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GearShark #3
#Swag
These drivers got #swag…
Racing is in her DNA.
Right alongside money and power.
When you’re the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country,
you have to work harder for success.
Joey Gamble’s a girl on a male-dominated track.
With a daddy who can buy whatever she wants.
But she doesn’t want anything… except to EARN her reputation.
Racing is his passion.
Trouble follows him everywhere. Some even say he invites it.
When you’re nipping at the taillights of the best driver in the new NRR,
you have to fight and claw for each and every success.
It’s never been easy for Lorhaven.
That’s why he doesn’t play by the rules.
He’s a man with a serious chip on his shoulder against the pro racing circuit.
We at GearShark want to know what’s up with that.
We’ve also been hearing rumblings…
of a pro who wants to go indie.
We’ve invited racing royalty and the driver from the wrong side of the tracks to sit down and talk to us about a possible crossover.
We expected sparks to fly when Joey and Lorhaven crossed paths.
Will those sparks ignite into a full-on inferno?
Read the full feature article inside…
Racing is in her DNA.
Right alongside money and power.
When you’re the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country,
you have to work harder for success.
Joey Gamble’s a girl on a male-dominated track.
With a daddy who can buy whatever she wants.
But she doesn’t want anything… except to EARN her reputation.
Racing is his passion.
Trouble follows him everywhere. Some even say he invites it.
When you’re nipping at the taillights of the best driver in the new NRR,
you have to fight and claw for each and every success.
It’s never been easy for Lorhaven.
That’s why he doesn’t play by the rules.
He’s a man with a serious chip on his shoulder against the pro racing circuit.
We at GearShark want to know what’s up with that.
We’ve also been hearing rumblings…
of a pro who wants to go indie.
We’ve invited racing royalty and the driver from the wrong side of the tracks to sit down and talk to us about a possible crossover.
We expected sparks to fly when Joey and Lorhaven crossed paths.
Will those sparks ignite into a full-on inferno?
Read the full feature article inside…
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
123 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Hebert
97 books5,613 followersCambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
December 19, 2021
You know what I love?
Alpha women.
Hear me out.
The kind that truly live up to their “I don't give a fuck” attitude and show it in their everyday actions. They don't get influenced easily, let themselves get degraded, show signs of weakness, prove to everyone around them that can be as strong as they say they are.
They’re inspiring to me. Whether they’re fictional or in real life, a lot of women have unfortunately had to fight through obstacles to get where they are, and I look up to them.
Is that to say women who aren't like that are weak, need to prove themselves more, are doormats and need to grow up? No, of course not.
There's no such thing (to me) as someone from the same gender being “weaker” because they aren't like others.
Which is why I truly fucking hate girls and women who make “I’m not like other girls” their entire personality.
Is it really that wrong to be like other girls? What exactly is like other girls? Is it because they live up to stereotypes society implements on us, or is it because we want to be how people think all girls are? If a woman puts on makeup and takes more than 5 hours getting ready and you don't, is that so wrong that it makes you better? Does it make you more woman or less woman because you are that girl? I don't think so, but perhaps Josephine would.
Girls who say “I'm not like other girls” and make sure to constantly remind us deserved to be socked until they learn. What is the problem with wanting to take hours out of your day and pamper yourself, stay clean, cook, be vanilla, show signs of weakness, cry, be sensitive, wear feminine clothes, let yourself be taught, have an open mind, etc? I'd wish there wouldn't be a problem, but as we all may know, it seems like many fictional heroines think there is.
When I started #Swag, I expected three things:
1. A heroine who truly did not give a single fuck and would show the world what it's like to dominate in a male-dominated field.
2. True hate to love.
3. Chemisry.
I got none.
Both Joey and Lorhaven (whose real name is Jace) gave in to each other at 20% in. While it was expected from Lorhaven, considering the man he is, I expected more . . . resistance from Joey. Considering this is a “enemies to lovers,” you would expect the two to hate each other, but it's more of a rivals to lovers. Or, maybe . . . rivals with benefits to lovers. If that's your thing, you might like this. I, to no one's surprise, was bummed with how quickly the lust gave in. Knowing Joey was not like other girls, you would have expected her to not be like other girls, yet she was exactly that: generic. Every time she commented on how she was different, she would prove why she wasn't. I fell in love with her character when we first met her in #Junkie and continued seeing her in #Rev. I was actually really excited to see how her relationship with Lorhaven would develop, but alas, we always end up disappointed in our biggest excitements.
I'm not even going to mention her backstory as a way for me to feel bad for her. While I do (of course, nobody deserves to go through what she did), I'm not gonna use it as a way to understand where she was coming from. I've read my fair share of books with alpha women (not necessarily only romance), and they tend to actually act the way they show up. I initially thought Joey would be like that: a female PRO-driver in a male-dominated field who basically has daddy's money and can get anything and everything she wants, yet she wants to prove to everyone she can make it without him, show everyone her capability, demonstrate how women can also take over these types of fields? I'm all in.
Listen, I grew up watching underground racing. My dad and brother live up to “men stereotypes” as car lovers, and it is thanks to them that I have been understanding a lot of race terms in this. The betting, the cheating, the NOS, the cars used, the street driving experiences, etc? It's nostalgic. 10-year old me was thriving through memories.
Considering how I hardly ever saw women drive (there were some though, in which all were always a surprise to the men around me), I thought Joey would be the type of heroine that lived up to the attitude she showed, but she was down on her knees for Jacey's dick faster than her lovely NOS would get her to the front of the track. Her constant reminder that she was, in fact, not like other girls (you know, the usual, like how she liked getting dirty, she didn't take time with make-up and hair, she wasn't into luxuries, all that fun girly stuff), got annoying very quickly that it felt like I had to somehow look up to her, but I only felt bad for her. Bad for her because she thought she was someone different when in reality, she was all the same (upset Lorhaven saw her that one night without being ready, would wear rich, fancy clothes along with heels, you know, the usual). Add to that how quickly she gave herself to Lorhaven (sexually, of course, because love is all about sexual reactions first and emotional second).
Joey is independent, stubborn, and courageous. An inspiration. But she was too much of that. She was too prideful.
On the other hand, Lorhaven was the same douche and asshole he was in the previous books. Since I knew what type of attitude he had, I wasn't surprised, and he still lived up to it. He was a cocky bastard, and remained to be one, but he had development much more than Joey. His love for his brother is what truly warmed my heart. Aside from that though, there isn't much to comment on him. He was also a generic guy—he has it all but wants to prove himself worthy as well. He was also pretty contradicting for himself without realizing. Such as how he didn't believe in the “She's mine” bullshit men spewn about, yet during his photoshoot with Joey, he growled and roared (again, the usual) because “nobody else can see her body but me” despite them not even dating in that moment. Despite them having just started their sexual relationships. Men, I'm telling you. Add on to that similar “I'm not like other guys but I really am” comments and you have him.
#Swag is and will be my least favorite from this series. Maybe it's because it's M/F and I hardly read M/F anymore, but this lacked everything I love. Next.
Alpha women.
Hear me out.
The kind that truly live up to their “I don't give a fuck” attitude and show it in their everyday actions. They don't get influenced easily, let themselves get degraded, show signs of weakness, prove to everyone around them that can be as strong as they say they are.
They’re inspiring to me. Whether they’re fictional or in real life, a lot of women have unfortunately had to fight through obstacles to get where they are, and I look up to them.
Is that to say women who aren't like that are weak, need to prove themselves more, are doormats and need to grow up? No, of course not.
There's no such thing (to me) as someone from the same gender being “weaker” because they aren't like others.
