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Lights Out
I had one never get involved with a driver. My career as a sports journalist depended on it. But I never planned on Caleb Collings.
The Formula 1 star is notoriously private and despises the media. He’s also the only person who stood up for me when a misogynistic exec tried to tear me down.
To my shock, he offered me an exclusive tour. Then another. Now he’s offering me a side of himself no one else gets to see. He’s everything I should avoid, but I find myself drawn to his piercing blue eyes and the unexpected kindness behind his guarded walls. Falling for him could get me blacklisted, but walking away feels impossible.
Lights Out is the exhilarating first book in the Love in the Paddock contemporary romance series. If you like high-stakes passion and a forbidden workplace romance, you’ll love Aven Ellis’s new read. Open the cover and see what destiny has in store.
🏎️ Sports Romance (Formula 1)🎤 He Hates the Media / She IS the Media🤫 Forbidden / Secret Romance💼 Workplace Romance🤩 Celebrity Hero🚩 Green Flag Hero☀️ Grumpy / Sunshine💕 He Falls First🤝 Forced Proximity
The Formula 1 star is notoriously private and despises the media. He’s also the only person who stood up for me when a misogynistic exec tried to tear me down.
To my shock, he offered me an exclusive tour. Then another. Now he’s offering me a side of himself no one else gets to see. He’s everything I should avoid, but I find myself drawn to his piercing blue eyes and the unexpected kindness behind his guarded walls. Falling for him could get me blacklisted, but walking away feels impossible.
Lights Out is the exhilarating first book in the Love in the Paddock contemporary romance series. If you like high-stakes passion and a forbidden workplace romance, you’ll love Aven Ellis’s new read. Open the cover and see what destiny has in store.
🏎️ Sports Romance (Formula 1)🎤 He Hates the Media / She IS the Media🤫 Forbidden / Secret Romance💼 Workplace Romance🤩 Celebrity Hero🚩 Green Flag Hero☀️ Grumpy / Sunshine💕 He Falls First🤝 Forced Proximity
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
About the author
Aven Ellis
58 books834 followersUSA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 25, 2025
This cover and blurb is so cute. I really wanna read this cus I love f1 but have yet to find any good f1 romances…
Okay so there actually was a lot I loved about this one. All the f1 stuff was done really well and super enjoyable. I liked both main characters and loved how they were mature and communicated and there wasn’t any big drama. I just wish it had been a little longer to have some more deeper connection and moments interacting with other characters because there were a few I loved and would have liked to see a bit more of. It also felt like it ended to fast for me. I really wanted more time to enjoy them as a couple and see how they interacted and their future together stuff like that. But overall it was really good. If you’re into f1 def a fun quick read!
Okay so there actually was a lot I loved about this one. All the f1 stuff was done really well and super enjoyable. I liked both main characters and loved how they were mature and communicated and there wasn’t any big drama. I just wish it had been a little longer to have some more deeper connection and moments interacting with other characters because there were a few I loved and would have liked to see a bit more of. It also felt like it ended to fast for me. I really wanted more time to enjoy them as a couple and see how they interacted and their future together stuff like that. But overall it was really good. If you’re into f1 def a fun quick read!
July 7, 2026
*4.5 stars!*
This book was so cute! Even knowing pretty much nothing about Formula 1, I didn't really ever feel lost when it came to the racing sections. I felt like those parts were exciting without being overwhelming at all and I feel like I actually learned a tiny bit about F1 through this book. I absolutely LOVED Caleb and Isla! Their relationship developed at a pace that felt very natural and believable which is something I feel like we don't often get in a 300-something page book. I also really liked that it felt like the story relied more on external conflicts rather than unnecessary relationship drama. This couple communicated, respected each other and it felt like they both genuinely wanted each other to succeed! I also love how determined Isla was to pursue both her career and her relationship instead of feeling like she had to choose between the two.
The writing was very easy to get lost in making this a super-fast and enjoyable book. There were a few slower moments toward the end but nothing major and it never really took away from how much I was enjoying the book. This cast was so likable, and I was very much looking forward to jumping back into this book whenever I had the opportunity.
I also really enjoyed the audiobook. I feel like the narrator brought Isla's personality to life so perfectly and she handled the emotional moments and the bater so well. Her accents were also very, very well done in my opinion. I listened at mostly 2.5x speed (and even some at 3x speed but it got a little too fast to go along with my natural reading pace because I was doing immersive reading with this) and her narration was very clear and easy to follow which I always super appreciate as someone who likes to listen at a faster speed when doing audiobooks.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook! This was a really fun, heartwarming romance and I'm really hoping this book ends up becoming a series!
This book was so cute! Even knowing pretty much nothing about Formula 1, I didn't really ever feel lost when it came to the racing sections. I felt like those parts were exciting without being overwhelming at all and I feel like I actually learned a tiny bit about F1 through this book. I absolutely LOVED Caleb and Isla! Their relationship developed at a pace that felt very natural and believable which is something I feel like we don't often get in a 300-something page book. I also really liked that it felt like the story relied more on external conflicts rather than unnecessary relationship drama. This couple communicated, respected each other and it felt like they both genuinely wanted each other to succeed! I also love how determined Isla was to pursue both her career and her relationship instead of feeling like she had to choose between the two.
The writing was very easy to get lost in making this a super-fast and enjoyable book. There were a few slower moments toward the end but nothing major and it never really took away from how much I was enjoying the book. This cast was so likable, and I was very much looking forward to jumping back into this book whenever I had the opportunity.
I also really enjoyed the audiobook. I feel like the narrator brought Isla's personality to life so perfectly and she handled the emotional moments and the bater so well. Her accents were also very, very well done in my opinion. I listened at mostly 2.5x speed (and even some at 3x speed but it got a little too fast to go along with my natural reading pace because I was doing immersive reading with this) and her narration was very clear and easy to follow which I always super appreciate as someone who likes to listen at a faster speed when doing audiobooks.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook! This was a really fun, heartwarming romance and I'm really hoping this book ends up becoming a series!
September 13, 2025
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Aven Ellis for this ARC!
Can I please have a relationship like Isla and Caleb? 🙏🏻 They were so mature and honest with each other, and their communication was truly on point. I also loved the way they handled the challenges in their relationship. Ellis really wrote such a mature couple and showed that you can create a beautiful romance without a third-act breakup!
On top of that, I loved seeing Isla’s career take off. I was genuinely invested and so happy every time she reached a new milestone!
The reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I had some difficulty getting into the story at first, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down!
Can I please have a relationship like Isla and Caleb? 🙏🏻 They were so mature and honest with each other, and their communication was truly on point. I also loved the way they handled the challenges in their relationship. Ellis really wrote such a mature couple and showed that you can create a beautiful romance without a third-act breakup!
On top of that, I loved seeing Isla’s career take off. I was genuinely invested and so happy every time she reached a new milestone!
The reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I had some difficulty getting into the story at first, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down!
September 17, 2025
It’s lights out and away we go!
🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️ out of 5 race cars for this book.
As an F1 girlie, prior to all that social media buzz and Netflix show, this book made me crave being around the community more and more. Without spoiling much, the dynamic between Isla and Caleb, was just everything I needed. The head of heels driver and the report that needs alittle more time… it’s *chefs kiss* perfection!
*I was selected as an ARC reader
🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️ out of 5 race cars for this book.
As an F1 girlie, prior to all that social media buzz and Netflix show, this book made me crave being around the community more and more. Without spoiling much, the dynamic between Isla and Caleb, was just everything I needed. The head of heels driver and the report that needs alittle more time… it’s *chefs kiss* perfection!
*I was selected as an ARC reader
May 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ARC!
Lights Out is a sweet and fun romance. I really liked the romantic build up and how good the MMC treated the FMC. I admired the FMC’s inner strength and how clever she was. It was a healthy relation ship and I thought they tackled the challenges they met nicely and like adults. The F1 backdrop was also fun!
Lights Out is a sweet and fun romance. I really liked the romantic build up and how good the MMC treated the FMC. I admired the FMC’s inner strength and how clever she was. It was a healthy relation ship and I thought they tackled the challenges they met nicely and like adults. The F1 backdrop was also fun!
May 20, 2026
✨ALC Review✨ - 1 ⭐️
Aven, baby… please don’t read this 😭
I really hate saying something this negative about a book, and judging by the other reviews, I genuinely think this was just a me problem. I don’t necessarily think the book is objectively bad, it just contained a TON of things that personally drive me insane while reading, so this ended up being a really difficult experience for me. Honestly, I probably should’ve DNF’d it, but I felt bad DNF’ing an ALC.
By literally 3% in, I already felt like every tiny detail was being aggressively overexplained to me. The writing constantly felt like it was spelling everything out instead of trusting the reader to pick up on things naturally, and after a while it started feeling very juvenile. This book became the definition of telling instead of showing. At times, it honestly read more like a rough draft from a newer writer than a polished final product.
And the romance… I genuinely could not tell if they were supposed to have chemistry or not 😭 I think the book wanted me to believe they did, but every interaction between them felt awkward to me instead of romantic.
Also, why are we making such a dramatic deal about sharing a mic during an interview?? And if she knew it was going to happen again, why would she not just bring another mic to the next interview?? That whole thing annoyed me way more than it probably should have.
Then there were all the little things that kept pulling me out of the story:
- “Mocha latte” is not a thing. It’s one or the other.
- A pillow butler??? Be serious.
- Something about a grown man calling a woman “hot” gives me the biggest ick. What are you, 11? Please be more creative.
- Why was she so obsessed with him having a “large neck” 😭 That sounds horrifying, not attractive.
- Owl and Roo as nicknames??? Absolutely not.
And don’t even get me started on the romance progression. They barely knew each other, yet suddenly she’s convinced her heart is telling her she has to be with him. Meanwhile, he’s throwing temper tantrums, trying to tell her what she can and cannot do, and acting like a child during conflict… and that’s when she realizes she loves him?? After secretly dating for like a month?? I could not buy into this relationship at all.
Also, the teacher-style “I don’t know, can you?” response when she asked for something made me want to close the book immediately. That is not cute or flirty. That is deeply annoying.
And PLEASE tell me someone else cringed at:
“That would be mega.”
What does that even mean 😭 It felt like the book was trying to make a catchphrase happen and it absolutely was not happening. Very “that’s so fetch” energy, but worse.
Overall, this was an absolute no for me. Unfortunately, almost every aspect of it either annoyed me, made me cringe, or completely took me out of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for letting me listen to this one early.
Aven, baby… please don’t read this 😭
I really hate saying something this negative about a book, and judging by the other reviews, I genuinely think this was just a me problem. I don’t necessarily think the book is objectively bad, it just contained a TON of things that personally drive me insane while reading, so this ended up being a really difficult experience for me. Honestly, I probably should’ve DNF’d it, but I felt bad DNF’ing an ALC.
By literally 3% in, I already felt like every tiny detail was being aggressively overexplained to me. The writing constantly felt like it was spelling everything out instead of trusting the reader to pick up on things naturally, and after a while it started feeling very juvenile. This book became the definition of telling instead of showing. At times, it honestly read more like a rough draft from a newer writer than a polished final product.
And the romance… I genuinely could not tell if they were supposed to have chemistry or not 😭 I think the book wanted me to believe they did, but every interaction between them felt awkward to me instead of romantic.
Also, why are we making such a dramatic deal about sharing a mic during an interview?? And if she knew it was going to happen again, why would she not just bring another mic to the next interview?? That whole thing annoyed me way more than it probably should have.
Then there were all the little things that kept pulling me out of the story:
- “Mocha latte” is not a thing. It’s one or the other.
- A pillow butler??? Be serious.
- Something about a grown man calling a woman “hot” gives me the biggest ick. What are you, 11? Please be more creative.
- Why was she so obsessed with him having a “large neck” 😭 That sounds horrifying, not attractive.
- Owl and Roo as nicknames??? Absolutely not.
And don’t even get me started on the romance progression. They barely knew each other, yet suddenly she’s convinced her heart is telling her she has to be with him. Meanwhile, he’s throwing temper tantrums, trying to tell her what she can and cannot do, and acting like a child during conflict… and that’s when she realizes she loves him?? After secretly dating for like a month?? I could not buy into this relationship at all.
Also, the teacher-style “I don’t know, can you?” response when she asked for something made me want to close the book immediately. That is not cute or flirty. That is deeply annoying.
And PLEASE tell me someone else cringed at:
“That would be mega.”
What does that even mean 😭 It felt like the book was trying to make a catchphrase happen and it absolutely was not happening. Very “that’s so fetch” energy, but worse.
Overall, this was an absolute no for me. Unfortunately, almost every aspect of it either annoyed me, made me cringe, or completely took me out of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for letting me listen to this one early.
September 10, 2025
Caleb Collings is one of the hottest F1 drivers on the grid. But the world doesn't know much about the man behind the car. Although he grew up in the spotlight as the heir to the Collings Motors company, the media sensationalized his parents nasty divorce, leaving deep emotional scars on him. Since then, he's stayed focused on racing, until he met Isla, an up and coming sports reporter from Miami. With her quirky personality, it's no surprise when Isla catches Caleb's attention and sparks begin to fly.
Lights Out is Aven Ellis's latest novel and the first of the Love in the Paddock series and is it hot, hot, hot. Before picking up Aven's book, I didn't know much about F1, but after reading it on Patreon, and binging it again on my Kindle,I'm quickly becoming a fan.
As always, Aven does a masterful job at creating a world that immediately draws you in and makes you eager to find out what happens next. Isla and Caleb are up there as one of my new favorite couples in the Avenverse. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. But what I love most is how strong Isla is. She's a character that's locked in on exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go after her dreams.
If you're a fan of F1, friends to lovers stories, and billionaires, this book is for you. I can't recommend Lights Out highly enough. 5/5 brilliant stars.
Lights Out is Aven Ellis's latest novel and the first of the Love in the Paddock series and is it hot, hot, hot. Before picking up Aven's book, I didn't know much about F1, but after reading it on Patreon, and binging it again on my Kindle,I'm quickly becoming a fan.
As always, Aven does a masterful job at creating a world that immediately draws you in and makes you eager to find out what happens next. Isla and Caleb are up there as one of my new favorite couples in the Avenverse. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. But what I love most is how strong Isla is. She's a character that's locked in on exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go after her dreams.
If you're a fan of F1, friends to lovers stories, and billionaires, this book is for you. I can't recommend Lights Out highly enough. 5/5 brilliant stars.
September 7, 2025
ARC Review
I really had high hopes for this book but it unfortunately didn't really meet my expectations. I am giving an honest review based on what I felt when I read this book.
The book has potential to be great, the plot is okay but there are things that are being repeated in other chapter. That was a bit annoying for me. I get that that was how Isla felt but it was too repetitive for me and that's what brought the book's rating down.
While this story focuses on Isla's and Caleb's relationship, there was quite a lot of focus on Isla's career and that was good to see that she was thriving in it but with the way she felt through out the chapters based on her career, especially since it kept on being repetitive for me was not making seem like a great book to read.
I thought that the ending might be a bit better but I didn't really see it. I really liked F1 based romances but this just didn't hit the mark. The book had a lot of the concepts for F1 but the romance didn't really meet my expectations. The chemistry between the characters as well was not really connecting to me. Sometimes I could see it and other times not really.
For me this book was okay and I am grateful for this opportunity but it is not something I am going read again.
I really had high hopes for this book but it unfortunately didn't really meet my expectations. I am giving an honest review based on what I felt when I read this book.
The book has potential to be great, the plot is okay but there are things that are being repeated in other chapter. That was a bit annoying for me. I get that that was how Isla felt but it was too repetitive for me and that's what brought the book's rating down.
While this story focuses on Isla's and Caleb's relationship, there was quite a lot of focus on Isla's career and that was good to see that she was thriving in it but with the way she felt through out the chapters based on her career, especially since it kept on being repetitive for me was not making seem like a great book to read.
