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Racing Hearts
When love takes the wheel, there’s no hitting the brakes.
Jordan Marsh seems to have it fame, success as a race car driver, and women vying for her attention. But beneath the glamour is a loneliness she can’t shake, a secret ache she’s learned to ignore, until a chance encounter throws her carefully crafted life into chaos.
Quincy Fitzgerald has spent years building walls around her heart, determined to stay in control after a devastating heartbreak. But when the promotion she’s been counting on falls through, her steady life crumbles. The last thing she needs is a high-profile romance that could shatter her fragile sense of order.
When Jordan and Quincy meet, their connection is undeniable. But Jordan’s celebrity world threatens to pull Quincy into the shadows, a place she refuses to go. Will they fight for a love that could change everything, or walk away before they crash and burn?
Jordan Marsh seems to have it fame, success as a race car driver, and women vying for her attention. But beneath the glamour is a loneliness she can’t shake, a secret ache she’s learned to ignore, until a chance encounter throws her carefully crafted life into chaos.
Quincy Fitzgerald has spent years building walls around her heart, determined to stay in control after a devastating heartbreak. But when the promotion she’s been counting on falls through, her steady life crumbles. The last thing she needs is a high-profile romance that could shatter her fragile sense of order.
When Jordan and Quincy meet, their connection is undeniable. But Jordan’s celebrity world threatens to pull Quincy into the shadows, a place she refuses to go. Will they fight for a love that could change everything, or walk away before they crash and burn?
- GenresLesbian
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
13 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 19, 2025
A wonderfully written debut album that is guaranteed to be a magnet for all racing fans and those that like celebrity storylines. Despite the high octane surround, the romance is a slow burn with medium levels of angst. I found myself wanting more of Quincy (the non racer) and incorporate more and more or her ER trauma, but all in all the story was enjoyable and well worth the read.
March 30, 2025
Racing Hearts, the debut novel by Sydney Lear, beautifully blends romance and the high-octane world of racing taking me right back to my youth.
The story centres around Jordan Marsh, a successful racing car driver who commands attention both on and off the circuit. Jordan’s chance encounter with Quincy Fitzgerald, an ER nurse, has Jordan questioning some choices in life. Quincy’s life has been better, her heart is guarded after a not-so-great breakup followed by a missed promotion leaving her at a crossroads.
Jordan and Quincy totally rock! The novel's engaging storyline and well-developed characters, who come with their own flaws and insecurities, created a reading experience that held my attention. The family dynamics and backstories were relatable, and place descriptions were on point, having me there in the moment.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more of this author's work. Would I recommend this book? Hell yes!
I received an arc from Butterworth Books for my honest review.
The story centres around Jordan Marsh, a successful racing car driver who commands attention both on and off the circuit. Jordan’s chance encounter with Quincy Fitzgerald, an ER nurse, has Jordan questioning some choices in life. Quincy’s life has been better, her heart is guarded after a not-so-great breakup followed by a missed promotion leaving her at a crossroads.
Jordan and Quincy totally rock! The novel's engaging storyline and well-developed characters, who come with their own flaws and insecurities, created a reading experience that held my attention. The family dynamics and backstories were relatable, and place descriptions were on point, having me there in the moment.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more of this author's work. Would I recommend this book? Hell yes!
I received an arc from Butterworth Books for my honest review.
May 27, 2025
What a Ride!!!
Jordan and Quincy captured my heart as they navigated friendship. Can they be more or does everyone else have more say? I recommend taking a ride with them to see what possibilities arise. A book for the romantic.
Jordan and Quincy captured my heart as they navigated friendship. Can they be more or does everyone else have more say? I recommend taking a ride with them to see what possibilities arise. A book for the romantic.
April 19, 2025
This is the first book for Sydney Lear. And it is a very good effort. I am looking forward to her next book. Jordan Marsh is a very famous and successful race car driver. Seen with a different woman on her arm at every event. Quincy Fitzgerald is an ER nurse with high walls. They have a chance meeting, and the spark is lit. I could tell a lot of research went into this book. And it is very well written. I enjoyed the flow and how everything fits. There is some heat and spice. I love that. I hope you will give it a chance.
