A NASCAR Holiday

by Kimberly Raye, Roxanne St. Claire, Debra Webb

Ladies, Start Your Engines… by Kimberly Raye
All Savannah Calloway wants for Christmas is a chance to prove her talent with an engine—and hot young NASCAR driver Mackenzie Briggs is ready to play Santa. But they soon find that winning the race isn't nearly as important as winning each other's hearts…

'Tis the Silly Season by Roxanne St. Claire
NASCAR Busch Series racer Clay Slater needs a ready-made family—fast—to impress a potential sponsor. Lisa Mahoney can't resist the chance to give her kids the storybook Christmas she's never been able to…and if that includes a kiss under the mistletoe, so much the better!

Unbreakable by Debra Webb
Although she's been hired to prove that drivers are serious athletes, Dr. Maxine Gray doesn't think much of NASCAR racing. So in the spirit of Christmas, driver Rush Jackson is determined to show the good doctor the "rush" that racing—and race car drivers—can bring.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Anthologies, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Harlequin

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

I've always been an incurable romantic. While I enjoy reading all types of fiction, my favorites, the books that touch my soul, are romance novels. From sexy to thrilling, sweet to humorous, I like them all. But what I really love is writing romance--the hotter the better!

I started my first novel back in high school and have been writing ever since. To date, I've published over thirty novels, one of them a prestigious RITA Award nominee, Romance Writers of America's highest award of excellence. I have also been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for several Reviewer's Choice awards, as well as a career achievement award.

I've written for several different publishers, including Harlequin Books, Leisure Books, Berkley/Jove, St. Martin's Press and Warner Books. Born and bred in the Lone Start State, I still live deep in the heart with my real-life hero, Curt, and our young children.

Like any over-worked, under-appreciated wife and mother, I have very little free time. But when I find a few precious moments, I LOVE to read. Some of my favorite authors include Janet Evanovich, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Charlaine Harris (see my Favorite Reads page for more) and the exceptionally talented Nina Bangs. Give me a bag of Sugar Babies, a Toby Keith or Kevin Fowler CD (I love Texas music), and a great book, and I'm in heaven!

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful collection of three well-written, sweet, Christmas holiday romance novellas. Each novella has likable, engaging characters, holiday magic, and a happily ever after ending. There is no need to be a fan of Nascar to enjoy them.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three NASCAR romances are in the driver's seat in this contemporary romantic anthology, geared for holiday reading.

In Kimberly Raye's "Ladies, Start Your Engines ," Savannah Calloway wants to prove she's got mechanic's chops, and her old fling, Mackenzie Briggs, seems to have the car worth tuning.
This was a really cute sweet story. I have to say I fell in love with Mac and was wishing I was Savannah! I would have jumped on him much earlier then she did! I felt bad for Savannah though. Her dad and brothers were a bunch of jerks. They counted on her to do everything for them, even after her dad fired her they still expected her to do her old job plus take care of them.

"'Tis the Silly Season" by Roxanne Claire features not just the craziness of the holidays but the end of racing season when drivers get new contracts -- or not. Waitress Lisa Mahoney, divorced mother of two boys and definitely down on her luck, jumps at the chance to wait on Clay Slater, NASCAR driver, when she hears his sponsor runs the toy company that makes the two hottest, hard-to-find toys. She winds up losing her job and fakes a marriage with Clay to look good to his sponsors; but of course there are delicious complications.
I loved Clay. I want to be a fake wife to someone like Clay! YUM YUM YUM! I really liked Lisa and her boys were adorable!

