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Away We Go #1
Upgraded
If your ex can’t get you across the finish line, his dad probably can…
I’ve always been “too much.”
Too sensitive. Too picky. Too clumsy. Too dramatic.
As a result, I’ve mastered the art of masking.
But that doesn’t stop Alaric Steele from truly seeing me when he finds me flat on my back in his driveway, mid-meltdown.
As Team Principal of Granata Racing, Alaric is control personified. He’s almost twenty years older than me and happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
Out of desperation, I accept a new job with Granata.
Which means Alaric is also my new boss.
The most surprising part of my role working in Formula 1 isn’t the intense travel schedule or the fear of seeing my ex around the paddock: it’s navigating the surprise encounters and secret rendezvous that launch Alaric and I into a high-speed forbidden romance neither one of us ever saw coming.
But with Alaric’s career on the line, and my fear of being too much growing louder by the day, is the risk of crashing and burning worth falling for my ex-boyfriend’s dad?
Upgraded is book one in Away We Go, a brand new series of interconnected standalone Formula 1 romances from USA Today bestselling author Abby Millsaps.
I’ve always been “too much.”
Too sensitive. Too picky. Too clumsy. Too dramatic.
As a result, I’ve mastered the art of masking.
But that doesn’t stop Alaric Steele from truly seeing me when he finds me flat on my back in his driveway, mid-meltdown.
As Team Principal of Granata Racing, Alaric is control personified. He’s almost twenty years older than me and happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
Out of desperation, I accept a new job with Granata.
Which means Alaric is also my new boss.
The most surprising part of my role working in Formula 1 isn’t the intense travel schedule or the fear of seeing my ex around the paddock: it’s navigating the surprise encounters and secret rendezvous that launch Alaric and I into a high-speed forbidden romance neither one of us ever saw coming.
But with Alaric’s career on the line, and my fear of being too much growing louder by the day, is the risk of crashing and burning worth falling for my ex-boyfriend’s dad?
Upgraded is book one in Away We Go, a brand new series of interconnected standalone Formula 1 romances from USA Today bestselling author Abby Millsaps.
Paperback
Published June 24, 2026
About the author
Abby Millsaps
27 books1,189 followersAbby Millsaps is an author and storyteller who's been obsessed with romance since middle school. She's best known for writing unapologetically angsty romance, and prides herself in crafting authentic characters while weaving mental health, chronic illness, and neurodiverse representation into the fabric of her stories.
When Abby isn't writing she can be found reading, watching Formula 1, attending a Broadway show, riding rollercoasters with her kids, whipping up a batch of buttercream, or cheering for the Cleveland Browns with her dad. She lives in Northeast Ohio with Mr. Abby, their three kids, and a wiggly dachshund pup named Frankie.
Connect with Abby
Website: www.authorabbymillsaps.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AbbyMillsaps
Instagram: @abbymillsaps
TikTok: @authorabbymillsaps
Newsletter: https://geni.us/AuthorAbbyNewsletter
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/authorabbymi...
When Abby isn't writing she can be found reading, watching Formula 1, attending a Broadway show, riding rollercoasters with her kids, whipping up a batch of buttercream, or cheering for the Cleveland Browns with her dad. She lives in Northeast Ohio with Mr. Abby, their three kids, and a wiggly dachshund pup named Frankie.
Connect with Abby
Website: www.authorabbymillsaps.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AbbyMillsaps
Instagram: @abbymillsaps
TikTok: @authorabbymillsaps
Newsletter: https://geni.us/AuthorAbbyNewsletter
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/authorabbymi...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
July 7, 2026
Evangeline Bennett spent more than two years as Luca Steele’s dirty little secret. Reeling from their breakup, she’s left questioning her worth and wondering if she’ll ever be enough. When Luca puts her belongings in storage, he conveniently neglects to mention that the unit is located in his father’s garage. Meeting your ex’s father while retrieving your things is awkward enough. Having a full-blown meltdown in his driveway makes it infinitely worse.
Fortunately, Alaric Steele is nothing like his son. Genuine, compassionate, and ridiculously attractive, he steps in to help after Luca did her dirty yet again. In an effort to make things right, Alaric offers Evangeline a job. Though hesitant at first, she quickly realizes the opportunity is too good to pass up - not only financially, but because it allows her to travel the circuit with the Even Better Eleven as she had planned all along.
As they spend more time together, neither Evangeline nor Alaric can deny the connection growing between them. But with Evangeline’s history with his son and the fallout from the Granata Racing scandal still threatening the organization's public image, acting on their feelings could cost them both more than they’re willing to risk.
Gah! Upgraded was all that and a box of chocolates. While it’s a departure from Abby’s previous books, it was every bit as consuming. I loved the way Alaric recognized and cared for Evangeline’s emotional needs just as much as her physical ones. For a girl who gravitates toward red-flag heroes, I found myself sprinting toward Alaric’s green flags like there was a hellhound on my ass.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😩🫠🤫🫠😍
Darkness: 🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (18), Billionaire, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Secret Relationship, Single Parent, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Forehead Kisses, “Good Girl”, Grovel/Grand Gesture, Neurodivergent FMC, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Angel), “You Take Me So Well”
🔆 Character: Creator, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Praise
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Formula 1 Circuit
📣 Type: Upgraded is the first book in the Away We Go series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Fortunately, Alaric Steele is nothing like his son. Genuine, compassionate, and ridiculously attractive, he steps in to help after Luca did her dirty yet again. In an effort to make things right, Alaric offers Evangeline a job. Though hesitant at first, she quickly realizes the opportunity is too good to pass up - not only financially, but because it allows her to travel the circuit with the Even Better Eleven as she had planned all along.
As they spend more time together, neither Evangeline nor Alaric can deny the connection growing between them. But with Evangeline’s history with his son and the fallout from the Granata Racing scandal still threatening the organization's public image, acting on their feelings could cost them both more than they’re willing to risk.
Gah! Upgraded was all that and a box of chocolates. While it’s a departure from Abby’s previous books, it was every bit as consuming. I loved the way Alaric recognized and cared for Evangeline’s emotional needs just as much as her physical ones. For a girl who gravitates toward red-flag heroes, I found myself sprinting toward Alaric’s green flags like there was a hellhound on my ass.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
Length: 📚📚📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 😩🫠🤫🫠😍
Darkness: 🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (18), Billionaire, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Secret Relationship, Single Parent, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Forehead Kisses, “Good Girl”, Grovel/Grand Gesture, Neurodivergent FMC, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Angel), “You Take Me So Well”
🔆 Character: Creator, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Praise
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Formula 1 Circuit
📣 Type: Upgraded is the first book in the Away We Go series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Read
June 24, 2026
Upgraded is book one in Away We Go, a brand new series of interconnected standalone Formula 1 romances.Blurb
If your ex can’t get you across the finish line, his dad probably can…
I’ve always been “too much.”
Too sensitive. Too picky. Too clumsy. Too dramatic.
As a result, I’ve mastered the art of masking.
But that doesn’t stop Alaric Steele from truly seeing me when he finds me flat on my back in his driveway, mid-meltdown.
As Team Principal of Granata Racing, Alaric is control personified. He’s almost twenty years older than me and happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
Out of desperation, I accept a new job with Granata.
Which means Alaric is also my new boss.
The most surprising part of my role working in Formula 1 isn’t the intense travel schedule or the fear of seeing my ex around the paddock: it’s navigating the surprise encounters and secret rendezvous that launch Alaric and I into a high-speed forbidden romance neither one of us ever saw coming.
But with Alaric’s career on the line, and my fear of being too much growing louder by the day, is the risk of crashing and burning worth falling for my ex-boyfriend’s dad?
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
https://bit.ly/41jhoVK
June 28, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hello age gap. I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this book. Abby MIllsaps can write any trope (even ones I don’t typically gravitate towards) and make me fall in love with it.
Alaric and Evangeline proved that because now I think I like the exes dad trope. 🤣 or at least I like it when Abby writes it.
Also we need to talk about how well the neurodivergent rep was done in this book because I felt so deeply seen by Evangeline and how she navigates through her neurodivergent needs. I feel likens loved this part of the story just as much as I loved the romance and the sexy times.
✨ Formula 1 Racing
✨ Ex Boyfriend’s Dad
✨ Age Gap
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Found Family
Can I just say how happy I am that Abby is writing formula 1. You can tell with this book that she loves this world and understands it fully, but also that she makes it really easy to follow long even if you know very little.
Alaric and Evangeline were great characters to start out with and I really loved both their dynamic together and who they were on their own. Alaric is older, emotionally intelligent and an absolute caretaker. I loved that he never made Evangeline feel like a burden or too much. I also loved that Evangeline understood the lifestyle of F1 and what Alaric needed as well. They were such a great match.
Noe this was a slow burn for Abby but when the spice hit it was so good. Like really good. I was sweating at the “yacht scene“ IYKYK 🥵
Put this one one your TBR now because this whole series is going to be amazing
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hello age gap. I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this book. Abby MIllsaps can write any trope (even ones I don’t typically gravitate towards) and make me fall in love with it.
Alaric and Evangeline proved that because now I think I like the exes dad trope. 🤣 or at least I like it when Abby writes it.
Also we need to talk about how well the neurodivergent rep was done in this book because I felt so deeply seen by Evangeline and how she navigates through her neurodivergent needs. I feel likens loved this part of the story just as much as I loved the romance and the sexy times.
✨ Formula 1 Racing
✨ Ex Boyfriend’s Dad
✨ Age Gap
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Found Family
Can I just say how happy I am that Abby is writing formula 1. You can tell with this book that she loves this world and understands it fully, but also that she makes it really easy to follow long even if you know very little.
Alaric and Evangeline were great characters to start out with and I really loved both their dynamic together and who they were on their own. Alaric is older, emotionally intelligent and an absolute caretaker. I loved that he never made Evangeline feel like a burden or too much. I also loved that Evangeline understood the lifestyle of F1 and what Alaric needed as well. They were such a great match.
Noe this was a slow burn for Abby but when the spice hit it was so good. Like really good. I was sweating at the “yacht scene“ IYKYK 🥵
Put this one one your TBR now because this whole series is going to be amazing
July 30, 2026
so cutie!!!
(day 20 of 30 books in 30 days!)
(day 20 of 30 books in 30 days!)
July 7, 2026
I knew I was going to love this and it didn't disappoint! This book was surprisingly and tender and I loved every minute of it. Alaric is Evan's ex boyfriend's dad, but they couldn't be any more opposite. He appreciates Evan for the amazing woman that she is and does everything in his power to show her love and support. Add in his absolutely filthy and spicy mouth and I was swooning for him hard. Evan reeeeeeally did upgrade with her ex's dad. Evan was also the perfect FMC and I loved the representation of her autism and how her everyday life differs because of it. She is so self-aware and I loved her growth and unwillingness to settle for less than what she deserves from a partner. She was pretty inspirational.
I'm loving Abby's move into the world of formula 1 and all of its extravagance. I love a formula 1 setting in general and this was a new take on the trope since neither of the main characters were drivers! I'm definitely excited to get to know the other drivers more though and I can't wait to see where this series goes next!
I'm loving Abby's move into the world of formula 1 and all of its extravagance. I love a formula 1 setting in general and this was a new take on the trope since neither of the main characters were drivers! I'm definitely excited to get to know the other drivers more though and I can't wait to see where this series goes next!
June 18, 2026
This was my first F1 romance book and I ate it up! And it was a forbidden, age gap yes please😍 I love Abby’s books and this one did not disappoint! This is the first book in her new away we go series. With the first book there’s alot of characters being introduced (there’s a lot in this one) and world building. It can feel overwhelming but she did a good job with the writing leaving me excited to see whose story is next.
I loved Evangeline so much. She always felt like she was too much and not enough. Watching her growth throughout the story was so heartfelt. Alaric was literally perfection and was exactly who she needed. He accepted her for her and made her feel seen. Their connection was so genuine and you could not help but root for them! I absolutely loved them!
My only very small complaint is that it was too long almost 500 pages😩I don’t think romance books need be more than 350 pages tops. I still absolutely loved it! This was a great start to this series and I’m fully invested in this world and can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to Valentine pr and Abby for this advanced copy! This releases on June 24th!
4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Formula 1
Ex boyfriends dad
Forbidden
Age gap
Found family
Slow burn
I loved Evangeline so much. She always felt like she was too much and not enough. Watching her growth throughout the story was so heartfelt. Alaric was literally perfection and was exactly who she needed. He accepted her for her and made her feel seen. Their connection was so genuine and you could not help but root for them! I absolutely loved them!
My only very small complaint is that it was too long almost 500 pages😩I don’t think romance books need be more than 350 pages tops. I still absolutely loved it! This was a great start to this series and I’m fully invested in this world and can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to Valentine pr and Abby for this advanced copy! This releases on June 24th!
4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Formula 1
Ex boyfriends dad
Forbidden
Age gap
Found family
Slow burn
July 9, 2026
What an amazing book, with a mental health rep, an amazing age gap.
Daddy Alaric is 10/10
And Evangeline… so so so perfect 🥹
Daddy Alaric is 10/10
And Evangeline… so so so perfect 🥹
July 1, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
My heart is still full after finishing this incredibly tender and well-crafted romance.
Watching Evangeline navigate her neurodivergent needs and chronic health struggles while finding someone who finally embraced her for exactly who she is was deeply moving. Alaric is the ultimate green flag, providing the kind of care and genuine understanding that made it easy to leave behind the mess her ex-boyfriend caused.
The tension between them was palpable from the start, and I loved the forbidden nature of the ex’s father trope. While their connection felt like a delicious slow burn for a long time, the shift into their full-blown relationship was intense and passionate. I really appreciated that they communicated like adults, choosing honesty over unnecessary games. It was a refreshing dynamic that made their emotional bond feel just as significant as their undeniable physical chemistry.
Overall, this was such a satisfying and heartwarming read, perfectly capturing the healing power of found family. It does a fantastic job of making the world of professional racing feel personal and accessible, even if you are not a die-hard fan.
It was a wonderful journey through heartbreak and growth, and I am already looking forward to seeing how the rest of this group finds their own happy endings.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Abby Millsaps and Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
My heart is still full after finishing this incredibly tender and well-crafted romance.
Watching Evangeline navigate her neurodivergent needs and chronic health struggles while finding someone who finally embraced her for exactly who she is was deeply moving. Alaric is the ultimate green flag, providing the kind of care and genuine understanding that made it easy to leave behind the mess her ex-boyfriend caused.
The tension between them was palpable from the start, and I loved the forbidden nature of the ex’s father trope. While their connection felt like a delicious slow burn for a long time, the shift into their full-blown relationship was intense and passionate. I really appreciated that they communicated like adults, choosing honesty over unnecessary games. It was a refreshing dynamic that made their emotional bond feel just as significant as their undeniable physical chemistry.
Overall, this was such a satisfying and heartwarming read, perfectly capturing the healing power of found family. It does a fantastic job of making the world of professional racing feel personal and accessible, even if you are not a die-hard fan.
It was a wonderful journey through heartbreak and growth, and I am already looking forward to seeing how the rest of this group finds their own happy endings.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Abby Millsaps and Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 25, 2026
What's even hotter than an age gap romance? Make him her ex-boyfriend's dad!
The book's tag line says it all: if your ex can't get you across the finish line, his dad probably can.
Set against the backdrop of Formula 1 racing, Evangeline is offered a job by Alaric, her ex-boyfriend's dad. And there is a crazy amount of chemistry between them from the moment they meet.
Alaric is driven and work focused, until he meets Evangeline. He is captivated from the very beginning, and couldn't stay away if he tried.
Evangeline is such a warm, beautiful soul, and her ex-boyfriend is the absolute worst.
Yes, the book is as spicy and sexy as you would expect, given the trope. But it is a beautifully crafted story with heart and tenderness.
I feel the Autism and ADHD representation is respectful, informative, and makes me love Evangeline even more. She carries herself with such strength, openness and understanding.
Evangeline and Alaric's story is beautiful and I'm so happy I was along for the ride.
You should read this book if you love:
- Open door romance (plenty of spice)
- Age gap
- Ex boyfriend's father
- Forced proximity
- Protective MMC
- Formula 1 racing
- Sports romance
- Dual POV
Upgraded is available today, including on KU!
Thank you to Abby Millsaps and Smuthood for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The book's tag line says it all: if your ex can't get you across the finish line, his dad probably can.
Set against the backdrop of Formula 1 racing, Evangeline is offered a job by Alaric, her ex-boyfriend's dad. And there is a crazy amount of chemistry between them from the moment they meet.
Alaric is driven and work focused, until he meets Evangeline. He is captivated from the very beginning, and couldn't stay away if he tried.
Evangeline is such a warm, beautiful soul, and her ex-boyfriend is the absolute worst.
Yes, the book is as spicy and sexy as you would expect, given the trope. But it is a beautifully crafted story with heart and tenderness.
I feel the Autism and ADHD representation is respectful, informative, and makes me love Evangeline even more. She carries herself with such strength, openness and understanding.
Evangeline and Alaric's story is beautiful and I'm so happy I was along for the ride.
You should read this book if you love:
- Open door romance (plenty of spice)
- Age gap
- Ex boyfriend's father
- Forced proximity
- Protective MMC
- Formula 1 racing
- Sports romance
- Dual POV
Upgraded is available today, including on KU!
Thank you to Abby Millsaps and Smuthood for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 24, 2026
Upgraded by Abby Millsaps was such a fun read! I especially loved the AuDHD representation and thought it was handled thoughtfully throughout the story. The relationship between Evangeline and Alaric felt genuine and well-developed, making it easy to root for them. I read this one over a few sittings and had a great time from start to finish.
Tropes:
🏁 F1 Sports Romance
🏁Forbidden Romance
🏁Ex-Bf Dad
🏁Workplace Romance
🏁Found Family
🏁Age Gap
🏁Neurodivergent Representation
✨ Thanks to Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion! ✨
Tropes:
🏁 F1 Sports Romance
🏁Forbidden Romance
🏁Ex-Bf Dad
🏁Workplace Romance
🏁Found Family
🏁Age Gap
🏁Neurodivergent Representation
✨ Thanks to Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion! ✨
June 19, 2026
I LOVED THIS ONE! Alaric is literally IT.
Ex boyfriends dad, formula 1 racing, the mental health reps as well as awarenesses.
How Evan explained how she’s never felt seen and always feel like she was too much or her brain was a problem literally had me sobbing. I feel so much connection to her character this one was way cute and hit close to home. I CANT WAIT FOR MORE!
EVEN BETTER ELEVEN 4EVER
Ex boyfriends dad, formula 1 racing, the mental health reps as well as awarenesses.
How Evan explained how she’s never felt seen and always feel like she was too much or her brain was a problem literally had me sobbing. I feel so much connection to her character this one was way cute and hit close to home. I CANT WAIT FOR MORE!
EVEN BETTER ELEVEN 4EVER
June 25, 2026
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for the gifted e-copy.
I debated posting my personal thoughts but it really hit me how much I personally have been struggling to feel seen. So, this review might be a little different. I enjoyed this book; but, the most profound thing I took from it was that I personally felt seen. This is a quote about a side character, “she suffers from migraines and POTS, and [it] was too much for her chronic pain.” As someone with multiple chronic illnesses including the two listed it meant so much to me to be represented and also to know someone out there understood.
“There’s no way I can spend my life not loving you.”
Tropes:
Formula One
Ex’s Dad
Age Gap
Found Family
Neurodivergent Rep
Coworkers
I debated posting my personal thoughts but it really hit me how much I personally have been struggling to feel seen. So, this review might be a little different. I enjoyed this book; but, the most profound thing I took from it was that I personally felt seen. This is a quote about a side character, “she suffers from migraines and POTS, and [it] was too much for her chronic pain.” As someone with multiple chronic illnesses including the two listed it meant so much to me to be represented and also to know someone out there understood.
“There’s no way I can spend my life not loving you.”
Tropes:
Formula One
Ex’s Dad
Age Gap
Found Family
Neurodivergent Rep
Coworkers
July 4, 2026
Upgraded is a heartfelt F1 romance , age gap, ex Bf dad, found family , slow burn with emotional depth, wonderful neurodivergent representation and an unconventional love story that completely won me over.
Evangeline is a small business owner with ADHD and Autism who is trying to move forward after discovering her BF Luca cheated on her. Wanting to let go of him and what he putting her through she takes her grandmas sofa … the very couch where she caught him cheating on to what she believed was the storage unit he was renting for her. Instead she discovers it’s actually his father’s Alaric garage. Alaric has no idea everything his son as put Evangeline through, but once he realizes she’s been deeply hurt, he feels responsible and offers her a job with his F1 team. From there, an unexpected friendship slowly grows into a heartfelt romance.
One of my favorite things about this book was Evangeline. Her ADHD & Autism are portrayed with care and authenticity, showing both the challenges she faces and the strengths that make her who she is . She’s determined, creative , hardworking and incredibly easy to root for as she navigates her heartbreak, runs her small business and begins to slowly build her confidence.
Alaric completely stole my heart. What made him stand out wasn’t grand romantic gestures . It was the way he paid attention. He noticed when Evangeline was over, respected her boundaries, anticipated her needs , and most importantly made her feel safe, supported and understood. He never tried to change who she was. Instead he embraced every part of her . Those quiet moments of thoughtfulness made their relationship feel so genuine and were what truly made me fall in love with him.
