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The Hot Mess Express
Love in the fast lane.
'He was supposed to be a one-night stand. A distraction. A stranger. Just another name I’d never think about again. Instead, he became the man I broke every rule for.'
Maverick Carter is a Formula 1 world champion—reckless, magnetic, and permanently followed by cameras. A racing legend, a certified playboy, and the face every brand wants on their cover. He’s spent his life chasing podiums and glory… until he starts chasing me.
Sage was never part of the plan. She’s the chaos he can’t quit, the calm in his storm, the one person who sees the man beneath the helmet. With her, the noise fades. The pressure lifts. And for the first time, winning doesn’t feel like everything.
She thinks running is the only way out.
He’ll burn down the world to make her stay.
From Melbourne to Monaco, this is love at full throttle—reckless, addictive, and impossible to forget.
The Hot Mess Express is a glamorous, high-stakes romance packed with passion, tension, and heat. Perfect for fans of Drive to Survive and Lauren Asher, it’s a story about loving in the spotlight—where every move is watched, every mistake is magnified, and the greatest risk of all is giving your heart to the wrong person.
'He was supposed to be a one-night stand. A distraction. A stranger. Just another name I’d never think about again. Instead, he became the man I broke every rule for.'
Maverick Carter is a Formula 1 world champion—reckless, magnetic, and permanently followed by cameras. A racing legend, a certified playboy, and the face every brand wants on their cover. He’s spent his life chasing podiums and glory… until he starts chasing me.
Sage was never part of the plan. She’s the chaos he can’t quit, the calm in his storm, the one person who sees the man beneath the helmet. With her, the noise fades. The pressure lifts. And for the first time, winning doesn’t feel like everything.
She thinks running is the only way out.
He’ll burn down the world to make her stay.
From Melbourne to Monaco, this is love at full throttle—reckless, addictive, and impossible to forget.
The Hot Mess Express is a glamorous, high-stakes romance packed with passion, tension, and heat. Perfect for fans of Drive to Survive and Lauren Asher, it’s a story about loving in the spotlight—where every move is watched, every mistake is magnified, and the greatest risk of all is giving your heart to the wrong person.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
16 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 27, 2025
I devoured this in 24 hrs. My rating is 4.5 stars, and that's only cause I couldn't handle the amount of spicy scenes in it and I skipped over them.... 🔥🥵
Okay but can we take a minute to appreciate Maverick the main character, hot, F1 driver, playboy and seriously cocky. But then along comes Sage, and he turns into this green flag guy, that holds space for her, completely and utterly falls head over heels for the chaos cyclone that is Sage.
Now Sage, she holds a piece of my heart, shes unhinged, chaotic, likes tequila and never falls into the same guys bed twice.... until Mav. 🥹 She has trauma, is used to running away and does multiple times and the thing was I never got over her running away because it was realistic and her thoughts were valid and made the thought of falling in love with someone after a few months, scary but beautiful.
This book captured me and I'm so surprised by it.
The found family aspects with Josie and Margot? I want unhinged friends who just turn up when you need them most!
Seriously, take a chance on this spicy F1 romance! you will not be disappointed!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Okay but can we take a minute to appreciate Maverick the main character, hot, F1 driver, playboy and seriously cocky. But then along comes Sage, and he turns into this green flag guy, that holds space for her, completely and utterly falls head over heels for the chaos cyclone that is Sage.
Now Sage, she holds a piece of my heart, shes unhinged, chaotic, likes tequila and never falls into the same guys bed twice.... until Mav. 🥹 She has trauma, is used to running away and does multiple times and the thing was I never got over her running away because it was realistic and her thoughts were valid and made the thought of falling in love with someone after a few months, scary but beautiful.
This book captured me and I'm so surprised by it.
The found family aspects with Josie and Margot? I want unhinged friends who just turn up when you need them most!
Seriously, take a chance on this spicy F1 romance! you will not be disappointed!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
November 2, 2025
love love love cannot wait for book 2!
October 22, 2025
Crazy that my debut novel is on good reads! I have so much fun writing this & i hope ya’ll have fun reading it. This was my first attempt at writing a novel & the characters were so much fun to write and create!!
Get ready for your next book husband!!
Get ready for your next book husband!!
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS — Love at 300km/h
I was gifted a copy of this book after quietly following Stacey on Bookstagram, and honestly? I was already floored just to receive it. But let me tell you—this book does not disappoint.
I’ll be upfront: I know nothing about Formula 1. Other than the fact the men are divine. And trust me, you do not need F1 knowledge to be completely swept up in this story. From page one, I was hooked.
That opening? Sage’s Rule Book. I was gagged. So many of those rules were ones I lived by in my early dating years......so much so that I immediately messaged Stacey. No matter the time, even if it was 2am, I always had somewhere else to be 👀 No sleepovers, thank you very much. The parallels between Sage and my younger self made me connect with her instantly.
Sage is chaotic, slightly unhinged, fiercely independent, and completely irresistible. I loved her vibe, and her friendships were genuinely hilarious, no filler side characters here.
And then there’s Maverick Carter.
Green flag. Down bad. Possessive (the right way).
DELECTABLE.
Watching a racing legend who has the world at his feet fall hard was everything. Mav isn’t just a champion on the track; he’s emotionally present, obsessed, and willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves.
The pacing? Perfect.
The tension? Addictive.
The back and forth? Killing me.
Now. THE CLIFFHANGER. I need to talk about it. I must talk about it.
Just when you think you’re safe… when you think you can breathe… BAM. Stacey casually rips the rug out from under you and leaves you staring at the final page like: surely there’s more?? The way this book ends had me immediately flipping back, rereading, and then staring at the wall questioning my life choices. Emotional damage. In the best way.
And can we PLEASE discuss Josie and Drew??
Because excuse me??? The tension. The vibes. The crumbs we were fed. I have so many questions and I desperately need answers. Stacey, if you’re reading this: will they get a book? Because I am seated, buckled in, and ready. Their dynamic has so much potential and I need it explored immediately.
As a certified smut connoisseur, I must also say: the spice ratio was immaculate. Some may say too much, me? Never. Not once did it feel unnecessary; it only elevated the intensity and connection. Yes, it’s spicy—but it’s also layered, tackling grief and endometriosis with care, making this a romance with real plot, real emotion, and real-life relevance.
Bonus points for this being written by an Aussie author and set in Melbourne. It added such a grounded, familiar magic to an otherwise glamorous, high-stakes world.
This is love in the fast lane; reckless, passionate, chaotic, and impossible to forget. If you love F1 romance, powerful men who fall first and harder, and stories that leave you desperate for the next book… this is a must-read.
I inhaled it. I adored it. And I will not be shutting up about Mav Carter, or that ending anytime soon. 🏁💚
I was gifted a copy of this book after quietly following Stacey on Bookstagram, and honestly? I was already floored just to receive it. But let me tell you—this book does not disappoint.
I’ll be upfront: I know nothing about Formula 1. Other than the fact the men are divine. And trust me, you do not need F1 knowledge to be completely swept up in this story. From page one, I was hooked.
That opening? Sage’s Rule Book. I was gagged. So many of those rules were ones I lived by in my early dating years......so much so that I immediately messaged Stacey. No matter the time, even if it was 2am, I always had somewhere else to be 👀 No sleepovers, thank you very much. The parallels between Sage and my younger self made me connect with her instantly.
Sage is chaotic, slightly unhinged, fiercely independent, and completely irresistible. I loved her vibe, and her friendships were genuinely hilarious, no filler side characters here.
And then there’s Maverick Carter.
Green flag. Down bad. Possessive (the right way).
DELECTABLE.
Watching a racing legend who has the world at his feet fall hard was everything. Mav isn’t just a champion on the track; he’s emotionally present, obsessed, and willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves.
The pacing? Perfect.
The tension? Addictive.
The back and forth? Killing me.
Now. THE CLIFFHANGER. I need to talk about it. I must talk about it.
Just when you think you’re safe… when you think you can breathe… BAM. Stacey casually rips the rug out from under you and leaves you staring at the final page like: surely there’s more?? The way this book ends had me immediately flipping back, rereading, and then staring at the wall questioning my life choices. Emotional damage. In the best way.
And can we PLEASE discuss Josie and Drew??
Because excuse me??? The tension. The vibes. The crumbs we were fed. I have so many questions and I desperately need answers. Stacey, if you’re reading this: will they get a book? Because I am seated, buckled in, and ready. Their dynamic has so much potential and I need it explored immediately.
As a certified smut connoisseur, I must also say: the spice ratio was immaculate. Some may say too much, me? Never. Not once did it feel unnecessary; it only elevated the intensity and connection. Yes, it’s spicy—but it’s also layered, tackling grief and endometriosis with care, making this a romance with real plot, real emotion, and real-life relevance.
Bonus points for this being written by an Aussie author and set in Melbourne. It added such a grounded, familiar magic to an otherwise glamorous, high-stakes world.
This is love in the fast lane; reckless, passionate, chaotic, and impossible to forget. If you love F1 romance, powerful men who fall first and harder, and stories that leave you desperate for the next book… this is a must-read.
I inhaled it. I adored it. And I will not be shutting up about Mav Carter, or that ending anytime soon. 🏁💚
December 31, 2025
I AM SCREAMING. I AM CRYING. I AM OFFICIALLY DECEASED.
The Hotmess Express by Stacey O’Leary hasn't just become my new favorite book, it has completely rewired my DNA. I am writing this from the floor because I no longer have the strength to stand. This story didn't just meet my expectations; it set them on fire and danced in the ashes.
Maverick is the blueprint. I am actually sobbing. Maverick’s unconditional love is so pure, so fierce, and so unwavering that he has ruined all men for me forever, yes including all fictional men.
He doesn’t just love Sage "despite" the mess, he worships her because of it. He is the ultimate protector, and I am hopelessly, tragically obsessed with him. And the mouth on him?! *fans self*
The Spice is Nuclear. I have no words. The chemistry isn’t just simmering; it’s a total inferno. The spice is off the charts, handled with a level of intensity that had me gasping for air.
The Ultimate Relief: No Third-Act Breakup! In a world of unnecessary drama, the fact that there is no third-act breakup was a godsend and made the romance hit ten times harder.
Relentless pacing. I loved that I didn’t have to wait for the heat or the heart-stopping moments. It was a non-stop, high-speed adrenaline rush of emotions and chemistry that never let me go.
THE FINAL DEVASTATION...
The ending didn't just rip my heart out. It shredded it, stomped on it, and left me for dead. I am physically vibrating on the edge of my seat, biting my nails into oblivion, gasping for air as I wait for the second book. I am in a state of total emotional paralysis until I can get the sequel and finally, mercifully, breathe again.
Stacey O’Leary didn't just write a book; she wrote a masterpiece that has left me emotionally compromised. Read it. Now.
The Hotmess Express by Stacey O’Leary hasn't just become my new favorite book, it has completely rewired my DNA. I am writing this from the floor because I no longer have the strength to stand. This story didn't just meet my expectations; it set them on fire and danced in the ashes.
Maverick is the blueprint. I am actually sobbing. Maverick’s unconditional love is so pure, so fierce, and so unwavering that he has ruined all men for me forever, yes including all fictional men.
He doesn’t just love Sage "despite" the mess, he worships her because of it. He is the ultimate protector, and I am hopelessly, tragically obsessed with him. And the mouth on him?! *fans self*
The Spice is Nuclear. I have no words. The chemistry isn’t just simmering; it’s a total inferno. The spice is off the charts, handled with a level of intensity that had me gasping for air.
The Ultimate Relief: No Third-Act Breakup! In a world of unnecessary drama, the fact that there is no third-act breakup was a godsend and made the romance hit ten times harder.