April 12, 2025
Sydney Lear's debut novel is well done. The MCs are fully developed, they have growth, and good secondary support characters.
The angst is expected. The reconciliation is well done.
There is room for growth with the author, I hope to see more of her work in the future.
The angst is expected. The reconciliation is well done.
There is room for growth with the author, I hope to see more of her work in the future.
April 18, 2025
Excellent debut novel
This was such an engaging and well-written debut novel! I was hooked from the beginning—a great start, interesting premise, and characters that drew me in. I especially loved the dual POVs, which made connecting with both main characters and understanding their thoughts and emotions easy.
The pacing was solid for most of the book, and things picked up nicely around the 40% mark. I enjoyed how we got to know the characters little by little, through their lives and interactions with each other. It made everything feel more natural and real.
That said, there was a bit of a dip for me around the third act breakup. It felt a little repetitive and lost some of the "punch" the story had built up. Luckily, it picked back up again and kept me engaged through to the end.
There were a couple of things that didn’t quite land for me—just some timeline details and missed opportunities I wish had been explored more. Also... not gonna lie, I wasn’t loving Jordan at certain points (poor Quincy!).
The ending felt a little rushed, but the last chapter and epilogue made up for it. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and an excellent debut. Looking forward to whatever this author writes next!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This was such an engaging and well-written debut novel! I was hooked from the beginning—a great start, interesting premise, and characters that drew me in. I especially loved the dual POVs, which made connecting with both main characters and understanding their thoughts and emotions easy.
The pacing was solid for most of the book, and things picked up nicely around the 40% mark. I enjoyed how we got to know the characters little by little, through their lives and interactions with each other. It made everything feel more natural and real.
That said, there was a bit of a dip for me around the third act breakup. It felt a little repetitive and lost some of the "punch" the story had built up. Luckily, it picked back up again and kept me engaged through to the end.
There were a couple of things that didn’t quite land for me—just some timeline details and missed opportunities I wish had been explored more. Also... not gonna lie, I wasn’t loving Jordan at certain points (poor Quincy!).
The ending felt a little rushed, but the last chapter and epilogue made up for it. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and an excellent debut. Looking forward to whatever this author writes next!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
April 12, 2025
First bit, one main seems spoiled, sort of explained. I just didn't quite get on board with the mains first meeting. Tina, as a secondary character is horrible. Possibly cartoonishly horrible.
20% and I'm not really warming up to one main or feel I'm getting to know the other. Another 10% in and one mains personality seems to boomerang between in lust and forgetful 'cos she is being lusted after. Again a secondary character seems cartoonishly bad. To the point when he threatened the main and the other main intervened, I just raised my eyes heavenwards.
There was enough racing safety background to make it interesting and set context without me feeling overwhelmed with information. I feel one main is over reacting a lot.... but other bits I agree. Still a bit of eye rolling on my part but my eyes are mainly on the page.
I then started to get more stuff involved but a plot device just over half way irritated me. It absolutely added to the tension but also the cartoonishness of a secondary character.
A happy ending for the mains and the baddies got their just desserts too.
20% and I'm not really warming up to one main or feel I'm getting to know the other. Another 10% in and one mains personality seems to boomerang between in lust and forgetful 'cos she is being lusted after. Again a secondary character seems cartoonishly bad. To the point when he threatened the main and the other main intervened, I just raised my eyes heavenwards.
There was enough racing safety background to make it interesting and set context without me feeling overwhelmed with information. I feel one main is over reacting a lot.... but other bits I agree. Still a bit of eye rolling on my part but my eyes are mainly on the page.
I then started to get more stuff involved but a plot device just over half way irritated me. It absolutely added to the tension but also the cartoonishness of a secondary character.
A happy ending for the mains and the baddies got their just desserts too.
March 31, 2025
Dip into motorsports
Motorsports are not my thing, and I knew very little about them when I started reading this book.
After a chance encounter surfing in the ocean, the characters feel an undeniable connection to each other but it seems impossible to pursue. And the conniving baddies are horrible enough to make the reader frustrated.
In a true romance novel way, eventually things get sorted and the happy couple gets their happy ever after.
Motorsports are not my thing, and I knew very little about them when I started reading this book.
After a chance encounter surfing in the ocean, the characters feel an undeniable connection to each other but it seems impossible to pursue. And the conniving baddies are horrible enough to make the reader frustrated.
In a true romance novel way, eventually things get sorted and the happy couple gets their happy ever after.
April 23, 2025
Quincy and Jordon meet on the beach. Quincy is in the medical field and Jordon is a professional race car driver. They come to find out they both have lgbtq+ family. They have very different ideas about what they’re doing. Quincy is not into one night stands and tries to keep things just friends. She’s looking for her forever woman. Aren’t we all? Jordon is a one night stand type who at this point in her life is questioning her past choices. With her responsibilities as a race car driver promoting races she travels a lot and isn’t the relationship type. Quincy volunteers for the medical team at the LA Grand Prix. Some spice. I enjoyed the back and forth between the 2 MC’s. I found the other characters interesting, though not a fan of Tina who has her own agenda. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 17, 2025
What a great book! The celebrity race car driver, arrogant, black sheep (of an uber controlling family) meets the intelligent, heart walled-up, professionally unhappy, doctor who wants nothing to do with the limelight. They have instant chemistry, but lots of obstacles. Watching them figure out to go after what they wanted was a truly enjoyable read and I highly encourage everyone to check this one out!
April 25, 2025
Jordan and Quincy have an instant connection, going up against the carefully built walls around their hearts. I enjoyed going on this journey with them, the ups and downs, and diving into the racing world. I love it when a debut novel turns out to be a gem, as did this one. The story was well written and engaging, the characters likeable and their struggles relatable. Loved it!
April 17, 2025
This was a great read. The characters and storyline were engaging keeping me engaged from the first page. I would highly recommend this book and author.
April 17, 2025
A well written romance with a main character who is a race car driver, not a sport included in many of the LGBTQ books I have read. A great story I thoroughly enjoyed. Comes out May 1st so be on the lookout for it!
March 24, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book with the different occupation than what I’m used to seeing in a sapphic romance. Jordan is a race car driver and has many fans, while Quincy is a nurse practitioner in an ER and not such a fan of being in the limelight. When they meet surfing, Quincy isn’t aware of who Jordan is which provided a good start. Then come the twists and turns of who Jordan usually dates, and realizing Quincy is nothing like them. Plus the added family drama and a crazy manager. I think Jordan goes through the most growth and figures out to live her truth on her own terms which was great to see as well.
August 4, 2025
For some reason this review only posted on 'Zon, I was rereading and wanted to make sure I got this posted. I got an ARC and as a debut author, I gotta say I can't recall very many books that had me ignoring my surroundings due to being so lost in the story. Jordan and Quincy's ride was the opposite of the fast pace that was Jordan's lifestyle, and between the slowest of burns once they meet and Quincy doing the best she can to make sense of everything happening in her life- I ate this up. I am excited to see more from Lear. Definitely putting her on my watch list.
May 1, 2025
3.75 round up to 4
This was a really enjoyable, well done debut novel. There was a lot to like about this that has me looking forward to what the author produces in the future. The only niggly things i found are probably more down to me being picky!
I've never encountered a book that delt with Indycar racing so that was new and fascinating. I love delving into new things. I would have liked a bit more focus on the mechanics of the racing if i'm honest. In the ratio stakes it was it tad more swung towards the crazy media circus and the viper nest it creates. Which while i totally understand in reguards to the story my thirst for knowledge is left out lol. However i will also state it was all handled really well and it was clear the author knew her stuff.
Jordan and Quincy such complete opposites! From there numerous interactions yoyoing between great and disatrous you needed a harness just to try and avoid whiplass lol. It had you thinking these pair are doomed from the start! It also took me a really long time to warm up to Jordan. But when i started getting an inkling into her history and pressures she was under she had me. Quincy despite her own history and hang ups respected herself enough not to be just someones arm candy or treated 2nd best no matter what the brain gremlins told her. That takes courage. They where quite a pair and went on a fair old journey to find their HEA.
This story also had plenty of hiden drama too and it's pacing was relentless. It almost felt like being in an Indycar at times. This worked really well for the most part in that it didnt fall flat at any point, everything kept ticking over nicely all the way through. Personally i felt ocassionally there where little bits that where glossed over that could have used a bit of slowing down and expanding on. Like i said though i can be picky lol.
Overall I enjoyed this and i'm happy to say i have a new author to watch out for in the future!!
ARC copy provided by Butterworth Books for honest review
This was a really enjoyable, well done debut novel. There was a lot to like about this that has me looking forward to what the author produces in the future. The only niggly things i found are probably more down to me being picky!
I've never encountered a book that delt with Indycar racing so that was new and fascinating. I love delving into new things. I would have liked a bit more focus on the mechanics of the racing if i'm honest. In the ratio stakes it was it tad more swung towards the crazy media circus and the viper nest it creates. Which while i totally understand in reguards to the story my thirst for knowledge is left out lol. However i will also state it was all handled really well and it was clear the author knew her stuff.
Jordan and Quincy such complete opposites! From there numerous interactions yoyoing between great and disatrous you needed a harness just to try and avoid whiplass lol. It had you thinking these pair are doomed from the start! It also took me a really long time to warm up to Jordan. But when i started getting an inkling into her history and pressures she was under she had me. Quincy despite her own history and hang ups respected herself enough not to be just someones arm candy or treated 2nd best no matter what the brain gremlins told her. That takes courage. They where quite a pair and went on a fair old journey to find their HEA.
This story also had plenty of hiden drama too and it's pacing was relentless. It almost felt like being in an Indycar at times. This worked really well for the most part in that it didnt fall flat at any point, everything kept ticking over nicely all the way through. Personally i felt ocassionally there where little bits that where glossed over that could have used a bit of slowing down and expanding on. Like i said though i can be picky lol.
Overall I enjoyed this and i'm happy to say i have a new author to watch out for in the future!!
ARC copy provided by Butterworth Books for honest review
April 30, 2025
High speed drama!
Jordan is at the height of her fame as a race car driver but she is lonely. Quincy meets Jordan after her career has fallen apart and her heart has been broken, so getting involved in a high profile romance is the last thing she needs, especially if it means she is in the back seat.
Such a great story, and Jordan and Quincy had an undeniable connection. They were brilliant together and brought the best out in one another, but because Jordan didn’t have total control over her life, factors meant Quincy was fading into the background. That played on her already vulnerable and heartbroken state making some high tension moments between them. For the most part Quincy was very understanding of Jordan’s career and the spotlight being on her, so I completely understood why she was holding back so much.
Jordan’s loneliness came screaming through with each and every interaction she had, whether it was her entourage or Quincy, but they all seemed oblivious of it. My heart ached for her because she loved racing, it really was in her blood and her passion and when you are involved like that you need someone selfless and supporting by your side. Quincy was willing to do that, it was just everyone else interfering and telling Jordan what she needed to do that was getting between them. There were lots of twists and turns throughout the story and some much unexpected moments too that really put everything into perspective for them both.
A really great enjoyable sports romance, with some drama, tension, and lovely moments. Loved it!!!
Jordan is at the height of her fame as a race car driver but she is lonely. Quincy meets Jordan after her career has fallen apart and her heart has been broken, so getting involved in a high profile romance is the last thing she needs, especially if it means she is in the back seat.
Such a great story, and Jordan and Quincy had an undeniable connection. They were brilliant together and brought the best out in one another, but because Jordan didn’t have total control over her life, factors meant Quincy was fading into the background. That played on her already vulnerable and heartbroken state making some high tension moments between them. For the most part Quincy was very understanding of Jordan’s career and the spotlight being on her, so I completely understood why she was holding back so much.
