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Polo #1
Fire Horse
Preston Fawkes is ten the first time he meets fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club. Captivated by the mystique surrounding the sport of kings, Pres vows to learn the game at the hands of his newly acquired friend and mentor. The hero worship soon grows into something deeper, but the friends are separated when Preston goes off to boarding school in England.
The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges―their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored. Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.
Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans. How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?
The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges―their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored. Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.
Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans. How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?
256 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 2013
3 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 12, 2013
5 Star read and an Excellent book by Mickie B. Ashling.... I. Loved. This. Book. I was so engrossed and captivated in Preston’s story, I couldn't even spare the time to update… I just had to get to the end!!
This is a love story that transcends time, a first love than can never be forgotten, a love that was extinguished before it had been explored to fruition… leaving a man that was bitter and angry at life, and despite his search for the last 27 years, life had never given him what he had touched so briefly as an adolescent in an affair with the boy that still held his heart.
Preston Fawkes wakes up after an operation to his spine from an accident playing polo which proves to be one too many injuries and at forty five he should consider retirement the alternative as his doctor so kindly pointed out was a wheelchair!
Now even though Preston considers himself lucky to still be alive, he is a stubborn arse and giving up polo was out of the question… it’s his life and the only thing apart from his children he gleans any joy from, which was another reason he couldn't give up, he had far too many people dependant on him and he is laden with financial obligations which included two ex wives.
Preston is not a nice man and had no redeeming qualities, at one point I had to consider if I really wanted to continue reading a book when I so disliked the MC, he is conceited, rude and arrogant and a man whore of epic proportions with a string of one night stands both male and female in his wake. But Preston’s character with all its complexities was moulded and defined by his past, an abusive father and a lost love, and it is through his drug induced haze from the morphine drip that we get a flashback to 1976 and we begin to understand the man through the boy…
At the age of 10 and desperate to be able to ride a horse and play polo like the big boys, the 15 year old Konrad takes Preston under his wing and mentors him in game he loves and teaches him about the horses he is so passionate about, and this marks the moment in time when Konrad became the focus of Preston’s world, his hero and the boy that in his eyes could do no wrong.
At 13 his English Mother has grand ideas for her boy and an education at England’s finest with the hob knobs and Royals is exactly where she is sending him, which was something his Texan father was none too happy about, polo was bad enough but the idea of his boy in all those sissy clothes… Nah!!!
Preston is a bright and intelligent boy and is certainly not slow in coming forward and if there is one thing he is going to achieve before being shipped off, it is tell Konrad exactly how he feels and with a chaste kiss, so begins a young love that is divided by continents, school and for Konrad the Polo circuit.
Preston at 16 is impatient he wants everything now and is tenacious in his ardour, but at 16 he is also very naive and like every teenager of that age, they think they know what's best for them and Preston was no different. He had fallen in love with Konrad at 13 and he wanted the world to know but the 80’s were a dangerous time for gays and Preston was oblivious, AIDS was known as the gay cancer and the gay community was taking the full brunt of the ignorance and violence from a disease few new little about. Konrad is older than Preston and he has lived a little as a gay man he has explored his sexuality and that was something the good ‘ole boys of Texas would NEVER understand, so despite the profound love these two boys share, society, ignorance, guilt, regret, prejudices, lies, and self recriminations come into play… and of course not forgetting Preston’s stubborn pride!!
The heart of this book is the relationship between Preston and Konrad which takes place between 1976 ~ 1983 when both boys were adolescent so if you have issues about the sexual exploration of teenagers then this book is not for you, I must say it is not crude or degrading in any way… these two boys loved each other and that is the crux of the story it is both beautiful and heartbreaking. They both also share a love of polo but in truth, it does not revolve around the sport.
Through his teenage years I a came to understand Preston’s attitude and Konrad’s reluctance and both men, although flawed had loved each other, I could sit here and say it could have been done this way or that, and criticise the actions of the characters but this is their story, they made mistakes they fucked up and got on with it and I loved their story.
This is the first book I have read from Ms Ashling and it is an excellent read, there were a few heart stopping moments, that had my heart pounding, the characters were well developed and I had a particular soft spot for Ned, Preston’s friend from his Eton days and someone that quite frankly deserved a medal for putting up with the obnoxious git… Dr Rayne Carlisle was a Mystery with a delicious dark side to him which could have explored more… But that's just my depraved mind!! Oh, and he took no shit from Preston whilst he was in hospital and gave as good as he got.. so he definitely made me smile.
The end… well that was just perfect and had me reaching for the tissues as the tears just kept rolling down my face.
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
This is a love story that transcends time, a first love than can never be forgotten, a love that was extinguished before it had been explored to fruition… leaving a man that was bitter and angry at life, and despite his search for the last 27 years, life had never given him what he had touched so briefly as an adolescent in an affair with the boy that still held his heart.
Preston Fawkes wakes up after an operation to his spine from an accident playing polo which proves to be one too many injuries and at forty five he should consider retirement the alternative as his doctor so kindly pointed out was a wheelchair!
“Your bedside manner leaves much to be desired, Doctor.”
“I’m not here to win you over as a friend,” he pronounced. “My goal is to have you walking out of this room, and the sooner the better.”
Now even though Preston considers himself lucky to still be alive, he is a stubborn arse and giving up polo was out of the question… it’s his life and the only thing apart from his children he gleans any joy from, which was another reason he couldn't give up, he had far too many people dependant on him and he is laden with financial obligations which included two ex wives.
“Polo isn't a hobby, Doc, and my kids would go into financial shock if the money dried up. As for the ex-wives, they’d rather see me dead than give up their lifestyle.”
“Is that all you are to them?” he asked. “A cash cow?”
Preston is not a nice man and had no redeeming qualities, at one point I had to consider if I really wanted to continue reading a book when I so disliked the MC, he is conceited, rude and arrogant and a man whore of epic proportions with a string of one night stands both male and female in his wake. But Preston’s character with all its complexities was moulded and defined by his past, an abusive father and a lost love, and it is through his drug induced haze from the morphine drip that we get a flashback to 1976 and we begin to understand the man through the boy…
At the age of 10 and desperate to be able to ride a horse and play polo like the big boys, the 15 year old Konrad takes Preston under his wing and mentors him in game he loves and teaches him about the horses he is so passionate about, and this marks the moment in time when Konrad became the focus of Preston’s world, his hero and the boy that in his eyes could do no wrong.
At 13 his English Mother has grand ideas for her boy and an education at England’s finest with the hob knobs and Royals is exactly where she is sending him, which was something his Texan father was none too happy about, polo was bad enough but the idea of his boy in all those sissy clothes… Nah!!!
Preston is a bright and intelligent boy and is certainly not slow in coming forward and if there is one thing he is going to achieve before being shipped off, it is tell Konrad exactly how he feels and with a chaste kiss, so begins a young love that is divided by continents, school and for Konrad the Polo circuit.
Preston at 16 is impatient he wants everything now and is tenacious in his ardour, but at 16 he is also very naive and like every teenager of that age, they think they know what's best for them and Preston was no different. He had fallen in love with Konrad at 13 and he wanted the world to know but the 80’s were a dangerous time for gays and Preston was oblivious, AIDS was known as the gay cancer and the gay community was taking the full brunt of the ignorance and violence from a disease few new little about. Konrad is older than Preston and he has lived a little as a gay man he has explored his sexuality and that was something the good ‘ole boys of Texas would NEVER understand, so despite the profound love these two boys share, society, ignorance, guilt, regret, prejudices, lies, and self recriminations come into play… and of course not forgetting Preston’s stubborn pride!!
The heart of this book is the relationship between Preston and Konrad which takes place between 1976 ~ 1983 when both boys were adolescent so if you have issues about the sexual exploration of teenagers then this book is not for you, I must say it is not crude or degrading in any way… these two boys loved each other and that is the crux of the story it is both beautiful and heartbreaking. They both also share a love of polo but in truth, it does not revolve around the sport.
Through his teenage years I a came to understand Preston’s attitude and Konrad’s reluctance and both men, although flawed had loved each other, I could sit here and say it could have been done this way or that, and criticise the actions of the characters but this is their story, they made mistakes they fucked up and got on with it and I loved their story.
This is the first book I have read from Ms Ashling and it is an excellent read, there were a few heart stopping moments, that had my heart pounding, the characters were well developed and I had a particular soft spot for Ned, Preston’s friend from his Eton days and someone that quite frankly deserved a medal for putting up with the obnoxious git… Dr Rayne Carlisle was a Mystery with a delicious dark side to him which could have explored more… But that's just my depraved mind!! Oh, and he took no shit from Preston whilst he was in hospital and gave as good as he got.. so he definitely made me smile.
The end… well that was just perfect and had me reaching for the tissues as the tears just kept rolling down my face.
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
April 24, 2013
This book... This DAMN book!
By the time I finished reading, it was 4 am, I was wide awake and literally bawling my eyes out! But, boy, was it worth it!
There's no way I'll manage to write a proper review now, or even begin to explain how incredible, powerful, all-consuming... beautiful it is.
I loved Preston's voice. I fell in love with him and Kon so easily. They made me laugh, cry, smile... they made me want to shake some sense into them, and somehow help them. Somehow...
So many frustrating, heartbreaking moments, so many years, so many dreams, nightmares... so much love.
Honestly, at one point, I had no idea where this story is heading. But, once it became clear - Oh. My. God! Just... perfect!
Thank you, Monique, for sending this book my way! Love ya! ♥
By the time I finished reading, it was 4 am, I was wide awake and literally bawling my eyes out! But, boy, was it worth it!
There's no way I'll manage to write a proper review now, or even begin to explain how incredible, powerful, all-consuming... beautiful it is.
I loved Preston's voice. I fell in love with him and Kon so easily. They made me laugh, cry, smile... they made me want to shake some sense into them, and somehow help them. Somehow...
So many frustrating, heartbreaking moments, so many years, so many dreams, nightmares... so much love.
Honestly, at one point, I had no idea where this story is heading. But, once it became clear - Oh. My. God! Just... perfect!
Thank you, Monique, for sending this book my way! Love ya! ♥
April 21, 2013
This book. This goddamn book.
Okay, before I start on my little rant for the day, I just want to say that one of those little stars up there is for the fact that this book prompted me to google Argentinean polo players, and for that I will be forever grateful. But otherwise, it's quite perplexing and kind of infuriating.
It spans a couple of decades in the life of Preston Fawkes, son of a Texas rancher who becomes an international polo sensation. It's meant to depict the tumultuous relationship he develops with this other polo-playing guy. And a great deal of the book is dedicated to the teenage romance that seems to set the stage for everything else that happens in Preston's life. The polo thing is interesting enough, I think. I'd love to read a story about two polo players having an illicit romance while playing the international polo circuit or whatever. That's enough. That would be a great story. Instead, we get a story with all these ridiculous, dramatic occurrences and outlandish coincidences and stupid misdirections that completely detract from the point of the story. There is very little polo, and that's a disappointment, because I liked those bits best.
Then there's the issue of the bizarre dialogue and syntax. Seriously, it read like if a person who had only ever written serious academic textbooks decided to write a novel for the first time and also forgot what real conversation sounded like. This was especially irksome when Preston was a teenager. No matter how mature he was for his age, no-one talks like that. It ruined the flow for me.
I feel the worst kind of let down because there was such potential here. But why do authors feel the need to manufacture unnecessary drama, when a simple, more straightforward approach would have been a hundred times better?
Okay, before I start on my little rant for the day, I just want to say that one of those little stars up there is for the fact that this book prompted me to google Argentinean polo players, and for that I will be forever grateful. But otherwise, it's quite perplexing and kind of infuriating.
It spans a couple of decades in the life of Preston Fawkes, son of a Texas rancher who becomes an international polo sensation. It's meant to depict the tumultuous relationship he develops with this other polo-playing guy. And a great deal of the book is dedicated to the teenage romance that seems to set the stage for everything else that happens in Preston's life. The polo thing is interesting enough, I think. I'd love to read a story about two polo players having an illicit romance while playing the international polo circuit or whatever. That's enough. That would be a great story. Instead, we get a story with all these ridiculous, dramatic occurrences and outlandish coincidences and stupid misdirections that completely detract from the point of the story. There is very little polo, and that's a disappointment, because I liked those bits best.
Then there's the issue of the bizarre dialogue and syntax. Seriously, it read like if a person who had only ever written serious academic textbooks decided to write a novel for the first time and also forgot what real conversation sounded like. This was especially irksome when Preston was a teenager. No matter how mature he was for his age, no-one talks like that. It ruined the flow for me.
I feel the worst kind of let down because there was such potential here. But why do authors feel the need to manufacture unnecessary drama, when a simple, more straightforward approach would have been a hundred times better?
August 4, 2014
I kept wavering back and forth over whether I liked, loved, or…disliked this book.
I think the writing was great. The story was interesting. The characters drew me in. The dialogue felt genuine. The polo background is a new one for me. And all in all, I’d be perfectly satisfied with this story of young love, lost love, and reunited love.
Preston is a precocious and determined 10-yr old who wants to get on a horse and play polo. He meets 15-yr old Konrad and hero-worships him pretty much for the rest of his life. The friendship is sweet…Konrad becomes Preston’s mentor and their bond is one so special that it’s unbreakable. Feelings begin to grow and then all hell breaks loose…
***minor SPOILERS ahead***
And here’s where this story loses me:
Preston is 16 yrs old (Konrad, 21) when they first consummate their relationship. And I am just NOT ok with this. Call me a prude. Tell me I’m overreacting. But…um…it’s against the law and…it’s wrong. So, I struggled there on my high-horse, so to speak. And it niggled at me throughout the rest of the book. I couldn’t let it go.
When they’re eventually found out by Preston’s awful bigoted and abusive father, Konrad is forced to join the military and is shipped off to fight in the war. I won’t tell you the rest of the story to avoid spoilers. But…I my heartstrings were tugged at…and I was very very happy in the end (despite my earlier irritations – see? Confused how I feel about this book!).
If I could change 2 things about this story to make it PERFECT-FOR-ME (I know, I know…this story isn’t MINE to tell, it’s the author’s…but…if I could…), I’d have had the two of them wait until Preston was legally old enough to be in the relationship (it would make me respect Konrad more, to be honest) and also…well, I just wouldn’t have waiting SO MANY YEARS between the beginning and the end. Something about that didn’t jive for me…it felt almost too long to be…apart.
I LOVE a good long-lost-lovers story…the thought of soulmates and “meant to be” is just too attractive of a fairy tale for me not to be drawn in. And I think that alone is what bumped this story up from a ‘good’ to a ‘really good’ for me. I’m excited to read book 2…
March 26, 2015
1.5 stars
This book was not for me. I found the characters unlikeable and often unbelievable. After the first five chapters, which would have worked much better shortened into a prologue, the story moves into flashback to when ten year old Preston first meets the love of his life, fifteen year old Konrad. The plot had holes big enough for a truck to drive through, and I don't care how many times it's stated, just because someone looks older than they are doesn't actually make them older than they are. Sex scenes written for adults with a view to titillate when one of the participants is twenty-one and the other is sixteen do not turn me on. What they do is make me feel nauseous. Especially when on the heels of a passionate kissing scene between a then thirteen year old with a then eighteen year old. I understand that in a lot of places the age of consent is sixteen, but it just feels incredibly icky to me (technical term, there!).
Up until the start of the flashback, which makes up the bulk of the book, I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. Preston was arrogant, conceited, rude and stupidly stubborn over acknowledging the extent of his injuries. The doctor was rude, unprofessional and arrogant. The best friend was boring. Of course, the ex-wife was the cliched money-grabbing bitch. Once the flashback portion of the book began, I found Pres more likeable and Konrad engaging and my interest perked up. Unfortunately that didn't last for long. Preston's dialogue was often unrealistic for a boy of thirteen, although at least his selfishness and actions matched his age. Thanks to the descriptions of how horses are treated in the sport of polo when Konrad tells the young Preston, "Feed them when they're hungry, soothe them when they hurt, make sure they're always warm and dry at night, but when you're out on the playing field, whip them if necessary. By feeling your strength and positive energy, they'll respond with equal enthusiasm", I now not only disliked the characters, but also the sport they were playing.
Honestly? I lost interest after the first couple of chapters. I just didn't find either the characters or the story engaging at all. During the flashback, I really did feel the desperate, teenage love Preston felt for Konrad, but the most I got from Konrad towards Preston was a lusty affection. Konrad's actions didn't really seem to convey all that much of a genuinely all-encompassing love for Pres in return. I really wanted to put the book down at the tongue action, because when it's between a thirteen and an eighteen year old? Ewwww! Nonetheless, I even persevered after the sex scene, but with chapter seventeen I couldn't force myself to read any further. I did skim, quickly, through the rest of it (avoiding the other four or five sex scenes which were still with Pres being sixteen) so I could write this review with knowledge of what else does happen. There's a surprise twist that just didn't gel for me. Since I did only skim through the second half, I consider it to be a DNF. Like with anything, this is a personal opinion and just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean others won't have the equally valid reaction of loving it to pieces.
This book was not for me. I found the characters unlikeable and often unbelievable. After the first five chapters, which would have worked much better shortened into a prologue, the story moves into flashback to when ten year old Preston first meets the love of his life, fifteen year old Konrad. The plot had holes big enough for a truck to drive through, and I don't care how many times it's stated, just because someone looks older than they are doesn't actually make them older than they are. Sex scenes written for adults with a view to titillate when one of the participants is twenty-one and the other is sixteen do not turn me on. What they do is make me feel nauseous. Especially when on the heels of a passionate kissing scene between a then thirteen year old with a then eighteen year old. I understand that in a lot of places the age of consent is sixteen, but it just feels incredibly icky to me (technical term, there!).
Up until the start of the flashback, which makes up the bulk of the book, I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. Preston was arrogant, conceited, rude and stupidly stubborn over acknowledging the extent of his injuries. The doctor was rude, unprofessional and arrogant. The best friend was boring. Of course, the ex-wife was the cliched money-grabbing bitch. Once the flashback portion of the book began, I found Pres more likeable and Konrad engaging and my interest perked up. Unfortunately that didn't last for long. Preston's dialogue was often unrealistic for a boy of thirteen, although at least his selfishness and actions matched his age. Thanks to the descriptions of how horses are treated in the sport of polo when Konrad tells the young Preston, "Feed them when they're hungry, soothe them when they hurt, make sure they're always warm and dry at night, but when you're out on the playing field, whip them if necessary. By feeling your strength and positive energy, they'll respond with equal enthusiasm", I now not only disliked the characters, but also the sport they were playing.
Honestly? I lost interest after the first couple of chapters. I just didn't find either the characters or the story engaging at all. During the flashback, I really did feel the desperate, teenage love Preston felt for Konrad, but the most I got from Konrad towards Preston was a lusty affection. Konrad's actions didn't really seem to convey all that much of a genuinely all-encompassing love for Pres in return. I really wanted to put the book down at the tongue action, because when it's between a thirteen and an eighteen year old? Ewwww! Nonetheless, I even persevered after the sex scene, but with chapter seventeen I couldn't force myself to read any further. I did skim, quickly, through the rest of it (avoiding the other four or five sex scenes which were still with Pres being sixteen) so I could write this review with knowledge of what else does happen. There's a surprise twist that just didn't gel for me. Since I did only skim through the second half, I consider it to be a DNF. Like with anything, this is a personal opinion and just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean others won't have the equally valid reaction of loving it to pieces.
May 4, 2023
Mickie B. Ashling always puts a unique spin on their stories, and Fire Horse is definitely unique. There are some darker moments, and it was nicely unpredictable, so I enjoyed that part quite a bit. Ashling also does a great job describing the sport of polo.
Max Lehnen performs the audio version of Fire Horse. There's a wide cast of characters, from young guys to all kinds of different accents, and Lehnen does a fine job with it.
Max Lehnen performs the audio version of Fire Horse. There's a wide cast of characters, from young guys to all kinds of different accents, and Lehnen does a fine job with it.
April 8, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Preston and Konrad become fast friends due to a mutual love of the sport of polo. Beaten by his Texan father and coddled his British mother, Pres needs someone to look up to and finds that person in Konrad. Kon takes Pres under his wing calling the feisty ten year old Flea and begins to teach him the basics of polo. The five year age difference makes Flea the perfect age to be Kon's groom. Kon's career as a professional polo player takes off and Pres is sent to Eaton, a boarding school in Great Britain but a goodbye kiss seals the two together for life despite their age difference and society's taboos.
This story was Ms Ashling at the top of her game. I received an advance copy of this book by a friend of the author and fell in love with the comfortable writing style and the complexity of the characters immediately. Ms Ashling has the ability to make her characters three dimensional and so very real. The story opens with Preston as a forty-five year old famous polo player lying in a hospital bed after a polo pony fell on him. He is a cranky, self-centered man who is in a battle of wills with his doctor. He is definitely not a likeable person. A morphine haze flashes Pres back to his youth when he first met Kon an the story runs from there. Not many authors that I have read can pull off an honest feeling flashback story other than Diane Adams with her Making of a Man series but Ms Ashling did it brilliantly. The depth of emotion between Preston and Konrad as they aged pulled at my heart. I could feel the love and the pain the couple felt. Told primarily from Preston's POV, I soon discovered where he got his open, irascible personality. I think that Kon and Pres make a perfect couple and although circumstances tore them apart, they were both likeable and well developed main characters. As I read this story I could tell that a tremendous amount of research went into both the medical and polo sides of this story not to mention the pony breeding and the history behind it. I enjoyed the comparison between Preston's life in Great Britain and in Texas and the way the U.S. was looked down upon by the rest of the polo world. The HEA ending was one that brought a tear to my eye. Don't let the fact that the story has polo as a background turn you off. It is a masterfully written romance story that spans decades. I think the blurb could have been written better as it lead me to think that polo was the heart of the story. I cannot recommend this fascinating feel good story highly enough.
Preston and Konrad become fast friends due to a mutual love of the sport of polo. Beaten by his Texan father and coddled his British mother, Pres needs someone to look up to and finds that person in Konrad. Kon takes Pres under his wing calling the feisty ten year old Flea and begins to teach him the basics of polo. The five year age difference makes Flea the perfect age to be Kon's groom. Kon's career as a professional polo player takes off and Pres is sent to Eaton, a boarding school in Great Britain but a goodbye kiss seals the two together for life despite their age difference and society's taboos.
This story was Ms Ashling at the top of her game. I received an advance copy of this book by a friend of the author and fell in love with the comfortable writing style and the complexity of the characters immediately. Ms Ashling has the ability to make her characters three dimensional and so very real. The story opens with Preston as a forty-five year old famous polo player lying in a hospital bed after a polo pony fell on him. He is a cranky, self-centered man who is in a battle of wills with his doctor. He is definitely not a likeable person. A morphine haze flashes Pres back to his youth when he first met Kon an the story runs from there. Not many authors that I have read can pull off an honest feeling flashback story other than Diane Adams with her Making of a Man series but Ms Ashling did it brilliantly. The depth of emotion between Preston and Konrad as they aged pulled at my heart. I could feel the love and the pain the couple felt. Told primarily from Preston's POV, I soon discovered where he got his open, irascible personality. I think that Kon and Pres make a perfect couple and although circumstances tore them apart, they were both likeable and well developed main characters. As I read this story I could tell that a tremendous amount of research went into both the medical and polo sides of this story not to mention the pony breeding and the history behind it. I enjoyed the comparison between Preston's life in Great Britain and in Texas and the way the U.S. was looked down upon by the rest of the polo world. The HEA ending was one that brought a tear to my eye. Don't let the fact that the story has polo as a background turn you off. It is a masterfully written romance story that spans decades. I think the blurb could have been written better as it lead me to think that polo was the heart of the story. I cannot recommend this fascinating feel good story highly enough.
June 6, 2015
This book was an absolute surprise for me. I had absolutely no expectations and never read a book by this author before, but I saw the audiobook and thought a book with a Polo thememight be interesting and I should give it a try.
I must admit that the book never really focused on the actual polo games, but the politics and anything to do with the horses were very important and well-researched.
As a German reader, the fact that one of the MCs is 16 when he has sex does not bother me. It is the age of consent in Europe and I only mention it, because I know there are readers who are uncomfortable with that.
The most amaziing thing about this book is the way it kept surprising me. It went in directions I had not forseen. I usually guess correctlly where a lot of storylines are heading and it was refreshing to be clueless at times.
The characters were likable, but human. The plot kept me guessing and engaged. The narration was great.
I really had a great time with this audiobook and can highly recommend it!
I must admit that the book never really focused on the actual polo games, but the politics and anything to do with the horses were very important and well-researched.
As a German reader, the fact that one of the MCs is 16 when he has sex does not bother me. It is the age of consent in Europe and I only mention it, because I know there are readers who are uncomfortable with that.
The most amaziing thing about this book is the way it kept surprising me. It went in directions I had not forseen. I usually guess correctlly where a lot of storylines are heading and it was refreshing to be clueless at times.
The characters were likable, but human. The plot kept me guessing and engaged. The narration was great.
I really had a great time with this audiobook and can highly recommend it!
February 11, 2016
4.5 stars
My first book by Ms. Ashling, but will not be my last. Fire Horse kept me reading and went places I did not expect it to.
Star polo player Preston wakes up in the hospital lucky not to be paralyzed after a serious fall from his horse, and is basically told he should give up playing to prevent that from becoming a reality. At 45 years old Preston is bitter and self-absorbed with 2 ex-wives and 2 children to support. Not the most likeable man.
Flashback to Preston as a 10 year old child from an unhappy and abusive Texas home meeting 15 year old Konrad, an up and coming polo player who takes him under his wing to teach him the game. What starts out as hero worship evolves to something more and on the eve of Preston leaving for boarding school in England, he confesses his feelings to Konrad. Over the next 4 years Preston pursues a long distance relationship with Konrad never wavering in his professed love. Konrad, however, is reluctant to allow anything more than friendship due to age differences and Konrad's fear of what will happen if anyone finds out that he is gay. Eventually Preston's persistence pays off and the two spend several years in a long distance, clandestine relationship. When Konrad's worst fears come true, both of their lives are changed forever.
I truly enjoyed this well written book. Both main characters had their flaws and at times I wanted to smack each of them for different reasons. There were good secondary characters and the story did not go the way I expected. Definitely a recommended read.
My first book by Ms. Ashling, but will not be my last. Fire Horse kept me reading and went places I did not expect it to.
Star polo player Preston wakes up in the hospital lucky not to be paralyzed after a serious fall from his horse, and is basically told he should give up playing to prevent that from becoming a reality. At 45 years old Preston is bitter and self-absorbed with 2 ex-wives and 2 children to support. Not the most likeable man.
Flashback to Preston as a 10 year old child from an unhappy and abusive Texas home meeting 15 year old Konrad, an up and coming polo player who takes him under his wing to teach him the game. What starts out as hero worship evolves to something more and on the eve of Preston leaving for boarding school in England, he confesses his feelings to Konrad. Over the next 4 years Preston pursues a long distance relationship with Konrad never wavering in his professed love. Konrad, however, is reluctant to allow anything more than friendship due to age differences and Konrad's fear of what will happen if anyone finds out that he is gay. Eventually Preston's persistence pays off and the two spend several years in a long distance, clandestine relationship. When Konrad's worst fears come true, both of their lives are changed forever.
I truly enjoyed this well written book. Both main characters had their flaws and at times I wanted to smack each of them for different reasons. There were good secondary characters and the story did not go the way I expected. Definitely a recommended read.
April 13, 2013
5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
What a devastating book. I think I never saw it when this one crawled around my heart but by the end of it I absolutely loved this story.
We meet Pres in the hospital waking up from surgery after an accident in the field. The first words he hears are those of the doctor saying that he shouldn’t ride again and instantly I though “oh my God, this is going to be a recovery story where the character is going to be stubborn and love with his treating doctor will help him through”. I think the above thought shows a) that I do not read the blurb and b) how wrong I was. Thankful for both because I was pleasantly surprised into reading a great love story.
Through a flashback that came in the form of a drug-induced dream we see how Preston met Konrad when he was a child. His idolizing and hero-worship love turning into a ferocious emotion that burned a distinct path that in the end consumed them both. We see a stubborn, headstrong character, yes I’m referring to Pres, fearless in his naivety dragging Konrad through his lust and love into becoming reckless beyond his reason.
