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Furious Rush #1
Furious Rush
The first book in a new series by the #1 bestselling author of the Thoughtless novels...
Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie's skin. His insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who was handed her career fuels her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she's racing against Hayden.
As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense--and strictly forbidden--attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind...
Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie's skin. His insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who was handed her career fuels her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she's racing against Hayden.
As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense--and strictly forbidden--attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind...
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
237 people are currently reading
8141 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Stephens
42 books17.1k followersS.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 631 reviews
May 8, 2017
3 I have conflicting emotions about this book Stars
Some Spoilers
I am confused as to how I feel about this book. So I gave it a middle ground 3 star rating. The first half of the book was slow starting, and dragged a little, but when it got going I really started to enjoy it. Then I started getting really angry over things some of the secondary characters were doing. Then the ending made me want to bash my kindle in with a hammer.
Sooooooo Yeahhhh like I said conflicting emotions. I loved Hayden. He was loyal, sexy, charming, street smart with just a touch of bad boy. Kenzie I liked but it took me a while to warm to her. She was very uptight and at times she would come off as a bit of a bitch. But as the book goes on and you see all the pressure and stress she has I could see where she was coming from. Then by the half way mark after she fell in love with Hayden she changed. She loosened up, pulled the stick out of her butt, started breaking rules and lived a little. Which I really liked. Kenzie and Hayden made a cute couple. They had major sexual tension and lots of passion when they got together. S.C. Stephens can write some very hot, yummy, sex scenes.
My biggest problem with this book was I hated Kenzie's dad, Keith, and Hookup. Those 3 asshats just kept ticking me off. Kenzie's Dad Jordan came off very selfish and uncaring. The things he did to Kenzie are unforgivable and I truly hated him. Keith and hookup were no better. The end of this book was kind of a shock to the system. I bet my mouth dropped open. Something happens that made me want to smash my kindle and add to that a ton of unfinished business and I am guessing there will be another book. Which of course I will be picking up because I have to know what happens.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Some Spoilers
I am confused as to how I feel about this book. So I gave it a middle ground 3 star rating. The first half of the book was slow starting, and dragged a little, but when it got going I really started to enjoy it. Then I started getting really angry over things some of the secondary characters were doing. Then the ending made me want to bash my kindle in with a hammer.
Sooooooo Yeahhhh like I said conflicting emotions. I loved Hayden. He was loyal, sexy, charming, street smart with just a touch of bad boy. Kenzie I liked but it took me a while to warm to her. She was very uptight and at times she would come off as a bit of a bitch. But as the book goes on and you see all the pressure and stress she has I could see where she was coming from. Then by the half way mark after she fell in love with Hayden she changed. She loosened up, pulled the stick out of her butt, started breaking rules and lived a little. Which I really liked. Kenzie and Hayden made a cute couple. They had major sexual tension and lots of passion when they got together. S.C. Stephens can write some very hot, yummy, sex scenes.
My biggest problem with this book was I hated Kenzie's dad, Keith, and Hookup. Those 3 asshats just kept ticking me off. Kenzie's Dad Jordan came off very selfish and uncaring. The things he did to Kenzie are unforgivable and I truly hated him. Keith and hookup were no better. The end of this book was kind of a shock to the system. I bet my mouth dropped open. Something happens that made me want to smash my kindle and add to that a ton of unfinished business and I am guessing there will be another book. Which of course I will be picking up because I have to know what happens.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
August 22, 2016
3-3.5 stars
Furious Rush is one of those books that left me feeling a little conflicted after reading. There were parts of this book I really loved, characters I adored, yet also some things that didn’t work for me. I love SC Stephen’s writing and when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped all over it. This is a story of forbidden love with some angst- right up my alley!
Mackenzie Cox’s life revolves around racing. It’s in her blood. As the daughter of a racing coach and legend, she has high expectations to do well her first year of professional racing. The stakes are high for her. Her father’s racing company isn’t doing as well as it once did and they need wins. When she meets Hayden Hayes, a new racer from a rival team with a somewhat sketchy past, she knows she needs to stay away. No matter how strong the attraction she feels for him, it can’t go anywhere. They are banned from fraternizing with this specific team Hayden is on and it could be the end of both of their racing careers if they gave in to their desires.
The problem here is Mackenzie isn’t only insanely attracted to Hayden, he pushes her, makes her a better racer. Racing against him makes her race better. Race faster. When she hits her best times, she’s racing against him or practicing alongside. And their attraction just grows and grows the more time they spend with one another. It’s clear they can’t stay away from each other, even though being together in any capacity is completely forbidden.
As much as I understood Mackenzie, her character did frustrate me quite a bit throughout the story. I got why she was the way she was, and when she started to come around I was happy, but for so long, I wasn’t happy with some of her actions. Hayden on the other hand, I truly did adore. He did some things that were wrong, but he had good reasons to do them. I loved this couple together and Mackenzie finally came around, I really did love the way she handled things at the end.
Let's talk about that ending a bit. When I started reading this book, it was under the assumption that it was a stand-alone. After the ending, it’s pretty clear it is not. Although it’s not listed as a series, and there was no huge cliffhanger, there were so many things unresolved there has to be a second book. I hate going into a book with the mindset I’m going to get a conclusion to my story and be satisfied at the end, and then surprise! I’m not. Between that, my feelings towards Mackenzie during a bulk of the book and the slow start to the story, I couldn’t rate this higher than a 3.5. And I hate that because there really was so much of the story that I loved.
If you’re looking for a sports romance that’s focused on forbidden love and is angsty and full of sexual tension- pick this one up! SC Stephen’s writing is top notch as always and Hayden Hayes is someone you don’t want to miss out on meeting!
Furious Rush is one of those books that left me feeling a little conflicted after reading. There were parts of this book I really loved, characters I adored, yet also some things that didn’t work for me. I love SC Stephen’s writing and when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped all over it. This is a story of forbidden love with some angst- right up my alley!
Mackenzie Cox’s life revolves around racing. It’s in her blood. As the daughter of a racing coach and legend, she has high expectations to do well her first year of professional racing. The stakes are high for her. Her father’s racing company isn’t doing as well as it once did and they need wins. When she meets Hayden Hayes, a new racer from a rival team with a somewhat sketchy past, she knows she needs to stay away. No matter how strong the attraction she feels for him, it can’t go anywhere. They are banned from fraternizing with this specific team Hayden is on and it could be the end of both of their racing careers if they gave in to their desires.
The problem here is Mackenzie isn’t only insanely attracted to Hayden, he pushes her, makes her a better racer. Racing against him makes her race better. Race faster. When she hits her best times, she’s racing against him or practicing alongside. And their attraction just grows and grows the more time they spend with one another. It’s clear they can’t stay away from each other, even though being together in any capacity is completely forbidden.
As much as I understood Mackenzie, her character did frustrate me quite a bit throughout the story. I got why she was the way she was, and when she started to come around I was happy, but for so long, I wasn’t happy with some of her actions. Hayden on the other hand, I truly did adore. He did some things that were wrong, but he had good reasons to do them. I loved this couple together and Mackenzie finally came around, I really did love the way she handled things at the end.
Let's talk about that ending a bit. When I started reading this book, it was under the assumption that it was a stand-alone. After the ending, it’s pretty clear it is not. Although it’s not listed as a series, and there was no huge cliffhanger, there were so many things unresolved there has to be a second book. I hate going into a book with the mindset I’m going to get a conclusion to my story and be satisfied at the end, and then surprise! I’m not. Between that, my feelings towards Mackenzie during a bulk of the book and the slow start to the story, I couldn’t rate this higher than a 3.5. And I hate that because there really was so much of the story that I loved.
If you’re looking for a sports romance that’s focused on forbidden love and is angsty and full of sexual tension- pick this one up! SC Stephen’s writing is top notch as always and Hayden Hayes is someone you don’t want to miss out on meeting!
August 22, 2016
"Riding a race bike is an art—a thing that you do because you feel something inside.”~Valentino Rossi
Have you ever been to a NASCAR, Formula One, motocross, or other race where you’ve felt that power surge on the track…that buzz in the air? Have you ever raced a car or motorcycle on the track or road where you’ve felt that power gush behind the wheel? Have you been to or watched a race where your senses were heightened as they came to life?
Racing is the most sensory-driven sport where ALL of the senses come to life. You hear, see, smell, taste, and feel it ALL. You feel that flow of adrenaline course through your veins from that rush that racing elicits. You smell the fumes of the engines preparing to go into battle where you watch them whirl around the track so fast that your head is spinning in the best way. Furious Rush by SC Stephens is a racing romance that comes to life—one where you can’t help but FEEL EVERYTHING.
After falling head-over-heels in love with Kellan Kyle in SC Stephens’ famous Thoughtless series, I was excited to meet the racing romance called Furious Rush and Hayden Hayes, who I knew would capture my heart…and that he did. I dove into Furious Rush with a fervor, eager to feel this story and oh did I feel each word I read. I FELT EVERYTHING. Furious Rush consumed and claimed me from the very first page where I was ALL IN. Heart pumping with adrenaline. Body shaking with bated breathing in anticipation. Eyes tearing from the intense emotions that overcame me. I was in awe. I was in anguish. I was amused. I was on an adventure. I WAS ALIVE.
Beautiful and brave motorcycle racer, McKenzie ‘Kenzie’ Cox, lives and breathes racing; it’s in her blood. Her famous father was a racing legend. Now, her legendary father is her boss and racing team owner, and one hard act to follow. Riding a motorcycle around that track or on the road fast and furiously is Kenzie’s haven…her passion. Winning a race is her dream.
"I want to make my father proud, honor the legacy he started.”
I LOVED Kenzie with her strong will, determination, beauty and brains—a lethal combination and a force to be reckoned with on and off the track. Kenzie lives for racing and adheres to routine on the race track and in life. Life is not always predictable and sometimes a wrench or a hot distraction messes up the best laid plans like hot and humorous Hayden Hayes who races for the opposing team, Benneti, Cox Racing Team’s enemy from an owners’ feud stemming decades.
"He was smokin’, someone-hold-on-to-my-ovaries-before-they-explode hot.”
Hayden’s looks are as fire-hot as his racing with light green eyes, blond hair, and a tall and muscular body made for much more than racing. Cocky and captivating, Hayden is one tantalizing temptation Kenzie can’t afford to partake in, despite her panties jumping to participate.
"I could help you thaw out, Ice Queen.”
Part of me did not want to like the cocky and sometimes cruel Hayden but I did; I could not help it. I FELL IN MAD LOVE WITH HAYDEN HAYES along with his Aussie kissing skills. Hayden is broken and beautiful. Helpless to Hayden’s spell, I swooned at this gorgeous guy hiding pain beneath a mask of humor who quickly stole my heart.
"Why was he staring at me like I was the starting line, like I was the prize?”
Hayden is as desperate to win a race as is Kenzie, both armed in battle where the stakes are high. Kenzie has caught Hayden’s eye and more. The stunning and smart spitfire is one challenge he wants to conquer like the race.
"I hated to admit it, but chasing him gave me a rush.”
Like Kenzie, Hayden feels that furious rush too that burns on and off the track between them like fireworks waiting to go boom.
"Race me or chase me, Kenzie.”
Racing each other fuels the fire on and off the track. It’s a high for both and Hayden and Kenzie who are better battling side-by-side on the track than apart.
"Did you…did you feel it today…while we were racing? We’re magic together, Twenty-Two.”
Magic are what Kenzie and Hayden are on that track as they soar together, trying to catch the other while desire paves its own destination. From enemies to friends, Kenzie and Hayden hover into the forbidden territory of more.
"Just like when we were racing, I suddenly had tunnel vision, and he was all I could see.”
These beautiful words grabbed my soul, as I hoped this captivating couple would find more as they are perfect together on and off the track.
"Racing you gives me a high, but you make me feel alive.”
Oh Hayden. I'm SMITTEN with this hero. Hayden’s tongue is pure magic as are his wondrous words. I was smitten by this man of many layers who is pure perfection. A Romeo so right for his Juliet; if only their blooming love was not forbidden.
"As his tongue slid through my lips, flicking, then caressing, my mind self-destructed in an explosion of lust. F**k the future, I just want to feel alive right now. And no one made me feel more alive than Hayden.”
Kenzie and Hayden are each other's air. Each other's heart. Each other’s hope. Each other’s salvation. Kenzie and Hayden are enemies on the track, forbidden from contact, the fight for romance a losing battle. Stakes are high during the final race when secrets are exposed, the past brings smoke, and they veer off course, possibly sending them into a collision both on and off the track.
My heart was cut in half as it lay bleeding in the aftermath with hope hanging by a thread for happiness. The feels flowed as did my tears—fast and furiously— like laps around the track.
"I wanted to pretend nothing had changed, even though everything had.”
Explosive and enthralling, Furious Rush is a tale of guts and glory that bleeds angst, hitting your heart hard and stealing your soul in a romance where you can’t help but explode in emotions. I WAS FLOATING IN FEELS THE WHOLE STORY. This touching and turbulent tale tugged my heart every step of the way, stomping on it and then stitching it back together several times.
Furious Rush ruined me. Rescued me. Branded me. Breathed life into me. Became me. My heart pounded with every page, beating with a surge that soared straight to my soul, which this story stole.
RACE ME OR CHASE ME.
Oh did my heart race as it pounded with every page of this spellbinding story. I’m still chasing this roller coaster of a romance that I did not want to end. My heart is still hanging out at the race track, stuck in Furious Rush. That rush? I still feel it coursing through my veins, long after this story first captivated and caught me.
SC Stephens placed a new soul-searing story in my heart with Furious Rush, a new perfectly imperfect and breathtakingly beautiful book boyfriend in my head with Hayden Hayes, and a new hangover for me to nurse in an adventure that has forever claimed me. A flawless, fierce and furious rush. A rush I'll keep chasing forever.
5 flawless, furious and fierce stars
Have you ever been to a NASCAR, Formula One, motocross, or other race where you’ve felt that power surge on the track…that buzz in the air? Have you ever raced a car or motorcycle on the track or road where you’ve felt that power gush behind the wheel? Have you been to or watched a race where your senses were heightened as they came to life?
Racing is the most sensory-driven sport where ALL of the senses come to life. You hear, see, smell, taste, and feel it ALL. You feel that flow of adrenaline course through your veins from that rush that racing elicits. You smell the fumes of the engines preparing to go into battle where you watch them whirl around the track so fast that your head is spinning in the best way. Furious Rush by SC Stephens is a racing romance that comes to life—one where you can’t help but FEEL EVERYTHING.
After falling head-over-heels in love with Kellan Kyle in SC Stephens’ famous Thoughtless series, I was excited to meet the racing romance called Furious Rush and Hayden Hayes, who I knew would capture my heart…and that he did. I dove into Furious Rush with a fervor, eager to feel this story and oh did I feel each word I read. I FELT EVERYTHING. Furious Rush consumed and claimed me from the very first page where I was ALL IN. Heart pumping with adrenaline. Body shaking with bated breathing in anticipation. Eyes tearing from the intense emotions that overcame me. I was in awe. I was in anguish. I was amused. I was on an adventure. I WAS ALIVE.
Beautiful and brave motorcycle racer, McKenzie ‘Kenzie’ Cox, lives and breathes racing; it’s in her blood. Her famous father was a racing legend. Now, her legendary father is her boss and racing team owner, and one hard act to follow. Riding a motorcycle around that track or on the road fast and furiously is Kenzie’s haven…her passion. Winning a race is her dream.
"I want to make my father proud, honor the legacy he started.”
I LOVED Kenzie with her strong will, determination, beauty and brains—a lethal combination and a force to be reckoned with on and off the track. Kenzie lives for racing and adheres to routine on the race track and in life. Life is not always predictable and sometimes a wrench or a hot distraction messes up the best laid plans like hot and humorous Hayden Hayes who races for the opposing team, Benneti, Cox Racing Team’s enemy from an owners’ feud stemming decades.
"He was smokin’, someone-hold-on-to-my-ovaries-before-they-explode hot.”
Hayden’s looks are as fire-hot as his racing with light green eyes, blond hair, and a tall and muscular body made for much more than racing. Cocky and captivating, Hayden is one tantalizing temptation Kenzie can’t afford to partake in, despite her panties jumping to participate.
"I could help you thaw out, Ice Queen.”
Part of me did not want to like the cocky and sometimes cruel Hayden but I did; I could not help it. I FELL IN MAD LOVE WITH HAYDEN HAYES along with his Aussie kissing skills. Hayden is broken and beautiful. Helpless to Hayden’s spell, I swooned at this gorgeous guy hiding pain beneath a mask of humor who quickly stole my heart.
"Why was he staring at me like I was the starting line, like I was the prize?”
Hayden is as desperate to win a race as is Kenzie, both armed in battle where the stakes are high. Kenzie has caught Hayden’s eye and more. The stunning and smart spitfire is one challenge he wants to conquer like the race.
"I hated to admit it, but chasing him gave me a rush.”
Like Kenzie, Hayden feels that furious rush too that burns on and off the track between them like fireworks waiting to go boom.
"Race me or chase me, Kenzie.”
Racing each other fuels the fire on and off the track. It’s a high for both and Hayden and Kenzie who are better battling side-by-side on the track than apart.
"Did you…did you feel it today…while we were racing? We’re magic together, Twenty-Two.”
Magic are what Kenzie and Hayden are on that track as they soar together, trying to catch the other while desire paves its own destination. From enemies to friends, Kenzie and Hayden hover into the forbidden territory of more.
"Just like when we were racing, I suddenly had tunnel vision, and he was all I could see.”
These beautiful words grabbed my soul, as I hoped this captivating couple would find more as they are perfect together on and off the track.
"Racing you gives me a high, but you make me feel alive.”
Oh Hayden. I'm SMITTEN with this hero. Hayden’s tongue is pure magic as are his wondrous words. I was smitten by this man of many layers who is pure perfection. A Romeo so right for his Juliet; if only their blooming love was not forbidden.
"As his tongue slid through my lips, flicking, then caressing, my mind self-destructed in an explosion of lust. F**k the future, I just want to feel alive right now. And no one made me feel more alive than Hayden.”
Kenzie and Hayden are each other's air. Each other's heart. Each other’s hope. Each other’s salvation. Kenzie and Hayden are enemies on the track, forbidden from contact, the fight for romance a losing battle. Stakes are high during the final race when secrets are exposed, the past brings smoke, and they veer off course, possibly sending them into a collision both on and off the track.
My heart was cut in half as it lay bleeding in the aftermath with hope hanging by a thread for happiness. The feels flowed as did my tears—fast and furiously— like laps around the track.
"I wanted to pretend nothing had changed, even though everything had.”
Explosive and enthralling, Furious Rush is a tale of guts and glory that bleeds angst, hitting your heart hard and stealing your soul in a romance where you can’t help but explode in emotions. I WAS FLOATING IN FEELS THE WHOLE STORY. This touching and turbulent tale tugged my heart every step of the way, stomping on it and then stitching it back together several times.
Furious Rush ruined me. Rescued me. Branded me. Breathed life into me. Became me. My heart pounded with every page, beating with a surge that soared straight to my soul, which this story stole.
RACE ME OR CHASE ME.
Oh did my heart race as it pounded with every page of this spellbinding story. I’m still chasing this roller coaster of a romance that I did not want to end. My heart is still hanging out at the race track, stuck in Furious Rush. That rush? I still feel it coursing through my veins, long after this story first captivated and caught me.
SC Stephens placed a new soul-searing story in my heart with Furious Rush, a new perfectly imperfect and breathtakingly beautiful book boyfriend in my head with Hayden Hayes, and a new hangover for me to nurse in an adventure that has forever claimed me. A flawless, fierce and furious rush. A rush I'll keep chasing forever.
5 flawless, furious and fierce stars
August 10, 2016
An adrenaline rush from the start! Five checkered flags for the win.
I am blown away at how this author can transport the reader into the world she is writing about. I kid you not, I was on a bike chasing Kenzie and Hayden. I totally owned that track with them (and the the street too) because I'm that crazy of a stalker.
Furious Rush is a story that will consume you, you will not want to put this book down and you will fall head over freaking heels for Hayden Hayes. God, excuse me while I have a moment and drool over him and his hotness. Come on ladies, a fine male specimen on a bike, racing on the streets, oh and just wait until you get to the part of why he races. Total swoon moment.
Alright, so now to what this awesome piece of literature is about. So, we have Kenzie who races for her dad's team, Cox Racing. She is in her rookie year and is excited to get out on the track and prove herself not only to her father, a legend in the sport; but to everyone else. She needs to prove to herself that she is worthy of the legends name. She is so regimented in her training, her eating, and in essence everything about her life. She never strays from the tasks and goals she sets for herself. Her friends know that she has one goal, to win and she will do everything in her power to do just that. Sadly, her dad's racing team and family business have seen better days and not even her winning and gaining sponsors could help.
Hayden Hayes, good god almighty, this man was created to break ever rule. He is the badboy, the one your mom told you to stay away from, the one that comes across cocky and selfish. Yet, Kenzie is hooked, from the very first time she saw him something happened. Then, there he was every turn, every thought, every single place she went; freaking Hayden Hayes was there. The boy you love to hate, the one that you know to stay away from, has a magnetic force and they are drawn to each other. This could end so bad, but he is oh so worth it, or is he?
The modern day tale of Romeo and Juliet. This book is absolute perfection.
I am blown away at how this author can transport the reader into the world she is writing about. I kid you not, I was on a bike chasing Kenzie and Hayden. I totally owned that track with them (and the the street too) because I'm that crazy of a stalker.
Furious Rush is a story that will consume you, you will not want to put this book down and you will fall head over freaking heels for Hayden Hayes. God, excuse me while I have a moment and drool over him and his hotness. Come on ladies, a fine male specimen on a bike, racing on the streets, oh and just wait until you get to the part of why he races. Total swoon moment.
Alright, so now to what this awesome piece of literature is about. So, we have Kenzie who races for her dad's team, Cox Racing. She is in her rookie year and is excited to get out on the track and prove herself not only to her father, a legend in the sport; but to everyone else. She needs to prove to herself that she is worthy of the legends name. She is so regimented in her training, her eating, and in essence everything about her life. She never strays from the tasks and goals she sets for herself. Her friends know that she has one goal, to win and she will do everything in her power to do just that. Sadly, her dad's racing team and family business have seen better days and not even her winning and gaining sponsors could help.
Hayden Hayes, good god almighty, this man was created to break ever rule. He is the badboy, the one your mom told you to stay away from, the one that comes across cocky and selfish. Yet, Kenzie is hooked, from the very first time she saw him something happened. Then, there he was every turn, every thought, every single place she went; freaking Hayden Hayes was there. The boy you love to hate, the one that you know to stay away from, has a magnetic force and they are drawn to each other. This could end so bad, but he is oh so worth it, or is he?
The modern day tale of Romeo and Juliet. This book is absolute perfection.
August 19, 2016
Title: Furious Rush
Series: Standalone
Author: S.C. Stephens
Release date: August 23, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
When I saw that there was a book coming out set in the racing world, I was immediately drawn in and excited to check it out. I feel like this is a setting with untapped potential, you just don't see that many quality books about racers. The synopsis intrigued me-daughter of a racing legend goes head to head with a street racer on the track. Rivalry and competitiveness flare, then to top it off we have a forbidden romance thrown in to boot? There's plenty of hope there for a riveting read.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't end up feeling as enthusiastic for the story when my expectations met with reality. I wanted to love this one and tried really hard to overlook things. But there were just too many issues that cropped up that detracted from my enjoyment. There were some pieces of the story that I really appreciated, mostly the racing scenes between Kenzie and Hayden. I actually really loved seeing them face off on the track and see their energy feed off of each other.
For some reason that I didn't fully understand, Hayden was my center. I needed him to maintain my balance, and without him, I was lost.
Our heroine Kenzie is one tough woman. On paper, she has all the characteristics in a heroine that I favor. She's strong, independent, works in a male-dominated field and isn't a pushover. I loved her strength of character and her strong loyalty to her family. However, from the very first interactions between her and Hayden, she rubbed me the wrong way. And honestly, I can't say I warmed up much to her throughout the book at all.
When she meets Hayden at an illegal street race, she immediately snubs him and sneers at his participation in such a dangerous sport. I can't argue that what he's doing is reckless, but her judgement and disrespect of him for trying to work his way to what she had handed to her put me off. She's the daughter of a racing legend and her father paved the way for her to follow her dreams. She had opportunities that he never had, and her continued attitude toward him was confrontational and bitchy even when he was trying to reach out and help her.
Lifting my jaw as I refocused my resolve, I told him, "I'm a grown woman, a daughter of a legend, and I don't need your help. Now give me back my phone."
It got to be too much how she constantly treated him, it came off as so bratty and immature. I did understand what she was up against, and it was considerable. Living in her father's shadow has her desperate to break the mold and prove to everyone she has what it takes. And it doesn't help that her father's lack of acceptance causes her confidence to take a major hit.
How the hell was I supposed to stand a chance at succeeding when the bar was already set on the top rung?
When Hayden suddenly enters the professional racing circuit, and more specifically their rival team, she grows an even deeper dislike of him. The Cox and Bennetti teams share the same practice track, but a long standing feud keeps the tension always on the verge of snapping. This hatred her father held for Hayden's team makes her resistance to him even stronger. Despite her immediate attraction, there were too many factors that made even a friendship with him impossible. Her career, her family's financial problems, and finally earning her father's respect all hinged on her keeping her focus on one thing: winning.
Hayden was the complete opposite of Kenzie. He was the rebel, the rule breaker, and I really loved that edge he had.
"I never said rules were stupid, sweetheart. If there were no rules...well, then, it would be impossible for me to break them, wouldn't it?"
He's willing to break any law or push through any obstacle to reach his end goal. He has hidden motivations throughout the book, always keeping you guessing whether or not he was completely trustworthy. The seeds of doubt are constantly being planted when accidents and bad luck plague the drivers. It adds a little layer of mystery to the story, which I liked.
There was a lot of push and pull between the h/H, that caused the tension and angst to build to soaring levels. They had some incredible chemistry arcing off of each other. With every step forward they took, Kenzie took two steps back. The fear of discovery and ruin kept her from admitting her true feelings, even to herself. Just when you think she's going to own up to what was between them, she was reminded of everything she had to lose. It was a dance that kept me spinning in circles with them. At some point, she needed to prove to him that he mattered to her, and I wanted it to happen earlier than it did.
Just a warning, the ending is very abrupt. There is no series listed for this book, but the way things are left off, it's pretty clear there's more of the story to be told. It's not what I'd call a cliffhanger, but there are things that need to be resolved. Overall, I enjoyed the idea of the story, it had great potential. I liked the forbidden element and the racing scenes, but I needed more from the heroine to feel fully connected to their romance. Her abrasive attitude put me off quite a bit. I still think fans of S.C. Stephens will enjoy Furious Rush, it was a unique story with two complex main characters. You may feel completely different than this as me and not be bothered at all by my own personal issues.
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August 26, 2016
Kindle
FURIOUS RUSH is a Contemporary Romance story about forbidden love, breaking the rules and racing! The protagonists, Kenzie and Hayden, belong to separate racing teams who are rivals and serious arch enemies making the possibility of the hero and heroine’s togetherness impossible! One thing is clear, each rider needs to win for their team. Despite this fact, it soon becomes clear that there’s hot chemistry between this couple and they find it almost impossible to fight their forbidden temptation.
Forbidden love stories are among my most favourite story tropes. I love the push and pull and the angst they so often provide. Furious Rush had me somewhat torn. The story is told in the first person narrative and from the sole perspective of the heroine which made Hayden appear all the more mysterious and aloof at the start of the story, a factor I really appreciated. There are elements I really enjoyed and then there are moments and aspects that just didn’t work for me like I thought they would. I found the motivation, although completely plausible, seemed too obvious for Hayden’s character. The struggles faced by the heroine seemed pointless when she could not reveal the outcome of her achievements so I became frustrated with her thought process and decisions. A couple of additional characters are, to my mind, frivolous in their attitude which many readers may not consider an issue but it became irksome to me. As the story develops and the points I have mentioned came to light I became slightly disengaged from the story and the emotion did not touch me the way it should have.
Having said all of the above something about this story kept me reading until the end, I wanted to know what happened to this couple. The tension depicted between the protagonists and the chemistry shown is brilliant. The author created a fictional world with vivid clarity that pulled me in from the beginning, I could easily picture the scenes and characters. Hayden is absolutely swoony and there's a light suspense element weaved through which I suspect readers may deduce as the story develops but find this puzzle solving quite satisfying. This aspect kept me interested, I wanted to know if I was right and, although I was not as emotionally involved as I wanted to be, there is something about the dynamic of this couple that kept my interest and I believe many ROMANCE LOVERS will love the journey of Hayden and Kenzie. As the climax of the story unfolds my interest levels definitely rose back to how I felt at the beginning of the story. I was also fascinated and by the heroine's father's story and would love to know more about his life. If the author decides to write a second book to this series, then I would no doubt be diving right in for more. I have a feeling there is potentially a lot more to discover.
★ ★ Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts ★ ★
FURIOUS RUSH is a Contemporary Romance story about forbidden love, breaking the rules and racing! The protagonists, Kenzie and Hayden, belong to separate racing teams who are rivals and serious arch enemies making the possibility of the hero and heroine’s togetherness impossible! One thing is clear, each rider needs to win for their team. Despite this fact, it soon becomes clear that there’s hot chemistry between this couple and they find it almost impossible to fight their forbidden temptation.
Forbidden love stories are among my most favourite story tropes. I love the push and pull and the angst they so often provide. Furious Rush had me somewhat torn. The story is told in the first person narrative and from the sole perspective of the heroine which made Hayden appear all the more mysterious and aloof at the start of the story, a factor I really appreciated. There are elements I really enjoyed and then there are moments and aspects that just didn’t work for me like I thought they would. I found the motivation, although completely plausible, seemed too obvious for Hayden’s character. The struggles faced by the heroine seemed pointless when she could not reveal the outcome of her achievements so I became frustrated with her thought process and decisions. A couple of additional characters are, to my mind, frivolous in their attitude which many readers may not consider an issue but it became irksome to me. As the story develops and the points I have mentioned came to light I became slightly disengaged from the story and the emotion did not touch me the way it should have.
Having said all of the above something about this story kept me reading until the end, I wanted to know what happened to this couple. The tension depicted between the protagonists and the chemistry shown is brilliant. The author created a fictional world with vivid clarity that pulled me in from the beginning, I could easily picture the scenes and characters. Hayden is absolutely swoony and there's a light suspense element weaved through which I suspect readers may deduce as the story develops but find this puzzle solving quite satisfying. This aspect kept me interested, I wanted to know if I was right and, although I was not as emotionally involved as I wanted to be, there is something about the dynamic of this couple that kept my interest and I believe many ROMANCE LOVERS will love the journey of Hayden and Kenzie. As the climax of the story unfolds my interest levels definitely rose back to how I felt at the beginning of the story. I was also fascinated and by the heroine's father's story and would love to know more about his life. If the author decides to write a second book to this series, then I would no doubt be diving right in for more. I have a feeling there is potentially a lot more to discover.
★ ★ Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts ★ ★
August 23, 2016
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3.5 Stars
Mackenzie Cox is the good girl, the one that doesn't go against what her father wants and who isn't willing to blow her chance at becoming a great racer like he was. Hayden is the bad boy, the illegal street racer that laughs in the face of the official racing rules. When Hayden comes into Kenzie's world she isn't happy, and wants nothing to do with him.
The electricity they have while on the track can't be denied, though, and neither can the fact that they both race better together. Practicing after hours seems the best way to deal with this competitive heat, but when that electricity starts to become more than just competition they don't know what to do. There's no way they can be together, not with their team rules, and not when Kenzie isn't sure she can actually trust Hayden. Yet neither of them are willing to walk away from what they share.
This is kind of a hard review to write because I have many conflicting emotions about this book. I was instantly drawn to the blurb and intrigued about a heroine that's part of a male-dominated sport. And Hayden definitely interested me with his implied bad boy ways. Going in I was expecting a strong connection between the two, which we got, and a push and pull kind of relationship. I was happy with how the author made the romance an enemies-to-lovers kind of connection and it kept me captivated for a big part of the book. But the enemies part of the story kind of lost me.
I found the beginning hard to get into because of the conflict between Hayden and Kenzie. It just felt awkward to read and like their hate for each other was an immature school ground kind of thing. During the moments when they were arguing or throwing insults at each other it made me not like Kenzie very much and that carried through the whole book to where I could never like her much after that. Her character came off as too judgmental and bitchy for me, and even though it was only in those parts I couldn't seem to get my initial thoughts on her out of my head.
The whole middle and end, minus the very end, was what had me liking the book. I loved when the competitiveness came out in Kenzie and Hayden and how it led to them finally doing something about the attraction between them. It was fun to read about Hayden getting Kenzie to take a chance on life and stop hiding in her bubble of rules. As a couple I loved them and the sexiness they brought to the book.
Hayden was my favorite character. I mean, who doesn't love a hot bad boy with a sweet side? His character brought a little mystery to the story and it had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out if my theories about him were correct. I wasn't expecting the suspense aspect to be apart of the story but I really liked it and how it had me enthralled.
The very end kind of lost me again and left me confused. I'm honestly not even sure if that was the end of these character and the author just wants to leave us on this ambiguous type ending or if there's going to be another book where I'll finally get my answers. I'll be on the look out for it!
Bottom line, I did enjoy this story and even with the few issues I had it's a definite recommend from me. I think many people will find it as intriguing as I did and I can't wait for everyone to read it and meet Hayden.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
3.5 Stars
Mackenzie Cox is the good girl, the one that doesn't go against what her father wants and who isn't willing to blow her chance at becoming a great racer like he was. Hayden is the bad boy, the illegal street racer that laughs in the face of the official racing rules. When Hayden comes into Kenzie's world she isn't happy, and wants nothing to do with him.
The electricity they have while on the track can't be denied, though, and neither can the fact that they both race better together. Practicing after hours seems the best way to deal with this competitive heat, but when that electricity starts to become more than just competition they don't know what to do. There's no way they can be together, not with their team rules, and not when Kenzie isn't sure she can actually trust Hayden. Yet neither of them are willing to walk away from what they share.
This is kind of a hard review to write because I have many conflicting emotions about this book. I was instantly drawn to the blurb and intrigued about a heroine that's part of a male-dominated sport. And Hayden definitely interested me with his implied bad boy ways. Going in I was expecting a strong connection between the two, which we got, and a push and pull kind of relationship. I was happy with how the author made the romance an enemies-to-lovers kind of connection and it kept me captivated for a big part of the book. But the enemies part of the story kind of lost me.
I found the beginning hard to get into because of the conflict between Hayden and Kenzie. It just felt awkward to read and like their hate for each other was an immature school ground kind of thing. During the moments when they were arguing or throwing insults at each other it made me not like Kenzie very much and that carried through the whole book to where I could never like her much after that. Her character came off as too judgmental and bitchy for me, and even though it was only in those parts I couldn't seem to get my initial thoughts on her out of my head.
The whole middle and end, minus the very end, was what had me liking the book. I loved when the competitiveness came out in Kenzie and Hayden and how it led to them finally doing something about the attraction between them. It was fun to read about Hayden getting Kenzie to take a chance on life and stop hiding in her bubble of rules. As a couple I loved them and the sexiness they brought to the book.
Hayden was my favorite character. I mean, who doesn't love a hot bad boy with a sweet side? His character brought a little mystery to the story and it had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out if my theories about him were correct. I wasn't expecting the suspense aspect to be apart of the story but I really liked it and how it had me enthralled.
The very end kind of lost me again and left me confused. I'm honestly not even sure if that was the end of these character and the author just wants to leave us on this ambiguous type ending or if there's going to be another book where I'll finally get my answers. I'll be on the look out for it!
Bottom line, I did enjoy this story and even with the few issues I had it's a definite recommend from me. I think many people will find it as intriguing as I did and I can't wait for everyone to read it and meet Hayden.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
3 Stars
I'm so disappointed with this story. It was one of my most anticipated books and I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy it at all. What pissed me off was Mackenzie, she was so bad that I couldn't stand her. She treats Hayden so bad and he was sweet with her. This was my biggest problem.
The story has some potential but I was so irritated that I didn't care a lot. I read until 45% and then skipped most of the book only to see what would happen in the end.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I'm so disappointed with this story. It was one of my most anticipated books and I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy it at all. What pissed me off was Mackenzie, she was so bad that I couldn't stand her. She treats Hayden so bad and he was sweet with her. This was my biggest problem.
The story has some potential but I was so irritated that I didn't care a lot. I read until 45% and then skipped most of the book only to see what would happen in the end.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 1 in series
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Mackenzie (Kenzie) Cox had racing in her blood. As the daugther of a legendary racer she had a lot of pressure in carrying the Cox name in her rookie year with her family owned Cox Racing team. But she was not the only rookie around and he came from her team's bitter rival.
Hayden Hayes risen up from obscurity into the professional racing world. Coming from an underground street racing, his name unfortunately came with certain reputation. As racer for Benneti Motorsports, Kenzi was the enemy, but soon enough they discovered, they might have better use of each other.
Racing used to be my passion so I was very excited for this book because it is something I can relate to.
Hayden was a sexy cocky character. I like how he was rough aroung the edges. He worked for what he wanted and didn't let anything much to affect him.
Kenzi had a lot to prove to people around her. She was constantly under scrutiny especially by her own father. I like.how she took responsiblity to continue her family legacy.
The story started well with the excitement of racing world. I understand the passion and loyalty so I could connect with both characters. The racing actions both on track and on street were exhilarating.
The relationships between various characters were not necessarily healthy, but I like that because we can see them at their best and worst. However since I am familiar with racing world, there was one major element in the book that just didn't make sense and unacceptable for me. I don't usually mind details accuracy but this one is a major element in the story.
Also, the answer to the conflict in the story was highly predictable. There were also some things happened but not properly explained, or actions taken by characters that just out of the elements. Yes, this is not a standalone, but I still want some more answers to wrap up this book.
Furious Rush is a story of two people caught up in bitter team rivalries while trying to make their relationship work. It would appeal to racing fans and those looking for high action romance.
Unofficial (F)BR with Loyda
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 1 in series
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Mackenzie (Kenzie) Cox had racing in her blood. As the daugther of a legendary racer she had a lot of pressure in carrying the Cox name in her rookie year with her family owned Cox Racing team. But she was not the only rookie around and he came from her team's bitter rival.
Hayden Hayes risen up from obscurity into the professional racing world. Coming from an underground street racing, his name unfortunately came with certain reputation. As racer for Benneti Motorsports, Kenzi was the enemy, but soon enough they discovered, they might have better use of each other.
Racing used to be my passion so I was very excited for this book because it is something I can relate to.
“Racing gives me a high… but you make me feel alive.”
Hayden was a sexy cocky character. I like how he was rough aroung the edges. He worked for what he wanted and didn't let anything much to affect him.
We were both struggling for respect, we were both fighters, we were both underdogs.
Kenzi had a lot to prove to people around her. She was constantly under scrutiny especially by her own father. I like.how she took responsiblity to continue her family legacy.
The story started well with the excitement of racing world. I understand the passion and loyalty so I could connect with both characters. The racing actions both on track and on street were exhilarating.
"I just… wanted to save the legacy,”
The relationships between various characters were not necessarily healthy, but I like that because we can see them at their best and worst. However since I am familiar with racing world, there was one major element in the book that just didn't make sense and unacceptable for me. I don't usually mind details accuracy but this one is a major element in the story.
Also, the answer to the conflict in the story was highly predictable. There were also some things happened but not properly explained, or actions taken by characters that just out of the elements. Yes, this is not a standalone, but I still want some more answers to wrap up this book.
Furious Rush is a story of two people caught up in bitter team rivalries while trying to make their relationship work. It would appeal to racing fans and those looking for high action romance.
Unofficial (F)BR with Loyda
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 8, 2017
Kenzie was born into Motorcycle-Racing-Royalty.
Her dad used to be a huge star and this year is her first season as a professional racer too.
She's super excited; racing is her dream, it's in her blood. And it's also expected of her. She needs to win to save her dad's dying racing team.
Also in his first year of legal racing is Hayden.
He used to do those dangerous and highly illegal street races.
But now he's racing for Kenzie's dad's former best friend turned arch enemy Keith.
There are lots of rules between those two racing teams who share one training track. But the most important one is: No being friends or anything else with anyone from the other team.
But of course Kenzie and Hayden can't just stop their attraction.
Even though he calls her a spoiled princess and she calls him idiot and worse - they're horribly attracted to each other. And they realize that they're better racers when they compete against each other.....
But there are just way too many obstacles in the way of their Happily Ever After....
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO KENZIE & HAYDEN???
WiLL THE RULES KEEP THEM APART???
WILL THERE BE A HEA???
WILL EVERYBODY SURVIVE THIS BOOK???
WiLL THERE BE A CLiFFHANGER???
Nope, not telling you ☺
uhm....Cliffy...yeah kinda. Not really hanging-off-a-cliff-cliffy, but the story is not done yet!
═════════════════════════════════
Finally a new S.C. Stephens book!
I'm such a huge #KellanKyle fan - he's still my number one book boyfriend.....and I'm not really any kind of fan of any kind of racing.... So I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like this book.
And during the first few pages I didn't like it. But probably only because I still had Kellan somewhere in my head singing and just being his adorable self....But I had to tune him out, because I really wanted to give this book a chance.
And it got better. Especially after we first meet Hayden. ☺
I really liked both Kenzie & Hayden.
We don't know much about Hayden, because Kenzie is telling us this story, and we get to learn lots of things about her pretty fast. She loves motorbikes. She's a tiny little OCD in all things. She loves and needs rules and order. And Hayden is kind of her opposite in all these things. Well, he loves racing too, but we pretty quickly find out it's only because he needs the money...
But other than his love for racing and his love for driving Kenzie insane, we don't know anything about him. He's this new, sexy & very mysterious & secretive guy and Kenzie wants to get to know him, but she doesn't trust him or his motives ...
It's really adorable to watch them, or rather watch Kenzie, fight against this attraction.
I really enjoyed reading this book - the first half was a bit boringish long, but towards the end it got better and suspensy and exciting and moving et cetera.
But I really enjoyed reading it, even though the following lines might argue against that. ☺
I kind of wish this book would've been dual POV. We just don't get to know Hayden the way we want to. It's ok for a hero to be mysterious, but Hayden is just not really present all that much. We don't know nothing about him and his thoughts and feelings and hopes and dreams. Only the little bit Kenzie finds out during their talks.
Also - I think this book would've been better with 50 less pages. There was a bit too much redundant stuff in here. Too often we were told about the enemy racing team and why they're enemies and bla bla. We got it the first time.
Also, other than Kenzie & Hayden, we don't really like any of the co-stars. The family and friends are all idiots and totally unlikable!
BUT please don't let me stop you from loving this book. Even if you're, like me, still hung up on Kellan....you will totally fall for Hayden too.
(He's just not in this book enough for us to totally fall for him, like we did Kellan, and now I'm shutting up, it's totally unfair of me to compare those 2!!☺)
FURIOUS RUSH was an adorably exciting racer-romance! A kind of forbidden Romeo and Juliet love-story about two kids from opposite racing teams who fall for each other against all the rules... Run to your nearest amazon to find out if there will be a HEA!!!
...another tiny little thing that bothered me - and it's just me being weird, I know...
Some authors use expressions that they learned back home, from grandma etc. and it's totally ok to use them in books, BUT I think only one character should use them, not all of them. Especially when they're strangers and haven't grown up together!
In this case it was EVEN STILL & SO LONG AS. No idea why it bothers me so much, but it did!
September 2, 2016
3 Stars
I lurrrrrrrveeee race car reads, they're fast paced fun, sexy and there's just something animistic about it all.. Likewise I love SC Stephens writing so I jumped at the chance to read this.. But it wasn't what I was expecting..
What's it about?
This is basically about two racing teams who are enemies.. Yet the daughter of cox racing Mackenzie is the star, she needs to be the best to gain money to keep her fathers company afloat.
Hayden is her rival but he is arrogant, sexy and makes her heart beat faster, but mainly he makes her race harder. There's a competition that Kenzie just thrives on. She just wants to win and she wants to win him.. Plus actually she is racing better than she's ever racer before.
The thing is there is this chemistry (forbidden chemistry) that they just can't seem to walk away from. And sooo they do this without anyone knowing, feelings get involved and lines get crossed..
The thing about this book is that the main focus is on the racing, the game, Kenzies father, family life and friends. Don't get me wrong I'm big on the family I love those kind of reads. I love banter and I love nights out with friends. But her father is closed off. Kenzie is also closed off to feelings and so I have to say I struggled to connect with characters. I do though liked Kenzie she wasn't that frustrating to me. I also really like Hayden and his dominating character but I didn't quite get to know him. I mean I didn't really know him as a person just as the guy that wanted the girl. This honestly had the potential to be an amazing read with so many layers.. But it didn't quite get there.
Yet there was just something that kept me turning the pages, I needed to keep going and find out how it all ended. So SC Stephens will always be a fav author to me, she gavee me Kellen Kyle I love her writing style there's something addictive about her words. But sadly this one wasn't a fav of mine. 3 stars is still a good read though it just didn't have those special moments I love to enjoy in my romance books.
That. Is. All
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
I lurrrrrrrveeee race car reads, they're fast paced fun, sexy and there's just something animistic about it all.. Likewise I love SC Stephens writing so I jumped at the chance to read this.. But it wasn't what I was expecting..
What's it about?
This is basically about two racing teams who are enemies.. Yet the daughter of cox racing Mackenzie is the star, she needs to be the best to gain money to keep her fathers company afloat.
Hayden is her rival but he is arrogant, sexy and makes her heart beat faster, but mainly he makes her race harder. There's a competition that Kenzie just thrives on. She just wants to win and she wants to win him.. Plus actually she is racing better than she's ever racer before.
The thing is there is this chemistry (forbidden chemistry) that they just can't seem to walk away from. And sooo they do this without anyone knowing, feelings get involved and lines get crossed..
The thing about this book is that the main focus is on the racing, the game, Kenzies father, family life and friends. Don't get me wrong I'm big on the family I love those kind of reads. I love banter and I love nights out with friends. But her father is closed off. Kenzie is also closed off to feelings and so I have to say I struggled to connect with characters. I do though liked Kenzie she wasn't that frustrating to me. I also really like Hayden and his dominating character but I didn't quite get to know him. I mean I didn't really know him as a person just as the guy that wanted the girl. This honestly had the potential to be an amazing read with so many layers.. But it didn't quite get there.
Yet there was just something that kept me turning the pages, I needed to keep going and find out how it all ended. So SC Stephens will always be a fav author to me, she gavee me Kellen Kyle I love her writing style there's something addictive about her words. But sadly this one wasn't a fav of mine. 3 stars is still a good read though it just didn't have those special moments I love to enjoy in my romance books.
That. Is. All
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
August 14, 2016
3 STARS
(ARC kindly provided by author )
(BR with Mel)
On your mark...
Get set...
Mackenzie Cox is practically royalty in the bike racing world. Racing is in her blood, is all she knows and loves. She is determined to make a name for her self, and make her father proud by placing high on the score boards, that are mainly dominated by men.
Hayden Hayes is a mystery rider. Known in the racing underworld as a ruthless and undefeated champion. Now he wants to go legit and conquer the tracks of the real racing world.
She is the princess; he is the guy from the wrong side of the tracks, but together they bring the best out of each other.
What starts as a deep lust inside and outside of the race will turn into something neither Kenzie or Hayden will be able to control.
Forbidden, dangerous, and fast...
Are you ready for Furious Rush?
(ARC kindly provided by author )
(BR with Mel)
On your mark...
Get set...
Mackenzie Cox is practically royalty in the bike racing world. Racing is in her blood, is all she knows and loves. She is determined to make a name for her self, and make her father proud by placing high on the score boards, that are mainly dominated by men.
Hayden Hayes is a mystery rider. Known in the racing underworld as a ruthless and undefeated champion. Now he wants to go legit and conquer the tracks of the real racing world.
She is the princess; he is the guy from the wrong side of the tracks, but together they bring the best out of each other.
What starts as a deep lust inside and outside of the race will turn into something neither Kenzie or Hayden will be able to control.
Forbidden, dangerous, and fast...
Are you ready for Furious Rush?
August 22, 2016
4.5 Race Me Or Chase Me Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)
Mackenzie Cox is a 22 yr. old woman who lives in Southern California, in Oceanside. She is the daughter of racing legend Jordan Cox, & has been on motorcycles since she was three. She is the only one of her siblings that followed in her father's footsteps. Racing was in her blood, & was everything to her.
Kenzie is entering her first year of racing as a professional. She's finally competing instead of observing, & she wants to impress her father, & earn her place on the team. Not only is her dad hard on her, always wanting her best performance, but all eyes will be on her since she's the daughter of the owner of Cox Racing. Her dad was considered a god in this sport & that put high expectations on Kenzie.
Cox Racing shares a practice track with their rival Benneti Motorsports. There is a lot of hostility between the two teams, & there are strict rules against fraternizing in any way. Each team has different practice times allocated on the track so they can avoid conflict.
One day Benneti Motorsports has a new rider that shows up at the track breaking the rules. His name is Hayden Hayes. Kenzie recognizes him as a guy she recently crossed paths with. He's gorgeous, arrogant, & knows just how to get under her skin. There is an electricity & attraction every time they are near one another.
Every time Kenzie & Hayden are in a race together, they perform at their best. They are both extremely talented, but together they are on fire. The adrenaline & competition pushes them to the limit.
Cox Racing is in financial trouble, & Kenzie feels her family legacy is at stake. They need a win, & she wants to make her father proud. When Hayden offers to help her on the side to improve her racing times, she takes him up on his offer. She's desperate to prove herself as a woman in a male dominated sport, & put Cox Racing back on top.
-Racing was in my soul.
-Racing against Hayden had sparked something in me.
-Being on the track with him gave me a shot of adrenaline that nothing else seemed to replicate.
Spending so much time together, they start to develop real feelings for one another. They continue to try and fight the chemistry between them, but eventually the connection is just too much to deny any longer. As Kenzie questions if she can fully trust Hayden, he is slowly becoming her world. They have gone from strictly competitors to friends & lovers. They are both under pressure & driven to succeed, but soon become a priority to each other they can't live without. They are forbidden, & nobody will accept them being together, but the heart wants what it wants. I really enjoyed this book & hope we get more in this series.
-"You were right. I'm better with you."
-Every place he touched me felt on fire.
-"I want this... I want you."
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)
Mackenzie Cox is a 22 yr. old woman who lives in Southern California, in Oceanside. She is the daughter of racing legend Jordan Cox, & has been on motorcycles since she was three. She is the only one of her siblings that followed in her father's footsteps. Racing was in her blood, & was everything to her.
Kenzie is entering her first year of racing as a professional. She's finally competing instead of observing, & she wants to impress her father, & earn her place on the team. Not only is her dad hard on her, always wanting her best performance, but all eyes will be on her since she's the daughter of the owner of Cox Racing. Her dad was considered a god in this sport & that put high expectations on Kenzie.
Cox Racing shares a practice track with their rival Benneti Motorsports. There is a lot of hostility between the two teams, & there are strict rules against fraternizing in any way. Each team has different practice times allocated on the track so they can avoid conflict.
One day Benneti Motorsports has a new rider that shows up at the track breaking the rules. His name is Hayden Hayes. Kenzie recognizes him as a guy she recently crossed paths with. He's gorgeous, arrogant, & knows just how to get under her skin. There is an electricity & attraction every time they are near one another.
Every time Kenzie & Hayden are in a race together, they perform at their best. They are both extremely talented, but together they are on fire. The adrenaline & competition pushes them to the limit.
Cox Racing is in financial trouble, & Kenzie feels her family legacy is at stake. They need a win, & she wants to make her father proud. When Hayden offers to help her on the side to improve her racing times, she takes him up on his offer. She's desperate to prove herself as a woman in a male dominated sport, & put Cox Racing back on top.
-Racing was in my soul.
-Racing against Hayden had sparked something in me.
-Being on the track with him gave me a shot of adrenaline that nothing else seemed to replicate.
Spending so much time together, they start to develop real feelings for one another. They continue to try and fight the chemistry between them, but eventually the connection is just too much to deny any longer. As Kenzie questions if she can fully trust Hayden, he is slowly becoming her world. They have gone from strictly competitors to friends & lovers. They are both under pressure & driven to succeed, but soon become a priority to each other they can't live without. They are forbidden, & nobody will accept them being together, but the heart wants what it wants. I really enjoyed this book & hope we get more in this series.
-"You were right. I'm better with you."
-Every place he touched me felt on fire.
-"I want this... I want you."
August 24, 2016
The story begins with us meeting Mackenzie Cox, she is the daughter of a racing legend. Her whole life has been spent on the track and she has big dreams of making it in this business. Despite her company’s father suffering, she is still driven, focused and determined to fix things. Mackenzie is always the perfect daughter until a guy comes in and changes everything.
Hayden Hayes is everything she should avoid. He is dangerous and a racer for the rival team. He is daring and bold and he makes her begin to question everything. First, let me tell you, I am a fan of Hayden. He is fun, sexy and so freaking loyal. While on paper he is the wrong guy he actually pushes her to be better, he brings out the best in her.
Naturally, these two begin sneaking around and I do love some forbidden love so of course, I was all in. This is when I really began to love Hayden and that led to my frustration with Mackenzie. I wanted her to see this fantastic guy she had in front of her and open up. I wanted more sooner.
Furious Rush was like nothing I was expecting. From the woman who brought me the most angsty series ever, this one was a lot tamer in angst. I hate to even admit it, but at times it felt slow to me. This is not something I was expecting, at all. Usually, SC Stephens has me in knots dying to turn the page. So now I am a little conflicted. The forbidden love is great, the writing is good, but it does drag at times. By the end, I was pretty excited with the pace, but then I finished and was confused because this book is supposed to be a stand-alone.
I can absolutely see why some of my friends love this book and I can also see why it isn’t for others. That being said if you love forbidden love and are a fan of SC Stephens check it out!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Hayden Hayes is everything she should avoid. He is dangerous and a racer for the rival team. He is daring and bold and he makes her begin to question everything. First, let me tell you, I am a fan of Hayden. He is fun, sexy and so freaking loyal. While on paper he is the wrong guy he actually pushes her to be better, he brings out the best in her.
Naturally, these two begin sneaking around and I do love some forbidden love so of course, I was all in. This is when I really began to love Hayden and that led to my frustration with Mackenzie. I wanted her to see this fantastic guy she had in front of her and open up. I wanted more sooner.
Furious Rush was like nothing I was expecting. From the woman who brought me the most angsty series ever, this one was a lot tamer in angst. I hate to even admit it, but at times it felt slow to me. This is not something I was expecting, at all. Usually, SC Stephens has me in knots dying to turn the page. So now I am a little conflicted. The forbidden love is great, the writing is good, but it does drag at times. By the end, I was pretty excited with the pace, but then I finished and was confused because this book is supposed to be a stand-alone.
I can absolutely see why some of my friends love this book and I can also see why it isn’t for others. That being said if you love forbidden love and are a fan of SC Stephens check it out!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
5 Fast Paced, Tight Bends, and Hard Riding Stars!
ARC generously provided per publisher via NetGalley
I don’t know what it is about those men that S.C. Stephens creates. She has such a unique ability to introduce a lovable bad boy whose actions are often wrong, whose past is broken, but whose heart is open. I think we all fell hard for the broken rock-star, Kellen Kyle, Well now Hayden Hayes is just the latest in sexy, yet sweet book boyfriends who will steal hearts and blush cheeks.
Furious Rush is set in the world of motorcycle racing. Mackenzie Cox is descended from racing royalty. Her father was successful in his own time and he now owns the company she races for. While some may see her as a princess, she takes the sport seriously and works hard for her place. She struggles daily under the weight and scrutiny of her father. The need for her to be successful is so much more than just lineage…it is a must to keep her family’s legacy and business alive. She has no time for distractions. She had no idea that her biggest competitor would be her greatest support.
Hayden Hayes is no prince charming. He comes from a rough past and flies thru life on his motorcycle. While he has mastered the art of winning on the streets, he is about to embark on new course…a racetrack. He will do anything to win. He is unaware that a feisty mc riding’ rival would be the one thing he needs to win. But what happens when winning becomes more of a necessity than accolade? What happens when the one person who makes you better is the one person who could destroy your future?
This read was really great! Told primarily from Kenzie’s POV, there is great struggle in the read to be better, to be enough, to be loved no matter what. While the story is focused on the building chemistry of two rival racers, there are deeper plots with underlying familial dynamics from both sides, and the suspenseful and dangerous element associated within the racetrack. There is so much going on in the read and while I was completely caught up in the twisting plot, I was more focused on the building relationship and high speed intimacy that Kenzie and Hayden were creating. That was driving my push thru the story.
I really enjoy a good push-pull relationship and anytime a gal has a strong backbone, I applaud the author. I found Kenzie to be a bit complex. With her sass and grit she put up a tough front. She was disciplined at her craft and driven to be better. At the same time she was a woman who recognized the attraction and knew when it was time to finally give in. Not that Hayden was hard to resist. With his tussled hair and sexy smirk there was little Kenzie could do to prevent the pull, especially with his dirty talk and his open admiration of her. Hayden made it so hard to say no. He may have been a bit mysterious and hard to trust, but at no time did he no show his want for Kenzie…and that made him so much hotter!
Overall, this read was fabulously entertaining. The characters were imperfect but together the made sense. They pushed one another, whether good or bad and they never found miscommunication to interfere with the relationship. While the ending alluded to more, I was happy that there was no epic cliffhanger. Kenzie and Hayden are solid, for now, but there is a storm about to hit and I am completely looking forward to both “racing and chasing” the rest of their story!
ARC generously provided per publisher via NetGalley
I don’t know what it is about those men that S.C. Stephens creates. She has such a unique ability to introduce a lovable bad boy whose actions are often wrong, whose past is broken, but whose heart is open. I think we all fell hard for the broken rock-star, Kellen Kyle, Well now Hayden Hayes is just the latest in sexy, yet sweet book boyfriends who will steal hearts and blush cheeks.
Furious Rush is set in the world of motorcycle racing. Mackenzie Cox is descended from racing royalty. Her father was successful in his own time and he now owns the company she races for. While some may see her as a princess, she takes the sport seriously and works hard for her place. She struggles daily under the weight and scrutiny of her father. The need for her to be successful is so much more than just lineage…it is a must to keep her family’s legacy and business alive. She has no time for distractions. She had no idea that her biggest competitor would be her greatest support.
Hayden Hayes is no prince charming. He comes from a rough past and flies thru life on his motorcycle. While he has mastered the art of winning on the streets, he is about to embark on new course…a racetrack. He will do anything to win. He is unaware that a feisty mc riding’ rival would be the one thing he needs to win. But what happens when winning becomes more of a necessity than accolade? What happens when the one person who makes you better is the one person who could destroy your future?
This read was really great! Told primarily from Kenzie’s POV, there is great struggle in the read to be better, to be enough, to be loved no matter what. While the story is focused on the building chemistry of two rival racers, there are deeper plots with underlying familial dynamics from both sides, and the suspenseful and dangerous element associated within the racetrack. There is so much going on in the read and while I was completely caught up in the twisting plot, I was more focused on the building relationship and high speed intimacy that Kenzie and Hayden were creating. That was driving my push thru the story.
I really enjoy a good push-pull relationship and anytime a gal has a strong backbone, I applaud the author. I found Kenzie to be a bit complex. With her sass and grit she put up a tough front. She was disciplined at her craft and driven to be better. At the same time she was a woman who recognized the attraction and knew when it was time to finally give in. Not that Hayden was hard to resist. With his tussled hair and sexy smirk there was little Kenzie could do to prevent the pull, especially with his dirty talk and his open admiration of her. Hayden made it so hard to say no. He may have been a bit mysterious and hard to trust, but at no time did he no show his want for Kenzie…and that made him so much hotter!
Overall, this read was fabulously entertaining. The characters were imperfect but together the made sense. They pushed one another, whether good or bad and they never found miscommunication to interfere with the relationship. While the ending alluded to more, I was happy that there was no epic cliffhanger. Kenzie and Hayden are solid, for now, but there is a storm about to hit and I am completely looking forward to both “racing and chasing” the rest of their story!
Read
August 27, 2016Indefinitely Paused at 40%
Le sigh.
Just not my cuppa. Perhaps it will get better in the last half, but I just don't have it in me to push myself to finish it.
ARC courtesy of publisher
Le sigh.
Just not my cuppa. Perhaps it will get better in the last half, but I just don't have it in me to push myself to finish it.
ARC courtesy of publisher
September 1, 2016
(Source: I received a finished paperback copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Little Brown Book Group.)
This was an adult contemporary romance, about a couple who raced motorcycles.
Kenzie was quite a fierce character, and she really hated it when people called her by anything other than her name! I thought her father was really harsh on her though, so it was good when she finally stood up to him.
The storyline in this was mostly related to the motorbike racing, and the romance seemed to take the back seat a bit. We got a storyline in which Hayden joined a rival motorcycle racing team, and took part in some illegal street racing, and another storyline about some possible bike tampering. I did enjoy the romance though, even thought I had to wait for it a bit and I thought that Kenzie and Hayden made a pretty sexy Romeo and Juliet.
The ending to this was pretty good, and I was pleased with the decision that Kenzie made.
6.5 out of 10
This was an adult contemporary romance, about a couple who raced motorcycles.
Kenzie was quite a fierce character, and she really hated it when people called her by anything other than her name! I thought her father was really harsh on her though, so it was good when she finally stood up to him.
The storyline in this was mostly related to the motorbike racing, and the romance seemed to take the back seat a bit. We got a storyline in which Hayden joined a rival motorcycle racing team, and took part in some illegal street racing, and another storyline about some possible bike tampering. I did enjoy the romance though, even thought I had to wait for it a bit and I thought that Kenzie and Hayden made a pretty sexy Romeo and Juliet.
The ending to this was pretty good, and I was pleased with the decision that Kenzie made.
6.5 out of 10
August 26, 2016
I honestly don't want to waste any more time on this book. S.C. Stephens has never been an author whose stories I enjoy. The Thoughtless series had me 50 shades of fucked up (and not in a good way). But as I've said before: I'm finnicky. I know plenty of people loved those books, so if you're not a fussy little bitch like yours truly, you'll probably really like Furious Rush.
The premise of this story hinges on a Capulet-Montague style family enmity between racing team rivals Benneti and Cox. Basically, the two families hate each other, and any employees caught fraternizing with the enemy are immediately fired. Extreme? Definitely. If you're into modern Romeo & Juliet "retellings" then you may enjoy this. For me, it was over the top and poorly developed. The only emotion I felt while reading was annoyance.
The premise of this story hinges on a Capulet-Montague style family enmity between racing team rivals Benneti and Cox. Basically, the two families hate each other, and any employees caught fraternizing with the enemy are immediately fired. Extreme? Definitely. If you're into modern Romeo & Juliet "retellings" then you may enjoy this. For me, it was over the top and poorly developed. The only emotion I felt while reading was annoyance.
June 13, 2017
Full review posted: Blog Tour: Furious Rush by S.C. Stephens - Review + Playlist
Thank you Forever / Grand Central Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pressure is on for Mackenzie / Kenzie Cox in the world of motorcycle racing especially she’s a daughter of a racing legend. For years, she trained hard to meet her father’s expectations and continue his legacy. She remained focus and doesn’t let her emotions take over when her perfectionist father makes her feel her efforts are not enough. It makes her uptight and cautious on everything she does. Aside from that, Cox Racing – their team – is suffering financially and barely holding on. She needs to win those races to attract sponsors and earn money. The last thing she wants is to be distracted by the sexy, charismatic, and hot racer of the rival team – Benneti Motorsports, Hayden Hayes. She met him on an illegal street race when her mechanic Nikki asked to come get her and needs an emergency cash. He was a popular, undefeated street racer. Being on a motorcycle team is a game changer for him to leave the illegal competition as per rules and not to damage his and the team’s reputation.
Mackenzie and Hayden shared an intense, sizzling chemistry that drawn them for each other. However, they are not allowed to associate with each other because of the team’s policy. It’s entertaining to see their rivalry because it brings out the tension which makes me more engrossed with the story. Undeniably, Mackenzie and Hayden race each other better. They become more carefree and competitive on the track, so they decided to secretly practice as it will help Mackenzie to save her team. As this arrangement goes on, they were able to get to know each other and the romance sparks more. It’s nice to see them get along really well despite of the hindrances, also their bad impressions with each other faded. The setting of this book is well described and it makes me feel like I’m in the world of motorcycle racing (which I don’t know much about) and just let the adrenaline rush take over.
Furious Rush is great kick-start for a new sports romance series. The chemistry between the characters is intense, sexy and full of angst. They challenge each other to bring out their best potentials and no one is going to hold them back. I’m looking forward what lies ahead for Mackenzie Cox and Hayden Hayes. With that ending, I’m so pumped for the upcoming books! Kudos to S.C. Stephens for this novel!
Thank you Forever / Grand Central Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pressure is on for Mackenzie / Kenzie Cox in the world of motorcycle racing especially she’s a daughter of a racing legend. For years, she trained hard to meet her father’s expectations and continue his legacy. She remained focus and doesn’t let her emotions take over when her perfectionist father makes her feel her efforts are not enough. It makes her uptight and cautious on everything she does. Aside from that, Cox Racing – their team – is suffering financially and barely holding on. She needs to win those races to attract sponsors and earn money. The last thing she wants is to be distracted by the sexy, charismatic, and hot racer of the rival team – Benneti Motorsports, Hayden Hayes. She met him on an illegal street race when her mechanic Nikki asked to come get her and needs an emergency cash. He was a popular, undefeated street racer. Being on a motorcycle team is a game changer for him to leave the illegal competition as per rules and not to damage his and the team’s reputation.
Mackenzie and Hayden shared an intense, sizzling chemistry that drawn them for each other. However, they are not allowed to associate with each other because of the team’s policy. It’s entertaining to see their rivalry because it brings out the tension which makes me more engrossed with the story. Undeniably, Mackenzie and Hayden race each other better. They become more carefree and competitive on the track, so they decided to secretly practice as it will help Mackenzie to save her team. As this arrangement goes on, they were able to get to know each other and the romance sparks more. It’s nice to see them get along really well despite of the hindrances, also their bad impressions with each other faded. The setting of this book is well described and it makes me feel like I’m in the world of motorcycle racing (which I don’t know much about) and just let the adrenaline rush take over.
Furious Rush is great kick-start for a new sports romance series. The chemistry between the characters is intense, sexy and full of angst. They challenge each other to bring out their best potentials and no one is going to hold them back. I’m looking forward what lies ahead for Mackenzie Cox and Hayden Hayes. With that ending, I’m so pumped for the upcoming books! Kudos to S.C. Stephens for this novel!
August 20, 2016
FULL REVIEW SOON....
3.5 STARS FOR ME UGH it was so good and then wtf happened?! ....need to gather thought on this one....
Ready for some heart bumping racing wohoo
Covergasm!! In love with this cover and omg Eekk I just got my ARC wohoo ❤❤❤
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
For Mackenzie Cox, racing motorcycles is in her blood. Born into a family legacy, she's determined to stand out her rookie year. But her family rival's newest racing prodigy--the exceedingly arrogant, outrageously attractive Hayden Hayes--keeps distracting her. The stakes are high and her family's future is on the line. Kenzie needs a win, and she also needs to stay away from Hayden. Unfortunately for her though, one thing has become all too clear: she can't. Fueled by passion, driven by desire, Hayden and Mackenzie both want to win more than anything else. Except for, maybe, each other. But anger, jealousy and extreme competitiveness aren't their only obstacles...
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
3.5 STARS FOR ME UGH it was so good and then wtf happened?! ....need to gather thought on this one....
Ready for some heart bumping racing wohoo
Covergasm!! In love with this cover and omg Eekk I just got my ARC wohoo ❤❤❤
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
For Mackenzie Cox, racing motorcycles is in her blood. Born into a family legacy, she's determined to stand out her rookie year. But her family rival's newest racing prodigy--the exceedingly arrogant, outrageously attractive Hayden Hayes--keeps distracting her. The stakes are high and her family's future is on the line. Kenzie needs a win, and she also needs to stay away from Hayden. Unfortunately for her though, one thing has become all too clear: she can't. Fueled by passion, driven by desire, Hayden and Mackenzie both want to win more than anything else. Except for, maybe, each other. But anger, jealousy and extreme competitiveness aren't their only obstacles...
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 23, 2016
❝We were a tragedy waiting to happen.❞
Complete with lies, deception, and mystery, 'Furious Rush' is a forbidden love story, between two young adults who are in the middle of two warring families.
Mackenzie Cox is the only legacy to the failing Cox Racing organization. As a female racer in a male dominated sport, she was bred to be a winner. Which will be necessary if she is to save her father's financially ailing business. The last thing Mackenzie needs is a distraction from her goal. Especially when a distraction by the name of Hayden Hayes is hired by her families neighbor and rival, Benneti Racing. Both teams were banned from any fraternization. If caught, you would be fired.
❝It wasn't just my own personal goals on the line when I raced. No, my entire family legacy was at stake.❞
From street racer to professional, Hayden Hayes has his own reasons for needing wins. He doesn't see Mackenzie as a distraction tho, he sees a competitor, someone who makes him better.
❝We were both struggling for respect, we were both fighters, we were both underdogs.❞
What starts as training together, quickly turns to passion. Keeping their race training a secret is difficult, can they keep their relationship a secret too?
Packed with angst, twists, and turns, as well as a killer cliffhanger, 'Furious Rush' is one heck of a bumpy ride!
***An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinion of the book.***
October 24, 2019
Wow! This book really took me by surprise. It is rushing like a furious perfection. What I love the most is the plot and layers that is so complex that making this book like a good addictive soap opera. And the cliffhanger.... oh boy! I already can smell the trouble from far away.
The characters also develop well, although I do wish have the hero's POV. There is that insta lust but I still enjoy it very much with that layers of plot. The secondary characters also have a good development to support the main characters development. I do love Kenzie. She is a kick ass heroine. She hold no prisoner and not afraid to push back.
I wish I can have half of her strength and bravery.
Overall this is a very good book.
5 stars
The characters also develop well, although I do wish have the hero's POV. There is that insta lust but I still enjoy it very much with that layers of plot. The secondary characters also have a good development to support the main characters development. I do love Kenzie. She is a kick ass heroine. She hold no prisoner and not afraid to push back.
I wish I can have half of her strength and bravery.
Overall this is a very good book.
5 stars
August 26, 2016
I’ll be honest the main reason I picked this book up was because of the cover. If you put a hot guy on a bike, you can bet that I’ll read it. But unfortunately for me, the inside of the book wasn’t as great as the cover.
If you haven’t guessed already, this book is centered around motorcycles. The heroine, Kenzie is a token girl in a male-dominated sport but she is doing her best to live up to her family’s legacy. While I liked the premise of this story, I think the flop for me came with the hero, Hayden Hayes (don’t like his name) and the fact that he is her rival team’s newest rider. I’m sorry to say but I don’t find this enough of a conflict and it really just came across as flat to me because there’s nothing else in the story that stops them from being together apart from the fact that they are competing against each other. I feel as if this concept has been done so many times, especially when it comes to competitive sports stories that they just don’t stand out to me as much anymore.
In addition to that, I wasn’t crazy about the writing. It can be a little drawn out at times and sometimes being in Kenzie’s mind was grating. I want to say that the writing is “very NA” for lack of a better description because it pretty much stays within one context. I didn’t feel like Kenzie grew from the start of the book to the end and there’s quite a bit of teenage antics that I think add to that very young feel to the book. I personally don’t have a problem with NA as a genre and have read lots already, but for this to have an impact, I still needed some growth from the characters and I don’t think I got that in the end.
August 22, 2016
3.5 Stars
I LOVED the premise of this book: a female motorcycle racer named Kenzie who races professionally. Her father was a legendary racer, and Kenzie is trying to carry on the family name. The racing scenes are fascinating and the story is very fast-paced. The author gives us an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the highly competitive world of motorcycle racing.
Racing is literally in Kenzie’s blood. She is under tremendous pressure to succeed and her father is not her biggest fan. Hayden races for a competitor and he is strictly off-limits to Kenzie. She is downright mean to him at first, and they have a love-hate thing going on that was very intense. Kenzie has a lot of preconceived notions about Hayden which, of course, turn out to be completely wrong. Hayden is sex—on-wheels and he and Kenzie begin a Romeo-and-Juliet romance that must be kept hidden from everyone.
Hayden is also an incredibly talented racer and Kenzie realizes she can learn a lot from him. They both actually race better when they are competing against each other. I absolutely love that the author created a female racer who is smart, strong and competitive in a traditionally male sport. Hayden is a DREAM and their scenes together are beautiful, sexxxxy and very believable. Overall, I really liked this book; it is a nice beach or poolside read and although some readers are not happy with the ending, I loved it!! There will definitely be more books to come in this series, and the next one sounds like it will be verrrry interesting!!
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
I LOVED the premise of this book: a female motorcycle racer named Kenzie who races professionally. Her father was a legendary racer, and Kenzie is trying to carry on the family name. The racing scenes are fascinating and the story is very fast-paced. The author gives us an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the highly competitive world of motorcycle racing.
Racing is literally in Kenzie’s blood. She is under tremendous pressure to succeed and her father is not her biggest fan. Hayden races for a competitor and he is strictly off-limits to Kenzie. She is downright mean to him at first, and they have a love-hate thing going on that was very intense. Kenzie has a lot of preconceived notions about Hayden which, of course, turn out to be completely wrong. Hayden is sex—on-wheels and he and Kenzie begin a Romeo-and-Juliet romance that must be kept hidden from everyone.
Hayden is also an incredibly talented racer and Kenzie realizes she can learn a lot from him. They both actually race better when they are competing against each other. I absolutely love that the author created a female racer who is smart, strong and competitive in a traditionally male sport. Hayden is a DREAM and their scenes together are beautiful, sexxxxy and very believable. Overall, I really liked this book; it is a nice beach or poolside read and although some readers are not happy with the ending, I loved it!! There will definitely be more books to come in this series, and the next one sounds like it will be verrrry interesting!!
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
August 1, 2016
Mackenzie is a girl doing her best to please her father and keep the family business alive. She is dealing with silly rules that stem from a long rivalry between her father and a former friend/business partner. Kenzie is caught up in all the drama, and she’s finding it hard to stay focused on her own goals and wants. That is, until she meets a new rider in town. He has shown up and shown out in the best possible ways; bringing with him a charged kind of chemistry that brings out the best and worst in Mackenzie. Her anger and irritation with him brings out some of her best qualifying times ever. Breaking her personal best not only in time, but judgment.
Hayden needs to prove nothing to no one. He has his own set of rules and does what he needs to to survive and protect his own. Getting caught up in someone else’s business squabbles aren’t on his agenda, but the tenuous and fearless Mackenzie has him in some unexpected situations.
I loved this couple, however I wasn’t a fan of was the way Mackenzie’s father treated her or the reasoning for the behavior. They’re petty, immature, and spiteful. I feel as if we’ve just seen the tip of the iceberg in what’s to come next. Furious Rush is a captivating guilty pleasure kind of read. Perfect for any beach bag!
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Hayden needs to prove nothing to no one. He has his own set of rules and does what he needs to to survive and protect his own. Getting caught up in someone else’s business squabbles aren’t on his agenda, but the tenuous and fearless Mackenzie has him in some unexpected situations.
I loved this couple, however I wasn’t a fan of was the way Mackenzie’s father treated her or the reasoning for the behavior. They’re petty, immature, and spiteful. I feel as if we’ve just seen the tip of the iceberg in what’s to come next. Furious Rush is a captivating guilty pleasure kind of read. Perfect for any beach bag!
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August 30, 2016
Jumped all over this one because ya know, it's S.C. Stephens, and no one has really come close the to feelings she evoked in me with the Thoughtless Series. I was expecting the same with this book.
However, this book moved at a little bit of a different pace. I loved the premise, Kenzie is a motorcycle racer and trying to make it big in a man's world......a world where her father was one time a top player.
Working for her father whose business is suffering, Kenzie has a strong amount of pressure on her to do well and hopefully save the family business. Too much stress and pressure on her!
Hayden......OMG, what can I say! I just loved him. He was basically a bad boy involved in illegal motorcycling street racing. But all that was about to change!
This book kinda moved at a steady pace.....there were definitely some ups and downs, some secrets, and having the story told only in Kenzie's POV made it difficult to know what was going through Hayden's head, but that's the special touch of an S.C. Stephens' book!
So, as I was saying....I was reading along steadily and enjoying the entire story and really loving the whole motorcycle racing aspect, but I was waiting and waiting for that big explosion, for that shoe to drop, for that BIG thing to happen. And guess what, it did happen!! AT FRIGGING 98% OF THE BOOK IT HAPPENED! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
So, obviously, there's a slight cliffhanger or maybe just an "aw shit" moment! Haha! And, while I was waiting for the stomach pains and nervous jitters like I experienced in the Thoughtless series, they did not come until I finished the book!!!! Can you believe it?!?!? Now, just thinking about the potential angst of book 2 is giving me those feelings! Ugh!!!!!
So, Ms. Stephens, when is the next book??? Huh? Because everywhere I look, I can't find any information and I'm dying here! Help a girl out and give me a hint please!
However, this book moved at a little bit of a different pace. I loved the premise, Kenzie is a motorcycle racer and trying to make it big in a man's world......a world where her father was one time a top player.
Working for her father whose business is suffering, Kenzie has a strong amount of pressure on her to do well and hopefully save the family business. Too much stress and pressure on her!
Hayden......OMG, what can I say! I just loved him. He was basically a bad boy involved in illegal motorcycling street racing. But all that was about to change!
This book kinda moved at a steady pace.....there were definitely some ups and downs, some secrets, and having the story told only in Kenzie's POV made it difficult to know what was going through Hayden's head, but that's the special touch of an S.C. Stephens' book!
So, as I was saying....I was reading along steadily and enjoying the entire story and really loving the whole motorcycle racing aspect, but I was waiting and waiting for that big explosion, for that shoe to drop, for that BIG thing to happen. And guess what, it did happen!! AT FRIGGING 98% OF THE BOOK IT HAPPENED! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
So, obviously, there's a slight cliffhanger or maybe just an "aw shit" moment! Haha! And, while I was waiting for the stomach pains and nervous jitters like I experienced in the Thoughtless series, they did not come until I finished the book!!!! Can you believe it?!?!? Now, just thinking about the potential angst of book 2 is giving me those feelings! Ugh!!!!!
So, Ms. Stephens, when is the next book??? Huh? Because everywhere I look, I can't find any information and I'm dying here! Help a girl out and give me a hint please!
March 15, 2020
I just don’t think this is the author me for me.
Furious Rush is about a girl named Mackenzie who finally made it onto her father’s motorcycle racing team. Unfortunately, this year is looking bleak for them financially and a lot is riding on her shoulders to win and help save the failing business. In the first couple of pages Mackenzie finds herself at an illegal street racing event to help bail her best friend and mechanic out of the debt she owes. There she meets Hayden, the undefeated bad boy of the underground street racers. Turns out he is on her opposing team and for some reason racing against him brings out the best in her. So, she asks him to help her out secretly so she can improve and helps save her family business.
This was super angsty and honestly, I don’t understand why she hated Hayden so much. She mainly disliked him because he started off street racing and kept a crappy attitude towards him for the majority of the book. It was one of those hate to love tropes that had no actual reason for hate.
This book ends on a cliffhanger as well and let’s just say I can see the second book being all about jealousy and that does not sound like my kind of book.
My favorite times in the book was when Mackenzie was racing. Those were the most exciting times in the book.
Sadly, I don’t believe I will be continuing with this series.
Furious Rush is about a girl named Mackenzie who finally made it onto her father’s motorcycle racing team. Unfortunately, this year is looking bleak for them financially and a lot is riding on her shoulders to win and help save the failing business. In the first couple of pages Mackenzie finds herself at an illegal street racing event to help bail her best friend and mechanic out of the debt she owes. There she meets Hayden, the undefeated bad boy of the underground street racers. Turns out he is on her opposing team and for some reason racing against him brings out the best in her. So, she asks him to help her out secretly so she can improve and helps save her family business.
This was super angsty and honestly, I don’t understand why she hated Hayden so much. She mainly disliked him because he started off street racing and kept a crappy attitude towards him for the majority of the book. It was one of those hate to love tropes that had no actual reason for hate.
This book ends on a cliffhanger as well and let’s just say I can see the second book being all about jealousy and that does not sound like my kind of book.
My favorite times in the book was when Mackenzie was racing. Those were the most exciting times in the book.
Sadly, I don’t believe I will be continuing with this series.
August 23, 2016
2, this just wasn't for me, Stars
When I first heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I loved the synopsis and how unique it sounded. I think this book had a lot of potential and started off really great. I was really intrigued by the story and couldn’t wait to find out more.
I really, really, really wanted to like this book. But, sadly my excitement for it did not last very long. By 17% or so, I was just over it and this is why: Kenzie…She has to be one of the most unlikable characters I have ever met. She was a total bitch for the entire story and honestly, I don’t understand why Hayden would waste his time on her. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with a tough, independent woman. In fact, I don’t mind a little standoffishness and making the man work for her affections, but this was way too much. But, what was really frustrating was that she was a bitch to Hayden, but let her family and friends just walk all over her. She took way too much crap from them and for such an independent woman, I couldn’t understand why she didn’t stand up for herself more and why she let them treat her the way that they did. And Hayden, I was really curious about him in the beginning. I think he had a great air of mystery surrounding him, but as the story went on, I was just left wanting more.
Kenzie and Hayden together was an interesting combination. Yes, they had an instant connection, but I never really felt the spark between the two of them. To me, it felt forced and their connection didn’t feel believable. I kept waiting to see the spark and a reason for them being together, but in the end, I was just left wanting more.
My other issue was the pacing and repetitiveness. The pacing of the story was just too slow for me. I felt like it took forever to get to the point of the story. And when we finally seemed to get somewhere, it just dragged on and at times, left me bored. And then there was the repetitiveness issue. From the scenes where Kenzie is being put down by her father, to the sexual scenes with Hayden; it was just so repetitive. I found myself thinking at times, didn’t I just read this exact thing a few chapters ago??? I’m sorry, but those things are just major deal breakers for me.
Overall, I think this book had a lot of potential, but it just didn’t work for me. I had to many issues with the characters and overall execution of the story. And in the end, I was left feeling disappointed and wanting more….
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
When I first heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I loved the synopsis and how unique it sounded. I think this book had a lot of potential and started off really great. I was really intrigued by the story and couldn’t wait to find out more.
I really, really, really wanted to like this book. But, sadly my excitement for it did not last very long. By 17% or so, I was just over it and this is why: Kenzie…She has to be one of the most unlikable characters I have ever met. She was a total bitch for the entire story and honestly, I don’t understand why Hayden would waste his time on her. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with a tough, independent woman. In fact, I don’t mind a little standoffishness and making the man work for her affections, but this was way too much. But, what was really frustrating was that she was a bitch to Hayden, but let her family and friends just walk all over her. She took way too much crap from them and for such an independent woman, I couldn’t understand why she didn’t stand up for herself more and why she let them treat her the way that they did. And Hayden, I was really curious about him in the beginning. I think he had a great air of mystery surrounding him, but as the story went on, I was just left wanting more.
Kenzie and Hayden together was an interesting combination. Yes, they had an instant connection, but I never really felt the spark between the two of them. To me, it felt forced and their connection didn’t feel believable. I kept waiting to see the spark and a reason for them being together, but in the end, I was just left wanting more.
My other issue was the pacing and repetitiveness. The pacing of the story was just too slow for me. I felt like it took forever to get to the point of the story. And when we finally seemed to get somewhere, it just dragged on and at times, left me bored. And then there was the repetitiveness issue. From the scenes where Kenzie is being put down by her father, to the sexual scenes with Hayden; it was just so repetitive. I found myself thinking at times, didn’t I just read this exact thing a few chapters ago??? I’m sorry, but those things are just major deal breakers for me.
Overall, I think this book had a lot of potential, but it just didn’t work for me. I had to many issues with the characters and overall execution of the story. And in the end, I was left feeling disappointed and wanting more….
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
July 22, 2016
An adrenaline filled ride to the finish, one with unfulfilled expectations, sabotage, family history, and breaking the rules for the right reasons.
The bones of this story are good. I loved the idea of a female racer, who has to live up to the achievements her father set in the sport, and that she becomes the key rider who can save or ruin the family business, Cox Racing. I also loved that there was this new guy, Hayden, with a whole lot of baggage, which pushed her to excel.
The racing element, both on and off the track, was intense and gave enough detail that you could feel Kenzie's tension and the rush of the ride. I do think the illegal part was resolved a bit too easily, that there could have been a lot more drama there. However, that part brought out Kenzie's wild side, and that was good since she was so uptight most of the story.
What I did not like was Kenzie's inner monologue. She literally would contradict or argue with herself at times. Every time we got inside her head, I wanted to groan. Here's an example to prove my point:
“You never know who might drop by unexpectedly, and we’re trying to save our careers, not shatter them to pieces . . .”
. . . “Yeah . . . okay.”
It hurt a little that he’d agreed with me so easily.
Really Kenzie? Really?!
There are a lot of side stories in this one, which pieced together, became the downfall of the Cox business.
* Kenzie's inability to win a race. This woman clearly had potential, but she seems to overthink things in the heat of the moment, and makes some rookie mistakes.
* Was someone tampering with the bikes? And if so, how? I didn't think it was who everyone assumed, but was surprised who it was. And that's good, I like twists.
* Daphne (Kenzie's sister) and her ridiculous wedding. This woman is so self-absorbed, the true bridezilla. And it pissed me off that no one told her to tone things down to help her Dad financially. They are part of the blame if they never spoke up.
* The previous girl in Hayden's life. She is mostly mentioned in the story because she looks like Kenzie. But my radar for stupid drama was on high alert throughout the story. Not saying if I was right to be worried.
I hated what Kenzie's father did . . . .
I hated what Keith did . . . .
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
*throws kindle*
*retrieves kindle and apologies "I'm sorry, SC Stephens made me do it"
Regarding the ending (NOTE: DO NOT READ THIS PART IF YOU DON"T WANT MY INSIGHT)
As I was approaching the ending, I felt like there weren't enough pages left to resolve things. And then I got that pit in my stomach. Thinking to myself, "this can't be happening, dammit!" But yes, it happened. This book only has a HFN. What does that mean?! I can only guess that that means there will be a book two and that pissed me off. There is no indication on GRs or Amazon that this is part of a series. However, I'm 90% certain that there will be a book two. I'm not anti-cliffy, but I like to know what I'm getting into when reading a book. Now I'm sleep deprived and edgy. Thank God I buddy read this with my girl, Yaya, so we could rant to one another. But we are both invested in the story now, so of course, we NEED book two, NOW!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
The bones of this story are good. I loved the idea of a female racer, who has to live up to the achievements her father set in the sport, and that she becomes the key rider who can save or ruin the family business, Cox Racing. I also loved that there was this new guy, Hayden, with a whole lot of baggage, which pushed her to excel.
The racing element, both on and off the track, was intense and gave enough detail that you could feel Kenzie's tension and the rush of the ride. I do think the illegal part was resolved a bit too easily, that there could have been a lot more drama there. However, that part brought out Kenzie's wild side, and that was good since she was so uptight most of the story.
What I did not like was Kenzie's inner monologue. She literally would contradict or argue with herself at times. Every time we got inside her head, I wanted to groan. Here's an example to prove my point:
“You never know who might drop by unexpectedly, and we’re trying to save our careers, not shatter them to pieces . . .”
. . . “Yeah . . . okay.”
It hurt a little that he’d agreed with me so easily.
Really Kenzie? Really?!
There are a lot of side stories in this one, which pieced together, became the downfall of the Cox business.
* Kenzie's inability to win a race. This woman clearly had potential, but she seems to overthink things in the heat of the moment, and makes some rookie mistakes.
* Was someone tampering with the bikes? And if so, how? I didn't think it was who everyone assumed, but was surprised who it was. And that's good, I like twists.
* Daphne (Kenzie's sister) and her ridiculous wedding. This woman is so self-absorbed, the true bridezilla. And it pissed me off that no one told her to tone things down to help her Dad financially. They are part of the blame if they never spoke up.
* The previous girl in Hayden's life. She is mostly mentioned in the story because she looks like Kenzie. But my radar for stupid drama was on high alert throughout the story. Not saying if I was right to be worried.
I hated what Kenzie's father did . . . .
I hated what Keith did . . . .
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
*throws kindle*
*retrieves kindle and apologies "I'm sorry, SC Stephens made me do it"
Regarding the ending (NOTE: DO NOT READ THIS PART IF YOU DON"T WANT MY INSIGHT)
As I was approaching the ending, I felt like there weren't enough pages left to resolve things. And then I got that pit in my stomach. Thinking to myself, "this can't be happening, dammit!" But yes, it happened. This book only has a HFN. What does that mean?! I can only guess that that means there will be a book two and that pissed me off. There is no indication on GRs or Amazon that this is part of a series. However, I'm 90% certain that there will be a book two. I'm not anti-cliffy, but I like to know what I'm getting into when reading a book. Now I'm sleep deprived and edgy. Thank God I buddy read this with my girl, Yaya, so we could rant to one another. But we are both invested in the story now, so of course, we NEED book two, NOW!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
August 21, 2016
Furious Rush ~ 4.5 Stars
Kenzie is a daughter of a racing legend. During the first season as a professional racer, Kenzie has something to prove – not only to show her talent as a woman racer in the male-dominated sport -- she also carries a chip on her shoulder. It is important that she succeed because her father and his Cox racing company depend on it. The last thing she needs is a distraction from Hayden, the formal illegal street racer turned professional. The bad thing is he belongs to Benneti Motorsports, the rival team to her father’s Cox Racing company. The relationship between Cox and Benneti is unpleasantly complicated and as a result they have a strict no fraternizing between racers. Kenzie thought she would have no problem with that rule. Hayden is nothing but a cocky asshole that can’t seem to get her name right. Hayden thinks Kenzie is a spoiled princess who belongs in a fashion show instead of the race track. Despite the fact they annoy each other on a daily basis, the more Kenzie and Hayden race and spend time together, the more the attraction grows. They become friends who lean on each other and maybe even more… But with so many obstacles, can they be together or will breaking the rules ruin their racing careers forever?
The author did a great job with the characters – the chemistry between Kayden and Kenzie is off the charts. The sparks and sexual tension is scorching hot. A few things I am not sure about are that the rest of the cast of characters are not very likable. I would have liked to hear Hayden’s point of view as well to see what’s in his head. I am intrigued by this bad boy but this book is told in only Kenzie’s POV. The story starts out a bit slow at first but picks up to a nice pace halfway through. There is drama, angst, and an interesting plot but the story is not finished. I am afraid this book ends in a semi-cliffy ending. A certain ex emerged at the end and so there will be book 2. I am really looking forward to the next book though – I see a lot DRAMA coming. I am also curious to see how Kenzie and her father’s relationship will pan out. Let the race begins! :)
Kenzie is a daughter of a racing legend. During the first season as a professional racer, Kenzie has something to prove – not only to show her talent as a woman racer in the male-dominated sport -- she also carries a chip on her shoulder. It is important that she succeed because her father and his Cox racing company depend on it. The last thing she needs is a distraction from Hayden, the formal illegal street racer turned professional. The bad thing is he belongs to Benneti Motorsports, the rival team to her father’s Cox Racing company. The relationship between Cox and Benneti is unpleasantly complicated and as a result they have a strict no fraternizing between racers. Kenzie thought she would have no problem with that rule. Hayden is nothing but a cocky asshole that can’t seem to get her name right. Hayden thinks Kenzie is a spoiled princess who belongs in a fashion show instead of the race track. Despite the fact they annoy each other on a daily basis, the more Kenzie and Hayden race and spend time together, the more the attraction grows. They become friends who lean on each other and maybe even more… But with so many obstacles, can they be together or will breaking the rules ruin their racing careers forever?
The author did a great job with the characters – the chemistry between Kayden and Kenzie is off the charts. The sparks and sexual tension is scorching hot. A few things I am not sure about are that the rest of the cast of characters are not very likable. I would have liked to hear Hayden’s point of view as well to see what’s in his head. I am intrigued by this bad boy but this book is told in only Kenzie’s POV. The story starts out a bit slow at first but picks up to a nice pace halfway through. There is drama, angst, and an interesting plot but the story is not finished. I am afraid this book ends in a semi-cliffy ending. A certain ex emerged at the end and so there will be book 2. I am really looking forward to the next book though – I see a lot DRAMA coming. I am also curious to see how Kenzie and her father’s relationship will pan out. Let the race begins! :)
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