Unbridled: Out of the Gate

De: Virgil Knightley, Annabelle Hawthorne

Narrado por: Hannah Schooner, Giancarlo Herrera

A broken dream. A hidden talent. A second chance at glory.

Martin Smith has spent the last thirteen years as the world’s most overqualified home inspector. It’s a small price to pay to support his niece, Mira—a growing horse girl with an expensive appetite and a burning desire to race in the Maiden’s Derby. Martin is content to be the invisible support system in her shadow, until a mysterious scout notices that the scrappy single dad sees the track differently than anyone else.

Recruited as the new Sprint Coach for a cutting-edge racing academy, Martin is thrown into a world of adrenaline, mana science, and professional competition. He quickly finds he has a knack for bringing out the best in the next generation of racers—and for catching the eye of his fellow coaches.

Now, working alongside a team of beautiful, elite competitors who see the genius beneath his trauma, Martin is forced to confront his past. He’s spent a lifetime running from his own happiness to ensure Mira’s success. But in a league where hesitation costs you the race, Martin has to learn that winning isn't just about crossing the finish line—it’s about believing you belong there.

Will Martin learn to just enjoy the ride? Or will he stumble right out of the gate?

©2026 Virgil Knightley and Annabelle Hawthorne (P)2026 Royal Guard Publishing LLC

Great Story, WHEN IS THE NEXT COMING OUT?

This is a great slice of life story for anyone who loves men’s romance and is a fan of Umamusume. I wish it was longer, because when it ended, I damn near threw my phone out the car window! The voice acting is superb, the storytelling is perfect, and the lack of spice that you usually find in a Virgil or Annabelle book isn’t disappointing. This is very much relationship and romance driven and worth every second.

Why did i have to cry when I just wanted horse girl racing

How could you make me cry at work. This is a sweet Daddy Daughter story(no weirdness involved whatsoever) of loss, Love, family, and horse girls racing. This story was so well done that I was moved every time the authors wanted to make you feel somthing. It does have some spice of course and plenty of comedy and good times to balance out the feels. Amazing book highly recommend it.

I need moooorrreee!

It's not often a story sucks me in and gets me invested enough to really care about the characters. I'll be honest this one really did it. I'm man enough to admit it even had me tearing up a time or two. I loved the mix of humor, character development and sentimental moments throughout the book. I can say with certainty that this is among my favorite books in my 1000+ title audible library now. I look forward to more crazy sentimental goodness in the next one.

The plot is so heartbreakingly sweet.

Best thing I like about this book is the fact that it really hits the heartwarming, father/daughter dynamic. There’s also a section of foreshadowing where you see it coming and the payoff is just as well in the end.

singlehandedly sparked my love for horse girls

Spoiler Free!
One of the most emotionally engaging writing in the genre, plus its narrated by some of the best VA's in the industry, each with truly impressive vocal ranges that give each character a unique voice.

as for the story itself; if youre a sucker for Father/Child relationships, check this out. Chapter 1 is a heartbreaker, just a warning. Aside from that, you get an emotionally complex main character with a very understandable issues. He absolutely has main character syndrome, but the way he cares about and treats others justifies it in my opinion.

as for the romance; I think that the way its handled here is pretty good. i think you could probably call it a slow burn romance, and for the most part, the authors do a really great job of portraying all the woman(not just the main love interests) as fully formed characters with their own motivations. they arent just pretty exposition machines, and i LOVE that in a story. There isnt anything else i think i can add to this part without spoiling, so im moving on.

In conclusion; its good. there's slice of life, romance, Fatherly behavior in the best way, and a lot of charm.

WARNING: MAY INDUCE LOVE OF HORSE GIRLS AND A CRAVING FOR CARROTS