Love's Racing Line: A Closed Door Formula One Romance

by Hope Snyder

Can their love find a racing line or will it crash into the barriers?

Formula One—the high-octane world of fast cars, globetrotting races, and wildly handsome drivers—is Jacqueline Martin’s favorite escape. As a waitress in Monaco, the best weekend of the year is when the Grand Prix takes over the very streets she walks to work and she’s immersed in a world blissfully removed from her everyday life.

But worlds come crashing together when Formula One driver Antonio Avari takes a seat at her table, looks her in the eye, and tells her she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. He’s earnest and engaging, igniting instant chemistry. But her dad has made her swear to never date an athlete and her mother’s sky-high anxiety surrounding cars and racing after a horrific car accident means a man like Antonio could never be an option.

A year later, Jacqueline gets deja-vu and fresh butterflies when Antonio returns to take a seat at her table, this time with a plan to win her over. He offers her a bet—one date if he qualifies well for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Intrigued, Jacqueline can’t say no. Her only condition? Complete secrecy.

But as one private date turns into more, with a growing realization of something unique and promising between them, can their love find a racing line or will it crash into the barriers?

Love's Racing Line is a closed-door Formula One romance with a dramatic love story ending in happily-ever-after and a swirl of suspense.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Sports Romance

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

Hope Snyder writes love stories full of courage and kissing. She’s a Navy wife, a mother of three, an avid reader, and a proud California girl. She has a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge Institute for Continuing Education and has lived in South Korea, England, California, Virginia, and the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the Navy. Her favorite Jane Austen book is (of course) Persuasion, the one with the most naval references.

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I didn't know anything about F1 racing going into this, and while Hope does an excellent job of explaining the sport, my knowledge deficits really prevented me from getting fully absorbed in the story.

I loved the European setting...so different from most of my US-based romance book settings. The food and fashion descriptions were so vivid, really adding to the overall high-end feel to the story.

The romance was sweet, even if I wanted to give Jacqueline a good shake a few times. Ha!

If you love sports romances or have any interest in F1 racing, give this a read!

"Contentment and success are not bound up in winning. In fact, those who can find satisfaction without winning are life's champions. They are the real winners."

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Antonio Avari & Jacqueline Martin
- single POV
- F1 driver MMC
- Waitress, and couture gown designer FMC
- Dreamy meetcutes
- Romance & Suspense

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- the flirting!!!!
- Antonio’s respectful persistence
- The dare 🤭
- The dates
- The nicknames
- The real life war with emotions both MCs battle with
- Antonio’s consistency and patience
- Jacqueline & her parent’s heart to heart
- Jacqueline showing up and supporting Antonio 110%
- The race in Texas!!!!!!!!!!
- The suspense and drama of F1
- THE KISSING!!!! 🤭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I do not have to words to properly convey how much I loved this book!! I know next to nothing (actually less than nothing) about F1. However, I was fully invested in the motorsports aspect of the book. It was thrilling and I couldn’t put the book down.

Antonio and Jacqueline have an intense love. Both people love and love fully, even when they don’t want to admit or name it. They both go all in. They have doubts and man, they are so human. So many mistakes are made in the book. But the mistakes provide beautiful opportunities for the MCs to learn and grow together. Their commitment and love for one another had me tearing up multiple times. I also laughed out loud over their flirting and teasing.

The side characters and subplot points are so so good and add to the story so much! Love Elena. Love Jacqueline’s parents. And I can’t say more people without spoiling 🤭

This book had a little bit of everything. Passion. Flirting. Longing. Thrill.
Mediterranean Summer. Insta-attraction. Suspense. Drama. Doubts. Fears. Dreaming. Pessimism. Fun. And lots of cars. I know this book will be a favorite of mine for a long time.

This is a closed door romance with elements of suspense and intense racing moments. There is some cursing (mostly in French). There is passionate kissing with minimal details.

