REVIEW: Formula Zero by Meredith Lanzen

In Formula Zero by Meredith Lanzen, Madeline Clarke worked her entire life to earn a spot in Formula Zero, the solar system’s most prestigious racing circuit. But now she’s struggling to keep her career afloat. Between a controlling boss, a complicated relationship with her legendary father, and disappointing results on the track, the pressure is mounting from every direction. Then there’s Julian Casperi.

Once her closest friend, now one of the league’s brightest stars, Julian is a constant reminder of the feelings and history Clarke tried to leave behind. When a near-fatal racing accident throws them back into each other’s lives, ignoring each other is no longer an option.

FORMULA ZERO by Meredith Lanzen was a fast-paced sci-fi romance that combined high-stakes competition, second-chance feelings, and an intriguing mystery inside one of the most unique sports settings I’ve read in a long time. The concept of zero-gravity racing felt fresh and exciting, and the competitive atmosphere added constant tension to the story. Between the races, team politics, sponsorship pressures, and growing suspicions that something wasn’t right behind the scenes, there was always something pulling me into the next chapter.

What I loved most about Clarke and Julian’s relationship was how deeply they understood each other despite the years that had passed. Beneath the rivalry and frustration was the foundation of a friendship neither of them had fully let go of. Watching them find their way back to each other while navigating the pressures of racing, family expectations, and the mystery unfolding around them kept me completely invested in their story.

Tropes:
🚀 Sci-fi sports romance
🏎️ Zero-gravity racing
💕 Childhood friends to lovers
⚡ Rivals to lovers
🔍 Mystery and suspense
✨ Chasing your dreams

FORMULA ZERO delivered the excitement of a sports romance while building a fascinating futuristic world around it. Between the adrenaline-filled races, the emotional history between Clarke and Julian, and a mystery that kept raising the stakes, this was a debut that felt both fresh and incredibly fun to read.

Book Info:

Publication: Published June 23rd, 2026 | Berkley |

Madeline Clarke didn’t think her life would be all fun and trophies after earning her spot in the solar system’s most elite zero-gravity racing circuit, but she definitely thought it’d be better than this. Aside from being a female pilot in a male-dominated sport, her boss is a controlling jerk, her estranged father is a beloved figure from her team’s past glory days (and an absolute ass), and she’s performing so poorly she risks losing her contract. And worst of all, there’s Julian Casperi.

Julian was Clarke’s childhood best friend and is a rising star in the league. The dance between them has always been complicated, but when Clarke walked away from her feelings years ago and Julian didn’t stop her they became nothing more than competitors—until Clarke gets into a near-fatal accident on the track and Julian comes to her rescue.

Now back in each other’s orbits, the tension between them is at an all-time high. But navigating their relationship might be the least of Clarke’s problems. Things keep going wrong on the track, and she suspects there’s something shady at play. If she wants to come out on top, she needs to move fast and make bold choices—about her team, her future, and her heart.