Hearts Under Caution

Under Caution by Gina Wilkins Harlequin NASCAR Collection - February 2007 Leaving Chicago in fear from an escaped criminal she prosecuted, Lisa Woodrow returns to North Carolina for a much needed leave and the security of her parents estate. Her mother's health is ailing, so Lisa decides that her parents don't need to know the reason that sparked her sudden visit. Her father, Woody Woodrow, owns four very successful NASCAR racing teams, and Lisa can't avoid running into her ex-fiancée Wade McClellan who is still a vital part of Woodrow Racing. Six years before, Lisa had loved Wade with all her young heart, but she couldn't get past the way he could just turn himself off and focus solely on his racing career. Lisa had always felt second best. Being the best crew chief in NASCAR has been Wade's ambition and he's finally there. He's worked hard and he's paid dearly. Now she's back and Wade can tell there's more than just a vacation going on and he presses Lisa to confide in him. He promised all those year before that he'd always be there if she needed him. Under the guise of renewing their relationship, Lisa agrees to travel with the team and stay in Wade's motor home at the tracks where security is top notch until it's safe for her to return to Chicago. Lisa realizes that there is so much she didn't understand years ago, and that now she can see that though Wade aka Ice McClellan is horrible at expressing his feelings, it doesn't mean he doesn't have any. When it comes to Lisa, Wade seems to have a lot of unresolved feelings. I've always enjoyed Ms. Wilkins voice and the flow of her stories. I found this NASCAR addition very well done. The sub-plot of Lisa's stalker adds just the right amount of tension without taking away from the love story developing. Lisa is a strong heroine who isn't afraid to look closely at herself and see the mistakes she had made in her youth. Wade is the dark horse hero whose dysfunctional family background has taught him to hide his emotions. This helps him do his job where a calm head is always needed, but it leaves a lot unsaid and misunderstood when it comes to his relationships. I'm glad Lisa and Wade got their story and found their HEA.

As a NASCAR fan, I was fascinated with having an almost eyewitness account of the many intricacies and complexities of this sport, which were so brilliantly woven into this story. Pit strategies, spotter's comments, the weekend routine, and so much more came alive right off the pages!!! It definitely provides a deeper appreciation and understanding beyond what is seen on TV or while attending a race at the track! I read this book in one sitting on a Sunday morning, and my favorite driver went on to win the race that afternoon, so it brought good luck too! lol Usually the driver is the center of attention, but not so in this story, which focused on the crew chief and gave great insight into how very extensive his role is each week. Also showcased was the role of the families of the race-team. The romance was secondary to the action and the intrigue of protecting the owner's daughter from a dangerous stalker.

When dangerous Jesse Norris escapes, Chicago based Assistant District Attorney Lisa Woodrow decides to take some R & R amidst the safety of her family in Charlotte because she knows this nasty person will be coming for those who put him away. She is at the top of his list. Her ailing parents are elated to see her, but she hides why she came home from them out of concern for their well-being though Lisa suspects her mother knows. However, her former fiancé, Team Woodrow NASCAR crew chief Wade McClellan overhears the threat to his beloved's life. He altruistically blackmails her as a caution into staying with him by threatening to tell her parents if she refuses although he also believes her parents would be safer if she remained with him. Wade never stopped loving Lisa even though he assumes it is over between them, but he must insure she is safe and can best do it with the security of the racing circuit. The theme of an avenging convicted criminal going after the prosecutor has been used frequently, however Gina Wilkins freshens it with the milieu of the NASCAR racing circuit. The story line is fast-paced whether the subplot is a second chance at love or the criminal threat. Readers will enjoy this fine race between love and a murdering escapee intent on killing the ADA and anyone else blocking his victory lap. Harriet Klausner