Evelyn’s number-one goal is politics, which makes working with Gray difficult, because his only passion is fast cars. As she and Gray spend time together, he teaches her about the sport he loves, and she learns a lot about the man behind the wheel. The more she learns, the more she wants him. But any desire that threatens to derail the carefully laid plans for her future is a dangerous one.
With the passion Gray and Evelyn share running hotter than either imagined, one of them is going to have to compromise, or else run the risk of losing more than their hearts.
Comment: This is the sixth installment in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. These books have been OK in general but obviously, some have been better than others. I actually liked this one simply because the characters looked more mature in their thinking and acting.
This is the story of Grayson Preston, he loves racing in his car, he didn't pursue a career in law because of his passion for sports, namely the motorized ones. However, his family is a prominent one in politics and his father is trying to be part of a campaign that could place them in the vice presidency of the USA. Gray doesn't remember his father worthy of his attention since a fallout eight years ago but now Evelyn, a woman who works for his father is here to try to convince him his help would be beneficial to his father's aims. But can Gray put aside what happened in the past to now accept helping a man he feels disappointed in?
Comparing to some of the titles I've read, this one feels more interesting to read because, all the sex scenes aside (which I skipped - and that's easy considering how lengthy they are), the plot felt quite mature and the situations presented were interesting.
Gray had a bad fallout with his father in the past, he didn't seem to accept Gray's choice of being in sports rather than in law and now Gray simply lives his life apart from his father, having only contact with his sister and mother. I guess it's understandable why Gray chose this, why he decided to go on his own despite how that affected his relationship with his father but, conveniently, he also had his grandfather's inheritance to start up his racing career and team. I liked how Gray was conscientious of his surroundings, though. He didn't act as arrogant as I'd expect, considering his background and impulsiveness. His characterization was appealing and I could accept his personality and choices based on what I was reading.
As one can imagine, part of the plot revolves around building bridges with his father again. This aspect was developed well enough, I'd say, not much fuss but the way things happened and that made it look believable because it wasn't too sugary, too obvious. It's still fictional, so understandable it happened quickly on the page. The relationships between Gray and his family members, close friends and even older acquaintances were well portrayed I think and this has given me the impression he acted mature, which helped me to appreciate him as a character.
The romance was a good one I think. Evelyn starts as being just someone from his father's office but they have things in common, they share great moments and slowly they start understanding each other. I guess what can be a bit annoying is how the changes in the relationship seem to be followed by sex and that sort of undermines the emotional impact a bit. Just my opinion of course. When they are finally ready to declare themselves to one another, even if this happens in a sweet and almost believable manner, I keep thinking a more emotional attitude would add to the decision, to the validation of their choice and feelings. It seemed, as usual, too much attention was given to the physical and how they impacted their reactions instead of focusing more on the emotional. Still, this was one of the romances I liked best in the series.
There is talk of racing, cars, things related to this and I suppose the elements presented are good enough but because this is not a subject I know a lot about, what I was "told" feels good enough.
The end could have been done in a more polished way but it was sweet and too bad there isn't an epilogue say, 5 years in the future, so we could see what was happening.
All in all, a great installment...it does give me hope for the next books but at the same time they will both be about what looks to be the lovers reunited trope and I don't always enjoy those, so... let's see.
Grade: 8/10
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