**Thank you so much to Hope for letting me read this ARC. I received a complimentary copy. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

Songs:
I wanna be the one you call by Benson Boone
I knew you were trouble by Taylor Swift
CWJBHN by Jake Scott
Maybe by Jake Scott
Bellyache by Billie Ellish
My greatest fear by Benson Boone
Piece of my heart by ROSIE **
On my mind by Alex Warren & ROSÉ
Dress by Taylor Swift
Don’t mind if I do by Riley Green & Ella Langley
Worst Way by Riley Green
Ghost by Justin Bieber
Turned into missing you by Max McNown & Avery Anna
Nights like these by Benson Boone
What are you afraid of? By Jessica Baio
Call me pretty by Brooke Lee
Betting on us by Myles Smith

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one thing that is clear after reading this one, it's Hope Snyder's love of F1 racing. This isn't one of those sports romance where the MMC plays a sport, but you barely hear anything about it at all. No, this story takes us right into the world of racing... and even as someone who has never watched a race in my life, I found myself absolutely intrigued. There were moments where I found myself at the edge of my seat, anxious to see how these fictional races were going to play out... and I loved it! Mixed in with the excitement of the race though was a really sweet and tender romance. Antonio and Jacqueline were impossible not to love right from that very first meet cute. I love a MMC who falls first and falls hard, and he most certainly did just that... but she has things in her past/family that make her hesitant to fall for him. They had a great chemistry between them (those kisses, my goodness!), but I loved their more vulnerable moments most. This story kept me intrigued from start to finish... and taught me a thing or two about racing! Whether you're already a racing fan OR just love a good romance that will make you swoon, this one is a must read.

Love's Racing Line is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

...yikes, I have thoughts.

Full review to come!

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Antonio & Jacqueline's intriguing, caring, uncertain, secretive, hopeful, loving, heartbreaking, sweet n swoony happily ever after!!

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself swept away to the beautiful setting of Monaco and the world of F1 racing, which I know nothing about.

I must confess that my childhood memories of my dad watching the Indy 500 and other races did not endear me to the racing world, but I found that through Hope’s writing and clear love, I have a new found appreciation.

Antonio and Jacqueline are a dream. From their first meeting there was a sweet interest that only blossomed from there, no matter that Jacqueline fought it for most of the beginning.

Jacqueline carries the weight of guilt on her shoulders. Her love for her parents guides her in all things, but sometimes it is also a hindrance.

I adored Antonio. He’s confidence and passion with a tender heart. I loved how much he cared for Jacqueline.

I was entranced the whole way. Through many twists and turns, and I’m not just talking about the racetrack. I was on an adventure of self-discovery, finding the courage to stand up for yourself and fight for what you want. Overcoming insecurities and supporting those you love.

This is not one to miss!!

Thank you to Hope Snyder for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Loved a novel about F1! Story was well done, and appreciate it was closed door.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely getaway to another world this book was! I know nothing about Formula One but I've been curious about it, and this was a great introduction, with tons of great racing details and action. And it takes place in the exotic country of Monaco - which seems almost like a fantasy location to me - as well as the world of high fashion.

Antonio and Jacqueline have a beautiful, longing, soulmate kind of love story. I was pretty frustrated with Jacqueline for keeping him at arm's length for as long as she did, but I understood her reasons - and this book was a lot about her growth as a person as well.

Thank you Hope for this wonderful, beautiful, romantic escape! I need to learn more about real life Formula One now!!

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Before you, I always assumed romantic love would be easy. I didn't anticipate that it could be hard and challenging, that it would require courage. But now that it's forced me to face my fears, I know that it's also the most human, delicate, precious feeling in the world. No, not delicate...exquisite."

"I love you for everything you are...not what you do."

I have been anxiously anticipating this book all year, and it did not disappoint!

As a lover of sports, including F1, I truly appreciate the author's knowledge of the sport, which is on full display throughout the book. The race scenes are so well written with the intensity as high as an actual F1 race. I especially loved the addition of the race commentary, driver interviews, and radio messages. However, if you are not an F1 fan, do not let it dissuade from reading this book. You do not need to know anything about the sport to fully enjoy this story. (And who knows, it might just make you a fan!)

I love the way the relationship between Antonio and Jacqueline builds. From friendship to I love you and everything in between, they fight to be together and it makes their love story all the sweeter. This one delivers on all fronts! Full of heart, humor, friendship, adrenaline, romance, heartbreak, intrigue, family, healing...this book portrays the complete rollercoaster of emotion in love, life, and sports. The author also delivers all of the romance, tension, and chemistry, with none of the spice. I loved every minute of it!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Racing Line

A Closed Door Forumla One Romance

Is there anything more thrilling and heart stopping than this Author’s story telling?? I CANNOT begin to tell you how gripped I was from start to finish. YOU GUYS. I had no understanding of Formula 1 at all, and then the Author comes along with this masterpiece and all of a sudden I’m obsessed.

