Jump to ratings and reviews

Racing Hearts #1

Misdirection: Winners and losers, lovers and rivals

What happens when you fall in love with a stranger? The thrilling start to Ruth Gowan's Romantic Suspense series
What happens when you fall in love with a stranger? Stranded in the romantic Canary Islands, Amber, an interior designer with a passion for car rallies, meets Alex, a handsome and charismatic architect. She's fresh from a breakup. They are inexplicably drawn to each other. WW is the current World Rally Champion. Although an impressive man, he has a reputation as a playboy. He is opinionated and known to dislike women involved in the sport. Is there more to him than his model engagement and perfect lifestyle. When he and Amber are paired in the same events, sparks fly. There’s a magnetic attraction between them that can’t be denied. Darker forces, secrets and subterfuge menacingly threaten their lives. A hot and fast romance, set in the dangerous world of International Car Rallying, highlighting exciting events in Ireland, Cyprus, and Belgium. This novel is the first in the Racing Hearts series of romantic thrillers set in the 1980s around competitive world rally events and before the widespread use of cell phones.

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Ruth Gowan

11 books8 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
11 (57%)
4 stars
4 (21%)
3 stars
2 (10%)
2 stars
1 (5%)
1 star
1 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Karisa.
400 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 8, 2018
Nope. The writing style is not for me. DNF at 2% - I'm just not willing to spend my time here.
79 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2026
Misdirection is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that blends high speed motorsport action with emotional intensity and complex relationships. Set against the backdrop of international rally racing, the story delivers both adrenaline and drama in equal measure.
What stood out most to me was the setting. The world of competitive rally racing adds a unique and exciting dimension to the story, with events spanning multiple locations and bringing a strong sense of movement and energy to the narrative.
The characters also bring depth to the story. Amber’s independence and passion contrast well with the mystery surrounding the male lead, creating a dynamic that keeps the reader engaged. The tension between love, rivalry, and hidden secrets adds an extra layer of intrigue.
I also appreciated how the story balances romance with suspense. It’s not just about attraction the presence of secrets, past relationships, and external pressures creates a sense of unpredictability that keeps the story moving forward.
Overall, Misdirection is an engaging read for fans of romance with a strong action element. If you enjoy stories that combine relationships with high stakes environments and a touch of mystery, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
17 reviews1 follower
Read
October 3, 2026
I really enjoyed the mix of romance, suspense, and rally racing in this story. Amber and Alex have an intriguing chemistry, and the dangerous world they find themselves in keeps the story moving. The 1980s setting also adds a nice touch, especially with the international locations and lack of modern technology. A fun, fast-paced read with plenty of secrets, attraction, and unexpected danger.
Profile Image for Helen Simpson.
38 reviews
October 20, 2020
Fast-paced and driven

Ruth definitely knows about Rallying in Europe and the UK. Her characters are smart, hot, and complex but still being everyday happenings along with a nice mix of drama and sexiness. She didn't forget the HEA either.
Profile Image for Lora J..
703 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2017
I'm sorry but this one did not interest me at all some of it was written twice.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews