Raising the Stakes — Wendy Etherington

When a family crisis brings Evie Winters home to North Carolina, she isn't prepared for her powerful reaction to Jared Hunt. Her old friend -- and girlhood crush -- is even more irresistible than ever. But Evie knows not to mix business with pleasure, especially if it sets her up for heartbreak again.

Called the "engine whisperer," Jared is hailed as a genius in the racing world. And Evie's cost-cutting measures could cost the NASCAR troubleshooter his job. But there's more at stake than the bottom line -- there are Jared's growing feelings for the classy accountant. Then, when a link between two high-profile investigations implicates both their families, he's got to find a way to fix things. Or lose his chance for a future with Evie...