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A powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment.
The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America.
Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know.
Jameson Riley, a NASCAR champion, has created a life for himself and his expanding family but is it what he thought it would be? In a sport where you are allowed one angle, one image and everything you say and do, on or off the track, must fit in that angle, it's hard to know how to be the champion they want. He once again, has to draw a line between love and racing.
Through shuffling cars and heaving exhaust, shadows lurk in every turn and threaten Jameson's victory in his race for himself while Sway, his new wife, through her own battles within the spotlight, keeps their pit stand strong and ready for anything this life might throw at them.

484 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2012

92 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read

About the author

Shey Stahl

63 books2,199 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author, Shey Stahl is a lover of sunsets, dirt track racing, collecting antiques, and the south, where her soul wants to be. Writing is her passion, giving words meaning, and readers experiences they’ll never forget. Currently she’s living in the pacific northwest with her husband and daughter, she can usually be found near a dirt track with an iced coffee in hand.

Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com

You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sheystahlauthor

Follow on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Bdh0t4

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2rfQ0cI

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Georgia ♥ .
420 reviews1,164 followers
March 22, 2013
♪♫And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through

We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -♪♫


description

Jameson Riley did it. He won the Nascar championship. He surpassed his legend of a father, he conquered his fears, he beat his enemies inside and outside of the track. He survived attacks, media and fans. With his Sway and his family, he now is THE CHAMPION.

My book was still being written. I may have some torn pages, maybe even dog-eared, but I tell you something else, it was one hell of a story.

But life doesn't stop. It goes on and on. Endlessly and ruthlessly, times go by and you have to stand for what you believe for, live and enjoy what really matters. Your family and your dreams.

4 THIS OUR LIFE Stars

description

Unlike the first two books, this one takes us for a hell of a ride spanning 20 years of Jameson and Sway's crazy-ass life. Whereas the previous books focused in a certain period of time, in The Champion we witness moments in their lives as they struggle, win, despair and love. We see them growing up but not maturing, raising their kids, always not losing focus of where they started.

Two kids in love.
description

And family. When everything else fails you, it picks you up, gives you a reality check and sents you back there to keep fighting. The more insane it is, the more the love you get.
description

Defending a title, is more difficult than winning it in the first place. Jameson soon realises that but he is his usual arrogant and in need of anger-management-class shelf. Adoring husband, proud and dotting father, struggling with the past and bravely confronting the future.

Sway is the glue that keeps everything together. A steady rock, the home away from home, a refuge and a well of love. Levelheaded and ridiculous, adorable and strong, a push-over and the best mother/wife/friend/sister you could ever wish for.

Just because they are older, doesn't mean that they are any more serious, have any clue of what they are doing, or less in love...

“Your heart is beating so fast,” he murmured, staring down at me. I brought my fingers to touch his lips, outlining their softness and feeling his kiss. “It feels it’s other half.”

These books were always about racing. And it never stops. Nascar, midgets, bikes, Daytona, pits, dirt and engines are what defines this story.

Because every racer was born to race.
description
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,048 reviews935 followers
June 18, 2013
I LOVE this series... just freaking LOVE IT. Only one more to go but I've stil not read Trading Paint but I'm saving it for last since its acutally a prelude to the series and everything takes place before book 1 (it's actually #3.. but I don't want to go back in time yet...I want to continue on with Sway and Jameson's story then I'll have something to look forward to when I'm done.

This series has turned out to be so much more than I expected and I feel like I know everyone so well now ....Sway, Jameson, their family and extended families in the racing community.... They've carved a part right inside my heart and I'm totally wrapped up in them! I know I'm going to have the biggest book hangover EVER when I'm done. I'm almost afraid to be done....

I highly recommend this series.. even if you dont care a thing about racing.. like me! I've never watched a race in my life but this family of race care drivers has sucked me and the they just own me... The love between Sway and Jameson is just... crazy beautiful. I've been able to see them realize they are in love, get married, have kids... it's been an amazing ride. Now moving on to The Legend !

