Jesse Frost is a competitive guy—by profession and by nature. Having had his heart trampled on by a snake concealed in pretty clothes several months prior, it isn’t until Jesse lays eyes on Emery Kincaid for the first time that he is able breathe again. However, Emery throws the brakes on before things even start. Her heart is fragile, but unfortunately her pain and problems run deeper.
I have been a HUGE fan of Amy Gregory and this series ever since reading Carter's Treasure. Jesse's Soul had me from the start. I loved the concept of this story in where Emery was a female in the male dominated world of bike mechanics and she was one of the best. I also loved that she was Jesse's boss's daughter. Oh...I loved the first time Emery and Jesse met and he was so tongue tied over her. So good!!
Jesse's Soul surprised me so much because I totally fell for Reid, Emery's dad. He was such a great character and I wanted him to get his own HEA. I found myself wanting to read so much more about him. Emery was a great character also. I loved how she didn't see how beautiful she was but Jesse did and wasn't afraid to tell her. Jesse *sigh* He was so sweet, funny, protective and loving of Emery. I loved that he kept after her and didn't give up on her. He was exactly what she needed. And she was exactly what Jesse needed, after she stopped pushing him away and fighting him about her health. Even though I liked her she kind of annoyed me a little with constantly trying to hide when she was feeling bad and not letting anyone help her. I felt so much for Emery and what she lost as a result of her illness~broke my heart. I loved the story so much better when she trusted Jesse enough to let him in. I was so drawn to her and Jesse's story and was definitely rooting for their HEA. I loved the ending so much and cannot wait for more.
This was such a fun but at the same time emotional read. I loved getting to read more about Carter and Molly and Eli. I also loved Riley, Emery's brother. Oh..and I absolutely loved the surprise at the end for Carter and Molly. Can't wait to read more about them in the series and how they adapt to the changes. Oh...and I loved Cody with Ally, Jesse's sister~can't wait for more of them also.
Another great addition to an already favorite series of mine that continue to get better with every book. This is definitely a keeper and I am so looking forward to more.
4 out of 5 rating!!
***ARC provided by Amy Gregory~Thank you so much!!
This is the second book I’ve read in the Racing to Love series, Amy Gregory has written another fantastic, heartwarming, and heart wrenching story in this series called Jesse’s Soul. The novel is well written, the story flows easily and it’s hard to put the book down as you get to know each of the characters. Another fantastic part to this story is we get to catch up with Molly and Carter from Racing to Love - Carter's Treasure it’s like visiting with old friends and finding out how they are doing.
Racing to Love � Jesse’s Soul is Emery and Jesse’s story, Jessie is a professional bike racer and we understand that he is hoping someday that he finds love like Molly and Carter. During the first few pages we find out that Jesse’s mechanic has had to leave the team due to family issues. This is quite upsetting to Jesse as his mechanic is the one responsible to keep his bikes in top shape.
In walks Emery Kincaid, his boss’s daughter who happens to be one of the best bike mechanics around. As we get to know Emery we see she is a fiery Irish woman who expects the shop to be run her way and expects the other mechanics and racers to follow her lead. She is hard on herself as she knows it much harder for women in this field and most men hate taking orders from a woman.
The attraction between Jesse and Emery unfolds and we get to see Jesse trying to convince Emery that she should take a chance on him and maybe someday trust him. Emery likes to keep things professional with her racers and is not sure she can trust a man with her heart again.
There is much more to this story, Emery has some secrets and Jesse begins to wonder if maybe there is something wrong with Emery health as she seems tired and exhausted at times. Jesse tries very hard to keep Emery on her toes about their mutual attraction to each other. ……But you will have to read Jesse’s Soul to find how the story goes.
This is a great romance novel, there is many heartfelt moments and at times you worry that Jesse and Emery may not get their happy ever after ending. So pick up a copy of Jesse’s Soul you will not be disappointed.
I have rated this novel a 4 star rating and I cannot wait to read the next book in Racing To love series. Amy Gregory has once proven she is one fantastic author and I really enjoy her writing.
<3ed!!! This book was so different than what I was expecting. I knew this was a love story and figured it would be a little steamy but the heart and 'soul' that I found was a complete surprise. I laughed and cried (several times). I truly felt the love and pain the characters went through. The end was beautiful (which I knew to expect) because Amy is amazing. One of my favorite aspects was how much the characters from book 1 were in here. Not only was I reading about a new couple's journey, I also got more than a flash here and there of Molly & Carter (whom I also adored).
I first met Jesse in Racing to Love - Carter's Treasure, the first book in this series, and was so glad to find out that he was getting his own story. Book one is Molly and Carter's story, and I really enjoyed it. Jesse is one of Carter's best friends, and both are motor cycle riders on the professional racing circuit. I really liked him in the first book, but fell in love with him in Jesse's soul. He is "sexy as sin," as Emery would say, has a killer smile and eyes that look straight through you, causing you to melt into a wanton pile of desire. When the main mechanic leaves, Reid Kincaid, the boss and owner, brings in a new head mechanic who just happens to be his daughter Emery. She is the best in the business, something that she has really had to work hard for, being a woman in a man's sport. When Jesse sees her, he is overwhelmed by her beauty and immediately attracted to her, but also a little concerned about the fact that she is a woman, and she very quickly puts him in his place. From that moment on he is 100% behind her, and she quickly earns the respect of the other mechanics on her team, as well as the riders. She knows what she is doing and she runs a tight ship. She has an Irish temper, is sassy, feisty, and doesn't take anything off anybody. Emery has secrets though, really big secrets.
Jesse is determined to make her his, but Emery has been terribly hurt in a past relationship, which has caused her to build a brick wall around her heart that is almost impenetrable. She also has another big secret regarding her health, one that she doesn't want others to know about. This has has left her emotionally wounded and physically drained, and is the mortar that holds the brick walls around her heart in place. Jesse isn't one to give, up, and determined to break though. He is very patient and very persistent, but when he finds out her secrets, will he still feel the same way, or will he run away?
Jesse's soul is a really beautiful contemporary romance that will grip your heart as you experience Jesse and Emery's romantic journey, which is filled with desire, pain, humor, loss, acceptance, and love. I really liked both of these characters and enjoyed watching their relationship grow. There are also quite a few steamy scenes, which were really good. The secondary characters were great and played important roles in the story, and were also all easy to connect to and get to know. I enjoyed finding out what the characters that were in the first book were doing, as well as being introduced to new characters. The plot was good and kept my attention. The only thing I didn't like was that I felt it was a little too drawn out regarding Emery's back and forth between "I love you and then I can't be with you because you deserve better issues." That wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying the book though. Overall, this is a good contemporary romance and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 Stars
Smooth, emotional and full of love, Jesse's Soul, the second book in the Racing to Love series by Amy Gregory, gives us the story of Jesse, a bike racer dealing with a broken heart, and Emery, a woman with a secret succeeding in a man's world. Well developed characters, good dialogue and plenty of emotional angst, make this second chance love story a captivating read.
Recovering from an emotional hit from a former high school crush, motocross racing star Jesse Frost has sworn off women and is determined to win first place. When circumstances force his regular mechanic to quit and go home, Jesse fears his season is destined for failure. Reluctantly trusting his manager, Reid Kincaid, a legend in the business, Jesse finds himself agreeing to take on new mechanic. He never imagined it would be Reid's daughter, or that he'd fall for her at first sight.
Trained to be a mechanic from childhood, Emery Kincaid is determined to make a name for herself in a man's world. Sassy, fast tempered and with the reputation that she doesn't suffer fools, Emery hides a secret and puts on show of being independent and strong. Only her blood relatives know the pain she hides on a daily basis. Trusting a man with her heart would be a mistake, she just doesn't think Jesse will give her a chance to say no.
The scenes between Jesse and Emery are fantastic! Their verbal and emotional chemistry is off the charts. While both are leery of being hurt, Jesse knows Emery is "the one" from the start. Convincing her to give him a chance will be his greatest challenge. Ms. Gregory did a great job developing both Jesse and Emery's characters; it was easy to like them apart as individuals and together as a couple. As the story moves along, we get glimpses into their past and it's easy to understand why trust is such an issue for both. I really enjoyed watching as they learned to give each other a chance.
The secondary characters in this story are characters who've been introduced before in Carter's Treasure, the first book in the Racing to Love series. It was really nice to connect with Reid, Molly and Carter, Eli and Brody. Molly was not only Jesse's friend from the past, she becomes Emery's friend when she needs one the most. Watching these two women bond as they make a life for themselves in man's world was great.
