Lights Out

Donington Racing #1

by Kat Ransom

Time moves fast on the racetrack.
It moves even faster when you're being chased.

Kinsley
It's a transpacific flight, my fresh start thousands of miles away from the danger that's imprisoned me. Producing a new Formula 1 docuseries is my way out. I'm done cowering, hiding, and being afraid of what lurks in the shadows.

Nothing can touch me now.
Except maybe him...

Embedding with this Texas racing team just became a lot more attractive. The way he's looking at me, with eyes so blue they should be illegal? I recognize a sexy smolder when I see one. Can sixteen hours on an airplane really change my life? Let's find out...

Alexandr
This chick is insane. Hot, but delusional.
She's prattling on about some documentary, says she's moving in with me.
I'm an F1 racing driver. I've heard every pick-up line there is, but this takes the cake.
It's a long flight in tight quarters. The way she's blushing is doing things to me.
She's just a stranger on a plane. I'll never see her again.
She doesn't know the real me, the monster that I am.

She's being hunted.
I'm being chased.

Neither of us anticipated what started on that flight. Neither knew the stakes were so high.
Now, hearts, families, and lives are on the line. We're in for a hell of a collision when the lights go out.

★★★★★
Author Kat Ransom brings you her next bestselling F1 Sports Romance series! Book 1 in the Donington Racing Series, Lights Out can be read as a standalone. This smoking hot, steamy romance has a bit of suspense, a mess of angst, and a whole lot of bad boys in fast cars! You're getting a full-length novel with a guaranteed HEA, but no lame cheating or pesky cliffhangers.

Buckle up baby, it's light out, and away we go!

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Racing, Spicy, Fiction

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

About the author

Kat Ransom writes steamy romances filled with strong, sassy men and women who bring them to their knees. She lives in the Southern US and is owned by two janky rescue cats. When she isn't writing, she's exploring isolated corners of the world or curled up with a wool blanket and a stiff whiskey trying to warm up her perpetually cold toes.

Kat loves to hear from her readers! Contact her at authorkatransom@gmail.com
Follow along at katransom.com or find her on:
Twitter: @authorkatransom
Instagram: @authorkatransom
Join her mailing list for the latest updates, sneak peeks and fun freebies: https://www.katransom.com/newsletter

Reviews

[MerLuni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! I liked the characters a lot and also having a film crew and get their pov was something different and it worked perfectly.

Can‘t wait to read more

[Jen | jenreadsx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a strong book! The lead characters were great, as were the supporting characters

I did however have a bit of an issue with the timeline. Chapters seemed to end suddenly and skip a few weeks down the line without closure which left me a bit confused.

I also didn’t like how we never found out results from each Formula One race meeting they attended, especially as it’s a F1 based book

Also this book was extremely long which I don’t prefer

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

I adored this so much. Alexandr was such a great main character, especially dealing with the fallout of his family's past. I do love a broody character, so this was great for my grump x sunshine loving heart. Kinsley was equally as entertaining to follow and I loved that there was more to this than just a plain smutty romance -- she had a past that was intriguing and provided that extra element for the story and it worked really well. The ending was a little bit chaotic but the overall vibe of the book was amazing!

TWs: sexual harassment, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, gun use, COPD, hospitalisation, FMC has a stalker, strained family relationships

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series!! If you read and liked the Fast series, you will love this one too. Same Formula 1 race series and names of some of the same drivers, assistants and physios scattered throughout.

This one is a new race team, Donington Racing and Alexandr Michalek is a name we heard before. He is dealing with the fallout from his father as he navigates his second year as an F1 driver. Kinsley Pruitt is getting back to work after a year of hiding out from a stalker that took away her safety. She is a production manager for a documentary on behind the scenes of an F1 race team. She meets Alexandr on the airplane on the way to their first race. He has no idea who she is or that she will in fact be following he and his team around for 10 months. Little did he know that she would be following him around for much longer than that.

Alexandr and Kinsley are both dealing with some crappy life issues. They have chemistry right from the start and just can't stay away from each other. I love the humor and one liners they are comfortable throwing at each other. I just didn't want to put this book down. Alexandr and his hobbies and big heart, Kinsley with her love for her dad and getting that perfect shot.......wish there was more and I didn't want this one to end.

You don't need to read the Fast series first, but you don't want to miss out on any of the action it Kat Ransom's world of F1 drivers! Looking forward to Wrecked next :).

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was HUGE fan of her Fast series so it was a no brainer to read this one!! This one brings the heat, the excitement of a F1 race and what goes behind the scenes of a team. It was great to see all of this but the best part of this book was Alexandr and Kinsley. These two had so much chemistry that it exploded off the page!!! Alexandr grew up with the best of the best and then it was gone. He still had his racing though and he was determined to turn out the haters. He wanted to show people that he was capable of doing this and he wasn't like his father. He wasn't happy about the video crew following them around at first but he found himself drawn to Kinsley. Their connection was strong in and out of the bedroom but they were able to see each in a whole other light. They saw the real version of each other. Kinsley has a past and she's wanting to move past it. She buries it but Alexandr is able to get her walls to break down. The past comes back to haunt her and she is able to take it back. She is strong and feisty and I loved her in this book!! The bond she had with her dad was so special. I loved that a lot! Add in Alexandr with him and it was perfection! This book had a lot of heart in it along with some sweet and funny moments! It was the perfect way to start this series!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marisa A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmmkay I’ve finished nearly all of this author’s books so I’d like to give my feedback on the series as a whole.

I just finished DtS on Netflix so now I know wtf authors are talking about when they write books based on F1.

These books are trashy (in that, I have to explain what books with shirtless men on the cover are doing in my kindle library!) but sexy and laugh out loud funny. They’re my guilty pleasure and I enjoy them 🤷🏻‍♀️

But I’ve noticed this pattern in a few of these books now and I want to say…. miss author, your books are wonderful, but purposely skipping over the angsty scenes you’ve been hinting about and building towards makes me want to scream. I can’t remember which book it was because they’re all blending in my mind, but in one of the stories, one of the protagonists was holding out on those three magic words… and next thing we know we are getting a synopsis of how the ILY went but not the scene itself.. WHAT? WHY?? In this book, we see everything leading up to *that scene* in the LA hotel, but then we skip over it and again get a synopsis. WHY??? Those angsty, gut wrenching scenes are very much wanted.

Anyway I know you may be running out of ways to get these girls to meet these F1 drivers but CALL ME I have an idea, okay? Okay? Cool

[Jeraca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free eARC novel from the author and BookSirens. This is my honest review.

I am ever so thankful that I discovered Kat Ransom through BookSirens because I have devoured every single one of her books and am left wanting more! I don't know much about F-1 racing, but this author is talented enough to make me feel like I'm a race car driver.

But this book is more than just about racing. This book is deep, emotional, and intense. There was a major creep factor that left me wondering my sanity, and that shows just how amazing and talented Kat Ransom is.

I love both Kinsley and Alexandr. Both are battling their own demons but together they just help each other by doing the simplest things. Just being around each other changed their whole perspective on life. And I love Kinsley's mission of her job: to find subjects to make people care and understand. What more in life do you need?

