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Driven Women #1
A Fast Woman
2021 Romance Writers of America Vivian Award Finalist
She’s addicted to adrenaline. He always speeds to the top. When they face off over a career-making contract, will their chemistry hit the wall?
CJ Lomax refuses to apologize for being herself. As a sassy-mouthed spitfire fighting for a slot in the male-dominated world of stock car racing, she can’t afford to show any cracks. But when a handsome stranger stops her from falling head-over-red-stilettos, the knowledge that he’s out to steal her ride sours the instant attraction.
Grady McBane’s driving infamy comes with a side of bad-boy disgrace. But the charming rich scion is sure he can forge a new name for himself away from the Indy circuit, even if he’d rather watch his unexpectedly beautiful competition’s curves than those on the track. And he curses karma hard when he realizes his angry rival’s grit and ambition are his ultimate turn-on.
As it dawns on CJ they’re being used as pawns by those gunning to see them fail, she tries to hide her growing feelings when they vie for pole position. And while Grady wears his heart on his sleeve, he struggles to make the focused fighter believe she’s more than a pit stop on his way to the podium.
Will their fiery battle force love to take second place, or can they cross the finish line to happiness?
A Fast Woman is the steamy first book in the Driven Women contemporary sports romance series. If you like charismatic characters, snarky banter, and turbocharged action, then you’ll adore Laralyn Doran’s race to passion.
Buy A Fast Woman to give desire the green light today!
She’s addicted to adrenaline. He always speeds to the top. When they face off over a career-making contract, will their chemistry hit the wall?
CJ Lomax refuses to apologize for being herself. As a sassy-mouthed spitfire fighting for a slot in the male-dominated world of stock car racing, she can’t afford to show any cracks. But when a handsome stranger stops her from falling head-over-red-stilettos, the knowledge that he’s out to steal her ride sours the instant attraction.
Grady McBane’s driving infamy comes with a side of bad-boy disgrace. But the charming rich scion is sure he can forge a new name for himself away from the Indy circuit, even if he’d rather watch his unexpectedly beautiful competition’s curves than those on the track. And he curses karma hard when he realizes his angry rival’s grit and ambition are his ultimate turn-on.
As it dawns on CJ they’re being used as pawns by those gunning to see them fail, she tries to hide her growing feelings when they vie for pole position. And while Grady wears his heart on his sleeve, he struggles to make the focused fighter believe she’s more than a pit stop on his way to the podium.
Will their fiery battle force love to take second place, or can they cross the finish line to happiness?
A Fast Woman is the steamy first book in the Driven Women contemporary sports romance series. If you like charismatic characters, snarky banter, and turbocharged action, then you’ll adore Laralyn Doran’s race to passion.
Buy A Fast Woman to give desire the green light today!
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2020
About the author
Laralyn Doran
3 books164 followersA multi-award winning contemporary romance author who appreciates slow-burn, snarky stories.
Her trilogy, Driven Women, is about three women navigating non-traditional careers and finding romance with men brave enough to chase them.
Ms. Doran lives in Maryland with her family and three dogs. She also devotes her time to advocating for autism and dyslexia awareness and education.
Her trilogy, Driven Women, is about three women navigating non-traditional careers and finding romance with men brave enough to chase them.
Ms. Doran lives in Maryland with her family and three dogs. She also devotes her time to advocating for autism and dyslexia awareness and education.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 21, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.A Fast Woman by Laralyn Doran, the first book in the Driven Women series provided an enemies to lovers romance set in the world of race car driving. I love when women can hold their own in a male dominated career, so reading this book was a must.
The story introduces CJ Lomax. Racing is her life, and she is determined to prove her worth in the sport of Stock Car racing and secure a Cup Series contract. However, as the only woman in the sport she faced many obstacles, but she would not go down without a fight. So, when Grady Mcbane was selected as her rival for said contract, it was gloves on.
Grady was once the best Indy Driver, but a public scandal led to him being suspended from the sport. Racing is his life so when the opportunity came for him to enter the world of stock car racing, he seized it. Nothing and no-one would get in his way of living his dream, not even the beautiful and ballsy CJ Lomax.
Reasons to Grab A Fast Woman
A swoon worthy hero: Gabe was a sweetheart. Yes, he may have a checkered past when it came to women, but with CJ he emitted nothing but sweetness. I loved the way he stepped up to protect her, even if meant sacrificing his career.
A Feisty heroine: CJ was tough, independent and took crap from no one. She readily took down any man or woman who would impede her dream. She had moments when fears and insecurities crept in, which revealed her vulnerabilities.
What is a story without secondary characters you would love to hate and those you can’t help but like and hope they would get their own story? A Fast Woman featured such individuals. They included friends, enemies, opportunists and family.
A well-crafted plot: The author made me eager to learn who would come out on top on the track and how it would affect the protagonists and the antagonists.
World building
This was my first time reading a story with race car driving (stock car) being the focal point. It was interesting reading about the industry. The author didn’t bog down the story with the technicalities surrounding the industry, which made for easy reading.
A swoon worthy Romance
Their chemistry sizzled. They started out as rivals but ended up falling for each other and putting their careers at risk. Sacrifices made revealed the authenticity of the romance. The slow burn and the culmination had me swooning. Because of the rivalry between the protagonists there were a few angsty and push and pull moment.
Conclusion/Recommendation
A Fast Woman delivered a swoon worthy romance set in the world of fast cars. I enjoyed this story and recommend it to fans of sports romance.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story introduces CJ Lomax. Racing is her life, and she is determined to prove her worth in the sport of Stock Car racing and secure a Cup Series contract. However, as the only woman in the sport she faced many obstacles, but she would not go down without a fight. So, when Grady Mcbane was selected as her rival for said contract, it was gloves on.
Grady was once the best Indy Driver, but a public scandal led to him being suspended from the sport. Racing is his life so when the opportunity came for him to enter the world of stock car racing, he seized it. Nothing and no-one would get in his way of living his dream, not even the beautiful and ballsy CJ Lomax.
Reasons to Grab A Fast Woman
A swoon worthy hero: Gabe was a sweetheart. Yes, he may have a checkered past when it came to women, but with CJ he emitted nothing but sweetness. I loved the way he stepped up to protect her, even if meant sacrificing his career.
A Feisty heroine: CJ was tough, independent and took crap from no one. She readily took down any man or woman who would impede her dream. She had moments when fears and insecurities crept in, which revealed her vulnerabilities.
What is a story without secondary characters you would love to hate and those you can’t help but like and hope they would get their own story? A Fast Woman featured such individuals. They included friends, enemies, opportunists and family.
A well-crafted plot: The author made me eager to learn who would come out on top on the track and how it would affect the protagonists and the antagonists.
World building
This was my first time reading a story with race car driving (stock car) being the focal point. It was interesting reading about the industry. The author didn’t bog down the story with the technicalities surrounding the industry, which made for easy reading.
A swoon worthy Romance
Their chemistry sizzled. They started out as rivals but ended up falling for each other and putting their careers at risk. Sacrifices made revealed the authenticity of the romance. The slow burn and the culmination had me swooning. Because of the rivalry between the protagonists there were a few angsty and push and pull moment.
Conclusion/Recommendation
A Fast Woman delivered a swoon worthy romance set in the world of fast cars. I enjoyed this story and recommend it to fans of sports romance.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
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April 1, 2023Swoons, fast cars and NASCAR tracks...heck yes. Delighted to have a sneak peek of this upcoming release.
September 24, 2020
I loved the vibe in this book. It was a fast paced, exciting story with wonderfully crafted scenes and great characters. I thought they had great chemistry. I would love to read more about the characters because I can’t get enough of them.
September 17, 2020
It took me a little while to finish this book, the first I have read by this author.
A female racedriver? Sign me up. CJ delivers as the woman fighting for her spot in a male dominated world. She has to go up against Grady as they will both be competing for the same job and the same car. And when sparks fly it is not just hostile...
Overall I liked the writing and the storyline, but I never really warmed to CJ or Grady. I kept picking up the book and putting it down, hence the long while it took me to finish. When I am really into a story I normally race through it until I have finished it (sorry for the pun). In short: good writing, a bit meh characters but overall good storyline. If you are into racing, go for it!
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
A female racedriver? Sign me up. CJ delivers as the woman fighting for her spot in a male dominated world. She has to go up against Grady as they will both be competing for the same job and the same car. And when sparks fly it is not just hostile...
Overall I liked the writing and the storyline, but I never really warmed to CJ or Grady. I kept picking up the book and putting it down, hence the long while it took me to finish. When I am really into a story I normally race through it until I have finished it (sorry for the pun). In short: good writing, a bit meh characters but overall good storyline. If you are into racing, go for it!
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
December 14, 2021
All readers must fasten their seatbelts, grip those safety bars and keep their eyes on the road as this perfectly paced, magnificently mouth-watering, and incredibly enticing novel takes you on a wild race full of chaos, chemistry, charm, and typical Southern charisma.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 10, 2021
A new to me author, this book was enjoying and fun to read. A fast paced racecar romance with an enemies to lovers trope.
October 1, 2020
The fast woman is a book about a woman C. J. Lomax has been driving, racing her whole life. Now thinking that she will finally get a full-time ride on the big boy’s circuit she finds out that she will be sharing half the ride with an Indy driver who was suspended for a year. Not happy she agrees to the terms.
Grady the Indy driver puts his foot in his mouth early in the story for he does not know the history of the family or of C.J. and some of the other drivers. Once he starts putting everything together and hears the back story about C.J. and her ex who died he begins to get a feel for what is going on besides racing.
This is really is what this book was about, yes there is plenty of action on the speedway and the author did a good job describing the racing and the talking from driver to spotter. But you see all of the backstories with C.J. and you also see how Mr. Merrick really has used his relationship with her and his own daughter Harper as a way to hinder their growth instead of letting them soar.
I will say that the woman that C.J. was at the beginning driving her Ducati and giving everyone hell, change partway through because she and Grady were dating. I had hoped she would have stayed the same. But the ending with her and Harper and the Aunt and what they did to Mr. Merrick was classic. Overall a good story with many different characters and they all work for the book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Grady the Indy driver puts his foot in his mouth early in the story for he does not know the history of the family or of C.J. and some of the other drivers. Once he starts putting everything together and hears the back story about C.J. and her ex who died he begins to get a feel for what is going on besides racing.
This is really is what this book was about, yes there is plenty of action on the speedway and the author did a good job describing the racing and the talking from driver to spotter. But you see all of the backstories with C.J. and you also see how Mr. Merrick really has used his relationship with her and his own daughter Harper as a way to hinder their growth instead of letting them soar.
I will say that the woman that C.J. was at the beginning driving her Ducati and giving everyone hell, change partway through because she and Grady were dating. I had hoped she would have stayed the same. But the ending with her and Harper and the Aunt and what they did to Mr. Merrick was classic. Overall a good story with many different characters and they all work for the book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 21, 2020
This was my first Laralyn Doran's book. This is the first book in the Driven Women Series. The story is set in the racing world, a man's world. Grady and CJ's story is brilliantly written, sweet and original. The characters are well developed. The world building is well detailed, and interesting. CJ is a woman racing in a man's world. She is strong and determined. Grady is a driver. He is handsome, and caring. The supporting characters are great. The storyline has some twists and turns. I love the beautiful ending. Looking forward to read the next book in the Series.
September 16, 2020
What a thrilling ride! This was my first experience reading this author's work and I will definitely be coming back for more based on my enjoyment of this debut. I loved CJ's character -- it was so refreshing to read a female character who had determination, grit and focus in a male-dominated sport. The story flowed nicely and I definitely got caught up in the racing portions, so much so, that I was up late into the night reading because I just couldn't put it down. And as much as I loved CJ, I adored Grady -- he was everything CJ needed and more. This was a surprisingly fun and unique read and I can't wait to read Ms. Doran's next book -- maybe Harper's?! I can only wish! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
September 24, 2020
I received this book in conjuction with a book tour for free in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for sharing my opinion of the book
CJ Clomax is the first and only woman driving in Stock Car racing. She is pretty bad ass and so incredibly independent – which made her so easy to fall for and grow attached to. I enjoyed reading her so much that I was so invested in her dream that it felt like my own.
Grady is a bad ass of a different nature. Womanizer and bad boy of stock car racing he only has once chance left to redeem himself. Problem is redeeming himself means that he would have to derail CJ’s dream. Not so big of an problem as in the beginning these two can pretty much not stand each other.
I love me some enemies to friends vibe. I love the banter between the two and the sexual tension that pretty much just increases the further we travel into the book.
This was a really excellent read. From beginning to end it felt just as fast paced as you would think a stock car book should be.
CJ Clomax is the first and only woman driving in Stock Car racing. She is pretty bad ass and so incredibly independent – which made her so easy to fall for and grow attached to. I enjoyed reading her so much that I was so invested in her dream that it felt like my own.
Grady is a bad ass of a different nature. Womanizer and bad boy of stock car racing he only has once chance left to redeem himself. Problem is redeeming himself means that he would have to derail CJ’s dream. Not so big of an problem as in the beginning these two can pretty much not stand each other.
I love me some enemies to friends vibe. I love the banter between the two and the sexual tension that pretty much just increases the further we travel into the book.
This was a really excellent read. From beginning to end it felt just as fast paced as you would think a stock car book should be.
November 7, 2021
A heart racing, heartwarming read to the last page!
If you like fast-paced (literally!), chemistry off the charts, and a romance that sets off your pulse, do not hesitate or wait, buy this book now. Laralyn has managed to combine some of my favorite elements: rip-your-clothes-off hero, a driven heroine with a clear goal in sight, and the girl power effect. I loved that CJ and Harper are not letting the “boys only” sign keep them from achieving their dream. I don’t know much about racing, but this book made it seem exciting and something I would be willing to watch at least once.
But the meat of this book, where it bent my heart and kept me smiling, is in the beautiful love story between CJ and Grady. The push and pull between those two is unbelievable, and it’s beautiful to see them get to the point where they can’t fight it anymore. You’ll love this angsty, fun, and romantic read.
If you like fast-paced (literally!), chemistry off the charts, and a romance that sets off your pulse, do not hesitate or wait, buy this book now. Laralyn has managed to combine some of my favorite elements: rip-your-clothes-off hero, a driven heroine with a clear goal in sight, and the girl power effect. I loved that CJ and Harper are not letting the “boys only” sign keep them from achieving their dream. I don’t know much about racing, but this book made it seem exciting and something I would be willing to watch at least once.
But the meat of this book, where it bent my heart and kept me smiling, is in the beautiful love story between CJ and Grady. The push and pull between those two is unbelievable, and it’s beautiful to see them get to the point where they can’t fight it anymore. You’ll love this angsty, fun, and romantic read.
September 16, 2020
I think I'm reeeeeally going to love this series!
Great storyline with a few plot twists to keep it from being like all the others in this trope.
This book comes with a HEA thats sugary sweet, and some steamy scenes to melt your E-reader.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Great storyline with a few plot twists to keep it from being like all the others in this trope.
This book comes with a HEA thats sugary sweet, and some steamy scenes to melt your E-reader.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
September 17, 2020
This is book one in driven women series. This is a racing romance. CJ is a race car driver. Can she make her dreams come true or will she get sidetracked?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
A Fast Woman is book #1 in the Driven Women series by author Laralyn Doran. My first experience reading a new series from Laralyn, but definitely not the last book I'll read from her. This story has the right parts to be classified as a great contemporary sport/romance story. The story line is well written with a awesome characters, humor, bit of drama and suspense, lots of chemistry between the leading characters, action in the form of racing cars and a slow burn romance. Loved reading and getting to know CJ Lomax & Grady McBane. No spoilers!! Go buy the book, it's worth it!!!
February 21, 2022
This is a great read. We have CJ Lomax who is tough and a great racer. We have Grady who needs to win and get back in the game. The two meet and it is the flirty and the back and forth that made this book for me. She is focused and he needs to take her out of the competition. The building romance it is all wonderful. The characters are in real life situations and handle it so well. Great entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2020
This book had been a heart stroke !! I loved it, the author brought me with her in her story and I've been eaten by it !!
Cj is a pilote, and a really good one, but she's a woman, and she's in a man's world !! She wants to show all these guys that she's better than them and know how to race !!
Grady come from a really good family and after messing up, he has to start from the beginning, so he found himself in competition with Cj to win a place in the team for the next season, but he didn't plan to fall for her !!
Their story was just incredible and I loved it, Cj has a past and even if she's a real badass, she's also a fragile woman, who don't show her emotions a lot, and I love that face of her personnality !!
Cj is a pilote, and a really good one, but she's a woman, and she's in a man's world !! She wants to show all these guys that she's better than them and know how to race !!
Grady come from a really good family and after messing up, he has to start from the beginning, so he found himself in competition with Cj to win a place in the team for the next season, but he didn't plan to fall for her !!
Their story was just incredible and I loved it, Cj has a past and even if she's a real badass, she's also a fragile woman, who don't show her emotions a lot, and I love that face of her personnality !!
December 12, 2021
I was intrigued by the premise of A Fast Woman because I haven’t read anything about auto racing before and I especially loved that the heroine was a talented, competitive driver. I really enjoyed the story, it was entertaining and held my focus.
This was a case of separating the story from the writing. I found the dialogue and some of the sentences to be awkward and clunky. I had to reread several sections to understand what was going on. Once I figured out the author’s rhythm and writing style it was more tolerable. There were also a lot of misplaced words or tenses. This isn’t a long book but there was something about the flow that made it a slow read for me.
I thought the characters were fun and I enjoyed their longtime connections. I am excited to read the second book in the series, Boss Lady.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a case of separating the story from the writing. I found the dialogue and some of the sentences to be awkward and clunky. I had to reread several sections to understand what was going on. Once I figured out the author’s rhythm and writing style it was more tolerable. There were also a lot of misplaced words or tenses. This isn’t a long book but there was something about the flow that made it a slow read for me.
I thought the characters were fun and I enjoyed their longtime connections. I am excited to read the second book in the series, Boss Lady.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2020
I love romance novels. And my husband’s loves racing. To be specific Formule 1 racing. So every week I see little bits of the Formule 1 race, and slowly on, although I still don’t love it, I begin to enjoy watching it a little to. So when I read this book description I was immediately fascinated and decided to sign up.
In ‘Fast Woman’ we meet CJ Lomax. She is one of the best drivers in the racing business. But as a woman in a male dominated world, she has it rough. No one seems to really take her seriously. So when she finally gets the chance to race with her own car, she wants to do everything she can to make it work. But what she didn’t expect was to have to share her car with Grady. Grady McBane wants a new chance at being the best and he will do anything to get it. But what he didn’t expect was having to face CJ.
‘Fast Woman’ was definitely an interesting read. It took me a little while to really get into it, especially with all the race stuff, but it definitely was a fun read. CJ’s character is really tough and I loved how strong and feisty she was. Grady’s character was very different from CJ’s, but I think I liked his character the most. There was just something about him that I really enjoyed reading about. But it didn’t really fit the ‘bad boy’ vibe he supposedly had.
The whole racing thing definitely didn’t really work for me though. I just don’t love the racing world, and although it wasn’t the main part or subject of this read there was enough in this book about racing that made me pause a little. I just didn’t really care for it. Fortunately the romance between CJ and Grady was fun enough it kept me hooked.
In the end I think ‘Fast Woman’ was definitely a fun read. It was different from my normal reads, which was fun and it was nice to read about another tough female character.
In ‘Fast Woman’ we meet CJ Lomax. She is one of the best drivers in the racing business. But as a woman in a male dominated world, she has it rough. No one seems to really take her seriously. So when she finally gets the chance to race with her own car, she wants to do everything she can to make it work. But what she didn’t expect was to have to share her car with Grady. Grady McBane wants a new chance at being the best and he will do anything to get it. But what he didn’t expect was having to face CJ.
‘Fast Woman’ was definitely an interesting read. It took me a little while to really get into it, especially with all the race stuff, but it definitely was a fun read. CJ’s character is really tough and I loved how strong and feisty she was. Grady’s character was very different from CJ’s, but I think I liked his character the most. There was just something about him that I really enjoyed reading about. But it didn’t really fit the ‘bad boy’ vibe he supposedly had.
The whole racing thing definitely didn’t really work for me though. I just don’t love the racing world, and although it wasn’t the main part or subject of this read there was enough in this book about racing that made me pause a little. I just didn’t really care for it. Fortunately the romance between CJ and Grady was fun enough it kept me hooked.
In the end I think ‘Fast Woman’ was definitely a fun read. It was different from my normal reads, which was fun and it was nice to read about another tough female character.
September 15, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
A Fast Woman is the first book in the Driven Women series by Laralyn Doran.
CJ is the only woman in Stock Car racing, and she’s not about to let the men and the big guns in the industry push her to the side or overlook her. She’s been the best since she was a little girl, and she’s going to continue being the best. She’s the top prospect driver for Merrick Motorsports and nothing is going to stand in her way, this time.
Once upon a time, Grady McBane was the best, and the one to beat. Until he found himself in the middle of public controversy and banned from open-wheel racing. But racing is in Grady’s blood and he’s not about to quit over a bruised ego and miscommunication. When he gets a call from Merrick Motorsports asking him to race Stock on their team, he can’t refuse. Stock may be the only way to achieve his dreams and he’s not about to let the dream of racing go so quickly.
Now CJ and Grady are in for the fight of their life. There’s only one spot for one racer on Merrick’s team…. They have one season to prove themselves. They have only one season to rightfully win the seat in that car and that’s all that matters….
Well that’s all that mattered…
Until fate steps in and takes their hearts on a little joy ride of her own….
My Thoughts:
When I first read the synopsis for A Fast Woman, I felt a thrill unlike any other. A woman dominating in a typical all male sport… HELL YEAH! I legit had grabby hands and needed this book on my kindle as soon as possible. Laralyn Doran being a new to me author was and is a happy bonus. As you all may know, or don’t know, this year I am making it my mission to experience as many new to me authors as I possibly can.
Enemies to lovers has quickly made a rise in my top trope chart. I love the playful banter and the emotion that tends to portray itself in novels with the enemies to lovers vibe. There’s a certain level of fragility that underlines these novels. There is also, at times, a forbidden vibe that comes along with this trope… My attention is instantly grabbed whenever the ‘Forbidden Romance’ label comes into play. What can I say, I’m a sucker for angsty moments.
Within the first few chapters of this novel I discovered Laralyn Doran has a way with words. She captured my ‘emotional’ attention from the start. CJ and Grady’s story was hard for me to put down. I stayed up way too late to finish this bad boy!
The more I saw of him, the more Grady’s character surprised me. The story goes, he was banned from his team for being a womanizing asshole. He got mixed up with a woman, who had played him in the worst way possible. Little did he know this woman was married to one of his biggest sponsors…… If that doesn’t tarnish a reputation, I have no clue what will. So at the start of this novel, he’s rated as the bad boy of racing. And in a way, I wanted to see that bad boy appeal a bit more. But this man is too nice and sweet to be a bad boy. In my mind, I pictured him more as the boy next door. I actually really loved his swoon and sweetheart vibes underneath all the sex appeal.
If we’re talking about rebellious characters, we’re talking about Charolette Jean ‘CJ’ Lomax! At the beginning of this novel, this woman was FIRE! She had the spitfire appeal that comes with an abundance of independence. I love when a heroine speaks her own mind and doesn’t let anyone stand in her way. This woman bulldozed her way to the top spot in Stock Car racing, she made a name for herself and a reputation as being the ‘not so sweetheart’ of racing. With all the publicity and the proof that she can make it as one of the best racers. I loved her feisty spirit throughout the first half of this novel.
I have to say, in my opinion, CJ lost a bit of her spark throughout the second half of the novel. I didn’t like the fact that she lost that spark as soon as she and Grady became involved romantically. I lost sight of the strong chemistry these two had between them in the first half of the novel. I lost that connection with all the back and forth, I want you but I shouldn’t want you, moments. I wanted these two to be the force that drives home the fact that women can still be strong and stand on their own whilst being in a relationship.
Another reasoning behind my rating…. This novel revolves around this huge competition between Grady and CJ. The winner gets the one seat on Merrick’s racing team…. That means there are two dreams and only one person is literally going to be left in the dust with their head hanging. Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the fact that Grady stepped in and did what he did on the track to protect CJ. He literally put his life on the line to save her from a Talledega nightmare…. I felt a tad bit cheated on this ending. I needed a true competition between these two. I wanted CJ to come out as the true champion, not a champion by default. I guess when matters of the heart are concerned, CJ did come out as the true champion, she got the guy and a love that has the potential to last forever. What can I say? My selfish side has a way of showing sometimes.
Overall, The first half of A Fast Woman was spot on! I loved the vibes, the competitive nature, and the friendships. But the second half felt a bit rushed. I needed more from CJ and Grady’s relationship on all aspects. I can’t deny, though, the romance aspect had my heart fluttering and my soul smiling. Which made this review really fucking hard to write. There were facets I enjoyed and situations I found less enjoyable. I’m currently in a wishy washy state of mind.
The question of the hour is…. Do I recommend this novel?
I have to chalk my rating and review up to my own selfish needs. So yes, if you love racing, strong heroines, and an enemies to lovers vibe, I say go for it and check this book out.
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The Staircase Reader
March 29, 2021
Strap in for a bumpy ride:
This was a fairly fast paced yet very bumpy ride for these enemies to lovers.
When Grady and CJ were pitted against each other, they both had equally compelling reasons why it was important for them to win and become the primary driver. CJ had to work twice as hard and was up against a lot be a female in a male dominated and prejudiced world of stock car racing. She was prickly as a porcupine and I understood that she had it tough, however I grew frustrated with how self-centered and insecure she was the whole time .
There was a lot of tension and their relationship seemed to be doomed from the start. There was also plenty of backbiting and drama surrounding them and I think it was all a bit too much for me. I was hoping for a little more brevity to break up all of the negativity. I also would have liked more of a conclusion as there were a number of threads left unraveled, especially surrounding Grady's life. Hopefully these will be resolved in the next book which features his brother and CJ's best friend however I doubt I'll bother to carrying on with the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fairly fast paced yet very bumpy ride for these enemies to lovers.
When Grady and CJ were pitted against each other, they both had equally compelling reasons why it was important for them to win and become the primary driver. CJ had to work twice as hard and was up against a lot be a female in a male dominated and prejudiced world of stock car racing. She was prickly as a porcupine and I understood that she had it tough, however I grew frustrated with how self-centered and insecure she was the whole time .
There was a lot of tension and their relationship seemed to be doomed from the start. There was also plenty of backbiting and drama surrounding them and I think it was all a bit too much for me. I was hoping for a little more brevity to break up all of the negativity. I also would have liked more of a conclusion as there were a number of threads left unraveled, especially surrounding Grady's life. Hopefully these will be resolved in the next book which features his brother and CJ's best friend however I doubt I'll bother to carrying on with the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
April 2, 2021I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This was the first book that I have read by Laralyn. It is a really good love story between two people who were focused on one thing, until they fell hard for each other. CJ is a damn fine racer with a lot of heart, determination and love for the sport. She does not have time for men, especially the distraction that Grady is. He has found the perfect woman but she will be hard to win. He might even lose her. These two have a connection that they can only deny for so long, regardless of their goals. Everything changed for them with that one fall. This book had a good story line and the characters through were great. I will be reading more from Laralyn
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2021
stock car racing; autographed copy
CJ Lomax is a female stock car driver who wants to move up to the premier level cup races from the lower level that she dominates. Grady McBane is an ex-Indy car driver who wants to enter into stock car racing. They are vying for the same job with Merrick auto racing that becomes available when another driver on the team retires. It is decided that they will share the season and whoever does best will win the contract to drive for the team.
I really enjoyed watching CJ show the guys that she was just as good, if not better, than them. The chemistry between her and Grady was intense. I loved watching them fight their feelings and fall in love anyway.
This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read her other books!
CJ Lomax is a female stock car driver who wants to move up to the premier level cup races from the lower level that she dominates. Grady McBane is an ex-Indy car driver who wants to enter into stock car racing. They are vying for the same job with Merrick auto racing that becomes available when another driver on the team retires. It is decided that they will share the season and whoever does best will win the contract to drive for the team.
I really enjoyed watching CJ show the guys that she was just as good, if not better, than them. The chemistry between her and Grady was intense. I loved watching them fight their feelings and fall in love anyway.
This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read her other books!
October 12, 2020
CJ's character is both sweet and determined. She decided to be the best at a male dominate sport race car driving. She over came adversity and those who doubted her ability's to drive fast and win.
Grady was a great supporter and just what CJ needed in her life. After they got over the fact that Grady was her competition of course. Some twists that do not have to do with speed but will have you on the edge of seat non the less
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grady was a great supporter and just what CJ needed in her life. After they got over the fact that Grady was her competition of course. Some twists that do not have to do with speed but will have you on the edge of seat non the less
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2021
3.5 stars.
I had heard this a was 2021 Vivian Award finalist and I wanted to read it! Female race car drivers are becoming a trend in romance, this is the 4th one that found me so far this year!
This book had a lot of great moments! I loved how they met, I loved her personality and I loved the conflict between them.
I thought the plot was a little predictive and was hoping the twist would be more breathe stopping. This book was also really long...I had to look a few times to see where I was in the story hoping it would “speed” up a little bit.
I had heard this a was 2021 Vivian Award finalist and I wanted to read it! Female race car drivers are becoming a trend in romance, this is the 4th one that found me so far this year!
This book had a lot of great moments! I loved how they met, I loved her personality and I loved the conflict between them.
I thought the plot was a little predictive and was hoping the twist would be more breathe stopping. This book was also really long...I had to look a few times to see where I was in the story hoping it would “speed” up a little bit.
July 20, 2022
A Fast Woman was a fun book with much more heart than expected. CJ and Grady's chemistry just leap off the page and make you root for them despite their differences, the forced competition (they are fighting for a spot on a car racing team) and the emotional baggage they both bring to the relationship. I loved how natural it seemed from the start.
It does seem like there might be more to this story and I look forward to it. I am hoping for some more on Harper.
It does seem like there might be more to this story and I look forward to it. I am hoping for some more on Harper.
March 3, 2021
*4,5 stars*
I really enjoyed reading this book, the chemistry was great, the story was captivating and fresh and I really loved the characters. And, I mean - NASCAR, female driver? Perfect!
I really enjoyed reading this book, the chemistry was great, the story was captivating and fresh and I really loved the characters. And, I mean - NASCAR, female driver? Perfect!
May 8, 2021
Perfect for race car fans!
September 25, 2021
I am a coupon girl. I love me a book credit and a sale. So to spend $4.99 on this book was a well thought out dance and even after getting the sample, that really didn't leave me that impressed; I still decided to pay for this book at full price.
Needless to say, I have no one to blame but myself and I was going to read every single page.
I have read longer books but this book was long for what it was. It also seemed long because, for a good portion of this story, I felt like we were in a holding pattern.
Unpopular opinion but I wanted more technicalities. I don't watch racing and my knowledge stops at Lewis Hamilton but I am a sucker for details and books have opened my eyes to sports and other areas of interest before. I wanted that from this story but it seems the author was of a different mind.
Problem is, with such a small dive into technicalities, that left the romance and while I love Grady and Cooper, I tolerated CJ.
I don't believe their relationship and I can't see what Grady sees in her. And don't get me wrong. I love an ice queen but I just never connected with CJ or them as a couple.
Add to that, there are many things to explore and resolve but when we got to the epilogue, there was still a lot left unsaid and unresolved for both characters. Namely, their pasts and how it continues to affect their future. They didn't even discuss why and how Grady came to dropping a lucrative career to start as a rookie in a different league.
The sex I could do without. It wasn't bad. Just unimpressive. Like much of this novel.
What upsets me the most about this story though isn't that I spent my hard-earned $5 on it, but that it had the potential to be more. It has the characters, plot, etc. It just needed to be better written.
Needless to say, I have no one to blame but myself and I was going to read every single page.
I have read longer books but this book was long for what it was. It also seemed long because, for a good portion of this story, I felt like we were in a holding pattern.
Unpopular opinion but I wanted more technicalities. I don't watch racing and my knowledge stops at Lewis Hamilton but I am a sucker for details and books have opened my eyes to sports and other areas of interest before. I wanted that from this story but it seems the author was of a different mind.
Problem is, with such a small dive into technicalities, that left the romance and while I love Grady and Cooper, I tolerated CJ.
I don't believe their relationship and I can't see what Grady sees in her. And don't get me wrong. I love an ice queen but I just never connected with CJ or them as a couple.
Add to that, there are many things to explore and resolve but when we got to the epilogue, there was still a lot left unsaid and unresolved for both characters. Namely, their pasts and how it continues to affect their future. They didn't even discuss why and how Grady came to dropping a lucrative career to start as a rookie in a different league.
The sex I could do without. It wasn't bad. Just unimpressive. Like much of this novel.
What upsets me the most about this story though isn't that I spent my hard-earned $5 on it, but that it had the potential to be more. It has the characters, plot, etc. It just needed to be better written.
January 12, 2023
This book started out pretty good, but quickly went downhill around the 50% mark.
I loved the h (CJ) at the beginning, but once she and the H (Grady) started sleeping together, she just became a whiny baby. She turned into such a pick-me “I’m not like other girls” girl and it was irritating beyond belief.
There was also some serious grammatical/sentence errors that prevented me from being able to enjoy the story. For example:
“Otherwise, she wouldn’t have called so quickly, otherwise.”
“Now I was being ridiculous, becoming was exactly what I dreaded.”
Honestly, did the author even read this over before she published it?
Giving 2 stars because I did finish it, but I had to force myself to do so.
I loved the h (CJ) at the beginning, but once she and the H (Grady) started sleeping together, she just became a whiny baby. She turned into such a pick-me “I’m not like other girls” girl and it was irritating beyond belief.
There was also some serious grammatical/sentence errors that prevented me from being able to enjoy the story. For example:
“Otherwise, she wouldn’t have called so quickly, otherwise.”
“Now I was being ridiculous, becoming was exactly what I dreaded.”
Honestly, did the author even read this over before she published it?
Giving 2 stars because I did finish it, but I had to force myself to do so.
March 10, 2024
Such a Fun Read
I wish I could have given this book 5 stars but it is my personal feeling that when there are grammar errors and typos, 5 stars aren't deserved. The storyline is great. The characters are well developed. CJ is a Female stock car driver that feels she is not taken seriously in a testosterone filled sport. She meets a pretty boy with a womanizer reputation and they fall in and out of "like" with each other. Their relationship is a rollercoaster ride!
I wish I could have given this book 5 stars but it is my personal feeling that when there are grammar errors and typos, 5 stars aren't deserved. The storyline is great. The characters are well developed. CJ is a Female stock car driver that feels she is not taken seriously in a testosterone filled sport. She meets a pretty boy with a womanizer reputation and they fall in and out of "like" with each other. Their relationship is a rollercoaster ride!
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