Huntington Beach, California ~ Present Day

A tomboy all her life, Sarah Matell’s days revolve around racing, while her paying job working at her father’s top rated automobile speed shop is seen as just a minor blip. Sarah’s goal is to become a top drag racer and win the heart of the man she’s in love with, Craig Keller, who also happens to be her biggest competition. Sarah’s life seems to begin unraveling when her father hires Gordon Devine to manage the shop. Gordon is insistent that she make a choice: get serious about her work at the shop, or get out. Well, Sarah will prove to him that she can do both, racing and working. What ensues is a battle of wills between Sarah and Gordon, and along the way, tomboy Sarah learns to dress and feel like a woman.

Mostly raised by her widowed father, Sarah has known only male influences and the world of drag racing. The only womanly urge she has is her attraction to Craig, a guy who collects “tracksluts” almost on a daily basis. Sarah figures if she can show Craig that she can be a top racer, just like he, then he will notice her. Gordon’s entrance into her life throws a wrench into Sarah’s perfectly laid out plans. For one thing, Gordon frowns on her using the shop as a part time job when he could use her full time. The sparks fly hotly between Gordon and Sarah as they argue over what is best for the company.

Gordon notices Sarah. Oh, yeah, he certainly does. But he’s well aware her sights are set on the weasel Craig, who is apparently using Sarah to get what he wants: reduced repair rates at the shop. Gordon tries to tell Sarah that Craig should not be trusted, but her blinders are on. Their confrontations finally lead to Sarah making a deal with Gordon to prove once and for all that she can make it as a top racer. She’ll go on the racing circuit around the country. Can Gordon let her go, when all he wants is to keep her nearby? What will happen with Sarah on her race to what she hopes is the top?

The adventure of racing, along with an engaging romance, provides readers with an entertaining tale in THRILL OF THE CHASE. Sarah is likeable, if not more than a little stubborn. Most of the story is told from her point of view, so it’s hard to determine what Gordon feels at times, but we certainly can tell he is attracted to her. Craig is a louse, and readers know that it will only be a matter of time before he shows Sarah his true colors. Even if you’re not into drag racing, THRILL OF THE CHASE is an enjoyable story of a woman coming to know herself.

With its fast-paced action, I recommend you pick up and read THRILL OF THE CHASE by Christina Crooks.

Patti Fischer