing but was able to easily follow and understand the races as well as the challenges Maddie faced. Finding a way to pave the future for female drivers.
Of course the spicy stuff is a plus for having a female driver. Being able to cultivate a relationship while keeping it private is important because she wants to rely only on her own skills.
I always love when the FMC is strong and proves she can stand on her own. She doesn't expect to be treated with a softer touch just because she is a woman. She works twice as hard to overcome the challenges of being smaller and not as strong as her male counterparts.
Maddie has been racing for years but Formula One has always been the ultimate dream. She worked her way up in Formula Two and wad a six time champion. When Ferrari's driver enter retirement she is finally given a shot to see if she can compete with the big boys.
Maddie makes an impression and gets added to the team however, her partner doesn't believe she can keep up. A woman hasn't raced in Formula One for a very long time and they have never earned points let alone a championship.
Nick is sure she will bring down the Ferrari name but when she proves she isn't going to drag the team down he is forced to rethink his stance. Of course he also wouldn't mind getting in her pants either.
Follow Maddie and Nick during the season and discover how she can prove she isn't just a pretty face. She us hard working and determined to show that a woman can keep up.
This book was so fun to read. I know nothing about formula one racing but was able to easily follow and understand the races as well as the challenges Maddie faced. Finding a way to pave the future for female drivers.
Of course the spicy stuff is a plus for having a female driver. Being able to cultivate a relationship while keeping it private is important because she wants to rely only on her own skills.
I always love when the FMC is strong and proves she can stand on her own. She doesn't expect to be treated with a softer touch just because she is a woman. She works twice as hard to overcome the challenges of being smaller and not as strong as her male counterparts.
November 25, 2024
This was a fun story that I enjoyed reading. I really liked how Maddie was a driver and seeing her compete in the F1 season. Most of the time the FMC is a part of the team but not in the main driver role, so I enjoyed the switch up of having a female driver included and having her do really well.
The technical / racing parts of the books were described pretty well and in detail which I appreciated. One thing that kept throwing me off was that it seemed like Ferrari was based in England since they lived in London and did testing / team HQ at and around Silverstone. I understand that sometimes things like that could be changed to fit the story or for other reasons, but since Ferrari is such an iconic Italian team it was a tad confusing at first.
I also wish we maybe got to know a bit more about the characters outside of their relationship, or just to see their relationship grow a little more. Obviously since they were trying to hide their relationship since they were teammates they couldn't just go out on dates all the time in public, but I felt like we only really saw them during races and then hidden away in a bedroom together. It kinda felt a tad rushed with them getting together and then next thing we know they've got strong feelings for each other. I would have enjoyed maybe seeing them talk more / get to know more about each other so we could get to know them better as well.
But overall it was a fun and lighthearted read that I enjoyed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The technical / racing parts of the books were described pretty well and in detail which I appreciated. One thing that kept throwing me off was that it seemed like Ferrari was based in England since they lived in London and did testing / team HQ at and around Silverstone. I understand that sometimes things like that could be changed to fit the story or for other reasons, but since Ferrari is such an iconic Italian team it was a tad confusing at first.
I also wish we maybe got to know a bit more about the characters outside of their relationship, or just to see their relationship grow a little more. Obviously since they were trying to hide their relationship since they were teammates they couldn't just go out on dates all the time in public, but I felt like we only really saw them during races and then hidden away in a bedroom together. It kinda felt a tad rushed with them getting together and then next thing we know they've got strong feelings for each other. I would have enjoyed maybe seeing them talk more / get to know more about each other so we could get to know them better as well.
But overall it was a fun and lighthearted read that I enjoyed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I think I know way more about race cars than I ever wanted to know, but I like all the information that Ms. Thorne provides readers. This book is not just about race cars. It's about the racers. Two racers in particular. Maddie Michaels has finally made it to the big stage. Formula One racing. She is the only woman racing in Formula One. This is the dream she has been fighting for her whole life. Will her dreams of being a champion come true? With Ferrari behind her, the sky is the limit. Maddie is not one to back down from a fight. When her arrogant teammate, Nick Larson, jumps on the "no woman can survive in Formula One" team, Maddie is quick to put him in his place. Literally and figuratively. I loved Maddie.