I think this is by far my favorite book of Ransom's to date and I cannot wait for more by her! I definitely recommend this to everyone!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Kat Ransom’s I have read, and I loved it!
Set in the glamorous international circus that is Formula 1 racing, the details of the behind the scenes and the world inside a F1 racing team set a realistic background for the relationship to develop between the two main characters, Kinsley and Alexandr. It’s too good a read to spoil it with plot details just know that you will fall in love with these two like I did, as you read about their developing relationship amongst the supporting cast of well formed characters.
It is the kind of story you will not want to put down – anxious to see what happens next – but will anticipate picking it back up and spending more time with the Donington Race Team.
Cannot wait for more stories in this series to again escape into the fabulous world of F1 GP and the Donington Team’s lives.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Romance Reads and Coffeee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome to Donington racing.
First off I love Kat Ransom’s previous F1 series - it was the perfect combo of great plot and spicy romances. So my expectations for this were similar.
However, for the first part of this book it too a while to get into the flow. It chopped around quite a bit and the characters didn’t have consistent personalities. There were a few times when something was just starting, the chapter would end and then in the next we would have jumped forward leaving out the action.
Once the story settled we got good character development, suspense was built both romantically and with the backstories of our main characters.
The support characters also had great development and we have definitely been set up for their books.
The F1 is pretty accurate, which as a race girlie is important to me and I appreciate the research Kat has done to get this right. Given current developments in that world, a team based in the US seemed timely.
I adored Bill and could completely see him in my head going full tilt. Be warned there is a graphic violent scene at the back end of the book.
I did enjoy this and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lights Out was a story that drew me in from the jump, and provided everything that I truly love in my books. It's because of that fact that I'm going to make this review short & sweet since I'm not one for spoilers. This is the story of two people with serious demons who travel with them in life. Kinsley is doing a documentary which involves Alexandr's racing team, but he just thinks she's off her rocker. Hot but a tad crazy which really did make me laugh. They have chemistry, and things take a turn for the better after they meet, but I'm not going to tell you why. See, there's not only the heat, humor, and angst, but the suspense that got my heart racing with f-bombs dropping. I absolutely LOVED Lights Out HARD, and you can too by hitting those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Charity Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lights Out by Kat Ransom was an Intense Emotional Journey!

I loved Kinsley Pruitt (Kins), the h, and Alexandr Michalek (Ander), the H, and the depth of their individual stories.

The obstacles that they had to overcome, left me in an emotional wreck on more than one occasion.

My senses were heightened, at times, when I wasn't sure what the outcome was going to be, but everything worked out, and the HEA was achieved.

I also enjoyed the sub characters, especially Lexi, Logan, Bill, Maddox, and Samuel, and I'm looking forward to their stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, via BookSirens, in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't give it 5 stars, because there was conflicting information between a couple of the sentences.

If she is sitting behind him, how can he kiss the base of her neck?

[Drica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the two best F1 books I’ve read so far. I love both characters, but Aleksandr is truly a really strong male character - awesome. Like the whole plot too and love that there are so many scenes about actually F1 stuff!

Not the not so good stuff that really threw me off. When Aleksandr wins, he does so because he does an undercut on the other three front runner (pits earlier then them) and leaves the pit lane in front of them, in first place - that cannot happen. It is physically impossible, especially when he was running second before boxing and a pit stop sets a driver back at least 20 seconds, depending on the circuit. He could have won with the undercut, yes, but it would have been after the others have to box as well and then rejoining the race behind Aleksandr.

Other then this - it was awesome :)

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything - humour, romance, suspense, sorrow, action and steamy heat. It had me totally invested in all these different emotions right along with these characters.

The writing was excellent, the dialogue between the characters was fantastic and you could really envisage the interaction.

There was some lovely group moments where the characters really bounced off each other.

Descriptions added to the atmosphere.

There are some really feisty characters in here that I can’t wait to read when they get their own books.

A great first book in a series. I would recommend.

I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a new series and what an amazing introduction Alexandr and Kingsley’s story is. Alexandr is a F1 driver while Kingsley is looking for a fresh start and producing a documentary series and F1. Both characters have demons from their pasts, yet being around each other changes their perspective in life, and they compliment each other perfectly. This is a well written flawless story which is filled with angst, suspense, danger, drama, and is a humorous, steamy, and entertaining read, with realistic and engaging characters and an intricate and in-depth plot. I was totally enthralled throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.

[Haumana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinsley is perfect partner for Alexandr. The playful banter they have with another made me laugh and made me cry. The ensemble cast of characters are always fun to read as well, but it feels like you're along for the ride.

I love Kat write from the his and her's p.o.v. It's so much easier to read and follow. Once again, this was a great book that I felt well immersed in the F1 world, and the fun rom-com drama that goes behind it. Just enough description, and not too much that you're bored or overwhelmed. It was a very fun and entertaining read. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family to who read this genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I only leave honest reviews.

[Sharon Means · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that I found Kat Ransom’s books. I enjoyed her previous series, but I think Lights Out is her best work yet. The author hit it out of the park, or more appropriate to this story, she won the checkered flag. Alexandr and Kinsley are both damaged souls who learn how to heal together. I loved the progression of the characters in this book as well as the author’s knowledge of F1 racing. Alexandr is an F1 driver and Kinsley is following the F1 circuit around to film a documentary. This book is filled with angst, suspense, heat and humor. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything, laughter, anguish, romance suspense. It keeps you gripped from the beginning. Kat goes into a lot of detail about the F1 life which makes you feel like you are there.
Alexandr and Kingsley are made for each other and although they get off to a shakey start their chemistry is off the charts. I couldn’t put this book down, you just didn’t know which emotion you would be going through next. It’s well written and I can’t wait to read the other characters stories.
I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I thought was a good book that gives you romance in the racing world. The characters had a lot of chemistry. When you mix up a bad boy and a troubled woman, sometimes you get unexpected results. They have to deal with suspense, drama, lust and their growing feelings for each other. I enjoyed the story, it was well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, while all of Kat’s books have entertained me, this one added in more elements of racing, although I always want more, and some drama that I found interesting as well. While I sometimes found scenes to be over dramatic, especially the intimate ones, I enjoyed it overall. The backing she gave for Kinsley was good for the plot and I really loved the side characters, Bill, Maddox, Lexi, Jo, and Logan were great. Some scenes were cringey, as all romance books have, but mostly I just had fun reading this and look forward to more.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story, because this is a deal breaker for me. I've read a couple of books that deal with Formula 1 racing and this story delivered. Kinsley and Alexandr were wonderful characters,, not to mention the setting was realistic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright y'all this one started slow for me and took me awhile to get into the flow of it. I liked both Kinsley and Alexandr but wasn't the hugest fan of them together. But I did laugh at there banter and almost cry a little hearing about there past. They definitely grow together it was a slow process but worth it in the end. There is heat but the slow tender moments won it for me. I will say when his Alpha comes out it definitely comes out and its HOT.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a different series that is linked in to the Fast series, but a totally new adventure. This takes F1 to the USA to try to generate more popularity for the sport by using a film crew to create a documentary series that goes behind the scenes. Passion, hilarious misunderstandings and a stalker. A brilliant read for anyone to enjoy....but I would begin with Fast and Hard so that you are not missing out ;-)

[Marthabethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book! I love F1 and romance novels and this was the perfect combo. Kat Ransom really knows her stuff and it felt true to the sport but also celebrated it perfectly. I loved the characters so much. Alexandr has my entire heart and he was perfection. Such a great read full of spice, drama, action, thriller scenes, romance, friendship, family and love.

[C Lou Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read of Kat’s and though it was good and had me hooked, it felt a bit forced at times.

I found myself skim reading the chapter in Prague, and didn’t enjoy the way the chapters ended unexpectedly. The ending happened very fast and the timeline didn’t seem to really add up.

Overall it was a good fun read but could’ve done with some slight tweaks.

[Tone Sørbye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series - and as it is set in the world of Formula 1 racing, it is fast paced with twists and turns. The characters are well written and exiting to follow.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

[Pattip · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! This was like reading a movie...amazing scenery, great characters, exciting storyline, and a full romance! I highly recommend this one! This is my honest review after reading a free advance copy.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new Donington racing series...not only was there international racing backdrop, but also documentary filming, suspense and an amazing love story with great characters! Can't wait for the next in the series!

[Rae T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story is about Kinsley and Alexandr. He is washed up racecar driver and she is in charge of a documentary about him.

Kinsley develops feelings for him even though she knows better. This book is very well written and has a great story. I would highly recommend reading this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

This is such a good read. It has ALL of the feels from sexy times to sadness to happiness and more. I appreciate how K. Ransom interwove the flaws and strengths of both Kinsly and Alexandr as she told their love story. This is such a rare treat from a sports romance.

[S.A. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters are well crafted and the story is engaging. The feelings created by the main character's backstory are real and poignant. I enjoy the writing and style of this author and have read her previous books. I highly recommend them.