What do you do when it all goes wrong in your career? You agree to shadow the arrogant formula one driver Royce Lexington for your new romance book. What makes it worse, you have no clue about formula one.
Your agent thinks this is your break, you disagree.
Just when you think things couldn’t get worse, Royce asks you to be his fake girlfriend to get his name out of the headlines and his reputation back on track.
You know it’s a risk, but those ice blue eyes and that boyish grin make it hard to say no.
Lines blur, worlds collide and the words that haven’t spoken to you in years spill onto the page. But when the story begins to develop, it’s hard to work out what’s fiction and reality.
Ashlee Rose lives in the UK where she resides with her husband, three children and her crazy cockapoo.
When Ashlee isn't being a stay at home mum and housewife, she is losing herself in her steamy romance novels and swoon worthy alphas.
Ashlee has always been an avid reader of romance and lives in a fantasy world.
In 2018, she decided to try her hand at writing, a few months later Something New was published. After vowing to finish the Entwined In You series and leaving it at that, Ashlee got the itch to continue and has many more romance novels up her sleeve.
Ashlee is on all social media platforms so go over and give her a follow.
This follows Athena and Royce. Athena is an author struggling with her next book and losing motivation, but that all changes when she’s sent to shadow the one and only Royce Lexington an F1 driver who is arrogant, dominant, and known for his bad-boy reputation. As she spends more time with him, inspiration for her book begins to flow, and a contract is drawn up for them to help each other out. But as the lines between professional and personal start to blur… what could possibly go wrong?
I absolutely loved this story. Being set in the world of F1 which I’m a huge fan of made me even more obsessed with Athena and Royce. I loved how Athena would get flustered and blush around Royce whenever he said certain things it was such a fun dynamic. Watching her grow throughout the book was really rewarding, and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own along side finding inspiration to write her next book.
Royce, on the other hand, is torn between his career and his future. He tends to push people away out of fear of what he might lose, which added a lot of depth to his character. I really liked seeing the wide range of challenges he faced from the intensity of racing to the consequences of his actions, and ultimately how completely consumed he became by Athena.
These two together were fantastic I really enjoyed the tension and chemistry between them. The spice was delicious, especially with the spicy lessons for inspiration.
I also really enjoyed the side characters, who added another layer to the overall experience. Lastly, I appreciated how accurate the F1 details were. You can definitely tell the author is a fan. There were a few moments that felt slightly unrealistic for the sport, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
I’m really looking forward to continuing the rest of the series by Ashlee!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Kindle ARC Pages: 389 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 Spicy Chapters: 16, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Epilogue POV: First Person Series or Standalone: Book One In The Downforce Love Series Tropes or Themes: Sports (F1), Fake Dating, Opposites Attract, Reverse Age Gap (10yrs), One Bed, Forced Proximity, Chemistry, Jealousy, Chemistry, Grovelling, Panic Attack, Sexual Content, Spicy Lessons, Eyes On Me, Praise, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Edging, Begging, Pussy Slap and Yacht Scene Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
First off ash I’m so proud of you and this book you poured your heart into this story and it shows! As a a major f1 fan the f1 elements to this book was spot on you did such an amazing job this is one of those books that plays like a movie in your head as you read it! I know you poured some of your own thoughts and emotions into Athena and like her you should be so damn proud of your accomplishments
Athena is a struggling romance author, her best friend Edel (still not over this by the way! I’m honestly so honoured for this!) and agent Maria are pushing her idea to create an f1 romance book to shadow a driver to learn the ins and outs of the f1 world and she will be shadowing none other than playboy, arrogant Royce Lexington Royce is known as a playboy who is cocky and arrogant who people feel he was dropped into his f1 seat because it’s his dads team (if you read sparks fly you will get to meet daddy creed Lexington 🤤) Royce has a winners mentality who will stop at nothing to win the championship his words and actions have him splashed across the headlines so he comes up with a plan with Athena to fake date… he gets to clean up his image and she gets even closer to the action to write her book but lines are crossed, contracts are thrown out the window when the their fake relationship starts to feel like real feelings
Athena feels like her spicy scenes in her books are lacking and of course Royce is only happy to be her teacher 😏😮💨 and let me say when that moment of “fuck the contract” happens I was melting!!!!!!