Jordan’s loneliness came screaming through with each and every interaction she had, whether it was her entourage or Quincy, but they all seemed oblivious of it. My heart ached for her because she loved racing, it really was in her blood and her passion and when you are involved like that you need someone selfless and supporting by your side. Quincy was willing to do that, it was just everyone else interfering and telling Jordan what she needed to do that was getting between them. There were lots of twists and turns throughout the story and some much unexpected moments too that really put everything into perspective for them both.
A really great enjoyable sports romance, with some drama, tension, and lovely moments. Loved it!!!
October 21, 2025
Sydney Lear crafts one of the most realistic love stories I’ve read in years. What makes Racing Hearts so powerful is that it doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of falling in love. Jordan and Quincy’s relationship isn’t picture-perfect-it’s awkward, vulnerable, and full of moments where both women have to unlearn old habits. And that’s what makes it so believable. As a college literature student, I found Lear’s narrative structure incredibly well-balanced. She alternates between emotional depth and kinetic action, keeping readers fully engaged. Jordan’s fame could have made her feel untouchable, but instead, Lear makes her heartbreakingly relatable. Quincy’s guarded personality, shaped by past wounds, grounds the story in realism. I love how the novel refuses to follow formulaic romance beats. Every twist feels emotionally authentic. The tension between control and surrender runs throughout the book-not just in racing but in love itself. By the end, I was emotionally invested in both characters’ growth. Racing Hearts shows us that sometimes, you can’t steer love, You can only hang on for the ride. I’ll be recommending this one to my peers and my book club for sure.
April 8, 2025
This is a great read, with a maturity of writing that belies the fact that it's a debut novel. I know nothing about motor sports and the world surrounding it, but Lear had me there with driver Jordan Marsh both at the track and with the details of media attention both wanted and unwanted. Jordan is winning races and being sexy and attractive gets much notoriety with her numerous different lovers. She is out of control.
Quincy Fitzgerald is at a crossroads in her life. She is a Nurse Practitioner in a busy ER, and she’d hoped for promotion to supervisor, but it was given to someone else. She is upset and lonely with no one to share her life with.
The women meet and we find that Quincy has no idea of the high rolling life that Jordan lives and is unused to the attention. The way that Lear deals with the Quincy’s innocence of the limelight is masterfully done. The loneliness of each of the women is poignant at times and the twists and turns of the story allow us to see how each event affects them.
I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
Quincy Fitzgerald is at a crossroads in her life. She is a Nurse Practitioner in a busy ER, and she’d hoped for promotion to supervisor, but it was given to someone else. She is upset and lonely with no one to share her life with.
The women meet and we find that Quincy has no idea of the high rolling life that Jordan lives and is unused to the attention. The way that Lear deals with the Quincy’s innocence of the limelight is masterfully done. The loneliness of each of the women is poignant at times and the twists and turns of the story allow us to see how each event affects them.
I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
April 4, 2025
After reading this book by Sydney Lear, I find it hard to believe this is her debut book! The book drew me in from the first page. I had to keep turning pages to see what happened next!
The characters, Jourdan and Quincy met while surfing at the beach. Jourdan was enamored with Quincy from the beginning. Quincy, well she would never admit it, but she was drawn to Jourdan as well.
The MC’s, Jourdan, a race car driver, and playgirl; and Quincy a Nurse Practitioner still reeling after a breakup with her partner are 2 strong women, or are they?
I guess you’ll have to pick up the book and see. If I say anymore, I’ll give the plot away and I don’t want to ruin a terrific book for you!
I received an ARC from Butterworth Books
The characters, Jourdan and Quincy met while surfing at the beach. Jourdan was enamored with Quincy from the beginning. Quincy, well she would never admit it, but she was drawn to Jourdan as well.
The MC’s, Jourdan, a race car driver, and playgirl; and Quincy a Nurse Practitioner still reeling after a breakup with her partner are 2 strong women, or are they?