Their relationship develops naturally, build on trust , patience and mutual respect. Watching them slowly move beyond the complicated connection of being her ex Bfs father and form something real was my favorite part of the book.
Only reason why it was 5 stars was because I wanted more of theses character and their story . Maybe we will see them more in the rest of her friends books !
If you’re looking for a romance with thoughtful neurodivergent representation, emotional healing, an incredibly attentive hero, and a love story that blossoms in the most unexpected way, I highly recommend Upgraded.
Thank you again @valentine_pr_ and @abbymillsaps for the ARC ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5
Evangeline is a small business owner with ADHD and Autism who is trying to move forward after discovering her BF Luca cheated on her. Wanting to let go of him and what he putting her through she takes her grandmas sofa … the very couch where she caught him cheating on to what she believed was the storage unit he was renting for her. Instead she discovers it’s actually his father’s Alaric garage. Alaric has no idea everything his son as put Evangeline through, but once he realizes she’s been deeply hurt, he feels responsible and offers her a job with his F1 team. From there, an unexpected friendship slowly grows into a heartfelt romance.
One of my favorite things about this book was Evangeline. Her ADHD & Autism are portrayed with care and authenticity, showing both the challenges she faces and the strengths that make her who she is . She’s determined, creative , hardworking and incredibly easy to root for as she navigates her heartbreak, runs her small business and begins to slowly build her confidence.
Alaric completely stole my heart. What made him stand out wasn’t grand romantic gestures . It was the way he paid attention. He noticed when Evangeline was over, respected her boundaries, anticipated her needs , and most importantly made her feel safe, supported and understood. He never tried to change who she was. Instead he embraced every part of her . Those quiet moments of thoughtfulness made their relationship feel so genuine and were what truly made me fall in love with him.
Their relationship develops naturally, build on trust , patience and mutual respect. Watching them slowly move beyond the complicated connection of being her ex Bfs father and form something real was my favorite part of the book.
Only reason why it was 5 stars was because I wanted more of theses character and their story . Maybe we will see them more in the rest of her friends books !
If you’re looking for a romance with thoughtful neurodivergent representation, emotional healing, an incredibly attentive hero, and a love story that blossoms in the most unexpected way, I highly recommend Upgraded.
Thank you again @valentine_pr_ and @abbymillsaps for the ARC ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5
June 26, 2026
Abby Millsaps is an auto-buy, auto-read author for me, so when she announced her new Formula 1 series, I jumped at the chance to ARC read the first book.
I have really mixed feelings about this one. As someone with ADHD, and as a parent to a child with both autism and ADHD, I was excited to see neurodivergent representation. I did enjoy the story overall, but there were a few things that held it back for me.
My biggest issue was that the book relied a lot on telling instead of showing. We’re told that Evan struggles with sensory sensitivities, food aversions, and other aspects of being neurodivergent, but throughout points of the story those traits seemed to fade into the background. I found myself wanting to actually experience those moments with her rather than just being told they existed.
The romance also leaned much more insta-lust/insta-love than I was expecting. I went in hoping for a relationship that had a little more time to develop, so the pacing of the romance didn’t quite work for me.
That said, I still enjoyed the book and I’m absolutely sticking with this series. The side characters were fun, the Formula 1 backdrop was entertaining, and Abby’s writing is still one of the reasons she’s an auto-read author for me. While this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes.
I have really mixed feelings about this one. As someone with ADHD, and as a parent to a child with both autism and ADHD, I was excited to see neurodivergent representation. I did enjoy the story overall, but there were a few things that held it back for me.
My biggest issue was that the book relied a lot on telling instead of showing. We’re told that Evan struggles with sensory sensitivities, food aversions, and other aspects of being neurodivergent, but throughout points of the story those traits seemed to fade into the background. I found myself wanting to actually experience those moments with her rather than just being told they existed.
The romance also leaned much more insta-lust/insta-love than I was expecting. I went in hoping for a relationship that had a little more time to develop, so the pacing of the romance didn’t quite work for me.
That said, I still enjoyed the book and I’m absolutely sticking with this series. The side characters were fun, the Formula 1 backdrop was entertaining, and Abby’s writing is still one of the reasons she’s an auto-read author for me. While this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes.
June 23, 2026
“I want you now. I want you forever.”
Buckle your seatbelts and start your engines because Abby is coming in with your next favorite F1 romance book! Evangeline has just gone through a break up. Her ex boyfriend was cheating on her. She goes to take some of her things to "storage" and meets her ex's father, Alaric. Fast forward and she's working for Alaric in the F1 circuit. Alaric and Evan grow close and have feelings for each other. But since they work together they can't openly date. There is some sneaking around. Alaric treats Evan like the queen that she is.
I fell in love with this authors why choose romance first but I am in love with this new F1 world. I need all of the racers books immediately! I loved how she describes each character so thoroughly and plants plenty of Easter eggs that make me want the next books.
Buckle your seatbelts and start your engines because Abby is coming in with your next favorite F1 romance book! Evangeline has just gone through a break up. Her ex boyfriend was cheating on her. She goes to take some of her things to "storage" and meets her ex's father, Alaric. Fast forward and she's working for Alaric in the F1 circuit. Alaric and Evan grow close and have feelings for each other. But since they work together they can't openly date. There is some sneaking around. Alaric treats Evan like the queen that she is.
I fell in love with this authors why choose romance first but I am in love with this new F1 world. I need all of the racers books immediately! I loved how she describes each character so thoroughly and plants plenty of Easter eggs that make me want the next books.
June 23, 2026
In true Abby Millsaps fashion, this was fun, flirty, spicy, and angsty! So happy to see a different direction and tropes in this new series! So excited that I got a chance to read this as an ARC and that there’s more to come!
4.25⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Ex boyfriends dad
Age gap
F1 romance
Mental health rep
4.25⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Ex boyfriends dad
Age gap
F1 romance
Mental health rep
July 15, 2026
As far as ex-boyfriend's dad trope is concerned, it wasn't bad. Not too cringe worthy, but the ex was awful and I don't know why Evangeline would have stayed with him for two years!
Also, the ex's miraculous change in behavior by the end was a bit unbelievable.
Also, the ex's miraculous change in behavior by the end was a bit unbelievable.
Read
May 19, 2026Beta reader - full RTC after reading finished copy, but I'm already OBSESSED!!! 😍
July 12, 2026
This book completely exceeded my expectations! I went in intrigued by the Formula 1 setting and the forbidden romance, but I stayed for the incredible characters.
Alaric is mature, patient, and endlessly supportive without ever trying to "fix" Evangeline. The way he truly sees her and accepts every part of who she is made my heart melt. Evangeline was such a refreshing heroine. Her journey of learning that she isn't "too much" was emotional and beautifully written. The neurodivergent representation felt thoughtful and authentic, and watching her slowly find confidence in herself was just as satisfying as the romance.
This was my first book from this author, but I'll be digging in to her other books immediately!
Alaric is mature, patient, and endlessly supportive without ever trying to "fix" Evangeline. The way he truly sees her and accepts every part of who she is made my heart melt. Evangeline was such a refreshing heroine. Her journey of learning that she isn't "too much" was emotional and beautifully written. The neurodivergent representation felt thoughtful and authentic, and watching her slowly find confidence in herself was just as satisfying as the romance.
This was my first book from this author, but I'll be digging in to her other books immediately!
June 22, 2026
🏎️💨 ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────
𓆩⚑𓆪 𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𓆪⚑𓆪
˚₊‧꒰ა 🏁 ໒꒱‧₊˚
my first formula 1 arc is finally starting
and i feel a little bit like everything is aligning at once
if you’ve known me long enough,
you know how deep my love for f1 runs
𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ˖ ࣪𓂃
so with that being said…
≡≡≡≡≡≡
lights out and away we go!!! 🏁💨
𓆩⚑𓆪 𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𓆪⚑𓆪
˚₊‧꒰ა 🏁 ໒꒱‧₊˚
my first formula 1 arc is finally starting
and i feel a little bit like everything is aligning at once
if you’ve known me long enough,
you know how deep my love for f1 runs
𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ˖ ࣪𓂃
so with that being said…
≡≡≡≡≡≡
lights out and away we go!!! 🏁💨
June 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
I LOVED this book! My review now will be spoiler free until it’s released and then I will update. This book was everything. I related to Evangeline more than any other fmc I’ve ever read. I love the meaning behind the title of the book and the message it portrays. This book was full of fun, laughs, steamy moments, and tons of sinful smut 🥵 I cannot wait for this book to come out into the world and for you all to love it as much as I did!
I LOVED this book! My review now will be spoiler free until it’s released and then I will update. This book was everything. I related to Evangeline more than any other fmc I’ve ever read. I love the meaning behind the title of the book and the message it portrays. This book was full of fun, laughs, steamy moments, and tons of sinful smut 🥵 I cannot wait for this book to come out into the world and for you all to love it as much as I did!
June 24, 2026
Upgraded by Abby Millsaps was definitely an emotional ride. This was not the usual Formula 1 romance where the male main character is the racer, and I actually liked that twist. Alaric being the Team Principal of Granata Racing, her new boss, and also her ex-boyfriend’s father made the whole setup feel extra forbidden, complicated, and full of tension from the start.
What really made me feel for the heroine was everything she had already gone through emotionally. She has spent so much of her life being told or made to feel like she is “too much” — too sensitive, too dramatic, too clumsy, too emotional — and that kind of thing hurts. I understood why she had learned to mask parts of herself and why she carried so much fear about being fully seen.
So when Alaric comes into the picture and actually sees her during a vulnerable moment, it felt like the start of something that could have been really healing. He sees her when she is not perfectly put together, and that made their connection feel intense right away.
But oh my god, the emotional back and forth was a lot.
For almost half the book, it felt like Alaric was playing with her emotions, even if that was not always his intention. The whole “I want you, but we can’t be together” situation was so frustrating because she was already dealing with enough. She did not need someone making her feel wanted one moment and then impossible the next. It gave me emotional whiplash.
The forbidden romance aspect definitely worked because the stakes were high. He is older, he is her boss, he is her ex’s father, and his career is on the line. There were so many reasons they should not cross that line, which made the tension stronger. But at the same time, that tension also made the story feel confusing and gut-wrenching because the push and pull was intense.
I did feel for her a lot. She deserved softness, consistency, and someone who made her feel chosen without constantly making her question where she stood. The romance had moments that were swoony and emotional, but it also hurt because you could feel how badly she wanted to be accepted as she was.
Alaric was complicated for me. There were moments where I understood why he was holding back because the situation was messy and risky, but there were also moments where I wanted him to stop making things harder for her. The chemistry was there, the attraction was there, and the emotional connection was there, but the constant hesitation made it painful.
That being said, the angst is definitely strong in this book. If you love forbidden romance, age gap, boss/employee tension, secret romance energy, and messy emotional conflict, this book has all of that. It is not a light and fluffy romance. It has confusion, heartbreak, longing, and a lot of “should we or shouldn’t we?” moments.
The Formula 1 setting also added a glamorous, high-pressure backdrop. The travel, the paddock, the team politics, the career stakes, and the fear of seeing her ex made everything feel more dramatic. It gave the romance that fast-paced, high-risk feeling even though the emotional side was very much a slow burn.
Overall, Upgraded was messy, angsty, romantic, frustrating, and emotional. I am happy there was a happily ever after, but the journey to get there was definitely not smooth. It had me stressed, confused, and hurting for her, but also still curious to see how everything would finally come together.
If you love forbidden romance, Formula 1 settings, ex’s-dad drama, age gap, boss/employee romance, emotional tension, secret rendezvous, and a messy road to happily ever after, this one might be for you.
For me, this book was gut-wrenching in parts, romantic in others, and definitely full of drama. It made me feel for the heroine so much, especially because she deserved to know that she was never “too much” for the right person.
What really made me feel for the heroine was everything she had already gone through emotionally. She has spent so much of her life being told or made to feel like she is “too much” — too sensitive, too dramatic, too clumsy, too emotional — and that kind of thing hurts. I understood why she had learned to mask parts of herself and why she carried so much fear about being fully seen.
So when Alaric comes into the picture and actually sees her during a vulnerable moment, it felt like the start of something that could have been really healing. He sees her when she is not perfectly put together, and that made their connection feel intense right away.
But oh my god, the emotional back and forth was a lot.
For almost half the book, it felt like Alaric was playing with her emotions, even if that was not always his intention. The whole “I want you, but we can’t be together” situation was so frustrating because she was already dealing with enough. She did not need someone making her feel wanted one moment and then impossible the next. It gave me emotional whiplash.
The forbidden romance aspect definitely worked because the stakes were high. He is older, he is her boss, he is her ex’s father, and his career is on the line. There were so many reasons they should not cross that line, which made the tension stronger. But at the same time, that tension also made the story feel confusing and gut-wrenching because the push and pull was intense.
I did feel for her a lot. She deserved softness, consistency, and someone who made her feel chosen without constantly making her question where she stood. The romance had moments that were swoony and emotional, but it also hurt because you could feel how badly she wanted to be accepted as she was.
Alaric was complicated for me. There were moments where I understood why he was holding back because the situation was messy and risky, but there were also moments where I wanted him to stop making things harder for her. The chemistry was there, the attraction was there, and the emotional connection was there, but the constant hesitation made it painful.
That being said, the angst is definitely strong in this book. If you love forbidden romance, age gap, boss/employee tension, secret romance energy, and messy emotional conflict, this book has all of that. It is not a light and fluffy romance. It has confusion, heartbreak, longing, and a lot of “should we or shouldn’t we?” moments.
The Formula 1 setting also added a glamorous, high-pressure backdrop. The travel, the paddock, the team politics, the career stakes, and the fear of seeing her ex made everything feel more dramatic. It gave the romance that fast-paced, high-risk feeling even though the emotional side was very much a slow burn.
Overall, Upgraded was messy, angsty, romantic, frustrating, and emotional. I am happy there was a happily ever after, but the journey to get there was definitely not smooth. It had me stressed, confused, and hurting for her, but also still curious to see how everything would finally come together.
If you love forbidden romance, Formula 1 settings, ex’s-dad drama, age gap, boss/employee romance, emotional tension, secret rendezvous, and a messy road to happily ever after, this one might be for you.
For me, this book was gut-wrenching in parts, romantic in others, and definitely full of drama. It made me feel for the heroine so much, especially because she deserved to know that she was never “too much” for the right person.
June 17, 2026
3.5
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author for the ARC of this one!
I was really excited to start this because it's basically a combination of some of my favourite tropes. I haven't actually read loads of Formula 1 romances before, I think maybe one or two, but I love a sports romance and I'll happily read about any sport even if I know absolutely nothing about it. And trust me, I know nothing about Formula 1.
What really drew me to this one, though, was the forbidden romance aspect. Forbidden romance is one of my favourite tropes and ex boyfriend's dad? Right up my street.
The book opens with Evangeline discovering that her Formula 1 driver boyfriend has been cheating on her for basically their entire relationship. To make matters worse, he'd convinced her to sublet her flat because they were meant to move in together, and then after she finds out about the cheating, he arranges for her furniture to be moved. She thinks it's going into storage, but it actually ends up at his dad's house. That's where she first meets Alaric.
There are sparks immediately. He's dark, mysterious, moody and has proper Dad vibes. He works on the management side of the Formula 1 world as Team Principal rather than as a driver, and I was immediately invested in where this was going.
I absolutely adored the first half of this book. The tension between Evangeline and Alaric was so good. The will they won't they had me completely hooked and I ate it up.
I also really loved the neurodiversity representation. It was handled in such a positive way. Yes, Evangeline has struggles and sees the world differently, but it was never portrayed as something that made her less than. It's part of who she is and actually makes her stronger. Her ex, Luca, never accepted her for who she was, whereas Alaric is open and understanding from the very beginning, even before anything happens between them. He helps her navigate things without trying to change her, and that was genuinely really refreshing to read.
My only issue came in the second half. Once they actually got together, it felt like the book went from zero to a hundred almost immediately. There was so much lovely slow burn build up and then suddenly it was just massive feelings, declarations and complete devotion. It felt a little bit rushed and not entirely authentic to me.
What I did really appreciate, though, was the communication. There was no unnecessary miscommunication or silly drama. There's an age gap here, Alaric is 44 and Evangeline is 26, but they're both adults and they actually communicate like adults. They talk about their feelings and are honest with each other, which I always appreciate in a romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, especially the first half and all that delicious tension. I'm just not sure I fully believed that they fell quite so hard and so fast. But if you love forbidden romance, ex boyfriend's dad, age gaps and Formula 1 settings, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author for the ARC of this one!
I was really excited to start this because it's basically a combination of some of my favourite tropes. I haven't actually read loads of Formula 1 romances before, I think maybe one or two, but I love a sports romance and I'll happily read about any sport even if I know absolutely nothing about it. And trust me, I know nothing about Formula 1.
What really drew me to this one, though, was the forbidden romance aspect. Forbidden romance is one of my favourite tropes and ex boyfriend's dad? Right up my street.
The book opens with Evangeline discovering that her Formula 1 driver boyfriend has been cheating on her for basically their entire relationship. To make matters worse, he'd convinced her to sublet her flat because they were meant to move in together, and then after she finds out about the cheating, he arranges for her furniture to be moved. She thinks it's going into storage, but it actually ends up at his dad's house. That's where she first meets Alaric.
There are sparks immediately. He's dark, mysterious, moody and has proper Dad vibes. He works on the management side of the Formula 1 world as Team Principal rather than as a driver, and I was immediately invested in where this was going.
I absolutely adored the first half of this book. The tension between Evangeline and Alaric was so good. The will they won't they had me completely hooked and I ate it up.
I also really loved the neurodiversity representation. It was handled in such a positive way. Yes, Evangeline has struggles and sees the world differently, but it was never portrayed as something that made her less than. It's part of who she is and actually makes her stronger. Her ex, Luca, never accepted her for who she was, whereas Alaric is open and understanding from the very beginning, even before anything happens between them. He helps her navigate things without trying to change her, and that was genuinely really refreshing to read.
My only issue came in the second half. Once they actually got together, it felt like the book went from zero to a hundred almost immediately. There was so much lovely slow burn build up and then suddenly it was just massive feelings, declarations and complete devotion. It felt a little bit rushed and not entirely authentic to me.
What I did really appreciate, though, was the communication. There was no unnecessary miscommunication or silly drama. There's an age gap here, Alaric is 44 and Evangeline is 26, but they're both adults and they actually communicate like adults. They talk about their feelings and are honest with each other, which I always appreciate in a romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, especially the first half and all that delicious tension. I'm just not sure I fully believed that they fell quite so hard and so fast. But if you love forbidden romance, ex boyfriend's dad, age gaps and Formula 1 settings, this is definitely worth picking up.
July 9, 2026
“To be needed and wanted by her is my ultimate dream.”
Upgraded by Abby Millsaps is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I discovered such a beautifully crafted story, especially when it comes to the characters. It definitely convinced me that Upgraded won’t be the last book by Abby that I read.
Since it’s the first book in the series, we’re introduced to quite a few characters, often with a brief introduction. Personally, I prefer getting to know characters through their actions rather than being told about them, and not necessarily all at once, but that’s just a personal preference. But the book definitely made me curious about other characters, so I’d call that a win.
Alaric is such a green flag and a great example of healthy communication. He’s a man who acknowledges his own mistakes and flaws and is willing to learn and become a better version of himself. I loved how thoughtful he is with Evan, how he constantly checks in to make sure she feels comfortable, making her feel safe and truly seen. I also appreciated how much importance he places on consent. For Evan, having someone who understands her so effortlessly and knows how to quiet her worries means everything. I found it incredibly easy to empathize with Evangeline because I know what it’s like to get lost in your own thoughts and let them overwhelm you. And finding someone like Alaric? That’s priceless.
The story also does a wonderful job of showing the difference between a man and a boy. Luca annoyed me so much that I genuinely found myself wondering how Alaric could possibly be his father. At the same time, I appreciated that the age gap between Alaric and Evan never felt uncomfortable. Evan is never infantilized and the jokes about their age difference are simply funny and handled with care.
As for the Formula 1 world, I really liked that the women aren’t just in the background, they’re an important part of it. They can be anything from F1 drivers to engineers, team principals or social media managers. I don’t often read books about sports I already know well because I naturally pay much closer attention to the details, but I honestly can’t say I came across anything that took me out of the story.
What surprised me the most, though, was how emotional the second half of the book became, especially toward the end. I truly experienced the story alongside the characters, understanding their thoughts, fears and motivations, and it brought me to tears.
Thanks to Abby Millsaps and Valentine PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Upgraded by Abby Millsaps is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I discovered such a beautifully crafted story, especially when it comes to the characters. It definitely convinced me that Upgraded won’t be the last book by Abby that I read.
Since it’s the first book in the series, we’re introduced to quite a few characters, often with a brief introduction. Personally, I prefer getting to know characters through their actions rather than being told about them, and not necessarily all at once, but that’s just a personal preference. But the book definitely made me curious about other characters, so I’d call that a win.
Alaric is such a green flag and a great example of healthy communication. He’s a man who acknowledges his own mistakes and flaws and is willing to learn and become a better version of himself. I loved how thoughtful he is with Evan, how he constantly checks in to make sure she feels comfortable, making her feel safe and truly seen. I also appreciated how much importance he places on consent. For Evan, having someone who understands her so effortlessly and knows how to quiet her worries means everything. I found it incredibly easy to empathize with Evangeline because I know what it’s like to get lost in your own thoughts and let them overwhelm you. And finding someone like Alaric? That’s priceless.
The story also does a wonderful job of showing the difference between a man and a boy. Luca annoyed me so much that I genuinely found myself wondering how Alaric could possibly be his father. At the same time, I appreciated that the age gap between Alaric and Evan never felt uncomfortable. Evan is never infantilized and the jokes about their age difference are simply funny and handled with care.
As for the Formula 1 world, I really liked that the women aren’t just in the background, they’re an important part of it. They can be anything from F1 drivers to engineers, team principals or social media managers. I don’t often read books about sports I already know well because I naturally pay much closer attention to the details, but I honestly can’t say I came across anything that took me out of the story.
What surprised me the most, though, was how emotional the second half of the book became, especially toward the end. I truly experienced the story alongside the characters, understanding their thoughts, fears and motivations, and it brought me to tears.
Thanks to Abby Millsaps and Valentine PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
June 29, 2026
As a long-time Formula 1 fan, I really enjoyed this. Ms. Millsaps has accurately captured the sport without letting the intricacies of it bog the story down.
I really enjoyed getting to know our main characters, Evangeline and Alaric, and loved the nature of their relationship, him being so much older than her and, of course, her ex's dad!
Evan is a very complex character and I felt her AuDHD was well explained and represented. While some characters saw her as being too much or too whatever, to those who mattered she wasn't especially to Alaric.
“Electricity sparks between us, the sensation quickly transforming into a tingling warmth that spreads through me.
On top of that a sense of security envelopes me. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced with another person. In his arms, I am safe. I'm considered. I'm respected and wanted and revered. I wish I could bottle this feeling and keep it with me always.”
Ms. Millsaps has formed a great friend group in this with the Even Better Eleven, a mix of drivers and other paddock personnel and friends. The found family nature of their relationships and traditions gives them all the stability they need as they travel to 24 races per year. I look forward to exploring more of the F1 calendar with them and getting to know them all better with the coming books in the series.
There are a lot of characters to get to know in this, but the introductions are well-handled and set the background scene perfectly for the romance at the centre of this to shine.
I loved it!
I really enjoyed getting to know our main characters, Evangeline and Alaric, and loved the nature of their relationship, him being so much older than her and, of course, her ex's dad!
Evan is a very complex character and I felt her AuDHD was well explained and represented. While some characters saw her as being too much or too whatever, to those who mattered she wasn't especially to Alaric.
“Electricity sparks between us, the sensation quickly transforming into a tingling warmth that spreads through me.
On top of that a sense of security envelopes me. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced with another person. In his arms, I am safe. I'm considered. I'm respected and wanted and revered. I wish I could bottle this feeling and keep it with me always.”
Ms. Millsaps has formed a great friend group in this with the Even Better Eleven, a mix of drivers and other paddock personnel and friends. The found family nature of their relationships and traditions gives them all the stability they need as they travel to 24 races per year. I look forward to exploring more of the F1 calendar with them and getting to know them all better with the coming books in the series.
There are a lot of characters to get to know in this, but the introductions are well-handled and set the background scene perfectly for the romance at the centre of this to shine.
I loved it!
June 30, 2026
✨This was one of those books where I picked it up for the trope but stayed because of the characters. The connection between Alaric and Evangeline felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for them pretty early on.
Evangeline was easy to root for. 💕She was sweet, independent and chaotic in the best way. It made her feel relatable, and seeing her slowly let her guard down with someone who accepted every part of her was so rewarding. 🫶🏽Also loved she finally stood her ground and some more respect for herself
Alaric was everything!❤️ He was supportive, patient, and made Evangeline feel accepted in a way she clearly hadn’t experienced before. The way he made her feel seen instead of judged was honestly one of my favorite moment.🥹The little moments between them honestly hit harder than the big dramatic ones.
The chemistry between Alaric and Evangeline? So good.🔥The F1 backdrop gave the story energy and made the stakes feel higher, especially with the secrecy surrounding their relationship. 🤭I also appreciated how much the story focused on Evangeline self-worth.🥹It made the romance feel more meaningful because it wasn’t just about falling in love but it was about learning to believe she deserved great kind of love.🫠
⭐️Overall, this was a really enjoyable romance that surprised me in the best way. It had great chemistry, emotional moments, plenty of steam, and a hero who proved that sometimes the real upgrade isn’t the younger guy… it’s his dad.🤭🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Abby Millsaps and Smuthood for the opportunity to read this ARC!❤️
Evangeline was easy to root for. 💕She was sweet, independent and chaotic in the best way. It made her feel relatable, and seeing her slowly let her guard down with someone who accepted every part of her was so rewarding. 🫶🏽Also loved she finally stood her ground and some more respect for herself
Alaric was everything!❤️ He was supportive, patient, and made Evangeline feel accepted in a way she clearly hadn’t experienced before. The way he made her feel seen instead of judged was honestly one of my favorite moment.🥹The little moments between them honestly hit harder than the big dramatic ones.
The chemistry between Alaric and Evangeline? So good.🔥The F1 backdrop gave the story energy and made the stakes feel higher, especially with the secrecy surrounding their relationship. 🤭I also appreciated how much the story focused on Evangeline self-worth.🥹It made the romance feel more meaningful because it wasn’t just about falling in love but it was about learning to believe she deserved great kind of love.🫠
⭐️Overall, this was a really enjoyable romance that surprised me in the best way. It had great chemistry, emotional moments, plenty of steam, and a hero who proved that sometimes the real upgrade isn’t the younger guy… it’s his dad.🤭🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Abby Millsaps and Smuthood for the opportunity to read this ARC!❤️
June 26, 2026
*ARC Review*
5 ⭐️ | 3.2 🌶️
🏎️ex-boyfriend’s dad
🏎️forbidden/age gap
🏎️neurodivergent fmc
🏎️formula 1
Seriously, Evan’s group of friends, especially the men being supportive and protective of her is everythinggggg
I devoured this book and did not think I’d love it so much.
“With your permission, I’d like to lift you onto this counter and make a fucking meal out of your cunt” had me giggling badddd🤭
HE ASKS HER WHAT HER FAVORITE POSITION IS BEFORE FUCKING FOR THE FIRST TIME (if that’s not a gentleman, I don’t know what is—unlike his son who had me madddd)
Alaric Steele, the man you are: “Get on my dick, angel. You’re about to make all my birthday dreams come true” 🫠
I’m sorry, if I was obsessed with cockwarming before, this book made all my expectations break the 🌶️ scale!!!
