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Racetrack Romance #1
Color My Horse
Jessica barely knows one end of a horse from the other but shoveling manure is preferable to letting her rich grandfather yank her strings. The only problem is that her new boss is a little too fussy… and way too sexy.
She can handle sleeping in a mice-infested stall as well as the occasional encounter with a mysterious, knife-wielding trespasser, but a lovable old gelding and his uncompromising trainer threaten to break her heart.
She can handle sleeping in a mice-infested stall as well as the occasional encounter with a mysterious, knife-wielding trespasser, but a lovable old gelding and his uncompromising trainer threaten to break her heart.
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First published August 13, 2011
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About the author
Bev Pettersen
40 books248 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Bev Pettersen is a three-time nominee in the National Readers Choice Award as well as the winner of other international awards including the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Award, Aspen Gold Reader’s Choice Award, Write Touch Readers’ Award, Kirkus Recommended Read, and a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit. She competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equestrian Canada certified coach.
Bev lives in Nova Scotia with her family—humans and four-legged—and when she's not writing novels, she's riding. If you’d like to know when her next book will be available or just want to say hi, please visit her at www.BevPettersen.com
Bev lives in Nova Scotia with her family—humans and four-legged—and when she's not writing novels, she's riding. If you’d like to know when her next book will be available or just want to say hi, please visit her at www.BevPettersen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 1, 2013
Desperate to escape from her super-rich and manipulative grandfather, Jessica takes a job working in the stables of the trainer who is looking after his star race horse.
Mark doesn't need the hassle but her grandfather's horse is his big chance at a Breeder's Cup so he takes her on and puts her in charge of Buddy, an old horse that has long since past his glory days.
Jessica forms a bond with Buddy and with the attention she lavishes on him he starts to race like the champion he once was. But there is trouble afoot. With the Breeder's Cup fast approaching someone is targeting Mark's star horse and Jessica. With the police not acting Jessica and Mark find themselves investigating the increasingly violent crimes being committed at the track.
Color my Horse is very good romantic suspense, though I have one criticism. The "romance" in the romantic suspense didn't quite gel with the story. It was almost like I was leaving the story for those sections and then after they had their nooky time, we'd get back to the story.
It's a small thing and the books is still pretty good.
Mark doesn't need the hassle but her grandfather's horse is his big chance at a Breeder's Cup so he takes her on and puts her in charge of Buddy, an old horse that has long since past his glory days.
Jessica forms a bond with Buddy and with the attention she lavishes on him he starts to race like the champion he once was. But there is trouble afoot. With the Breeder's Cup fast approaching someone is targeting Mark's star horse and Jessica. With the police not acting Jessica and Mark find themselves investigating the increasingly violent crimes being committed at the track.
Color my Horse is very good romantic suspense, though I have one criticism. The "romance" in the romantic suspense didn't quite gel with the story. It was almost like I was leaving the story for those sections and then after they had their nooky time, we'd get back to the story.
It's a small thing and the books is still pretty good.
January 21, 2012
I was a bit apprehensive diving into my second book by Bev Pettersen, not because she tells a bad story, hardly that. Jockeys and Jewels which was my first Bev Pettersen turned out to be a good read for me because there was a lot of horse jargon involved that detracted me a bit from enjoying the story that unfolded. But I was absolutely delighted to discover that true to Bev’s word, Color My Horse turned out to be one of those stories that was hard to put down because of the sheer number of emotions that coursed through me while I was reading the story.
Jessica Boone is the heiress to the Boone fortune. With a controlling grandfather who wants to map out her life the way he wants it, Jessica is a woman who is stuck in a hard place with no way out. With her skiing career a choice no longer available with a severe knee injury, Jessica grabs at the last straws to assert her independence. She bargains with her grandfather to allow her to give her the cash she needs to start her own dog kennel. But it does come with a price. Jessica has to work at the Belmont racetrack for a set period of time, living entirely on what she earns from her job, failing to do which she has to come work for her grandfather.
Enter 31 year old Mark Russel, who is a horse trainer, who runs a tight ship with his workers with his no nonsense attitude towards horse training as well as life in general. Mark has the fear that he might turn out to be just like his father; a man who thought with the wrong body part when it came to alluring females. And when Jessica’s grandfather coerces him into accepting Jessica on board, Mark doesn’t expect the rich heiress to last much longer than a day mucking stalls and scrubbing down horses which is a far removed life from that of a woman of the elite society.
However, Jessica surprises Mark and herself as well when her resolve to to regain her independence gives her the strength to persevere in spite of all odds being stacked against her. Jessica is a character who is so very full of life. She tends to spread vivid color everywhere she goes, spreads a kind of joy that intrudes and cracks the reserves around Mark’s emotions before he is even aware of it happening. Though Mark tells himself that it is only a heady sexual attraction and desire that he has towards his newest employee, feelings of the much deeper kind continues to develop as both of them indulge in an affair that leaves them both wanting more.
What makes Color My Horse such a fabulous book to read is the way Bev Pettersen brings the story to life. Her love for horses shines through marvelously and I couldn’t help but pout just a little bit because I live in a country where running into a horse is an impossibility. I loved how Bev paired off someone whose bright outlook on life lights up the life of a man for whom looking after the horses that he loves means everything. The thread of suspense that is woven throughout the story just served to be the icing on the cake and I loved every single minute of Jessica’s journey towards discovering all that she is capable of and in the process finding the love of her life.
With all the things that I loved about the story, there was just one teeny tiny thing that irked me for a bit. I couldn’t get over just how little Mark seemed to be affected by Jessica’s return towards the end of the book. I know that Mark is a man who is reserved in his display of emotions and the fact that he continues to carry on Jessica’s “traditions” when it comes to looking after horses does tell a lot about how he feels towards Jessica. But I would have loved the ending a bit more if Mark had been a bit more forthcoming about his feelings towards Jessica, and maybe while he was at it, if he had tried to reach out to Jessica a bit sooner. But in the end, I guess it all comes down to Mark’s character and the fact that he doesn’t stray far from how his character is portrayed throughout the story.
Recommended for those who love character driven romances, those who love stories where heroines who are full-of-life meets up with the reserved type of hero. And of course, for those who loves horses. You cannot find an author who practically grabs you with the way Bev brings the culture and life of horse training and racing to life like she does.
Rating=4.5/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Jessica Boone is the heiress to the Boone fortune. With a controlling grandfather who wants to map out her life the way he wants it, Jessica is a woman who is stuck in a hard place with no way out. With her skiing career a choice no longer available with a severe knee injury, Jessica grabs at the last straws to assert her independence. She bargains with her grandfather to allow her to give her the cash she needs to start her own dog kennel. But it does come with a price. Jessica has to work at the Belmont racetrack for a set period of time, living entirely on what she earns from her job, failing to do which she has to come work for her grandfather.
Enter 31 year old Mark Russel, who is a horse trainer, who runs a tight ship with his workers with his no nonsense attitude towards horse training as well as life in general. Mark has the fear that he might turn out to be just like his father; a man who thought with the wrong body part when it came to alluring females. And when Jessica’s grandfather coerces him into accepting Jessica on board, Mark doesn’t expect the rich heiress to last much longer than a day mucking stalls and scrubbing down horses which is a far removed life from that of a woman of the elite society.
However, Jessica surprises Mark and herself as well when her resolve to to regain her independence gives her the strength to persevere in spite of all odds being stacked against her. Jessica is a character who is so very full of life. She tends to spread vivid color everywhere she goes, spreads a kind of joy that intrudes and cracks the reserves around Mark’s emotions before he is even aware of it happening. Though Mark tells himself that it is only a heady sexual attraction and desire that he has towards his newest employee, feelings of the much deeper kind continues to develop as both of them indulge in an affair that leaves them both wanting more.
What makes Color My Horse such a fabulous book to read is the way Bev Pettersen brings the story to life. Her love for horses shines through marvelously and I couldn’t help but pout just a little bit because I live in a country where running into a horse is an impossibility. I loved how Bev paired off someone whose bright outlook on life lights up the life of a man for whom looking after the horses that he loves means everything. The thread of suspense that is woven throughout the story just served to be the icing on the cake and I loved every single minute of Jessica’s journey towards discovering all that she is capable of and in the process finding the love of her life.
With all the things that I loved about the story, there was just one teeny tiny thing that irked me for a bit. I couldn’t get over just how little Mark seemed to be affected by Jessica’s return towards the end of the book. I know that Mark is a man who is reserved in his display of emotions and the fact that he continues to carry on Jessica’s “traditions” when it comes to looking after horses does tell a lot about how he feels towards Jessica. But I would have loved the ending a bit more if Mark had been a bit more forthcoming about his feelings towards Jessica, and maybe while he was at it, if he had tried to reach out to Jessica a bit sooner. But in the end, I guess it all comes down to Mark’s character and the fact that he doesn’t stray far from how his character is portrayed throughout the story.
Recommended for those who love character driven romances, those who love stories where heroines who are full-of-life meets up with the reserved type of hero. And of course, for those who loves horses. You cannot find an author who practically grabs you with the way Bev brings the culture and life of horse training and racing to life like she does.
Rating=4.5/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
October 16, 2014
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*
this is a cute country book with a mix of romance and thriller..
The story is set as a heiress attempts to escape her grandfather's iron-fisted control, but later encountered an uncompromising horse trainer who has little tolerance for greenhorns, especially one he’s been forced to hire.
The trainer Mark Russell never expected his rookie groom to have the spunk or savvy to last at his demanding race barn. Or that his reluctant respect would turn to desire. But as the forbidden attraction between them sizzles, manipulation and murder threaten not only his horses but also their lives. And suddenly a Breeders’ Cup win is the very least of his worries.
This book is a real fast-read and would leave you wondering at the end if you had really just finish reading it. the story is well-written, the plot is remarkable and full of warmth which invites the readers to read more. THe characters, especially the horses, are real and well-developed that tends to lure readers into their situations and emotions.
at first though, I'm not at all sure if horse story would affect me, but then it did. for me, actually it is more of a romance with its basis on a horse tale, mixed with murder, and country life.. all in all.,,the author wonderfully weaves a thorough story which would captivate everyone's heart. simply written but well-written.
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*
this is a cute country book with a mix of romance and thriller..
The story is set as a heiress attempts to escape her grandfather's iron-fisted control, but later encountered an uncompromising horse trainer who has little tolerance for greenhorns, especially one he’s been forced to hire.
The trainer Mark Russell never expected his rookie groom to have the spunk or savvy to last at his demanding race barn. Or that his reluctant respect would turn to desire. But as the forbidden attraction between them sizzles, manipulation and murder threaten not only his horses but also their lives. And suddenly a Breeders’ Cup win is the very least of his worries.
This book is a real fast-read and would leave you wondering at the end if you had really just finish reading it. the story is well-written, the plot is remarkable and full of warmth which invites the readers to read more. THe characters, especially the horses, are real and well-developed that tends to lure readers into their situations and emotions.
at first though, I'm not at all sure if horse story would affect me, but then it did. for me, actually it is more of a romance with its basis on a horse tale, mixed with murder, and country life.. all in all.,,the author wonderfully weaves a thorough story which would captivate everyone's heart. simply written but well-written.
June 23, 2012
First Reads
The author graciously provided me a PDF version to review
This is the 2nd Pettersen novel that I have read, and I absolutely loved it. I'm a horse enthusiast and a romantic junky, so this book was absolutely perfect for me.
Pettersen certainly has a talent for writing, and because of her history with horses, her Racetrack Romance series is incredible.
This particular story revolves around Jessica and Mark, and provides a gratifying sexual tension that captivates and holds the reader's attention. This book is deliciously sensual, and is sure to get the reader's pulse racing...no pun intended.
I also find it chock full of horse jargon and this just lights me up. The lingo is so flawless and reads so well. You can definitely tell that Pettersen is a horse lover. I've actually learned a few things that I didn't know, so this book was educational as well as brilliant. It certainly was a win-win for me.
I'll be reading more of Pettersen's work.
Great Series!!!
The author graciously provided me a PDF version to review
This is the 2nd Pettersen novel that I have read, and I absolutely loved it. I'm a horse enthusiast and a romantic junky, so this book was absolutely perfect for me.
Pettersen certainly has a talent for writing, and because of her history with horses, her Racetrack Romance series is incredible.
This particular story revolves around Jessica and Mark, and provides a gratifying sexual tension that captivates and holds the reader's attention. This book is deliciously sensual, and is sure to get the reader's pulse racing...no pun intended.
I also find it chock full of horse jargon and this just lights me up. The lingo is so flawless and reads so well. You can definitely tell that Pettersen is a horse lover. I've actually learned a few things that I didn't know, so this book was educational as well as brilliant. It certainly was a win-win for me.
I'll be reading more of Pettersen's work.
Great Series!!!
February 18, 2012
My rating is actually 3.5 stars.
Jessica Boone is the rich granddaughter of a tyrant in charge of a large corporation. Her competitive skiing career goes down the drain when she has an accident that wrecks her knee. Now, her grandfather is pressuring her to join the family business, but Jessica just wants out from under his thumb. A deal is struck. If Jessica can last 8 weeks at Belmont where he has two race horses without quitting or being fired then he will finance her dog daycare business. If she quits or is fired before the 8 weeks is up she has to work at Boone.
Mark Russell is a horse trainer with a good reputation for wins. With Boone’s two horses looking good enough to win in 8 weeks he’s left no option but to hire Jessica at her grandfather’s demand. Boone tells Mark she won’t last a week, but Jessica surprises them all.
This is a great story. The plot was decent, the writing good, the characters believable. My only problem was that Jessica and Mark were occasionally childish in their actions. There were times they acted as hormonal and moody as teenagers even though Mark was 31 and Jessica in her 20s. I was especially irritated with Mark since he was supposed to be a mature adult and an excellent horse trainer and businessman. I understand they both had emotional baggage they were carrying around, but it still irritated me.
I loved learning more about horse racing. I grew up on a farm and when my parents stopped raising beef cattle and started renting the farmland out they raised a few race horses. By that time I had grown and moved out, so I never really paid attention to the details of the horses and where they raced. Learning about what goes into racing a horse was very interesting to me even after all these years.
I am definitely going to read more of Bev Pettersen’s books and I can’t wait to pick up the next one.
*The author provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Jessica Boone is the rich granddaughter of a tyrant in charge of a large corporation. Her competitive skiing career goes down the drain when she has an accident that wrecks her knee. Now, her grandfather is pressuring her to join the family business, but Jessica just wants out from under his thumb. A deal is struck. If Jessica can last 8 weeks at Belmont where he has two race horses without quitting or being fired then he will finance her dog daycare business. If she quits or is fired before the 8 weeks is up she has to work at Boone.
Mark Russell is a horse trainer with a good reputation for wins. With Boone’s two horses looking good enough to win in 8 weeks he’s left no option but to hire Jessica at her grandfather’s demand. Boone tells Mark she won’t last a week, but Jessica surprises them all.
This is a great story. The plot was decent, the writing good, the characters believable. My only problem was that Jessica and Mark were occasionally childish in their actions. There were times they acted as hormonal and moody as teenagers even though Mark was 31 and Jessica in her 20s. I was especially irritated with Mark since he was supposed to be a mature adult and an excellent horse trainer and businessman. I understand they both had emotional baggage they were carrying around, but it still irritated me.
I loved learning more about horse racing. I grew up on a farm and when my parents stopped raising beef cattle and started renting the farmland out they raised a few race horses. By that time I had grown and moved out, so I never really paid attention to the details of the horses and where they raced. Learning about what goes into racing a horse was very interesting to me even after all these years.
I am definitely going to read more of Bev Pettersen’s books and I can’t wait to pick up the next one.
*The author provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
August 26, 2016
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers
BRIEF SUMMARY
Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and is not happy when he gets a call from one of his most important horse owners to baby sit his granddaughter who knows nothing about horses. Mark doesn't think she will last and that's just as well because he doesn't need a sexy woman distracting him like his father did. Mark soon becomes pleasantly surprised at how quick Jessica learns the ropes and soon enough Jessica is bringing some color to the stables and love to his heart.
THOUGHTS
I loved this book! Mark was such a sexy strong character and Jessica is adorable and determined to prove to everyone that she can do this! I loved the chemistry and the underlying sexual tension between these two characters. This book also takes on some suspenseful twists and turns into the world of horse racing. The secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall story. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you for a well written and enjoyable book.
Length: 5500
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GREAT
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Romance Novel Junkies
*Reviewed by Davia
BRIEF SUMMARY
Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and is not happy when he gets a call from one of his most important horse owners to baby sit his granddaughter who knows nothing about horses. Mark doesn't think she will last and that's just as well because he doesn't need a sexy woman distracting him like his father did. Mark soon becomes pleasantly surprised at how quick Jessica learns the ropes and soon enough Jessica is bringing some color to the stables and love to his heart.
THOUGHTS
I loved this book! Mark was such a sexy strong character and Jessica is adorable and determined to prove to everyone that she can do this! I loved the chemistry and the underlying sexual tension between these two characters. This book also takes on some suspenseful twists and turns into the world of horse racing. The secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall story. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you for a well written and enjoyable book.
Length: 5500
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GREAT
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Romance Novel Junkies
*Reviewed by Davia
November 9, 2013
I loved this book; I love horse racing and horse racing stories. One of my favourite authors was Dick Francis and Bev Pettersen is going to be another, based on this book. It was pure entertainment; I couldn’t put it down, much to my neglected wife’s annoyance! The story was absorbing, the villainy was quite believable, the characters sympathetic and it was romantic. It was a light, easy and thoroughly enjoyable read.
I give the book four stars; it would have been five stars if there had been less explicit sex. I’m an adult and can use my imagination, thank you!
I give the book four stars; it would have been five stars if there had been less explicit sex. I’m an adult and can use my imagination, thank you!
August 22, 2011
This was a very good read. I just love the way this author puts things together. One can learn more about the horse training and all the things that go into the racing of a horse. It is unreal the amount of work it takes. The story is a good one and I like the characters in the book as well. One can really see the personality and the compassion of each person or the lack of. I can't wait for the next book by this author.
September 8, 2021
A fun read with all the dramatic interactions between Jessica and Mark constantly keeping the tension building. A well intentioned grandfather wants Jessica to be a part of his business and succeed in life. She has other plans and now that her skiing career is finished she is searching for a new interest. Dropped in the deep end of the shedrow, Jessica works hard to prove she can do this. Mark is determined to be different to his father but can he resist the temptation that is Jessica Boone. A thrilling ride with fine thoroughbreds and lots of suspense and steamy heat needing to be cooled with the horses.
July 28, 2021
Jessica injured her leg in competition and could not sky again. Her grandfather wanted her to join his business. She disagreed. They made a pact. She would work in a stable when she quit or was fired she would join the business. If she lasted eight weeks her grandfather would advance her the money to buy her own kennel. Mark is the trainer at the racetrack. Even though Jessica has no idea how to be a groom he hires her because he’s the trainer for her grandfather’s horses. This creates some interesting situations. Also something weird is going on at the track. This is an enjoyable book.
July 16, 2024
I picked this book on a whim because I love horses. Didn’t realize it was so “romantically” graphic but I guess that is what appeals anymore. I would have given it 3 stars for that reason but after more consideration due to the interesting story, changed my rating to a 4. It was well written and had an interesting plot line that made me want to continue reading to find out what happened in the end. Not a great book but fun non-the-less. A good summer read.
October 9, 2017
Finding Bev Pettersen was one of the best days I've had Lately. Color My Horse has twists and turns that will keep you turning page after page. There are convoluted human relationships, and added to that a look at the back side of horse racing. This is a gem, that I recommend, especially to those who love horses.
November 5, 2019
It would be a great story. Some parts I was a little lost. Quite a few grammatical errors. And the author changed the name of a main character's husband close to the end of the book... Pedro to Jose? Silly mistakes that should have been caught. Still wicked cute story and I loove forward to the others.
September 23, 2022
4.5 stars
It has been like being involved in the world of thoroughbred race horses. Bev Peterson writes an exciting series that draws the reader into the horse racing world. It has moments of sadness, humor, action, romance and mystery. I would have preferred no sexual.scenes, but the rest of the book excelled.
It has been like being involved in the world of thoroughbred race horses. Bev Peterson writes an exciting series that draws the reader into the horse racing world. It has moments of sadness, humor, action, romance and mystery. I would have preferred no sexual.scenes, but the rest of the book excelled.
January 14, 2018
I like Bev Pettersen horse stories. I’ve read
5 so far. Different series. Enjoyed them all.
Will purchase others as I need a good horse drama/
romance it’s not slutty or cheap Just good story
5 so far. Different series. Enjoyed them all.
Will purchase others as I need a good horse drama/
romance it’s not slutty or cheap Just good story
May 20, 2017
One of the worst books I've read recently. Both Jessica and Mark were totally annoying, the writing was poor and the only interesting part was the horse racing business.
September 5, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
January 22, 2019
Kindle -Free
March 18, 2019
I must say that nothing in this book was particularly surprising, and the ending felt a bit rushed but it was an easy fun read nonetheless
October 16, 2016
Conflicted on how to rate this book. It was an easy fast read, that I did all in one day up till 85%. Then the author choose to write a cruel heartbreaking event that completely shattered me. To the point I was swearing off reading other novels by this author for the next 11% of the book. It all tied neatly in the end but seemed like an unnecessary plot device to creat tension. Second, the murder mystery was a very vague back story that was barely mentioned. Needed to be more present to keep this from being a Harlequin Romance.
Still really pissed this book made me bawl by being misleading about an issue that you don't joke about. 3.5 / 5 stars.
Still really pissed this book made me bawl by being misleading about an issue that you don't joke about. 3.5 / 5 stars.
October 7, 2013
Color My Horse. Bev Pettersen.
Arc received via Netgalley.
Well, since a toddler I’ve had a horse mania, rode imaginary horses to school, turned mums precious garden into a show jumping course, and finally got my dream of my own in my thirties...so the word horse captures me straight away.
Jessica's parents have died, and she's been in the guardianship of her grandfather for the last few years. She was a talented skier, but after an accident ended her career he wants her to work for his business. She doesn't want to do that though, he's an incredibly cold and controlling person, and she wants to be away from him for at least some of the time. She wants him to finance a dog grooming business, and he agrees if she will stay for a period working in the racing stables that train his horses. He's convinced she won't last a week, and tells that to the trainer Mark when he arranges for her to start there. He has a couple of top horses there, and Mark doesn't want to risk losing them so he reluctantly agrees. He doesn't like pretty girls around the stables, his dad was always sleeping around and had a reputation that overrode his one as a trainer. Mark doesn't want that, or the problems that come with relationships in the stables, but he feels forced to take Jessica. He doesn't plan though on being so attracted to her, and she is also attracted to him. After some mutual flirting and retraction, she persuades him her grandfather wants her to get over her ex ( a skier who dropped her after her injury, to get together with her friend) and is happy for her to have fun, as she really wants to be with him. They have a sort of romance, each getting a bit deeper than intended and trying to play it cool, while not letting others know about it. There are strange things happening in the meantime though...there's the dead groom that Jessica replaced, a young boy who seems homeless hanging round the stables, some shady characters about, strange incidents and attacks that seem to centre around Jessica, and of course the horses including the amazing Buddy, the horse Jessica looks after.
Its a great story, gallops along at a fast clip. Some of the racing terminology seemed strange to me, being a UK reader, but language is often odd even though supposedly English! And its nothing that can't be worked out easily. I loved the book, and the characters in it from Jess and Mark, to flighty Trish, Maria one of the grooms who befriends and helps Jessica, and Dino, assistant trainer. Of course we can't forget the wonderful fund-raising fun character of Tricky Dicky – that man's a real gem as well as so funny and yet supportive to Jessica. They're all people who work well in the story and blend it seamlessly.
Loved the book, loved the people and of course loved all the horses! Priced at just £1.94 for a huge 354 pages its a real bargain for those who love a stand alone romance, with good solid story and a great cast.
Stars: loved it – full five.
Arc received via Netgalley.
Well, since a toddler I’ve had a horse mania, rode imaginary horses to school, turned mums precious garden into a show jumping course, and finally got my dream of my own in my thirties...so the word horse captures me straight away.
Jessica's parents have died, and she's been in the guardianship of her grandfather for the last few years. She was a talented skier, but after an accident ended her career he wants her to work for his business. She doesn't want to do that though, he's an incredibly cold and controlling person, and she wants to be away from him for at least some of the time. She wants him to finance a dog grooming business, and he agrees if she will stay for a period working in the racing stables that train his horses. He's convinced she won't last a week, and tells that to the trainer Mark when he arranges for her to start there. He has a couple of top horses there, and Mark doesn't want to risk losing them so he reluctantly agrees. He doesn't like pretty girls around the stables, his dad was always sleeping around and had a reputation that overrode his one as a trainer. Mark doesn't want that, or the problems that come with relationships in the stables, but he feels forced to take Jessica. He doesn't plan though on being so attracted to her, and she is also attracted to him. After some mutual flirting and retraction, she persuades him her grandfather wants her to get over her ex ( a skier who dropped her after her injury, to get together with her friend) and is happy for her to have fun, as she really wants to be with him. They have a sort of romance, each getting a bit deeper than intended and trying to play it cool, while not letting others know about it. There are strange things happening in the meantime though...there's the dead groom that Jessica replaced, a young boy who seems homeless hanging round the stables, some shady characters about, strange incidents and attacks that seem to centre around Jessica, and of course the horses including the amazing Buddy, the horse Jessica looks after.
Its a great story, gallops along at a fast clip. Some of the racing terminology seemed strange to me, being a UK reader, but language is often odd even though supposedly English! And its nothing that can't be worked out easily. I loved the book, and the characters in it from Jess and Mark, to flighty Trish, Maria one of the grooms who befriends and helps Jessica, and Dino, assistant trainer. Of course we can't forget the wonderful fund-raising fun character of Tricky Dicky – that man's a real gem as well as so funny and yet supportive to Jessica. They're all people who work well in the story and blend it seamlessly.
Loved the book, loved the people and of course loved all the horses! Priced at just £1.94 for a huge 354 pages its a real bargain for those who love a stand alone romance, with good solid story and a great cast.
Stars: loved it – full five.
March 17, 2012
I did enjoy this book set in the world of horse-racing – I’m an animal lover and a sucker for any story with a four-legged creature. Although I don’t ride, I love horses, and this book did not disappoint.
Jessica Boone’s skiing career is seemingly over after a severe knee injury and her wily, controlling and ruthless grandfather – her guardian after the loss of both parents – is keen for her to join his company. She has more independent ideas, however. She bets her grandfather that if she can last an agreed period working in the stable that trains her Gramps’ colt, supporting herself financially, he will respect her wishes and agree to fund her plans to run a dog kennel and not insist on imposing his own intentions for her future. The stables are run by Mark Russell – a good-looking and, of course, irresistible, trainer of horses. He and Jessica are undeniably attracted to each other. His efforts to try and keep her at arm’s length are impeded by her attractiveness, her personality, her unexpected affinity with the horses, her willingness and capacity to learn.
There is a smart thread of suspense that runs through this romance which is neatly interwoven into the horsey setting – there’s a murder, an attempted murder, theft and a potential terrorist threat. Bev’s knowledge or research of the horse world is impressive and credible – the pace of the story ran along enjoyably with the nail-biting horse races.
However, I did think this book was struggling to decide what it wanted to be. There was a fair amount of explicit sex in this – I don’t have an aversion to that, but this wasn’t an erotic novel – it was a romantic/suspense story and perhaps the emphasis should have been on the mystery side of it rather than the afternoon bonkathons.
My only other niggle – and this is personal, other readers might be perfectly happy with it – I just didn’t like the slightly irritating absence of pronouns in the sentences, a style which peppered the novel and made for rather jerky reading, eg:
“Flexing his knuckles, he turned, reluctant to look. Stared down the walkway.
She glanced at the thick-chested man next to her. Could see his program spread against the rail.“
Aside from that, I was smitten by the characters – they were caring and likeable, and it was hard to not to have a soft spot for the horses – Bev managed to give them endearing personalities, and I’ll admit I had the odd lump in my throat.
A satisfying and entertaining read.
Jessica Boone’s skiing career is seemingly over after a severe knee injury and her wily, controlling and ruthless grandfather – her guardian after the loss of both parents – is keen for her to join his company. She has more independent ideas, however. She bets her grandfather that if she can last an agreed period working in the stable that trains her Gramps’ colt, supporting herself financially, he will respect her wishes and agree to fund her plans to run a dog kennel and not insist on imposing his own intentions for her future. The stables are run by Mark Russell – a good-looking and, of course, irresistible, trainer of horses. He and Jessica are undeniably attracted to each other. His efforts to try and keep her at arm’s length are impeded by her attractiveness, her personality, her unexpected affinity with the horses, her willingness and capacity to learn.
There is a smart thread of suspense that runs through this romance which is neatly interwoven into the horsey setting – there’s a murder, an attempted murder, theft and a potential terrorist threat. Bev’s knowledge or research of the horse world is impressive and credible – the pace of the story ran along enjoyably with the nail-biting horse races.
However, I did think this book was struggling to decide what it wanted to be. There was a fair amount of explicit sex in this – I don’t have an aversion to that, but this wasn’t an erotic novel – it was a romantic/suspense story and perhaps the emphasis should have been on the mystery side of it rather than the afternoon bonkathons.
My only other niggle – and this is personal, other readers might be perfectly happy with it – I just didn’t like the slightly irritating absence of pronouns in the sentences, a style which peppered the novel and made for rather jerky reading, eg:
“Flexing his knuckles, he turned, reluctant to look. Stared down the walkway.
She glanced at the thick-chested man next to her. Could see his program spread against the rail.“
Aside from that, I was smitten by the characters – they were caring and likeable, and it was hard to not to have a soft spot for the horses – Bev managed to give them endearing personalities, and I’ll admit I had the odd lump in my throat.
A satisfying and entertaining read.
February 8, 2012
I entered to win this book on Goodreads, but I was not chosen. I later received an e-mail from Bev telling me that I won an ebook format in her door prize and that she hoped that I enjoyed it. This is the first book written by Bev that I've read and I have to say that after reading it she has found herself another follower. I laughed and I cried, it was easy to picture everything that was going on as I read. Please do not pay attention to the start and finish dates, my kindle was out of commission for 10 days, so I couldn't read it straight through.
This is based at the horse track, but I will tell you in my opinion (whether you like books with horses or or not) I think you will like this story.
After a serious skiing accident Jessica Boone had no idea what she wanted to do in her life -- accept it would be anything that didn't include working in her grandfather's business. She decides she wants to start a dog daycare business but needs the start up money. Jessica makes a deal with her grandfather to work for the horse trainer her grandfather uses at Belmont Park for eight weeks-- if she can keep the job without quitting or being fired, her grandfather will give her the money she needs. If she can't keep the job she has to work for him--which is his plan to make happen at all costs.
Mark Russell is the owner and head trainer where she is going to work. He starts Jessica out with small easy jobs with one horse name Buddy. He has strict rules that no sex goes on at his barn, so he usually hires women who will not stir any desires in himself or his crew. Now that he has seen Jessica he has to fight against his own rules. Their no-strings relationship starts to bloom outside of the park, but now there is danger going on at the park and they are forced to look at what they feel for each other.
Can they work through their relationship keeping it separate from the training barn while trying to find out where the danger is coming from and stopping it before it's too late? Will Jessica find out what her grandfather is willing to do to make sure she does work for him in the end? You will have to read the book to find out
This is based at the horse track, but I will tell you in my opinion (whether you like books with horses or or not) I think you will like this story.
After a serious skiing accident Jessica Boone had no idea what she wanted to do in her life -- accept it would be anything that didn't include working in her grandfather's business. She decides she wants to start a dog daycare business but needs the start up money. Jessica makes a deal with her grandfather to work for the horse trainer her grandfather uses at Belmont Park for eight weeks-- if she can keep the job without quitting or being fired, her grandfather will give her the money she needs. If she can't keep the job she has to work for him--which is his plan to make happen at all costs.
Mark Russell is the owner and head trainer where she is going to work. He starts Jessica out with small easy jobs with one horse name Buddy. He has strict rules that no sex goes on at his barn, so he usually hires women who will not stir any desires in himself or his crew. Now that he has seen Jessica he has to fight against his own rules. Their no-strings relationship starts to bloom outside of the park, but now there is danger going on at the park and they are forced to look at what they feel for each other.
Can they work through their relationship keeping it separate from the training barn while trying to find out where the danger is coming from and stopping it before it's too late? Will Jessica find out what her grandfather is willing to do to make sure she does work for him in the end? You will have to read the book to find out
September 30, 2014
I had a bit of an issue with Jessica, the MC. She falls back on manipulation and deceit when she's thwarted or uncomfortable. If she feels rejected, she lashes out to hurt the person that rejected her. If she wants something, she'll tease and use her sexual wiles to manipulate, then she gets upset when the person she teases expects her to follow through. Insanely needy - any time Mark didn't pay enough attention to her, she was heartbroken and moped about. It was very frustrating. Doubly frustrating because when she wasn't acting like a petulant brat, she was a very strong and determined character. It was so contrary that I didn't know who the real Jessica was.
Mark, our ruggedly handsome horse trainer, was a pretty decent guy. He didn't want to make his father's mistakes and I understood his behavior. It was not at all contrary. His reactions and behavior fit his character perfectly. Though I wish he would have grabbed Jessica by the shoulders and shook some sense into her when she got childish. A bit more of his POV would have been nice, too.
As for the plot... Grandpa sucked. Man, did he suck. And while he was repentant at the end, he never got bitched out and I sooo wish he had. I would have really enjoyed that scene. The terrorist plot was a bit convoluted. It made a weird sort of sense at the end when everything was explained, but while it was (very slowly) developing, I couldn't figure out what the hell the point of it all was. The little kid seemed so unnecessary, that never made any sense to me. I mean, it all worked out in the end, I guess. But still... that bit of drama could have been smoother.
Overall, I liked it. It was fun, tense, and romantic. I have the box set of the first three books in this series (Color My Horse, Fillies and Females, and Jockeys and Jewels), but this was the only one whose blurb really piqued my interest. Now that I know that I enjoy Bev Pettersen's writing, I'll definitely give the other two a try. But not right now. I don't want to get worn out on horse training information, but I'll surely be reading the other books in this series soon.
Mark, our ruggedly handsome horse trainer, was a pretty decent guy. He didn't want to make his father's mistakes and I understood his behavior. It was not at all contrary. His reactions and behavior fit his character perfectly. Though I wish he would have grabbed Jessica by the shoulders and shook some sense into her when she got childish. A bit more of his POV would have been nice, too.
As for the plot... Grandpa sucked. Man, did he suck. And while he was repentant at the end, he never got bitched out and I sooo wish he had. I would have really enjoyed that scene. The terrorist plot was a bit convoluted. It made a weird sort of sense at the end when everything was explained, but while it was (very slowly) developing, I couldn't figure out what the hell the point of it all was. The little kid seemed so unnecessary, that never made any sense to me. I mean, it all worked out in the end, I guess. But still... that bit of drama could have been smoother.
Overall, I liked it. It was fun, tense, and romantic. I have the box set of the first three books in this series (Color My Horse, Fillies and Females, and Jockeys and Jewels), but this was the only one whose blurb really piqued my interest. Now that I know that I enjoy Bev Pettersen's writing, I'll definitely give the other two a try. But not right now. I don't want to get worn out on horse training information, but I'll surely be reading the other books in this series soon.
October 4, 2011
I was throughly into this story and fought to stay awake so I could keep reading, but after 1:30am lost the battle. But was able to finsh this morning. This is the second book by Bev I have read and hopefully won't be the last one.
Jessica was injured last year and with her knee still troubling her could no longer be on ski team. Her grandfather Boone wanted her to work in his company, but Jessica wanted to work outside . She was thinking she wanted to open a dog daycare center. Her grandfather made her a deal if she could work for the horse racing and live on just what money she made he would finance her dog day center.
Boone got her a job working under horse trainer Mark who was training Assets for him. Assets was a favored to win and if Mark did not hire Jessica then he would move his horse's too different trainer. Boone wanted Mark to give Jessica hard work and then fire her before the season was over
Jessica did not have a clue how to do the job. So he gave her one horse to groom Buddy. She learned by making a lot of mistakes but learned them and gained knowledge fast. Jessica used her conditioner on the horse and braided his tail and put purple ribbons in it. Soon another groom was putting ribbons his owners colors in her horse's tail too. Jessica worked hard but her phone was stolen,than her bike was almost stolen. Her money and room in barn was taken and ransacked. A little boy stoled her phone and tried to still bike. After awhile befriended him.
Lots to this story. drama of horse racing, murder mystery, Who
was the little boy why did he steal her stuff. It also was a love story for Jessica and horses and trainers
I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
Jessica was injured last year and with her knee still troubling her could no longer be on ski team. Her grandfather Boone wanted her to work in his company, but Jessica wanted to work outside . She was thinking she wanted to open a dog daycare center. Her grandfather made her a deal if she could work for the horse racing and live on just what money she made he would finance her dog day center.
Boone got her a job working under horse trainer Mark who was training Assets for him. Assets was a favored to win and if Mark did not hire Jessica then he would move his horse's too different trainer. Boone wanted Mark to give Jessica hard work and then fire her before the season was over
Jessica did not have a clue how to do the job. So he gave her one horse to groom Buddy. She learned by making a lot of mistakes but learned them and gained knowledge fast. Jessica used her conditioner on the horse and braided his tail and put purple ribbons in it. Soon another groom was putting ribbons his owners colors in her horse's tail too. Jessica worked hard but her phone was stolen,than her bike was almost stolen. Her money and room in barn was taken and ransacked. A little boy stoled her phone and tried to still bike. After awhile befriended him.
Lots to this story. drama of horse racing, murder mystery, Who
was the little boy why did he steal her stuff. It also was a love story for Jessica and horses and trainers
I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
February 10, 2012
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers
*Reviewed by Davia for R.N.J
BRIEF SUMMARY
Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and is not happy when he gets a call from one of his most important horse owners to baby sit his granddaughter who knows nothing about horses. Mark doesn't think she will last and that's just as well because he doesn't need a sexy woman distracting him like his father did. Mark soon becomes pleasantly surprised at how quick Jessica learns the ropes and soon enough Jessica is bringing some color to the stables and love to his heart.
THOUGHTS
I loved this book! Mark was such a sexy strong character and Jessica is adorable and determined to prove to everyone that she can do this! I loved the chemistry and the underlying sexual tension between these two characters. This book also takes on some suspenseful twists and turns into the world of horse racing. The secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall story. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you for a well l written and enjoyable book.
Length: 5500
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GREAT
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Romance Novel Junkies
*Reviewed by Davia for R.N.J
BRIEF SUMMARY
Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and is not happy when he gets a call from one of his most important horse owners to baby sit his granddaughter who knows nothing about horses. Mark doesn't think she will last and that's just as well because he doesn't need a sexy woman distracting him like his father did. Mark soon becomes pleasantly surprised at how quick Jessica learns the ropes and soon enough Jessica is bringing some color to the stables and love to his heart.
THOUGHTS
I loved this book! Mark was such a sexy strong character and Jessica is adorable and determined to prove to everyone that she can do this! I loved the chemistry and the underlying sexual tension between these two characters. This book also takes on some suspenseful twists and turns into the world of horse racing. The secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall story. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you for a well l written and enjoyable book.
Length: 5500
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GREAT
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Romance Novel Junkies
July 23, 2012
COLOR MY HORSE is a contemporary romance with a suspense twist that sneaks up on you. Jessica used to be a contender for the Olympic Ski Team until she had an accident during a race. Since then she has been living with her grandfather who is attempting to force her into his company. However she has other ideas and is looking for start up cash for dog kennel. Her grandfather makes a deal with her that if she can survive working at Belmont for six weeks then he would fund her.
Mark is a trainer at Belmont who is working with Jessica's grandfather's horses. If he wants to keep those horse, he has to hire Jessica even though he expects the pampered heiress to quit within the week. Oh and she isn't even over forty and fat.
Both the characters start the story with a lot of baggage. Jessica isn't sure of her place in the world but knows that she doesn't want to work for her grandfather. Mark is haunted by the memory of his father and his mistakes. Both characters do a lot of growing in this book as they work together and come together in other ways also.
I don't want to say anything about the suspense twist other then the fact that you really need to read this book to discover more.
What an enjoyable book! This is the first time I have read anything by this author but I plan on checking out both her back list and any future releases.
Mark is a trainer at Belmont who is working with Jessica's grandfather's horses. If he wants to keep those horse, he has to hire Jessica even though he expects the pampered heiress to quit within the week. Oh and she isn't even over forty and fat.
Both the characters start the story with a lot of baggage. Jessica isn't sure of her place in the world but knows that she doesn't want to work for her grandfather. Mark is haunted by the memory of his father and his mistakes. Both characters do a lot of growing in this book as they work together and come together in other ways also.
I don't want to say anything about the suspense twist other then the fact that you really need to read this book to discover more.
What an enjoyable book! This is the first time I have read anything by this author but I plan on checking out both her back list and any future releases.
September 29, 2013
Jessica is an ambitious race skier who had to give up her career following a training injury. As if that's not enough her boyfriend walks out on her and her wealthy grandfather expects his heiress to join the family business. Jessica has other plans. She wants to open a dog kennel and agrees to take up a job as a horse groom to prove her grandfather that she won't shy away from hard work. At the race track she meets Mark who trains her grandfather's stake horses and is not happy at all with this new rookie groom. Soon he has to realize though that not only is Jessica a natural with the horses but also loves what she's doing and won't run back to her comfy life all that fast. And then there's the chemistry between her and Mark that both cannot ignore..
This is already my 5th Bev Pettersen book and I enjoyed it even more than some of the previous ones I read.
Again we are dealing with two strong and stubborn characters who are trying their best not to become attached and fail miserably at that - thank goodness! The romance is heartfelt and humorous at the same time - not too sweet and not too heavy. Even the mystery plot (which I've found a bit too predictable in some of Bev's novels) had me on edge as I couldn't quite figure out what was going on until the end.
Very recommended for lovers of horses and romance :)
This is already my 5th Bev Pettersen book and I enjoyed it even more than some of the previous ones I read.
Again we are dealing with two strong and stubborn characters who are trying their best not to become attached and fail miserably at that - thank goodness! The romance is heartfelt and humorous at the same time - not too sweet and not too heavy. Even the mystery plot (which I've found a bit too predictable in some of Bev's novels) had me on edge as I couldn't quite figure out what was going on until the end.
Very recommended for lovers of horses and romance :)
January 24, 2014
I really loved this book and can't wait to see what other books the author has. Mark he can be so sweet, "she was so bloodied, so brave - and she'd just saved his a**. "You can clean up at my place," Mark heard himself say." Mark has a one track mind when it comes to Jessica, "his breath thickened, and he lowered the phone from his ear. Forgot to check if she was limping. Forgot he was talking to Buddy's irritating owner. For that moment, he could only think of sex. Hard, hot sex with Jessica spread-eagled beneath him." Jessica has powers of persuasion especially when sitting at a work dinner, "Jessica's fingers drifted, tracing a circle on his thigh, and his thoughts scattered Just an inch more to the left, he willed. He crossed his arms, fighting the urge to grab her wrist and place her hand in a more satisfying position." And her powers get bigger and bigger when they're relationship grows, "not much time left but she had him here, beside her right now, and luckily he was groggy with sleep. Trailing her tongue of his chest, she reached down and cupped his heavy balls. He stiffened immediately, she played her fingers along his growing length. "I was thinking maybe I should stay and work for you. After the Breeder's Cup."
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August 19, 2014I am choosing not to rate this book based on the fact that I didn't know what kind of book it was. I was unaware on how "adult" this book was. I did not actually finish reading this book. I am not the intended audience for this novel. This is not a clean book. It is not even a book you can skip the parts, its woven throughout the book.
However, what I do have a strong opinion about is how the author portrays her main characters. Jessica is a manipulator that uses her sexuality as a tool to get what she wants- the author tries to justify this by writing that she is only this way with Mark. As for Mark, if all men are like Mark we should just all shoot ourselves now. I think its sad that the author portrays a man that can't think past his package as desirable. These are just not my kind of characters. I cannot bond with them because I do not understand them or relate to them in any way. Again this is why I am not rating this book. I don't think it is fair to rate something that is intended for an audience that welcomes the content of this book.
I do not welcome the content of this book.
Positive note:
The author has clear fluid writing. Her knowledge of horses and grooming/racing seems authentic.
However, what I do have a strong opinion about is how the author portrays her main characters. Jessica is a manipulator that uses her sexuality as a tool to get what she wants- the author tries to justify this by writing that she is only this way with Mark. As for Mark, if all men are like Mark we should just all shoot ourselves now. I think its sad that the author portrays a man that can't think past his package as desirable. These are just not my kind of characters. I cannot bond with them because I do not understand them or relate to them in any way. Again this is why I am not rating this book. I don't think it is fair to rate something that is intended for an audience that welcomes the content of this book.
I do not welcome the content of this book.
Positive note:
The author has clear fluid writing. Her knowledge of horses and grooming/racing seems authentic.
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