Jacked Up

McCarthy should have stopped to ask for directions instead of driving straight ahead with her sixth entry in the Fast Track series (after Slow Ride). Her trademark humor and warmth are missing as two secondary series characters take their turn around the track. Eve Monroe is the PR manager for her two NASCAR-driving brothers, but bitterly regrets not pursuing the sport herself. After she scolds team jackman Nolan Ford for accidentally ripping his tracksuit and exposing his backside on national TV, she’s surprised when he pursues her romantically. She even warns him that she can be cranky and controlling. Despite her unlikable attitude (which the reader is to infer is some sort of defense mechanism), Nolan pursues Eve aggressively. He generously finds activities to bring Eve out of her shell and open her to the possibility that she can change her career and circumstances. Nolan is charming, but readers will be less willing to wait for Eve to get it together. (June)