Nick has been racing for a while and is the cream of the crop. No one is going to come and take his place, especially not a woman. Maddie Michaels can definitely do something for him but not just on the track. He is going to have to show Maddie her place. This headstrong woman is going to give Nick a run for his money. Things get hot and steamy off the track as well. Can these two keep their feelings out of it? This book was so good. Ms. Thorne knows how to write a book that lures readers in. So much so that you don't want the story to end. Loved, loved, loved this race track love story.
Nick has been racing for a while and is the cream of the crop. No one is going to come and take his place, especially not a woman. Maddie Michaels can definitely do something for him but not just on the track. He is going to have to show Maddie her place. This headstrong woman is going to give Nick a run for his money. Things get hot and steamy off the track as well. Can these two keep their feelings out of it? This book was so good. Ms. Thorne knows how to write a book that lures readers in. So much so that you don't want the story to end. Loved, loved, loved this race track love story.
November 30, 2024
🏎️🏁 Lights Out ARC Review 🏁🏎️
Thank you so much to KL Thorne for the opportunity to read and review this book!!
Lights Out is a contemporary romance centered around Formula One racing. Maddie has been dreaming about being a race car driver ever since she was a child. Now at 26, she has the opportunity to live her dream and become a driver on the Formula One Ferrari team. But when she meets her new teammate, Nick, she doesn’t get the warm welcome she expected from someone she’s idolized for years
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed Maddie as a character and I loved her strength in this story. Nick was a good match for her and I really liked their relationship in this book. I enjoyed the Formula One environment of this book and thought this was a fun story overall. There was a smidge of a miscommunication between the characters, which isn’t usually my jam - but that’s a “me” issue and definitely not a book issue
Overall this was a fun four star read! I really liked their relationship characters and their story! This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had some good spicy scenes throughout the book, so overall three flames for spice
If you’re a fan of sports romance with strong characters, workplace rivals and fun banter, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to KL Thorne for the opportunity to read and review this book!!
Lights Out is a contemporary romance centered around Formula One racing. Maddie has been dreaming about being a race car driver ever since she was a child. Now at 26, she has the opportunity to live her dream and become a driver on the Formula One Ferrari team. But when she meets her new teammate, Nick, she doesn’t get the warm welcome she expected from someone she’s idolized for years
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed Maddie as a character and I loved her strength in this story. Nick was a good match for her and I really liked their relationship in this book. I enjoyed the Formula One environment of this book and thought this was a fun story overall. There was a smidge of a miscommunication between the characters, which isn’t usually my jam - but that’s a “me” issue and definitely not a book issue
Overall this was a fun four star read! I really liked their relationship characters and their story! This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had some good spicy scenes throughout the book, so overall three flames for spice
If you’re a fan of sports romance with strong characters, workplace rivals and fun banter, then absolutely pick this one up!
December 4, 2024
When I heard the author behind the Hestaesia series was writing a contemporary F1 racing romance, I knew I needed to get in on that. I knew nothing about racing before this story, but now I kind of feel like an expert. The amount of research and insider info in here is an accomplishment on its own. However, this one blew me away. Maddie is determined to succeed as a female F1 driver, and when she is signed to Ferrari, her idol becomes her teammate. Nick is arrogant and a playboy, but they are drawn to each other despite their rivalry. Keeping their fiery antics secret while zipping all over the world to compete gives this a forbidden love vibe. The nerves this one put me through! The scenes are so detailed that I felt like I was in the car with them. Watching Maddie climb the scoreboard as the season flew by, I was riveted. The ending was amazing, and Nick's idea of celebrating was perfect. Hands down, what a great read! Thorne is one of my favorite fantasy authors, but she is also topping my contemporary list now, too!
January 5, 2025
📕BOOK REVIEW📕
I came across this book when it was stuff your kindle day, and I’m honestly sooooo glad I did. I read this in pretty much one sitting.
Maddie is the first female F1 driver in 40 years, and Ferrari snap her up. Everyone is excited to see what she can bring to the sport, except her teammate: world champion, Nick Larson. It’s not that she’s a woman which has him in tatters, it’s the fact she could challenge him on future world titles.
I’ve read a few F1 romances and this is hands down the best one; it’s actually very technical and I loved that the author mirrored real teams and places. If you’re a F1 fan (like I am) then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how realistic it is. The descriptions and the pace was written exceptionally well.
If you’re not a F1 enthusiast, you will be by the end of this book.
Maddie was honestly total bad ass!! She challenged Nick sooo much-not only in the car but in the bedroom. She knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid to tell him. I loved how strong she was and being a woman in a male dominated sport, she totally owned it. There were chauvinistic and sexist comments made towards her, but she stood up for herself. What I enjoyed most though was how Nick didn’t stand by and let people treat her disrespectfully.
Nick, ex-playboy, totally gone for Maddie was just HOT. He fell hard and fast for her and who could blame him? Usually I obsess over the MMC’s, but Maddie steals the show 🤣
This book is honestly just so blooming good. I’ve been told by @k.l.thorne that there is a novella coming with another female driver and I am eager to get my eyes on it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I came across this book when it was stuff your kindle day, and I’m honestly sooooo glad I did. I read this in pretty much one sitting.
Maddie is the first female F1 driver in 40 years, and Ferrari snap her up. Everyone is excited to see what she can bring to the sport, except her teammate: world champion, Nick Larson. It’s not that she’s a woman which has him in tatters, it’s the fact she could challenge him on future world titles.
I’ve read a few F1 romances and this is hands down the best one; it’s actually very technical and I loved that the author mirrored real teams and places. If you’re a F1 fan (like I am) then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how realistic it is. The descriptions and the pace was written exceptionally well.
If you’re not a F1 enthusiast, you will be by the end of this book.
Maddie was honestly total bad ass!! She challenged Nick sooo much-not only in the car but in the bedroom. She knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid to tell him. I loved how strong she was and being a woman in a male dominated sport, she totally owned it. There were chauvinistic and sexist comments made towards her, but she stood up for herself. What I enjoyed most though was how Nick didn’t stand by and let people treat her disrespectfully.
Nick, ex-playboy, totally gone for Maddie was just HOT. He fell hard and fast for her and who could blame him? Usually I obsess over the MMC’s, but Maddie steals the show 🤣
This book is honestly just so blooming good. I’ve been told by @k.l.thorne that there is a novella coming with another female driver and I am eager to get my eyes on it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 28, 2024
Lights Out is a Formula One racing story.
This was my first time reading a story with this sport involved. I was not disappointed. The instant chemistry between Maddie and Nick was off the charts. It does have its spicy moments, but the banter and the sexual tension between them was the best part.
Nick needed to be put in his place early on in the book because he was arrogant to a fault. He is a great racer, but he doesn't need to be so arrogant with his team mates. However, he does get better as the story goes on, so I didn't really mind his attitude. Maddie is a very strong and determined individual. She is one of the very few female F1 racers and she takes this very seriously. She really puts her dreams in the forefront of her mind and I admired her determination and dedication.
This was another great addition to the K.L. Thorne book catalogue. She is an instant read for me and this is a good one to get start with.
This was my first time reading a story with this sport involved. I was not disappointed. The instant chemistry between Maddie and Nick was off the charts. It does have its spicy moments, but the banter and the sexual tension between them was the best part.
Nick needed to be put in his place early on in the book because he was arrogant to a fault. He is a great racer, but he doesn't need to be so arrogant with his team mates. However, he does get better as the story goes on, so I didn't really mind his attitude. Maddie is a very strong and determined individual. She is one of the very few female F1 racers and she takes this very seriously. She really puts her dreams in the forefront of her mind and I admired her determination and dedication.
This was another great addition to the K.L. Thorne book catalogue. She is an instant read for me and this is a good one to get start with.
November 26, 2024
Oh buddy, here we go as an American reading a British centric romance. Did you know they spell tyre with a y? After you read this Formula One romance, you will. Once I got myself a basic understanding of some of the finer British slang, I was rolling over the banter between characters. We have a classic enemies/rivals to lovers situation, and I for one was very happy that we did not stay enemies for long. Points for a fast burn. I was ready to hate Nick Larson for a good bit but I am glad he didn't turn out to be a dud. 3rd act break ups will keep you from a five star review but I get that they happen a lot. The spice in this book was spice-ing. Sneaky scenes in public, escandelo. Who wouldn't relate to ripped off boob tape after a night in formal wear? And missing knickers???? Just great banter between the characters. I loved that I also got good world building and a coherent plot with good pacing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks Book Sirens!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks Book Sirens!
March 18, 2025
I loved Lights Out! I adored both Maddie and Nick. I loved how passionate and competitive they were for their sport and how that translated into their romantic relationship. Maddie was the epitome of an idol for women and i love how she was written to really make a mark for female athletes and the courage and grit she had, you couldn’t help but adore her. Nick was a bit prickly at first and some of his comments made me go oh gosh but Maddie showed him that she could dominate as could any other woman. I ended up really liking Nick too once you go to know him and you saw how much he cared about Maddie and loved his sport. I loved seeing their relationship progress and that last race scene! Hot!
November 14, 2024
When I started reading this I had no idea it was going to be so spicy?? (not that I mind, I just didn't check the trigger warnings). I finished this in two days - I love that it's an easy read, the storytelling was light, it made me giggle and squirm! However, I missed a deeper insight into the main characters' evolving feelings and more dialogue, most of the time it was just about what everyone was doing. I think this book could easily be a couple hundred pages longer, to kind of build a deeper relationship.
Thank you to Booksirens for my first ARC read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Booksirens for my first ARC read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2024
Maddie and Nick
I was so hooked in this story and it was so much fun
FMC is Maddie who is a kick ass car racer aswell as being the first female in F1 in a very long time .. aswell there is lot of pressure on her but she thrives of the press though
MMC is Nick that just got his poor feelings hurts because of the new teammate is a female that is better than him aswell as has a higher place on the team than him ...
But don't stress, he does eventually grows on Maddie than slowly on you
This book was so much intense which I love it ! I love the chemistry that us between Mafdie and Nick which was just beautiful....can't forget the spice ... oof ...
I was so hooked in this story and it was so much fun
FMC is Maddie who is a kick ass car racer aswell as being the first female in F1 in a very long time .. aswell there is lot of pressure on her but she thrives of the press though
MMC is Nick that just got his poor feelings hurts because of the new teammate is a female that is better than him aswell as has a higher place on the team than him ...
But don't stress, he does eventually grows on Maddie than slowly on you
This book was so much intense which I love it ! I love the chemistry that us between Mafdie and Nick which was just beautiful....can't forget the spice ... oof ...
April 30, 2025
I loved going to the race track when I was a kid, so this was right up my alley! It was clearly well researched and it was well written.
Nick and Maddie are teammates, but they’re also competitors, which adds to the sparks between these two.
Nick is a cocky alpha male, and Maddie is a female in a male dominated sport, which means she just has that much more to prove!
This storyline is a great mix is spice and sport. As the reader we are
completely drawn in as things heat up, on and off the track.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Highly recommend!
Nick and Maddie are teammates, but they’re also competitors, which adds to the sparks between these two.
Nick is a cocky alpha male, and Maddie is a female in a male dominated sport, which means she just has that much more to prove!
This storyline is a great mix is spice and sport. As the reader we are
completely drawn in as things heat up, on and off the track.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Highly recommend!
May 28, 2025
As an F1 fan it was great to read a book with a female racing! Throughly enjoyed this book. There was loads of feels and the characters were great. Maddie is the first female to race in F1 in forever and she joins Nick, the four time world champion at Ferrari. Nick is not impressed that a woman has been signed to join him, but his attitude soon changes when he sees how good she is on the track. Almost beating him on her first try. They then go very quickly from enemies to lovers but as they are team mates have to keep it a secret. Things take a turn when she finds out he’s a womaniser. This was a really sweet story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
Maddie has just moved from F2 to Formula 1, and after a bad first encounter with her new partner, Nick Larson, she wants to prove everyone that she's the best even more.
Maddie is a great character: driven, with a good work ethic and really smart.
Nick starts being the typical superstar sure of himself but he evolves alongside the challenges he faces.
I loved both the evolution of Maddie and Nick's relationship and the situation they both have to deal with.
I had a great time reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maddie is a great character: driven, with a good work ethic and really smart.
Nick starts being the typical superstar sure of himself but he evolves alongside the challenges he faces.
I loved both the evolution of Maddie and Nick's relationship and the situation they both have to deal with.
I had a great time reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2024
So good!!!
Gah, I loved everything about this book. Fierce FMCs are my catnip, and Maddie fit the bill perfectly.
She came into a predominantly male world and showed them not only could she handle herself, but all the sexist, negativity that came with it, including her new teammate.
I love it when the MMC falls first, especially when they are a notorious playboy. Nick didn't stand a chance on or off the course when it came to Maddie.
These two were perfect together once they got out of their own way. Not to mention deliciously spicy!
Gah, I loved everything about this book. Fierce FMCs are my catnip, and Maddie fit the bill perfectly.
She came into a predominantly male world and showed them not only could she handle herself, but all the sexist, negativity that came with it, including her new teammate.
I love it when the MMC falls first, especially when they are a notorious playboy. Nick didn't stand a chance on or off the course when it came to Maddie.
These two were perfect together once they got out of their own way. Not to mention deliciously spicy!
August 23, 2025
Racing + Romance = Perfection
This book had me hooked from the first lap! Even if you don’t know Formula One, the racing is exciting, easy to follow, and blends seamlessly with the romance.
Maddie is a fierce, determined heroine breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, and Nick is the cocky playboy teammate who underestimates her—until she proves she’s unstoppable. The sparks between them are off the charts, their banter addictive, and the spice? Delicious.
If you love sports romance with rivals-to-lovers tension, a strong FMC, and a hero who falls hard, this book is a must-read!
This book had me hooked from the first lap! Even if you don’t know Formula One, the racing is exciting, easy to follow, and blends seamlessly with the romance.
Maddie is a fierce, determined heroine breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, and Nick is the cocky playboy teammate who underestimates her—until she proves she’s unstoppable. The sparks between them are off the charts, their banter addictive, and the spice? Delicious.
If you love sports romance with rivals-to-lovers tension, a strong FMC, and a hero who falls hard, this book is a must-read!
September 2, 2025
2⭐️
I can understand if you liked this book if you are not a F1 fan or don’t really follow the sport. But there are so many inaccurate things in this book when it comes to the excusal racing part. Things that would make some or most of the things that happen in the book impossible. Like when Nick had us crash in the rain because of the DRS. Or that Maddie was preforming just a good as Nick in the testing sessions.
I also felt like the book was ended in a hurry. Like does Nick go back to racing or not. Because I don’t think that Sergio would want them on the same team.
I can understand if you liked this book if you are not a F1 fan or don’t really follow the sport. But there are so many inaccurate things in this book when it comes to the excusal racing part. Things that would make some or most of the things that happen in the book impossible. Like when Nick had us crash in the rain because of the DRS. Or that Maddie was preforming just a good as Nick in the testing sessions.
I also felt like the book was ended in a hurry. Like does Nick go back to racing or not. Because I don’t think that Sergio would want them on the same team.
October 29, 2024
Vroooom, I sped through this book.
I absolutely adored the characters. The FMC, being the first female in F1 in a long time, obviously has a lot of pressure, but she thrives off this pressure.
The MMC whilst butt hurt at having a new teammate, and it being a girl was expected. But he grows on you.
The plot was intense, the twists were twisting and the spice was spicing.
Thank you K.L. for writing yet another awesome book.
I absolutely adored the characters. The FMC, being the first female in F1 in a long time, obviously has a lot of pressure, but she thrives off this pressure.
The MMC whilst butt hurt at having a new teammate, and it being a girl was expected. But he grows on you.
The plot was intense, the twists were twisting and the spice was spicing.
Thank you K.L. for writing yet another awesome book.
November 28, 2024
This is my first Formula 1 book i’ve read and wowwww!!! NICK freaking LARSON🥵 yes m’am. I absolutely loved his character the entire way through the book. He is such a man😂 And i was so proud of the FMC Maddie. My girl really did that thing! I feel like a very proud bestfriend😁 My bestie races even tho i’m not much into it and Maddie reminded me of her! Definitely a good short read. There were a few typo’s but other than that the book itself and the characters are amazing. I recommend reading.
December 3, 2024
The Rookie
When Maddie gets signed as the new Rookie for the team, sparks fly. Nick is a little upset. He's convinced a woman could never be as good as a man. Then, of course, there's the attraction. Maddie is hot and Nick is her crush. Can they work together for the good of the team? This will get your engine revving in more ways than one. K.L. has added the spice, the tension, the racing, and an undeniable love to go with it all.
When Maddie gets signed as the new Rookie for the team, sparks fly. Nick is a little upset. He's convinced a woman could never be as good as a man. Then, of course, there's the attraction. Maddie is hot and Nick is her crush. Can they work together for the good of the team? This will get your engine revving in more ways than one. K.L. has added the spice, the tension, the racing, and an undeniable love to go with it all.
January 12, 2025
This was simply a cute and spicy read - great palate cleanser.
Even though I felt that the main characters got together relatively quickly, I did see and believe their love story develop genuinely. There's also surprisingly a lot of action/driving scenes which was great as it kept me hooked. Also can't go wrong with a strong and fierce FMC who knows her worth.
Would read again. Keen for the next in the series!
Overall rating: 4/5
Even though I felt that the main characters got together relatively quickly, I did see and believe their love story develop genuinely. There's also surprisingly a lot of action/driving scenes which was great as it kept me hooked. Also can't go wrong with a strong and fierce FMC who knows her worth.
Would read again. Keen for the next in the series!
Overall rating: 4/5
November 27, 2024
Two words...thrilling and hot!!
I loved this book so much. It was exciting from the word go, every detail making me feel like I'm in the driving seat.
I loved that the main character was a woman, in Formula 1 racing to boot.
The story had me chuckling, getting hot under the collar, sad and miffed at the characters🤣.
It has all the feels with a fast paced, action packed, hot read. Loved it ❤️❤️
I loved this book so much. It was exciting from the word go, every detail making me feel like I'm in the driving seat.
I loved that the main character was a woman, in Formula 1 racing to boot.
The story had me chuckling, getting hot under the collar, sad and miffed at the characters🤣.
It has all the feels with a fast paced, action packed, hot read. Loved it ❤️❤️
December 1, 2024
Lights Out is one of my first Formula 1 books that I have read and let me say… Maddie and Nick😍 I was so hooked with both characters the whole time! I loved this book so much! Being a racer myself it was everything I could imagine but can Maddie prove herself?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2024
I am absolutely obsessed with KL’s series Hestaesia and I was so bummed it ended. However, this book almost made up for it. I loved it so freaking much!! I read it all in one day which is unusual with my ADHD 🤪
Maddie and Nick are perfection and I loved their relationship in this story. Their character development together was written so well.
Also, go girls 😜 💪🏼
Maddie and Nick are perfection and I loved their relationship in this story. Their character development together was written so well.
Also, go girls 😜 💪🏼
December 16, 2024
A great enjoyable read that is centered around the race track and Maddie wanting to make a name for herself in Formula One Racing. Her teammate Nick is not very impressed with her inclusion in the team but Maddie soon shows the reasons why she was included. The spice and steam between these two is of the charts and it makes for very interesting “working” environment. Well worth the read.
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