Everyone thinks A.J. Sutherland is crazy to buy a rogue stallion that no rider or trainer has been able to tame. But if anybody has the hustle to make something out of that hell-raiser, it’s her. She can’t do it alone, however, and goes after the great Devlin McCloud, an equestrian legend with a bad leg - and a worse attitude.
Devlin recognizes a fighter when he sees one - and that horse isn’t a wallflower, either. Before he knows it, he’s got a wild stallion in his empty stable and a hot-headed, heavenly-bodied rider sleeping on his couch. But can he get all three of them through the championship in one piece?
This passion he’s found with his rider is compromising training - and at this level of competition, any distraction is not just unprofessional, but downright deadly…
©2012 J. R. Ward (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
“Fans of Nora Roberts...will savor every well-written page.” (Booklist)
“Truly awesome.” (Huntress Reviews)
bookworm
"Light easy listen equestrian based romance"
Firstly, let me say I'm a huge JRW fan, anything that gets written by her is an automatic download for me - especially after Black Dagger Brotherhood and Fallen Angels Series however, be warned this is nothing like them and that this 'new release' is deceiving in that it was actually her FIRST published book.
This is a 'turn your brain off and just listen' type book, it's an enjoyable lighthearted sweet romance about A.J. the daughter of a rich stable owner who buys a thoroughbred horse named Sabbath in the hope of training him for Show Jumping and takes on more than she bargains for. Devlin's, a mentally and physically tormented ex Show Jumping Champion who becomes involved and is forced to help her and their attraction is immediate. Their relationship is developed and established early on in the book so you are left with a lot of equestrian dialogue merging with a few white lies and bad decisions made by them that has disasterous effects on their relationship.
Worth a credit? No, I was expecting more from the writer of the BDB (not realising it was her first) but if you like the sound of the above then spend your $ rather than a credit 'cause it's cheap enough.
breynolds in LA
"Good solid entertainment"
I've always enjoyed J.R. Ward's Brotherhood series, and took a chance on this book. Excellent! It was an enjoyable listen, well thought out and spot on about her horses! I was impressed by her story telling and development of the characters. Well done!!
sosspan
"Not JR Ward's best"
Facts were confusing. As a barn mom I was very confused were they show jumping? Or eventing? For a horse person it was very distracting the mixing of eventing and show jumping terms. Also who would spend all day working a horse???? I Love JR Ward other stories but this one was lacking facts.
Nothing I thought the narration was great!
"Not BDB but still good..."
I would recommend this book to someone who likes traditional romance. You can tell this book was from her earlier years (before BDB). That's not a bad thing...it's just different.
I liked A.J. She is very spunky and she grows up throughout the book. The change looks good on her.
She was able to individualize the characters which is hard for some narrators to do.
There are a few.
When reading this book you have to separate this one from any BDB thoughts you may have. This is a good book but don't go into it thinking just because it's J.R. Ward it's like BDB. You will like it if you read out...just don't compare. It's a reply different ball game.
"Slow moving story"
Probably not. Story was decent but predictable and didn't really have a cliffhanger moment..
I read a lot of JR Ward books and I know this is her first book so I take that into consideration.
Give it more depth.
Annoying
Lack of good male voice portrayal
Not sure...
I have loved books since I can remember. I love audiobooks as a way to squeeze books into my busy life. Sometimes they provide a welcome safe vacation from reality.
"Not her best work"
If this had been my first J.R. Ward book I would not have been inclined to buy another.
There were some very funny and touching moments in the relationship between the main characters. However, there was too much other in the story.
I liked Kate Rudd's performance fine.
Less horse interaction and more interpersonal interaction.
I thought it was a good first effort. I am glad that I read her other books so I could see what she became.