Clean Air

by Kayla James

LAWSON

For years I’ve prided myself on my unwavering self control. Secure in my ability to keep my thoughts and focus where they were supposed to be—not on my best friend’s little sister.

But everything changes when I let my demons out to play in order to keep her safe.

Now with the news of my actions spreading like wildfire, I stand to lose everything I’ve worked for.

Until a promise is made and a deal is struck.

Finally, something I’ve always wanted but never thought I was worthy enough to have is within reach.

She’s mine.

Even if it’s supposed to be fake.

SYDNEY

I’ve always been helpless when it comes to love—my head and heart constantly floating in the clouds.

My entire life I’ve been determined to one day get my own happily ever after.

Only for one night, one decision, and one moment to change everything.

When the one man I shouldn’t want risks everything to save me, I promise I’ll do anything to help him survive the backlash.

He’s been saving me all my life.

Now it’s my turn to save him.

Even if it means putting my already hopeless heart on the line.

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Air is the third book in Kayla's Grid Series with one of my favourite couples from the beginning- Sydney and Lawson. Sydney has known Lawson most of her life. He was the neighboring our she and her brother hung out with all the time. Now they are older. Her brother, Jace, and Lawson are teammates in Fornula 1 racing. She has had a crush on him in all that time, but fears that she is only seen as a friend and nothing more. That is until the situation changes and suddenly she helping Lawson with his image by being his fake girlfriend. Lawson had a rough childhood and has always had a bit of a hard armor in fear of sharing too much. But his one ray of sunshine has always been Sydney. He fears that he doesn't deserve her. But when he is thrust into sharing more of himself and told to date Sydney, he worries what this will do their friendship. But the more time these two share it's obvious how much they care and really love each other. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! Sydney is so relatable. I also feel like I'm too much to and are careful with what I say. And Lawson! Oh, my goodness! His story made me tear up. And yet, he has so much love in him. Their friendship to relationship was pure gold and willing not take any criticism. The natural affection was so sweet. The spice was top-notch! 🥵🫦🌶🔥! Also, must mention the rest of the crew and their partners and kids! This little family are such a gift for one another. Now, I cannot wait for Nikolai and Cassie's story!!!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are so precious <3 <3

[Melissa Stretton · Rating 5 out of 5]

love these's two ❤️

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review!!

If anyone knows me they know this has been a series I never shut up about, I will never get over the family created in this series its beyond perfect. I may be hoping a certain someone’s book might be next. Hehe.
No but seriously Sydney and Lawson have been on my mind for forever, the pining after each other, they way they show up for each other no matter the circumstances, I could go on and on about them and the moments they shared.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“He was good because of her.” My gaze drifts to the picture frame gleaming under the string lights hanging around her room, “This story isn’t like the others I’ve told you before, sweetheart. Because in this story, it’s the princess who saves the prince.”

“So they lived happily ever after?” She asks. “The happiest ever after,” he confirms. She beams and snuggles into his arms with a yawn. “I liked that story, Daddy.” “Me too, baby. It’s actually my favorite.”

[Becky_beksta (beks.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kayla has done it again! I quite literally devoured this in a day.

Sydney and Lawson are so special to me and you knew they were end game from the moment you meet them. There’s nothing hotter than a man standing up for his girl when other men decide to be idiots and that’s exactly what Lawson did. These two are the definition of grumpy x sunshine!

We all know how much a sucker I am for brother’s best friend and this hit the spot perfectly. Love how Jace (and everyone) knew they were meant to be.

I must admit I have a massive soft spot for shadow. Who knew you could love a fictional dog so much.

I cannot recommend this series enough! It truely is the thing that got me into F1 and Motorsport.

[Lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tried to give the entire trilogy a try because the world is in dire need of good f1 stories, but alas.

The setting and idea is good, the knowledge of the sport top tier, the writing? Not a fan.

It’s endless descriptions of feelings and thoughts and repetitive explanations of situations, and just… tiring. The first rule or writing is (to say that you are going to write and then don’t write) to show, not tell, and this is pretty much not happening here. Little is shown, pretty much everything is told.

I found it okay, but the chemistry and the love story in this one were just… all over the place and not even the tiniest bit realistic/comprehensible. No clue why they were acting and thinking the way they were for 3/4 of the book. The beginning was good tho.

[krista | kristas_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney and Lawson have my heart - oh I loved them 😭 I fell in love with them in books 1 & 2 and their story did not disappoint.

Full of romance, drama, all the feels and a few plot twists. What’s not enjoy?

Still also love all the side characters and it was so fun to be back in this world. I can’t wait for the next one even though I’m so sad it’s almost over.

- sports - formula 1
- grumpy x sunshine
- fake dating
- he's got some "jewelry"
- brother's best friend and teammate
- social media manager fmc
- "it's always been you"
- no third act breakup

[Casey Ulam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute F1 romance! Love this series and love how emotional each book has been. Definitely wasn’t expecting the book to start the way it did, but I loved learning about Lawson and Sydney and their friendship growing up together. Fake dating is always fun, and you could tell from the start it wasn’t fake for either of them. I love all the couples in this book, and so glad we got to see so much of them again. Excited for Cassie’s book, esp after that little teaser 🤪

[Em buerg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and all the characters and their stories. This book was solid. It didn’t seem to dive too deep into the main issues, but you knew they were there and what the main characters were dealing with. There was a handful of editing errors that drove me a little crazy, but that’s a me issue lol

But I mean.. don’t we all love a talk, dark, and handsome MMC who also happens to be a professional athlete?

[chlotatoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so silly and fun and sped through it once I got into it and had time to read.
There were a few things like the 'British' slang (yeah okay) and the final sex scene (excuse me, how would you ever get left alone, especially with your partner, with an F1 car?), but other than that, I can't wait for the final book to finish this series!

[Abbie Hoof · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve waited SO long to read Sydney and Lawsons story and it did not disappoint. Love them so much, can’t wait to read Nik and Cassies book especially after the bombshell dropped in this book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
2.5/🌶

THIS IS MY FAVOURITE BOOK SERIES!!