Jacqueline is just, my gosh, I want to hug her! We struggle SO similarly with so many emotions. She feels guilt and shame for certain things and I carry those same emotions. But she has strong friends and family who tell her the truth. So many times I was reading and thinking, gosh dang it! This stings in the best way!

And Antonio?!?! Holy. Crap. Okay. See, I LOVE romances about athletes because it takes serious tenacity and dedication to become great. And great should be Antonio’s middle name! Well, one of them at least! I loved how strongly he loved and how open he was about his affection. He was intense and charming and everything I think a Formula 1 driver would be in real life.

The twists and turns of this book had me gasping, wheezing with laughter, crying and generally being hooked from the get go. You must read this. Truly, you have to. I promise you will be hooked too. And then we can bond over our new found obsession with Formula 1.

TW: There are mentions of past car accidents, health issues, dr$g dealing and some violence briefly mentioned.

[Lindsy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this novel was a breath of fresh air. I went in knowing next to nothing about F1 Racing, yet had the “ride” of my life. The picturesque setting left me yearning to travel, and I was rooting for the characters (Jacqueline & Antonio) at every “turn.” I appreciate the authenticity Hope Snyder was able to convey, both in regard to the actual sport of Formula One Racing AND to the characters’ emotional vulnerability. I also loved how the narrative was interspersed with things like texts, racing interviews, and commentary - it was such a fun format.
At its heart, Love’s Racing Line is about family, navigating love’s journey, and striving to achieve your dreams. If you’re looking for something different I 💯% recommend reading this book…I don’t think you’ll be disappointed when you “cross the finish line.”

~ “I think the world is a beautiful place that tests the limits of humanity in every way.” ~

PS - Can we talk about the fictional handle
@ tOnydriv3sf@st3r?! 😆🙌🏼 It’s stupendous!

Tropes:
🏁Formula One romance
🏁Insta-attraction
🏁Mediterranean summer
🏁Waitress/Fashion Designer FMC
🏁F1 Driver MMC
🏁Secret kisses
🏁Cinderella vibes
🏁A swirl of suspense

Solid 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

A huge thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Racing Line by Hope Snyder (Pub Date: 9/12/25) was a romance, but it was also so much more. Jacqueline’s family gave me mixed feelings at first. Her parents frustrated me, but as their story unfolded, I started to see the weight of their trauma and the reasons behind their caution. They did have some communication issues and I was glad to see them finally talk through things. By the end, they definitely grew on me.
‌
And let’s talk about Antonio. Determined, caring and oh so charming. He’s everything you’d want from an F1 driver hero. His chemistry with Jacqueline was instant, but the secrecy and family complications made this romance feel layered and real.
‌
There’s a little mystery and suspense. And I figured that out before the reveal so I’m proud of myself.
‌
This is a closed door F1 romance with sparks, heart, and just enough suspense to keep me flipping pages faster than a pit stop.

[Ally | SkipTheSpice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sheer amount of anticipation I’ve had for this book over the last few months is incalculable! I LOVE Formula 1, but all the F1 books I’ve seen on the market are spicy, so they aren’t an option for me. When Hope Snyder posted on social media about her love for Formula 1 racing in November of 2024, several of us responded that she should write a closed-door Formula 1 romance. Turns out she already had an idea for one! Fast forward ten months and Hope wrote that closed-door Formula 1 romance AND it absolutely blew all my expectations out of the water!

Love’s Racing Line brings a fresh take on the classic sports romance by diving into the world of Formula 1 racing. Don’t stress if you know nothing about the sport - this book is totally accessible and enjoyable for a Paddock newbie. And if you’re already a die-hard fan, you’re going to pick up on ALL the little details! It’s such an immersive story for all readers!

Even more than a swoony sports romance, Love’s Racing Line has depth and navigates the personal struggles of both main characters, but especially Jacqueline’s as it is written from her point of view. You will cheer Jacqueline on as she fights through insecurities and misconceptions, and root on Antonio as he works to win her over. And oh my goodness, the chemistry and tension is so thick between these two! You might want to clear your schedule when you start reading because you are not going to want to put this book down!