Which is why I truly fucking hate girls and women who make “I’m not like other girls” their entire personality.
Is it really that wrong to be like other girls? What exactly is like other girls? Is it because they live up to stereotypes society implements on us, or is it because we want to be how people think all girls are? If a woman puts on makeup and takes more than 5 hours getting ready and you don't, is that so wrong that it makes you better? Does it make you more woman or less woman because you are that girl? I don't think so, but perhaps Josephine would.
Girls who say “I'm not like other girls” and make sure to constantly remind us deserved to be socked until they learn. What is the problem with wanting to take hours out of your day and pamper yourself, stay clean, cook, be vanilla, show signs of weakness, cry, be sensitive, wear feminine clothes, let yourself be taught, have an open mind, etc? I'd wish there wouldn't be a problem, but as we all may know, it seems like many fictional heroines think there is.
When I started #Swag, I expected three things:
1. A heroine who truly did not give a single fuck and would show the world what it's like to dominate in a male-dominated field.
2. True hate to love.
3. Chemisry.
I got none.
Both Joey and Lorhaven (whose real name is Jace) gave in to each other at 20% in. While it was expected from Lorhaven, considering the man he is, I expected more . . . resistance from Joey. Considering this is a “enemies to lovers,” you would expect the two to hate each other, but it's more of a rivals to lovers. Or, maybe . . . rivals with benefits to lovers. If that's your thing, you might like this. I, to no one's surprise, was bummed with how quickly the lust gave in. Knowing Joey was not like other girls, you would have expected her to not be like other girls, yet she was exactly that: generic. Every time she commented on how she was different, she would prove why she wasn't. I fell in love with her character when we first met her in #Junkie and continued seeing her in #Rev. I was actually really excited to see how her relationship with Lorhaven would develop, but alas, we always end up disappointed in our biggest excitements.
I'm not even going to mention her backstory as a way for me to feel bad for her. While I do (of course, nobody deserves to go through what she did), I'm not gonna use it as a way to understand where she was coming from. I've read my fair share of books with alpha women (not necessarily only romance), and they tend to actually act the way they show up. I initially thought Joey would be like that: a female PRO-driver in a male-dominated field who basically has daddy's money and can get anything and everything she wants, yet she wants to prove to everyone she can make it without him, show everyone her capability, demonstrate how women can also take over these types of fields? I'm all in.
Listen, I grew up watching underground racing. My dad and brother live up to “men stereotypes” as car lovers, and it is thanks to them that I have been understanding a lot of race terms in this. The betting, the cheating, the NOS, the cars used, the street driving experiences, etc? It's nostalgic. 10-year old me was thriving through memories.
Considering how I hardly ever saw women drive (there were some though, in which all were always a surprise to the men around me), I thought Joey would be the type of heroine that lived up to the attitude she showed, but she was down on her knees for Jacey's dick faster than her lovely NOS would get her to the front of the track. Her constant reminder that she was, in fact, not like other girls (you know, the usual, like how she liked getting dirty, she didn't take time with make-up and hair, she wasn't into luxuries, all that fun girly stuff), got annoying very quickly that it felt like I had to somehow look up to her, but I only felt bad for her. Bad for her because she thought she was someone different when in reality, she was all the same (upset Lorhaven saw her that one night without being ready, would wear rich, fancy clothes along with heels, you know, the usual). Add to that how quickly she gave herself to Lorhaven (sexually, of course, because love is all about sexual reactions first and emotional second).
Joey is independent, stubborn, and courageous. An inspiration. But she was too much of that. She was too prideful.
On the other hand, Lorhaven was the same douche and asshole he was in the previous books. Since I knew what type of attitude he had, I wasn't surprised, and he still lived up to it. He was a cocky bastard, and remained to be one, but he had development much more than Joey. His love for his brother is what truly warmed my heart. Aside from that though, there isn't much to comment on him. He was also a generic guy—he has it all but wants to prove himself worthy as well. He was also pretty contradicting for himself without realizing. Such as how he didn't believe in the “She's mine” bullshit men spewn about, yet during his photoshoot with Joey, he growled and roared (again, the usual) because “nobody else can see her body but me” despite them not even dating in that moment. Despite them having just started their sexual relationships. Men, I'm telling you. Add on to that similar “I'm not like other guys but I really am” comments and you have him.
#Swag is and will be my least favorite from this series. Maybe it's because it's M/F and I hardly read M/F anymore, but this lacked everything I love. Next.
March 3, 2018
4.5 Stars
Joey is a woman in a man’s world. She is the only female pro racecar driver and she fought for her every victory. But now she’s decided to switch from pro to indie territory and she has her own reasons. So, she has an interview with GearShark Magazine and it’s not a solo interview. There is another driver with her and that driver is no other than Lorhaven, a cocky @sshole who hates pro drivers. These two weren’t on the same page from the first, so you can guess how that interview was finished!
Joey was bossy, stubborn and independent. She is strong and I liked her confidence. Her only problem was; she was too proud! She thought if she got help from others (even his own father), they think of her as a weak person just because she’s a girl! I loved Lorhaven! He just pretended to be an @sshole, while he was a caring person! But those people who Lorhaven care so much about them weren’t many. And he was everything she needed!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the third installment in the "GearShark" series, with character crossover. I think it can be read as a stand-alone but it’s better if you read it in order! It’s an angsty, enemies to lovers story, well-written and the characters were perfect! Looking forward to reading his brother's story! Overall, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Joey is a woman in a man’s world. She is the only female pro racecar driver and she fought for her every victory. But now she’s decided to switch from pro to indie territory and she has her own reasons. So, she has an interview with GearShark Magazine and it’s not a solo interview. There is another driver with her and that driver is no other than Lorhaven, a cocky @sshole who hates pro drivers. These two weren’t on the same page from the first, so you can guess how that interview was finished!
Joey was bossy, stubborn and independent. She is strong and I liked her confidence. Her only problem was; she was too proud! She thought if she got help from others (even his own father), they think of her as a weak person just because she’s a girl! I loved Lorhaven! He just pretended to be an @sshole, while he was a caring person! But those people who Lorhaven care so much about them weren’t many. And he was everything she needed!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the third installment in the "GearShark" series, with character crossover. I think it can be read as a stand-alone but it’s better if you read it in order! It’s an angsty, enemies to lovers story, well-written and the characters were perfect! Looking forward to reading his brother's story! Overall, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
October 16, 2020
3.5 stars
Though I didn’t love this one quite as much as Trent and Drew’s story, I still really enjoyed Joey and Lorhaven’s book. Or Josie and Jace ;) My favorite part about this one was getting a softer side of Lorhaven. And after listening to it, I’m even more excited to get to Arrow’s story!
One thing is for sure… Jace will be at my side. And we’ll both still be driving way too fast.
Though I didn’t love this one quite as much as Trent and Drew’s story, I still really enjoyed Joey and Lorhaven’s book. Or Josie and Jace ;) My favorite part about this one was getting a softer side of Lorhaven. And after listening to it, I’m even more excited to get to Arrow’s story!
October Audible Escape listen #15
Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Narrators: Melissa Moran and Joe Hempel
Length: 10 hours and 22 minutes
August 2, 2016
Really enjoyed this one...though I liked the mm books more, which is one of the reasons I'm really looking forward to Arrows book.
June 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
I may not have enjoyed this quite as much as I enjoyed the first two books in the series - which followed Drew and Trent’s swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers romance - but Joey and Lorhaven’s story was still very much a welcomed addition to the series at large.
