Racing Hearts

Hollows Garage #3

by Kate Crew

Jax
I thought finding love would be easy when I was looking for it, but all I found was more ways to be disappointed. I should be happy. I had a good life.
But when I find a girl broke down on the side of the road that perfectly crafted world is turned upside down.
Carly’s the girl I shouldn’t fall for. She’s grumpy, doesn’t believe in love, and is related to the one person I considered an enemy. Staying with me isn’t permanent. I’ll fix her truck and she will move on with her life. But unfortunately for me, the girl I shouldn’t want is quickly becoming the girl that I need.

Carly
After years stuck living with my new stepdad, I had one chance to get out of this life before it sucked me in forever. So, I left in the middle of the night, eager for a new start. Until my old truck broke down just a few miles in, and my only option was going home with the street racer who stopped to help.
Now stranded, I had no choice but to accept Jax's offer: I stay with him while he fixes my truck, in exchange for being his personal chef.
But Jax isn’t what I expected. I thought I would be hiding away, avoiding one more mean street racer in my life, but the longer I stay, the more I find out how much I want to stay permanently. Now, my secrets could threaten it all, and as much as I want to stay, running away again might be the only way to keep Jax safe.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Forced Proximity, Racing, Sports, Dark Romance, Found Family

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

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Reviews

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Love you sunshine."
"I love you too, my grumpy little witch."

This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Jax and Carly.

I liked seeing more of Jax´s character in the book and getting to know him more. This man definitely has golden retriever energy, and I´d say so far he´s the "cutest" out of the Hollows men. With Carly, sometimes it felt a bit difficult to connect to her, but I think that is due to the fact how she was written. Sometimes she´s extremely confident, sometimes she´s extremely insecure, which made the insecure parts not really make sense and that also got a bit annoying over the span of the book. I´m not saying that insecurities are annoying, not at all, just that it didn´t feel "real" like it was portrayed in this book.

Regarding side characters I loved getting to see more of the other two couples in the book and I love that we got a bit more on Kye (I am guessing his book will be next!?). I love the found family vibes they always have going on, but I felt like it was especially strong in this book.

With the plot itself I liked the reversed grumpy x sunshine trope and it was so cute what a romantic Jax was. You can definitely expect spicy scenes in here and I felt like the romance build up, the angst and the tension was somewhat well done. I missed a bit of drama in this one, compared to the first two, there was definitely less drama when I was expecting a lot more. The pacing of the book is well done, although it slowed a little for me towards the ending.

Overall it was an okay read in the series, that didn´t really blow me away but I am looking forward to Kye´s book.

trigger warnings: emotional abuse, kidnapping, physical abuse

[Yves V.H. [Slow reading] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a tease! There was a lot 'so close' moments between Jax and Carly but in the end, it was all worth it. The only setback I have with this is the ending seemed a bit rush.

Jax is such a softie Carly is right calling him sunshine ☀️ he really is a golden retriever boy. I love how he is not the typical jerk just because he races.

Carly is really a brat I love how she always have something to say whenever Jax tries to flirt with her which makes all their banters adorable and funny.

Riot, oh such a good dog 🐶 knows who to bite and really a cute cute addition in this book.

The other characters in this book are also amazing, my personal favorite is Kye although he wasn't mentioned in this book much. I still find his character very interesting.

But seriously, I enjoyed this book a lot! I love the bantering between the main leads and their sweet gestures for each other. It was funny in the right moments and there are scenes where my heart just ached because---ugghhhhh I just love them.

🌸 Recieved a copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Kelsey Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Racing Hearts, and would love to give my feedback! While this was a bit different from the books I typically read, I really enjoyed it. Definitely a slow burn but what I loved most were the characters. Jax is the definition of golden retriever male, and I really resonated with Carly’s body image issues that were a constant theme throughout and it really made her much more relatable than a lot of other FMC I run across now. I loved the involvement of Riot throughout, as a huge dog lover myself, I see so often a pet be introduced in a book and then forgotten about but Riot had a leading role and I just want to boop him!! I wish I had made time to read the first two books of the series for more background on the other characters but it definitely wasn’t an issue reading this as a stand-alone book. Some parts seemed a little rushed and some parts seemed a little dragged out but it balanced out in the end. Upgraded spicy based on Jax’s dirty, dirty mouth!!! Thank you, Kate, for selecting me for the ARC and for writing this wonderful book!

⭐️4.25
🌶️ 2.5

[Christina (christinareadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hollows Garage Series is one of my favorite series. I couldn't wait for our precious Jax's story and he was everything I wanted him to be!!!

⬇️ Tropes ⬇️

🚘 Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🚘 Virgin FMC
🚘 Found Family
🚘 Street Racing
🚘 Forced Proximity
🚘 Curvy FMC
🚘 No 3rd Act Breakup

I have loved Jax since the beginning! I was surprised that Carley, our black cat FMC, would be the one to steal his heart. I trusted the process and Kate delivered because they were the perfect match! They balanced each other out. No matter how grumpy Carley tried to be, there was Jax, smiling and being charming as ever. I don't think anyone could be grumpy around him, lol.

I love this whole group. I loved seeing the girls come and rally around Carley. She has never had support like that and everyone made her feel comfortable and wanted. I want to be friends with them in real life!!! We got to see a little more about Kye in this one and I'm intrigued. He's been a mystery from book 1 and this is the most we've heard from him. I already know his story will be complex and I honestly can't wait to see who opens him up.

If you love street racing, mechanics, friends who are more like family, no 3rd act breakup, and an adorable dog who stole the show, then Racing Hearts is perfect for you!

Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Spice- 🌶🌶½

*Thank you Kate Crew for giving me an ARC. This review is my honest opinion*

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some stories that doesn't need to be a full novel.
By how empty and boring the middle of the story - this should have been a novella.
The dynamic between the MCs really threw me off. Sure they did have some good banter going on but that turned into them having mood swings in almost all of their interactions. They change into hot, cold then awkward like every 0.5sec.
And what the heck was that ending? It was way too convenient and not satisfying at all.

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved Jax and his sunshine personality this whole series so I couldn’t wait to get his book. I love a brooding alpha hole as much as the next girly but Jax was a bright light on a dark time for Carly and I just loved how romantic and swoony he was with her.

This is going to hurt me either way. I might as well enjoy every second until it does.

Carly was a hard nut to crack and it took me a while to warm to her. I am loving this series, how fast paced it is and specifically the suspense aspect, which is why I have this one a four star. I was expecting a lot more from this conflict and nothing happened until the end. Apart from that I still adored this book, this series and these characters.

❤️Racing Crew
❤️Found Family
❤️Roommates
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Reverse grumpy/sunshine

On to my favourite girls book now!!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been devouring this series so far so I can’t complain too much. I love the characters and seeing all the couples throughout the series. I kind of forgot this one had an actual plot behind it so when everything seemed all happy and good to go I was surprised there was still more to read. It felt more like a character driven book in the middle with plot at the beginning and end. There were…less grammatical errors in this one compared the Wrecked Love but there were still a few. The hot and cold of Carly the FMC was a little annoying and made things awkward sometimes but I still loved these two together. I want to finish this series but may need a brief break.

[Swati · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
I'm in love with jax, please tell me where can I find a guy like him? I mean A sweet, hot, dirty talking Street racer who reads Romance novels?! I'M SOLD 💳
Jax and Carly are completely opposite, where jax is our sunshine boy & Carly is Grumpy lil witch (jax words, not mine🥹) they fit in together perfectly. The story was amazing it kept me hooked from the starting. The chemistry between the characters was so good 🤌🏻 I enjoyed their banter sm , Carly tried but she couldn't resist his charms ;) loved seeing her fall for him haha . And this book had one of my all time fav trope FOUND FAMILY. I love this trope so much . The crew members were amazing and how can I forget riot🥹. Omg he stole my heart <3
This was my first book by Kate and it definitely isn't going to be my last. I'm going to read the first two books of the series to know their story .

Read this book if you like:
🏁 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Roommate to lovers
🏁 He falls first and harder
❤️ Dirty talking Street racer
🏁 Curvy FMC
❤️ No third act breakup


* Thankyou to the author for the ARC and this is my honest review 💌*

[pey ౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love jax 🥰
This book was absolutely amazing.
I never expected that I’d like race car romances but the way the author created her story and made it so hooking I absolutely loved it and will definitely be reading her other ones that go with this series

All the books are stand alones, all of the books is about this one friend group and they go through how each of them meet their lovers and add onto the group( what I believe because of this book, the 3rd)

Also!!! Reverse grumpy sunshine?!!! A cute hopeless romantic boy and a girl who is too scared of love?! Like okay yes. I love how cute jax was, one minute he could be all soft and nice but then the other he would kill somebody for her in a heartbeat! Alsoooo Carly absolutely wanting to get out of town but her truck breaking down and she falls in love with him like AHHH!!

I’m so excited to read the other books to the series and see things about the other people in the friend group. The author made all the side characters have such good and different personalities which made me really want to learn more about them and want to know what their pov is about things when they meet their love ones and how everything just comes together with all the books

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved Jax but Carly was so damn annoying. It felt like this book was never going to end. I devoured the first 2 but this one took me what felt like forever to finish because of Carly. Still going to finish reading the series when the next books come out. Cannot wait for Scout's book!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this book was announced I've been eagerly waiting to read it, and so when it got delivered I immediately delved back into the world of Hollows Garage. I'd loved the previous instalments, and Racing Hearts was no different.

The tropes used in this book were so immaculately done. Reverse grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, found family, and so many others that I'm sure other fellow romance lovers will appreciate. On top of that, the street racing vibes just made this book so fun, I truly love this world. I loved the small references to the previous books, and obviously loved seeing the beloved characters again.

I loved the FMC Carly, I think a lot of people will easily relate to her. She's kinda dark and moody but inside she truly cares. The social anxiety and body insecurities representation was very well portrayed, and I loved that she's a curvy queen!

Riot the rottweiler was adorable, maybe as much as our MMC Jax. I loved that he was the happy romantic one, and had no qualms about hiding his feelings. There was hardly no miscommunication or angsty third act breakup, Carly and Jax's relationship was so heartwarming and cute. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of spicy moments too.

The plot was straightforward and most focused on the romance, so I did feel like the build up and resolution felt a little rushed, but only because that aspect of the story wasn't the main focus. There were a few plot twits I wasn't expecting near the end, but overall things wrapped up pretty quickly with a very cute HEA.

We learn more about mysterious Kye in this book, and his potential love interest Daisy?? I need to know more, whilst I love Scout and her aura, I'm so curious about Kye and his love life!

[Kassy Oertner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im going to start with Jax, Freaking Jax 🥹 What a sweet, adorable character! He knew what he wanted and never actually strayed from it. He was willing to do anything for Carly and Riot. The constant reassurance he gave her because he knew she needed it, telling her he will protect her and help her get through it all, the aggressiveness/take control when needed (especially when she was acting up), and just all around loyal character.

Carly definitely annoyed me at times (like most of the women in this series), but she definitely has a much more tragic backstory. I could relate to the body issue self-esteem and the constant worrying anxiety that he would stop wanting her around. BUT when she did not tell him she was a virgin and treated it like it was nothing, when we all knew in our heads, Jax would be devastated when he found out because of how much of a romantic he is, I was not happy. I do believe she redeemed herself when she was willing to show Jax how much she cared about him, though. Especially when she would go into a blind rage when someone tried to hurt him.

I will end this by saying I do really like this series 🙂

[Erika Knickerbocker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reverse grumpy sunshine. Jax was a golden retriever. He jumps from being dominant to simp. I'll let you do anything you want to me to Mr. I'm in control. That, along with him being so insta love with her and extremely insecure himself just killed any belief in their chemistry imo. They were both so insecure about so much but then would flip and be extremely confident. It took away from the vulnerability and authenticity. It made it feel very fake. I liked getting to see more of kye in this book but it felt like there was less of the rest of the group which I definitely missed since the found family is by far the best part of this series. I'm excited about Scouts' book. I liked the twist at the end. HEA. I liked that Carly had unique fashion choices and was a sassy brat with snark that stood up for Jax at almost psycho level.

[Drey Blackbeak · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC*

Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro... Hay escenas que me han encantado y otras que me han aburrido. 🫠

Es la típica trama donde la chica huye de alguien > un tío la ayuda > proximidad forzada > se lían.

Lo que cambia aquí es que en vez de ser él el gruñón lo es ella, Jax es un golden retriever.

Durante el libro hay un tira y afloja entre Carly y Jax donde se nota mucho que se gustan pero se cortan porque al final ella se va a ir (solo estará con él hasta tener su coche). Esto no me desagrada, la tensión me ha dado la vida.

Carly es todo lo que podría haber sido Nesta y sjm no supo escribir. Tiene un mal trato con su familia, es borde, no sabe expresar cariño, PERO NO MALTRATA A LOS DE SU ALREDEDOR. Nesta could never.😶

Carly al final es un corazoncito envuelto en púas.💕


Si quieres leer un dramón este es tu libro🫶

[everread_nicolesversion · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story just needed more from FMC

I love Jax as the mmc in this story! He’s the best golden retriever sunshine boy! I just wanted more out of Carly. She definitely had growth in this book and when she did come out of her shell it was great. And even in her vulnerable times it was relatable. I just wish she had more rage moments. They seemed very fitting for her character and I liked who she became and the confidence she radiated when she let the rage take over. Otherwise a fun story and good switch to the grumpy/sunshine.

[Jessica Strachan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just honestly feel like this story wasn’t as gripping, on the edge, what happens next as the last 2 and 5 installment of this series. Could I relate to the FMC? Yes I have bad anxiety and body dysmorphia so I understood her however the story/plot just wasn’t gripping I couldn’t be bothered picking it up. Now it wasn’t a bad story, for me personally when I read it’s an escape but I related far too much to the FMC to feel like I was escaping. I sure many others would love this book

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes
~Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
~He Falls First/Hard
~Roommates to Lovers
~Street Racing
~Found Family

Jax is a pleasant ray of sunshine while Carly is thr Grumpy one. Carly comes from a not great situation and doesn't trust well and happens to fall upon Jax who is willing to help. Jax despite Carly trying to push him away never gave it.

I really enjoyed the interactions between both the characters. No matter what Jax never gave up on her which is what she needed. She was able to get her found family.

This plot is different from any other books I've read and it was refreshing change.

Thank you for the chance for an ARC review.

[Amber Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK… THIS BOOK… THIS BOOK!
I was SO LUCKY to be an ARC reader and have the chance to fall in love with Jax a little bit early but now 11/14 needs to HURRY UP and arrive so I can talk freely about the literal ultimate GOLDEN RETRIEVER of a book boyfriend that will now live rent free in my mind, tattoos and all.

Immediately, I could not put this one down. Carly is such a relatable character. Her struggles and insecurities hit so close to home. I’m glad she found her family/group but, hello? Is there room for me too? 😉

[Mariana Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it. Omg When I finished I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it again.
thank you very much for the arc 🫶🏻🥰🥹

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read all these books because they are amazing! I AM OBSESSED WITH JAX

[Maeghen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus, I need a Jax. Please and thank you. I’ll be a bratty good girl and everything 🙏🏼

[Ioanaxbooks &#x1faa9;⸆⸉ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,70/5
⭐️⭐️

[Vivian Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: 3.75/5 ☆

This was cute! I like this story a lot, will be reading the first and second book soon! Jax is super sweet to Carly and he’s such a softie for a muscular tall guy! He definitely gives off golden retriever vibes and I love how he was so nice and considerate to Carly the whole time!! Carly is really relatable too and also like how she’s curvy and Jax boosting her confidence is 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I might have a thing for mmc named Jax because why do they always sound so hot and gentleman for no reason.🤭 Carly is the grumpy one while Jax is the sunshine boy.☀️ He is literally the sweetest man and such a romantic guy!!

Overall, this was such a fun read! I absolutely adore their relationship development and it was such a pleasant read for me. I’m so glad I’ve discovered this author through instagram, she’s so underrated!! Oh and this a street racing sports romance, which makes it much more interesting! Thank you Kate for this arc!

Tropes:
🏁 Street racing
🏁 Roommates to lovers
🏁 Reverse grumpy x sunshine
🏁 Dual POV

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was able to get an ARC of this book and what a book! It’s part of a series but I didn’t feel lost as I read the story. It seemed pretty all encompassing so I don’t feel I needed to read the first couple books. The book was a slow burn between the two MC’s.

I enjoyed the characters and felt they were well written and relatable. The storyline was something I was a little familiar with. About 10 years ago I was seeing a guy who had friends who were into cars, not so much mechanics but modifying with lights, sound and performance. While neither he nor his friends street raced that I know of, we attended a few street races. So I knew a little about that and it made reading comfortable with that familiarity.

I would recommend this book for a quick lighthearted read.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh!! I love this series so much. I’ve loved Jax since Heart Wrenched & I’m so happy we finally got his book! Jax is the perfect romantic bad boy and the best book bf ever. Absolutely loved the curvy girl representation from Carly. The found family in this series is EVERYTHING. Also, I need to get myself a Riot!! Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader ❤️🫶🏻⭐️ Can’t wait for Kye & Scouts books 😍

[ㅤmelli ꧔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

— 4 ⭑
I was hopelessly in love with her and I didn’t think there was anything in the world that could change that now.

i'm in love, that was so sweet. i liked the dynamic between the main characters and their push and pull.
they made me smile a lot and i seriously couldn't stop reading it. i finished it in one sitting because i was so excited so see how it ends. i also really liked the writing style, it made it so easy to just flip through the book.

i’m definitely gonna read the other book in the series now.

💌- thank you kate crew for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Keri Anderson (Gilson) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three did not disappoint! Jax & Carly’s story was every bit as addictive and heartfelt as the first two. I seriously can’t get over how good this series is it just keeps delivering strong characters, emotional depth, and that perfect mix of tension, humor, and heart.

What I loved most about this installment was how it balanced the grit of street racing and garage life with the vulnerability of two people learning to trust love. Jax had me swooning he’s such a romantic, he’s rough around the edges but loyal to his core. And Carly? I adored her strength, her sass, and her determination to take her freedom into her own hands, even when life kept throwing obstacles her way.

Together, they had the perfect push-and-pull chemistry. Their banter, their emotional walls, and the way they slowly let each other in made this such a satisfying read. The family/crew dynamic continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series too it really gives that “found family” vibe I can’t get enough of.

If you’ve read the first two, you’re going to love where Kate Crew takes things with Jax and Carly. And if you haven’t started this series yet what are you waiting for? It’s fast-paced, emotional, and leaves you craving the next ride.

[Anna Keyes DeLancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off with saying thank you so much Kate Crew for allowing me to be an ARC reader! This book series is truly one of my favorites.

This book was so different from the rest of the series. Jax is a hopeless romantic and just all around a happy guy. Carly however is a grumpy little witch, Jax’s words not mine. It’s truly amazing to watch him slowly tare down her walls. Carly has had a really rough life in the past and she has a really hard time trusting anyone. Insert the hollows garage crew. Jax especially. He proves to her time and time again he will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe.

“I don’t want you to do anything for me. I don’t want to be your problem.”
“I’m begging you to be my problem.”

Are you kidding me? That’s everything right there. I will be living in my Jax era for the time being. I can’t wait to see what is next!!

[Heather Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, just when I thought I couldn’t love this series anymore, Kate throws us Jax. I fell in love instantly and I just know Carly did too. Jax is a damn sweetheart with tattoos and a hot bod. Isn’t that what we all dream about? 😂 This book was the perfect reverse grumpy x sunshine. As per usual, Kate created the perfect mix of drama, romance, found family, and smutty scenes. I cannot wait for the next book

[Loz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this crew.
And I loved books 1 and 2.
But I did not love Carly.
I enjoyed our first meeting with her, grumpy, sassy and strong.
But then she fell flat for me. Rinse and repeat centre.
Skimmed most of the second half, wishing for romantic Jax to have met someone else.
Obvious resolve.
Meh.
I'm looking forward to Kye's story if that little hint with the sheriff's daughter is anything to go by! But next up, Scout.