GRR Reviews Heart Racer: A Billionaire Love Story by Starla Harris

Heart Racer is not a billionaire story, despite claims. It features shallow people, impossible circumstances, and insta-lust broken up by jealousy.

To recap, Olivia bet her last $100 on super-longshot racer Jacob Teller... because he looked so cute. She never expected him to actually win (and got paid 50:1). She was so gobsmacked, she went down to see Jake in the winner's circle, and Jake, upon hearing the story, decided she was his lucky charm and should come with him to the post-race celebration, and to the next race as well. Being unemployed and temporarily shacking with a friend, Olivia accepted, and somehow, Jake kept winning. Months later, now rich and enjoying the good life, the pair crisscrossed the country enjoying their new wealth and each other, Olivia started to feel out of place. Finally, when jealousy and inadequacy set in, Olivia picked a fight and left in a huff, going home not much better than she started. Soon after, Jake got into a serious accident on the track near Olivia's hometown, and they finally decided they really do love each other instead of just lust... but Jake will need serious rehabilitation and recovery... Will Olivia be there all the way?

The book was insta-lust at first glance, with him being the pretty boy. She's basically being a "pit lizard" (racing's equivalent of "buckle bunny"). The idea that the guy was so down he's always in last, and suddenly he's placing first in every race is ridiculous. And how can a couple months of winning turn him into a billionaire, with the rich-and-famous lifestyle they are living? The FMC basically threw a jealous fit and gave up, and went back to her own life, unsure if it was love or lust. The ending was sweet, but logically crazy. All in all, the story just doesn't work for me with too many flaws.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Poor girl bets last $100 on lame racer; both started winning a lot. They meet and she followed him across the world, but can they stay together?

Tropes: athlete, different worlds, sick/comfort, insta-lust

Overall Rating:  2/5 (rounded up)