ON THE MOVE

Author: Pamela Britton ISBN: 037377222X 9/2008 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HQN (NASCAR)

IT WAS TIME TO PUT ON THE BRAKES Vicki Bradford might work for the most ruthless sports agent in the business, but she's no quitter, even when she hits the lowest of career lows—acting as a glorified babysitter to NASCAR's disruptive newcomer, Brandon Burke. But his devilish grin and the gleam in his eye tell her he won't be so easy to tame.... Brandon isn't about to let his wild ways on and off the track be tempered by a buttoned-up stunner hired to make him behave. And he's not above a little pulse-pounding game of seduction to send her running. But one kiss ignites something powerful between them. And now it's a matter of how void the crash and burn of two opposites steering recklessly toward love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

ON THE MOVE by Pamela Britton was an entirely new experience for me. First off, I should admit I'm not a fan of NASCAR so I know absolutely nothing about the sport. And I'm not a fan because I don't like car racing; I simply haven't had any exposure to it or experience with it. But I did have a good, healthy dose of curiosity so when I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it. You know what? I'm glad I did. Very glad.

Vicki works for a sports agent whose personality doesn't sparkle but who knows how to get the best out of everyone around him. He sends her to hover over a problem client, race car driver Brandon Burke. Of course, when Vicki meets Brandon the obligatory sparks fly (this is a romance after all), but there's much more to this story than just sparks and heat, although there are enough of each of those to go around. ON THE MOVE is a tale of finding one's way in the world—despite the obstacles, both real and imagined, set before us.

Motivation plays an important role in both of these characters' lives, as well as in those who surround them. Vicki's determination to stand on her own two feet drives her. When faced with the choice of giving in, giving up or going on alone, she chooses the proceeding alone option, even though it will break her heart. Those who make her choose have good motivations, as well, even though they keep them hidden until the very last minute. Brandon is a complex character whose "problematic" behavior stems from issues in his past that, unfortunately, have a great effect on the present. The psychological depth of this story is one of the things that I found most interesting. Motivation, cause and effect and each character's personal journey—all done very well.

I learned enough about NASCAR and the racing life from ON THE MOVE to want to investigate further. Pamela Britton has written a highly enjoyable, heartwarmingly true-to-life story that deals with issues that are of importance both on and off the racetrack. Wonderfully entertaining!

Kay James