Relentless pacing. I loved that I didn’t have to wait for the heat or the heart-stopping moments. It was a non-stop, high-speed adrenaline rush of emotions and chemistry that never let me go.
THE FINAL DEVASTATION...
The ending didn't just rip my heart out. It shredded it, stomped on it, and left me for dead. I am physically vibrating on the edge of my seat, biting my nails into oblivion, gasping for air as I wait for the second book. I am in a state of total emotional paralysis until I can get the sequel and finally, mercifully, breathe again.
Stacey O’Leary didn't just write a book; she wrote a masterpiece that has left me emotionally compromised. Read it. Now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
As an F1 girlie, I love reading all the romances based off the sport so when Stacey reached out to see if I was interested in reading her debut novel The Hot Mess Express I was more than delighted too!
Maverick and Sage’s romance was a whirlwind from the moment they bumped into each other at a coffee shop, resulting in Sage having coffee all over her shirt. It was game over from there when it came to Maverick’s playboy vibe and Sage’s little black book of rules and one night stands.
There was a lot that happened throughout the book with the main complication happening at the end leaving you hooked and wanting book 2 immediately!
I really enjoyed that Sage was Aussie and that the story followed the F1 schedule. I loved the vibe that Maverick gave off (hints of Hamilton and Leclerc for me (that could just be because Maverick’s team resembled Ferrari)). It was also refreshing to read scenes throughout The Hot Mess Express that I haven’t read before in other romance books (yes I’m talking about chapter 43!)
So if you’re an F1 girlie or wanting to get into the F1 romance scene, I recommend that you add The Hot Mess Express to your ever growing TBR list. Same goes for if you’re wanting to support more indie authors!
Thank you Stacey for sending an author copy of The Hot Mess Express!
Maverick and Sage’s romance was a whirlwind from the moment they bumped into each other at a coffee shop, resulting in Sage having coffee all over her shirt. It was game over from there when it came to Maverick’s playboy vibe and Sage’s little black book of rules and one night stands.
There was a lot that happened throughout the book with the main complication happening at the end leaving you hooked and wanting book 2 immediately!
I really enjoyed that Sage was Aussie and that the story followed the F1 schedule. I loved the vibe that Maverick gave off (hints of Hamilton and Leclerc for me (that could just be because Maverick’s team resembled Ferrari)). It was also refreshing to read scenes throughout The Hot Mess Express that I haven’t read before in other romance books (yes I’m talking about chapter 43!)
So if you’re an F1 girlie or wanting to get into the F1 romance scene, I recommend that you add The Hot Mess Express to your ever growing TBR list. Same goes for if you’re wanting to support more indie authors!
Thank you Stacey for sending an author copy of The Hot Mess Express!
January 13, 2026
ARC REVIWE THROUGH THE NNC
I was lucky enough to receive a physical copy of this book as an advanced reader copy and I can honestly tell you I’m so thrilled to have it on my bookshelf.
What a read!!!
I would give it 4.5 ⭐️ and a 3 🌶️ level.
I need to start this review by saying I’ve never read a book where I have loved all of the characters so damn much.
First of all, Is Maverick even a real human? Men worldwide need to take note of this man! Green flags everywhere
Sage, well she is just an absolute vibe. Strong, determined but also vulnerable and soft. A whirlwind and a literal hot mess.
The best friends, Josie and Margot. The vibes these two give off are spectacular! I want them as my friends.
Even Mavericks parents are literal gems.
Aside from the characters, great story, I do wish there was a little more about race days but that’s just my opinion.
Fun, spicy, has good emotional depth and all in all a really good read. And I’ll never look at a margarita the same way again.
The ending though, that’s just cruel Stacey! I need to know what happened!
Cannot wait for book number 2 💜😈
I was lucky enough to receive a physical copy of this book as an advanced reader copy and I can honestly tell you I’m so thrilled to have it on my bookshelf.
What a read!!!
I would give it 4.5 ⭐️ and a 3 🌶️ level.
I need to start this review by saying I’ve never read a book where I have loved all of the characters so damn much.
