Downforce

by Chelsea Leach

For twenty-four-year-old Alaina Montgomery, the racetrack is the only place in the world she feels complete. Still struggling with the weight of her parents’ messy divorce, Alaina refuses to commit to anything other than her small start-up company and her tight circle of friends and family. It’s not until she meets Grayson, a handsome racing driver full of youthful optimism and high spirits, that she’s tempted to let someone new in for the first time in years. With his sweet smile and kind demeanor, he’s everything Alaina ever wished for.

She is falling hard, but will she be able to put the ghosts of her past to bed and begin a new adventure? Or will she choose to close her heart off and remain hidden from the world?

It’s a road full of landmines, and the path becomes even more treacherous when an unexpected and horrifying series of events shakes Alaina’s foundation and forces her to lean on those closest to her in ways she never imagined. Downforce pulls you out of the grandstands and into the driver’s seat for a funny, raw, and honest look at the life of a young woman whose journey to forgiveness and acceptance leads her down a path she never anticipated.

Genres: Romance, Sports

417 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2022

Reviews

[Bethany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and realistic love story about taking a chance on someone, opening your heart, building a relationship, and trusting someone to stand by you no matter what. This is a sweet read with some emotional moments that tell an honest love story while also touching on the complexities of family dynamics and the difficulty of trusting someone when you've had your trust broken. If you like sweet and realistic romances, this is a great read.

[Lacey Braziel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an hilarious meet-cute, a near-perfect hero, an opinionated heroine, and a sweet with heat romance, then look no further.

Alaina is in her mid-twenties when she meets and falls hard for IndyCar driver, Grayson Miles. The two are so incredibly perfect for each other, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy. Something happens on the best night of Grayson's life that tests the strength of their relationship.

Will they make it?
(Psst . . . They do! It's a romance!)

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read and well written! Great story that will take you on an emotional ride. It made me laugh and made me cry. It was easy to get attached to the characters and invested in their story! If you’re an Indy car fan you will love it even more! I am looking forward to the next book from this author!

[Ashley Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you're looking for a completely relatable and emotionally charged romance, please read this. Chelsea writes in a way that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters.

Grayson? Completely swoon-worthy and the most patient hero I have read. We all need a Gray in our life. And he's a racecar driver...hello!! 🥵🥵

Alaina? This girl has gone through it all and still comes out on top, going through fire and back. Love her fight and spirit.

Angsty, sweet heat, tender, emotional rollercoaster, lots of depth, wonderful character development, and of course an HEA.

Plus she gives us a setup and characters for her next book coming out soon! I cannot wait for RIPTIDE!!

[Samantha Battle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by the author checks all the boxes: relatable characters, enjoyable storytelling, realistic conflict, and just the right amount of sizzle! This page turner will draw you in and keep you invested throughout its entirety. I cannot wait to follow Chelsea’s writing career and see what will come next from this talented author.

[Bookish Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!