Peak Performance
by Helen Brenna
Published by Harlequin (May 1 release)
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Reviewed by Kathy Johnson
Sportscaster Payton Reese, injured mountain climber, needs to post incredible TV ratings on his NASCAR series if he ever hopes to break out of the local media and into a national extreme sports show. His interview with Rachel Murphy is the key to his getting out of local television. Only two obstacles face him: Payton’s lack of in-depth knowledge on any sport outside of mountain climbing, and Rachel, who does not grant interviews.
Family means a lot to Rachel Murphy. She and her brother Justin were orphaned at an early age. Their uncle raised them in the family business, NASCAR racing. Justin drives for the Fulcrum Racing team, and Rachel works on the engines. No matter how good looking Payton Reese might be, Rachel won’t be hurt by another misguided TV interviewer who probes into the death of her parents.
Opposites attract–and Payton Reese and Rachel Murphy are opposites. Payton is reaching out for the choice contract that will take him to California and onto national television. Rachel Murphy is content with her life in and around NASCAR. She is renovating her parents’ home outside of Charlotte, which was abandoned after her parent’s death. Payton and Rachel each have their own dreams, and they collide. Distance, travel schedules, and commitment are major hurdles which need to be addressed before romance can grow and mature.
Images of the race track and cars come off the page and assail your senses. Short bursts of snappy humor add depth to the characters and the story. Author Brenna’s use of static vehicle descriptions to convey human imagery is profound.
The book was insightful for someone who has never followed the race car circuit. I could feel the burn of the race, the smell of the fumes, and the excitement at the track.
Whether you love NASCAR or have never followed the sport, the story of Payton and Rachel is one you shouldn’t miss.
Armchair Interviews says: Check out her other books, Treasure and Dad for Life.
Author’s Web site: http://www.HelenBrenna.com