The Chase

Racing Hearts #1

by Victoria Denault

They crashed and burned in the past, but The Chase is on again.

Frankie

I grew up on the track, surrounded by race car drivers. I loved it.

But along with the good times came some really bad ones. So, I left that life behind and didn’t look back.

Until now.

I never thought I’d care enough about the family legacy to take control when my dad retired. But…I did

So now I’m in charge of a racing team that includes the man who kissed me, then ghosted me before that was even a thing.

Sadly, he’s as sexy as ever.

But if he thinks my heart will be his next big win, he’s sorely mistaken…

Billy

I was worried when Frankie took over Mirabella Racing.

Not for the team. She could handle that. I was worried for me—the guy she hates.

Problem is, I don’t hate her. She’s…everything.

But in my line of work, relationships are complicated at best, dangerous at worst. Not to mention, now she’s my boss.

Even with all those red flags, I still can’t stop trying to charm my way into her bed.

She won’t make it easy. But I love a good chase…


The Chase is a second chance sports romance and the first (standalone) book in the Racing Hearts series.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Racing, Sports, Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2022

About the author

Sign up for Victoria's monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cexOL9

Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.

Reviews

[Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I have never read a race book before..... I am not a fan of racing so it didn't really call to me..... but when one of your one-click authors writes a book you give it a chance! And I am so glad that I did. While I was not at all that into the description of the things happening on the race track (which there was not a whole LOT of) I was totally here for the story! Billy and Frankie are the sweetest! Definitely a Racing World Royal couple! And I am also loving some of these other characters... I need Lucia's story! I need Rocco's story (since he wasn't the b*startd that I originally thought he was). I look forward to more from this world!!



Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔

[tiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,75 stars✨ i missed something. but it wasn't bad.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romance ten years in the making, and I was glad to see it finally happen.

Frankie and Billy had spend one magnificent night getting to know each other in their teens, but their second date didn't happen because Billy never showed. Fast-forward ten years, and they are thrust back into each other's orbits when Frankie assumes a position with the team. It should surprise no one that the sparks were still there, but will their past and current situation prove to be obstacles to their future?

I am a long time fan of Denault's hockey romances and was eager to read more of her work. I rather enjoyed partaking in this Formula 1 romance. I got to travel with the team while also learning more about this sport and its world. But best of all, I got to see Frankie and Billy fall in love.

These two were pretty complicated for different reasons. Both should have had reservations about any relationships. Billy feared leaving his loved ones the way his father did when he died in a crash, while this world just wasn't too kind to women and made Frankie fear how a relationship with a driver would be received. Frankie had some other major baggage which was also handled during the story and resolved, I am happy to say. It brought me much happiness as I watched their friendship grow, and their lust turn to love. I thought they were fantastic together and complimented each other well.

The supporting cast really added a lot to this tale as well. Some of them surprised me and won me over, and I am hoping the unattached characters all get their own books. I would love the opportunity to return to this world and get to know them better.

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[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Victoria Denault and I was very happy with the book. I am usually more of a hockey romance gal but really enjoyed trying something new and entering the racing world. Book was very well written, had a great plot and I really liked the main characters. I would definitely recommend if you like a good sports romance read.

This book follows Francesca (Frankie) and William (Billy). Billy is a racer and Frankie comes from racing royalty and is poised to take over her father's racing team one day. The two met for one night both when they were young (late teens) and really had a connection. Then both of their worlds fell apart. Fast forward 10 years later and Billy has moved up in racing and Frankie is completely out of the world....until her father retires and leaves the racing team to her. Now she is a woman in a man's world trying to deal with the fallout and still trying to deal with what happened 10 years ago. Plus she is now Billy's boss; so even though that connection is still there, nothing can happen between them. Billy won't get in a relationship while racing as he has seen firsthand how the sport affects those he loves. Frankie won't trust anyone and needs to be above board as the new owner. That connection between them cannot be ignored but neither can the secrets the two still hold.

