Trinette Dungee's 3 Star Review
“Hearts can start off pretending, but they don’t always end that way.”
What started off as pretending for Rafferty Abrams and Tempe Martin definitely did not end that way.
Since being traded to the Pittsburgh Titans, Rafferty has adjusted quite well. He’s fitting in well with his teammates and being the young single guy that he is, he’s living his best life. Especially when it comes to the ladies, and one lady whom his teammates discouraged him from getting involved with is now having a hard time accepting their time together was just one night.
One night in a grocery store attempting to escape the unwanted attention he’s getting from what he thought was a one stand, and who also happens to be the cousin of the Titans’ owner, Rafferty makes an impulsive decision and kisses an employee after quickly pleading with her to just go along with him. If Tansy thinks he has a girlfriend, then maybe she’ll back off. Unfortunately for Rafferty, Tansy isn’t buying the act. There’s no way playboy Rafferty has suddenly decided to become a one-woman man; and he certainly wouldn’t choose a grocery store clerk. Rafferty has no choice but to go back to Tempe and convince her to be his fake girlfriend one more time, but one more time turns into way more.
Temperence “Tempe” Martin has deferred her last semester of college to go home and help her mom, who is unable to care for herself after an accident, and her younger brother. Going to work and being kissed by a handsome stranger was definitely not on her bingo card, but handsome stranger looks so desperate she can’t help to go along. When he comes back to her the next day and asks her to be his fake girlfriend for one day and offers to pay her a crazy amount of money she agrees, because well...her family has bills to pay. Soon Tempe finds herself in a longer commitment.
Fake relationships aren’t my favorite trope. Honestly, I don’t think they make into my top three. Every so often though, one comes along that gives me a little tingle, and that’s what this book did. It wasn’t so much the storyline, but the characters. I absolutely loved these two together. Their chemistry was instant. The progression of their relationship from strangers-fake relationship-friends-lovers was seamless. I honestly wasn’t expecting a lot from this book because I wasn’t so sure from past exposure of Rafferty that I was going to like him. I felt like he was going to be a little too cocky for me. Don’t get me wrong, the ego was there but it wasn’t overbearing. Tempe was an instant like for me. I mean, come on, the woman agreed to let a stranger in a grocery store lay one her. She had no idea who Rafferty was. When she realizes who he is and he offers to pay her to help him out, she could have completely taken advantage, but she didn’t. She was more of “just what I need to get us through a rough patch. They were just too cute.
One of my favorite scenes was the dinner they shared getting to know each other. I can’t put my finger on it, but there was something very genuine in the scene.
This was a fast-paced book and a quick read (as long as life wasn’t life’ing). Fake dating can be angsty at times, but this was very low on angst (I’m not a fan of angst). If I had to rate the spice level, I’d give it a two or three, which was perfect for this book. It’s a nice addition to this series. There are still a few more players to learn about in this series and the one that has my mind truly spinning is Penn. I can’t wait to read about him. Also, Rafferty’s sister shows up on his door announced and is sticking around…. wonder how she’s going to fit into any further books?
Welcome to Formula International, where legends are born and speed is king. From New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett comes the Race Fever series, set within the fast-paced and dangerous world of formula racing.
Posey Evans is looking to take her career as a romance author to the next level, shifting from historical love stories to writing about the high stakes world of formula racing. Wanting to immerse herself in the sport, Posey manages to secure full access to the Crown Velocity Racing team by faking credentials as a journalist. When she’s granted unlimited face-to-face time with one of the teams’ best drivers, Posey is equal parts elated and terrified because while she’s getting exactly what she wants, she can’t afford to have her secret exposed.
Lex Hamilton lives for the thrill of being one of the fastest and most decorated race car drivers in the sport. When he’s behind the wheel, he’s focused on one thing and one thing only—earning top spot on the podium. But off the track? Let’s just say his extracurricular activities have put him on a very short leash with the team management at Crown Velocity. He’s cocky, handsome, dripping with swagger, and not super happy to have what he considers a babysitter following his every move. Lex’s unwillingness to help doesn’t deter Posey but when he uncovers her secret, they strike a deal—he won’t reveal her truth if she helps him stay out of trouble and keep his job.
While many women would swoon at his feet, Posey isn’t interested in anything more than Lex’s racing knowledge. Mostly. As the season inches closer and passions ignite, time at the track leads to time in the bed. Having agreed there is an expiration date on their arrangement, what started as an assignment has the potential to go the distance as their physical relationship builds into something deeper. But when her secret is revealed, will Lex and Posey’s relationship hit a wall, or will this fling find its way to the checkered flag?
Formula Fling is an opposites attract sports romance within the Race Fever series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