I thought that the ending might be a bit better but I didn't really see it. I really liked F1 based romances but this just didn't hit the mark. The book had a lot of the concepts for F1 but the romance didn't really meet my expectations. The chemistry between the characters as well was not really connecting to me. Sometimes I could see it and other times not really.
For me this book was okay and I am grateful for this opportunity but it is not something I am going read again.
May 14, 2026
This was definitely one of the better racing romances that I've read (and I've read a lot of them). This was a first person single POV story, which sometimes isn't my favorite for a romance but I felt like it worked well here. A great deal of this story was about Isla starting her career off, which is how she meets Caleb, and I appreciated that focus.
The beginning of this book was rather stiff and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy it. It did take a little bit to get into but then the story leveled out nicely. The connection was a little too insta-love for me, but it didn't settle out which I was thankful for, but there could've been a little more build up and a more organic connection between them, I think. Because of this, I did feel like the romance was forced at times and there never was much depth to their relationship. If that had been explored more, I think it could've been a great story.
A few things did make my eyes twitch. There was a lot of the "I'm not like other girls" sprinkled into this book, which always frustrates me. I don't think it was necessary. And while some of the racing stuff was well done, the last 5-10% of the book some of it got super heavy handed and had me rolling my eyes.
Otherwise, it was a good and enjoyable F1 romance with mature characters which is always great to see!
The beginning of this book was rather stiff and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy it. It did take a little bit to get into but then the story leveled out nicely. The connection was a little too insta-love for me, but it didn't settle out which I was thankful for, but there could've been a little more build up and a more organic connection between them, I think. Because of this, I did feel like the romance was forced at times and there never was much depth to their relationship. If that had been explored more, I think it could've been a great story.
A few things did make my eyes twitch. There was a lot of the "I'm not like other girls" sprinkled into this book, which always frustrates me. I don't think it was necessary. And while some of the racing stuff was well done, the last 5-10% of the book some of it got super heavy handed and had me rolling my eyes.
Otherwise, it was a good and enjoyable F1 romance with mature characters which is always great to see!
September 14, 2025
Thank you LoveNotes PR for the arc!
This was so sweet, I really really enjoyed it. It took me a while to get into it but once I was locked in, I was so invested.
I loved following Isla as her job developed and she got more successful, it was like living vicariously through the F1 presenters and influencers we know in real life. I did find her a little “I’m not like other girls” at times but overall she’s a very strong and empowering character who I was really rooting for.
Caleb was a great MMC - I loved how much he was obsessed with her and wanted to care for her.
I think the two work really well as a couple and I loved reading about them together, right from the beginning to the end.
Aven Ellis knows her F1 and I think this would be perfect for people who love the sport but also who have never read about it before.
This was so sweet, I really really enjoyed it. It took me a while to get into it but once I was locked in, I was so invested.
I loved following Isla as her job developed and she got more successful, it was like living vicariously through the F1 presenters and influencers we know in real life. I did find her a little “I’m not like other girls” at times but overall she’s a very strong and empowering character who I was really rooting for.
Caleb was a great MMC - I loved how much he was obsessed with her and wanted to care for her.
I think the two work really well as a couple and I loved reading about them together, right from the beginning to the end.
Aven Ellis knows her F1 and I think this would be perfect for people who love the sport but also who have never read about it before.
April 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s
i really connected to both of these characters in Isla’s fireness she really gives aries baby, and Caleb and his overthinking and worrying. Both of these characters love each other so hard and i loved it, i felt there romance through every page. it was a little insta-lovey for my taste but i was able to overlook that due to all of the issues and the forbiddances that came with them dating. there is also no 3rd act breakup because the whole book was kind of conflict for these babies, and i will love that every single time. caleb is very grumpy to the public but he is SO FREAKING SOFT for Isla and omg dream man. I hate most men, Caleb is an exception to that because he loves his girl down. Isla stand up for women and i love that. she also does quirky interviews with the racers and i love that.
i really connected to both of these characters in Isla’s fireness she really gives aries baby, and Caleb and his overthinking and worrying. Both of these characters love each other so hard and i loved it, i felt there romance through every page. it was a little insta-lovey for my taste but i was able to overlook that due to all of the issues and the forbiddances that came with them dating. there is also no 3rd act breakup because the whole book was kind of conflict for these babies, and i will love that every single time. caleb is very grumpy to the public but he is SO FREAKING SOFT for Isla and omg dream man. I hate most men, Caleb is an exception to that because he loves his girl down. Isla stand up for women and i love that. she also does quirky interviews with the racers and i love that.
September 24, 2025
Thanks to lovenotes pr and Aven Ellis for the arc! 🏎️
As a long time formula one fan you can feel that this book is written by an f1 lover! Caleb seems like a not so social f1 nepo baby but this is far from the truth! I think I am in love with him😍 Isla is trying to get into the f1 world but as a woman (power woman really) she still deals with some men who don’t like that! Luckily Caleb is a walking green flag!! I love that the main characters communicate really well and (yay for me) no third act breakup 🥳 I’m already really excited for the other books in this series🥰
As a long time formula one fan you can feel that this book is written by an f1 lover! Caleb seems like a not so social f1 nepo baby but this is far from the truth! I think I am in love with him😍 Isla is trying to get into the f1 world but as a woman (power woman really) she still deals with some men who don’t like that! Luckily Caleb is a walking green flag!! I love that the main characters communicate really well and (yay for me) no third act breakup 🥳 I’m already really excited for the other books in this series🥰
September 15, 2025
I was sent this as an ARC. So happy to have had to chance to read this amazing love story. Delightfully not a dual POV that we have so much of now, the love between the characters is a slow burn of epic proportions. Nice to read something outside of a hockey romance as well. I truly look forward to the next book!
October 1, 2025
Rounded up from 3.5
May 13, 2026
This was a sweet rom-com with a bit of spice! Story was entertaining and an overall feel good book! The characters are charming and the banter was fun. This was really enjoyable!
September 21, 2025
The way I cackled while reading this book. It had so much angst and was a slow burn. The f1 speech and information was informative! I really enjoyed the characters and the banter between all the characters
May 19, 2026
I was so impressed with Lights Out. First it’s a fun and delightful read. What made it special though was that our two leads are actual adults who act like it. They do wild and crazy things like talk about their feelings and move past initial trigger responses quickly and without breaking up for weeks. This was so refreshing since this is so often not the case in the Romance genre. I got rather tense during their third act fight expecting it to be an explosion where they’d break up and only get back together after weeks of yearning. I was honestly shocked when instead, very quickly, they took a breath and started to think about things from the other’s perspective. Then they went further and talked about how to hopefully not activate each other during relationship discussions in the future. Sue Johnson would be proud.
Caleb Collings is a Formula 1 driver whose family owns his team, leaving him constantly struggling with questions of merit, nepotism, and whether his successes are truly his own. Isla, a sports journalist, knows getting involved with a driver could jeopardize her career, especially one as private and media-averse as Caleb. Even accepting an interview from him could raise questions since she is a new reporter and he rarely interacts with the media. But after Caleb unexpectedly stands up for her and offers her an unprecedented on-camera tour, the two begin to grow closer. Isla is a reporter with integrity who is willing to lose the story rather than break promises to her sources. As Caleb begins to trust this, he slowly lets her see past his guarded public persona.
I will say, if you’d asked me if Lance Stroll would be a good F1 driver to be a romantic lead, I’d have laughed in your face. While Caleb isn’t Stroll exactly and he performs much better than real-life Stroll, there were similar elements with his family owning the team. I quite liked the ongoing meditation on nepotism, merit, walking your own path, and how these interact. It gave both Caleb and his sister Catherine’s characters nice depth and nuance.
I read a decent number of F1 romances. The amount of F1 in these varies wildly. Lights Out had some of the most F1 content and enmeshment that I’ve experienced in the subgenre. This was quite enjoyable and I didn’t notice any obviously unrealistic parts. It felt like F1 was an actual part of the story vs just the background. It’s using the old regulations, but unlike in Too Fast to Fall, this didn’t make it feel dated. I think this is because it focuses more on the overall team dynamics in the sport and uses the racing and associated details to support this.
I listened to the audiobook of this and Elise Arsenault did a great job bringing the story to life. Her narration was easy to listen to and felt like it was organically part of the story.
I quite enjoyed Lights Out. It is a strong F1 romance that feels like it’s actually in/about F1. It’s also strong for having emotionally mature adult characters who make good relationship choices. I easily recommend it for readers looking for a F1 romance and/or a romance with emotionally mature characters and conflict that doesn’t rely on frustrating miscommunication or bad relationship decisions. I quite enjoyed it and am looking forward to book two in the Love in the Paddock series.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caleb Collings is a Formula 1 driver whose family owns his team, leaving him constantly struggling with questions of merit, nepotism, and whether his successes are truly his own. Isla, a sports journalist, knows getting involved with a driver could jeopardize her career, especially one as private and media-averse as Caleb. Even accepting an interview from him could raise questions since she is a new reporter and he rarely interacts with the media. But after Caleb unexpectedly stands up for her and offers her an unprecedented on-camera tour, the two begin to grow closer. Isla is a reporter with integrity who is willing to lose the story rather than break promises to her sources. As Caleb begins to trust this, he slowly lets her see past his guarded public persona.
I will say, if you’d asked me if Lance Stroll would be a good F1 driver to be a romantic lead, I’d have laughed in your face. While Caleb isn’t Stroll exactly and he performs much better than real-life Stroll, there were similar elements with his family owning the team. I quite liked the ongoing meditation on nepotism, merit, walking your own path, and how these interact. It gave both Caleb and his sister Catherine’s characters nice depth and nuance.
I read a decent number of F1 romances. The amount of F1 in these varies wildly. Lights Out had some of the most F1 content and enmeshment that I’ve experienced in the subgenre. This was quite enjoyable and I didn’t notice any obviously unrealistic parts. It felt like F1 was an actual part of the story vs just the background. It’s using the old regulations, but unlike in Too Fast to Fall, this didn’t make it feel dated. I think this is because it focuses more on the overall team dynamics in the sport and uses the racing and associated details to support this.
I listened to the audiobook of this and Elise Arsenault did a great job bringing the story to life. Her narration was easy to listen to and felt like it was organically part of the story.
I quite enjoyed Lights Out. It is a strong F1 romance that feels like it’s actually in/about F1. It’s also strong for having emotionally mature adult characters who make good relationship choices. I easily recommend it for readers looking for a F1 romance and/or a romance with emotionally mature characters and conflict that doesn’t rely on frustrating miscommunication or bad relationship decisions. I quite enjoyed it and am looking forward to book two in the Love in the Paddock series.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2025
ARC provided by LoveNotes PR in exchange for honest review.
Lights Out is the story of Isla Foley, a content creator who is starting to make waves in the world of F1 journalism. An encounter with a sexist pig at Collings Motors leads to a meet-cute with Caleb Collings, the notoriously media resistant F1 star, and after feeling the spark, he gives Isla an interview that breaks her right into the job she's always dreamed of. Dating an F1 driver was never on her radar, and dating a journalist was never on his... but the truth will out. Will she lose her fledgling career? And can he protect her from the evils of social media trolls?
I am relatively new to the world of sports romance, and I often find that technical content is very limited. When I saw this was available for review, I was almost hesitant - I was brought up from a tiny child as an F1 fan, so I knew that I'd be hypercritical. But I took a chance, and I'm so glad I did! Aven Ellis managed to get in a great amount of technical F1 knowledge, be it about the cars, the pit lane limiter, lights out, the circuits - and did it without making it sound boring at any point. There was a lot of recognisable driver traits, Drive to Survive references, a Surrey based family-run team - it felt very current.
Isla and Caleb's relationship is very mature, particularly when you consider just what is at stake with them being together. She is effervescent, smart and knows exactly what she wants - a fierce FMC in a male dominated world. Caleb is super focused on his driving, and incredibly reluctant to engage with the media outside of contractual commitments. He is determined to keep his life outside racing private, coming across as taciturn, but he is utterly adorable with the people he cares about (his relationship with his sister is so sweet). His friendship bracelet date invite is probably the cutest method of asking someone out I'll ever read! They are a strong partnership, almost always on the same page, and quick to resolve it when they aren't.
My one real criticism of this book was the pet names the characters have for each other, they were a bit cringeworthy and didn't feel like they suited the characters - they felt childish, which clashed terribly with the impression of maturity both characters had given off until that point. Other than that, I found Lights Out a really enjoyable read, on the fronts of romance, F1 knowledge, and having a badass FMC in a very male dominated world. I'm really looking forward to book two - Catherine and Mason's story!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Lights Out is the story of Isla Foley, a content creator who is starting to make waves in the world of F1 journalism. An encounter with a sexist pig at Collings Motors leads to a meet-cute with Caleb Collings, the notoriously media resistant F1 star, and after feeling the spark, he gives Isla an interview that breaks her right into the job she's always dreamed of. Dating an F1 driver was never on her radar, and dating a journalist was never on his... but the truth will out. Will she lose her fledgling career? And can he protect her from the evils of social media trolls?
I am relatively new to the world of sports romance, and I often find that technical content is very limited. When I saw this was available for review, I was almost hesitant - I was brought up from a tiny child as an F1 fan, so I knew that I'd be hypercritical. But I took a chance, and I'm so glad I did! Aven Ellis managed to get in a great amount of technical F1 knowledge, be it about the cars, the pit lane limiter, lights out, the circuits - and did it without making it sound boring at any point. There was a lot of recognisable driver traits, Drive to Survive references, a Surrey based family-run team - it felt very current.
Isla and Caleb's relationship is very mature, particularly when you consider just what is at stake with them being together. She is effervescent, smart and knows exactly what she wants - a fierce FMC in a male dominated world. Caleb is super focused on his driving, and incredibly reluctant to engage with the media outside of contractual commitments. He is determined to keep his life outside racing private, coming across as taciturn, but he is utterly adorable with the people he cares about (his relationship with his sister is so sweet). His friendship bracelet date invite is probably the cutest method of asking someone out I'll ever read! They are a strong partnership, almost always on the same page, and quick to resolve it when they aren't.
My one real criticism of this book was the pet names the characters have for each other, they were a bit cringeworthy and didn't feel like they suited the characters - they felt childish, which clashed terribly with the impression of maturity both characters had given off until that point. Other than that, I found Lights Out a really enjoyable read, on the fronts of romance, F1 knowledge, and having a badass FMC in a very male dominated world. I'm really looking forward to book two - Catherine and Mason's story!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
May 25, 2026
Lights Out completely pulled me into the world of Formula 1 and now I fully understand the obsession 🏎️🔥 Aven Ellis created such a fun, addictive, and emotionally engaging sports romance that I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Caleb Collings was EVERYTHING 😮💨 One of the most famous F1 drivers on the grid, heir to the Collings Motors empire, gorgeous, talented, and constantly in the spotlight — but underneath all of that fame is a man carrying years of emotional damage from growing up surrounded by media attention and family chaos. The way his parents’ ugly divorce shaped him and pushed him to hide behind racing made his character feel surprisingly vulnerable and layered.
And then there’s Isla ❤️✨ She was such a refreshing FMC. Ambitious, funny, confident, and completely focused on building her career as a sports reporter from Miami. I loved that she knew exactly what she wanted for herself and never shrank her dreams for anyone. Her personality balanced Caleb so perfectly because she brought warmth and energy into his very controlled world.
Their chemistry was honestly SO good 🔥 From the very beginning there’s this natural attraction between them, but what I appreciated most was how mature their relationship felt. Instead of relying on unnecessary drama, their connection developed through trust, communication, emotional honesty, and genuine support for one another. It made the romance feel grounded while still being incredibly swoony.
The Formula 1 setting was another huge highlight 🏁 Even as someone who didn’t know much about F1 beforehand, the racing world was written in a way that felt exciting, immersive, and easy to get invested in. The fast-paced atmosphere, travel, pressure of the sport, and behind-the-scenes details added so much energy to the story without overwhelming the romance.
I also really loved the side characters and honestly wished we got even MORE time with everyone 👀 There were several characters I became attached to so quickly, and I would’ve happily stayed in this world for another hundred pages just to see more interactions and future moments with Caleb and Isla together.
That’s probably my only complaint — I didn’t want the book to end 😭 The story moved so effortlessly that when I reached the ending I immediately wanted more time with them as a couple.
If you love Formula 1 romance, billionaires, emotionally mature relationships, ambitious FMCs, and couples with incredible chemistry, Lights Out is absolutely worth reading 🖤🏎️✨
Caleb Collings was EVERYTHING 😮💨 One of the most famous F1 drivers on the grid, heir to the Collings Motors empire, gorgeous, talented, and constantly in the spotlight — but underneath all of that fame is a man carrying years of emotional damage from growing up surrounded by media attention and family chaos. The way his parents’ ugly divorce shaped him and pushed him to hide behind racing made his character feel surprisingly vulnerable and layered.
And then there’s Isla ❤️✨ She was such a refreshing FMC. Ambitious, funny, confident, and completely focused on building her career as a sports reporter from Miami. I loved that she knew exactly what she wanted for herself and never shrank her dreams for anyone. Her personality balanced Caleb so perfectly because she brought warmth and energy into his very controlled world.
Their chemistry was honestly SO good 🔥 From the very beginning there’s this natural attraction between them, but what I appreciated most was how mature their relationship felt. Instead of relying on unnecessary drama, their connection developed through trust, communication, emotional honesty, and genuine support for one another. It made the romance feel grounded while still being incredibly swoony.
The Formula 1 setting was another huge highlight 🏁 Even as someone who didn’t know much about F1 beforehand, the racing world was written in a way that felt exciting, immersive, and easy to get invested in. The fast-paced atmosphere, travel, pressure of the sport, and behind-the-scenes details added so much energy to the story without overwhelming the romance.
I also really loved the side characters and honestly wished we got even MORE time with everyone 👀 There were several characters I became attached to so quickly, and I would’ve happily stayed in this world for another hundred pages just to see more interactions and future moments with Caleb and Isla together.
That’s probably my only complaint — I didn’t want the book to end 😭 The story moved so effortlessly that when I reached the ending I immediately wanted more time with them as a couple.
If you love Formula 1 romance, billionaires, emotionally mature relationships, ambitious FMCs, and couples with incredible chemistry, Lights Out is absolutely worth reading 🖤🏎️✨
September 24, 2025
✨️✨️ ARC Review ✨️✨️
Formula 1 is one of those worlds that feels impossibly glamorous from the outside: the speed, the spectacle, the drivers who seem larger than life. So, when I picked up Lights Out, I expected drama, adrenaline and maybe a scandal or two. What I got instead was something softer and, honestly, more refreshing: a sweet, slow-burn romance set against the chaos of the paddock.
Isla Foley is the kind of heroine I warm to immediately. She’s ambitious, determined and not afraid to put in the work. I loved that about her. She knows what she wants, a career in sports reporting, and she’s not about to let anyone think she’s chasing after athletes for the connections. That resolve really anchors the story, because when Caleb Collings, a very handsome F1 driver with a sharp British wit, decides he wants to date her, Isla doesn’t just melt into the background. She questions his motives, worries about how it will affect her job, and makes it clear she will not be seen as someone who traded integrity for romance.
The whole book is told from Isla’s point of view, which gives us plenty of insight into her thoughts and fears, but I did find myself missing Caleb’s perspective. He’s a big part of why the story works, with his respect for Isla and his steady patience, but we only ever see him through her eyes. Still, he wins her over, and me too if I’m honest, with the way he always tries to put her first and never undermines her ambitions.
What struck me most is how drama free this book feels in the best possible way. There’s no unnecessary scandal or dragged out arguments. Even when Isla and Caleb disagree, they talk it through like grown-ups. It makes for such a calm, comforting read, with just enough spice to keep things exciting without tipping into the over the top.
So if you’re looking for explosions of tension and headline-worthy drama, this isn’t it. But if you want a romance that feels kind, respectful and quietly swoony, then Lights Out is absolutely worth picking up. It’s like settling in with a cup of tea and watching two people figure out how to make love work without losing themselves along the way, and honestly, I enjoyed every page of it.
Formula 1 is one of those worlds that feels impossibly glamorous from the outside: the speed, the spectacle, the drivers who seem larger than life. So, when I picked up Lights Out, I expected drama, adrenaline and maybe a scandal or two. What I got instead was something softer and, honestly, more refreshing: a sweet, slow-burn romance set against the chaos of the paddock.
Isla Foley is the kind of heroine I warm to immediately. She’s ambitious, determined and not afraid to put in the work. I loved that about her. She knows what she wants, a career in sports reporting, and she’s not about to let anyone think she’s chasing after athletes for the connections. That resolve really anchors the story, because when Caleb Collings, a very handsome F1 driver with a sharp British wit, decides he wants to date her, Isla doesn’t just melt into the background. She questions his motives, worries about how it will affect her job, and makes it clear she will not be seen as someone who traded integrity for romance.
The whole book is told from Isla’s point of view, which gives us plenty of insight into her thoughts and fears, but I did find myself missing Caleb’s perspective. He’s a big part of why the story works, with his respect for Isla and his steady patience, but we only ever see him through her eyes. Still, he wins her over, and me too if I’m honest, with the way he always tries to put her first and never undermines her ambitions.
What struck me most is how drama free this book feels in the best possible way. There’s no unnecessary scandal or dragged out arguments. Even when Isla and Caleb disagree, they talk it through like grown-ups. It makes for such a calm, comforting read, with just enough spice to keep things exciting without tipping into the over the top.
So if you’re looking for explosions of tension and headline-worthy drama, this isn’t it. But if you want a romance that feels kind, respectful and quietly swoony, then Lights Out is absolutely worth picking up. It’s like settling in with a cup of tea and watching two people figure out how to make love work without losing themselves along the way, and honestly, I enjoyed every page of it.
September 17, 2025
Isla’s father scored some comp tickets for the Miami Grand Prix and she figured she may as well tag along . When she saw a sight and fell hook line and swoon she was in heaven it’s bliss she’s fallen in love and over the moon to be here to witness this bliss . Not a man ,oh no ,it’s the circuit ,the cars that she’s fallen in love with . The whole shebang that is F1 Racing ,it’s embracing and she’s sold . Wanting to make her career in sports journalism. She dreams of working with a top team and her internship is right here in two weeks at Total Access Total Sport Miami .The thrum ,the feel of the reverberations of the cars ,the smell of burning rubber and fuel is her elixir. She can’t get enough of the excitement feeling running throughout her body sending her in a spin with a big grin and the sense she’d come home. She’d been hired for some fluff behind scenes shots by Downforce Network so she finds herself with a vip pass to the inner circle . The happening core ,where the caravan trailers become ‘mini skyscrapers’ residences . Caleb Collings she discovers is the number 2 . The number 1 being a Brit called Mason Clark. She gets to meet the Collings dynasty in fact since Catherine Caleb’s sister is his personal assistant and she shows her around their base set up. When she hears an ass of a man dismiss her knowledge she steps in and sticks up for herself but so did two F1 drivers Mason and Caleb which proves that this man does have a heart as well as good lucking and he’s noticed her looking ..A great storyline.I live with an F1 nut and come July he’s off to the British Grand Prix is my hubby ,never missing a qualifying session when it’s aired as well as the race and highlight reels. The squeaks of the wheels the thrum of the engines and this man has her pistons revving heating her seat waiting for his hunk o meat. He’s not a tea drinker ,join the club cos this English lass doesn’t either preferring my mocha made by my boo. Sprinkles and whipped cream too. The two become swift friends and then more and this author deserves an encore for the storytelling as it’s compelling and believably conceivable too.
October 5, 2025
Isla es creadora de contenido sobre Fórmula 1, y cuando surge la oportunidad de colaborar con uno de los equipos más importantes durante el Gran Premio de Miami, no duda en aceptarlo. Sin embargo, al llegar debe enfrentarse al jefe de publicidad del equipo, un auténtico machista, y ella, fiel a su carácter, no se calla y le dice exactamente lo que piensa. Esa actitud llama la atención de Caleb, uno de los pilotos estrella de Colling Motors, que además detesta a la prensa. Para sorpresa de todos, Caleb termina siendo quien le hace el tour por el paddock mientras graban contenido juntos.
La química entre ambos no pasa desapercibida, y Caleb le ofrece a Isla algo inesperado, una entrevista exclusiva y personal, pero con la condición de que sea en Italia, el siguiente destino del equipo. Isla comunica la propuesta a la empresa que la ha contratado y, viendo el éxito que tuvo el último video con Caleb en Miami, aprueban el viaje sin dudarlo. Esa entrevista íntima y directa con Caleb no solo marcará un antes y un después en su carrera, sino también en su vida personal.
Nos adentramos en otro sport romance con el telón de fondo en la Fórmula q, un género que últimamente estoy devorando y que vuelve a engancharme sin remedio, Isla es un personaje brillante: fuerte, decidida y segura de sí misma, una mujer que se abre camino en un entorno todavía dominado por periodistas hombres. Me ha encantado su carácter y la manera en que defiende su lugar sin miedo. Y Caleb, ¿puedo tener un Caleb en mi vida, por favor? Es romántico, adorable y tiene momentos que hacen que quieras abrazarlo (y algo más, ya me entendéis 😏 ).
El ritmo de la historia es ágil y envolvente, se lee en pocos días porque engancha desde el principio. Además, los personajes secundarios tienen mucha fuerza y te hacen querer saber más de sus vidas también. En definitiva, un libro fresco, divertido y adictivo, perfecto para quienes buscan un romance con tensión y química, sin dejar de lado el escenario vibrante como es el mundo de la Fórmula 1. ¿El siguiente libro para cuándo? Lo necesito ya!!
La química entre ambos no pasa desapercibida, y Caleb le ofrece a Isla algo inesperado, una entrevista exclusiva y personal, pero con la condición de que sea en Italia, el siguiente destino del equipo. Isla comunica la propuesta a la empresa que la ha contratado y, viendo el éxito que tuvo el último video con Caleb en Miami, aprueban el viaje sin dudarlo. Esa entrevista íntima y directa con Caleb no solo marcará un antes y un después en su carrera, sino también en su vida personal.
Nos adentramos en otro sport romance con el telón de fondo en la Fórmula q, un género que últimamente estoy devorando y que vuelve a engancharme sin remedio, Isla es un personaje brillante: fuerte, decidida y segura de sí misma, una mujer que se abre camino en un entorno todavía dominado por periodistas hombres. Me ha encantado su carácter y la manera en que defiende su lugar sin miedo. Y Caleb, ¿puedo tener un Caleb en mi vida, por favor? Es romántico, adorable y tiene momentos que hacen que quieras abrazarlo (y algo más, ya me entendéis 😏 ).
El ritmo de la historia es ágil y envolvente, se lee en pocos días porque engancha desde el principio. Además, los personajes secundarios tienen mucha fuerza y te hacen querer saber más de sus vidas también. En definitiva, un libro fresco, divertido y adictivo, perfecto para quienes buscan un romance con tensión y química, sin dejar de lado el escenario vibrante como es el mundo de la Fórmula 1. ¿El siguiente libro para cuándo? Lo necesito ya!!
May 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advance copy of Lights Out
Isla Foley is an up and coming sports journalist who catches the eye of Caleb Collings, an F1 driver who has more or less evaded the media since becoming an adult. Growing up as part of the Collings Motor company family, he could not avoid being in the spotlight, but as an adult he seems to try his best to avoid it. While Isla is part of the media, she holds respectful boundaries and morals with her reporting, and this intrigues Caleb, who decides on a whim to trust her. From there, sparks fly. Isla is determined to succeed in her career though, and dating a driver is the number one way to derail all of her progress.
Isla and Caleb are both really great characters who have clear motivations and exceptional communication. They have a really sweet romance, and are both truly genuine characters. I didn’t know anything about F1 going into this book, so it was really interesting to learn a bit about that (it was actually quite informative too). I also really enjoyed their communication, and it was refreshing to not have any big drama (aside from the workplace forbidden romance, but it didn’t read as big drama), miscommunication, or third act break up. Isla’s integrity gives her strength, Caleb adds yearning and wit, and the romance is of a softer, sweeter variety.
The writing is very clear and straightforward — some authors show, not tell, and some tell, not show. I would say this is show and tell. I think it’s because the writing really focuses on Isla’s thoughts. Something would happen in the book, and then Isla’s thoughts would reiterate what had just happened, or almost a recap of what had just happened at the start of a new chapter, which I did find repetitive, but it gives you very clear insight into how Isla feels.
Narrated by Elise Arsenault, the audiobook is an easy read - perfect for casual listening while doing chores or driving. With clear narration and unique tones and accents for each character, it’s effortless to follow along!
Isla Foley is an up and coming sports journalist who catches the eye of Caleb Collings, an F1 driver who has more or less evaded the media since becoming an adult. Growing up as part of the Collings Motor company family, he could not avoid being in the spotlight, but as an adult he seems to try his best to avoid it. While Isla is part of the media, she holds respectful boundaries and morals with her reporting, and this intrigues Caleb, who decides on a whim to trust her. From there, sparks fly. Isla is determined to succeed in her career though, and dating a driver is the number one way to derail all of her progress.
Isla and Caleb are both really great characters who have clear motivations and exceptional communication. They have a really sweet romance, and are both truly genuine characters. I didn’t know anything about F1 going into this book, so it was really interesting to learn a bit about that (it was actually quite informative too). I also really enjoyed their communication, and it was refreshing to not have any big drama (aside from the workplace forbidden romance, but it didn’t read as big drama), miscommunication, or third act break up. Isla’s integrity gives her strength, Caleb adds yearning and wit, and the romance is of a softer, sweeter variety.
The writing is very clear and straightforward — some authors show, not tell, and some tell, not show. I would say this is show and tell. I think it’s because the writing really focuses on Isla’s thoughts. Something would happen in the book, and then Isla’s thoughts would reiterate what had just happened, or almost a recap of what had just happened at the start of a new chapter, which I did find repetitive, but it gives you very clear insight into how Isla feels.
Narrated by Elise Arsenault, the audiobook is an easy read - perfect for casual listening while doing chores or driving. With clear narration and unique tones and accents for each character, it’s effortless to follow along!
September 17, 2025
Lights Out- A Wonderful Surprise!
As someone who does not follow or even pretend to enjoy Formula 1 racing, I was completely and pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story. The first in a new series, Aven Ellis once again has shown her intense commitment to research and detail in order to bring this story to life.
Isla Foley is a racing influencer with a dream to report on Formula 1 racing. As she describes her visits through F1 and F2 motor areas while reporting, I found myself so far out of my league when trying to imagine it. Aven did a really good job of describing it, but even then, the language was all foreign for someone like me who absolutely no background knowledge. BUT, never did it take away from the story. Isla is a “kick ass and take names” woman and her strength with how she handles people and situations is the best part of the whole story. OK, maybe not the best part, but it makes her a character I’d like to know in real life. She is principled and willing to speak up when necessary. And completely smitten when it comes to Caleb.
Caleb Collings is part knight-in-racing-suit, part sinfully sweet, and is one of the heirs to the Collings Motor dynasty. How he immediately treats Isla and their unfolding friendship, then love story is the best part of the book. Learning about Caleb also took me inside of a F1 car, which was also a new experience. Caleb, a man who could have just about any woman in the world, has to prove to Isla why they belong together. Why would she ever resist that?
The entire story was a beautiful tribute to how to overcome obstacles when you want something that means so much to you. If you love Formula 1 racing, you will love this book. If you know nothing about Formula 1 racing, you will also love this book. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series!
As someone who does not follow or even pretend to enjoy Formula 1 racing, I was completely and pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story. The first in a new series, Aven Ellis once again has shown her intense commitment to research and detail in order to bring this story to life.
Isla Foley is a racing influencer with a dream to report on Formula 1 racing. As she describes her visits through F1 and F2 motor areas while reporting, I found myself so far out of my league when trying to imagine it. Aven did a really good job of describing it, but even then, the language was all foreign for someone like me who absolutely no background knowledge. BUT, never did it take away from the story. Isla is a “kick ass and take names” woman and her strength with how she handles people and situations is the best part of the whole story. OK, maybe not the best part, but it makes her a character I’d like to know in real life. She is principled and willing to speak up when necessary. And completely smitten when it comes to Caleb.
Caleb Collings is part knight-in-racing-suit, part sinfully sweet, and is one of the heirs to the Collings Motor dynasty. How he immediately treats Isla and their unfolding friendship, then love story is the best part of the book. Learning about Caleb also took me inside of a F1 car, which was also a new experience. Caleb, a man who could have just about any woman in the world, has to prove to Isla why they belong together. Why would she ever resist that?
The entire story was a beautiful tribute to how to overcome obstacles when you want something that means so much to you. If you love Formula 1 racing, you will love this book. If you know nothing about Formula 1 racing, you will also love this book. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series!
May 13, 2026
I wanted to love this one because the F1 aspect was actually wonderful - I don’t watch F1, but it was explained in a short, punchy way that makes me want to head to the Miami Grand Prix. I almost found myself wanting more focus on the racing world and the "women in sports media" trope, which was handled so well. However, for a romance, the actual connection between the leads felt a bit surface-level for me.
I generally love and advocate for mature main characters, but in this case, the lack of conflict made the plot feel like it was dragging. There was no big threat, no reveal, and no real tension or jealousy to drive the emotional stakes. Because the "push and pull" was so minimal, I struggled to see a deep connection between the leads beyond the forced proximity of their situation. Like I get it, people are going to talk about your relationship with a driver when you’re the social media face in the paddocks, BUT there seemed to be so much maturity around this anyway, why did it take up 80% of the book! It wasn't a bad read by any means, but it just felt like it was missing that "spark" to take it from a fun sports backdrop to a top-tier romance.
It also probably didn’t help that I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator, Elise Arsenault, did a wonderful job reading for both Isla and Caleb. She was able to capture so many nuances for each character through their prose, inflection, and accents. However, there was a certain point I was listening and looked at how far I was (which ended up being 92%), and I was flabbergasted because it felt like nothing had actually happened.
🏎️ Sports Romance (F1)
🏎️ Women in sports media
🏎️ Secret Relationship
🏎️ Misogyny
🏎️ Interconnected standalones
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
I generally love and advocate for mature main characters, but in this case, the lack of conflict made the plot feel like it was dragging. There was no big threat, no reveal, and no real tension or jealousy to drive the emotional stakes. Because the "push and pull" was so minimal, I struggled to see a deep connection between the leads beyond the forced proximity of their situation. Like I get it, people are going to talk about your relationship with a driver when you’re the social media face in the paddocks, BUT there seemed to be so much maturity around this anyway, why did it take up 80% of the book! It wasn't a bad read by any means, but it just felt like it was missing that "spark" to take it from a fun sports backdrop to a top-tier romance.
It also probably didn’t help that I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator, Elise Arsenault, did a wonderful job reading for both Isla and Caleb. She was able to capture so many nuances for each character through their prose, inflection, and accents. However, there was a certain point I was listening and looked at how far I was (which ended up being 92%), and I was flabbergasted because it felt like nothing had actually happened.
🏎️ Sports Romance (F1)
🏎️ Women in sports media
🏎️ Secret Relationship
🏎️ Misogyny
🏎️ Interconnected standalones
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
June 2, 2026
Thank you so much to RBmedia and NetGalley for the audio ARC of Lights Out by Aven Ellis.
First, I think Elise Arsenault did an amazing job narrating this audiobook solo with multiple accents. There were one or two times when I heard a British accent and was wondering if that was the right person to say the line but I believe that was my mistake, not the recording.
I also felt like this book portrayed F1 very well and even taught many new to the sport about multiple different F1 specific terms like DRS, downforce, tire composition, etc. and also did a good job explaining some of the workouts that F1 drivers have to do. There was also a good comparison between F1 and F2 when she'd have to go cover F2 events that I really enjoyed.
Lights Out is about an F1 content creator, Isla, who has amassed a large social media following that is helping her break into official sports reporting and helping her towards her goal to be able to create F1 content as a career. She encounters misogyny in the industry and gets a paddock tour from THE F1 driver to know, Caleb. Caleb has reports of beef with his fellow driver as well as a few rivals but she gets to talk to him like a human and learn about his real relationships and friendships. He opens up to her like he never has before and before long, they end up falling. It was realistic and entertaining to see how they navigate the idea of pursuing a relationship with the careers they have, how the media and their companies approach it and what happens to their careers.
As much as I hate insta-love, this book did it so well with Caleb but more in an insta-respect way. He was down bad for her, always put her first and really considered her aspirations instead of just offering to provide for her and have her quit everything which I really appreciated.
I also loved their communication and lack of third act breakup as it showed more maturity to their characters.
Overall this was a very fun read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series based on some of the relationships that this book tee'd up.
First, I think Elise Arsenault did an amazing job narrating this audiobook solo with multiple accents. There were one or two times when I heard a British accent and was wondering if that was the right person to say the line but I believe that was my mistake, not the recording.
I also felt like this book portrayed F1 very well and even taught many new to the sport about multiple different F1 specific terms like DRS, downforce, tire composition, etc. and also did a good job explaining some of the workouts that F1 drivers have to do. There was also a good comparison between F1 and F2 when she'd have to go cover F2 events that I really enjoyed.
Lights Out is about an F1 content creator, Isla, who has amassed a large social media following that is helping her break into official sports reporting and helping her towards her goal to be able to create F1 content as a career. She encounters misogyny in the industry and gets a paddock tour from THE F1 driver to know, Caleb. Caleb has reports of beef with his fellow driver as well as a few rivals but she gets to talk to him like a human and learn about his real relationships and friendships. He opens up to her like he never has before and before long, they end up falling. It was realistic and entertaining to see how they navigate the idea of pursuing a relationship with the careers they have, how the media and their companies approach it and what happens to their careers.
As much as I hate insta-love, this book did it so well with Caleb but more in an insta-respect way. He was down bad for her, always put her first and really considered her aspirations instead of just offering to provide for her and have her quit everything which I really appreciated.
I also loved their communication and lack of third act breakup as it showed more maturity to their characters.
Overall this was a very fun read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series based on some of the relationships that this book tee'd up.
May 17, 2026
Aww! It's been a while since I read an F1 sports romance and so I was completely captivated by this right from the start.
Not that I love watching F1, but it just made a nice change from my regular reads and I just ate this up.
I absolutely adored Isla right from the off and loved how she was making waves in such a staid profession.
The fact that Caleb was so wary of reporters really did speak volumes and the fact he trusted Isla straight away, showed that she was doing something different within such a cut throat career.
Isla was determined to further her career despite it being a male dominated workplace and I loved that she wanted to make sure she did it in the right way, even though there was really no denying the chemistry that she had with Caleb.
Because of this, this was a slow burn and we had to work out way through a fair amount of yearning before we finally see the pair get together - but this made the moment all the more special.
Despite me not being a huge fan of racing, I have to admit that I appreciated the amount of technical detail there was through the storyline.
This really added another layer to the story and this felt authentic and showed the progression of both the characters personal threads within the whole plot.
I also loved getting to know our main characters family and friends along the way, which I'm hoping we'll see much more of through the other books in this new series.
I had the best time with this couple and I raced through this over a weekend.
The only problem with this, is that I'll now have to wait even longer before I can get my hands on the next book in the Love In The Paddock series.
Not that I love watching F1, but it just made a nice change from my regular reads and I just ate this up.
I absolutely adored Isla right from the off and loved how she was making waves in such a staid profession.
