First Lady to the Finish

Racing Rogues #6

by Cara Maxwell

Her horse, her money, her decision.

Lady Olivia Stone – Liv to her intimates – finally has the control she’s longed for. She’s hand raised her beloved horse from foal to filly and is ready to enter her in the St. Ledger Stakes. But her father is right about one thing: she needs a proper trainer to take her over the finish line. However, Brandon Casey is not what she had in mind.

Until she meets the man ready to challenge – and inflame her – at every turn.

Thinking he’d be working for the illustrious Duke of Ashcroft, Brandon is irate when he discovers he will, in fact, be reporting to the duke’s spoiled and self-important daughter. But the money is good, even if it’s coming from her. And the horse … she’s a winner.

Amid the acrimonious attraction between them, Liv and Brandon suddenly find themselves entangled in a dangerous plot that is much bigger than one person, one race, or one horse. Will they turn to face it together … or tear each other apart?

First Lady to the Finish is a steamy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance. It is the sixth and final book in Cara Maxwell’s new series, Racing Rogues.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2022

About the author

Bringing fresh perspective and punch to the genre readers already know and love, Cara Maxwell is dedicated to writing spirited heroines and irresistible rogues who you will root for every time. A lifetime reader of romance, Cara put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) in 2019 and published her first book. She hasn’t slowed down from there.

Cara is an avid traveler. As she explores new places, she imagines her characters walking hand-in-hand down a cobblestone path or sharing a passionate kiss in a secluded alcove. Cara is living out her own happily ever after in Seattle, Washington, where she resides with her husband, daughter, and two cats, RoseArt and Etch-o-Sketch.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak]

This is my 17th book by Cara Maxwell and I just started reading her in Aug, 2022 with book 1 of this series. Don't know why I didn't finish up the series but am going back now to do so. I enjoy her writing.

I am really liking this series a lot. I really liked Olivia and Brandon's story. Again the sex scenes were well written. I love that although this series hasn't technically been cliffhangers, they did have a continued back story. I like the suspense of it. I love how they all came together. I don't get to read too many series back to back because I read my authors books as they come out. I may read 60-100 books until the next in a series so it's been nice being able to continue reading this one. Overall a really good read and really good series. So glad I went back to finish it.

[Adriana]

Once again, the author manages to introduce us to characters with intense feelings that I couldn't stop clinging to quickly.
Liv and Brandon carry with them the shock story of people with strong personalities who need to learn to live together for the sake of the love of horses and horse racing.
The intensity of the initial friction will be proportional to what follows, bringing the main couples to the close of this series so well conducted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner]

🏇🏻 First Lady to the Finish 📜
An Enemies-to-Lovers Regency Romance
Racing Rogues Book 6
✒️ Cara Maxwell
https://www.facebook.com/caramaxwellr...
Release Date 08/18/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PY8XKSX/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Her horse, her money, her decision.

Lady Olivia Stone – Liv to her intimates – finally has the control she’s longed for. She’s hand raised her beloved horse from foal to filly and is ready to enter her in the St. Ledger Stakes. But her father is right about one thing: she needs a proper trainer to take her over the finish line. However, Brandon Casey is not what she had in mind.

Until she meets the man ready to challenge – and inflame her – at every turn. 

Thinking he’d be working for the illustrious Duke of Ashcroft, Brandon is irate when he discovers he will, in fact, be reporting to the duke’s spoiled and self-important daughter. But the money is good, even if it’s coming from her. And the horse … she’s a winner.

Amid the acrimonious attraction between them, Liv and Brandon suddenly find themselves entangled in a dangerous plot that is much bigger than one person, one race, or one horse. Will they turn to face it together … or tear each other apart?

First Lady to the Finish is a steamy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance. It is the sixth and final book in Cara Maxwell’s new series, Racing Rogues.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will their differences bring them together …

At the beginning I was a bit doubtful about Olivia, she was so controlling and unyielding. Nearly refusing Brandon’s every attempts to put his own schedule in marche. But while these traits of her personality were not the most endearing, she is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it.
And sure, she thought going in league with those fighting the Marionnettiste would be rather easy on her side. Maybe she did not comprehend the full extend of the threat.
But she wants to do what is right.
Brandon is on his last stretch, he needs this new job. To provide for his younger brother. But he certainly did not expect his employer to be a Duke’s daughter, one who never bends and looks at him straight in the eyes.
So it was clash and sparks from the very beginning, each with its own ideas, but they have a shared goal, so at one time they might find a common ground. And soon they realize there is more to them than their stubbornness and fiery temper.

A lovely tale of two people who find a shoulder to rest their head and a soul to share their past pains.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Joan Somers]

This is Book 6 out of 7 in the series Racing Rogues. I have not yet read the first 5 books, but this does stand alone. I like to read books twice because I see what I missed the first time.

Even though I was a little reticent reading about horse racing, I was caught up in it after the first 2 chapters. Lady Liv has a one-track mind when it comes to her horse Discordia winning the St. Ledger race. So much so that she has hired a successful (expensive) trainer, Brandon Casey, to ensure it.

Liv and Brandon lock horns over many things before and during his training of the horse, starting with his realization that she (Liv, a duke’s daughter) hired him and not the duke.

I liked that it didn’t take forever for the couple to come together and trust each other. They are a striking couple with some steamy scenes. Both have secrets to discover about each other. They are also swept up in an intrigue with violence. Their characters were both down-to-earth, mature, and very loving.

Was sad that having a baby out of wedlock back then was such an ordeal for the woman. If you were lucky enough to have money you could go away for a year and come back with a ward and not heap a scandal upon your family.

I look forward to reading the first 5 books in this series.

I received a copy of the book for my honest opinion.

[BookishMya]

Cara Maxwell’s writing continues to touch my heart! The Racing Rogues has been one long, epic journey. I have travelled alongside 6 amazing couples as they journeyed to their happy ever after’s. Brandon and Olivia’s story started with the beautiful banter of enemies to lovers that instantly grabs my attention. Their witty repartee creating knots of angst and joyful tension. Being of two super are classes adds that element of the forbidden fruit. Watching them fight their desires, while simultaneously trying to thwart the syndicate and bring down the villain, was electrifying. Add in the familial elements of her darling daughter and he supportive father and you complete a puzzle of stable, loving family. Of course, the culmination of 6 books is held within the final, long-awaited battle. What truly made this book special is the coming together of friends, the trust and loyalty displayed between these 6 remarkable couples. It was a true highlight to have the bonus epilogue, we never want to say goodbye, so this added glimpse into “where are they now”, was the bow on this fabulous present. A completely wonderful ending and recap to leave us with pure satisfaction.

[Jayne Butcher]

And the surprises keep on coming! What a series finale! Because Liv is determined to have her horse win the St. Ledger race, she hires Brandon, a well known horse trainer. The only problem is that Liv is used to being in control, and Brandon has his own way of doing things. Sparks and words fly….but passion is passion and their mutual attraction is evident. Meanwhile, the villainous earl who runs the horse race fixing syndicate, is hard at work behind the scenes. The intricately woven story continues, culimating in a fight scene that will knock your socks off! This is a wild ride (pun intended). Tempers fly; emotions reign; secrets abound; things get steamy; and there is never a dull moment. The author generously includes an extended epilogue, featuring each of the series’ six couples. I hate to see this wonderful series end, but I suspect that this is one of those collections that I will revisit again and again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Texastwang]

Lady Olivia needs a trainer to make her dreams happen. Brandon Casey needs a GOOD paying job to make his happen.
From the outset these two are at odds. There are surprises along the way. One I figured out from the hint given at the beginning of the book the others well, I was too focused on the story to surmise those.
Wonderful overall story. Well written and thought out. I had to reread the ending so I could understand what actually happened. I thought it was original how she explained everything by putting the two "fathers" together. There are some steamy scenes but they are not essential to the story. Wonderful ending to an enchanting series. I am super happy she included the epilogue. It was tastefully done and quenched my curiosity about all the couples. I recieved a free copy so that I can tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book .

[Gloria Pastorino]

The perfect end to an astounding series! I’m really sorry that this intriguing series that swept me into the world of racing has ended, but it couldn’t end in a more perfect way. This book is packed full of emotions, love, steam and suspense and the last quarter is especially fast paced and nail biting. I loved both main characters, the fact that they are strong and vulnerable at the same time and that they are stronger together, as it should be in real love. Maxwell’s writing is compelling and it sucks you right into the story. I particularly loved seeing all the protagonists of the previous books reunited in their fight against the villain and having a glimpse into their future in the wonderful epilogue. And who knows? Maybe we could beg the author to write the stories of their children and we’ll get to see them again! I do love a family saga!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katja]

Lady Olivia is a duke's daughter who runs a racing stable. She hires Brandon Casey as her trainer. They clash at first but there is also an undeniable attraction, and Brandon comes to regard Liv and her child as his family. They get involved in some spy action as a group of investigators try to take down a villain. The villain's identity is not a mystery as the reader gets to spend some time seeing events from his side but I was a little confused about his motivations. I think there might have been some relevant backstory in earlier books that have not read. Otherwise it was an easy read. There is an epilogue with all the couples from the series.
Steam level: they openly spend nights together.
History nitpick: If a distant relative became someone's heir I don't think they got the use of the peer's secondary titles. It was only for the heirs apparent, not for the heirs presumptive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington]

Lady Olivia and Brandon . . .

Lady Olivia Stone has raised her horse and is looking forward to watching her win the St. Ledger Stakes. But she does need a professional trainer for the last part of Discordia’s training to be ready for the competition.

Brandon Casey is ready to work for the Duke of Ashcroft, so he is quite upset to find he will be working for Lady Olivia. The two of them are strong personalities, fiery tempers, and stubbornness that goes bone-deep. They each want things done their way, and the poor staff is run ragged trying to follow their orders. But when they become aware of nefarious activities that put everything they have worked for in jeopardy, can they join together to tackle it? Or will they continue to fight each other?

[KelseyreadsHR]

An intriguing series end filled with romance

This last installment in the Racing Rogues series begins roughly 2 weeks before the race in Doncaster between Minerva and Mercury. We catch up with the timeline of Riding with a Rake about 45% in. Everything wraps up with the overarching series plot with help from all the MC from the previous 5 books. It was a beautiful story between two equally stubborn and quick temper people. Naturally their quick tempers led to passionate but also tender scenes. A few twists and turns throughout and the author does a good job to keeping you guessing until the end. Main story ends about 86% in but includes a second epilogue with POV of all characters from the series. A wonderful series!

[Cherie S]

Determined, Feisty Romance:
I thought I would try a different genre for myself, and this story sounded intriguing with the horses and all.
A good solid romance story with a strong-willed determined woman dealing in a man's world. She could hold her own for sure.
The characters were interesting, and their banter kept me interested along the way.
The author writes with a colorful flare which I truly enjoyed.
The story is filled with adventure, tension, attraction, mystery and more.
The epilogue was a nice bonus at the end of the series.

[Jocelynereadsromance]

This is the sixth and final installment in the Racing Rogues series by Cara Maxwell, and it sure goes out with a bang. Maxwell has crafted an electrifying, fast paced, delightfully romantic, and steamily sensual series of novels that are all consistently fantastic, and must reads. While these novels can be read as standalones, they are absolute perfection when read in order, as they grown upon the others are characters find their happily ever afters and the ultimate "bad guy" of the London Race Syndicate can be slowing dismantled and brought to its knees. Maxwell's writing is accessible, well paced and a pure delight.

Lady Olivia needs a trainer in order to get her prize horse ready. Brandon is in need of a well paying job to get his dreams in motion. When Lady Olivia hires Brandon on as a trainer, these two start out on unequal footing but they soon can't ignore their attraction and growing feelings for the other.

The banter is delightful between these two as they move swiftly from enemies to lovers. I loved watching Brandon realize the strength and passion Olivia has. Their interactions grow from interest in each other to passionate kisses as Brandon comes to terms with Olivia and her class status. There are also other delightful interactions between these two that stem from a small mystery in this novel. I really loved watching these two grow together, trust each other, and work to overcome their big obstacle. Maxwell does a lovely job of building up their chemistry and ramping up the sensuality between these two. I loved watching them surrender to their trust of each other and explore this through their physical interaction. I also want to give a shout out to Olivia's father who is wonderful and does not fall into the judgemental Dukish thoughts of an older gentleman of this time. He sees the strength between Olivia and Brandon and recognizes that they are building their own family.

This is such a charming conclusion to this series that I have been so excited exploring and eagerly awaiting each new release. Maxwell also gives us a beautiful give with an extended epilogue for all our wonderful couples. Definitely a must read series, I strongly encourage you to pick this novel and series up!

Thank you to Cara Maxwell and BookSprout for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Winnifred D.]

Good wrap-up to the series! Features an engaging storyline that ties up the Syndicate mystery and the MC's have sizzling chemistry. Doesn't work as a standalone--would recommend you read at least the first couple of books, along with the fourth (the fifth is the weakest IMO). This is also the spiciest entry in the series, which mostly works; Liv and Brandon definitely have a spark.

Steam level: 4.

[Aj]

This was such a fun and engaging regency romance, I loved it and the characters and the setting around horse racing. I loved the banter, the challenge and the desire that built between Liv and Brandon. A well paced enemies to friends to lovers story with a very satisfying happily ever after.

[Sharon Sparkes]

love the series!

Read all six! Love the storylines and the people. Each couple is very different but their stories tell of their love.

[Diana]

Intrigue...

The best part about the Racing Rogues series is the intrigue and First Lady to the Finish does not disappoint! I admit to a few years towards the end, too.

[Jessica]

She’s feisty and they clash spectacularly. Meanwhile they have a major bad guy to bring to justice.

This story brings the Racing Rogues series to an end but wait for the surprising end and the extra, extra bonus epilogues.

What can I say? It’s simply WOW!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.