First of all, Is Maverick even a real human? Men worldwide need to take note of this man! Green flags everywhere
Sage, well she is just an absolute vibe. Strong, determined but also vulnerable and soft. A whirlwind and a literal hot mess.
The best friends, Josie and Margot. The vibes these two give off are spectacular! I want them as my friends.
Even Mavericks parents are literal gems.
Aside from the characters, great story, I do wish there was a little more about race days but that’s just my opinion.
Fun, spicy, has good emotional depth and all in all a really good read. And I’ll never look at a margarita the same way again.
The ending though, that’s just cruel Stacey! I need to know what happened!
Cannot wait for book number 2 💜😈
January 6, 2026
The Hot Mess Express is exactly what the title promises — chaotic, funny, spicy, and full of heart. Stacey O’Leary has a way of writing characters who are beautifully flawed and completely relatable, and the chemistry between them is 🔥 from the start.
I laughed, cringed (in the best way), and found myself genuinely invested in the emotional side of the story, not just the spice. It’s fast-paced, witty, and doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real life and real feelings.
If you love romance that’s equal parts humour, heat, and heart — and characters who feel like real people making real mistakes — this one is absolutely worth the read. A great example of why indie Aussie authors deserve more hype.
Highly recommend hopping on board this ride 🚂🔥
I laughed, cringed (in the best way), and found myself genuinely invested in the emotional side of the story, not just the spice. It’s fast-paced, witty, and doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real life and real feelings.
If you love romance that’s equal parts humour, heat, and heart — and characters who feel like real people making real mistakes — this one is absolutely worth the read. A great example of why indie Aussie authors deserve more hype.
Highly recommend hopping on board this ride 🚂🔥
January 31, 2026
The Hot Mess Express is a fiery, high octane romance that delivers on all fronts. Sage and Maverick’s chemistry is explosive, with the chaotic backdrop of Formula 1 only intensifying their undeniable connection. Maverick’s world of fame and risk is a perfect contrast to Sage’s quieter, more guarded nature, creating a dynamic of push and pull that keeps the pages turning. Their love story isn’t just about passion; it’s about the battle between wanting to escape and being pulled into something you never saw coming. If you're into intense, fast-paced love stories where every moment feels like a high-stakes race, this book is a must read.
December 29, 2025
Great story, plenty of spice.
Sage and Maverick make a passionate and electrifying pair. Maverick is instantly obssessed with Sage, who avoids commitment at all costs. But she is captivated by the playboy race car driver and eventually breaks all of her rules for him.
A great story of love, recovery from trauma and passion.
Some grammar/spelling issues that annoyed me. Also, towards the end of the book the plot suffered for chapters of pure smut.
Sage and Maverick make a passionate and electrifying pair. Maverick is instantly obssessed with Sage, who avoids commitment at all costs. But she is captivated by the playboy race car driver and eventually breaks all of her rules for him.
A great story of love, recovery from trauma and passion.
Some grammar/spelling issues that annoyed me. Also, towards the end of the book the plot suffered for chapters of pure smut.
January 4, 2026
This spicy F1 romance was great.
Maverick evolves from cocky playboy to total green flag when Sage enters his life and their connection is intense and emotional.
Sage’s chaos, trauma and fear of falling fast felt raw and real, making their love story hit even harder. Add in a found-family vibe and plenty of spice and this book is absolutely worth the read. 🫶🏻
Maverick evolves from cocky playboy to total green flag when Sage enters his life and their connection is intense and emotional.
Sage’s chaos, trauma and fear of falling fast felt raw and real, making their love story hit even harder. Add in a found-family vibe and plenty of spice and this book is absolutely worth the read. 🫶🏻
January 4, 2026
TNN Arc review: This is quite a long story I initially found the story not grabbing me but I persisted and I'm glad I did. It was fast paced and the side characters make this story. The ending is not what you are expecting, leaves you wanting more. Thank you Stacey.
February 21, 2026
For a 1st time author, Stacey did a great job. loved the characters but not the ending as now I have to wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews