Crash into You

Lights Out #3

by Simone Soltani

A forbidden love forces a shift in gears in the next sizzling Formula 1 romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Cross the Line.

Formula 1 driver Zaid Yousef is back—though he’s not sure he wants to be. After a crash last season left the seven-time world champion with two broken wrists and a hesitance to get back behind the wheel, his future in the sport is nothing short of uncertain. Saddled with an unfinished contract and expectations to win a record-shattering title, the only choice is for him to return . . . right?

The press turned Ava Farahani’s life upside down in the last few years, forcing her to leave her job in marketing and the world of F1 she grew up in. She knows she should stay far away from the track, but the draw of the sport she loves is too strong to resist.

A preseason event brings the two together for one hot, reckless night, and weeks later, results in a positive pregnancy test. Ava desperately wants to be a mother, and the baby gives Zaid a newfound drive to survive the season and break the world record.

There’s just one little problem: Ava is a team principal’s daughter . . . and Zaid is their biggest rival.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

416 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 10, 2026

Reviews

[Grace Quan]

⌞ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ⌝ 🏁 🏎️

HOLY GORGEOUS COVER!!! Thank you Berkeley Publisher Group and NetGalley for the arc 🫶🏼 🔥

tropes:
🛞 Accidental pregnancy
🛞 Forbidden Romance
🛞 Daughter of biggest rival
🛞 F1 setting

[Lochi's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about me, I work quick to read books by my favourite authors.

Can the feeling of winning get old? Can you become desensitized? What does it take to wake up and still chase a win when you’ve already achieved it? That’s how Crash Into You opens for Zaid Yousef, seven time world champion F1 racer returning to the sport after a traumatic almost career ending crash/injury. When you’ve achieved everything you can within your sport, where does the motivation to win come from? Who becomes the well of support? In this, it’s Ava Farahani and a romance trope that is quite difficult to tackle: accidental pregnancy.

I’ve always loved Simone’s writing of F1. This isn’t observational, this is an author that knows the sport and doesn’t dumb it down for easy consumption. The Netflix series Drive to Survive has created a surge in F1, pair it with Lewis Hamilton helming the F1 movie (that also won an Oscar). But Lewis Hamilton’s impact in F1 is especially felt in this book, its a tip of a hat and done respectfully. It’s a story arc that I’ve been waiting for, and coincidentally is something that other F1 romance authors are skirting around in avoidance. He’s done more for the sport and brought it to new heights. Recently: “Remember who you are” is ringing heavy and it also resonates in this book.

Compared to the two previous books in this series Crash Into You is in its own bubble (hello, honey there’s a baby bringing them together). We spend significant time with Zaid and Ava travelling to and from races, and in the moments before and after a race (talk to me about the gelato scene, cause sweet treats always have their time to shine). We’re really getting into what it’s like for drivers personal lives and for their families, partners, and what grounds them.

Simone does have beloved characters from the past pop in and it just shows that the series isn’t letting up. The world building is solidified and carries (with Axel’s book coming next!)

Thank you Berkley Romance and to Berkley Publishing Group for the early copy! Simone your F1 romance loving mind is gorgeously talented and I love every visit we get in each book. I can’t wait for whatever comes next. #BerkleyPartner

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read🫶💛🧡🩷

It’s BN Preorder Sale, go preorder now !!!

Thank you, Simone for the opportunity to beta-read my loves. Truly an incredible read and I can notttttttt wait for the final copies. Genuinely so proud of you and so excited for everyone to read them.

Like I’m so serious, the cover was revealed today (perfect) and the tropes are perfection as well, you all need to preorder and be on the lookout for this darling F1 Romance releasing on August 27th in the UK and November 10th in the US!

- F1 Romance
- FMC Team Rival’s Daughter
- Forbidden
- Unexpected Pregnancy
- Iranian FMC x Iraqi MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Dual POV

[Molly]

30th Apr 2026, changed to 27th Aug 2026

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for an F1 romance, and then I remembered I had an ARC for this, and it met every expectation I had! Crash Into You is everything I hoped it would be and another reminder that Simone Soltani has such a gift for blending emotional, character-driven romance with the adrenaline and intensity of Formula 1, and this book strikes that balance beautifully.

I know accidental pregnancy can be an iffy trope for some people, it’s an iffy trope for me as well, but it worked incredibly well here because the relationship never felt forced or rushed. I haven’t had that many successes with this trope, Cara Bastone’s Ready or Not is the only other book I can think of where I enjoyed it, but I really loved this. Ava and Zaid’s connection was built on trust, honesty, and genuine care for each other which made every step of their journey feel earned. Zaid was the definition of a green flag. That man is honestly perfect. He’s patient, supportive, fiercely devoted, and quietly vulnerable beneath his champion exterior. Watching him navigate the aftermath of a devastating crash while rediscovering his love for racing and finding a new reason to fight made him impossible not to love and root for. And Ava was equally as wonderful. She’s strong, compassionate, and determined to live life on her own terms, and she never lost herself in the romance. I especially appreciated how thoughtfully the story explored grief, trauma, healing, and the realities of life inside the Formula 1 world without ever losing sight of the romance at its heart.

One of my favorite aspects of Simone Soltani’s books is how authentic the F1 setting feels. The racing isn’t just a backdrop. It’s woven into the characters’ identities, the emotional stakes, and the overall story. You can tell the author genuinely loves the sport, and that passion shines through every race weekend, every team interaction, and every behind-the-scenes moment. As someone who doesn’t follow F1 closely but still appreciates it and loves reading books about it, this was so much fun to read.

The emotional payoff, mature communication, and deeply lovable cast made this a quick favorite. If you’re looking for an F1 romance with authentic racing, heartfelt emotion, wonderfully supportive main characters/love interests, and a romance built on healing, trust, and unwavering devotion, Crash Into You absolutely delivers. I’ll absolutely be reading whatever Soltani writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!

[Aura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an F1 fan, this book had me in an absolute chokehold.

Simone Soltani somehow managed to give me everything I love about Formula 1 romance—the adrenaline, the pressure, the media scrutiny, the rivalries, the paddock politics—and then wrapped it all up in a story that completely stole my heart. Zaid Yousef is a seven-time world champion trying to find his way back after a devastating crash, and watching him navigate fear, grief, expectations, and the possibility of something more with Ava was honestly beautiful.

And can we talk about Zaid for a second? Because OH. MY. GOD. This man. The quiet strength, the loyalty, the way he shows up when it matters most? He may have just raced his way onto my list of favorite book boyfriends. Ava was equally incredible. She’s smart, determined, knows exactly who she is, and never loses herself in the relationship. Together they felt like partners in every sense of the word.

Now let’s address the trope that usually scares me: accidental pregnancy. Somehow Simone made it work. Not only did it work, but it became the emotional heartbeat of the story. The relationship developed with so much care and maturity that I found myself completely invested in every step of their journey.

What really sets this series apart is how authentic the Formula 1 world feels. The racing scenes are thrilling without overwhelming the romance, and you can tell the author genuinely loves and understands the sport. As someone who watches races, follows the drivers, and lives for race weekends, I was eating up every single page.

There are also deeper themes woven throughout the story—grief, family expectations, identity, belonging, and found family—and they hit hard. More than once I found myself smiling like an idiot, tearing up, and immediately needing to text someone about what I had just read.

The cameos from previous characters were perfection, the chemistry was off the charts, and the emotional payoff was everything I wanted.

If you’re an F1 fan, read this. If you love sports romance, read this. If you love seeing two people become each other’s safe place while the world is watching, definitely read this.

I finished this book and immediately wanted to sit in silence and stare at a wall because I wasn’t ready to leave the paddock.

Simone Soltani, you’ve done it again. 🏁❤️🏎️✨️

5 stars. No notes. Just fan-girling.

[Romancereadingaddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vibe: High-adrenaline sports romance meets emotional, accidental-pregnancy drama.
I am a sucker for the pregnancy trope, so I was incredibly excited to dive into this one, and it definitely delivered on that front! The book follows Zaid, a rising motocross star, and Ava, a girl deeply tied to the motocross world through her father. After a shared history of grief and nasty rumors drove Ava away from the sport, a surprise reunion leads to a hooked-up-with-an-expired-condom situation—and a surprise baby on the way.
What I Liked:
The Tropes: The accidental pregnancy was handled really well. I loved that Zaid immediately wanted to be involved, even though he and Ava weren't actually together.
The Stakes: Watching Zaid navigate the pressure of his sport while preparing for fatherhood, and Ava dealing with the overwhelming fame and toxic rumors, added great tension to the plot.
The Pacing: This book absolutely flew by. It's a quick, engaging read that keeps you turning the pages.
Why it's a 3-Star Read:
While it was a super fun, fast-paced ride that kept me hooked, some elements felt like they could have been explored a bit deeper. However, the emotional core of two people healing from parental loss while trying to build a future together was really touching.
Overall, a solid sports romance that trope-lovers will devour!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

[Jadelle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 2 chillis

I received this arc from Pan Macmillan via Netgalley in exhnage for an honest review.

I cannot begin to explain how much I loved this book! I read it in one sitting.

Immediately emotionally connected to the main characters. The grief from both of them? Palpable! BUT it was handled and written in such a healthy way.

We love a green flag MMC. Kaid was just everything i imagine every female dreams of! The commitment, the acts of service to our FMC Ava, the pure drive and ambition even through grief and trauma. sublime!

I very much appreciated how this touched on race and the systemic and unconscious biases of white British people. It is so refreshing to read something with such insight, generally it will just be a blanket statement but this literally showed all angles of the issue.

You can tell the author is a F1 fan. My knowledge is extremely minimal so anything that was said would have read like fact. After conferring with my brother and sister in law I was assured all references made were accurate - I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT.

There was such depth within this that set it apart from your usual 'sport romance' from the character development, healthy relationships and a pure insight into the F1 world. The romance was mainstage but it didn't overshadow the pure passion for the sport.

I very much recommend this book!

[AlienRosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone, darling angel, you have done it again. I'm not really a sports romance girlie but I will ALWAYS be hype for a Simone Soltani F1 book because wow I love them all. The racing scenes are so captivating and you can really tell the passion the author has for the sport IRL. Ava and Zaid were so cute together and any hurdles they faced felt like they made sense and were handled maturely, no stupid drama/miscommunication to be found! Also not one to go for the surprise pregnancy trope, but wow I found myself tearing up alongside Ava through her hardships and joyous moments and the wonderful hope this event has inspired in Zaid. This book also tackles grief so beautifully. All in all, this captured the magic of Cross The Line, an all time favorite romance book, while also giving us some new perspectives to explore. Great book all around and especially fun if you know anything about F1 (I know a little, my bestie is OBSESSED so I've absorbed a bit lol).

ps: reading this while listening to the F1 Movie soundtrack is godly. pls do this.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. ATE. THIS. UP. This book was so addictive and I struggled to convince myself to take breaks when reading. Simone Soltani is an auto-buy author and this is another outstanding book to add to her amazing body of work.

Ava is such a divine FMC. I adore her! And Zaid is actual perfection 🙌 These two are eachother's rocks, and it felt like such a privilege to witness their relationship strengthen throughout. Just two beautiful beings finding one another.

The themes within this are handled so well - grief especially. The found family especially stood out to me and is one of the most beautiful I've read - it made me feel such a longing for it.

Another thing that stood out was how well captured the scrutiny those in motorsport circles are under. And how that is intensified for any POC.

This was a beautiful, heart-warming book! What a joy to read 💜💜💜

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again, folks!!!!!!!!!! Simone has written perhaps one of my favorite tender, fiercely loving, and loyal couples to ever exist. Zaid “Father of Yearning” Yousef is a hard exterior (seemingly) with the softest, most gooey center. He’s got a big heart and a TON of love to give, and it of course goes to Ava. And speaking of, our steadfast ray of light. Ava knows what she wants and who she is and will simply be taking zero notes. AND NEITHER WILL I!!! I loved this book, I loved these characters, and I loved getting to watch them stitch their hearts back together both separately and as one. AND THE CAMEOS!!!!!! This felt full of love and friendship and all the things I love about the romance genre.

Thank you to Simone for trusting me with an early early read of this baby!

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this arc.

I really enjoyed the previous books in this series and this third instalment did not disappoint. I've felt like I've been in a reading slump this year but when I finally sat down to read this I read it in two sittings I couldn't put it down.

I loved Ava and Zaid both as a couple and their individual characters. The way they could support each other and help give the other what they needed but would never outwardly ask for was very sweet. As always Simone Soltani has a wider cast of characters in this world that it's lovely to see pop up again even after their own books so we can see how they're getting on.

This is definitely worth picking up. Another wonderful read to add to the series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava & Zaid
F1 Romance
One Night Stand
Accidental Pregnancy
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forbidden Romance

I've read a few F1 romances over the last few years, but I'm pretty sure Cross the Line was the first one I read, and it created an obsession for me 🤭

I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series and this one is just as good!!

It's a little different to the first 2 books as it focuses more on the drivers personal lives and families etc, but I loved seeing F1 from a different angle!

I love these two and the way Zaid shows loyalty and support, and is there when it matters the most 🥹

I love seeing the characters from the previous books too 😊 and I'm so excited for what's to come next! ❤️

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read🫶💛🧡🩷

Thank you, Simone for the opportunity to beta-read my loves. Truly an incredible read and I can notttttttt wait for the final copies. Genuinely so proud of you and so excited for everyone to read them.

Like I’m so serious, the cover was revealed today (perfect) and the tropes are perfection as well, you all need to preorder and be on the lookout for this darling F1 Romance releasing on August 27th in the UK and November 10th in the US!

- F1 Romance
- FMC Team Rival’s Daughter
- Forbidden
- Unexpected Pregnancy
- Iranian FMC x Iraqi MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Dual POV

[Nelle Nikole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read this...y'all are NOT ready at all! Simone is my contemporary "if she writes it, i'll read it" author. There is so much heart put into this book and I love how much I learned about other cultures along the way. This is more than just an F1 romance, it tackles grief, complicated feelings of pregnancy, and what happens when passion is no longer there for something that once consumed your life. I cannot wait to hold a physical copy in my hands 🖤

[Sami Melaragno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Soltani has created a story that deals with sensitive topics with such grace and intelligence, all within the broader romance that is happening. If you haven't cottoned on to this woman's work, what have you been doing!? Thank you so much for creating these wonderfully diverse, interesting, and human characters, and for not shying away from talking about topics that too many people are uncomfortable talking about.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. It offers a nice look into the world of Formula One racing while telling the story of two people whose families believe they shouldn’t be together. It also doesn’t shy away from providing education on cultural differences and the characters having to deal with keyboard warrior’s racism. The chemistry between the main characters was excellent, making it an enjoyable read. I also loved the supporting cast and look forward to the next installment.

[Paris Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and this one was just a good as the last two books !

I really enjoyed how you see the previous characters from the other books and the way the characters interact with each other. I enjoyed the differences between the personalities and how you get to see different aspects of the F1 world.

Tropes: accidental pregnancy, grumpy x sunshine, forbidden romance

[Yena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude. DUDEEEEEEEEEE. IDK how much I can say about this book before it’s published but yes. As an f1 girl yes. As a POC f1 fan yes. As a hopeless romantic with a traditional family YES. I just love this universe so so much and I’m so happy I get to keep experiencing it. Will update with quotes and stuff when it’s officially out because I need to scream about it but YESS.

[mylla ♡·˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars !! beta reader <3

SIMONE HAS DONE IT AGAIN! she made me fall in love with an f1 driver and introduced an incredible fmc who i also fell in love with !!

don’t forget about the release day (i mean… you can pre-order as well)
uk on august 27th
us on november 10th

[Chlo]

beta read, Feb 2026

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read!!!!! my god I loved every minute of this damn book