Last, in Debra Webb's "Unbreakable, " Dr. Maxine Gray is assigned to find out whether NASCAR drivers in general, and Rush Jackson in particular, are true athletes. She prides herself on never being impulsive, but Rush is determined to show her how much adrenaline he can generate, off and on the course. This is the book that I connected with the least. I didn't really connect with Rush or Max. This book was ok but just not on the level with the other 2.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NASCAR fans will love this book! The authors really know how to write them with the knowledge of how engines work, the rides, the track. The characters are terrific. Can't ask for better!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book of short stories. I was looking forward to a Christmas love story about Nascar race car drivers. Even though all three stories were about race car drivers only one story delivered. 'Tis the Silly Season by Roxanne St. Clair was a very cute love story about a single mother and her two sons.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one in audio and binged all three short stories in an afternoon. Really only one took advantage of "Christmas" holiday theme and it was the best story of the three and thank you Roxie St. Claire for it. I did enjoy all three and each brought their own twist. Each left me with a smile.

[Jess B · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 Hallmark channel worthy stories. I was hoping for more NASCAR, less Hallmark.

I liked the 2nd story the best.

They were all fine. Very predictable & simple. I'm a NASCAR fan, not a Hallmark fan.

Not going to rush to read the other 2 books in the series that I have but when I get to them at least I know not to expect a lot.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is made up of three novellas, each set in the world of NASCAR racing during the Christmas season. This book was a lot of fun to read, really engaging on an emotional level. It helped me to laugh and smile during a time of high stress. That in itself is a gift.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining light romance.

[Laurabbrown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give book 1 & 3 3.5 stars and book 2 4 stars.

[Sue Lauzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a racing fan but these 3 short romance stories were an enjoyable read.

[Sarah Altier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm embarrassed I read this 🤦‍♀️. My defense is it was the only book in English at the free little library when I was traveling overseas

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies, Start Your Engines… by Kimberly Raye

Savannah was relieved when her father gave her the pink slip from Calloway Motors freeing her from the mundane jobs her father had thought more fitting a girl. This was her chance to prove to her father and brothers that she was an exceptional mechanic and deserved a place on one of the NASCAR race crews. Mackenzie Briggs was Vannah’s ticket to success. Working closely every night on his car in prep for the New Year’s Eve exhibition race, proved challenging for both Mac and Vannah. With every innocent touch, memories of that passionate one night fling years ago kept them both on edge.

Ms. Raye always delights with her fun characters. I found myself chuckling and grinning through much of this story and cheering whole heartedly when Vannah stood up to her over bearing father and brothers. I loved that Mac figured out Vannah’s trick to staying sane while they worked together and the way he went about undermining her control. I hope Ms. Raye has an encore in upcoming NASCAR releases.



’Tis the Silly Season by Roxanne St. Claire

Clay Slater needed a ride; a NASCAR ride; and the shot at being Thunder Racing’s newest driver hinged on his home life. The sponsor of the team had strong feelings about family, something bachelor Clay had little time for. In comes Lisa, the fiesty waitress who butts in on Clay’s world and soon he finds himself proposing that she pretend to be his wife to impress the sponsor David Kincaide. Only when Lisa fills his home with Christmas warmth, and her kids wiggle their way under his skin, he realizes pretend isn’t good enough.

Of course it was obvious that Clay and Lisa’s pretend marriage would be found out but it was a lot of fun watching their love story unfold. Their chemistry sizzled. This was a pleasure to read.



Unbreakable by Debra Webb

Someone wants to tarnish NASCAR driver, Rush Jackson’s reputation. The bad press looks bad on his team and threatens his career. Dr. Maxine Gray is conducting a study to prove or disprove that racecar driving is a sport and all the team participants if deemed athletes are as worthy as Olympians. So Rush finds himself participating in the study in the hopes that his reputation of good healthy living will be restored. Only the chemistry between Max and Rush if not kept under wraps may just lead to more bad press.

I’ve yet to be disappointed by any story told by Ms. Webb. This is a wonderful contribution to the NASCAR anthology and I’m very much looking forward to reading her Feb. contribution to the series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A NASCAR Holiday Anthology
Ladies, Start Your Engines….by Kimberly Raye
Savannah Calloway was tired of living in her late mother’s shadow. Dressing, dieting, cooking to please her dad and brothers. Not to mention doing the office work instead of working in the pit like she wanted. No more. She offered her mechanical services to the competition. This story continues in Slipper When Wet, with her friend Jaycee Anderson, who is the only female driver.

Mackenzie Briggs accepted the help Savannah offered to give him to improve his car. She was one of those girls you couldn’t forget. Now she was under his car and could it be she was in his heart?

'Tis The Silly Season by Roxanne St. Claire
Clay Slater needs a family to please the sponsor of the ride he wants. If that’s the image they want he’ll give it to them.

Fresh out of a job and after promising her sons their first Christmas ever Lisa Mahoney agrees to pretend to be Clay’s wife. She needs the money and the boys need a Christmas.

You may want to have some tissues around for this one if stories hit your emotional buttons. Great story. The author continues the story of Shelby Jackson in the Harlequin NASCAR series book, Thunderstruck.

Unbreakable by Debra Webb
Rush Jackson really is a good guy but someone out there is trying to make him look bad. And worse yet it seems to be someone on the inside. Not to mention he’s struggling with an attraction to a woman who is so far removed from his world.

Dr. Maxine Gray’s life runs on facts, such as proving what activities are considered sports. When she is called to find the facts on race car drivers her world tilts. She finds herself struggling between sticking with the facts and being awed by Rush removing his shirt. What happened to the sensible woman she knows is inside her body?

Great story, once again shows how easily pictures can be made to tell a story that isn’t the truth. Also how opposites really do attract. The author continues the story of boss man Buck Buchanan in her Harlequin NASCAR series book, Danger Zone.
**Mild language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had three different stories in it, all revolving around NASCAR.

The first story, "Ladies, Start Your Engines" by Kimberly Raye, was interesting and a tiny bit boring. The characters already had a per-existing relationship in which they had slept together. Because of this it made the whole dynamic of how I was reading the story switch. I don't mind that they knew each other professionally prior to the story beginning, but knowing that they had a sexual relationship, even for only one night, made the rest of the story a bit boring. The sexual tension just wasn't as strong as I had liked. It is because of this first story that I almost didn't read the other two.

The second story, " 'Tis the Silly Season" by Roxanne St. Claire, was a bit better. Although, the beginning seemed a bit far-fetched for me, I found that the rest of the story was pretty good, but it isn't a story I hadn't heard before. There is a made-for-TV movie that I like with the same premise and that made the rest of this story seem a bit cliche for me. While the movie wasn't a NASCAR driver, it was still close enough that I could see all the similarities that once again made this story a bit boring, but somewhat interesting.

The last story, "Unbreakable" by Debra Webb, was my favorite story. There is a little bit of confusion with the character Max (being a woman instead of a man), southern versus northern ways of celebrating the holidays, and you get introduced to someone who knows about NASCAR but is unsure of the merit of driving a car around a track being an actual sport. I also like that there is some tension between the two main characters and a bit of a mystery sub-plot that creates a different feeling between other characters. I also like how the ending leaves room for a sequel (that was actually written and published) that I can go and read and continue with these characters that I already like.

Overall, I liked the book, but if I read it again, I may just skip to the last story unless I really feel like reading the whole thing. I think that this last story saved this book from the donation pile.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen's Review:
I know this review is a little late, since Christmas is over. But you might want to get a hold of it when this year's holiday season approaches.

“Ladies, Start Your Engines” by Kimberly Raye
Savannah comes from a racing family, but is stuck in the back office and doesn’t feel appreciated by the family. When her father fires her in hopes that she’ll settle down and start a family, she runs to the competition to prove that she has a talent with cars. The problem is the competition is Mackenzie, an upcoming driver and Savannah’s ex-lover, whom she is still attracted to.

This was a solid story, but other than being set just before Christmas, I didn't get the holiday theme. But it was definitely a NASCAR story.

“’Tis the Silly Season” by Roxanne St. Claire
Racer Clay needs a ready-made family if he has any hopes of impressing a potential sponsor. And Lisa sees this as the perfect opportunity to give her kids the Christmas they have never had. But what neither of them had expected was that love is in the air and a Christmas miracle was in the works.