Joey and Lorhaven are racers, each fiercely independent and headstrong. At first this puts them at odds as they are thrown together professionally in an effort to give each of their careers a positive PR boost. Despite their strong mutual attraction, they let the chips on their shoulders and their false conceptions of the other cloud their initial judgement. But once Joey and Lorhaven put aside their differences and realise they are much more alike than not, they soon embrace the undeniable attraction they feel for one another, moving from caustic rivals to allies and friends, and soon enough to lovers, quickly becoming each other’s everything as they navigate their way through a complicated and unfairly antagonistic world of professional racing.
I liked Joey and Lorhaven as characters and I was totally on-board with their extremely potent sexual chemistry. Although cars and racing hold no interest to me personally, I will definitely be looking at the hood of race cars a hell of a lot differently after this one. *wink*
It should be noted that #Swag is the third installment in the GearShark series and the only one featuring an M/F pairing - it's also a spin-off series of Hebert's Hashtag series, for those playing at home. In my opinion, this series is definitely intended to be read in release order as there is a lot of character crossover throughout and lots of moments that lay the groundwork for future couples and their stories. If you enjoy extended series that feature all manner of romantic pairings, then this might just hit the spot for you.
I may not have enjoyed this quite as much as I enjoyed the first two books in the series - which followed Drew and Trent’s swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers romance - but Joey and Lorhaven’s story was still very much a welcomed addition to the series at large.
Joey and Lorhaven are racers, each fiercely independent and headstrong. At first this puts them at odds as they are thrown together professionally in an effort to give each of their careers a positive PR boost. Despite their strong mutual attraction, they let the chips on their shoulders and their false conceptions of the other cloud their initial judgement. But once Joey and Lorhaven put aside their differences and realise they are much more alike than not, they soon embrace the undeniable attraction they feel for one another, moving from caustic rivals to allies and friends, and soon enough to lovers, quickly becoming each other’s everything as they navigate their way through a complicated and unfairly antagonistic world of professional racing.
I liked Joey and Lorhaven as characters and I was totally on-board with their extremely potent sexual chemistry. Although cars and racing hold no interest to me personally, I will definitely be looking at the hood of race cars a hell of a lot differently after this one. *wink*
It should be noted that #Swag is the third installment in the GearShark series and the only one featuring an M/F pairing - it's also a spin-off series of Hebert's Hashtag series, for those playing at home. In my opinion, this series is definitely intended to be read in release order as there is a lot of character crossover throughout and lots of moments that lay the groundwork for future couples and their stories. If you enjoy extended series that feature all manner of romantic pairings, then this might just hit the spot for you.
March 9, 2018
3.75 stars.
I really liked the concept of a romance set in the world of motor sports, I was guessing there would be a whole lot of action involved but it actually seemed fairly tame in that respect to me.
I did enjoy all the characters quite a lot though.
Josie and Jace were both interesting, I do think that their romance happened a little too fast for me it was more a case of insta-lust rather than insta-love going on there initially .
There were some really sweet scenes in this book and overall a pretty good read.
I do like Cambria Hebert's quirky style of writing. I just didn't connect with this one as well as other books that I have read by this author. It was still entertaining reading.
Did anyone else think that the cover picture looked a lot like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.
I really liked the concept of a romance set in the world of motor sports, I was guessing there would be a whole lot of action involved but it actually seemed fairly tame in that respect to me.
I did enjoy all the characters quite a lot though.
Josie and Jace were both interesting, I do think that their romance happened a little too fast for me it was more a case of insta-lust rather than insta-love going on there initially .
There were some really sweet scenes in this book and overall a pretty good read.
I do like Cambria Hebert's quirky style of writing. I just didn't connect with this one as well as other books that I have read by this author. It was still entertaining reading.
Did anyone else think that the cover picture looked a lot like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.
July 25, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Could've been alright*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The third book in the GrearShark series centers around pro racer Josephine ‘Joey’ ‘Josie’ Gamble (22) and racer Jace ‘Lor’ Lorhaven (how old?). We've met both of them through Drew and Trent's two books (I want more of them btw, two wasn't enough) and it's was obvious that they would be each other's love interested. The story here started out okay - I was think ‘yeah this might work’ - however it went downhill from there. Why, you ask? Well, there's the insta-love. The other books in Cambria Hebert has been a bit of a slow burn of sorts, but this one was not . At all. There was talk of *SPOILER* love after meeting (properly) after a week and half. There was also the strong and deep connection after a day.... I hate those kinds of stories. They just don't work for me. Also the book was predictable and boring. Overall, the only good thing was seeing my loves Trent and Drew again. I'm not looking forward to read next book as Hopper seemed a bit of weak man with no backbone...
“Sometimes the very best things in life are given without request.”
Other Characters:
↦ Racer Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester (how old?) and his person and manager Trent ‘T’ Mask.
↦ Ron Gamble (55)'s - the richest man in the state and founder of the new race and Joey's dad. He's also her sponsor. It was his company, his money, that paid for her racecar and entry fees into the big pro races. She was part of the racing team he built. So technically, he was her boss.
↦ Arrow Ambrose (20), Justin Bieber look alike and Lorhaven's brother.
↦ Jay Hopper (26), Joey's friend and (pro) manager.
↦ Sullivan Lorhaven (67), Lorhaven and Arrow's father. Donna was Lorhaven's father’s second wife (divorced) and Arrow's mother.
↦ Kurt Bodean, a regular on Lorhaven streets. They used to be pretty tight, but over the years, they’d grown apart. They’d always sort of balanced on the line of friends and rivals. However, jealousy have a way of making people cruel.
Ironic really, my father hadn’t wanted a girl because I might turn out like my mother, and my mother ultimately left because I was too much like my father.
A therapist would have a field day with my family.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance.
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, the first two.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
September 2, 2016
4.5 -- #MenVsWomen -- stars
#Swag is the third book in the GearShark series, but this book can be read as a standalone. You do meet Joey and Lorhaven in the previous books.
Joey has been racing professionally for a few years. There are only 2 women racing professionally, but the other one is on the other side of the country. Joey doesn’t feel welcome or loved in the racing world. The other racers in her team aren’t nice to her and think she’s only racing because of her dad, but she’s actually an amazing racer. So she decides to go to the indie racing world, where she already has a friend. Her dad doesn’t like it, but he will eventually support his daughter.
Because she goes indie, GearShark wants to do an interview with her. Joey doesn’t like the magazine, but she accepts for the publicity. Lorhaven is also there for the interview. Lorhaven hates pro racers and he speaks his mind. Lorhaven and Joey don’t become friends at the interview. The attraction was there, but they don’t like each other. Their paths cross sometimes afterwards and they grow closer.
Lorhaven is the man everybody warns you to stay far away from. He is dangerous, arrogant, confident, rich and cocky. He thinks he’s the best racer and even has his own turf. He would do anything for his brother and at the end he would also do anything for Joey. He wants Joey and can’t imagine himself with someone else. He is very determined to be with her and he even expresses his feelings sooner than Joey does.
Joey is a little damaged and lonely. She’s happy that she has met Drew and Trent, and that she will be an indie racer soon. She is passionate about cars and racing. She is feisty and knows what she wants. She’s so strong and smart. Joey loves her dad and wants to make him proud.
I love the covers of this series. GearShark is a kind of important part of each story. Each book is an issue of the magazine. I was always curious to see when the cover would appear in the book. I also fell in love with Cambria’s writing, as always. The books are long, but they read fast. They are filled with love and feelings.
There are more races than in #Rev. Lorhaven and Joey are great drivers and I was rooting for them to win. They hope the other wins. They are proud of what the other has achieved. The support is huge.
The only thing I had a little problem with was the ending. It felt rushed and I had the feeling that there is more story to be told about them. So I definitely hope to see them again in the next book. The last book is this series will be Arrow’s story. I wanted his story since the previous book, but now I want it even more. Can’t wait!
#Swag is the third book in the GearShark series, but this book can be read as a standalone. You do meet Joey and Lorhaven in the previous books.
Joey has been racing professionally for a few years. There are only 2 women racing professionally, but the other one is on the other side of the country. Joey doesn’t feel welcome or loved in the racing world. The other racers in her team aren’t nice to her and think she’s only racing because of her dad, but she’s actually an amazing racer. So she decides to go to the indie racing world, where she already has a friend. Her dad doesn’t like it, but he will eventually support his daughter.
Because she goes indie, GearShark wants to do an interview with her. Joey doesn’t like the magazine, but she accepts for the publicity. Lorhaven is also there for the interview. Lorhaven hates pro racers and he speaks his mind. Lorhaven and Joey don’t become friends at the interview. The attraction was there, but they don’t like each other. Their paths cross sometimes afterwards and they grow closer.
Lorhaven is the man everybody warns you to stay far away from. He is dangerous, arrogant, confident, rich and cocky. He thinks he’s the best racer and even has his own turf. He would do anything for his brother and at the end he would also do anything for Joey. He wants Joey and can’t imagine himself with someone else. He is very determined to be with her and he even expresses his feelings sooner than Joey does.
Joey is a little damaged and lonely. She’s happy that she has met Drew and Trent, and that she will be an indie racer soon. She is passionate about cars and racing. She is feisty and knows what she wants. She’s so strong and smart. Joey loves her dad and wants to make him proud.
I love the covers of this series. GearShark is a kind of important part of each story. Each book is an issue of the magazine. I was always curious to see when the cover would appear in the book. I also fell in love with Cambria’s writing, as always. The books are long, but they read fast. They are filled with love and feelings.
There are more races than in #Rev. Lorhaven and Joey are great drivers and I was rooting for them to win. They hope the other wins. They are proud of what the other has achieved. The support is huge.
The only thing I had a little problem with was the ending. It felt rushed and I had the feeling that there is more story to be told about them. So I definitely hope to see them again in the next book. The last book is this series will be Arrow’s story. I wanted his story since the previous book, but now I want it even more. Can’t wait!
August 30, 2016
Release Date: June 7, 2016
Genre: New Adult. Sports (racing) Romance
:: 4.5 Pretty Little Stars ::
#Swag by Cambria Hebert (one of my top 5 favorite authors) is the third book in the GearShark series. This book CAN be read as a standalone, but to get the most out of the series I do recommend reading #Junkie (book 1) and #Rev (book 2) first. This is because all the characters make appearances through each of the novels. With that being said, this book is GREAT. The romance, the heat, the fast cars, and the integration of Drew and Trent make the story awesome (and whole). I loved getting a better glimpse into Joey and Lorhaven’s life because I was so curious about these two in the other books. Readers will be able to feel the angst between these two rivals and swoon when they finally come together. Gah, this is a terrific addition to the series and I can’t WAIT to read Arrow’s story next, in #Blur (not sure when it’s coming, but at the end of the book it is mentioned so I am super excited).
Joey
Joey is the only female racer in her division which makes her an easy target for bullying and hazing. But Joey is a strong woman. She can race, she can stand up with the rest of them, and she can take everything that comes her way. When she is invited to be a part of the GearShark magazine she is very excited. Finally, a woman is going to get her chance at the spotlight in a male dominated industry. But she also gets more than she bargained for when she realizes that her enemy- Lorhaven, is also going to be featured in this issue. How are these two; who have so much in common yet so much animosity towards one another, going to be able to do this? And how is Joey going to finally enter the spotlight without everyone thinking it’s her father who has lead her there?
Lorhaven
Lorhaven is one tough cookie. He has gotten himself into some trouble in the past because he is the type of guy that doesn’t take shit from anybody. But underneath his tough exterior is a warm and cuddly bear. Too bad he doesn’t let anyone get close enough to see this side of him. He is a bad boy after all, and breaking this façade could mean the end of his reign in the racing world…
When Lorhaven and Joey get together for their issue of GearShark magazine it’s pretty clear that the two have some animosity. I mean girls aren’t in this field for a reason… It’s a man’s game isn’t it? But Lorhaven knows Joey has it in her to make a name for herself. And if he can reign in his feelings about this, he may be able to help her. And while he doesn’t intend to fall for her, there is some sort of pull that he can’t escape from…
My Thoughts
This is the perfect edition to the GearShark series. Readers who enjoy Cambria’s work will definitely want to get their hands on this one. It has everything us new adult romance lovers crave- love, angst, rivalry, and so much more. Every time I see that the author is going to write something new I jump at the chance to purchase it because I know she will satisfy my reading needs every time. This is not different with #Swag. Obviously, I recommend this story, and frankly, anything written by the author. Her books are just that good! Pick this one up readers- it is WORTH IT!
Genre: New Adult. Sports (racing) Romance
:: 4.5 Pretty Little Stars ::
#Swag by Cambria Hebert (one of my top 5 favorite authors) is the third book in the GearShark series. This book CAN be read as a standalone, but to get the most out of the series I do recommend reading #Junkie (book 1) and #Rev (book 2) first. This is because all the characters make appearances through each of the novels. With that being said, this book is GREAT. The romance, the heat, the fast cars, and the integration of Drew and Trent make the story awesome (and whole). I loved getting a better glimpse into Joey and Lorhaven’s life because I was so curious about these two in the other books. Readers will be able to feel the angst between these two rivals and swoon when they finally come together. Gah, this is a terrific addition to the series and I can’t WAIT to read Arrow’s story next, in #Blur (not sure when it’s coming, but at the end of the book it is mentioned so I am super excited).
Joey
Joey is the only female racer in her division which makes her an easy target for bullying and hazing. But Joey is a strong woman. She can race, she can stand up with the rest of them, and she can take everything that comes her way. When she is invited to be a part of the GearShark magazine she is very excited. Finally, a woman is going to get her chance at the spotlight in a male dominated industry. But she also gets more than she bargained for when she realizes that her enemy- Lorhaven, is also going to be featured in this issue. How are these two; who have so much in common yet so much animosity towards one another, going to be able to do this? And how is Joey going to finally enter the spotlight without everyone thinking it’s her father who has lead her there?
Lorhaven
Lorhaven is one tough cookie. He has gotten himself into some trouble in the past because he is the type of guy that doesn’t take shit from anybody. But underneath his tough exterior is a warm and cuddly bear. Too bad he doesn’t let anyone get close enough to see this side of him. He is a bad boy after all, and breaking this façade could mean the end of his reign in the racing world…
When Lorhaven and Joey get together for their issue of GearShark magazine it’s pretty clear that the two have some animosity. I mean girls aren’t in this field for a reason… It’s a man’s game isn’t it? But Lorhaven knows Joey has it in her to make a name for herself. And if he can reign in his feelings about this, he may be able to help her. And while he doesn’t intend to fall for her, there is some sort of pull that he can’t escape from…
My Thoughts
This is the perfect edition to the GearShark series. Readers who enjoy Cambria’s work will definitely want to get their hands on this one. It has everything us new adult romance lovers crave- love, angst, rivalry, and so much more. Every time I see that the author is going to write something new I jump at the chance to purchase it because I know she will satisfy my reading needs every time. This is not different with #Swag. Obviously, I recommend this story, and frankly, anything written by the author. Her books are just that good! Pick this one up readers- it is WORTH IT!
