Slipstream By Madge Maril

‘Slipstream’ is the latest book by Madge Maril.

Lilah never imagined she’d be trading hard-hitting political documentaries for the roar of Formula One engines. Thanks to her boyfriend and co-owner of their film-making business, Max, she’s suddenly thrust into a world she can’t stand. Her hopes sink even lower when she meets Arthur Bianco, an enigmatic reserve driver who flirts his way out of every media crisis. But when Max blindsides her by ending their relationship and stealing the company she built, the last person she expects to help her pick up the pieces is Arthur. Reluctantly, they strike a truce: he’ll help her regain control of her documentary, and in return, she’ll film his epic racing comeback and earn him a spot with his former racing team. The enemy of her enemy is a Formula One driver desperate to break free from his contract. But an unexpected speed bump forces Lilah and Arthur’s partnership to evolve into a fake relationship that feels all too real with sparks flying both on and off the track. Now it seems like her next big story might be more personal than she thought…

I’m not the biggest fan of Formula One but I must admit I do enjoy ‘Drive to Survive’ as it gives an insight into the exhilarating sport and the drama behind it all and ‘Slipstream’ is no different.

Seen from the narrative of documentary maker Lilah, she gets the crap end of stick when she has to give up the dream of creating documentaries about politics. Instead she’s following Arthur Bianco, a reserve formula one driver making a documentary on her own instead of with her partner Max. The pair clash, as Arthur is handsome, privileged and charismatic and Lilah is quiet with ADHD and is not used to the glamorous life that Arthur but finds herself drawn into it, particularly when they begin to fake a romance to make Max jealous but as the story progresses we see the unlikely duo form a strong bond.

I loved this story, the thrill, the excitement and the will they, won’t they interactions between Lilah and Arthur. I loved how Arthur has this tough exterior but Lilah brings out a softer side in him. He introduces her to a new world and also reminds her of happier times, as she reflects on her biological mother and how her life has turned out. Lilah regularly self destructs and Arthur helps her through this and it’s so beautiful to see her begin to change her outlook and make her believe that she is worthy.

Fantastically written, with a great insight into the world of documentary making and Formula 1, this book was a fast paced and speedy read that I raced through.

You can pre-order ‘Slipstream’ from Amazon and will be available to buy from good bookshops from 22nd May 2025.