This story was easily my favorite of the three stories. I enjoyed the characters and it had the Christmas theme that I wanted when I bought the book. And it helped that the sparks between Clay and Lisa were hot enough to melt snow.

“Unbreakable” by Debra Webb
Maxine has been hired to prove that race car drivers are serious athletes and Rush is her guinea pig. But it doesn't help that Maxine is attracted to her subject and Rush wants to show her that "rush" that racers can bring is not only on the track.

I have mixed feelings about this novella. I liked the characters, but I don't think their story was developed enough. The story got lost when pair with others that were better developed. I think the story was a good start, but just fell short in the end.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can you go wrong with a NASCAR Christmas?

Anyway, this book is a collection of three NASCAR romances. The first, "Ladies, Start Your Engines..." by Kimberly Raye is probably my favorite. It's all about women trying to prove themselves in NASCAR -- as more than PR specialists and trophy wives, but as drivers and mechanics. And also, how can you go wrong with grannies who get drunk and bake and call themselves the Baking Bunnies. Love it.

"'Tis the Silly Season" is an awful title for a nice little story. While I have problems with this story (how does a driver with no sponsor or ride afford a house on Lake Norman for example), it's cute enough with a down-on-her-luck mother agreeing to a marriage farce to give her kids a picture-perfect Christmas.

"Unbreakable" by Debra Webb is about as good as her later book, "Danger Zone." I read it but the plot was choppy and the resolution rushed. Meh.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. All three authors leave you wanting more about the characters. Felt the first story was a little rushed. The last story it was hard for the characters to connect. This is the opening to each of the author's new Nascar series. I'm not going to write a plot summary since Amazon has already did that. Thing I didn't like was that all the stories especially the first one was so short. I'm glad each author is going to be continuing the secondary characters' stories in full length books. This would be a great beach book or a great book to take to a race to read during pre-race.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, my overall rating is an average of the three stories.

Kimberly Raye: 3 stars - never read anything by her before. Cute story. Nothing exciting, just an average read, but I liked it.

Roxanne St. Claire: 5 stars - this story made me cry. So sweet. I love this author.

Debra Webb: 1 star - ugh, what a drag! I like her suspense stories, but this story was completely lame. My eyes literally glazed over at times. I pretty much just read the dialogue between the characters - it was just bad.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incredibly light book (most holiday romance anthologies are) but that's what made it perfect holiday bedtime reading. It's also perfect for someone (i.e., me) who is pretty new to NASCAR but is jumping in with both feet. I've read 2 of the books in this series of anthologies, and they're a fun way to absorb just a tiny bit of useful information along with a lot of smile-worthy text.

[Pam Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this was a great read. Maybe a little too "neat and perfect" but hey, it is a Harlequin book. For me it was great reading a book from the NASCAR "series" of books. Having been in Canada for a year, it's the little things I miss from back home (Virginia). This helped me feel a little better as it reminded me of home.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the Raye story was cute, but I also have a soft spot for lovers reunited stories. Loved the St. Claire story and felt there were a lot of ups and down and plot twists, especially in a novella. was not a fan of the Webb story - I found it very difficult to get into and did not see the connection between Rush and Max.

[Noy Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book have three book in one, and all the books are great. But I did not had any down time to read of them. I really the unbreakable book, I think there is something that drawn me to a southern guy.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these NASCAR stories. Always reminds me of Mosport and I can hear the revving of the engines with every word. Excellent romance stories.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the racing part, but could have done without the ooey-gooey romance part.

[Chelery1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all three stories in this book. Geez, I think I cried for 10 pages of the second story.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent NASCAR/Christmas anthology. It was a little short on content, especially Debra Webb's book - not overly emotional or passionate.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty PG, but I liked it. The third story is a good explanation of why racing is a sport.
Well worth a $1, NICOLE! :)

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

several sweet but short Christmas romances with a NASCAR twist.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Nascar read :) Cute Novellas