Athena has such a pure heart and deserves the world. Royce yes his mouth can get him in trouble his passion and drive to become the best f1 driver is incredible he has the strength to not give up on himself and believes in himself and he’s just what Athena needs to help her believe in herself! Royce’s mouth also gets him in trouble with Athena but we love a man who grovels 😏😂
There’s definitely a found family that develops in this world… the friendships turn into family and the families also become friends and it’s everything!!! I love it so much the bonds they have are so strong and radiates off the pages You fall in love with every character and the banter in this book is top tier it had me crying laughing!
What to expect - F1 driver/Romance author - Fake dating - Reverse age gap - Teach me - Found family - Banter - F1 action - Grovelling
I was lucky enough to beta read and arc read this for Ashlee ❤️❤️❤️
I went into Dirty (Downforce Love #1) by Ashlee Rose thinking, “Okay, cute little F1 romance moment…”
And then it immediately said: strap in, babe. We’re crashing emotionally at 200mph. 🏎️💋
This book follows a romance author whose career is basically falling apart (relatable, honestly), and her agent decides the solution is… throwing her into the glamorous chaos of Formula One so she can shadow a driver for “research.” Because obviously that’s what we do when life is in shambles: go stand near millionaires with egos and abs.
Enter Royce Lexington — arrogant, irresistible, headline-making, and the human embodiment of “I’m trouble but I look good doing it.” Ice blue eyes? Boyish grin? Walking red flag? Yes, yes, and YES.
And just when you think the tension can’t get more delicious, Royce suggests the ultimate chaos trope:
✨ Fake dating. ✨
Because apparently “pretend to be my girlfriend so I can fix my reputation” is a totally normal request and not something that should come with a waiver and emotional damage compensation.
The chemistry between them? Electric. Like, touch her and you’ll combust levels of tension. The banter was sharp, the flirting was addictive, and the slow unraveling of their fake relationship into something messy and real had me kicking my feet and whispering oh no… they’re doomed.
What I loved most is how the story plays with blurred lines — not just between fake and real feelings, but also between writing and living. Watching her creativity come back to life through this chaotic situation felt genuinely satisfying, and it added depth beyond just the romance.
And the vibes?? Fast cars, fame pressure, emotional vulnerability, and spicy tension simmering under every interaction. It’s giving luxury lifestyle + trauma + yearning + “we shouldn’t but we will.”
By the end, I was fully invested, emotionally compromised, and ready to throw my phone across the room in the best way.
If you love: 🏁 F1 romance 💋 fake dating 🔥 arrogant MMCs with soft hidden sides 🖤 messy feelings and blurred boundaries 📖 writers finding their spark again
…then Dirty is absolutely one to add to your TBR.
Rating: Fast-paced, fun, swoony, and chaotic in the most addictive way.
And yes… the fake relationship? RUINED. (as it should be 😌💅)
this book had me hooked from the premise alone - Athena, a romance author, being sent to shadow an F1 driver for research?? the setup was already giving chaos, tension, and inevitable feelings... and then you meet Royce. and wow. Royce is THAT man. the fake dating trope here was done so well, not rushed, not overdone, just the perfect slow build where every look, every conversation, every moment felt intentional. the age gap adds that extra layer of tension, especially because Athena starts off a little unsure of herself, and watching her grow into her confidence (with Royce quietly hyping her up the whole time) was so satisfying. and I have to mention this part because it really stood out — the way Royce helps Athena explore sexual pleasure for her books and explore her her own pleasure felt surprisingly intentional and character-driven. it's not just there for spice, it actually ties into her growth. she starts off hesitant and unsure, and through their dynamic, she becomes more confident, more self-aware, and more in control of what she wants. it added a deeper layer to their relationship beyond just attraction. what really got me though was the dynamic between them: he's confident, controlled, a little intense... but when it comes to her? completely gone. the way he supports her dreams, respects her work, and is low-key obsessed without losing that edge?? yeah... I get it. also loved how Athena's journey wasn't just about romance — it was about her stepping into her voice, her confidence, and her desires, both in her writing and in her life. The chemistry?? unreal! If you would love a romance a little messy a little intense and full of tension this is the one for you as always Ashlee has smashed it out the park once again highly highly recommend you need to add this to your reading list immediately 🤍
I’m actually feral over this book. Like… sleep? optional. responsibilities? ignored. sanity? left somewhere around chapter three.
Dirty by Ashlee Rose is the kind of chaotic, delicious, “just one more chapter” read that turns into oops it’s 2am and I’ve emotionally attached myself to a fictional Formula One menace. And Royce Lexington?? Sir. Please. Someone take the wheel because I cannot be trusted around this man.
Athena going from struggling author to being thrown into the high-speed circus of Formula One with ZERO knowledge is already a vibe, but then you add fake dating?? With an arrogant, smirking, ice-blue-eyed driver who knows exactly what he’s doing?? I was DONE. Absolutely done for.
The tension in this book is not a slow burn, it’s a full engine revving at redline. Every interaction between Athena and Royce crackles. The banter? Sharp. The chemistry? Illegal in at least five countries. And the way the lines blur between what’s fake and what’s very much not fake… I was clutching my chest like I’d personally been drafted into their emotional mess.
Also can we talk about how Athena finding her writing again is woven into all of this?? That part hit harder than expected. Watching her words come back to life alongside her feelings felt messy and real and a little bit magical. Like her heart and her creativity were in a high-stakes race and neither wanted to lose.
And Royce… ugh. He’s cocky, frustrating, charming, and somehow still soft in the exact ways that matter. The “fake relationship” unraveling into something deeper had me kicking my feet one second and wanting to scream the next.
By the end I was emotionally wrecked but in the best possible way. This book is fast, addictive, and full of heart hiding under all that attitude and heat.
Athena and Royce own me now, I don’t make the rules. 🏁💙
I have been eagerly waiting for this book to arrive after reading Sparks Fly, which I also loved and you should definitely go read! I would recommend reading Sparks Fly first because it will help you to understand the background of some of the characters and understand the found family trope a bit more.
This was honestly THE book from Ashlee Rose, you can see exactly how much passion she has for this book through the words on each page. I was hooked from page 1 and absolutely loved the sprinklings of humour that were included.
If you don’t know much F1 terminology then don’t let that put you off reading this book. Ashlee has done a great job with writing the F1 side of things and you even get something to help you at the start of the book.
I adore these main characters, they have so much passion and love that it’s beautiful to see their story unfold through the fake dating trope.
When I was reading I was able to really visualise everything that was going on, I couldn’t put it down for very long before I found myself picking it back up again.
The spice scenes in this book had so much attention to detail, there’s a lot of care with these characters in these scenes and they were beautifully written.
If you are looking for your next read this is 100% it, I’m so glad I got to read this in advance and I can’t wait for you all to be able to read Athena and Royce’s story.
“Dirty” is the first book in the Downforce Love series and follows Athena and Royce, an F1 driver and a romance author who’s shadowing him to write her very first Formula 1 book. Such a good setup, especially when it quickly turns into fake dating, spicy “research,” and very real feelings 👀
It’s a quick and easy read, perfect if you’re in the mood for something light but still full of chemistry. I also really appreciated how realistic the F1 elements felt—this is something I usually struggle with as a fan, but Ashlee Rose actually made it believable enough to stay immersed.
Royce is your classic former playboy, and while I liked seeing him catch feelings (and struggle with them), he definitely tested my patience at times. Like… sir, please make up your mind before hurting everyone around you. I really wish we got more groveling from him, especially after everything.
Athena was great though, and one of my favorite parts was the girl gang. I loved how they immediately supported each other—no unnecessary drama, just solid friendships.
That said, not everything worked for me. The third-act breakup felt a bit unnecessary, and the ending was quite rushed. Everything wrapped up a little too quickly after all that tension. Also… the “kid” nickname? Not for me. It gave me a bit of an ick every time it popped up.
Overall, this was a fun, spicy F1 romance with a great premise and strong chemistry, even if it stumbled a bit toward the end. I’m definitely curious to continue the series!
So excited to finally read this book! Been on the edge since Sparks Fly where you first get a glimpse of Royce (MMC) it wasn't the best picture buuutt I believe he can redeem himself.
Athena (FMC) has hit abit of a rough patch and wasn't to sure how much she had left in her. Athena is a romance writer and she had this idea that her agent is pushing her to write, can you guess what it is? Thats right an F1 romance and she has to follow Royce around for the season.
Athena already has an opinion on Royce and when she meets him for the first time, shes not exactly proved wrong and ends up walking away from him. Royce finds Athena and apologises, offers to take her out for lunch.
To clean up his image, Royce suggests him and Athena to fake date, she was apprehensive at first but agreed, the contract signed!