From “Will you hold me, please?” to “Will you fuck me, please?” Stop this was perfect❤️🔥
And the sweet moments? Ughhh: “I drape my body over his, assuming one of our favorite positions. Despite all the ways this man shows me that we are equals, sometimes a girl just wants to be held” 💘
But also the heartache ❤️🩹:
✨”My brain's not the problem. I'm not too much. And I never expected you of all people to make me feel that way. I—I loved you, Alaric. But I can't be with someone I can't trust with my heart AND my head.”✨
Micro-tropes:
💄cockwarming
💄she uses him as a dildo
💄”harder, please”
💄nipple play
💄”use me”
5 ⭐️ | 3.2 🌶️
🏎️ex-boyfriend’s dad
🏎️forbidden/age gap
🏎️neurodivergent fmc
🏎️formula 1
Seriously, Evan’s group of friends, especially the men being supportive and protective of her is everythinggggg
I devoured this book and did not think I’d love it so much.
“With your permission, I’d like to lift you onto this counter and make a fucking meal out of your cunt” had me giggling badddd🤭
HE ASKS HER WHAT HER FAVORITE POSITION IS BEFORE FUCKING FOR THE FIRST TIME (if that’s not a gentleman, I don’t know what is—unlike his son who had me madddd)
Alaric Steele, the man you are: “Get on my dick, angel. You’re about to make all my birthday dreams come true” 🫠
I’m sorry, if I was obsessed with cockwarming before, this book made all my expectations break the 🌶️ scale!!!
From “Will you hold me, please?” to “Will you fuck me, please?” Stop this was perfect❤️🔥
And the sweet moments? Ughhh: “I drape my body over his, assuming one of our favorite positions. Despite all the ways this man shows me that we are equals, sometimes a girl just wants to be held” 💘
But also the heartache ❤️🩹:
✨”My brain's not the problem. I'm not too much. And I never expected you of all people to make me feel that way. I—I loved you, Alaric. But I can't be with someone I can't trust with my heart AND my head.”✨
Micro-tropes:
💄cockwarming
💄she uses him as a dildo
💄”harder, please”
💄nipple play
💄”use me”
June 29, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC and am thankful for the trust given to me. I love sports romance and one sport that doesn't get enough love is F1 so my excitement for this book was already really high. This book did not fall short. Evan and Alaric have the most romantic relationship. Evangeline is like no other character, she is spunky, intelligent, loyal and fully herself. Her uniqueness can be seen like a flaw to some but those around her love all aspects of her. She works hard to resist her attraction to her exes dad but it's a losing battle. Him falling head over heels for her and the way he treats her is swoon worthy. Him cooking for her and making sure she is feed regardless of her sensitivity to foods!! she is seen, heard and safe with him. “Every part of you is precious to me.” ‼️You just have to read it to understand.
Another lovely addition to the dynamic is that Luca (ex) is still around....But the even better eleven are THE best found family. They stick together and are so good to Evan even though she isn't a "racer". You can't help but fall in love with all the characters. Each racer is loyal to Evan even when things get messy. Abby has done a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and I can't wait to read more F1 books in this series.
I am unsure how any MMC will ever compete with Alaric but I look forward to reading more regardless!
Please do your self a favor and start this book :)
Another lovely addition to the dynamic is that Luca (ex) is still around....But the even better eleven are THE best found family. They stick together and are so good to Evan even though she isn't a "racer". You can't help but fall in love with all the characters. Each racer is loyal to Evan even when things get messy. Abby has done a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and I can't wait to read more F1 books in this series.
I am unsure how any MMC will ever compete with Alaric but I look forward to reading more regardless!
Please do your self a favor and start this book :)
June 29, 2026
This book was so fun, and the cover art illustrates these two perfectly. Evangaline (aka Evan) and Alaric (aka Ric) have all the makings of a disaster. Ric's son Luca cheated on Evan and left her with a huge amount of debt. She didn't even know the severity of it until she was following the moving truck who took her to the woods (yep) to a big strange house, and start unloading her furniture into a garage. Enter Ric, wondering who the hell this woman is and why her furniture is in his garage. Evan and Luca have been together for 2 years at this point and Ric didn't even know she existed.
Evan has AuDHD and is a successful solopreneur, but Ric wants to make some sort of amends towards this woman who was very obviously taken advantage of by his son. So he offers her a job. And makes her lunch, that she can eat, which is thoughtful considering her food aversions.
Evan's friends are all central to the F1 circuit, so Ric has now provided her a way to get the support she needs, while working in an interesting job and seeing the world. The biggest challenge--he's now her boss and her ex's dad.
This story had enough twists and turns for an F1 race. It was compelling, and as someone who needs accommodations to make the world work for my neuro-spiciness I really enjoyed seeing someone view and love Evan for all she is, not in spite of her differences.
Story 4/5 ⭐
#upgraded @abbymillsaps #f1romance #neurodiversity #neurodiverseromance
Evan has AuDHD and is a successful solopreneur, but Ric wants to make some sort of amends towards this woman who was very obviously taken advantage of by his son. So he offers her a job. And makes her lunch, that she can eat, which is thoughtful considering her food aversions.
Evan's friends are all central to the F1 circuit, so Ric has now provided her a way to get the support she needs, while working in an interesting job and seeing the world. The biggest challenge--he's now her boss and her ex's dad.
This story had enough twists and turns for an F1 race. It was compelling, and as someone who needs accommodations to make the world work for my neuro-spiciness I really enjoyed seeing someone view and love Evan for all she is, not in spite of her differences.
Story 4/5 ⭐
#upgraded @abbymillsaps #f1romance #neurodiversity #neurodiverseromance
August 1, 2026
Upgraded was such an emotional surprise, honestly more than I expected going in. The ex-boyfriend's dad trope is already so deliciously forbidden, but Abby Millsaps takes it further by making Alaric her actual new boss too, Team Principal of the whole racing team, so the tension and the stakes are sky high from page one. Nearly twenty years apart and tied to her ex in the messiest way possible? That's a lot to work with and she uses every bit of it.
Evangeline was such a great heroine, I really felt for her throughout, the way her masking and feeling like she's constantly "too much" got woven into the story added so much heart underneath all the steam. It wasn't just a spicy age gap romance, there was real depth to her character that made me root for her finding someone who actually sees her instead of making her shrink.
Alaric being control personified but still so drawn to her from that very first messy encounter made him such a good match for her too, watching his walls crack a little more with every secret rendezvous was so satisfying. The F1 backdrop gave it a fresh, high-stakes energy as well, definitely stands out from a lot of sports romance right now.
Only reason it's not a full 5 is the forced proximity/secrecy stuff dragged a touch in the middle for me, felt like a couple of the "almost caught" moments repeated a bit. But overall such a tender, angsty, surprisingly emotional read, and I'm so intrigued to see where the rest of the Away We Go series goes.
Evangeline was such a great heroine, I really felt for her throughout, the way her masking and feeling like she's constantly "too much" got woven into the story added so much heart underneath all the steam. It wasn't just a spicy age gap romance, there was real depth to her character that made me root for her finding someone who actually sees her instead of making her shrink.
Alaric being control personified but still so drawn to her from that very first messy encounter made him such a good match for her too, watching his walls crack a little more with every secret rendezvous was so satisfying. The F1 backdrop gave it a fresh, high-stakes energy as well, definitely stands out from a lot of sports romance right now.
Only reason it's not a full 5 is the forced proximity/secrecy stuff dragged a touch in the middle for me, felt like a couple of the "almost caught" moments repeated a bit. But overall such a tender, angsty, surprisingly emotional read, and I'm so intrigued to see where the rest of the Away We Go series goes.
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