Intimacy: Passionate Kisses (closed-door)
Language: Mild
Content Considerations: Car accident (past), chronic illness, self-doubt, mild Innuendo, mild violence, anxiety

[Kiri Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sped through this novel and really enjoyed it. This is a fast paced, sports romance which I found really compelling. And I don't even like sports all that well and had no idea F1 racing existed before this novel. I foresee more Snyder novels in my future.

I wanted to give it five stars, but there were a few plot aspects that just didn't quite work for me. Mainly: the central relationships are primarily hindered through lack of open communication, which is a pet peeve of mine. Also, despite being closed door, there is a strong implication of premarital sex along with references to partying. I'm an old-fashioned girl who likes her heroes with a little stronger morals.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who knows nothing about Formula One, I was pleasantly surprised in how much I enjoyed this book. Love's Racing Line offers a glimpse into the world of fashion, car races, and medical care. Complete with a dramatic robbery and some unexpected police involvement, I enjoyed the mix of romance and mystery.

Content Considerations: The couple start sharing a bed before marriage. Not my favorite aspect.

Overall, this is a fun book. I would recommend it to adults who want to enjoy a fun racing romance. Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

[Reanne - (Faith, Fiction, Fact and Fluff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Formula One romance, and I really enjoyed it. The book was primarily set in Monaco and France, and it was cool to see the sport from both the fan and the racer's perspective.

Jacqueline and Antonio have a sweet love story with some forbidden love, cinderella story elements. Would recommend to those who enjoy closed-door sports romances.

*Thanks to the author for sending me an advanced copy.

[Corrine Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im absolutely in love with this book! It’s pretty obvious the author loves Formula 1 with her clear descriptions of the races and her terminology. And then she weaves this addicting love story in between with Jacqueline and Antonio whose all sunshine and smokie fire! I found myself dreaming of going to Monaco, wearing anything but lounge pants, and eating amazing food! This book will be a re-read for me!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTEEEEEEEEEE! I am a fan of formula 1 so I’m sure that contributed to me loving this book but you don’t need to be. Hope puts enough tidbits in that if you know nothing about the sport, it won’t matter. Antonio & Jacqueline are so cute, they’re perfectly imperfect.

My favourite part; “JACK! BIG FAN! 👍” 🤣🤣🤣🤣 if ya know, ya know.

*Read this as an ARC*

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
HOPE SNYDER I NEED MORE!
there’s not many f1 closed door romance books and i was SO HAPPY when i saw this. this book genuinely had everything : love, heartbreak, tension, plot. the f1 scenes were understandable and tension filled and most importantly antonio and jaqueline were the most memorable characters i have read i love them so much!

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤬: mild language (4 d, 2 h, 1 French swear word)

Easy five stars!!! This book is SO good. You don't have to have any background knowledge about Formula One to enjoy it. (See: me.) You will absolutely adore Jacqueline and Antonio together. Do yourself a favor and PICK IT UP!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one so much! Not only was it a romance but it was also a love story to F1! I went in not knowing much about the sport but easily followed and learned so much! Loved Antonio & Jacqueline and their hard fought happily ever after🤎

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline has worked hard and when she meets Formula 1 driver Antonio she deserves the attention. But her fear of disappointing others holds her back. When she chooses to take the chance, she finds her happiness. An amazing read!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6 stars!!!!!!

This was one of the best romances books I’ve ever read!!

I knew nothing about F1 going into this book but I am obsessed with it now!!

I did cry quite a bit but the main girl was going through so much it was kind of needed 😅

Content:
Language: 8-9 words I think
Romance: just kisses and the main couple do fall asleep together a few times
Violence: none

[Kimberly Lecar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to escape for a weekend and feel giddy inside or need a pick me up, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!

I was swept away through each page and truly have enjoyed reading the Author’s writing style flourish and captivate hearts with these sweet characters. I found myself ACTUALLY WANTING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT F1!!! Wished I could actually call Jacqueline and have her lend me her seamstress skills. Many times I felt I was right there with her and others as if she was speaking my minds thoughts of doubts and career hopes and dreams. Antonio’s relentless pursuit of her, the passion they both shared and the family drama mixed in one surely pulled me in! Well done❤️