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To Me #1
Race to Me
Skyler Johnson lives the perfect life.
A promising future, endless wealth, and two loving parents.
But it’s all a lie.
The glass mansion she calls home hides dark, painful truths behind its sparkling exterior. A truth that Skyler wants to break free from, shattering her old life and starting anew the moment her gaze lands on Foster Jennings, an irresistible underground racer.
He’ll do anything to free her, and she’ll weather any storm for him.
But nothing is ever that simple, is it?
A promising future, endless wealth, and two loving parents.
But it’s all a lie.
The glass mansion she calls home hides dark, painful truths behind its sparkling exterior. A truth that Skyler wants to break free from, shattering her old life and starting anew the moment her gaze lands on Foster Jennings, an irresistible underground racer.
He’ll do anything to free her, and she’ll weather any storm for him.
But nothing is ever that simple, is it?
Unknown Binding
Published April 24, 2021
596 people are currently reading
2175 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Swan
14 books293 followersAlso writes under Scarlett Swan.
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 24, 2021
The hero kissed very passionately to another woman in front of the heroine after he kissed the heroine the other day and promising good things. He didn’t even call her after he kissed her and just went ghosting her for one whole day. When they meet at night, the hero kissed and do such thing. And the heroine kissed another man too after that.
The hero didn’t even apologized or felt bad about the kissed with the other woman.
Too much of pushing away from the hero in a very childish way and its sooo freakin annoying🙄
One time he wants her and one time he doesn’t want her and one time he chasing her and one time he like went silent treatment on her for no reason!
AND NO THATS NOT WHAT I WANT TO READ MY PEACE CALMING READING TIME. BECAUSE THIS SHOWS HOW COWARD THE HERO IS. AND THIS IS GOING TO BE A SH*T SHOW THAT MY HEALTHY BRAIN CANNOT GO ON WITH.... LIKE COME ON WHEN A BOOK STARTS THAT WAY WITH THE COUPLE DOING CHILDISH THINGS LIKE THAT IT WOULD BE SO BAD.... ITS LIKE ITS NOT A SAFE BOOK TO READ!!!!!!!!! NOT SAFE ROMANCE!!!!!
BYE BYE TOXIC🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴
Fyi even in the end of the book, it was sad and confusing af. Even throughout the book, unnecessary drama and never ending fights and no closure to things. Like seriously this book really wasted my time lol.
The hero didn’t even apologized or felt bad about the kissed with the other woman.
Too much of pushing away from the hero in a very childish way and its sooo freakin annoying🙄
One time he wants her and one time he doesn’t want her and one time he chasing her and one time he like went silent treatment on her for no reason!
AND NO THATS NOT WHAT I WANT TO READ MY PEACE CALMING READING TIME. BECAUSE THIS SHOWS HOW COWARD THE HERO IS. AND THIS IS GOING TO BE A SH*T SHOW THAT MY HEALTHY BRAIN CANNOT GO ON WITH.... LIKE COME ON WHEN A BOOK STARTS THAT WAY WITH THE COUPLE DOING CHILDISH THINGS LIKE THAT IT WOULD BE SO BAD.... ITS LIKE ITS NOT A SAFE BOOK TO READ!!!!!!!!! NOT SAFE ROMANCE!!!!!
BYE BYE TOXIC🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴
Fyi even in the end of the book, it was sad and confusing af. Even throughout the book, unnecessary drama and never ending fights and no closure to things. Like seriously this book really wasted my time lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
All I can say is thank fuck that’s over🤦♀️🤦♀️🫥
April 22, 2021
Just when I think H.L Swan can’t blow me away anymore she goes and writes RACE TO ME!! 😭❤️👏🏼👏🏼 Simply AMAZING!! This is raw, this is emotional, this is passionate, this is sexy, this is EVERYTHING!! I’m so incredibly proud of you girl! You HAVE to read this book! NOW!
April 25, 2021
Congrats to HL Swan for publishing her 6th Book! Skylar has led a privileged life & Foster has definitely not. Foster still manages to shine despite the blows that life has offered him. We all need a guy like Foster in our lives! Just to warn you, this book ends with a cliffhanger.
January 1, 2022
This book took me for a loop I was not expecting. I was pulled into this story and felt everything they felt! Fear, anxiety, lust, love, so much emotion and relation. I need MORE asap! H.L. Swan continues to blow my mind and impress me. Wow. Just amazing 👏😍
Read
April 22, 2021Race To Me is another book by H.L. Swan, the author of one of my favorites The Emden Series. This story is about two characters—Foster and Skylar—who are misunderstood between each other and society...there are twists in this story. Looking forward to seeing what else happens!
April 24, 2021
Firstly thank you so much to H.L. For letting me be a part of her ARC team!! I am so happy and proud of how far you have come!!
Absolutely LOVED this first book in the ‘To Me’ series!!
What an amazing story, so many lovely scenes aswell as some incredible steamy ones;)
I am in love with Foster and Sky, I need more like RIGHT now.
Easily going straight to the top of my shelf alongside After and Ugly love!
My new fave read of 2021 - you have to read!❤️
Absolutely LOVED this first book in the ‘To Me’ series!!
What an amazing story, so many lovely scenes aswell as some incredible steamy ones;)
I am in love with Foster and Sky, I need more like RIGHT now.
Easily going straight to the top of my shelf alongside After and Ugly love!
My new fave read of 2021 - you have to read!❤️
April 6, 2021
What did I think of this book?
That’s a loaded question but let’s begin at the beginning shall we? The complex characters of Skyler Johnson and Foster Jennings, both VASTLY misunderstood people who just try to navigate their way through the world.
Skyler’s seen as this rich Barbie type who gets everything she wants, the nice clothes, the car, the preppy school but what most people don’t know is that she wants none of it. Because it comes at a cost. Her sanity. Her perfect life isn’t perfect. She’s been through much more than she should have been but she tried to hold her head up high.
Foster Jennings is seen as this bad boy extraordinaire. There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. He’s hard when he needs to be, he’s guarded when he has to be, he’s loving and compassionate when he feels the pull to be. He’s fiercely loyal to those who deserve it and incredibly hostile to those who threatens what he loves.
Now as for the story itself. I can not recommend this freaking beautiful masterpiece enough, it has risen to the absolute top of my book shelf! Surpassing big title names such as Pride & Prejudice, Twilight, Harry Potter, and the After series. The absolute raw love these characters have is amazing!The twists and turns you wouldn’t expect will make you gasp. I’ve gasped, laughed, cried, and cheered for these fictional characters. I seriously cannot ever, tell you how much this book has helped me. Reading was always the way I could make my childhood better when things were awful. If I could have had this book back then, knowing that some of these characters have experienced some of the same things I have, it would’ve helped. H.L. Swans writing is impeccable and truly just keeps getting better and better. Her writing is from the heart and soul and honestly she’s been unmatched since she started in the game. I do not say this lightly when I say get this book when it comes out in late April. I have not been able to accurately describe how I feel about this book, but this will have to suffice.
That’s a loaded question but let’s begin at the beginning shall we? The complex characters of Skyler Johnson and Foster Jennings, both VASTLY misunderstood people who just try to navigate their way through the world.
Skyler’s seen as this rich Barbie type who gets everything she wants, the nice clothes, the car, the preppy school but what most people don’t know is that she wants none of it. Because it comes at a cost. Her sanity. Her perfect life isn’t perfect. She’s been through much more than she should have been but she tried to hold her head up high.
Foster Jennings is seen as this bad boy extraordinaire. There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. He’s hard when he needs to be, he’s guarded when he has to be, he’s loving and compassionate when he feels the pull to be. He’s fiercely loyal to those who deserve it and incredibly hostile to those who threatens what he loves.
Now as for the story itself. I can not recommend this freaking beautiful masterpiece enough, it has risen to the absolute top of my book shelf! Surpassing big title names such as Pride & Prejudice, Twilight, Harry Potter, and the After series. The absolute raw love these characters have is amazing!The twists and turns you wouldn’t expect will make you gasp. I’ve gasped, laughed, cried, and cheered for these fictional characters. I seriously cannot ever, tell you how much this book has helped me. Reading was always the way I could make my childhood better when things were awful. If I could have had this book back then, knowing that some of these characters have experienced some of the same things I have, it would’ve helped. H.L. Swans writing is impeccable and truly just keeps getting better and better. Her writing is from the heart and soul and honestly she’s been unmatched since she started in the game. I do not say this lightly when I say get this book when it comes out in late April. I have not been able to accurately describe how I feel about this book, but this will have to suffice.
July 6, 2023
Actual rating 2.75 stars rounded up +
I liked the good-girl/bad-boy dynamic that Skyler and Foster had going for them, and I feel like Skyler's backstory was very well done. H.L. Swan tackled Skyler's parental abuse, both physical and mental, in an accessible and respective way, and I was really pleased to see that extra layer of emotional complexity done so well in what I thought would be a quick romance read.
That being said... there are way too many exclamation points in Skyler's dialogue and narration LOL. This is just a personal preference, but I like my exclamation marks to be few and far between to actually give them emphasis and meaning. I know that for the most part, Skyler is this cheery character who oozes enthusiasm and that the punctuation is meant to highlight that, but - it just came off as corny to me.
I also feel like the whole relationship between the MCs happened way too fast. Like, Foster has known Skyler for, what, a semester? And he buys her a car with his racing money??? That came off as wildly unbelievable to me.
I don't want to end on a negative note, so I will say that the spicy scenes were done really well, and they were easily the best part of the book for me.
I liked the good-girl/bad-boy dynamic that Skyler and Foster had going for them, and I feel like Skyler's backstory was very well done. H.L. Swan tackled Skyler's parental abuse, both physical and mental, in an accessible and respective way, and I was really pleased to see that extra layer of emotional complexity done so well in what I thought would be a quick romance read.
That being said... there are way too many exclamation points in Skyler's dialogue and narration LOL. This is just a personal preference, but I like my exclamation marks to be few and far between to actually give them emphasis and meaning. I know that for the most part, Skyler is this cheery character who oozes enthusiasm and that the punctuation is meant to highlight that, but - it just came off as corny to me.
I also feel like the whole relationship between the MCs happened way too fast. Like, Foster has known Skyler for, what, a semester? And he buys her a car with his racing money??? That came off as wildly unbelievable to me.
I don't want to end on a negative note, so I will say that the spicy scenes were done really well, and they were easily the best part of the book for me.
October 12, 2024
You know what? I didn’t hate this book like I was expecting, which makes me so happy!
I ADORED that last minute plot twist, granted I wish there was an additional chapter after but I can’t remember the last time I read a book where I’ve sat there with my mouth open lost for words! 👏👏 a love a book where the agro isn’t typical and isn’t solved instantly.
Wasn’t a massive fan of the slightly toxic behaviour going on but..🤷♀️ overall very good book, it all just felt a little rushed though. As someone who hates a slow burn romance, I just wish their relationship was established in a few more chapters
I ADORED that last minute plot twist, granted I wish there was an additional chapter after but I can’t remember the last time I read a book where I’ve sat there with my mouth open lost for words! 👏👏 a love a book where the agro isn’t typical and isn’t solved instantly.
Wasn’t a massive fan of the slightly toxic behaviour going on but..🤷♀️ overall very good book, it all just felt a little rushed though. As someone who hates a slow burn romance, I just wish their relationship was established in a few more chapters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
✨✨✨A must read! ✨✨✨
This one is about Skyler Johnson perfect home? picture perfect family? Foster Jennings the bad boy & Racer.
Their story is one that will captivated you. Just like every other HL book I’ve read I get completely hooked and wanting to know more I couldn’t put it down. Always just enough twists, emotion, and Steam!
(Plus a surprise) yeah I caught that!! 🤫😉.
HL Race to me is just perfect.
This one is about Skyler Johnson perfect home? picture perfect family? Foster Jennings the bad boy & Racer.
Their story is one that will captivated you. Just like every other HL book I’ve read I get completely hooked and wanting to know more I couldn’t put it down. Always just enough twists, emotion, and Steam!
(Plus a surprise) yeah I caught that!! 🤫😉.
HL Race to me is just perfect.
May 3, 2021
Wow!! You need to read this book!!!
This book just easily became my favorite of all time. Wow! H.L. Swan is by far my favorite author. She writes amazing books. This definitely tops all of them. She did such a great job with grabbing your attention from the very start. The characters are perfect! And the story line is amazing!! I did not see the ending coming at all!!! Ugh!! I can't wait for part 2!!!
This book just easily became my favorite of all time. Wow! H.L. Swan is by far my favorite author. She writes amazing books. This definitely tops all of them. She did such a great job with grabbing your attention from the very start. The characters are perfect! And the story line is amazing!! I did not see the ending coming at all!!! Ugh!! I can't wait for part 2!!!
August 10, 2021
“She’s drawn to the broken. A reflection of herself. She hides her scars behind designer clothes, refusing anyone’s help. While I hide mine behind ink and grease, surrounded by the wall I’ve built. One look at her, and I was done.” -Foster
Two beautifully broken souls drawn to each other through the chaos of very different lives. Skyler Johnson us the perfect life, or so it seems. But when she meets bad boy Foster, her secrets start to slip and the truth is revealed! With his help, Skyler starts to live her life for herself. Their journey is not an easy one, and the road ahead is long, but their love for one another is so special and strong! I can’t wait for their story to continue in book 2, Crash into Me!
Two beautifully broken souls drawn to each other through the chaos of very different lives. Skyler Johnson us the perfect life, or so it seems. But when she meets bad boy Foster, her secrets start to slip and the truth is revealed! With his help, Skyler starts to live her life for herself. Their journey is not an easy one, and the road ahead is long, but their love for one another is so special and strong! I can’t wait for their story to continue in book 2, Crash into Me!