While a part of a series, this book can be read on it's own. I really enjoyed reading Jesse's Soul and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Gregory's work.
"It seemed like she had done something to royally piss off that karma bitch--and the bitch was having the last laugh."
When I started reading this, I was wondering how Amy Gregory was going to get a new couple to capture my heart in the world of motorcycle racing. But I never expected the flood of emotions I had while reading Jesse's Soul. I had fallen in love with Carter and Molly in Carter's Treasure, I wasn't sure that could be topped...but then along came Jesse...holy hot tamale! Now we are talking hot and on a mission! Jesse was so determined and so in love, it made me want to learn how to fix bikes! He was the perfect alpha male looking to take care of his woman and he was determined to prove so much to her. I think I found more than a book boyfriend... I think I found all of my best friends. I loved all the characters in this book. I was glad that Molly, Carter and Eli all found their way to the pages of this book. This group of friends has the most amazing dynamic and are really a family. Emery was beautifully written into these book taking her place amongst friends. She had sass. I love sass! It worked so well for her tough exterior and job description. I also loved the way she interacted with her dad in this book. Now that is classic. I enjoyed Emery's sense of humor and could relate to the down-to-earth attitude she carried through the book. Emery was so strong and in need of so much strength at the same time. You just could help but root for her. I cried for her pain and I laughed with her humor. Amy Gregory used wit and humor to help get through the rough times in this book and it all played out beautifully. This book was so much more than a cute little love story. It touched on a serious topic and Amy Gregory did that with class. I will confess, I was a little emotional a few times in this book and actually had to pull out the box of tissues. But the story behind my teary eyes was so amazing. I fell in love with the book and the characters and it kept me wanting to read more. This book covered the gamut of emotions for me. It had it's hot scenes, it's sad scenes, it's romatic scenes and it's funny scenes. It had it all and I am so glad I had the chance to read it! I cannot wait to read Brody's story next! I am hooked on this group of friends and cannot seem to get enough! Well done Amy Gregory, well done!
Sweet Amy Gregory is back and sassier than ever in Racing To Love ~ Jesse's Soul! The gang's all here and ready for more fun in the pits, motocross style! In the second book of her series Racing To Love Amy takes us on a ride through the whoops to learn more about Jesse "Cowboy" Frost and the ups and downs of being a motocross racer looking for a chance to stand on the podium. When Carter's wife Molly nicknamed him "cowboy" no truer word had been uttered. Jesse is the epitome of a down home country boy whose soft southern accent and five o'clock shadow has every girl under his spell, but Jesse isn't interested in one night stands. His only interest is a chance to stand on the podium again. When his best mechanic leaves him high and dry he sees his hopes and dreams of that turning to dust on the track. His boss and friend, Reid Kincaid, won't let that happen and brings in the best mechanic he knows, his daughter. Emery Kincaid is a sassy spitfire of a mechanic determined to take a ragtag team of boys and turn them into a well tuned machine. She is happy to be back in the pits again after too much time away and the last thing she expects is Jesse. Emery's heart is still broken into a million pieces and she's built her walls higher than anyone can scale, or so she thinks. When Jesse sees all 5'4" of his new mechanic his cares about the podium fall away and all he sees in her deep green eyes is his soul. Determination is all Cowboy has on his side when it comes to "Em" and he lovingly shows her she can trust him to heal her heart. He accepts her, all of her, including her demons, and Amy lets us ride with them as they experience their new love, in sickness and in health. By expertly weaving the lives of all her "boys" into the story the end will leave you smiling through your tears. Racing To Love ~ Jesse's Soul puts Amy Gregory in the number one spot on the podium!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review* What I love about reviewing books is that sometimes I read something I never would have picked up at the store and then boom I’m hooked. Racing bikes sounds so NASCAR and I’m a Boston Irish girl originally from Charlestown. (See the Town and understand, I’m a Townie.) These boy races never strike me as anything to read. Now this being said, age has taken some of my hardness of youth and I found myself rooting for Jesse despite his concern for his new mechanic, by page 4. Townie in me wanted to bash his head in for whining, but he dropped that fast.This is why I adored Emery and why I rooted for her immediately, telling that man to stop his dang whining. I wouldn’t keep going except, I liked the heroine, Emery Kincaid. She’s fun and boom� Irish. She’s telling him what I thought for four pages. I’m invested the second the heroine showed up. And Jesse grew on me with his intentions toward Emery, and I found myself wanting the hero and heroine to get together. Will also say the children and mental anguish angle was well played. I’m a sucker for stories like this sometimes, and such a hard thing for a young woman. I was going to not put this in my review, but I know what it’s like to know you can’t have children from age 18. Then at age 32 be told there is a small chance. Talk about an emotional roller coaster I’ve been on in my life. So Emery’s struggle hit home to me, though her actions and choices were painful and sometimes even wrong. She had different reasons for what happened to her, and made bad decisions. But I get the pain, and stayed on the emotional roller coaster to the end. And I kept waiting for the happy ever after which was delivered! I’d recommend this for a book that hits the emotional buttons. Love and lose and redemption and happy ever after. What more can I ask for?!?
This is the second in Amy's series, Racing to Love and the story centered around Jesse Frost, a bike racer. He is a strong and decent character and one I could empathize with. Oh to be young again! He instantly loses his heart to the woman of his dreams, Emery Kincaid, his bosses beautiful and mechanically gifted daughter. Emery is Irish through and through and very stubborn and makes no secret she wants to keep everything on a professional level. There is instant chemistry between the two and a romance is instantly conceived, albeit, surrounded in the most impossible of circumstances. A battle of wills ensues. Amy's characters are strong and well developed and it is easy to bond with this group of biker racing friends.
I enjoyed the sweet romance that developed between Jesse and Emery. It was a fun and easy story to read. However about three chapters before the end, I was ready to finish the book. It seemed to get a bit wordy and redundant to me. That could just be me though so give this book a chance if you enjoy romance. It is a very heartwarming and sweet romance that will capture your heart!
review later when I am not brain dead....... Yay I am not brain dead or busy!!!!! So here it is.... I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! Why in the world can't I meet a hot, racing, cowboy who is also so stinking sweet?!?! Now that that is out of the way, READ THIS (you know you want to). This book was so totally sweet and amazing I loved it. Jesse will make you wish that you knew him and Emery makes you feel for her and want to smack a certain someone that hurt her. I love the relationship between these two and their story, not to mention that all of the supporting characters just make the story even better. If you have not yet read it then read it now!! Stop thinking and reading this review go and get it and read it you won't regret it.
Jesse's Soul is the second book in the Racing to Love series. I haven't read a lot of contemporary lately, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this. I read book 2 and then ended up going back to read the first book because I enjoyed it so much. My thoughts on both...if you want to feel every emotion possible in the course of a novel, then Racing to Love is what you need. The author will take you and an emotional journey that is well worth your time. You'll laugh, cry, be angry and almost cheer when those sexy bike jockies win the hearts of the woman they love. A definite read, possibly even a "to read again" set of books on my list.
Amy does it again with "Racing to Love: Jesse's Soul"! If I thought the first book in the series was good, this one was even better. A beautiful story that is very well written where the characters were realistic and believable. Highly recommended for all romance lovers!
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
I loved the story. So many emotions. Jess is such a solid guy. I love that he never gives up on her. Family is such a big part of this series. I can't wait to read the next one. Thanks for a wonderful read.
Racing to Love was a sweet and beautiful love story that truly touched my heart. There were no cliches in this New Adult Contemporary Romance. Jesse was a professional motorcross rider. He was a sweet, caring, loving, compassionate, and down to earth guy. He was lonely, and wanted more than anything to find the "right" woman, and love her forever. He was loyal, and trusting. In the recent past, a girl that he had a major crush on in high school, started paying attention to him. She was a high maintenance, spoiled, rich girl, that was use to getting her way. She set her sites on Jesse, and he thought she really liked him. Really, she just wanted to have a one night stand with a celebrity before she got married. He didn't know she was engaged, until the morning after, she pulled out her engagement ring and put it on. Jesse was broken hearted, and kept to himself after this experience. Then, the head mechanic in charge of running taking care of his bike, left unexpectedly, and this is how he ends up meeting the beautiful, talented, and intelligent Emery, as she is the new head mechanic in charge of his dirt bike. Emery is the daughter of Jesse's boss Reid, who Jesse has been close to, but he had never met Emery until now. Instantly they are attracted to one another, and the chemistry heats up between these two main characters, as they get to really know one another.
Emery Kincaid was different from most female characters that I have read about in New Adult Romance. She was more mainstream or like the average woman. She wasn't a virgin, or extremely sexually experienced. She was somewhere in between. She was a mechanic, and loved working on dirt bikes. It was her passion, and she was the best at what she did. The "Kincaid" name held a lot of klout in the professional dirt-biking circuit. Her father Reid was an excellent mechanic, as was her grandfather, and her brother Riley, who had also been a successful, professional motorcross rider. I loved Emery's character! She was sassy, sarcastic, and snarky. I enjoyed the bantering that went on between Emery and her father, as well as the bantering between Emery, and Jesse. She was playful, and had a great sense of humor. She was also well-respected by the male mechanics that were under her, and if one of them disrespected her, or a rider, she put them in their place, and if that didn't work, she fired them. She had a little bit of a temper, and it made things interesting.
The supporting cast of characters were a lot of fun, and added to the story. Carter, and Molly were Jesse's good friends, who also were a couple, and were both professional dirt bike riders. Molly was my favorite supporting character. She had such a big heart, and became Emery's best friend. Molly and Emery were a lot alike, in the fact that Molly was also, fun, feisty, and strong-willed. I loved reading about Molly's easygoing nature. I didn't read the first book, Carter and Molly's story, but now I really want to. It was great seeing Emery's family, Jesse's family, and the small group of Jesse's best friend's come together, and make one big, fun, loyal, loving, and supportive family. I look forward to learning more about the supporting character's, by getting to read each of their individual stories.
The reason I enjoyed Racing to Love so much, was because it had an authentic and realistic feel to it. It dealt with the realities of heart break, dealing with a serious illness, and learning to let go of fear, and embracing life, with faith, hope, and trust. It was about embracing love, Jesse and Emery being a strong unit, and knowing that whatever came their way, they would get through it together.
Racing to Love, by Amy Gregory, was a sweet, and beautiful love story, that touched on many important themes. Ms. Gregory, didn't sugar coat the harsh realities of life. Instead, she made us contemplate, and ponder, the importance of how we deal with the hardships life can deal us. She stressed how important it is to live your life to the fullest, let go of fear, and embrace hope. Regardless of what happens in our lives, it's important to not give up, and if you have friends, family, and someone to love, those are the things that will bring you the ultimate happiness in life. I give Racing to Love 4 Sweet, Loving, Loyal, Hopeful, and Courageous Stars!
This book was... entrancing. Yeah, I am pretty sure that's the word I was going for! I am a sucker for any book that brings out legit emotions inside me! You know, the ones where it doesn't tale over HALF OF THE BOOK to get to you?! I like the emotions to be off and on throughout the book, because I think it helps me to connect with the characters better. To feel what they feel, see things how they see them && see a little of myself or parts of my life in them. To me, it makes reading the story all that more enjoyable. If you are like me - you thought NOTHING could top Carter. Well - let me assure you - Jesse has done just that!
Jesse is seriously my version of an Alpha Male. & we ALL know how I love me some Alpha Males. Throw in a motorcycle and things are really getting hot and heavy in the downtown lady regions! & his eyes.. DUDE'S EYES! Jesse's determination was overall one of my favorite things about him. Despite everything that seemed to be working against him, he was dead set on making Emery "his" - and in his mind - not a thing was going to get in his way! His patience, kind and caring heart & his overall love is something that most would think make him a little less Alpha Male, but in all honesty, I think it just adds to his insane Alpha Male sex appeal! Really, women love nothing more than a man who can take charge, but show compassion at the same time!
Emery is amazing in her own right. Like most of us, she's suffered some heartbreak and struggle in her past, which leaves her a little closed off to anything that resembles love.. or even lust for that matter. Throw in the fact that she has health issues trying to work against her - HIDDEN medical issues at that. This reason alone is what keeps her guards up around her heart. A heart she is determined to keep shut off from anything male - especially THIS MALE. Try as she might - and try she did - I found it kind of comical that each attempt she made to distance herself or to assure herself that there was nothing there - failed. Like, epically failed. I know it shouldn't have been funny - but watching someone fight something that is pretty much fate telling you, THIS IS HOW IT'S GOING TO BE, is a tad funny. Especially since she had NO CHANCE at all. Her poor, poor guarded heart!
Another character I feel I have to mention is Reid, Emery's dad. Talk about father of all fathers! This dude is epic. I loved him to freaking pieces!
Amy Gregory wrote one heart warming, emotion ridden, spirit lifting, laugh out loud story and I loved every minute of it. I am glad I got a chance to read this novel, as well as book #1 . I must say, I am def planning on read book #3 . If you haven't gotten around to it yet, this is one series I HIGHLY suggest you make time to read!
My opinion: Moving…Amy Gregory is really talented to mix sport romance with other topic to make not only a sweet romance but one really moving…it’s hard not to want to shed a tear at some points but i really appreciate how open she made Jesse� he is really a formidable hero.. protective, loving and “going alpha� only when it’s needed. He is really a good guy with a warming personality (which has always amused me with his last name: Frost) and here we saw how honourable he is, despite hurting - because let be honest i would have wanted to punch the prom queen, to tell all the city what she has done, as you would more than probably.-and he will never take it on on his friends, partners and family. No, mister suffer alone or at least try. He does deserve an happy end so when you read how long and what it takes, you can only admire him and at the same time a little part tell you that yes it’s unfair but only him could do it.
Emery is really an epitome of the Irish girl and you better not to mess with her. Having grown in a men,’s world she know she must have a strong front but when tragedy strikes it’s not a wall she build but a complete bunker. She never expected to feel welcome on the team, even less on such a short notice. Yes Reid is her father but despite being a Kincaid and the best at what she does, she still is a female…however the gang isn’t just a bunch of guys, they are good persons and soon the majority see behind her shell � Molly becomes quickly the friend she never had but even more than that, she becomes like a sisters and with her pushing her to Jesse, Emery can’t win the fight to keep it only professional between them, even less when Jesse sees right through her. What most don’t know, or at least at first, is what Emery suffered and endured� Amy Gregory really managed to make all the suffering lost of hope stand out but with behind a strong girl, mature and who deserves love. I can relate to Emery a lot, and i’m sad she is mostly suffering because of what society tends to put forwards as the most important or even as mandatory without taking into account what real life can be. I think this story could really help some girls and women to find hope again, like Emery because for each of us there a special one, we just have to find him ( or her)
One bonus was to find Molly and Carter and to see how things have evolved since book 1, and also all the gang is there Reid, Eli, Brody and some new ones to makes us hope for several more books^^
I did cry with this book, i got angry at how unfair some people and things can be but also i hoped, i dreamed and i smiled so if you want a excellent sport romance albeit a really, really emotional one, you should give this one a try. It could be read as stand alone without trouble but I would recommend to read book 1 since it will give you a deeper understanding of all the secondary characters.
This is the second novel in the Racing to Love series. This can certainly be read as a standalone, but I'm glad I read Carter's Love first. Not only do we get to know Carter and Molly (whom I love), but we are also introduced to most of the gang in that book, including Jesse. This is a great series, whether you're into motorcycle racing or not.
This was such a beautiful story. Watching Jesse and Emery's relationship unfold was just one piece of its loveliness. Emery's struggles felt so real and potent. I loved how the author took Emery's situation far deeper than usual and really encompassed all aspects. The author also did a really great job conveying Emery's position and love as a mechanic, giving us such great insight and description of what she does and why, but never making it boring, overly technical, or dry. I could feel Emery's passion for what she did through the pages. I also liked that Emery had a tough side and a sensitive side that Jesse brought out.
Jesse was a complete and total sweetheart, but I loved how persistent he was with Emery, and though he loved her "Irish" side, he knew exactly when and how far to push her. Jesse's love and dedication definitely flowed through the words of each page. Seriously, their love story was just so sweet, yet so heartbreaking. But really, just so very sweet, especially when Emery finally let her walls down. I loved watching them. Even in their struggles, I loved it. And when I wasn't worried about them, I was grinning at their interactions, their banter, and their chemistry.
We also get to see all our favorite characters from the first book, plus a few new people to add to the mix. I love books with big groups of friends to follow, and this series with this group is quickly becoming another one of my favorites. There are serious, heart-breaking moments, and funny, wacky moments (Lance's moment toward the end - too funny!).
My only negative was that it was a bit long, making certain things become repetitive. But outside of that, I genuinely loved reading this book and definitely recommend it.
**Update: I have since finished reading this entire series. I flew through the books and can honestly say I loved them. This is a great series with strong characters and beautiful romances that really stay with you. I love a series that creates a "community" and "family" feel, whether with or without the bonds of blood, where we get to see characters from each book progress in subsequent books. The Racing To Love series created just that. These character bonds are strong, real, touching, and wonderful. Amy Gregory did a fantastic job with this series. It's definitely one I look forward to re-reading.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The only thing I knew about motocross was that the racers have underarms like tree trunks. So yeah, those guys are definitely in prime physical condition and after reading Jesse's Soul my imagination is running wild. I really like sport themed books and reading about the world of motocross was certainly original.
Jesse is what your typical boy next door would be, if he wasn't also a very successful and smoking hot motocross racer. But he doesn't let it get to his head, he's truly good guy, very humble, sweet and loyal to the people he loves.
Emery on the other hand is a bit more hard headed. Scarred by life, she kind of has turned into an ice queen. She's doesn't take any bullshit, knows what she wants and makes sure she gets it. Being part of a world mostly ruled by men, she is used to being underestimated, even doubted about her knowledge, but she is very confident in her abilities and knows she's the best.
So of course the first time these two people meet, Jesse screws it up by being a total condescending jackass. She is his new mechanic, so wether he likes it or not they will be spending a lot of time together. Luckily Jesse quickly realizes how amazing she is and before he you know he's falling hard. Emery is only human and Jesse is doing all the right things to get in her good graces, it's impossible to resist. But not everything is so easy, Emery has some secrets she's not yet ready to share. If she's not careful those secrets might keep them apart.
Emery's secrets and fears are very realistic and draw you in completely, this is what makes it stand apart from other sport themed books. It adds extra value and makes you deal with real issues here. Of course those sexy scenes add the necessary fun and having the characters from Carter's Treasure back really gives you that family reunion feeling (in a good way).
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Amy Gregory gives us a story about Jesse Frost, a motorcycle racer who has sworn off women to focus on winning. Family problems cause his regular mechanic to quit mid season leaving Jesse fearing for his position on the podium. Trusting the word of his manager, Reid Kincaid, Jesse agrees to take on a new mechanic. He just never imagined it would be a women or that he would fall head over heels for her at their first meeting. Emery Kincaid has been fixing and fiddling with motorcycles since she was a child and is determined to make a name for herself. Behind her Irish temper and stubbornness lies a painful secret that only her family knows about. To her, trusting a sweet, sexy cowboy like Jesse with her heart would be a mistake. Although their previous heartaches make them both leery of being hurt again, Jesse knows Emery is the one for him and proving to her that they are worth a risk is a challenge that he is willing to accept.
Jesse’s character is strong, sexy, sweet, even a little bit shy, everything you could ask for in a man (sigh). He’s so determined to love Emery and have her trust him with her heart that you feel like saying just do it Emery, he’s perfect. With Emery’s character I loved her sense of humor, strength and down to earth attitude. My heart hurt for the pain she suffered and I laughed out loud at her sassiness. This was a truly wonderful novel, a second chance love story with humor, wit, and tons of emotion. I absolutely loved all the characters in this book even the secondary ones, Molly, Carter, and Eli (who you meet in the first book of this series, Carter’s Treasure). This group makes up a truly remarkable family and I can’t wait to read more of their stories. Great job Ms. Gregory!
Talk about a topic that would be sensitive to young girls. Wow. You know what I love about the Racing to love series, is that they are all always focused on the LOVE between two people. How that doesn't have to be the physical aspect, the actual love itself. I love that. Emery is afraid. She has been broken. She got the worst news of her life, and someone walked away from her because of it. And I mean total kick a girl when she is down mentality. All Emery can do from there is seal herself off and move on, careful not to let another man close..ever. Then she meets Jesse. And he just refuses to let her push him away. He knows the minute they meet, she's the one. And he knows she needs him. He can sense it. He knows it. He's just trying to prove to her she can trust him. She can count on him. Over and over he proves himself to her, and little by little she lets him in. But then she has to tell him her truth and he has to prove to her he loves her in spite of it. HE has to prove to her that her love means more to him than anything. In my opinion, he does. He proves it over and over, and she just refuses to accept it. But finally. Finally when she does, its like a lightbulb goes off in her head. Like her days are brighter realizing he is there. He may be a pain in her ass, but she knows she can count on him. And they have this smart ass teasing fun relationship. It's so cute. It made me smile while I ws reading it, giggle while they teased each other, laugh when they played, swooon when he stood by her and refused to let her push him away. And in the end, happy, when she finally accepts she is his happily ever after.
I was not the biggest fan of the first book in this series, however I thought it was an interesting story so I decided to give the second book a chance. I really love the idea of the story, motocross... I mean I know absolutely NOTHING about this, I didn't even know it was a thing! There is also A LOT of book boyfriend material in this book (well the whole series) But, like the first book the whole relationship was just too easy. I mean, yes there were a few problems in paradise for Jesse and Emery. But for the most part it was just... easy. I will say that I LOVED Jesse a lot more then I did Carter, Jesse has some depth to him. The same can be said for Emery, although her history wasn't as sad as Molly's Emery had her issues as well. I will definitely not say that this is a bad book, because its really not. The writing flows easily and you do get caught up in the story. It just feels like there is SO MUCH more that could have been added, so it felt a little rushed to me.
Love some Jesse Frost, he's sexy, a racer and a cowboy. He's sweet and a bit shy too. He's a hard working guy that things don't always come easy for. Thought his character was written amazingly. Emery I just felt for her from the beginning. I thought she was sassy and had a temper but also is a hurt soul that hurts run deep, she's unique. I loved them together, they have to work real hard at the relationship but Jesse wants her, although both were hurt in the past they need each other. Emery is just trying to protect herself and Jesse wants to be the man to protect her, I love that book one's character show up and it's nice to see Molly and Carter so happy love all of them together. This book had some real emotional topics touched on and the author did that with strong emotion, wittiness and human but also some sad scenes and some sexy as hell scenes too. Great story can't wait to read the next in this series. 4 stars review by Nanee of upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
This book is an emotional roller coaster that you will love! I loved this book. The cancer story really hits close to home with so many people. It is hard not fall in love with Emery. She is the stubborn woman we all know we are.
I love this romance and that Jesse fights for her with everything he has! It is absolutely great. Both Jesse and Emery have a rocky past in the romance department. It's a tough emotional ride throughout the whole book. I am truly a fan of this series and author! They just keep getting better and better as I read along!
I love the racing aspect of this series. It brings an action side to the story that most romances miss out on. It also does well bringing light into a world that most of us know little about. Just a fun read that I would highly recommend to all!
"Each story has an element of drama which impacts on the character finding their HEA, and this makes the journey all the sweeter. Ms Gregory writes these plot lines with compassion and sensitivity, that you can’t help but empathise with the character and all of those around them.
Each book in this series has you reading with your heart in your throat waiting for the penny to drop and the existence for those entrenched in the Noland family to be restored to a perfect balance of love, fun, and racing!" ~ Kota
In Racing to Love: Jesse’s Soul by Amy Gregory, Jesse Frost has the life that most men dream of, fame, money, fast bikes and the looks that make every woman want to be his. But he doesn’t want just any woman, he wants Emery Kincaid and he will not stop until he wins her over.
Emery Kincaid has been working on bikes since she was a child, she loves to fix and fiddle with them. She has suffered her own heartaches and has her very painful secret that no one knows about but her family.
The hardest thing I found when reading this book is trying to decide which guy you really love. With each book as Ms. Gregory takes you deeper into their character you find the yourself falling in love all over again only with a different guy. This was a very touching story dealing with the effects cancer has on those around them. It paints a true portrait of what not only the person who is diagnosed goes through but the strain and fear that family and friends also go through. A wonderful story full of love, laughter, tears and hope it will be one that I will gladly read over and over again.
The second book in the Racing to Love series is an emotional and heartfelt journey of love and romance. This gripping tale of heart ache and pain brings romance, hope and love to a well deserving couple. And all of the characters in the series continue to enchant in this fascinating and intriguing world. There was one incident that didn’t really receive enough closure, in kind of got left in limbo, but it was a minor scene with a minor character so it doesn’t take away from the story.