Gear Up: A High-Octane Small-Town Love Story

by Courtney Nugent

She was just trying to chase her dream behind the lens.
He was the dirt track star with fire in his blood.
Neither expected the other to become the thing worth fighting for.

Ripley James knows racing — the sound, the speed, the heartbreak. After losing her father on the track, she turned to photography, capturing every gritty, glorious moment through her lens. What she didn’t expect was Creed Carter.

He’s fast. Reckless. Untouchable.
And the only one who sees her fire — and fuels it.

Thrown together by fate and held tight by the chaos of the racing world, Ripley and Creed collide in a whirlwind of adrenaline, tension, and the kind of slow-burn heat that leaves scars. But when rivals, ghosts, and secrets from the past rise from the dust, love might be the one thing neither of them is ready to race toward.

Fast cars. Fierce love. No brakes.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Jenna]

FINALLY a dirt track romance. I could not put it down. Creed & Ripley, SWOON. Give me more, give me more.

[Brittany Parsons]

Finally a book about one of my passions. I love dirt track racing and reading why not merge them together and get a book I couldn’t put down. Cannot wait for book 2 need it now

[Tiffany]

yesssss

As a dirt track family I didn’t know I needed this in my life like I did! It was perfectly wrote. I would love more track books

[Sharol]

Wow ! Read this is one sitting ! If you’re a dirt track racing fan, I suggest reading this book.. I’m excited to read book 2

[Karly Colton]

I love the dirt track!! I love nascar!! So naturally I was super excited to find this series! There’s some parts that seem to lack a little clarification, like when Rowan shows up or who certain people are. But, I LOVE all of the racing details, right down to the smells and sounds. I can’t hear the roar of the engines as I’m reading it! I’m now starting book two!

[Beth Litzinger]

Perfect book to read track side! If you’re looking for a dirt track racing book with proper terminology this is it! Waiting impatiently for book 2…

[ANGEL Morgan]

Dirt track Romance

Such a good short read!! It's not my typical type of book but I absolutely was hooked and was left wanting more! Can't wait for book 2 to be released!

[Mackenzie Hayden]

Couldn’t put it down!!

As a dirt track junkie myself, I couldn’t put these books down! I absolutely loved them and cannot wait for more books to come out!

[Makayla Clark]

A dirt track romance worth your time! one of my favorite reads, finishing book 2 and can’t wait for book 3!!

[Leslee Pemberton]

I wanted more! I felt like it was rushed but so glad to have some dirt track books!

[Jenna]

WHY TF DID SHE HAVE TO GET PREGNANT????COULD’VE BEEN A FIVE STAR. i’m so annoyed

[Stephanie Bakkethun]

Finally! A dirt track racing book! One that you couldn’t put down! One that was very well written! She is a self publishing author, the text was hard to read a first but got used to it after awhile!

[Noel Tate]

best book ever

Love love love this book, read it in 2 days and would definitely read again!! Cannot wait to read the next part of Ripley and Creeds story!

[Courtney]

Dirt Track Romance Need!!!

I needed this!!! This was perfect for a slow burn dirt track romance!! I need book two like yesterday please!

[Daley Savage]

Couldn’t put it down! When is book 2 coming out! Need it ASAP! 😬