I guess you’ll have to pick up the book and see. If I say anymore, I’ll give the plot away and I don’t want to ruin a terrific book for you!
I received an ARC from Butterworth Books
April 23, 2025
It’s hard to believe a debut author wrote this spectacular slow-burn romance. I know nothing about Indy car racing, but I sometimes felt like part of the crew. Sydney Lear really shone in her description of the characters’ feelings and the scenery. Brilliant.
The main characters were well-developed. Quincy was down-to-earth, but Jordon did have a bit of awakening before she could win her over. You can feel the love when Jordan interacts with her father’s side of the family and with Joe, her pit crew boss. Tina was a b*tch, and we all know someone who’s like Tina. Carver was predictable, but there are misogynistic jerks like him.
I look forward to Sydney Lear’s next novel.
The main characters were well-developed. Quincy was down-to-earth, but Jordon did have a bit of awakening before she could win her over. You can feel the love when Jordan interacts with her father’s side of the family and with Joe, her pit crew boss. Tina was a b*tch, and we all know someone who’s like Tina. Carver was predictable, but there are misogynistic jerks like him.
I look forward to Sydney Lear’s next novel.
March 27, 2025
Jordan and Quincey’s love story is one that will have your heart racing! From their first meeting on the water, to the excitement of the track, this story captivated me and I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the build up of their attraction to each other and how Sydney lead us to their happily ever after. This story flowed so well that I honestly couldn’t put it down. The characters were all easy to love, even the secondaries. If you want an easy afternoon read, grab this book. I know you won’t be disappointed.
August 7, 2025
Nurse Quincy Fitzgerald is unhappy with her life, passed over for a promotion she earned and being single.
Racer Jordan Marsh meets Quincy surfing, and is instantly intrigued. But she's used to fame seeking types, and Quincy is totally not that.
Jordan wants to date Quincy, but her image is of a single racer. Worse, she's concerned her sponsors might back out if she settles down. So she breaks it off, and Quincy calls her a coward.
Jordan having a accident and changing is very tropey honestly. Not BAD just... predictable.
Very mid, overall.
Racer Jordan Marsh meets Quincy surfing, and is instantly intrigued. But she's used to fame seeking types, and Quincy is totally not that.
Jordan wants to date Quincy, but her image is of a single racer. Worse, she's concerned her sponsors might back out if she settles down. So she breaks it off, and Quincy calls her a coward.
Jordan having a accident and changing is very tropey honestly. Not BAD just... predictable.
Very mid, overall.
March 27, 2025
What a great debut novel for this author. Jorden and Quincy are a great couple. Quincy - reserved and cautious. Jorden - Rock star status with the ego to go with it. I enjoyed the Indy car aspect of the book - something different from the rock star or executive. Jorden just wants to be loved and the feelings between her and Quincy draw you in. Looking forward to more books from this new author.
April 17, 2025
Wow what an phenomenal story I loved the main characters their chemistry shined throughout, their connection was embedded beautifully making it impossible to put down definitely a must read congratulations
May 11, 2025
engine roarrrr
As someone who has followed the Indy500 for decades, I really appreciated this story. I wish for a female to win this race in the near future. That would be AMAZING! Thanks for this story.
As someone who has followed the Indy500 for decades, I really appreciated this story. I wish for a female to win this race in the near future. That would be AMAZING! Thanks for this story.
May 22, 2025
easy reading
Enjoyed this easy reading story. Will you see where the plot lines are going, probably. Does that make it less enjoyable to see these characters walk through it, not at all. This is a nice lazy day in the sunshine feet up read.
Enjoyed this easy reading story. Will you see where the plot lines are going, probably. Does that make it less enjoyable to see these characters walk through it, not at all. This is a nice lazy day in the sunshine feet up read.
October 12, 2025
This is an enjoyable read but a bit too much racing details for my taste. I would have loved the book more if the romance had been more the focus of the book. Now it is more racing and lust as I see it.
May 11, 2025
3.5
jordan is very much a bitch
jordan is very much a bitch
August 22, 2025
Great story and good character arcs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews