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Cherokee Falls #1
Bareback
Betrayal is a wound that rarely heals.
A devastating accident that claims the life of her Olympic-bound mount lands Jessica Black and her new stallion at Cherokee Falls Equestrian Center, where she is teamed up with an arrogant, womanizing trainer. Skyler Reese is a former gold medalist, now blacklisted as a professional rider. The sparks that fly between the two women are anything but friendly at first, but the heat between them changes to passion as Skyler helps Jessica prepare for the upcoming competition. Still, a dark secret Jessica is hiding threatens both her bid to win a spot on the U.S. Equestrian Team and Skyler's triumphant return to the eventing circuit.
A devastating accident that claims the life of her Olympic-bound mount lands Jessica Black and her new stallion at Cherokee Falls Equestrian Center, where she is teamed up with an arrogant, womanizing trainer. Skyler Reese is a former gold medalist, now blacklisted as a professional rider. The sparks that fly between the two women are anything but friendly at first, but the heat between them changes to passion as Skyler helps Jessica prepare for the upcoming competition. Still, a dark secret Jessica is hiding threatens both her bid to win a spot on the U.S. Equestrian Team and Skyler's triumphant return to the eventing circuit.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
D. Jackson Leigh
25 books212 followersD. Jackson Leigh grew up barefoot and happy, swimming in farm ponds and riding rude ponies in rural south Georgia. Her love of reading was nurtured early on by her grandmother, an English teacher who patiently taught her to work New York Times crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and by her mother who stretched the slim family budget to bring home grocery store copies of Trixie Belden mysteries and Bobbsey Twins adventures that Jackson would sit up all night reading.
It was her passion for writing led her quite accidentally to a career in journalism and, ultimately, North Carolina where she lives with her small pack of three terror, uh, terriers.
It was her passion for writing led her quite accidentally to a career in journalism and, ultimately, North Carolina where she lives with her small pack of three terror, uh, terriers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 10, 2016
This is Leigh's first book and while it's not bad for a debut book, it is nowhere near as good as her others. You can difinetly tell how she has grown as a writer, over the years.
I had a lot of trouble with the characters, the weren't really likeable to me. And while I warmed up to some, others I just never really cared about. I also found the romance to go from sleeping together once or twice to being in love. It seemed really fast.
The beginning is also a bit slow, though the book does pick up in the second half. I just thought overall, it was a little too predictable.
If you are new to Leigh, I would not start with this book. It's not bad by any means, but I think you would appreciate her writing more in her other books.
I had a lot of trouble with the characters, the weren't really likeable to me. And while I warmed up to some, others I just never really cared about. I also found the romance to go from sleeping together once or twice to being in love. It seemed really fast.
The beginning is also a bit slow, though the book does pick up in the second half. I just thought overall, it was a little too predictable.
If you are new to Leigh, I would not start with this book. It's not bad by any means, but I think you would appreciate her writing more in her other books.
August 15, 2020
Didn't quite work for me - never really joined forces with either central character - they were OK but not the sort I'd seek out. Disappointed, to be truthful, but each to their own.
June 10, 2016
My first read by this author.
When the book started, I didn't particularly like any of the characters. I suppose it's good, then, that I made something of an impulse buy or otherwise I am not sure I'd have continued. Oh, maybe 10% chance I'd have stopped. Not much more than that. But the characters began to grow on me, at least the two main characters, Jessica and Skyler. Kate never really grew on me. I had trouble seeing her as more than an rich old overly-opinionated woman, who stubbornly got her way, put up a show of supporting otherwise, while at the same time undermining them and undercutting them. Specifically Skyler. And her constant jabs, teasing or otherwise, about Skyler's sexual relationships, and the implied, though not directly expressed and not actual, opinion that Skyler isn't good enough. At least in the romance department. So, yeah, Kate never grew on me.
So. Long long ago I used to read horse books. I've read all but one of Dick Francis horse books, about 4 by another champion jockey, something like James MacGregor (or he was the co-author), and one or two by a third champion jockey (Bill Shoewalter(sp?)). Plus a bunch of westerns, and other horse related books by other writers. So, in other words, I grew up reading horse books. Took me a while, though, to mix that with a lesbian theme. This is something like my *counts, 2 Mounted police books, 1 book with blind character, 5 in the Chase and Rowan series, 1 set on a ranch in Wyoming . . . * so this is something like my tenth book that involves both horses and lesbians (ETA: 11th, I'd forgotten one lesbian historical fiction that included horses as transportation). I do not really have much point, just - I used to read horse books, finally got around to trying them with lesbians added in and . . . now I've read ten of them.
So. First part of the book had characters that annoyed me, but I pressed on. They grew on me, I got interested in the story, then about the 88% mark . . . I started to get bored. Which is confusing since stuff happened. Lots of stuff. Just . . . I somewhat lost my interest. For a moment or two. Ten horse competition picked up and excitement and interest returned.
A good solid book, despite my reluctance to try it, then my initial dislike of the characters.
When the book started, I didn't particularly like any of the characters. I suppose it's good, then, that I made something of an impulse buy or otherwise I am not sure I'd have continued. Oh, maybe 10% chance I'd have stopped. Not much more than that. But the characters began to grow on me, at least the two main characters, Jessica and Skyler. Kate never really grew on me. I had trouble seeing her as more than an rich old overly-opinionated woman, who stubbornly got her way, put up a show of supporting otherwise, while at the same time undermining them and undercutting them. Specifically Skyler. And her constant jabs, teasing or otherwise, about Skyler's sexual relationships, and the implied, though not directly expressed and not actual, opinion that Skyler isn't good enough. At least in the romance department. So, yeah, Kate never grew on me.
So. Long long ago I used to read horse books. I've read all but one of Dick Francis horse books, about 4 by another champion jockey, something like James MacGregor (or he was the co-author), and one or two by a third champion jockey (Bill Shoewalter(sp?)). Plus a bunch of westerns, and other horse related books by other writers. So, in other words, I grew up reading horse books. Took me a while, though, to mix that with a lesbian theme. This is something like my *counts, 2 Mounted police books, 1 book with blind character, 5 in the Chase and Rowan series, 1 set on a ranch in Wyoming . . . * so this is something like my tenth book that involves both horses and lesbians (ETA: 11th, I'd forgotten one lesbian historical fiction that included horses as transportation). I do not really have much point, just - I used to read horse books, finally got around to trying them with lesbians added in and . . . now I've read ten of them.
So. First part of the book had characters that annoyed me, but I pressed on. They grew on me, I got interested in the story, then about the 88% mark . . . I started to get bored. Which is confusing since stuff happened. Lots of stuff. Just . . . I somewhat lost my interest. For a moment or two. Ten horse competition picked up and excitement and interest returned.
A good solid book, despite my reluctance to try it, then my initial dislike of the characters.
February 28, 2015
I think as a reviewer there is a difficult balance between always moving forward with new talent, new titles and current releases, but also acknowledging that previous novels may need a visit every now and then. It is easy to assume readers new to this genre must be aware of these great books, these wonderful writers, but then - maybe not.
With that in mind I thought I would review a series of books that always put a smile on my face. D. Jackson Leigh wrote the first in the series back in 2008, its title Bareback, followed by Long Shot and later Every Second Counts.
The novels each have there own stories to tell but the theme running throughout is that of long term friendship and the beautiful relationship between a horse and rider. Each book can stand alone on its own merit, however with muti dimensional characters you really can’t wait for the next instalment.
Bareback introduces us to best friends Skyler Reese and Tory Greyson. The two women have been friends since childhood and know each other better than anyone else, good and bad. Skyler is the arrogant, confident player whilst Tory has always been the quiet, strong, loyal friend. That loyalty is put to the test when both women are drawn to newcomer Jessica Black.
Long Shot continues the story of friendship and the ups and downs of making difficult choices; sometimes the hardest decision is knowing when to gamble and allowing the heart what it truly desires
Later in the series Every Second Counts also gives us the opportunity to meet the third member of this ‘friends forever’ group Marc Ryder, who’s confidence with women makes Skyler seem rather tame.
The series is beautifully written and gives the reader a front row seat whilst we watch these three strong, resilient and hard headed women grow, mature and finally acknowledge the things they need in their lives to make them complete.
Throw into the mix wonderfully descriptive settings, an insight into the life at an equestrian centre, oh and lets not forget the hot sex and I do believe that Ms Jackson Leigh has a winning formula.Three stories, three friends and a series that will warm your heart and soul.
With that in mind I thought I would review a series of books that always put a smile on my face. D. Jackson Leigh wrote the first in the series back in 2008, its title Bareback, followed by Long Shot and later Every Second Counts.
The novels each have there own stories to tell but the theme running throughout is that of long term friendship and the beautiful relationship between a horse and rider. Each book can stand alone on its own merit, however with muti dimensional characters you really can’t wait for the next instalment.
Bareback introduces us to best friends Skyler Reese and Tory Greyson. The two women have been friends since childhood and know each other better than anyone else, good and bad. Skyler is the arrogant, confident player whilst Tory has always been the quiet, strong, loyal friend. That loyalty is put to the test when both women are drawn to newcomer Jessica Black.
Long Shot continues the story of friendship and the ups and downs of making difficult choices; sometimes the hardest decision is knowing when to gamble and allowing the heart what it truly desires
Later in the series Every Second Counts also gives us the opportunity to meet the third member of this ‘friends forever’ group Marc Ryder, who’s confidence with women makes Skyler seem rather tame.
The series is beautifully written and gives the reader a front row seat whilst we watch these three strong, resilient and hard headed women grow, mature and finally acknowledge the things they need in their lives to make them complete.
Throw into the mix wonderfully descriptive settings, an insight into the life at an equestrian centre, oh and lets not forget the hot sex and I do believe that Ms Jackson Leigh has a winning formula.Three stories, three friends and a series that will warm your heart and soul.
March 23, 2018
Great read! My favorite part... closure. Yup, so many stories end abruptly and you are left wondering "what happened to this part of the story..." Well Leigh doesn't disappoint, at the point where many would have closed the story, she kept going. We get to learn about how things will move forward for all the characters in the future. It made for a satisfying read.
Dressage and horses are not something I thought I'd find so interesting! While Leigh creates a very descriptive story, she captures the essence of the sport without boring the reader. There's a wonderful subplot involving kids that really enhances the overall story.
A seriously satisfying read for me! Enjoy!
Dressage and horses are not something I thought I'd find so interesting! While Leigh creates a very descriptive story, she captures the essence of the sport without boring the reader. There's a wonderful subplot involving kids that really enhances the overall story.
A seriously satisfying read for me! Enjoy!
July 21, 2024
This is the first of a loose trilogy and since I have them all I thought I’d start at the beginning! I liked several things about this: the way that Skyler turns away from her player ways when Jessica makes her feel worth loving and the lack of a ‘break up before the make up’ were big pluses for me. Whilst it seemed it would be inevitable that Skyler and Jessica would fall out over Jessica’s actions, I’m really glad they didn’t…instead they communicated and found a different way. It was a fairly quick read which I raced through in a few hours and I’m looking forward to returning to Cherokee Falls again in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 29, 2021** dnf ** i got pretty far into this one but idk, it lost its spark after a while and i just lost interest. maybe ill try again later but as of right now i don't need it taking up space on my computer
May 28, 2017
Good, quick read, story flowed nicely.
September 18, 2019
Sufficient horseage. Sufficient lesbianage. Has an actual plot.
October 19, 2019
Perfectly written! A lot of twists and turns. Love, struggle, pain, family, it has it all.
March 1, 2014
Enjoyable lesbian romance x pony book, with the hallmarks of both. Conflict, angst, tears, misunderstandings, ill-considered affairs, kisses, and sex for the romance part. Half passes, stallions, water jumps, manure, and a strong bond with a difficult horse for the pony part. It took a couple of chapters for the book to find its stride -- the writing was a little awkward at first, but it soon smoothed off as the writer found her groove.
The horse plot was interesting, and less predictable than the romance plot. I greatly enjoyed Skyler (would like to read a book with her backstory), and eventually warmed to Jess. The supporting cast were well drawn and interesting, particularly Jamie and vet, Tory.
Very pleasant light read. Just what I wanted today.
The horse plot was interesting, and less predictable than the romance plot. I greatly enjoyed Skyler (would like to read a book with her backstory), and eventually warmed to Jess. The supporting cast were well drawn and interesting, particularly Jamie and vet, Tory.
Very pleasant light read. Just what I wanted today.
July 28, 2012
I'm reviewing this because Cheyenne Blue asked me for a review, and the thing is, she's entirely right: it's a pony book plus a lesbian romance. And I really do want to read more of Leigh's work. Because in a way it's basically like reading Bill/Clarissa, or Rita Mae Brown Sister Jane books the way I wish they were. And I think that's the thing with this: this book was Sister Jane the way I wish those books were, and for that, I love and adore it.
January 4, 2016
I really wasn't sure this would be for me because I'm not into equestrian stories, but the characters are wonderful and the romance is so lovely that it charmed my socks off. I'm going to have to go and read all of her backlist now.
September 5, 2011
Pretty good though a bit slow moving
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews