In the Fast Lane

North's first Hard Driving contemporary reveals the softer side of a tough race-car driver. Kerri Hart narrowly avoids a wreck when her boyfriend runs out onto the track to propose marriage to her. She refuses his proposal, angering her fans. In an effort to restore her reputation, sexy Ranger Colt, the new owner of Hart Racing, offers to publicly announce that she's engaged to him instead. Kerri reluctantly agrees to the engagement, and pretends not to be affected by Ranger's very realistic kisses. As she and Ranger get to know each other better, true intimacy develops, culminating in sizzling sex. Kerri claims that she won't be upset when their temporary betrothal ends; neither of them is willing to admit what they truly want. Race-car driving offers a fresh theme for contemporary romance. The extremely swift attraction between the protagonists feels somewhat contrived, but the fast pace and effortless plotting highlight the magnetic characters, and readers will eagerly look forward to future installments. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (July)