March 25, 2020
Love reading about Joey & Jace. Drew & Trent are still part of the story along side Arrow Jaces' brother.
Cambria is an amazing author and as much as I would like to tell you more about this book I can't spoil it for you.
Just get it & read it you won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next one
Cambria is an amazing author and as much as I would like to tell you more about this book I can't spoil it for you.
Just get it & read it you won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next one
January 3, 2024
No notes again. Starting the year off strong.
I don’t know for sure why, but I’ve always been more interested in doing what the guys were doing than what the girls were doing. No hate or judgment, on the playground at recess I would sometimes hang out and play with the girls or some of my less group-play oriented people. I had fun. But most of the time, I was playing dodgeball, kickball, basketball, etc. with the guys. As I got older, the ability to be in the presence of males doing masculine things became something I was shamed for, hazed for, targeted for until I just stopped trying to participate at all.
Joey, the FMC from this book, is stronger than me. She has also participated in a male dominated sphere - professional driving - and is facing all the backlash but is still doing it because she is passionate about it. I respect that. I like reading about characters who want to dismantle systems of oppression. Joey doesn’t so much want to dismantle a system as just be able to exist within racing without her gender being the main thing people see.
Lorhaven was one of the people who saw Joey for those stereotypical reasons. This book is about him realizing this and working on his relationship with Joey. I enjoyed this book but still, my teeth are aching to sink into Arrow’s book. He grabbed my attention in book 1. After 3 books, I still perk up any time he is on set.
I don’t know for sure why, but I’ve always been more interested in doing what the guys were doing than what the girls were doing. No hate or judgment, on the playground at recess I would sometimes hang out and play with the girls or some of my less group-play oriented people. I had fun. But most of the time, I was playing dodgeball, kickball, basketball, etc. with the guys. As I got older, the ability to be in the presence of males doing masculine things became something I was shamed for, hazed for, targeted for until I just stopped trying to participate at all.
Joey, the FMC from this book, is stronger than me. She has also participated in a male dominated sphere - professional driving - and is facing all the backlash but is still doing it because she is passionate about it. I respect that. I like reading about characters who want to dismantle systems of oppression. Joey doesn’t so much want to dismantle a system as just be able to exist within racing without her gender being the main thing people see.
Lorhaven was one of the people who saw Joey for those stereotypical reasons. This book is about him realizing this and working on his relationship with Joey. I enjoyed this book but still, my teeth are aching to sink into Arrow’s book. He grabbed my attention in book 1. After 3 books, I still perk up any time he is on set.
March 11, 2018
4 solid stars
This was my first book from Cambria Hebert and I will definitely read more of her work. I liked her style and her characters.
Joey G. is a woman in a man's world with a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas. That alone should have been a major turn off for me.
Lorhaven is an entitled misogynist with an ego that barely fits through the door. I can't stand man like him, much less want to read about them in my leisure time.
So why did I like this book? Because Joey, despite that chip, is strong and easy to relate to. And Lorhaven is only the mask that protects and hides Jace. I expected the usual love/hate banter between them but got something totally unexpected. The author wrote a great story with some humor, some angst, lots of lust, some hot sex and tons magnetic attraction.
This was my first book from Cambria Hebert and I will definitely read more of her work. I liked her style and her characters.
Joey G. is a woman in a man's world with a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas. That alone should have been a major turn off for me.
Lorhaven is an entitled misogynist with an ego that barely fits through the door. I can't stand man like him, much less want to read about them in my leisure time.
So why did I like this book? Because Joey, despite that chip, is strong and easy to relate to. And Lorhaven is only the mask that protects and hides Jace. I expected the usual love/hate banter between them but got something totally unexpected. The author wrote a great story with some humor, some angst, lots of lust, some hot sex and tons magnetic attraction.
June 6, 2019
I'm so deep in love with all of these characters and every single one story written by Cambria!
November 18, 2016
4.25 "Drive my car. Drive my heart." stars
ah, what can i say...I love speed, I love cars, i myself have the "itch" to scratch LOL, and indulge my need for speed, I don't do it often, BUT here and there...I actually set myself free...even though I have never driven a real racecar (which would be so fuckin awesome, Santa, did you hear me, just now!!!)
First of all, I fell in love with Hashtag # series by Cambria Hebert and since then I have never looked back. When in need of a thrilling drama filled with angst, anticipation of a twirling twist in storyline, lovable characters, sexy, steamy and passionate scenes with heartwarming exclamations and tender moments, I look no further!
This Hashtag # series' spin off is no different!
Even if I have jumped into book 3 without reading the first 2 books, I didn't miss a thing, cause the secondary characters appearing in it are well known from the mentioned series and you can solely focus on the main characters - specifically here - Jace Lorhaven and Josephine/Josie Gamble aka Joey G.
Both being racecar drivers, she's the only female driver in the pro division and he's the upcomin star in the NRR - the "no rule" racing division. They are opposites BUT really the same, they push each other to their limits BUT can't hold the evolving chemistry between them.
The sparks are flying on the photoshoot for the GearShark magazine that features their stories, the introduction and presentation of the position of the female driver in the dominantly man's world of car racing.
This was I didn't think she should be racing with us. It wasn't because I was sexist either. It's because this was a dangerous, risky sport. And truthfully, she'd been right. The men didn't want a woman on the track.
It starts of as a battle of minds, attitudes and POV, and ends up revolving into a passionate, consuming relationship that will open up their inner, well hidden fears, insecurities, secrets....
putting each other in the vulnerable position of trusting one another when all they have learned so far is to act against it...wearing masks, shields in order to "survive" and give the ultimate of themselves in being the best there is. Jace has his own issues with a distant father, acceptance, finding himself...seeing the "real man" behind the layers of arrogance and assholery he's puts on as an armor...and Josie is the only person (besides his younger brother) who penetrates the facade and finds "more", the desire to belong, the need to know every single part available
"I don't want just sex from you, Josie. I want more. I want your time, your laugh, your dirty, filthy mouth. I want to know you in ways no one else does."
"Josie challenged me in ways I'd never been challenged before."
"I wanted to know her, not just pieces, but entirely. I'd never wanted to know anyone this way. I'd never felt equal parts of wanting to stand beside but also in front of someone before."
and Jace would fall equaly only to find himself again...with her, in her, beside her...
I handed her my heart last night.
And quite possibly a piece of my soul.
She didn't ask for either, but sometimes the very best things in life are given without request.
BUT Josie/Joey G is a young woman who wanted to prove smth more other than being a damn good driver, she wanted the respect for her skills, acknowledge of her team colleagues, of her father, even the man she has fallen for...but in her driven state of being strong, she lost herself in the perception that she believed would secure the postion and the acceptance,
This is a man's world, and sometimes it's all I can do to survive. I've been viewed as the weaker sex since I was born. My father wanted a boy; my mother wanted a lady. I wasn't either. I spent a long time trying to figure out who I was, and it wasn't an easy path.
but it was the price she payed along the way that would ultimately surfice and reveal the real strength of love, adoration and support if only she opened up sooner.
I've been discriminated against, looked down on, and sometimes flat-out ignored...I refused to bend. I refised to be shoved off onto the shoulder. I kept driving, i kept working, and I pretended none of it bothered me.
After every shady act done to her during her career, Josie is determined to stand up and speak up about it, about the position of women in a profession mainly regarded as men-dominated...she spoke up for the right to do what you love, to fight for it, but also not to hide in the shadow of the illusion that YOU are the one to blame, that you are the ONE to take the fall...that you have to endure it and be silenced in fear...