As the season progresses and so does their chemistry, things start heating up and its oh so delicious.. their first spicy scene, oh, my, god. Let's just say just the tip does wonders 😉
Of course in typical Royce fashion he does something to screw it all up, but im a sucker for the making up part!
"Im all in, Lucky, I am all fucking in"
This book had me in a choke hold! I absolutely adore Royce & Athena. What an amazing 1st book to kick of this brillaint series!
I really was hooked and engaged with the writing and this is another one of my favourite reads by Ashlee rose I’ve been reading her books for a long time and loved all of her books and I am so glad she wrote my favourite tropes in this story and they were written really well! It was a solid 5 star read!
Athena, was on my favourite characters as she easy to connect with but the constant chemistry that she had with Royce was so brilliant and so great to read about and seeing bow their dynamics work was so perfect and kept me engaged.
Royce, was the perfect man for Athena, I saw them discover their love for each other through their story it was great diving in and the unapologetic dirty talk from him was spicy and hot to read about!
I really enjoyed the way Athena got fluster every time she was around Royce and the way the tension between them got so intense between them and the undeniable chemistry between them was adorable and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come!
Dirty by Ashlee Rose is an addictive Formula 1 romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The chemistry between Athena and Royce is electric, and their fake-dating arrangement creates the perfect mix of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Athena is a relatable and engaging heroine, while Royce is the kind of flawed, charismatic character who gradually wins you over. Their relationship develops naturally, making every interaction feel meaningful and believable. The Formula 1 setting adds excitement and glamour without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
What I loved most was the balance between romance, character growth, and emotional depth. Ashlee Rose does an excellent job creating memorable supporting characters and a found-family atmosphere that makes the world feel rich and immersive.
If you enjoy sports romances with strong chemistry, witty banter, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, Dirty is a must-read. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
Where to start! Wow Another Ashlee Rose masterclass. I was always looking forward to this book because I loved Royce already.
I was eager to see how he was going to be portrayed and I was so glad that his reputation was nonsense. He was everything I wanted him to be and more.
Athena I really liked her story and lack of confidence in herself. The chapters of Royce helping her with particular parts of her book were so funny but a great source of spice to the book.
The plot moved and there was no slow burn. They immediately had chemistry and just worked together under the circumstances before Royce was down bad for Athena. Royce was so misunderstood and just didn’t want to accept happiness. The frustration I had towards the end at what he did but then his grand gesture to make it up was all worth it in the end. Phenomenal book will definitely reread again. Already looking forward to the rest of the series.
I have been desperate to read this book after reading Sparks Fly, when we first got to meet Royce. To help have a better understanding of the characters I would recommend that you read Sparks Fly first, it’s not necessary but it’s amazing and I loved it too.
Ok, so Royce and Athena are officially my favourite couple. I just knew their chemistry was going to be off the scale. Their first spicy scene was absolutely everything!
If like me you aren’t familiar with F1 don’t let it put you off as its written so well and there is also a guide at the front explaining all the terminology too.
I didn’t want it to end, I could have read about these two forever.
I absolutely devoured this book. From the moment I started, I didn’t want to put it down.
Having previously met some of the characters in Sparks Fly, I was especially intrigued by Royce Lexington. I’ll admit, I went into this expecting not to warm to him, but Ashlee Rose does such a brilliant job of developing his character that I found myself slowly falling for him alongside Athena.
The chemistry between the characters is compelling, and the pacing keeps you fully engaged throughout. The F1 elements were also incredibly well written, realistic, immersive, and easy to follow even for someone who isn’t familiar with the sport.
With several of my favourite tropes woven into the story, this was always going to be a win for me but it exceeded expectations.
I’m already looking forward to Ruinous and Scandal to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
Dirty (Downforce 1) is by far one of the most accurately written and well executed F1 romances I’ve ever read. Ashlee, knows the ins and outs of the F1 world and we can clearly read it in this book. Royce Remington (MMCLI) is hot headed F1 driver (son of Creed Lexington, from book #1) and used to getting his way. He’s the bad boy of the F1 circuit. Enter Athena, a romance author looking to get out of a writing slump. She shadows Royce, learning the ins and outs of what goes on BTS and as well as on the paddock. They agree to help each other. Let me tell you, the s🌶️x scenes are on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Royce messes things up (here comes the angst train)… They ultimately end up together after lots of drama and misunderstandings. The story moves and you don’t want to put it down for a minute. I’ve read all Ashlee’s books, this is in my top 2.
I had a great time with this book and I’m so glad there are more F1 romance books out there now.
I really enjoyed reading Athena’s story and how she felt like she wasn’t good enough anymore but through her journey and the ups and downs she found herself again.
Royce was a character you couldn’t help but love and I was routing for him and Athena from the moment she showed up. I am always a sucker for fake dating as well.
I loved the found family element in this book, it just goes to show you can find your people when you least expect it.
So thankful for Ashlee and her team for giving me an early copy of this book to read and review. Can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series.
I don’t have the words for how much I loved this book—it genuinely altered my brain chemistry.
I was not a huge Royce fan after Sparks Fly… and now? I’m fully running his fan club. The way this book flipped me needs to be studied because I didn’t even realise it was happening until I was already gone.
I felt everything. The tension, the emotion, the payoff—nothing missed.
Athena’s journey hit hard too. That feeling of not being good enough and trying to find your place felt so real, and the emotional maturity of both characters was done so well.
Dirty is a F1 romance, which starts as Athena shadows Royce so she can learn and write her new book about F1, but little does she know she’ll soon enter into a contract to help his career and hers…😜 Not only does she learn about the F1 world, she finds herself a girl gang and a new family along the way…
"I'm all in, Lucky, I am all fxcking in" - my absolute heart .. this book was everything. it was organic, the romance developed, the plot flowed and I devoured every word.
dont get me wrong, at times I wanted to smack Royce.. for being a stubborn and hot headed idiot but he sure did redeem himself.
this book was so well written, the F1 elements had been thoroughly investigated and it was covered so well within this story. I cannot wait for this series to continue!
I can't shout loudly enough about this book, I loved it. Royce Remmington you cocky grump you for as much as you frustrated me I fell hard and fast, plus you are one dirty man! Athena sweet Athena you deserved it all and more and I loved to seeing you grow!!
I could ramble and ramble but just go and read beacuse this book really is fabulous, it has it all found family (my fave), a dirty F1 driver, a sweet romance author, sweet and spice!!
I thought I was going to like this one more. I love formula one but sometimes I felt like I was being information dumped on. I felt like Royce was just so mean to Athena at parts when he didn't need to be. I felt like there wasnt much growth. I was happy when he won Monaco and was happy with Athena. I wish there was a little more depth to the characters. I'm going to give the next book a try though.
My word this book was simply amazing. Although I probably would of throat punched Royce a few times, that very same grumpy and bulshy made swoon and fan my face. He was spectacularly DIRTY! I was rooting for Athena, she deserved all the good stuff. I absolutely love this world that @ashleeroseauthor has created and cant wait to read more about this bunch of drivers.
Okay, this is.. amazing. What a race, I didn't think I needed a F1 trope but I do and this was just what I needed. A fake relationship, teach me and all of the elements that just makes it hard to put down this book.
Ashlee is always my go to author when I have a reading slump and she didn't disappoint this time.
I am looking forward to see where this series will take us next.
Athena is an author who is shadowing formula one racer Royce and he's not initially on board. It doesn't take long before they are fighting their feelings and are blurring the lines. Their relationship isn't easy though because of loads of factors and it very nearly completely implodes. Such a wonderful book about something I really like.
YES!! I love f1 so getting able to ARC read for Ashlee was a dream. The idea of Athena shadowing Royce for her new book was absolutely perfect! Then Ashlee threw in the fake dating trope and I was absolutely sold. The instant chemistry was everything!! I can't wait for the other books!
I have read a few of her books but have recently got given an advance copy of this book! F1 racing has never been my favourite (in real life). But the way she put all the F1 things into this book was amazing! Can’t wait for the next one 🤞
THAT scene is gonna take a hot minute to recover from 🥵
I love that this series adds the thrill of F1 to the already amazing story lines, I found myself reading with my leg twitching nervously for Royce even though he is neither real nor actually racing 😂
I got to say im not a big F1 fan in real life but Dirty is perfect! It kept me hooked throughout and made me keep saying "just one more chapter! " The connection between Royce and Athena was undeniable.Totally recommend and definitely read again.
Absolutely loved this book I’m really getting into F1 books I really didn’t want it to end and I cannot wait for more from the series. Royce I wanted to punch him and cuddle him at the same time, he really needed Athena but boy he makes life hard.