Ride a Dark Horse

Miller/Sheppard #1

by Laura Moore

Set against the sweeping landscape of Virginia horse country, this breathtaking story of love in the wake of tragedy marks the debut of an exciting voice in romantic fiction. Cassie Miller was on track to be one of the best equestrian riders of the sport when a terrible accident left her as the guardian of an orphaned niece and nephew. Seeking means to support the twins -- now five years old -- Cassie takes a job as a horse trainer at the prestigious Five Oaks farm where she finds not one, but two worthy adversaries -- Orion, a bold, dark horse that has yet to find a rider it deems its equal, and local veterinarian Caleb Wells, a man whose startling good looks and quick wit leave Cassie unnerved. As Cassie trains Orion for competition, Caleb, a partner in the farm, watches over their progress. A womanizer since his recent divorce, he soon finds his heart softening for this strong and gifted woman -- and for her unconventional family. But as Orion's Hampton Classic competition looms, Caleb's vengeful ex-wife threatens to ruin everything Cassie and Caleb have worked for... Reminiscent of the early classics in romantic fiction, Ride A Dark Horse is a winning tale of the bittersweet glories of life and the transformative power of love.

Genres: Romance, Horses, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I was born in New York City and grew up there and in Western Massachusetts. I began writing while pursuing my master's degree. My first novel, Ride a Dark Horse, filled most of a spiral bound notebook. I soon realized I far preferred writing love stories to term papers!

I now live in Rhode Island with my husband, two children, and our black lab. Our cat Zevon keeps us all in line.

Reviews

[Naksed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hopelessly hokey, cheesy Harlequinny romance between a Mary Sue (she is naturally gorgeous but doesn't know it! She saves orphans and animals in her spare time!) and the commitment-phobe manwhore who doesn't stand a chance against her irresistible charms, complete with a cartoonishly psycho ex straight out of a telenovela.

I liked the equestrian setting and appreciated that the characters were animal lovers as H is a vet and h is a horse trainer and show jumper, but I could NOT believe it when I read at the very end that the bride's brother actually walked h's stallion smack dab into h and H's wedding ceremony, making for a very awkward and confusing picture as h and H stand there before the priest with a huge black stallion standing in between them. Who is marrying who exactly in this scenario? LOLtastic!

[Pam A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned alot about equestrian riding, probably more than I needed to know; detracted from the plot, too long, forced myself to finish it. Two people burnt by previous relationships came together by the end of the book. Good character development, entirely believeable.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, but just barely. I love the premise of the story, but the actual delivery was just okay. This is the first book I've read by this author and not sure I like the style. One minute she is one place and then in the very next paragraph she jumps to a week later, differnt scene. No real transition. The first time it happened, I had to move back a few paragraphs to see if I missed something. I eventually got used to it.

This book may have been better suited to a harlequin - shorter format. She went on and on. The characters lacked depth over the long haul.

Just okay. May or may not read another by the author.

If you have a bit of time, and nothing else really to read. If you have the patience for just so .. so story telling, this may suit you now. It takes place in Virginia horse country around the topic of jumpers and their training. So, if you like a "horsey" story, you may like this one. A much, much better one to try is Sara Gruen's "Flying Changes" - GREAT story.

Happy Reading!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another one I tried to like, but just couldn't get past the writing. Unfortunately it's the cheesy Harlequin-style descriptions that got me. I was hoping I could get past it because of the horsey factor, but alas, my willpower isn't that strong.

[Andrea Mackenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor review

Yuk...too predictable.He man and petite little woman. Would not recommend unless you are under 20 yrs old.
Should,have spent more time writing about the horses and training.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number of times read 2

A little cheesey at times but still a good book. The twins stole the show for me...two five year olds that asked all the important questions. I was dying for Cassie or Caleb to make a move, at times I wanted to scream because the not only tortured each other but me too! Now I want to learn to ride a freaking horse.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really cute and a good but long read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end. Laura Moore tells a story that will warm your heart and make you fall in love all over again, even with a horse.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Having horses myself I love seeing them worked into a storyline so beautifully.

[RamenGrrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but all the head-hopping was confusing. Also could have used a good editor.

[Deli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! A girl gets her fair share of great horses, a really hot guy and very erotic stuff in between.
The book leaves no wishes open.

[Hope Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I really loved this book. This would have totally been 5 but the overuse of a few key words started to bug me. Otherwise this was a fun, quick read.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it, the horse stuff is very accurate which is refreshing.