Let me tell you what something like hazing does to a person. it degrades them. It makes them feel vulnerable and alone.
This letter is about me wanting to make it known to all the girls out there - hell, to anyone who's ever felt like less - that you don't have to take it. You don't have to suffer in silence because you think that's what makes you strong.
This was a NA drama filled with fast cars and pumping adrenaline from the sequences of racing, intertwined stemy "rides" and action angsty twists, but most importantly, where characters learn about themselves but regaining the trust they have long gone forsaken in order to achieve their goals, driven desires, by ultimately finding love.
It's also a story that sends an important message one should not close their eyes to.
For more info and reviews visit
July 13, 2016
“People think…
They think they have a say. That when the “perfect” person walks into their life and checks all the boxes, they will instantly fall in love. It doesn’t work that way. We get no say whatsoever. In fact, I’d be pretty much willing to bet the universe laughs when we create those check boxes of the perfect mare. Then it sends us the complete opposite to show us who’s really boss.”
This book has really got #swag!!! This book was over the top AMAZING! Best book in this series. Ms. Hebert has truly outdone herself. Brilliantly written and the winning point is: Joey G. I have a huge girl crush on her. She was a total badass. She is tough and beautiful and one of a kind. I can go on…. I will save my fangirling for the later parts of the review.
Lorhaven is a jerk and a total asshole. He is also a wickedly talented street racer. After the NRR section starts, Lorhaven gets a sponsor to drive along side Drew Forrester. As there is no love lost between the Trew couple and him, tempers are about to fly. But in addition to our lovely duo of Trent and Drew, Joey also hates Lorhaven’s guts. The guy totally gets on her nerves with his snide remarks and his general assholish ways. But during a joint photoshoot for the GearShark magazine, sparks fly and both can’t deny the crazy attraction between them. Through steamy one on one’s and some terrific (read freaky) driving, Lorhaven and Joey becomes Jace and Josie to each other. They were so hot that they literally burned rubber and also smoked my brain. The Jace and Josie duo completely stole my heart.
I am in Lor-Heaven!!! I loathed Lorhaven in the previous two books so I was surprised when I fell in love with him here. He always comes off as the asshole of the century and his attitude does not change a single bit in this book. He is the same jerk we met in #Junkie and #Rev, but there is so much more to him than what meets the eye. His fierce love for his brother and later Josie melted me. He was a badass alpha through and through, and I fell hard.
“I loved fiercely. Love was a catalyst and a hindrance for me at the very same time.”
“There was a tenderness to him I don’t think anyone would ever believe he possesses. I was glad. I liked having that part of him for myself. Only for me.”
As for Joey G, she ROCKED!!!
"My father always told me I could be anything I wanted. So I became a woman in a man's world."
The girl had some serious moxie. She is humiliated and bullied each day for loving a male-dominated sport of professional race car driving, but she never lets anything deter her from letting it lose on the tracks. I loved her passion, be for driving or for Jace. Ms. Herbert has taken up a very serious issue of gender discrimination in this book and she did an excellent job. Josie is the victim of a serious case of bullying by her peers and she never utters a word, coz she does not wants to look weak. Her being the daughter of Ron Gamble makes her life doubly hard. Mostly everyone thinks her career as a pro driver is because of her daddy and not because she has mad driving skills. Josie was a tough girl who has endured a lot but beneath that façade was a vulnerable woman in need of true appreciation and love.
I can’t praise this book enough. Anyone with a craving for adrenaline filled race car driving and a blazing romance needs to read this. Josie and Jace lit up the pages with their passion for driving and for each other. This couple have chemistry, people and you are seriously missing something if you do not read this. A passionate love making scene on the hood of a 600 hp beast of a car is totally IRRESISTIBLE and something you do not want to miss.
MIND BLOWN.....
Bottom line, this book blew me way. It is a high-octane romance and I just could not get enough. Do not read this book as a standalone. Josie and Jace’s story begins from #Junkie and you need to read from the start to feel the awesomeness that is Josie and Jace in LOVE!!!!
“Where do I see myself in five years?
Who the hell knows?
But one thing is for sure….Jace will be at my side.
And we’ll both still be driving way too fast.”
August 21, 2016
Ron Gamble: I love you! Best father ever. My favorite character in this book (haha I know this story was about Jace and Josie).
This was a good book! My favorite in this series!
Jace is a strong guy who've been there for his little brother when their father kick him out. He protected him, venge him and always be there for him (my little Arrow I'll be there for your book!). In the beginning he doesn't want to be involved with Josie or anyone in fact but destiny is destiny ^^.
Josie was just a beautiful, One of the most strongest woman I've ever saw. All she endured in other to live her passion, to make her father proud (even if he was already! But like her we all want to make our parents proud so I understand her battle).
Two brave characters in this book. They just deserved happiness :)
Arrow (book 4 I hope) I'm coming for you! <3
This was a good book! My favorite in this series!
Jace is a strong guy who've been there for his little brother when their father kick him out. He protected him, venge him and always be there for him (my little Arrow I'll be there for your book!). In the beginning he doesn't want to be involved with Josie or anyone in fact but destiny is destiny ^^.
Josie was just a beautiful, One of the most strongest woman I've ever saw. All she endured in other to live her passion, to make her father proud (even if he was already! But like her we all want to make our parents proud so I understand her battle).
Two brave characters in this book. They just deserved happiness :)
Arrow (book 4 I hope) I'm coming for you! <3
August 3, 2017
Holy shit y'all this book was AWESOME! I swear they just keep getting better and better. I FLOVED Lorhaven. I want one for myself. He and Joey were wonderful together and the possessiveness and protectiveness he showed her was just to die for. We get some Drew and Trent which of course made me swoon my ass off. I never want to leave these people. Now on to Arrow and Hopper!!! Bring it!
April 29, 2020
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 9, 2019
Oh.My.Lanta. I was not prepared for the deliciousness that is this book! Who knew Lorhaven would totally and completely steal my heart! "But he called me baby." Yep, that's pretty much all it took. Oh, and that kiss too...gah!!!
I loved this book! I was so blown away by how it made me feel, it was so unexpected. Lorhaven was such an enigma, and let's be honest, a bit of a jerk, in #Junkie and #Rev, so I really wasn't sure how Cambria was going to change my mind about him. But let's just say, getting inside his head, seeing the love he has for his brother, his thoughts on Drew and Trent, and his feelings for Joey, made me fall head over heals for this strong, tough, protective man. He's nothing like I imagined but everything I could have wanted.
This is such a surprising, passionate, and intense book, and not only because of the chemistry between Lorhaven and Joey- although that was combustible! The story took some unforeseen, and at times shocking, turns. Joey is in all ways Lorhaven's equal, but she's also a vulnerable young woman who has had to deal with some really horrible situations, all because she wants to be taken seriously as a racecar driver. Being a woman in a "man's world", especially with her father in the position he's in, has in no way been easy for her. Many times it's been downright awful. It was heartbreaking to see what she went through, and frustrating that she felt she had no one to turn to.
Joey and Lorhaven are really a match made in heaven. They are both determined, dedicated, strong-willed people. But when they come together the walls come down and we see the softer side to each of them. They complement each other so perfectly, giving the other exactly what they need. And I just adored them.
"He looked like solace. He smelled like home, and he felt like relief."
I loved this book! I was so blown away by how it made me feel, it was so unexpected. Lorhaven was such an enigma, and let's be honest, a bit of a jerk, in #Junkie and #Rev, so I really wasn't sure how Cambria was going to change my mind about him. But let's just say, getting inside his head, seeing the love he has for his brother, his thoughts on Drew and Trent, and his feelings for Joey, made me fall head over heals for this strong, tough, protective man. He's nothing like I imagined but everything I could have wanted.
This is such a surprising, passionate, and intense book, and not only because of the chemistry between Lorhaven and Joey- although that was combustible! The story took some unforeseen, and at times shocking, turns. Joey is in all ways Lorhaven's equal, but she's also a vulnerable young woman who has had to deal with some really horrible situations, all because she wants to be taken seriously as a racecar driver. Being a woman in a "man's world", especially with her father in the position he's in, has in no way been easy for her. Many times it's been downright awful. It was heartbreaking to see what she went through, and frustrating that she felt she had no one to turn to.
Joey and Lorhaven are really a match made in heaven. They are both determined, dedicated, strong-willed people. But when they come together the walls come down and we see the softer side to each of them. They complement each other so perfectly, giving the other exactly what they need. And I just adored them.
"He looked like solace. He smelled like home, and he felt like relief."
May 19, 2019
I wasn't sure if I was going to like the m/f romance in this series but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Joey and Lorhaven aren't Drew and Trent but they're still passionate and their romance is well defined and drawn out into a believable tale of dislike and distrust to love and support.
Plus we still get plenty of the indie racer and his manager lover to keep fans of the first two books happy.
There's going to be a delay before the final book in the series, #Blur about Lor's younger brother Arrow and Joey's former manager Hopper comes out, which is a bummer because Cambria writes exceptionally good same sex male lovers pairings.
This was a roller coaster of a ride with a deep rooted message at the heart of it about standing up for yourself but being willing to look and accept help when it is offered and how bullying should never be allowed to become acceptable.
And yet another sizzling hot cover.
Joey and Lorhaven aren't Drew and Trent but they're still passionate and their romance is well defined and drawn out into a believable tale of dislike and distrust to love and support.
Plus we still get plenty of the indie racer and his manager lover to keep fans of the first two books happy.
There's going to be a delay before the final book in the series, #Blur about Lor's younger brother Arrow and Joey's former manager Hopper comes out, which is a bummer because Cambria writes exceptionally good same sex male lovers pairings.
This was a roller coaster of a ride with a deep rooted message at the heart of it about standing up for yourself but being willing to look and accept help when it is offered and how bullying should never be allowed to become acceptable.
And yet another sizzling hot cover.
December 15, 2016
This is the third book in the series and the one I liked the less. I loved Drew and Trent's books and I was hoping for more.
Joey and Jace's book was ok but I felt it dragged at times. I think I would have skipped it altogether if I hadn't needed my fix till Arrow's book is released in January.
The sexy times were good and I loved the cover. I really like the models they chose for Lorhaven and Joey. I imagined them when I was reading the book.
Joey and Jace's book was ok but I felt it dragged at times. I think I would have skipped it altogether if I hadn't needed my fix till Arrow's book is released in January.
The sexy times were good and I loved the cover. I really like the models they chose for Lorhaven and Joey. I imagined them when I was reading the book.
June 10, 2016
I wasn't sure I was gonna like Lorhaven but I still wanted to give it a try because come on, it's Cambria Hebert we are talking about here.
I didn't just like the book, I freakin' loved it. Ok I admit no one can take Drew and Trent' s place in my heart, but Josie and Jace are a really close second.
Can't wait for the next book.
I didn't just like the book, I freakin' loved it. Ok I admit no one can take Drew and Trent' s place in my heart, but Josie and Jace are a really close second.
Can't wait for the next book.
April 12, 2017
5 #Swag Stars
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! I loved Drew and Trent’s books so much and we still get them in this book but I have to say Lorhaven intrigued me throughout their books.
So when I read this was going to be his book I was like HELLS YA! And Joey, who didn’t love Joey in the past books.
This book was everything and more for me. I loved that we got to see the racing from a female’s point of view. I felt utterly terrible that it wasn’t all that it could be because of hate.
I think all these books in this series really shed some light on how people are judged either because of who they love or because of their gender both things you can’t change.
I think because these topics are so relatable that’s what makes this book so well written Cambria really touches in on some hard truths.
I love how Lorhaven has a bit of an epiphany, and I love that Joey can be the one to show him. But it was more that Lorhaven changed his way of thinking.
Also love that we get to see more Arrow he as well is a favorite character of mine and I can’t wait to see more of him.
Great book, great series can’t wait to read more. ❤
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! I loved Drew and Trent’s books so much and we still get them in this book but I have to say Lorhaven intrigued me throughout their books.
So when I read this was going to be his book I was like HELLS YA! And Joey, who didn’t love Joey in the past books.
This book was everything and more for me. I loved that we got to see the racing from a female’s point of view. I felt utterly terrible that it wasn’t all that it could be because of hate.
I think all these books in this series really shed some light on how people are judged either because of who they love or because of their gender both things you can’t change.
I think because these topics are so relatable that’s what makes this book so well written Cambria really touches in on some hard truths.
I love how Lorhaven has a bit of an epiphany, and I love that Joey can be the one to show him. But it was more that Lorhaven changed his way of thinking.
Also love that we get to see more Arrow he as well is a favorite character of mine and I can’t wait to see more of him.
Great book, great series can’t wait to read more. ❤
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
January 19, 2018
Finally I got to read the last book missing for me in the GearShark series!
And it did not disappoint in the least! As a woman, I loved the underlying issue of this novel, and definitely liked Joey, or Josie, as a character. She's an independent, strong-willed and talented.
Her hate-to-love relationship with Jace was fun, hot, and also sweet at times. Without contradicting her nature, it was nice seeing her lowering her guard with him and letting herself be vulnerable.
We also get to see my favorite couple, Trent and Drew, as well as Arrow and Hopper, which are the protagonists of the following novels in this series. Needless to say, every scene involving also one of the above mentioned characters was priceless.
On the other hand, I think I had expected a little more on Lorhaven side. He was undoubtedly rounded, swoony and the whole shebang, but all the main problems in the narration revolved around Joey and I felt a sort of imbalance because his characters would have been a perfect one to "trouble" a little. I felt like his rocky relationship with his father was not enough to rock the boat.
Still, this was just something I noticed and not really a big flaw.
Oh, another thing I loved between them, besides the sizzling banter lined in shallow hatred and attraction, is how special and unique their connection felt from the very beginning. What could have passed for a no-string attachment arrangement was made clear to be something they were both experiencing as something more.
I shouldn't even say this, because it's already a given with this author, but I appreciated how Hebert didn't shy away from the ugly side of hazing. And I found it amazing how Josie never dwelled on all that had happened and that we only find out in the end the real extent of the "issue" (trying not to spoil here!). It added that final thrill and action that made for an original ending.
Lastly, we get to see a lot of racing in this book. If normally I would not particularly care about it, not being a fan of the sport, I appreciated how Hebert's style made me care about it. How she explained the dynamics rather than the single manouvres. And the way Jace and Josie stood together against the bastards wanting to endangers her warmed my heart.
And it did not disappoint in the least! As a woman, I loved the underlying issue of this novel, and definitely liked Joey, or Josie, as a character. She's an independent, strong-willed and talented.
Her hate-to-love relationship with Jace was fun, hot, and also sweet at times. Without contradicting her nature, it was nice seeing her lowering her guard with him and letting herself be vulnerable.
We also get to see my favorite couple, Trent and Drew, as well as Arrow and Hopper, which are the protagonists of the following novels in this series. Needless to say, every scene involving also one of the above mentioned characters was priceless.
