The Recommended Reading Order: The Fastest Route
While the Dirty Air series by Lauren Asher features interconnected standalones, we highly recommend reading them in publication order. The characters live and race in the exact same Formula 1 paddock, meaning their careers, friendships, and sibling dynamics evolve continuously across the timeline. If you read them out of order, you will face minor background spoilers regarding who ends up together and major career shifts (such as a devastating crash that sets up the final book).
By following the publication order, you will experience the natural progression of the racing seasons, watch the friend groups form, and understand the subtle references that characters make to previous couples' scandals and victories.
Dirty Air Books in Publication Order
The series was originally self-published between 2020 and 2021 before being picked up for deluxe re-releases by Bloom Books. Below is the chronological order of their original releases:
- Throttled (First published: January 9, 2020)
- Collided (First published: May 15, 2020)
- Wrecked (First published: September 30, 2020)
- Redeemed (First published: January 27, 2021)
Inside the Paddock: Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Throttled (Noah & Maya)
The series kicks off with Throttled, introducing us to Maya Alatorre, who is spending the summer traveling the international Grand Prix circuit to support her brother, Santiago. The problem? Maya immediately clashes with Santiago's intense, brooding teammate, Noah Slade. Noah is Formula 1 royalty—talented, wealthy, and highly guarded. As their forbidden chemistry builds, they must hide their relationship from Santiago and the media, balancing the intense pressure of the track with their growing feelings. Key tropes: Teammate's sister, forbidden romance, sports romance.
2. Collided (Liam & Sophie)
Next up is Collided, which shifts the spotlight to Liam Zander, F1's charismatic golden boy, and Sophie Mitchell, a blogger and daughter of a team principal. Liam and Sophie start as friendly rivals who love to tease each other. When Sophie shares a "naughty" bucket list with Liam, they strike a secret deal to complete the list together over the course of the racing season. This lighthearted, high-heat story is a fan favorite for its playful banter and intense mutual attraction. Key tropes: Friends-to-lovers, bucket list, forced proximity.
3. Wrecked (Jax & Elena)
The tone takes a more emotional, angst-filled turn in Wrecked. Jax Kingston is a brilliant but self-destructive driver struggling with the weight of expectations and personal demons. After a catastrophic public mistake threatens his career, PR manager Elena Gonzalez is hired to repair his reputation. Elena has her own painful past, making her reluctant to get close to the troubled star. As they work together, their relationship deepens from professional friction into a healing, passionate bond. Key tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, reputation rescue, workplace/forced proximity.
4. Redeemed (Santiago & Chloe)
The series concludes with Redeemed, focusing on Santiago Alatorre (Maya's brother from book one). After a career-ending crash leaves him physically scarred and deeply bitter, Santiago retreats from the racing world into isolation. Enter Chloe Carter, a bright, positive woman who needs a fake boyfriend to deal with her family. Santiago agrees to the arrangement to appease his own family. As Chloe chips away at Santiago's hardened exterior, they both find healing and a love that feels entirely real. Key tropes: Fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, physical rehabilitation, redemption arc.
Standalone vs. Chronological Reading: What You Need to Know
Can you read these books as standalones? Technically, yes. Each book focuses on a single couple and wraps up with a satisfying, high-steam Happy Ever After (HEA). You won't be lost on the core romance if you pick up Redeemed first. However, doing so will heavily spoil the events of Throttled and Wrecked. For example, Santiago's life-altering crash and his relationship with his teammate Noah are core plot points that build across the first three books. To fully appreciate the emotional payoff of his redemption, it is best to see his journey from the beginning.
Bonus Content: Extended Epilogues
If you finish the books and want more of these couples, Lauren Asher has written official Extended Epilogues for all four novels. These short, bonus chapters check in on the couples further down the road, showing their lives after the main stories end. You can access these epilogues for free by signing up for the author's newsletter on her official website or by purchasing special box sets and deluxe physical editions.
Are There Spin-Offs or Crossover Series?
While Lauren Asher has created a popular connected universe across her novels, the Dirty Air series stands completely on its own. There are no character crossovers or direct spin-offs linking the F1 paddock to her popular billionaire series, such as Dreamland Billionaires (featuring the Kane brothers) or the subsequent Lakefront Billionaires series. Because of this, you can dive straight into the Dirty Air books without needing to read any of her other books first.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you hit the track, keep in mind that the Dirty Air series is known for its high level of spice and emotional intensity. While books like Collided are fun and playful, others like Wrecked deal with heavier themes including addiction and mental health struggles. The series is written in dual POV (first-person perspectives from both main characters), allowing readers a deep look into the minds of both the drivers and the women who keep them grounded.