July 11, 2023
I loved this. Nothing else I was currently reading was getting me too excited so I picked this up and was unexpectedly surprised at how great it was. I liked the dialogue, the story and the nuanced characters. I was into the good girl/bad boy trope. I loved the twists at the end (there were so many of them). My only critique would be that I thought the class narrative could have been explored deeper but other than that I was pretty blown away by this book in general and immediately downloaded the next one.
March 24, 2024
I liked this book to a certain extent. Some of the actions and back and forth between the main characters got to be annoying. The man did a lot of shitty things that seemed to have just been brushed under the rug and never addressed. I was also not a fan of how the last two chapters were written. Some details did not make sense and the author randomly switched POV for one chapter and it just did not do it for me.
May 25, 2021
The romance In this book is everything you need in your life!So I read this book in one day, not even a day like 6 hours. I could not put it down. The storyline is absolutely amazing and keeps you wanting more. The passion and romance is undeniable as well as the action and friction! As for Skyler I absolutely live her willpower & her pure love and care. Foster... let’s talk about foster mysterious and caring everything is all I have to say. And there romance and action is everything you need in your life!
One of the best books ever.
One of the best books ever.
April 2, 2021
Definitely recommend!!!
I am in love with Race to Me! Skylar and Foster's relationship blooms into something beautiful. The way he helps her find herself, the way he shows her what real love is, the journey they take in general hits right in all the feels. This story is so captivating and the characters are relatable.
It wouldn't be an H.L. Swan masterpiece if it didn't have some crazy plot twists that you don't see coming, so be prepared. Grab your tissues.
There's a little surprise too that just makes your heart flutter!!
I am in love with Race to Me! Skylar and Foster's relationship blooms into something beautiful. The way he helps her find herself, the way he shows her what real love is, the journey they take in general hits right in all the feels. This story is so captivating and the characters are relatable.
It wouldn't be an H.L. Swan masterpiece if it didn't have some crazy plot twists that you don't see coming, so be prepared. Grab your tissues.
There's a little surprise too that just makes your heart flutter!!
May 3, 2021
Incredible work as always. Fell in love with Sky and Foster’s relationship. Swan has a way of portraying relationship and real life issues in such a way that you feel what the characters are feeling. This book made me fall in love and fall apart. 🤍🦋
May 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Foster would definitely be the type of bad boy I would want to bring home. Not only is he protective, but he is sweet and caring in his own way and isn't afraid to let Skyler know how he feels or anyone else know how he feels about her. I can't wait for book 2. Need it ASAP please. I love all of your work H. L. Swan and can't wait for the next book.
October 7, 2023
Omg - a story about love emotion passion and risk!
Going from having it to seeing the other side and still having the people around you who want for nothing. Amazing- and I can’t wait to continue with book 2.
Going from having it to seeing the other side and still having the people around you who want for nothing. Amazing- and I can’t wait to continue with book 2.
May 27, 2024
was so confused…i didnt know how to rate it because the first part of the book was good and entertaining. kinda of those 2010 highschool bad boy goog girl books but then the second half, when they actually got together was so…weird? so i guess 3 stars?
May 3, 2021
I have fallen in love with this book. I can’t say enough good things.
Want to read
May 6, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/6/2023)! 🎁
July 3, 2023
I think that kind of romance ist just not my genre.
July 16, 2023
Dnf'ed 47%
I was kind of enjoying it at first but you can just tell the writing seems like it was done by a 16 year old; book context was good but yeah, the writing could have been way better.
I was kind of enjoying it at first but you can just tell the writing seems like it was done by a 16 year old; book context was good but yeah, the writing could have been way better.
May 15, 2024
This book is giving Wattpad.
Also why did I not know it was part of trilogy that you have to read all of to get the ending of the couples story. I’ve done this twice in a row so now I’m only gonna be reading stand-alones 😤
Also why did I not know it was part of trilogy that you have to read all of to get the ending of the couples story. I’ve done this twice in a row so now I’m only gonna be reading stand-alones 😤
December 27, 2024
Finally getting round to reading my books I bought on stuff you kindle day, if you liked binding 13 I think you could like this one. Easy read
May 4, 2021
Spectacular
July 3, 2023
He started to sing.
July 21, 2023
The idea the author had for this book was great in theory, in practice…she just didn’t nail it. There was a LOT of unnecessary drama that just did not make sense and so so much of what’s in this book is incredibly unrealistic.
Also, it really irritates me when an author writes the characters to be in college and then talks about classes and schedules and bells ringing like it’s high school.
There was just no rhyme or reason for most of what happened in this book.
Also, it really irritates me when an author writes the characters to be in college and then talks about classes and schedules and bells ringing like it’s high school.
There was just no rhyme or reason for most of what happened in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews