FAQ
Saskia Roy answers your questions
How spicy is RUSH?
Spice is subjective, but I would give it five chillies. It may be useful to know that along with the explicit sexual content, RUSH contains morally grey characters, coercive behaviour, and topics that may be sensitive to some readers.
Is Nico Laurent based on a real driver?
No. I liked Nico as a name firstly because it sounds very European. Secondly, there have been two Formula 1 drivers called Nico (Rosberg and Hülkenberg), as well as a Niki (Lauda), so I thought the name was fitting.
Who is your favourite driver of all time?
It would have to be between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. This sounds like a bit of a cop-out answer given their championship records, but it's the most honest one. Michael managed to be cool and ferocious at the same time and to this day remains unmatched in flair. Lewis for his record on and off the track. For me, his performance in the 2021 Brazil GP was one of the greatest drives of all time. Off track, his activism has been nothing less than heroic.
Why isn't Lewis Hamilton in the novel?
Frankly, because I think Lewis is the GOAT and I didn't want Nico to compete with him. I do give Lewis his due though when I describe Nico as heir apparent to the great Lewis Hamilton.
Why is the book dedicated to Jackie Collins?
I explain in the acknowledgments that Jackie changed a small but significant part of my life. Like Lena in the novel, I had a conservative upbringing which sought to instil in me a sense of shame around sex and desire. Jackie’s novels dramatically changed my perspective. Her strong, sexy protagonists are different to mine but they taught me that female desire deserves to be indulged. For that, I owe her a lot.
What's your favourite Jackie Collins novel?
I would probably say The Love Killers. It's one of the sexiest books I've ever read and has a bit of something for everyone.