Good, romantic read. Some funny antics and great characters. Would recommend.

[Lasairiona McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big F1 fan, I am always reluctant to dip my toe into F1 books. Especially by authors I really enjoy. Cause - What if they make a mess of the sport part of the book? AMIRITE? I shouldn't have worried when it came to Victoria, she nailed the sport. It was clear she'd done her research and when I read the note at the end it made me happy to know she's a fan of the sport too.

The balance of F1/sport and romance was perfect. I loved the characters of Billy and Frankie and this lovely, easy to read second chance romance for a pair that fate tore apart but rightfully brought back together again.

I love books with strong female leads, and Frankie is just that. Driven, determined, smart - but also beautiful and crapped on by society for her career choice. My wee heart died when she bent to fit into society's box of expectations and changed what she wore in the pitlane, but when her unsuspecting ally reminded her she was a freakin' queen and to do what she wanted - my heart sang.

Can't wait for the rest of this series, I'm hoping Nick and Lucia make the list because I foresee fireworks there!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable second chance F1 romance

I’ve been watching enough of the F1 races and Netflix series Drive to Win to appreciate and understand all of the Formula 1 race references in the book. They felt authentic but I might have been lost without the prior racing knowledge. As it was, all of the racing references added to the basic story and made it that much more enjoyable for me. It’s a good second chance romance with a mystery thrown in. Something happened to the h the night she was stood up 10 years ago by the H. Why he didn’t make their date and the repercussions of the events for the h are still important 10 years later. The story unfolds throughout the book as the two MCs reconnect on the same racing team and have to deal with each other both personally and professionally. Both of them are likable and it was easy to cheer for their relationship, rocky though it may be. Frankie is an interesting character. Fashionista, influencer, and also strong, smart, and savvy. Billy is much more than just a playboy champion driver. They have great chemistry but also deep depths to their relationship. Glad I picked up this book and I recommend it, esp to other race fans.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

I was hooked from start to finish! I've been a fan of Victoria Denault's hockey heroes for awhile now, so when I saw she was going to give racing a try, I was all in and I was NOT disappointed. THE CHASE is the first book in her brand new Racing Hearts series and brings us a reconnection of passing teen infatuation when the new boss of up and coming racer Billy is the one that got away a decade ago. Great characters with an interesting back story, a touch of mystery along the way and a whole lot of yummy racing stamina!

Billy is a total sweetheart and I enjoyed seeing him get the girl in the end.

Frankie was a whole lot of drama and mystery, but she had such a good personality. I enjoyed seeing her finally get answers for the past and reconnect with the guy she wanted from the word go.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sports romance with lots of angst, turmoil and desire mixed up with a whole lot of heart. I'm looking forward to more in the series!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: An ARC was provided by the author.

I. FLOVED. THIS!!! I may have been a wee bit worried about Victoria Denault writing about a new sport, especially since she does hockey romances so darn well, but it's clear that she's done her research. I loved the romance aspect here, but I was quite happy to note how much of the Formula One world she'd included, both on and off the track. She's also got two standout main characters in Frankie and Billy. There was a lot of push and pull going on, as is usually case when your head tells you one thing but your heart (and libido) tell you something else. Aside from the whole second-chance romance angle, there's a bit of a mystery in the story, but I'm not going to get into it in this review so as to avoid any accidental slips of the spoiler-like variety. I truly enjoyed this series starter, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Denault takes readers next in this new Racing Hearts series of hers. The Chase has set the bar quite high, which is why it easily garners 4.5 stars.

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie wanted to be a F1 driver but due to health issues can’t. She then focuses on being an influencer but has always tracked what’s going on with her Dads team. Billy is one of the star drivers for her fathers team and the boy her broke her heart 10 years ago. When he was a no show for there date 10 years ago Frankie went to a party and almost OD. She was sent to rehab to recover but not many know Frankie doesn’t do drugs.

