Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

In Hearts at Play, it is time to get acquainted with Grand Prix racer Hugh Braden and single mom Brianna Heart. Hugh is used to living his life fast, both on and off the track. Beautiful women, glamorous parties and overzealous fan girls are the norm in his life, so when his crew chief, Art, suggests a blind date with a woman deemed “perfect” for him, Hugh is prepared for the worst. What he did not expect was the beautiful bartender not giving him a second thought. Brianna can spot a player a mile away and she pegs Hugh from the start, refusing to indulge in his flirtations or acknowledge his McDreamy-like appearance. Through Melissa Foster’s incredible words we see just how determined Brianna is to make a good life for her and six-year-old cutie, Layla. She’s sworn off men until her daughter is 18, but when her life gets thrown for a loop, it’s Hugh who steps up to give her a helping hand.

Melissa Foster has given us yet another amazing Braden tale. Hugh has lived his life the way he wants without regard to how a revolving door of long-legged beauties may affect his future. In Hearts at Play, that future becomes mighty present and Hugh comes through with flying colors. What made this story so impressive and sweet and swoon-worthy is that Hugh is great, even with his flaws and very public predilection for beautiful women. Bree is tough but tender, and is willing to judge Hugh on his own deeds rather than on Layla’s father’s bad deeds. It can be tricky to write a romance with a single mom without making her overbearing or too ready to settle down with a supposed ‘good guy’. Melissa Foster struck the perfect balance, making the story real and lovely.