A review by criminolly
The Comeback by Abby Gaines

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Despite knowing nothing about NASCAR beyond what I can remember from watching ‘Days of Thunder’ years ago, I keep coming back (sorry) to these Harlequin NASCAR romances. They’re light and fun and really well crafted. This one was no exception, with a sweet co-worker romance between a gruff driver trying to make a return to the sport and the determined PR consultant assigned to work with him. 
The romance is the highlight -  a nice slow burn with a decent level of tension. The setting works well too, with a large cast of supporting characters (there are loads of books in the series that all knit together, even though they can be enjoyed individually). There’s sibling rivalry, career/romance conflicts and some fun racing action. The book also plays entertainingly with gender roles, with the driver entered into a Bachelor contest and judged on his looks for large parts of the book. 
The whole thing feels like a Sunday afternoon TV movie, but one you’d quite happily watch on a rainy day.