On the other hand, I think I had expected a little more on Lorhaven side. He was undoubtedly rounded, swoony and the whole shebang, but all the main problems in the narration revolved around Joey and I felt a sort of imbalance because his characters would have been a perfect one to "trouble" a little. I felt like his rocky relationship with his father was not enough to rock the boat.
Still, this was just something I noticed and not really a big flaw.
Oh, another thing I loved between them, besides the sizzling banter lined in shallow hatred and attraction, is how special and unique their connection felt from the very beginning. What could have passed for a no-string attachment arrangement was made clear to be something they were both experiencing as something more.
I shouldn't even say this, because it's already a given with this author, but I appreciated how Hebert didn't shy away from the ugly side of hazing. And I found it amazing how Josie never dwelled on all that had happened and that we only find out in the end the real extent of the "issue" (trying not to spoil here!). It added that final thrill and action that made for an original ending.
Lastly, we get to see a lot of racing in this book. If normally I would not particularly care about it, not being a fan of the sport, I appreciated how Hebert's style made me care about it. How she explained the dynamics rather than the single manouvres. And the way Jace and Josie stood together against the bastards wanting to endangers her warmed my heart.
June 9, 2016
I honestly only read this book because I wanted to get my fill of Drew and Trent lol they get 5 stars always :)
3.5 It's not you, it's me stars
Is it bad that I only liked the second characters?! Surprisingly I didn't care much for the romance and I liked Lorhaven more than Joey, I don't like her ever since . I also didn't like her attitude much in #Junkie, so I didn't feel very invested in them as a couple, but I love this series so I had to read, of course :) It's a good book, I just liked the other storylines better than the couple o.o
I loved Arrow and Hopper, so if the next book is about them, count me in! X
3.5 It's not you, it's me stars
Is it bad that I only liked the second characters?! Surprisingly I didn't care much for the romance and I liked Lorhaven more than Joey, I don't like her ever since . I also didn't like her attitude much in #Junkie, so I didn't feel very invested in them as a couple, but I love this series so I had to read, of course :) It's a good book, I just liked the other storylines better than the couple o.o
I loved Arrow and Hopper, so if the next book is about them, count me in! X
November 24, 2019
+4
Lubię silne bohaterki, lubię babeczki pozbierane do kupy, które nie biadolą przez pół książki. A już najbardziej lubię, gdy do takiej dziewczyny dociera, że nie musi być silna w samotności, że czasem warto odpuścić i to nie jest przejaw żadnej słabości. Fajna ta Josie i fajny ten jej Jace.
Lubię silne bohaterki, lubię babeczki pozbierane do kupy, które nie biadolą przez pół książki. A już najbardziej lubię, gdy do takiej dziewczyny dociera, że nie musi być silna w samotności, że czasem warto odpuścić i to nie jest przejaw żadnej słabości. Fajna ta Josie i fajny ten jej Jace.
October 1, 2021
I do like the ones that branch out but keep the favourites. M/F with Lorhaven and Joey for this one. I liked how protective Drew and especially Trent was. Hints with Arrow and Hopper, so looking forward to the next one. Lorhaven was a dark horse. I started liking him when he didn’t care about Drew and Trent, but in this one wow. JJ were perfect together and I liked how he stuck up for her but at the same time wasn’t overprotective. Throughout the book Joey has a chip on her shoulder, but its not until after the seventy percent mark that its blatantly obvious why. A lot of hate and revelations of attempted rape and attempted murder. Lorhaven just steps it up in the boyfriend role and yeah, he’s my favourite character now. Favourite part with this series is the stand out GS articles and the cover explanations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2019
Lorhaven was (still kinda is) an a**hole, but he redeemed himself with how he reacted to Trent and Drew. He proved himself in this book and I fell in love with him. Joey has a lot to prove being the only female driver in the pros. Joey and Lorhaven have great chemistry and I loved the sexual tension between them. This was a fast paced book with a lot of intense moments. The story ended well and left me feeling extremely satisfied.
December 16, 2019
I love Cambria Hebert! I have read all the #Hashtag series and now I've read the first 3 books in the GearSharks series. I can't wait to keep going with this series. Her writing is really addictive. I didn't think I would care one whit about Lordhaven or Joey and of course this writer sucks you in and makes you love them. So glad that Drew and Trent were in this series. I love them so much :)
Joey (short for Josephine) is a racer in a male dominate world. The things her own teammates put her through because she's a woman is awful. It's a hazing and she never said a word for fear it would make her look weak.
Lordhaven is a NRR racer and Joey is going to cross over from pro racing to the NRR world of racing. She hopes it will be a better fit. She and Lordhaven had an interview and a photo shoot and sparks flew. I loved them as a couple....who knew
Joey (short for Josephine) is a racer in a male dominate world. The things her own teammates put her through because she's a woman is awful. It's a hazing and she never said a word for fear it would make her look weak.
Lordhaven is a NRR racer and Joey is going to cross over from pro racing to the NRR world of racing. She hopes it will be a better fit. She and Lordhaven had an interview and a photo shoot and sparks flew. I loved them as a couple....who knew
June 12, 2016
Keep in mind that this is an adult book, and there are explicit details!
OMG guys... this book was the BEST!!!! I freaking loved this book so so much, it was a total surprise when it came out early.
Joey Gamble has worked hard over the years to prove that she earned her place in the racing world.
The comments from, Indie Driver, Lorhaven, make her want to prove herself even more.
Lorhaven keeps people form seeing the real him (except his brother, Arrow).
Sparks fly when Lorhaven and Joey invited to make an interview together.
Since #Junkie, I knew that this will happen. The love hate relationship between them is perfect.
The story was well written, it was easy to read. The sexual chemistry coming off these pages was off the charts. There wasn't insta-love, there wasn't unnecessary drama. (Which is always good.)
I really liked the character development as well as the way the relationship between the two main characters grew.
The message that is given at the end was wonderful. #Girlpower #respect
Drew and Trent being in the story was of course fantastic. I kind of missed Romeo and the others, but I know that they had their HEA.
I am so not ready to wait for Arrow's book #Blur, but I guess I have to wait a bit.
Let me make one thing very clear,” I purred, unfastening the button on his jeans with one simple flip of my hands. “You can be in control, but I’m still participating. I give as good as I get.”#Swag is the third book in Cambria Hebert's GearShark series, a spin off of the #Hashtag series. However, the book can be read as a stand-alone.
“Honey, I’m counting on it.”
“Hey, Josie,” I said as I slowed.
“Jace?”
“Don’t go too far when this is over. I’m coming for you.”
“I’ll make sure I’m easy to find.”
OMG guys... this book was the BEST!!!! I freaking loved this book so so much, it was a total surprise when it came out early.
Joey Gamble has worked hard over the years to prove that she earned her place in the racing world.
The comments from, Indie Driver, Lorhaven, make her want to prove herself even more.
Lorhaven keeps people form seeing the real him (except his brother, Arrow).
Sparks fly when Lorhaven and Joey invited to make an interview together.
Since #Junkie, I knew that this will happen. The love hate relationship between them is perfect.
The story was well written, it was easy to read. The sexual chemistry coming off these pages was off the charts. There wasn't insta-love, there wasn't unnecessary drama. (Which is always good.)
I really liked the character development as well as the way the relationship between the two main characters grew.
The message that is given at the end was wonderful. #Girlpower #respect
Drew and Trent being in the story was of course fantastic. I kind of missed Romeo and the others, but I know that they had their HEA.
I am so not ready to wait for Arrow's book #Blur, but I guess I have to wait a bit.
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