Conquering

DRS #2

by Ana Balen

Lance Berg is my father’s protege. We share a secret.

We can’t stand each other.

But we also can’t stop falling in bed every chance we get.

The day I met a rising star, in the Formula One world, he was acting like he was king of the world. He was strutting around expecting all to fall on their knees at the sight of him, and I was over, cocky and overconfident, drivers that surrounded me. He was gorgeous. Hands down, the most beautiful man I’ve seen in my life. And after a hard conversation with my father, I did one thing he drilled in me not to do. I took the driver to bed.

It’s the start of a new season, but drivers never change.

Coupled with the, sizzling, pull that’s still between us, it only brings one thing to the surface. But, the more we fight, the more the memories of that night that taunt me.

Then he sees me with his biggest rival, and everything changes.

One time, one night, we go our separate ways, and no one can find out.

Especially not my father.

Then the tension, in the Formula One season, rises. The stakes get higher. The more pressure we’re under, the more we need each other.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Ana Balen was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where she still lives with her husband, their son (read boss!) and the son’s pet rabbit named Shhh! (or some other gibberish that’s the favorite of their son for the day.)
She spends her days driving her husband up the wall (when he can’t get her ass up from the bed in the mornings), reading and daydreaming, or following orders from a two-year old. In the hectic life she leads (and loves every second of it), she never thought about writing. But, then one day a name popped in her head, then, the snippets of things, and she sat down and started typing. Next thing, she wrote a book. And now, she’s trying to write another one ;)

Reviews

[✨Zoraida✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the DRS series.

A second chance story between Lance and Jess, we find out what happened to them last season. There is a lot of tension between these two and we find it why.

Jess has trust issues because of her parents and because of that, she decides that it was best for her to leave Lance. However, months later, Lance is still pinning on her and decided that he wants her because he loves her.

There are moments when there is bickering between them and it makes the tension between them hot. Even though Jess tried to deny that what the had was real, Lance made her choose, him or her insecurities and her father.

It took Jess some time to come around and understand that all her insecurities and her father would not dictate her or what she really wants. She decided that what she wants is Lance.

I loved how protective and in love Lance is with Jess and how at the end they got the HEA that they finally deserved.

If you love these tropes, this book is for you!

🏎️ Enemies-to-lovers

🏎️ Workplace romance

🏎️ Formula One romance

🏎️ He falls first

🏎️ Second chance

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read many F1 romance stories, and my knowledge of the sport is limited. The ones I have read have been heavy on F1 and not enough on romance and spice. Author Ana Balen solves this for me in her recent release, Conquering, which is Lance and Jess’s story. And for those following this series, it’s Book 2.

I’m all about pacing, and just like race car driving. Lance and Jess’s romance was paced well. I liked Jess’s involvement in the sport as a reporter and could understand her challenges with her father. Lance and Jess share similar struggles influenced by the sport, which I found interesting.

I liked how Conquering ended and felt that Jess was in a much healthier place.

[Denisa Podea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to know Lance better was such a pleasure, it was his time in this book and he was perfect. I love how supportive he is, I love how he doesn’t like when Jess tries to make excuses. He is purely honest and knows exactly what he wants. But is it Jess ready for that? Well, you just have to read the book and find out.
As for Jess, I think I imagined her more bolder and stronger from the previous book. But considering that we get to know more about how she grew up I can understand why she would make the choices she made.
But I personally enjoyed it very much. We have the F1 world, we have some complicated family dynamics, they have chemistry, a looot of spice and true friendships that are rare. Let’s just say its a great book!

[Kaitlyn Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✩ Conquering is a second chance romance between Jess and Lance. In this book we get to know what happened between these two last season, all the longing and tension, and more drama in the F1 world!

I loved Jess and Lance! They had so much tension and longing that I’ve come to love from a second chance. Jess has issues thanks to her parents but I adored how she worked to trust Lance because they both deserved to be happy. She’s a badass and he knows this and I loved how he fully supported her in whatever she wanted to do. Plus he was protective and possessive in a way that was swoon worthy.

As a bonus to their story we got to see Ian and Lola again and I adored how great they were at being the best friends and the kind of role reversal. There were other relationships that I came to like and others I came to loathe but I’m happy where they all reached.

This book was so good, easy to read, and a great addition to this series and if you want a F1 romance I definitely recommend giving this a chance!

🏎️ enemies to lovers
💙 second chance
🏎️ formula one
💙 he falls first
🏎️ workplace
💙 secret dating

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in this series and it was great to go back to this formula one racing world. This is only my second ever formula one racing books so I’m new to this world.

This is Lance and Jess’s story. These two have crossed paths for some time and always kept it casual. But when casual isn’t enough anymore can these two still support each other career choices without dulling each other’s stars?

I like Lance and Jess connection their personalities are a lot alike and their commitment to their goals and dreams is passion worthy. They have a lot of growing up to do. And some big decision to make but watching them do it was so rewarding. These two are spicy and feisty and such a match for each other.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Lance's story and am pleased with his story. This book has all the feels and will pull you in from the very first chapter. Jess and Lance
f!ghting against their feelings for one another only hurt themselves. The push and pull between them makes you wonder if this will be the time they finally give in to the chemistry between them. I loved how Lance always made it known to her that she would always come first. Due to her past, it's a struggle for her to believe. Can they conquer their fears and finally be together? Or, will they lose it all in the end? I highly recommend Conquering if you enjoy an amazing sports story. If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. Ana Balen created another phenomenal story. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an incredible ride I was on. I couldn’t put Jess and Lance’s story down. I’m a huge fan of F1 racing and especially in books. Their chemistry was on fire. Absolutely loved them together. I do love an enemy to lovers story. Ana had me hooked from the very beginning until the end. The writing flowed and their story had be captivated from the first page. Highly recommend this story.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquer - "means to overcome or defeat an enemy, obstacle, or feeling, either through force or by gaining control through great effort."
And that is exactly what Jess and Lance have to do throughout the entirety of their story. Not conquer everything in their way, but learn that they need to work everyday to practice conquering their fears to stay together.
Banter is good, the romance is fast and hot, the tension is high and formula as a sport is under a lot of pressure and drama this season. So as these two come to terms with what they want will they become the champions of their own tale. Give it a read to find out now.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had just the right mix of growth, tension, and chemistry. The characters had a lot to learn and tough choices to make, but watching their journey unfold was so satisfying.

[Allie Koval · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new F1 fan in the past couple years, this story was a fun one to read. I have been looking forward to Jess and Lance's story since I could sense the tension in Homecoming (DRS book 1). They didnt disappoint.
I truly recommend this to anyone who loves F1 & a great romance book. 💙

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow , what a read . If Homecoming was the warming first lap around the race track then Conquering is the whole F1 race. Needles to say I read it in one sitting . And it was the fastest reading I ever did on a novel . About the time for a Formula 1 race plus the press conference after it . And I loved it. Jess and Lance were pure fire together. Both strong willed professionals they broke each other choosing the job instead of the love and their hearts. Their journey to happiness was a difficult and bumpy one but they both had to learn to choose themselves first and then each other. And they were unstoppable. Loved the friendship and the bromance between Lance and Ian . Those two knew from the start where their loyalty is. But I was in awe of that fierce girls group that took over and ruled their part of that world. Sienna, Lola and Jess were a force to be reckoned and were unstoppable. And when Sienna got to the top she shaked the F1 world. Jess took by storm the media world and along with Lola they took their spots in it and Lance and Ian were along with them for the ride . That finale was epic and that happily ever after was well deserved and a work in progress that Lance and Jess wasn't scared to do . I loved their story but now I need Sienna's story and I'm curious who will claim her heart .

Thanks to Ana Balen for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book .

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 is the second book in the DRS series by Ana Balen, featuring a high-octane second chance, Formula One romance for Lance and Jess with some fiery enemies to lovers vibes. This author was new to me, but I love F1 romances, so I went back and read the first book quickly to get the lay of the land, before diving in. I enjoyed the angst and obvious chemistry between Lance and Jess, mired by a forbidden aspect and her emotional hangups and family issues. Lance was a man who knew what he wanted. I felt his passion on and off the track as he fought for the checkered flag and his lady. Jess faced many of the obstacles women do in male-dominated arenas as an F1 reporter, but it was fun to watch her evolve over time. Their romance was a great blend of sassy, sweet, and spice. Man, the F1 world here was full of exciting drama, but it was the amazing friendships that kept it all together and provided the support that every fictional world needs. The girl squad trio of Jess, Lola, and Sienna was a high point for me, as they brought both the witty banter I love, but also a quiet strength and power that was inspirational. Women supporting women can move mountains. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. My opinions are my own, and are freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5

[Stacey Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book the DRS series and we caught glimpses of Jess and Lance throughout the first book. Jess is a formula 1 reporter but feels like the only reason she has the job is due to her father. She feels like she is getting pushed out.. Lance is thriving winning races but he is in his head can't stop thinking about Jess and her walking away from him. I loved Lance's character is sweet, honest and know what he wants but doesn't push her. He is ready to claim her but she has to make the choice, Jess on the other hand is all up in her head, she struggles with falling in line with her father or becoming liker her mother. She has never had someone just put her first and even though she knows deep down Lance is doing that she freaks every time they get close. This book will pull you in and the push and pull with keep you enthralled even when you want to just scream at Jess to pick him. It was fast paced and the characters had great growth. I devoured it. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and Jess hate each other, but they didn’t until Jess called everything off. Jess remembered what her father said, and she didn’t want to end up like her mother.
Lance knows that Jess ruined him when she left, this year he has to be on the top of his game, he can’t have distractions, but Jess is a distraction he doesn’t want to get rid of.
Lance lets Jess know exactly how he feels, exactly what he wants and then lets Jess decide.
Jess has been told the same thing all her life, stay away from racers, but Lance puts her first every single time, he’s the only person that does. Lance let her know what he wants but that she has to be the one to come to him, he won’t survive it again.
Jess doesn’t hear from Lance, but she does here from her father who lets her know what he did. Jess is tired of the way things are and when her friends give her an idea for her future, an idea that also reminds her of Lance, she realises that he didn’t walk away he was still waiting for her, but is he still there.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️. 5

Ana is new to me and I was very happy with her book. I love Formula 1, so really enjoyed this one. As I understood all the terms etc relating to the sport. Ana did well with all her knowledge regarding Formula One.
This was Lance Berg and Jess Vaughn’s story. Second chance and forbidden tropes.
I loved that Lance as all in and he would love to have her back. It was Jess that walked away because of who her dad as and because she was a formula 1 reporter.
Jesse has attachment and trust iues due to her parents. Doesn't help her father was a famous retired driver. He had heavy influence in the sport and her life.
Until she can walk away from his toxic grip she will never be free.
They had a lot of push and pull and heart ache. They had a lot to work through aswell as learn.
It was hard to watch her ruin things over and over again due to fear. Will she ever be able to love freely? Will they both be able to weather the storm and conquer it all?
Fantastic group of friends with banter show of support, love, plenty of driving action and some spice.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A formula one read about fighting for yourself and believing in love that just makes your heart sing! Lance Berg is just the dreamiest, not once giving up on getting the girl, making her see how in love with her he is, or how she will always come before anyone and anything else and you literally cannot help but completely melt. And no one deserves that kind of love more than Jess who’s been a pawn in her dad’s game for control, an after thought for the mom who left her behind and always doubted by the male dominated race world no matter how top notch her reporting is. Just a really great and honest read about love being both of you choosing it every single day, taking that leap of faith and leaving behind the people who make you doubt yourself, and finally putting what, or who, makes you happy first.

[Leslie Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Formula One book and I really enjoyed it. I loved learning some of the ins and outs of this world. Lance and Jess have a history that they’ve kept hidden from everyone around them. Jess comes from a complicated family so I understood her being afraid to let her relationship with Lance be known.

I loved that he refused to let anything dull her career. The Formula One world can be unforgiving and he wasn’t about to let anything or anyone get in her way. Throughout the book, Lance was so sweet with Jess. When they were together (and weren’t fighting), both of them could let their guards down. Overall, this was a really fun read!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquering is Lance Berg and Jess Vaughn’s enemies to lovers story and it’s book two in the DRS Series. I haven’t read a lot by this author but I was captivated by this one and it wasn’t long before I became invested in the characters and their story.
From the moment this couple meet sparks fly and not always in a good way. There’s a fine line between love and hate and it’s not long before Lance and Jess realise the sizzling chemistry they share is a great starting point for so much more.
This is an entertaining and engaging story with characters that I believed in.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports romance
secret dating
Second Chance
WORk place Romance
F1 racing
enemies to lovers
He falls first

Wow, I devoured this book! This is book two on the race track! I loved getting to know Lance better. Love how unapologetically honest he is. And he knows what he wants and he wants Jess. Their chemistry was hot, the angst on point. Jess has baggage with family issues and emotional hangups and she struggles in the relationship. She’s never had anyone put her first and she gets in her own head.
Lance has passion on and off the track. Love seeing the side of lance.
The girls squad trio was goals. I absolutely love those girls, strong independent women. Women, supporting women, girl power.
This was a fast pace, read, and I love this book and devoured it and all the couples. Such a great story with sizzling chemistry and such an engagement story. I definitely recommend this series.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess and Lance have a history that we get glimpse of in the first book, but it just piqued my interest because I wanted to know what their story was and this really laid it all out there. I knew Jess had issues because of her family and at times you can see that come into play with her insecurities, but Lance didn’t shy away from this and actually helped her through some of them. They had a long road to getting their happy in front of them and both of them being so stubborn made you wonder if they would reach it, but when they came together it was pure magic.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Conquering by Ana Balen

Anna Balen is a relatively new author to me. Conquering was well written and ticked a number of boxes for me.

This is Lance Berg and Jess Vaughn enemies to lovers story. Their relationship should be forbidden but the heart wants who the heart wants.

From the moment they met the sparks flew and the chemistry was impossible to ignore. What follows is an entertaining story with characters you cannot help but fall for.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏎️ Enemies-to-lovers

🏎️ Workplace romance

🏎️ Formula One romance

🏎️ He falls first

🏎️ Second chance

Conquering is book two of the DRS series and it was a thrilling ride of forbidden romance, and second chances! Lance and Jess are both strong willed and passionate about their careers. I loved how fast paced and easy of a read this was! I feel they were made for each other and am so happy they got their second chance! I can’t wait for what’s next!

[Billie Pariseau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting to get this story!! I fell in love with the first book and was dying for more. As much as I loved the beginning the middle/end slowed down a bit for me. I just wish we got to know Lance more. We learned so much about Jess but Lance and his background is still a bit of a mystery. Formula One is his entire being and I wish we got a little more. I love this author and her writing and can’t wait for more. Overall this was a good story and I did enjoy the characters. 3.5✨

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lance and Jess

Second chance
Formula One

This is Book 2 of DRS SERIES

Jess just wants to please her dad, and boss to the point she puts herself last.

Can she put herself first, standup to her boss and father so she can be happy

She is not the only one who has to deal with the male dominance in the F1 world

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conquering is book 2 of the DRS Series. The story was interesting, exciting and enjoyable. The characters were intense, charming, and likable. I enjoyed this sports romance and look forward to reading more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia Mae Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This F1 romance was just as good as the first book. Definitely do enjoy her F1 romance books. I suggest reading them in order.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joana | Khaleesiwithastarbuckscup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not me também a querer procurar algo para a atirar à cara de alguém, mas não era do Lance.