The fact that Caleb was so wary of reporters really did speak volumes and the fact he trusted Isla straight away, showed that she was doing something different within such a cut throat career.
Isla was determined to further her career despite it being a male dominated workplace and I loved that she wanted to make sure she did it in the right way, even though there was really no denying the chemistry that she had with Caleb.
Because of this, this was a slow burn and we had to work out way through a fair amount of yearning before we finally see the pair get together - but this made the moment all the more special.
Despite me not being a huge fan of racing, I have to admit that I appreciated the amount of technical detail there was through the storyline.
This really added another layer to the story and this felt authentic and showed the progression of both the characters personal threads within the whole plot.
I also loved getting to know our main characters family and friends along the way, which I'm hoping we'll see much more of through the other books in this new series.
I had the best time with this couple and I raced through this over a weekend.
The only problem with this, is that I'll now have to wait even longer before I can get my hands on the next book in the Love In The Paddock series.
September 7, 2025
ARC Review for ‘Lights Out’ by Aven Ellis.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this book.
Life in the F1 is always so fascinating and the world building and technicalities were nicely written down. Loved how Zandvoort was written in it too being my homecountry🥰
Isla is smart and makes sure she won’t be trampled on,witty and funny, she knows what she wants in life and works hard to achieve it. And Caleb is just the cherry on top of her french toast🤣
Caleb is such a gentleman! Guarded due to past history, closed off, but when Isla steps into the motor house, not afraid to stand up what is right, he is a goner.
Their chemistry is adorable! Their 🌶️ is super nice. The book isn’t that graphic, giving the reader the option to let it play out in their own head, my imagination had such fun 🫣
Their best friends and Caleb’s sister were nice and strategically blended it to round it all up.
Can’t wait to read about Catherine and Mason!
Hopefully Hadleigh also gets her HeA, unless there’s a book 3 for them? Eeekkk!🤩
The only reason why I give it 4⭐️ is due to some repetitiveness on inner dialogue. But this is just preference. I’m a reader that just wants the story to get going and not hang around too much in scenes.
Other readers might find it the complete opposite. But again, this is a preference matter, but this is my reason for a star less.
Awesome book all in all though!
4/5⭐️
#arc #arcreview #bookrecs #lightsout #avenellis
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this book.
Life in the F1 is always so fascinating and the world building and technicalities were nicely written down. Loved how Zandvoort was written in it too being my homecountry🥰
Isla is smart and makes sure she won’t be trampled on,witty and funny, she knows what she wants in life and works hard to achieve it. And Caleb is just the cherry on top of her french toast🤣
Caleb is such a gentleman! Guarded due to past history, closed off, but when Isla steps into the motor house, not afraid to stand up what is right, he is a goner.
Their chemistry is adorable! Their 🌶️ is super nice. The book isn’t that graphic, giving the reader the option to let it play out in their own head, my imagination had such fun 🫣
Their best friends and Caleb’s sister were nice and strategically blended it to round it all up.
Can’t wait to read about Catherine and Mason!
Hopefully Hadleigh also gets her HeA, unless there’s a book 3 for them? Eeekkk!🤩
The only reason why I give it 4⭐️ is due to some repetitiveness on inner dialogue. But this is just preference. I’m a reader that just wants the story to get going and not hang around too much in scenes.
Other readers might find it the complete opposite. But again, this is a preference matter, but this is my reason for a star less.
Awesome book all in all though!
4/5⭐️
#arc #arcreview #bookrecs #lightsout #avenellis
September 9, 2025
Lights out by Aven Ellis
Now I've always enjoyed watching the F1 with my husband but who knew I needed a romance book about it!! Especially as I won't watch Romcoms!
I Love how it talks about the dynamics of a family member getting a seat on a racing team and that they expect it's because of his name so have to fight harder to prove themselves.
I mean Caleb is a major #greenflag the whole way through this book but from the moment he sticks up for Isla after Arthurs comments YES Caleb!
I can't forget how honestly (me to girl) is one of Isla's strong points and standing up for herself....Goals! As well as feeling like Caleb is out of her league at the beginning don't we all go through that 🙋🏼♀️
I ended up questioning my husband on some of the things mentioned to check whether they were real...I'm looking at you pit lane limiter (who knew!)
All the other relationships are so fun top how Hadleigh and Isla are like siblings. How Catherine and caleb are like best friends (see the swap there 🤣)
My favourite quote:
"Because im weird? and I dont flirt like a normal person?"
"Well yes"
Throw in a bit of Jealousy from Caleb *swoon*
I understand the dads worries but God i wanted to tell him to shut up lol and hoped he is wrong!
Such an enjoyable easy read 📚 and you really fell in love with the characters.
I need the second one NOW I need to know what happens with Mason and Catherine and Hadleigh and Xavier (please don't let me down it has to happen)
Now I've always enjoyed watching the F1 with my husband but who knew I needed a romance book about it!! Especially as I won't watch Romcoms!
I Love how it talks about the dynamics of a family member getting a seat on a racing team and that they expect it's because of his name so have to fight harder to prove themselves.
I mean Caleb is a major #greenflag the whole way through this book but from the moment he sticks up for Isla after Arthurs comments YES Caleb!
I can't forget how honestly (me to girl) is one of Isla's strong points and standing up for herself....Goals! As well as feeling like Caleb is out of her league at the beginning don't we all go through that 🙋🏼♀️
I ended up questioning my husband on some of the things mentioned to check whether they were real...I'm looking at you pit lane limiter (who knew!)
All the other relationships are so fun top how Hadleigh and Isla are like siblings. How Catherine and caleb are like best friends (see the swap there 🤣)
My favourite quote:
"Because im weird? and I dont flirt like a normal person?"
"Well yes"
Throw in a bit of Jealousy from Caleb *swoon*
I understand the dads worries but God i wanted to tell him to shut up lol and hoped he is wrong!
Such an enjoyable easy read 📚 and you really fell in love with the characters.
I need the second one NOW I need to know what happens with Mason and Catherine and Hadleigh and Xavier (please don't let me down it has to happen)
September 12, 2025
“If french toast could come in a language, I would be fluent.”
✔️F1 romance
✔️driver x reporter
✔️forbidden
✔️secret relationship
✔️no 3rd act breakup
✔️single POV (FMC)
1.75⭐️ rounded up
Caleb (MMC) and Isla (FMC) are cute together, and while I like the storyline itself and the empowering messages about women in male dominated sports, unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I found the FMC’s internal thoughts to be repetitive and immature (though she isn’t an immature character — it’s hard to explain, but its like the author was trying so hard to make her sound relatable that it backfired). I think having the MMC’s POV could have balanced it out a bit, but without that it just got to be too much. It’s one thing for both characters to have similar thoughts so it feels repetitive, it’s another thing for one character to continuously think the same thing again and again. I found the writing to be a little clunky and disjointed, and it was hard to get through, though I was enjoying where the plot was going.
I’m disappointed because I love a good F1 romance and had high hopes for this series, but I won’t be continuing it even though I really like the characters the next book will be following.
*Thank you so much to the author (Aven Ellis) and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️F1 romance
✔️driver x reporter
✔️forbidden
✔️secret relationship
✔️no 3rd act breakup
✔️single POV (FMC)
1.75⭐️ rounded up
Caleb (MMC) and Isla (FMC) are cute together, and while I like the storyline itself and the empowering messages about women in male dominated sports, unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I found the FMC’s internal thoughts to be repetitive and immature (though she isn’t an immature character — it’s hard to explain, but its like the author was trying so hard to make her sound relatable that it backfired). I think having the MMC’s POV could have balanced it out a bit, but without that it just got to be too much. It’s one thing for both characters to have similar thoughts so it feels repetitive, it’s another thing for one character to continuously think the same thing again and again. I found the writing to be a little clunky and disjointed, and it was hard to get through, though I was enjoying where the plot was going.
I’m disappointed because I love a good F1 romance and had high hopes for this series, but I won’t be continuing it even though I really like the characters the next book will be following.
*Thank you so much to the author (Aven Ellis) and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
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