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Spin Control: A Formula 1 Romance
Not yet published
Expected 18 Sep 26She's never met a crisis she couldn't control. Until him.
Elizabeth Jacobs has built her reputation on turning crises into comebacks. So when Martine Racing’s charismatic team principal and star driver are arrested at the start of a race week, she’s brought in to contain the damage.
Formula 1 may be unfamiliar territory, but restoring order is what she does best.
Then she meets Wes Grant.
Martine’s fan-favorite driver is used to cameras, chaos, and charming the paddock. But with his teammate under arrest and his own contract hanging in the balance, he needs a winning season to maintain control of his career—and he's not convinced Elizabeth can help the team survive the cutthroat world of F1.
She can’t stand him. He can’t stop challenging her. And yet neither of them can look away.
As Elizabeth and Wes work to steady the team, professional friction gives way to hard-earned respect—and a connection that has nothing to do with headlines.
He thought he understood power. But she makes him want to give it away.
As the investigation deepens and the championship tightens, one wrong move could cost Elizabeth her career, and Wes the title he’s spent his life chasing.
They’ve built their lives around control. But sometimes, the only way to win is to let it go.
Elizabeth Jacobs has built her reputation on turning crises into comebacks. So when Martine Racing’s charismatic team principal and star driver are arrested at the start of a race week, she’s brought in to contain the damage.
Formula 1 may be unfamiliar territory, but restoring order is what she does best.
Then she meets Wes Grant.
Martine’s fan-favorite driver is used to cameras, chaos, and charming the paddock. But with his teammate under arrest and his own contract hanging in the balance, he needs a winning season to maintain control of his career—and he's not convinced Elizabeth can help the team survive the cutthroat world of F1.
She can’t stand him. He can’t stop challenging her. And yet neither of them can look away.
As Elizabeth and Wes work to steady the team, professional friction gives way to hard-earned respect—and a connection that has nothing to do with headlines.
He thought he understood power. But she makes him want to give it away.
As the investigation deepens and the championship tightens, one wrong move could cost Elizabeth her career, and Wes the title he’s spent his life chasing.
They’ve built their lives around control. But sometimes, the only way to win is to let it go.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Martine Racing hires Elisabeth, a crisis strategist, to handle the scandal surrounding drivers Elio and Stas after they’re arrested for drug trafficking. In the wake of the news, We becomes the team’s main driver and decides to use the opportunity to focus all his energy on racing. But Wes is also Stas’s best friend, so Elisabeth has to control the narrative and make sure Wes doesn’t get dragged into the mess. Except things between Wes and Elisabeth aren’t going to stay strictly professional.
I will always love seeing a strong, powerful FMC, and Elisabeth takes that to another level, both professionally and personally.
And Wes is your typical cocky guy who knows how to flirt, knows he’s hot, and definitely enjoys being wanted, but he’s also the greenest flag. I loved how naturally Elisabeth and Wes talk to each other, how they can discuss literally anything without a single ounce of awkwardness, how they can read each other without having to say a word, and how they accept each other without a second thought. It’s impossible not to root for them.
And the Jane Austen thing? Loved it! I’m always down for a Jane Austen reference, especially when it’s Pride and Prejudice.
As for the secondary/minor characters, I absolutely loved Chalondra, and Jane was a bit frustrating, but I would’ve loved to see more of them both. Freddie, on the other hand, felt kind of pointless to me, and I would’ve much rather had Hyunjoon. And Lu? I absolutely loved her! I would love for her to get her own book too.
The story definitely keeps you hooked, and personally, even more so because F1 sports romances are my absolute favorite. But once everything started turning into a mafia romance, things kind of went off the rails for me. Those chapters were still interesting, but they were definitely my least favorite part of the book.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with two protagonists who make the story even better. I just wish some of the secondary characters had gotten more page time because so many of them were genuinely interesting.
I will always love seeing a strong, powerful FMC, and Elisabeth takes that to another level, both professionally and personally.
And Wes is your typical cocky guy who knows how to flirt, knows he’s hot, and definitely enjoys being wanted, but he’s also the greenest flag. I loved how naturally Elisabeth and Wes talk to each other, how they can discuss literally anything without a single ounce of awkwardness, how they can read each other without having to say a word, and how they accept each other without a second thought. It’s impossible not to root for them.
And the Jane Austen thing? Loved it! I’m always down for a Jane Austen reference, especially when it’s Pride and Prejudice.
As for the secondary/minor characters, I absolutely loved Chalondra, and Jane was a bit frustrating, but I would’ve loved to see more of them both. Freddie, on the other hand, felt kind of pointless to me, and I would’ve much rather had Hyunjoon. And Lu? I absolutely loved her! I would love for her to get her own book too.
The story definitely keeps you hooked, and personally, even more so because F1 sports romances are my absolute favorite. But once everything started turning into a mafia romance, things kind of went off the rails for me. Those chapters were still interesting, but they were definitely my least favorite part of the book.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with two protagonists who make the story even better. I just wish some of the secondary characters had gotten more page time because so many of them were genuinely interesting.
August 12, 2026
Thank you for the ARC - I love an F1 romance! This book follows Wes who has unknowingly tangled himself in some crazy F1 PR nightmares (and possibly dangerous ones?) and Elizabeth who is the person called in to handle a crisis. Well she handles him alright.
I thought this did a good job trying to juggle a heavy romance trope book (most fiction f1 I’ve seen is romance) and make it suspenseful. I thought Elizabeth’s character was badass and I liked trying to add some feminist spins to such a male heavy field. I think at times I had a bit of trouble following the suspense through line but overall I had a really fun time with it!
Did Not Finish
August 16, 2026Review of advance copy received from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and Bethany for the ARC!
DNF'ed this at the 61% mark.
I do love a good sports romance. It's one of my favorite type of books to read when I just want something lighthearted and easy to read. And I did initially like the first 20% of this book. I liked the initial meet between Wes and Elizabeth. But around the 40% mark, I just didn't love the way the book was heading. And after reading for a bit more, I just didn't want to read anymore.
First the writing is ok. It's not my favorite. There were some odd word choices I think that really took away from the immersion of reading. I also felt like I wanted more description in the book. I wanted this world to be built up a bit more. Like Wes' parents house. I think just describing that more could really paint the picture of how Wes was raised. Was it really neat? Was it sterile? Or were there books everywhere? I just think this story needed more of that.
And lastly Wes and Elizabeth. I didn't really understand why they liked each other. It felt forced in a way. Or too quick. I wanted more deeper moments. Not just things happening. I wanted connection and yearning. I didn't get the build up which is what I love reading in sports romance.
Not the book for me. But this would be for someone who just wants a super easy read.
DNF'ed this at the 61% mark.
I do love a good sports romance. It's one of my favorite type of books to read when I just want something lighthearted and easy to read. And I did initially like the first 20% of this book. I liked the initial meet between Wes and Elizabeth. But around the 40% mark, I just didn't love the way the book was heading. And after reading for a bit more, I just didn't want to read anymore.
First the writing is ok. It's not my favorite. There were some odd word choices I think that really took away from the immersion of reading. I also felt like I wanted more description in the book. I wanted this world to be built up a bit more. Like Wes' parents house. I think just describing that more could really paint the picture of how Wes was raised. Was it really neat? Was it sterile? Or were there books everywhere? I just think this story needed more of that.
And lastly Wes and Elizabeth. I didn't really understand why they liked each other. It felt forced in a way. Or too quick. I wanted more deeper moments. Not just things happening. I wanted connection and yearning. I didn't get the build up which is what I love reading in sports romance.
Not the book for me. But this would be for someone who just wants a super easy read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Bethany Brunelle for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. (All the em-dashes in this review are for you). I also would like to congratulate her on her debut sports romance novel! It was really good and my review is to follow.
First things first, as an AVID F1 fan (yes I did wake up at 6am this morning to watch my favorite papaya take home the win in Zandvoort #iykyk), this book had the PERFECT amount of details. I loved getting to learn new things about the sport, and I loved some of the details that fans of F1 would notice and appreciate. F1 in romance novels is a critically under-explored genre and when it is done it struggles to find the balance between accuracy of the sport and the plot of the book and I think this book NAILED it. Did I also mention there is a really cool mafia/mystery angle that acts as a sub-plot in the book?
Secondly, much like Wesley Fitzwilliam Grant, I too would let Elizabeth Jacobs walk all over me in her smart heels and high pony tail because this woman is AMAZING. She is unflappable and unwavering in such a demanding job that often times has to stare down the worst parts of the relationship between humans and the media. She has connections, she is powerful, she is well off and she looks gorgeous doing it, and I for one would like to meet her and/or be her and/or marry her. Possibly all of the above. The dominance she carried in both her personal life and professional life introduced me to so many new possibilities and allowed me to experience something new, and for that I am so grateful for this book.
As all eldest daughters and powerful women know, sometimes we don't want someone to take care of us, sometimes we want control. Of course sometimes it is the opposite too, and I think Wes and Elizabeth built a very well-communicated relationship based around where one could fit into the other's life without infringing on what was already present. It was an extremely adult and refreshing romance.
I gave this book 4 stars because I thought the stage between dating and "I love you" was a tad rushed especially given that the book was trying to wrap up the mystery angle at the same time. It was such a slow burn romance that I think I wanted the book to explore a little more about how the relationship would work when they accepted what they both wanted. TLDR I wanted a little mundane, cute-date, moment in between to round out their relationship.
As always, you can find me eagerly praying that there will be a second book in this series and it stars who I hope it will. All the while wearing my orange with pride and continuing to wake up at an ungodly hour to watch cars go really fast : )
First things first, as an AVID F1 fan (yes I did wake up at 6am this morning to watch my favorite papaya take home the win in Zandvoort #iykyk), this book had the PERFECT amount of details. I loved getting to learn new things about the sport, and I loved some of the details that fans of F1 would notice and appreciate. F1 in romance novels is a critically under-explored genre and when it is done it struggles to find the balance between accuracy of the sport and the plot of the book and I think this book NAILED it. Did I also mention there is a really cool mafia/mystery angle that acts as a sub-plot in the book?
Secondly, much like Wesley Fitzwilliam Grant, I too would let Elizabeth Jacobs walk all over me in her smart heels and high pony tail because this woman is AMAZING. She is unflappable and unwavering in such a demanding job that often times has to stare down the worst parts of the relationship between humans and the media. She has connections, she is powerful, she is well off and she looks gorgeous doing it, and I for one would like to meet her and/or be her and/or marry her. Possibly all of the above. The dominance she carried in both her personal life and professional life introduced me to so many new possibilities and allowed me to experience something new, and for that I am so grateful for this book.
As all eldest daughters and powerful women know, sometimes we don't want someone to take care of us, sometimes we want control. Of course sometimes it is the opposite too, and I think Wes and Elizabeth built a very well-communicated relationship based around where one could fit into the other's life without infringing on what was already present. It was an extremely adult and refreshing romance.
I gave this book 4 stars because I thought the stage between dating and "I love you" was a tad rushed especially given that the book was trying to wrap up the mystery angle at the same time. It was such a slow burn romance that I think I wanted the book to explore a little more about how the relationship would work when they accepted what they both wanted. TLDR I wanted a little mundane, cute-date, moment in between to round out their relationship.
As always, you can find me eagerly praying that there will be a second book in this series and it stars who I hope it will. All the while wearing my orange with pride and continuing to wake up at an ungodly hour to watch cars go really fast : )
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a motorsport fan, I am always curious about the depiction of the sport in books. I've read my fair quota of romance books set in the F1 world but this one has something the others don't: a mystery/crime plot. We follow Elizabeth Jacobs, a crisis management specialist as she is called to work with Martine Racing, a F1 team who are in the middle of a scandal as their Team Principal and Number 1 driver are arrested ins suspicion of drug trafficking. Elizabeth finds a team which is building what is promising a good season and the other driver, Wes Grant, who is struggling to keep his contract and to prove he still has what it takes to remain in his seat.
The book is a good story, there were some things here and there related to the sport who make my eye twitch a little (the realness of how ruthless this sport is is real) but overall it was handled pretty accurately. The characters were great although it took some time to warm to Elizabeth. I get she's all about female rage but she doesn't really talk about where does her behavior come from, which makes her just be an asshole. Same goes to Wes, he's not very nice to Elizabeth in some parts at the beginning and then that's just almost swept under the rug. I like there was communication after 60% of the book but to get there, it was a bit of a back and forth and I didn't like that a lot.
There are other characters that are great too, the team in particular was fantastic and Chalondra is so refreshing but I wish we had more of her. Jane got me on my nerves but I get where she was coming from so I feel for her. I do want to mention though, the storyline of Lu. I think we need more women in F1 spaces, period. But I think that her story was just... flat. And on top of that, and as sad as that sounds because it is infuriating, it was a bit unrealistic. I wish it wasn't (if you can, google Maya Weug and you'll see how women with F1 aspirations get treated). However, I do wish Bethany maybe wants to share more of her and Stas, who is by far one of the most compelling characters and he's still somewhat a mystery so that's a good thing so the story goes on. And Etienne too!
F1 aside, it was the mystery side that caught my attention, I was with one eye on F1 and the other on what was gonna be the next move around Elio and Stas. Even if the ending felt a bit rushed, I was at the edge of my seat. I truly enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed this book overall. It definitely makes me want to read whatever Bethany writes next!.
The book is a good story, there were some things here and there related to the sport who make my eye twitch a little (the realness of how ruthless this sport is is real) but overall it was handled pretty accurately. The characters were great although it took some time to warm to Elizabeth. I get she's all about female rage but she doesn't really talk about where does her behavior come from, which makes her just be an asshole. Same goes to Wes, he's not very nice to Elizabeth in some parts at the beginning and then that's just almost swept under the rug. I like there was communication after 60% of the book but to get there, it was a bit of a back and forth and I didn't like that a lot.
There are other characters that are great too, the team in particular was fantastic and Chalondra is so refreshing but I wish we had more of her. Jane got me on my nerves but I get where she was coming from so I feel for her. I do want to mention though, the storyline of Lu. I think we need more women in F1 spaces, period. But I think that her story was just... flat. And on top of that, and as sad as that sounds because it is infuriating, it was a bit unrealistic. I wish it wasn't (if you can, google Maya Weug and you'll see how women with F1 aspirations get treated). However, I do wish Bethany maybe wants to share more of her and Stas, who is by far one of the most compelling characters and he's still somewhat a mystery so that's a good thing so the story goes on. And Etienne too!
F1 aside, it was the mystery side that caught my attention, I was with one eye on F1 and the other on what was gonna be the next move around Elio and Stas. Even if the ending felt a bit rushed, I was at the edge of my seat. I truly enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed this book overall. It definitely makes me want to read whatever Bethany writes next!.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley 's victory editing for this ARC!!!!!
Rating 3.5
I actually really enjoyed this book!!! I’m going to be honest, though; the beginning was a bit of a slow start. The writing threw me off a bit. While I did enjoy it, even though I would say I loved it after I got into it, I was honestly bored out of my mind the first half. It felt like we were not really progressing with Wes and Elizabeth. I didn’t really feel the tension with them, and I felt like the connection was not there. However, I feel like we get to see them grow together. It was actually very beautiful to see. Elizabeth is a very specific type A person who likes to be in control. While Wes is a reformed playboy that’s trying to turn this newfound opportunity at Marine's racing. When they were introduced, I will say I did not love Wes; I thought it was the same old reformed playboy story again, but he actually surprised me. He was very patient, understanding, supportive and loving to Elizabeth when they weren’t even together. I also did love Elizabeth's character; I loved how it explored a different dynamic that most often than not is the “male” role.
As for the story itself, I have never read an F1 romance, so I found that aspect interesting. I’ve obviously heard of the sport, but I've never been invested, and this book really made me want to explore more books with F1 romance. The story also had a bit of suspense. I wouldn't say it was broadly developed, but it made for a nice add-in to the story. I was so happy that there was no third-act breakup and no third person involved meddling in their relationship progression.
It takes a lot of time and effort to even sit down and write one chapter and even more to form a story. All in all, I really enjoyed this book after it picked up, and although the writing is not the best, I think this author did amazing for their first book, and I'm excited to see improvements in her writing in the future!!
I would definitely give this book a chance if you find it interesting
Rating 3.5
I actually really enjoyed this book!!! I’m going to be honest, though; the beginning was a bit of a slow start. The writing threw me off a bit. While I did enjoy it, even though I would say I loved it after I got into it, I was honestly bored out of my mind the first half. It felt like we were not really progressing with Wes and Elizabeth. I didn’t really feel the tension with them, and I felt like the connection was not there. However, I feel like we get to see them grow together. It was actually very beautiful to see. Elizabeth is a very specific type A person who likes to be in control. While Wes is a reformed playboy that’s trying to turn this newfound opportunity at Marine's racing. When they were introduced, I will say I did not love Wes; I thought it was the same old reformed playboy story again, but he actually surprised me. He was very patient, understanding, supportive and loving to Elizabeth when they weren’t even together. I also did love Elizabeth's character; I loved how it explored a different dynamic that most often than not is the “male” role.
As for the story itself, I have never read an F1 romance, so I found that aspect interesting. I’ve obviously heard of the sport, but I've never been invested, and this book really made me want to explore more books with F1 romance. The story also had a bit of suspense. I wouldn't say it was broadly developed, but it made for a nice add-in to the story. I was so happy that there was no third-act breakup and no third person involved meddling in their relationship progression.
It takes a lot of time and effort to even sit down and write one chapter and even more to form a story. All in all, I really enjoyed this book after it picked up, and although the writing is not the best, I think this author did amazing for their first book, and I'm excited to see improvements in her writing in the future!!
I would definitely give this book a chance if you find it interesting
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved the premise for this story, but the author spent way too much time building the F1 world and not nearly enough building tension in the romance. There’s just too much F1 stuff, and the romance gets pushed to the back burner.
By around 30%, the main characters aren't appealing and have no chemistry. The first half of the book is basically them fighting and him getting inappropriate boners. Doesn't work. There’s not much to like about either of these two MCs. They fight and disrespect each other, and not in a fun enemies-to-lovers way. They mostly just come across as two people who don't like or respect each other.
I've read a few F1 romances, and some get it right by focusing on the romance and building it chapter by chapter. The sport can still be a huge part of the story without taking over the actual relationship. By the halfway point, this should probably be shelved as adult/sports fiction, not romance.
The romance plot came across as an afterthought since the author is a big fan of F1 and put way too much detail and “realism,” aka sexism, into the book. If she wanted a realistic F1 representation to be the priority, I think she should have left out the romance and just written an adult sports novel about F1. Instead, the F1 narrative gets all the development while the romance is just kind of sitting there. I think it's misleading for the marketing to call this a "high-octane romance."
There were also too many characters to keep up with. It wasn't as intense as another F1 book I read where the author put a multi-page character and team list before the story started, but there were still too many people taking up space when the two main characters weren't getting enough development to begin with.
The author does write in some non-white characters, so that's useful.
This is her debut, and if she does a second book, hopefully she'll arc the romance ahead of the F1 narrative instead of treating it like an afterthought.
By around 30%, the main characters aren't appealing and have no chemistry. The first half of the book is basically them fighting and him getting inappropriate boners. Doesn't work. There’s not much to like about either of these two MCs. They fight and disrespect each other, and not in a fun enemies-to-lovers way. They mostly just come across as two people who don't like or respect each other.
I've read a few F1 romances, and some get it right by focusing on the romance and building it chapter by chapter. The sport can still be a huge part of the story without taking over the actual relationship. By the halfway point, this should probably be shelved as adult/sports fiction, not romance.
The romance plot came across as an afterthought since the author is a big fan of F1 and put way too much detail and “realism,” aka sexism, into the book. If she wanted a realistic F1 representation to be the priority, I think she should have left out the romance and just written an adult sports novel about F1. Instead, the F1 narrative gets all the development while the romance is just kind of sitting there. I think it's misleading for the marketing to call this a "high-octane romance."
There were also too many characters to keep up with. It wasn't as intense as another F1 book I read where the author put a multi-page character and team list before the story started, but there were still too many people taking up space when the two main characters weren't getting enough development to begin with.
The author does write in some non-white characters, so that's useful.
This is her debut, and if she does a second book, hopefully she'll arc the romance ahead of the F1 narrative instead of treating it like an afterthought.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After hearing so much about this debut, I jumped in with high expectations, and it truly delivered on so many levels!
The central dynamic between Wes and Elisabeth is easily the highlight. Elisabeth is absolute perfection: powerful, brilliantly capable in her high-stakes job, and commanding in every room she walks into. Watching Wes—who has that classic arrogant, charming athlete energy on the surface—turn out to be an absolute green flag who respects her authority and communicates like an adult was so refreshing. Their banter flows effortlessly, the unspoken understanding between them is top-tier, and the cheeky Pride and Prejudice nods made their dynamic even better.
As a sports romance, the F1 background hits the sweet spot. The author clearly respects the sport, balancing the authentic trackside details with the romantic plot without letting one overshadow the other.
The plot takes a darker, mystery/mafia pivot in the second half. While it keeps the stakes high, that transition felt a bit rushed alongside the romantic progression, making the final stretch feel slightly chaotic compared to the slow-burn buildup. I would have loved just a few extra quiet, everyday moments of them as a couple before the high-drama wrap-up.
The side cast is fantastic (Lu and Chalondra need their own spin-offs immediately!), even if a few background characters stole page time from those I wanted more of.
All in all, a phenomenal debut F1 romance. The strong PR heroine, the healthy communication, and the racing adrenaline make this a total win. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever comes next in this world!
The central dynamic between Wes and Elisabeth is easily the highlight. Elisabeth is absolute perfection: powerful, brilliantly capable in her high-stakes job, and commanding in every room she walks into. Watching Wes—who has that classic arrogant, charming athlete energy on the surface—turn out to be an absolute green flag who respects her authority and communicates like an adult was so refreshing. Their banter flows effortlessly, the unspoken understanding between them is top-tier, and the cheeky Pride and Prejudice nods made their dynamic even better.
As a sports romance, the F1 background hits the sweet spot. The author clearly respects the sport, balancing the authentic trackside details with the romantic plot without letting one overshadow the other.
The plot takes a darker, mystery/mafia pivot in the second half. While it keeps the stakes high, that transition felt a bit rushed alongside the romantic progression, making the final stretch feel slightly chaotic compared to the slow-burn buildup. I would have loved just a few extra quiet, everyday moments of them as a couple before the high-drama wrap-up.
The side cast is fantastic (Lu and Chalondra need their own spin-offs immediately!), even if a few background characters stole page time from those I wanted more of.
All in all, a phenomenal debut F1 romance. The strong PR heroine, the healthy communication, and the racing adrenaline make this a total win. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever comes next in this world!
August 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Bethany Brunelle, Victory editing and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for a honest review.
What a solid debut romance novel from Bethany Brunelle! I ate it up in less than 24 Hours.
The story follows Elizabeth and Wes, an uptight yet fierce crisis specialist and a Bi playboy F1 driver. Elizabeth is hired by the team after the team principal and the other driver is arrested.
In the beginning Wes might seem a bit annoying, but that definitely picks up along the way. Together they are the opposites that stabilize each other.
And don’t worry you don’t need to know about F1 to read the book! Though as an F1 fan myself I was positively surprised about how the sport was described and used throughout the novel.
The writing was very descriptive, which made it very easy to read and understand.
Now I would like to say that I thinks it is visible in some places that this is a debut. I don’t think it’s a bad book by any means but some places felt maybe a bit rushed towards the ending.
But overall I really enjoyed this formula 1 Romance and would definitely read other stuff from this author in the future.
Thank you to Bethany Brunelle, Victory editing and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for a honest review.
What a solid debut romance novel from Bethany Brunelle! I ate it up in less than 24 Hours.
The story follows Elizabeth and Wes, an uptight yet fierce crisis specialist and a Bi playboy F1 driver. Elizabeth is hired by the team after the team principal and the other driver is arrested.
In the beginning Wes might seem a bit annoying, but that definitely picks up along the way. Together they are the opposites that stabilize each other.
And don’t worry you don’t need to know about F1 to read the book! Though as an F1 fan myself I was positively surprised about how the sport was described and used throughout the novel.
The writing was very descriptive, which made it very easy to read and understand.
Now I would like to say that I thinks it is visible in some places that this is a debut. I don’t think it’s a bad book by any means but some places felt maybe a bit rushed towards the ending.
But overall I really enjoyed this formula 1 Romance and would definitely read other stuff from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book follows Elizabeth, a crisis specialist, and Wes, an F1 driver, while they work together to manage several crises the Martine Racing team faces.
I liked Elizabeth a lot. She was very confident in herself and came off as a strong, independent woman, who also showed her softer side towards the end. I also really liked the mystery within this story, I think it may have actually been my favorite part, the romance being a close second. The only thing I really didn’t like is that Wes spends the first 40% of the book being kind of a jerk towards Elizabeth, saying rude things or not respecting her boundaries. He does get better, it was just rough at first.
I think this was a really good debut novel and I’m looking forward to whatever else this author writes next!
Tropes/details:
* First person dual POV
* Black cat x golden retriever
* Forced proximity
* “Forbidden” relationship
Thank you Netgalley, Bethany Brunelle, and Victory Editing for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I liked Elizabeth a lot. She was very confident in herself and came off as a strong, independent woman, who also showed her softer side towards the end. I also really liked the mystery within this story, I think it may have actually been my favorite part, the romance being a close second. The only thing I really didn’t like is that Wes spends the first 40% of the book being kind of a jerk towards Elizabeth, saying rude things or not respecting her boundaries. He does get better, it was just rough at first.
I think this was a really good debut novel and I’m looking forward to whatever else this author writes next!
Tropes/details:
* First person dual POV
* Black cat x golden retriever
* Forced proximity
* “Forbidden” relationship
Thank you Netgalley, Bethany Brunelle, and Victory Editing for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 17, 2026
I have been really enjoying F1 books lately and Spin Control did not disappoint! I loved Elizabeth, she was strong, independent, fierce and confident. She was great at her job and knew it but wasn't cocky about it. Wes was a bit of an unknown at first but he was truly a lovable guy that had his faults but was honest about them and was truly a great listener and worked to understand others. Elizabeth had her issues with control after growing up with a misogynistic father and she has found a way her life works without letting men in but Wes breaks those barriers while making sure Elizabeth knows she is in control and he supports her, truly a sweetheart! The scandal vibes with Elizabeth working to control the narrative was a fun addition to the F1 sports romance and I enjoyed seeing the layers of the scandal slowly peel back and reveal how it all came together. All in all, this was a fun and quick sports romance that had fantastic banter, sexy scenes, lovely moments, and mystery and intrigue that made it impossible to put down! I hope to see more from Bethany Brunelle and this F1 team!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany Brunelle for the eARC of this book.
This was a great first book for this author. I really liked her style of writing, especially the banter between all of the characters.
I liked the overall romance plot along with the drug trafficking crime subplo where the suspense that really got going about midway through the book had me really hooked. The only part that was a little slow for me was the beginning 10% of the story, where I felt like there was a lot of push and pull between Elizabeth and Wes. But it was good chemistry that really got going once they figured out their feelings.
The only thing that I think should be highlighted is the control kink that took place throughout the book. I don’t think that that is really called out anywhere through the summary of the book or the tropes. That piece might make some readers a little uncomfortable.
This was a great first book for this author. I really liked her style of writing, especially the banter between all of the characters.
I liked the overall romance plot along with the drug trafficking crime subplo where the suspense that really got going about midway through the book had me really hooked. The only part that was a little slow for me was the beginning 10% of the story, where I felt like there was a lot of push and pull between Elizabeth and Wes. But it was good chemistry that really got going once they figured out their feelings.
The only thing that I think should be highlighted is the control kink that took place throughout the book. I don’t think that that is really called out anywhere through the summary of the book or the tropes. That piece might make some readers a little uncomfortable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spin Control follow Elizabeth, a crisis specialist, and Wes, a Formula 1 driver, on their mission to fix the race teams image after a huge scandal with the manager and Wes's best friend and teammate being arrested. Wes is a bi playboy and Elizabeth craves control.
I liked both characters but them getting together felt rushed to me. I also don't love when someone can't admit their feelings so that annoyed me a little bit. I felt like getting into the book was a little hard for me but I did fly through the last 30% and enjoyed that bit of suspense a lot more than the beginning of the book. Once Wes and Elizabeth were able to admit their feelings I had a lot more fun with it.
Overall it was a fun book and if you're into the inner turmoil when it comes to dating someone, I think you'd love it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!
I liked both characters but them getting together felt rushed to me. I also don't love when someone can't admit their feelings so that annoyed me a little bit. I felt like getting into the book was a little hard for me but I did fly through the last 30% and enjoyed that bit of suspense a lot more than the beginning of the book. Once Wes and Elizabeth were able to admit their feelings I had a lot more fun with it.
Overall it was a fun book and if you're into the inner turmoil when it comes to dating someone, I think you'd love it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m a bit neither here nor there on this read. It’s my first F1 book so I really enjoyed exploring a new kind of sports romance, but I just wasn’t in love with the story itself. I just kept waiting for more to happen. I kinda felt like a lot is happening but also nothing is happening. There were a lot of side characters and places that I struggled to keep up with, and not a lot of depth or romantic/sexual build-up. I didn’t find myself connecting with the characters- except for Elizabeth’s feminine rage. I was absolutely able to relate to her on that level. It’s definitely a slow burn, though I didn’t feel much romance from Elizabeth and Wes.
I do want to add that I LOVE the cover. It’s vibrant and stands out.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for early access!
I do want to add that I LOVE the cover. It’s vibrant and stands out.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for early access!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Elizabeth is the kind of FMC I absolutely love. Strong, confident, and definitely not someone you want to mess with. That “don’t fuck with me” energy, I’m here for it.
And then there’s Wes… the ultimate green-flag golden retriever. Their dynamic was so good, and the chemistry between them was 🔥 Plus, the spice definitely delivered.
I really enjoyed the plot too. It was fun, entertaining, and had enough mystery to keep me curious. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and just kept reading!
If you’re looking for F1 romance, amazing chemistry, spice, a badass FMC, and a little mystery, definitely add this one to your TBR! 🏎️❤️
And then there’s Wes… the ultimate green-flag golden retriever. Their dynamic was so good, and the chemistry between them was 🔥 Plus, the spice definitely delivered.
I really enjoyed the plot too. It was fun, entertaining, and had enough mystery to keep me curious. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and just kept reading!
If you’re looking for F1 romance, amazing chemistry, spice, a badass FMC, and a little mystery, definitely add this one to your TBR! 🏎️❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I quite enjoyed this romance ! Elizabeth is such a strong FMC. Wes is really funny so it’s nice to have a little comedic relief in a surprisingly dramatic story. They worked really well together so it was great to follow their romance. It didn’t go the way i expected but I really enjoyed it. There’s a little mystery in the midst of the romance and it was very intriguing. Also, to see a dominant woman like Elizabeth in spicy scenes is very welcomed. I think fans of F1 and romance will definitely enjoy this one. The story is a bit short but it had everything it needed to be very enjoyable !
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
August 15, 2026
I loved the beginning of Spin Control, I was immediately hooked. I felt like things dragged a bit in the middle and end but I really liked Elizabeth. I felt like Wes was a combination of all my favorite attributes from different drivers, which I absolutely loved. Who doesn’t love a character that reminds you of Danny Ric?! The conflict truly felt plausible and overall this was a great read to tide me over until the summer break ends. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc on exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2026
4.25⭐️. The FMC is Olivia Pope made over so I was hooked from the start. She’s a crisis manager who is hired by an F1 team after one of their drivers gets arrested. He’s the driver who’s left without a teammate and is the F1 golden boy/media favorite. Such a strong FMC with lots of feminine rage, I feel like strong FMCs are often missing in this genre and I was here for this. This had a bit of mystery wrapped in trying to solve the mystery of a drug scandal/money laundering plot. Great banter, good comedic relief moments; would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This new F1 romance brings the heat! You get all the glitz, glam and drama of the F1 world, mixed with the high stakes and mystery of Scandal. Top it off with feminine rage, all the Jane Austen nods, and a driver who is so down bad for his media fixer, you're in for a fun time!!
Pub day is 9/18, so add it to your TBR now, and stay tuned for my full review on release day!
Black cat × Golden retriever
Reformed playboy
Forced proximity
Power exchange
Sports romance (F1)
Spice: 3/5
First person
Dual POV
Pub day is 9/18, so add it to your TBR now, and stay tuned for my full review on release day!
Black cat × Golden retriever
Reformed playboy
Forced proximity
Power exchange
Sports romance (F1)
Spice: 3/5
First person
Dual POV
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
these characters just felt a bit underdeveloped to me and frankly their relationship didn't really have any reason to work outside of their similar sexual preferences, im all for doing something slightly different in a romance novel but between the lack of actual chemistry and skewed understanding of the sport this didn't really hit for me
thank you to net galley for an arc of this title in exchange for my honest feedback!
thank you to net galley for an arc of this title in exchange for my honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of my favourite f1 romances I’ve read. I love the f1 details, the romance and the drug scandal plot. I really believed in the chemistry between these characters and I really enjoyed that it spanned quite a bit of time to make it seem more realistic. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy was the spice.
However the overall book was so good and I’d love to read more books by this author.
However the overall book was so good and I’d love to read more books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Spin Control! I loved the protagonists individually, but together? Absolutely unstoppable🔥
Their dynamic was definitely one of my favorite parts. The pacing was great, and now I really want to know more about Jane, Stas, Lu, and Étienne. I’d happily read more from this world! ❤️
Their dynamic was definitely one of my favorite parts. The pacing was great, and now I really want to know more about Jane, Stas, Lu, and Étienne. I’d happily read more from this world! ❤️
Did Not Finish
August 27, 2026Thanks NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
Unfortunately it was a DNF. I couldn't like the characters nor was I liking the story.
I believe that many people may like this book, it's just not for me.
Unfortunately it was a DNF. I couldn't like the characters nor was I liking the story.
I believe that many people may like this book, it's just not for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So, you have an F1 romance that's also at least slightly a mystery and then you give it a Jane Austen leit motif? I'm sorry, did you literally write this for me? Umm...I think I love you?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(Review of the Advanced Reader Copy)
4.5⭐️
Elizabeth, an accomplished crisis manager, is hired by a Formula 1 team to help them navigate a PR nightmare, where she meets Wes, one of their pilots.
I really enjoyed this story, which was a great combination of mystery and romance, and I loved the dynamic between Elizabeth and Wes!
I loved her confidence and that she stands on business and knows so well who TF she is, she has him beg and crawl for her!!!!
As someone who knows about F1 but doesn't know anything about F1, I was really invested in it by the end! I liked how the mystery unfolded, and although the resolution seemed a little rushed, it actually all made sense when all is revealed at the end.
4.5⭐️
Elizabeth, an accomplished crisis manager, is hired by a Formula 1 team to help them navigate a PR nightmare, where she meets Wes, one of their pilots.
I really enjoyed this story, which was a great combination of mystery and romance, and I loved the dynamic between Elizabeth and Wes!
I loved her confidence and that she stands on business and knows so well who TF she is, she has him beg and crawl for her!!!!
As someone who knows about F1 but doesn't know anything about F1, I was really invested in it by the end! I liked how the mystery unfolded, and although the resolution seemed a little rushed, it actually all made sense when all is revealed at the end.
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