Ten years later, Frankie’s Dad decides to retire and names Frankie Team principle. She has a difficult time with the other part owner, his son and the other driver Antonio..

Tensions mount between Billy and Frankie as they fight the sexual attraction plus they are both holding back secrets.

The desire causes issues as Frankie is now Billy's boss plus he loves Frankie’s Dad. They both need to overcome their demons and find their way to each other.

I hope this is the first in a series as this was an excellent book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star Review The Chase (Racing Hearts #1) by Victoria Denault

Victoria Denault is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. This was an entertaining story that ticked a number of boxes for me.

I’m not a fan of FI racing, in back it bores me to tears, however when the opportunity to read this book cam up I decided to read and I am so glad that I did. This was a well written, entertaining read that ticked a number of boxes for me.

I really liked F1 driver Billy and Frankie, his new boss, they were easy to relate to and I found myself quickly drawn to their story. These two have a history and it was entertaining to watch them re connect.

Frankie was such a strong, determined woman and I loved her spirit. Billy was swoon worthy and I liked how supportive he was of Frankie when they reconnected. The chemistry between them was intense and their banter witty.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie is back in the racing world after leaving it all behind for a long time, but when her father needed her, she came running although hesitant. Racing was always a part of her life growing up around the tracks and loving the sport herself, except now she is supposed to run the team, can she pull it off? Frankie and Billy have a history of sorts now, having to work together can they put the past behind them to accomplish what they want out of this team, or will they constantly doubt each other? I loved that Billie was all in with Frankie because he never quite got over her, but can he break through the walls she has put up against him and show her what she means to him? Frankie was amazing because even though she did have some insecurities she still held her own and faced any challenges she had. This story was so much fun full of emotions, suspense, and steam that I inhaled it all hoping we get more from this world.

[Colleen Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Frankie and Billy's story. The author did a wonderful job in building both characters and drawing you into their lives and emotions. I enjoyed the back and forth and the build from their past to the present which affected both of their interactions with each other. Frankie is hard as nails on the outside and a force to be reckoned with, but she is fair, honest, and a kind person. Billy is funny, sweet, and determined, but his past keeps him from opening up and being vulnerable. The author does a wonderful job showing the struggle these two have with trying to keep their professional lives and personal lives on track while attempting, and failing, to keep their attraction to each other at bay. I loved the witty banter and the emotional upheaval of this book and can't wait to read the second book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she was growing up Frankie was exposed to the racing world through her father and it was a large part of her life until one night changed everything and she walked away. A decade later her father has retired, and he wants her to manage the racing team which means facing the man who impacted her decision to walk away if he doesn’t know it.

Billy is a successful driver who had feelings for Frankie a decade earlier but circumstances tore them apart. Having her back in his life will force them both to face the events of the past as well as the challenges of the present and determine if this will be their second chance or if they are destined for heartbreak once again.

Frankie has overcome so much and emerged stronger and more resilient while Billy knows that she is the best thing to happen to her and he needs to be patient and understanding until she realizes it as well.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fast paced read about Frankie and Billy, set in the Formula 1 racing world.
They met as teens on the edge of adulthood and connected deeply but tragedy in his life and betrayal in hers led to new ventures and ten years between them.
Now back in the Formula 1 scene Frankie has trust issues with the whole racing world that Billy doesn’t really understand but the attraction and connection is still just as strong as ever.
He determined to discover her secrets and the reason for her coldness, and to try and get the chance with her that he missed out on all those years ago.
A sweet, heartfelt, steamy read with some fun, intrigue, mystery and action and a beautiful HEA.

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it was a great start to the series. I really liked the leads as individuals and as a couple, and the story was well paced and interesting.

I enjoyed the overall structure of the book. The time jump from Frankie and Billy's meet-cute at around 20 years old and then jumping to them 10 years later was the right choice. There was plenty of mystery around their initial date and why a second date never happened, and we got so much to work with on how their careers turned out. Frankie went from on track to work in her father's F1 team to being a successfule infuencer and seemingly shunning the sport she was so passionate about, and Billy worked his way up to F1 to land a spot on Frankie's father's team. There was so much to unpack after that first chapter and it made a really interesting read.

There was a lot of personal issues/baggage for both Billy and Frankie and this was dealt with well over the course of the book. Slowly they confided in each other the reasons why their 2nd date didn't go ahead and what happened shortly after that, and I really liked how they listened to each other and supported them to regain their confidence.

I enjoyed seeing Frankie take on the team owner/big boss role at the F1 team and it was really fun to read a female character who could excel in a male dominated field. She clearly had a huge interest in the sport and had kept close tabs on the industry, despite working outside of it for a decade. Of course there was pushback from her male colleagues when she took over the role but it felt realistic and I liked how it was dealt with. Frankie being inheritly feminine would always ruffle feathers in the sport and her response to tone this down after initial kickback, then work on her confidence before returning to form was nice to see. She isn't perfectly confident and it did shake her, but she didn't let it keep her down. I also appreciated how Billy wasn't ignorant to this and did what he could to help.

Frankie and Billy's connetion was undeniable and I really enjoyed them coming together, trusting each other and finally become a super strong couple.

[Jessica (jpbooklife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Victoria Denault did the impossible. She made me care about racing. I swear there were moments where I was in the edge of my seat excited to read the outcome of a fictional race.
The chemistry between Frankie and Billy took a little bit catch fire for me but once it did it was amazing. There were so many side characters that I want to know more about I don't even know where to start. The body guard, either sister, Rocco, all of them were such great supporting characters. They really made this story shine.
I do think the ending was just a tiny bit rushed. But other than that this was a fun exciting read filled with lots of twists and turns (pun intended).

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first F1 sports romance and I have to say, the only reason I ventured into it was because I trust the author and know that I will enjoy any sports romance she writes. And I wasn't wrong to trust her, I loved Billy and Frankie's story! It was engrossing and kept my interest so I had to finish it the weekend I started it, no matter what.

If you're looking for a well written and character driven story then you can't go wrong with this, or anything else Victoria has written. A definite recommend from me. I'm really looking forward to more in this series and I'm hoping we get Lucia's story next. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria has given us a fabulous start to this new racing series with Frankie and Billy. You certainly do not need to understand the sport to love the characters and their world!
This couple has an instant connection years ago, but it just wasn't the right time. Now fate has once again brought them together, but the dynamics have changed.
Billy is a F1 driver and Frankie is now the newly appointed boss of the team as her father steps down. This couple has sizzling chemistry on and off the track. We have just the right amount of sass, chemistry, angst and witty, sexually charged banter. I am so excited for more of this group!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Mary Gouveia-ironmonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Victoria Denault but I am sure it will not be my last. This book is about F1 racing royalty Francesca who comes from the #1 Racing team and another member of this royal group Billy who is also from racing royalty. They knew each other once upon a time and circumstances stopped them from exploring their relationship. 20 years later they are thrown back together as Francesca takes up her role in the family business by taking the reins. Billy is the #1 driver on their team. Holy cow this book is just awesome and the characters are truly brought to light. By the end of the story you KNOW them. What a great read this was. Thank you Victoria Denault for this!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read these books backwards by starting with book two. Yet, these books can be read as standalone books. Having now read both books, I have to say that this one is my favorite. Ooh, all the spicy goodness!

I forgot whatever Billie might have done to Frankie in the past. As they, were bringing the heat in the present. I do have to give it up to Frankie for trying her best to try and resist Billie. Every time that they were around each other, they could not keep their hands off one another.

If I had read this book first, I can guarantee you that I definitely would have been hooked and wanted to read book two. I will be reading more of this author's books.

[Katie Wilks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chase by Victoria Denault
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥/5

Loved this F1 book! The plot of the story was well thought out and well written. It included a lot of track time and the sport was a major part of the story. I haven't ever watched F1 so I'm not clear on all the rules of the sport, but the author seemed to be very knowledgeable. Frankie and Billy's 2nd chance romance was such a joy to read. This story had just the right of amount of sport/romance/plot ratio and that's why it is getting 5 stars.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read much by Victoria Denault but I was intrigued by the blurb and a sports romance in the F1 world. All I need to say is I was captivated by Billy and Frankie’s entertaining journey, the characters were easy to relate to the banter was witty and fun but more importantly this is a well written love story with plenty of chemistry.
I fell hard and fast for the swoon worthy, kind and considerate Billy and I adored his boss Frankie and together they were magical. Great read that has left me excited for the rest of the Racing Heart Series.

[Deeply Love Reading Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He’s always been my bonfire, warm, mesmerizing, and enticing, and I’ve always been his moth.”
This is my first book by this author and is not going to be the last. Billy and Francesca (Frankie)’s story is full of secrets and suspense. Their connection at a young age stayed strong throughout the years. They tried to stay away from each other, but just like moth to a flame they could not separate. They both carry heavy secrets, but in showing their vulnerability and ability to trust it creates a collision course they could not avoid.

4.5 Stars Rating

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the first book of Ms. Denault's I've been a fan. This book starts a new series based on F1 racing, which I knew absolutely nothing about prior to reading Billy and Frankie's story. Returning to her sport's themed roots, Ms. Denault weaves this second chance romance with hot scenes, some angsty history and a whole lot of passion. She's never afraid to take on the hard subjects and bring them to light. As always, a solid story with a guaranteed HEA. 4.5 stars from me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy of this copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

The Chase is a refreshing return to sports romance for Victoria Denault. I know absolutely nothing about F1 racing, but it didn't matter with this book. The chemistry between Frankie and Billy was excellent. Also present is the typical Denault angst, which I always enjoy. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

[Cherilyn Cleveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this off a goodreads giveway. I never thought I would get this into a racing book before but I'm really glad I tried this. I do think some of the writing was a bit cheesy but maybe that was the point. I really enjoyed the set up and Billy and Frankie were fun to read about. I kind of want to know more about the Nick and Lucia story. I hope the author writes about them because I found their story intriguing. Anyway, I'll be reading more from this author.

[Nicole Marie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was the first I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed the writing. A great strong female lead that has reasons for being the way she is, Frankie was someone I really liked. Billy stuck out to me the moment you were introduced and I loved his morals and standing. He was just an all around great character. Even the things he does you don’t like make him likable because he’s doing them for good reasons. I haven’t read a ton of F1 racer books but definitely enjoyed it.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that I’m not a fan of racing would be an understatement. I grew up with my family watching it and it always bored me to tears, so I was a little leery about reading a book about racing. As it turns out, when I don’t have to sit there and watch cars driving around track repeatedly, it’s not so boring. 🤣

This book drew me in quickly and kept me reading until I finished because I had to know what what going to happen next. The characters were great and I absolutely loved Billy. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of times that I wanted to smack him for being an idiot, but luckily he did finally pull his head out of his ass.

This was the first book that I’ve read by Victoria Denault, but I’m glad I gave it a chance and I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Im thinking Formula One romances might just be my new favorites!! I enjoyed the range of characters personalities and how their relationships developed. I haven’t yet watched the show Drive to Survive but now I will! Loved that the backstory tied up at the end. I really hope this is going to be a series! i’d love to read Lucia’s HEA!

[Pattip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love racing and I love second chances, so this was a story that I was looking forward to reading. I was not disappointed! I really fell in love with Frankie and Billy. Their connection was amazing and was tangible. I enjoyed the angst and the character development was great! Although this is my first book by this author, it won't be my last!