Racing Hearts

Whispering Valley #2

by Bria Brooks

He’s everything I don’t want… and the only man who can save me.Nick Hill is gruff, brooding, and impossible. An ex-SEAL-turned-cowboy with strong arms, a sharp tongue, and a frustrating ability to get under my skin.

Missing my father’s funeral was bad enough. Learning he left his prized stallion to this cocky cowboy was the last straw.

I should be on the first flight back to Paris, not stuck on this small-town ranch.

Not waking up to the sight of Nick shirtless in my kitchen.
Or wondering how his rough hands would feel against my bare skin.

But when a storm forces us into the barn at midnight, clothes soaked, breaths heavy, tension snapping between us like a live wire, I stop wondering.

At first, it was just his body that made me weak.

Now, it’s the way he calms skittish horses. It’s how he protects everything my father loved—including me—from a ruthless developer who wants to bulldoze the ranch.

Winning the American Eventing Grand Slam’s three million dollar prize is our only hope of saving our home. The risk? I almost died the last time I was in the saddle.

Will saving the ranch be enough? Or will I jeopardize everything, including my heart, for the man I swore I’d never love?

A steamy, standalone contemporary Western romance. Guaranteed HEA. Steam 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Jessie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

emotional

An emotional story! Very very well written. A few quotes I learnt here and one about fear. A slow burn with enemies to lovers story. A lot of distrust on Paige’s part. Get your tissues ready too!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a horse lover so the fact that this story involves horses was a win for me. When Bria Brooks writes you feel the action of the event with horse and rider, the sexual tension between the characters and the fight to save the family ranch will raise your emotions. Fast pace and enjoyable.

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racing Hearts

I loved this story!..it was mesmerizing with the horses, the struggle to over come fear and find a strong love to grow your life with. I couldn't put this story down, I feel most people will love this too.

[Marisa Anziano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racing Hearts was a great, fast paced read. Perfect for anyone who loves reading stories about complicated yet swoon worthy cowboys and the strong willed women they fall for.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a story

This story is so wonderful. I do love a good Enemies to Lovers dynamic and this one takes the cake. Just great characters and world that the author has built

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Racing Hearts” is the second book in the “Whispering Valley Series.” Paige returns home after the death of her father Richard - all she wants to do is to sell the ranch and get back to her life in Paris. Turns out that this is not as simple as she thought it would be …. thanks to her dad. Turns out that her dad’s business partner, Nick Hill, owns all the horses, she owns the ranch and also inherits a substantial loan as well. Selling the range also means eliminating the Veterans Program, close to Nicks heart and a program that saved his life.

“Maybe he had a feeling you’d try to sell,” I say, scowling. “Probably wanted to use me as a safeguard to keep you from peddling it off to the highest bidder.”

The only way to raise the three million dollars required to pay the loan is by Nick, riding Chacco, enter and win the American Eventing Grand Slam. “It’s a new competition, drawing Olympic-level riders from around the world. Three major events over the next two months - Kentucky, Montana, and Virginia. Two traditional eventing competitions, then it all ends with this brutal endurance race through the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Nick is hoping that Paige will compete but she refuses - she has not been on a horse for twelve years, since the accident…… Nick use to compete before becoming a Navy Seal, so he decides to do it.

“And the winner of this segment of the American Eventing Grand Slam... Nick Hill and Chacco from Whispering Valley Ranch!”

Whilst in training, Nick’s legs buckle and white-hot pain blazes through his back. He tries to grab for the saddle but miss, dropping to one knee as his muscles seize completely. The spasm hits so hard that he can barely breathe.
Each sending fresh spikes of pain through his spine. Due to significant deterioration of the herniated disc from an old injury and developing spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal that’s putting pressure on his nerves. Surgery is required and continuing
to ride could cause irreversible damage.

Paige decides, much to Nick’s objections, she will ride Chacco in the next two events. Reluctantly he agrees and watches from the sideline. “I definitely don’t watch the way his sweatpants ride low on his hips, or how the muscles in his back shift as he walks ….”
Together, her and Chacco, if they win the next two events, they can save the ranch.

Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! It will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more 😊 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You cannot help yourself, you will fall in love with Nick and Paige. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novel to read. I couldn’t put it down last night until I finished it. My favorite character was Nick. When Nick first met Paige in her father’s study he didn’t know what she was doing there. They immediately did not get along as both their hurt from Richard’s death was to real yet. All Paige wanted to do was clean everything up and sell and Nick wanted to carry on what Richard had started.their battle with each other got put on pause when Ethan came in wanting full payment of Richard’s loan by three months. Nick tried to save the ranch by competing in competition with his horse. When his back wouldn’t let him complete Paige finally put her fears aside and competed in his place. Ehthan tried to say it had to be the same rider but the vet stated the rules said as long as it was the same horse it was allowed. Paige won the second race and only one more race and they could pay off the loan.by that time Nick had involved his FBI friend looking into the whole mess. Cal told Nick that there was very rich mineral deposits on their land. Even after someone sabotaged Paige’s saddle she still won the race and the money. Nick pretended that he owned the ranch and pretended to want to sell it to the crook Danny. Ethan helped Nick get a confession out of Danny about the murderand disappearance of other ranchers so Danny could get the ranch. Danny and Ethan were arrested by the FBI and Page was told the loan would be erased. The happy ever after of Paige and Nick just finished this story perfectly. Great story, well written and I have no problems recommending this book to everyone. I received a free copy of this book and I am freely leaving this great review of this book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so captivated by this book. The storyline is full of emotions and tension that pulls on your heart as the story begins with Paige coming home after her father’s sudden death. Her unresolved pain from a horrific fall while competing that nearly killed her and took the life of her beloved horse, Billy.

Nick is a wounded warrior who loves the ranch and considered Richard Montgomery a father figure. His promise to protect Rich’s daughter is tested when she comes in with the intention of selling off the ranch. He’s attracted to the beautiful woman yet frustrated at her willingness to throw away her family’s legacy.

The future of the ranch depends on them winning the grand prize for the inaugural American Eventing’s Grand Slam event. The story has some unexpected moments and plenty of suspense as new dangers become known that has Nick protecting Paige at the risk of their newfound relationship.

This was a fantastic read!

I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honestly saying that this romance book by Bria is going to make your eyes sting and your heart ache at times, but overall, it is one HECK of a book. For this being my very first book I have read by Bria I didn't know what to expect on how she writes, but OMG I LOVED Racing Hearts. The characters Paige and Nick pull you into their lives like you are right there with them, and I wish I could rate this romance book higher than just a 5/5 stars because it deserves it.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bria Brooks is a brand new writer for me and "Racing Hearts" weaves a beautiful, healing, and romance. With an exciting backdrop of equestrian competitions. Paige's complicated past adds depth to her journey. Nick’s an ex-seal a strong, contrast to Paige , and their dynamic carries real tension and warmth. This suspenseful story revolves around the race to save the ranch. Fast moving and a very satisfying a perfect romance with a nice ending.

[Olivia Hinchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a read. This book was so layered and interesting. It’s a ranch romance with a bit of mystery and a lot of steamy tension. I couldn’t put it down!
The chemistry between Nick and Paige is off the charts, and I loved watching them overcome their fears and challenges together!
Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Sarah Furlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever Bria Brooks book. And she delivered the tension between Nick and Paige from the beginning. Both of their journeys they go through together, sharing their stories of past traumatic accidents. the way they come together as to win back the ranch and then they fall in love with each other. I love this book so much. I cannot stop reading it well done Bria!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

A great start to the novel had me hooked.
What an amazing job making you really feel the emotion of the characters. The angst was real, but when they fell, they fell. The comeuppance was great and the overall pace felt pretty good.

So well written, and an absolute delight to read.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover drew me in. I love covers with the female included. So few romances do that. But once inside, the story held me in its grasp to the very end. From the smooth writing style, the awesome character development, the suspense, the action, and ultimately, the hot spices. This book hits all the high marks.

[Lifelongreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were grieving, but they weren't depressed or maudlin. The initially had conflicts, but they didn't shout or belittle one another. I loved the suspense in the story. I also enjoyed the "truths" the heroine's father imparted throughout the book.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

digging deeper
I just loved Nick and Paige´s story, it reminded me to look beyond the surface and think about other peoples´reasons before judging them. I´ve added this author to my favourites list and can´t wait for her next book.

[Colinda Trienekens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was the first one i read from Bria, i loved it! It’s romantic, a little mysterious and the chemistry between Nick and Paige was great!
I loved the outcome of the book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was ok to me. The story moved a bit too fast for me. Romance and suspense is involved here. 3.5 stars