Racing Hearts

Audrey is more than meets the eye: a small, slender, blonde jockey. When she accepted the new job for Brookhaven Acres, she did not realize she was going to be met with a handsome and stubborn trainer that believes there is no place for a woman when it comes to jockeys. Aware of the instant physical attraction between her and this irresistible, stubborn man, she wants to prove to him that she can handle her own off and on the oval track.

Mike is not impressed that his father has gone and hired a female jockey. Woman can ride horses for pleasure and even to exercise the horses, but she definitely doesn’t need to be a jockey. Sizing her up both personally and professionally, he decides to test Audrey’s ability. When she meets his challenge head on and offers one of her own, Mike soon realizes he might be in for more than he bargained for.

Mike and Audrey find themselves in the midst of physical chemistry difficult to deny and the pressures of being the professionals they desperately want to be. With one horrible mistake, their lives are forever altered. Can Mike and Audrey forgive the person they need to? Will Audrey be everything that she wants to be for Brookhaven Acres and Mike? Will Mike learn that being a female does not mean you can not be a successful jockey?

Ashlee Hopkins has created a wonderful story with a plot rich in characters, emotions, and the frustrations of dealing with both of them. Mike only wants to keep those he cares about safe, even if he goes about it entirely in the wrong way. Audrey’s life is full of responsibilities to herself and other people; she never wants to let anyone down. Audrey’s compassion for everyone and everything is touching and Mike’s fear of letting go and living is heartfelt. The characters are a wonderful compliment to each other. Audrey and Mike’s display of emotions and concern for each other is rewarding for readers to watch as it grows.

I enjoyed this story tremendously. The story that plays out between Mike and Audrey shows that the perfect little romance can be filled with bumps and bruises along the way. Racing Hearts is an inspiring little romance definitely worth spending time curled in a comfy chair and reading. Ashlee Hopkins has done a great job at earning 5 Angels!

Reviewed by: Jessica