Mobility Mom Book Shelf: Checkered Hearts by: A. G. Starling (Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Grab your copy HERE!!!

Book Description

Rocco Vittori is desperate for a win. With nearly as many pileups on the track as in his personal life, his formerly illustrious F1 career is in a total spinout. But a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the lead driver on the new Maverick racing team could be the answer to all his problems. He’s willing to go full throttle every second of the day to prove he deserves it more than anyone. Unfortunately, someone else on the team has her sights set on the same job, and she’s determined to drive Rocco crazy.

After leveling up from Formula Three, Nico Angelini knows she’s got just one shot to show the world she’s as qualified as any man on the circuit. Being the only female driver in the highest class of international racing puts a target on her back, and the fact that she’ll be not only racing against but forced into comradery with her one-time online nemesis raises the stakes. An ongoing rivalry with a sexy, arrogant teammate is the sort of distraction she can’t afford.

Fueled by competition and an attraction that grows stronger with every lap, Rocco and Nico are off to a bumpy start. If they can’t get a grip on their emotions, they’re both going to crash and burn this season. But finding common ground could cause a different sort of spark to ignite, and their romance might prove too hot to handle . . .

About A.G. Starling

A. G. Starling is a college professor who has lived in multiple cities and had a variety of jobs; from being an aerobics instructor to working in an art gallery in New York. She got her PhD in philosophy at Columbia University. She chose philosophy because her professors never expected any real answers from her and she discovered by asking the kinds of questions philosophers do she could sound erudite even when clueless. She is an intrepid traveler and lives in Monterey with Mr. Darcy, who, in this life, has four legs and a tail. She likes her martinis and her wit extra-dry. As for her heroes and heroines? She likes them to channel Mae West—when they’re good, they’re bad; and when they’re bad, they’re even better.

My Thoughts

I just finished listening to "Checkered Hearts" by A. G. Starling, and if you're a fan of high-octane romance with plenty of spark, buckle up, because this one's a winner! Set in the thrilling world of Formula One racing, this enemies-to-lovers story truly revs up the excitement both on and off the track.

The plot centers around Rocco Vittori, a once-illustrious F1 driver whose career is in a bit of a spinout. He's desperate for a win, and the opportunity to be the lead driver for the new Maverick racing team seems like his last shot. He's ready to give it his all, but there's a problem: his rival for the position is Nico Angelini. Nico has just leveled up from Formula Three, determined to prove she's just as qualified as any man in the circuit. Being the only female driver in the highest class of international racing puts a target on her back, and the last thing she needs is a distraction in the form of her one-time online nemesis, the sexy and arrogant Rocco.

What unfolds is a deliciously tense rivalry fueled by fierce competition and an undeniable, growing attraction. Rocco and Nico's journey is far from smooth, marked by plenty of bumps and heated exchanges. The dynamic between them is fantastic; you can feel the sparks fly with every interaction. As they navigate the pressures of the F1 circuit and their own burgeoning feelings, the question becomes whether they can get a grip on their emotions before they both crash and burn.

The narration by Charlotte Claremont and Anthony Palmini is absolutely phenomenal. They both bring incredible energy and distinct voices to Rocco and Nico, making it easy to distinguish between their perspectives and fully immerse yourself in the story. Charlotte perfectly captures Nico's ambition and vulnerability, while Anthony nails Rocco's confidence and underlying struggles. Their performances elevate the story, especially during the more intense racing scenes and the steamy romantic moments. You can tell they had a blast bringing these characters to life, and that enthusiasm is contagious.

"Checkered Hearts" delivers on all fronts: a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a romance that's genuinely "too hot to handle." If you're looking for an audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its racing drama and ignite a fire with its passionate romance, this is definitely one to add to your listening list.