Profile Image for Cassie.
118 reviews13 followers
April 14, 2013
One word: Research. As in, this book desperately needs it. Would a hospital send a premature baby born at 24 weeks home after one day? No, they would not. Would you be eight months pregnant on December 4th when you are due on March 7th? Um, no, you wouldn't. And if your son is born when you are 23, are you 43 when he is 18? Nope. This book would be so much better if all the timing issues were fixed.
Profile Image for Chris- Bookaddict.
778 reviews253 followers
February 19, 2013
OMG I am said to be saying I am going onto the last book in this series ... I am not liking the fact that the Riley clan is going tom come to an end in book 5th ...

Once I am done the series I will do a review on the whole series :)
Profile Image for Ns.
193 reviews
February 16, 2013
I adore the mama wizard and her dirty heathen! Jameson and Sway's love is so enduring and just gets better over time.

I love seeing all of Jameson and Sway's life moments. Each milestone from newlyweds, to parenthood, to stardom just means more endearing, lovable and funny moments for the Rileys. I have liked the Riley clan from the beginning but this is the book where they really get to shine. It's evident the abundance of love they have for each other, the support they give unconditionally and their strength during times of sadness and tragedy. Then there is the passion they have for racing, the lifestyle that is built on their dreams. Everyone has a role and each character found a place in my heart.

When I read a love story, I am investing a lot of emotions and entrusting the characters with my heart. Jameson did not let me down! A part of me expected a predictable and cliche relationship test, but I'm not surprised that Jameson manages to surprise me time and again. He is such a wonderful hero and his beliefs when it comes to love and family just makes him so much more lovable. That's not to say Sway and Jameson didn't have their down moments. It's the ups, the downs, the stress, the love, the funny moments that all add up to make their relationship so special, so natural, so realistic, and so authentic.

I wish the author didn't age them so quickly because I want more moments with the Rileys. I want more life moments with Jameson and Sway whose banter are always entertaining. Even with a flailing spaz or two they still have it. The love, the lust and passion. There is no denying their chemistry.

I'm all set to read The Legend and a part of me must be crazy because I'm saving it for a bit. I read the prelude and got a lump in my throat. I know it's going to be an emotional read and I suspect I know the end result is going to be a satisfying and happy one, but it's the journey I want to save and savor.
Profile Image for Sokhon Kelly.
87 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2012
I think that after 'speed' reading this book... I need therapy. The one where I lay on a red couch and pour my heart out and blame my mother for all my adult emotional issues!

I really enjoyed the pace of this book. I feel so invested in this family that any tragedy, pain, heart ache they feel I feel. I was crying so much towards the end of the book that I actually had to stop reading it and breathe. I haven't even read Trading Paint yet. I did read somewhere that 'something signficant' happens to Jameson to force him to retire. OH NO please say it isn't so! please do not let anything happen to the family! they deserve a fairytale. I will throw my kindle against the wall if there is NO happy ending!

The Champion highlights the progression of Jameson's racing career where he has won numerous titles over the years. It also brings forth the family dynamic with the kids getting older, finding themselves and pursuing their own ambition following the big foot steps of Jameson and Jimi.

Once again, my heart breaks but also the love and dedication that Jameson & Sway has for each other, their family and their passion is something makes the tears and heart ache worth it. I want to be apart of their dysfunctional family, actually I want to be Sway! Can be be that I have a major crush on a book character? he is not perfect by any means but he is loving, dedicated, ambitious and always amends his mistakes.

5 *****
Profile Image for Wendy.
467 reviews105 followers
March 19, 2013
If I could give this book...and series...10 stars I would. I am so in love with this batshit crazy group of people, I can't imagine the end of the series after the final book. Jameson and Sway have a rare type of love, revolving around not only their passion for each other, their families, and their sport of racing. I'll say it again...you don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy these books. It obviously holds more appeal if you are, but the storylines are so awesome, they could have been about anything.

This book, we get to see more of the Riley family...and again, I laughed until I almost peed in my pants LOL. It's so much more than a romantic tale. It's about the love of a sport...chasing a dream you've had all of your life, and being lucky enough to have your best friend and your entire family on your side to help you achieve that dream.

This book also saw the Riley kids growing up...and they are obviously chips off the old blocks! It's hilarious to see Jameson and Sway parenting their teenagers, dealing with all the issues that normal parents face at some point...cursing, sex talks, love lives...all while being a family living under the public eye.

I just can't say enough about how much I enjoy this series. I could care less about the gramatical errors, I just wanted more as I read!
Profile Image for Preet.
3,381 reviews233 followers
February 21, 2013
I loved this book. It had me laughing and in tears in many places. What more can you ask for from a book?

My only complaint would be that the book flashed forward a number of times and while it was great to see Sway, Jameson, and their three kids grow up, along with the rest of the Riley clan, I still felt blindsided by the change. It wouldn't be until I read the words regarding the year or the ages of Sway/Jameson/the kids, that it'd kick in that we were now looking at them in the future.

I'm ready to read book 5 in this series!
38 reviews
December 6, 2012
I have never experience the range of emotions I did reading this book, specifically never laughed so hard. The humorous parts were truly funny and absolutely realistic. The passion and love between Sway and Jameson was just as raw as in the other books. Again, the book kept me on the edge of my seat not knowing what to expect next.
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,385 reviews441 followers
April 12, 2013
I love this series. I love this fictional family. These books are funny, emotional, intense, and heartfelt. Love.

I'm so nervous and scared to read the The Legend.
Profile Image for Nikki  Cudnik.
843 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2020
A lifetime in one book

This book is unique because while the other books in the series focuses on the first year of Jameson and Sways relationship this one starts with the birth of their first child and moves on through 18 years. I can imagine this would be difficult to do well. Progressing 18 years and still allowing the reader to feel like they were getting enough to know the characters and feel engaged. Shey Stahl absolutely did this in this book. I liked getting 18 years of their lives typically you only get a few months, maybe a year. This was like one big giant epilogue to the first two books. There is just so much love in this series not to mention humor.
7 reviews
June 29, 2019
Amy

As I read each book I’m pulled deeper into their lives. Having a racing background myself I find the details point on. I can picture every setting as if I’m there watching. I’m plugging these books to anyone in racing that reads. The passion the sounds the feeling of the excitement around the track. Thank you for your time and work
Profile Image for Haylie Krumwiede.
9 reviews
April 2, 2024
This book in the racing on the edge series touches on the hard parts of dirt track racing. The hard crashes and dangers of the sport. Racing always has the chance of death, this book will pull you into tears with the reality of it. If you have seen an accident that someone has not walked away from on the track, the second half of this book will be hard to read.
157 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2018
Jameson and sway....

As with any book by Shey I loved it, seeing Jameson and Sway grow throughout the book and see their family grow as well was awesome. I cannot wait to read more about the Rileys hopefully it will never end!!!
Profile Image for Angie Klug.
292 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2013
If you haven't started this series yet, WHY NOT? Get on it!! I tell you, you will NOT regret it...especially if you are a NASCAR fan!

Tho, even if you aren't a race fan, these stories will touch your heart and these characters will pull you into their world and TEACH you to be a race fan!

Book #4 is a continuation of the journey Jameson and Sway Riley take through that crazy place we call life.

The Champion follows the Riley family through racing championships, raising kids, loss, navigating stress, and following dreams.

Shey Stahl has created a fictional world within the real life stress and celebrity of one of the world's most well known racing circuits. It's genius really. You can hear the crowds at the race tracks, smell the hot dogs on the barbeque, and smell the racing fuel. But the REAL mastery is her depiction of the Riley family. She has created a cast of characters that will forever stay with me.

I love Jimi & Nancy...the dirt track legend, wise beyond their years and grandparents extraordinare!!!

Emma & Spenser and their significant others and gaggle of kids??!! Oh. My. They are all HISTERICAL. They never hesitate to speak their minds and talk like truckers!

Jameson & Sway, Axel, Arie & Casten...there aren't enough words to state how wonderful this branch of the Riley family is. I just wish the black #9 Simplex Ford ACTUALLY raced the NASCAR circuit!! I'd be his Number 1 fan!! Jameson and Sway have the most amazing connection, love story, & sex life!

Have I mentioned that they're all HILARIOUS??!!

"When narcotics kicked in, I started to calm my inner demons and the need to junk punch my husband." ~ Sway

"Now go ride your husband's magic stick." ~Alley

"That's not your waterbottle, honey." ~Jameson

"Track layout? I started giggling that he called my crankcase a track layout." ~Sway (about Jimi!)


But what comes through all of the bat shit crazy this family stirs up...is their love of eachother...and their love of racing. To watch them all support the old, current, and new racing dreams of eachother is heartwarming. To watch them come together for love alone is life affirming.
Profile Image for Whitney Anderton.
298 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2013
I have to admit I feel terrible giving low stars to this series. One major reason was the ungodly amount of grammar mistakes. It took me twice as long because I had to go back and re-read paragraphs over and over. Plus as a NASCAR fan no rookie comes in & wins his rookie year especially the cup and 12 titles unheard of especially with the stack of talent every year..yes fans don't realize the amount that comes with off season, testing,& fan events & I think this was portrayed well. The characters & family dynamic is what held all of those books together & kept you addicted. Some pranks were absolutely not possible & a little far fetched, but again the family was hilarious & so real that is what you get wrapped in. I love Sway,how can you not she has gone through so many things & still keeps her family together. And Jameson once he got his head out of his ass & realized what he had all along ,it was great to see he was just as nervous as she was. These two are smoking hot & I loved watching the kids grow. Axle is like another Jameson & hope to see a book about him...the other two let''s let our minds run with that. I would've rated higher but grammar and at tiimes I wasn't sues what person the conversation was written in. I would recommend the series just don't get caught up in the editing mistakes or the unrealistic portrayal of NASCAR championships and enjoy a love story about growing up, going after what you want & dealing with everyday life while in the spotlight. Thanks Shey for this fun read!!
Profile Image for Emily.
170 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2013
This book in the Racing on the Edge series spans over a 20 years period after Black Flag. I really enjoyed reading about the Riley family in this novel and catching up with the rapid expansion of the family.

Like the other books in the series, I was in an emotional hurricane all over again. I laughed and I cried like the giant baby that I am. This book felt like a lead up to the next generation in the Riley family. We get to see Sway and Jameson’s children grow up, as well as following their love story as well.

Over the time period, family and friends pass away, new life is introduced and Jameson wins a whole heap of championships.

I really loved getting to know Axel RIley in this book and he is definitely one of my favourite characters behind Jameson. He’s totally adorable. But Casten is also a hoot when he laughs at everything. I feel such a connection with these characters, it’s crazy. I wish I actually knew them!

I can’t wait to read The Legend (Racing on the Edge #5) again.. but I’m always a crying mess after reading the first page. My heart hurts already, just thinking about it!
Profile Image for Kelly.
85 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2013
I can't even begin to say how much I LOVE this whole series so far!!! I feel like I know this whole family now, and am going through everything with them. This book takes us right through Jameson's numerious championships. It shows how him and Sway grew up and grew into becoming parents to three kids, and how quickly the whole rest of family grew as well. The whole time through out the book we follow the ins and outs of racing and loss that sometimes goes along with the profession. It also gives us some insight into Axel's racing career in Sprint Car and World of Outlaws. I really love that there are times reading I find myself laughing one minute, and then crying the next minute. That is the work of a talented story teller, and Shey has woven such an intriquite tale, that I am going to be so sad when I finish The Legend, and I actually have to say goodbye to the Riley's. Such a great read, once again, 5 star aLL the way!
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
199 reviews15 followers
March 4, 2013
Once again, I just have to say how much I love this series! The best part of The Champion is the timespan. You know how some books only cover a short amount of time, and it feels like you're left hanging? This book spans a generation, and I mean that. We get to see into the maturation of Jameson and Sway's marriage; we get to see their kids start to grow up; and we get to see the love grow throughout so many relationships. I couldn't stop reading this book just because it was so delightful. I have to say, I'm not sure if I have a bigger crush on Jameson or on Axel! Seeing the personalities from so many different characters makes this book a phenomenal read, and even if you haven't been there from the beginning, you'll be so wrapped up in their lives! Can't wait to move on to the next book! Thank you Shey Stahl for making racing so exciting and steamy!
Profile Image for Sofia.
854 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2014
Review for books #4 and #5 :
Because i loved 'Happy Hour' i ought to myshelf to read the following books.And my opinion for this one and the 'The Legend' is not the best i hoped.
First of all, both gave me the feeling i read the same events took place over and over.It became boring and mostly i was reading the chapters in a fast forward mode.Second, i think some of the characters and actions were TOO much!Too much irrational, too much surreal(especially the first half of 'The Legend'). A lot things that just didn't make sense to me and only pissed me of.
The reason for my rate is that the 1/3 of each book was GREAT!Unfortunately, the other 1/3 was unnecessary and the other 1/3 was just, bad.
But i will always remember 'Happy Hour' and the main characters fondly and for the same reason when a new book of the series comes out i will read it.
72 reviews
August 10, 2016
The story really moves on in this book, I quite like the fast pace as it really reflects their life! Love the balance between the track and family! To be honest I just love this series and Stahl can do no wrong!
The 4th instalment to a brilliant series and one that is very quickly becoming one of my all time favourites. This book is quite fast paced but just as good as the previous books. We really get to see the family side of the Riley's in this book. Jameson is still racing but I felt he had a better handle on the balance between family life and his racing life. I love his protective side. He really is a hot, alpha male. Just as funny as the previous books. Shey has a way of balancing out the funny with serious and emotive scenes. I really love this family!
48 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2012
Yet another great story by Shey Stahl,this book more than the others tweaked all my emotions, i was happy, sad,felt their anger and pain and often their frustration and of course the trade mark of this series i laughed out loud at the antics of these characters.This books shows how these characters mature and the sacrifices they are willing to make for one another and those around them.Of course there are highs that are often met with lows but this book shows the strength these characters have when dealing with them.I would recommend this book to anyone but would strongly suggest reading the others in the series before getting to this one
Profile Image for Brieanna.
7 reviews
February 18, 2013
I love the Riley family and their hilarious antics. This book moved through the years fast but still told a great story of love and family. The introduction of new characters and the hilarious parenting issues were the best parts to read. I can only imagine a life that is that funny when it comes to giving a child or in this case children the sex talk. I know that I will reread this series many more times. As for the author, Shey Stahl, I will read anything she writes. She not only puts words to paper she brings the pages and the characters to life. The feelings that she makes her readers feel are of great proportion. If you are looking for a good read this series should be on your list.
Profile Image for nash.
80 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2012
This series will truly be The Champion of my heart. Wonderfully written by another wonderul author. The Riley family may not be perfect but they have this love and devotion for one another which I truly admired that makes me wanting to read more of them.

And Jameson, in all of his bad-boy moodiness, was sure awesome! I am officially a Nascar fan! I can't wait for the release of The Legend.

From Happy Hour, to Black Flag, to Trading Paint to The Champion, I get experience all this emotions.. I laughed out loud, I cried and I got mad sometimes.

High five to you Shey! Keep inspiring <3

Profile Image for Anna.
972 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2012
Love love love. This book was a whirlwind! The kids grow up and the races go on. The laughter and family shenanigans are non stop and Sway and Jameson are just a wonderful couple.

This book was just so packed with decades flying by and it was great to read but so hard to let go of my fave family in racing! I found myself hating to read it because I felt it ending and didn't want that to happen.

I devoured this series over a few day's time and haven't really come to grips with being done. My husband was watching a NASCAR race this afternoon and I felt a little tug on my heart! LOL That's the first sign I might have a problem!
Profile Image for Juliana.
183 reviews51 followers
November 20, 2012
Awesome read...I know some may not like that there was no real drama and it may have moved somewhat quickly but I thoroughly enjoying watching Sway, Jameson and the entire Riley family grow up (though with this kinda crazy it is used mildly...haha). They book moving quickly allowed you to see such a large span of their life and I loved that. I have a whole new fascination with NASCAR that I can't wait to cultivate in February 2013 and The Legend cannot come out fast enough for me. I am so very excited and kinda scared to see where Shey Stahl takes these wonderful characters that I have really grown to love.
Profile Image for starsaga.
772 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2013
excellent follow-up in the HEA of Jameson and Sway
By now, this is the fourth book, Jameson and Sway are living their life together and what a life it is!!! Also by now, even I had picked up on a lot of the racing terminology and was quite entertained by the lives on and off the track of these characters. This book spans many years and allowed me to learn about the ups and downs of their life and the hilarious entertaining moments, childbirth, holidays, parties, in this family are truly entertaining. If I was to re-read the series, this one and the first would be my choices above the rest. Very well done!
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