I loved both characters not because they were perfect, but because they were not. Throughout the read I can’t remember how many times I wanted to smack some sense into Preston. His childish behavior more often than not put me off and at some point I almost expected him to stomp his foot down like a petulant little girl. The tears he shed regularly fed that expectation. And, oh Lord, Konrad; his better-safe-than-sorry style got so irritating at times. I often wondered how Preston could still be in love with the man when he showed such weakness at the crucial point of their relationship. But even then I still loved them.
As the story moved on though it became apparent that this was not one of those merry go happy stories. It became heartbreaking when the two lost each other and it was devastating to see how that event marred Preston’s life. His choices and his loneliness and how he dealt with his life were nearly unbearable to read. But the cocky guy that he is, he made even that seem a bit playful.
For me this book is very well worthy of all five hearts I rated it with. I enjoyed it immensely; the sensual part of it was fascinating both the past and the present. I adored the twist, it was quite unexpected and therefore it was more than welcomed. The grown up version of both men was very appealing to my eyes. Of course I would have LOVED more. Of course I would have wanted to see “the end” coming in a few years later, of course I’d like to have a bit of a glimpse in Ned’s life too, but hey, that’s just me, insatiable when something I deem good enough.
And if you love a good romance that doesn’t tread the old well-worn path but has some twists and surprises along the path, then this is the story for you. Hot guys, cowboys/polo players and a love that goes through fire and Hell. What more could you ask?
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
What a devastating book. I think I never saw it when this one crawled around my heart but by the end of it I absolutely loved this story.
We meet Pres in the hospital waking up from surgery after an accident in the field. The first words he hears are those of the doctor saying that he shouldn’t ride again and instantly I though “oh my God, this is going to be a recovery story where the character is going to be stubborn and love with his treating doctor will help him through”. I think the above thought shows a) that I do not read the blurb and b) how wrong I was. Thankful for both because I was pleasantly surprised into reading a great love story.
Through a flashback that came in the form of a drug-induced dream we see how Preston met Konrad when he was a child. His idolizing and hero-worship love turning into a ferocious emotion that burned a distinct path that in the end consumed them both. We see a stubborn, headstrong character, yes I’m referring to Pres, fearless in his naivety dragging Konrad through his lust and love into becoming reckless beyond his reason.
I loved both characters not because they were perfect, but because they were not. Throughout the read I can’t remember how many times I wanted to smack some sense into Preston. His childish behavior more often than not put me off and at some point I almost expected him to stomp his foot down like a petulant little girl. The tears he shed regularly fed that expectation. And, oh Lord, Konrad; his better-safe-than-sorry style got so irritating at times. I often wondered how Preston could still be in love with the man when he showed such weakness at the crucial point of their relationship. But even then I still loved them.
As the story moved on though it became apparent that this was not one of those merry go happy stories. It became heartbreaking when the two lost each other and it was devastating to see how that event marred Preston’s life. His choices and his loneliness and how he dealt with his life were nearly unbearable to read. But the cocky guy that he is, he made even that seem a bit playful.
For me this book is very well worthy of all five hearts I rated it with. I enjoyed it immensely; the sensual part of it was fascinating both the past and the present. I adored the twist, it was quite unexpected and therefore it was more than welcomed. The grown up version of both men was very appealing to my eyes. Of course I would have LOVED more. Of course I would have wanted to see “the end” coming in a few years later, of course I’d like to have a bit of a glimpse in Ned’s life too, but hey, that’s just me, insatiable when something I deem good enough.
And if you love a good romance that doesn’t tread the old well-worn path but has some twists and surprises along the path, then this is the story for you. Hot guys, cowboys/polo players and a love that goes through fire and Hell. What more could you ask?
Thommie
May 13, 2013
I've read a few books by this author and for me she just keeps getting stronger, this was no exception. Really nice story starting in the present day and going back as far as the 1976 then moving forwards to fill in the characters' histories. Good supporting characters as well as the main character, particularly Ned.
July 26, 2021
Ok. That was... Whoah. I didn't expect I was going to like this book as much as I did. I'm deducting a star because TW: there's underage sex on page, really detailed scenes and there's an age gap which doesn't make it OK. Still. The MC are not super likeable, I wanted to slap the bratiness out of one of them and shake some sense into the other one (you're the adult, act like one!!!) but still... I devoured this in a day and I haven't been in the mood lately. So props to the author. I'm diving right into the next one.
April 5, 2015
This book starts with Preston as an injured Polo player being told he should never play again and he’s lucky to be alive. We know he has 2 ex-wives and 2 children, and that Kon is NOT in his life, currently. (This should give you an idea of where things are headed…) Then we get to the flashbacks which take up the bulk of the book.
As a boy of ten Preston meets Konrad, a boy of 15, for the first time and learns from him what it means to be a Polo player. He acts as his groom and Kon mentors him in the sport.
Preston’s hero worship of Kon changes on the night he realizes that Kon is gay and that the feelings in his gut may be more than just friendship. Kon, as he should, rebuffs the now 13 year old’s advances, and puts him off because he’s too young and the two are about to be separated by Kon’s joining the American Polo team and Preston’s going overseas to study.
Preston meets Ned at Eaton. Ned shows Preston how to be properly English and Preston gives Ned Polo lessons. After a while, Ned then becomes Preston’s tutor in gay sex as well as his close friend.
Preston and Ned don’t become boyfriends though, because Preston is saving that for Kon, whom he stays in touch with and occasionally meets.
Finally, when Preston is 17 he and Kon spend a chunk of time together and move their relationship forward, becoming lovers and long-distance boyfriends.
Here is where things go horribly wrong. Their relationship is discovered and Kon is forced to join the military and …. Well if I tell you it’s a big spoiler. Needless to say what happens next keeps Kon and Pres apart until the end of the story and closer to the end of their lives.
**
I really, really wanted to like this. I loved the idea. The pre-eighteen year old sex did not bother me – that’s reality for a lot of people and I thought it was mostly handled well.
What bothered me: Kon never really seemed to love Pres as much as Pres loved him. Kon seemed to LUST for Preston, but not love him. Preston was a jerk, and hard to like, so I don’t blame Kon. As an adult, Pres only gets worse.
The plot twists were far too many and too hard to believe. At times it was like a soap opera in the way that the lovers were kept from one another – for YEARS. If we have that much angst I need a huge batch of happy to make up for it and the reunion at the end did NOT make up for all the unhappiness. After all the torment we see our MCs through, they get about one paragraph of happy ending and the “celibacy issue”… I just didn’t buy it at all.
I did not like the on-page sex with people not the MC. That, more than the age thing, did really bother me.
I thought the writing was ok, but I didn’t feel a lot of authenticity from the characters. Preston’s dad was practically bi-polar (smacking Preston around then giving him a new pony.) Preston’s step-dad just going out and renting his 16 year old son porn seemed nuts. Preston’s mom even marrying Preston’s dad didn’t make much sense. Ned – putting up with Preston’s crap for so long.
Audiobook
Max Lehnen is hit or miss for me. I have heard him do some nice narrations, and I have heard him butcher some. In this case he had some tall orders. He had to do a wide range of ages, including aging the MCs from 10 to adult. He had several accents to do, Texan, British, and Preston’s odd British/Texas blend. I thought for the most part he did a great job handling such a demanding narration, though some of his accents were definitely better than others.
I give Max Lehnen 4 of hearts and the story 1 of 5 hearts which should give this an average of 2.5 hearts – but I can’t really go that high. So 2 of 5 hearts for the audiobook.
As a boy of ten Preston meets Konrad, a boy of 15, for the first time and learns from him what it means to be a Polo player. He acts as his groom and Kon mentors him in the sport.
Preston’s hero worship of Kon changes on the night he realizes that Kon is gay and that the feelings in his gut may be more than just friendship. Kon, as he should, rebuffs the now 13 year old’s advances, and puts him off because he’s too young and the two are about to be separated by Kon’s joining the American Polo team and Preston’s going overseas to study.
Preston meets Ned at Eaton. Ned shows Preston how to be properly English and Preston gives Ned Polo lessons. After a while, Ned then becomes Preston’s tutor in gay sex as well as his close friend.
Preston and Ned don’t become boyfriends though, because Preston is saving that for Kon, whom he stays in touch with and occasionally meets.
Finally, when Preston is 17 he and Kon spend a chunk of time together and move their relationship forward, becoming lovers and long-distance boyfriends.
Here is where things go horribly wrong. Their relationship is discovered and Kon is forced to join the military and …. Well if I tell you it’s a big spoiler. Needless to say what happens next keeps Kon and Pres apart until the end of the story and closer to the end of their lives.
**
I really, really wanted to like this. I loved the idea. The pre-eighteen year old sex did not bother me – that’s reality for a lot of people and I thought it was mostly handled well.
What bothered me: Kon never really seemed to love Pres as much as Pres loved him. Kon seemed to LUST for Preston, but not love him. Preston was a jerk, and hard to like, so I don’t blame Kon. As an adult, Pres only gets worse.
The plot twists were far too many and too hard to believe. At times it was like a soap opera in the way that the lovers were kept from one another – for YEARS. If we have that much angst I need a huge batch of happy to make up for it and the reunion at the end did NOT make up for all the unhappiness. After all the torment we see our MCs through, they get about one paragraph of happy ending and the “celibacy issue”… I just didn’t buy it at all.
I did not like the on-page sex with people not the MC. That, more than the age thing, did really bother me.
I thought the writing was ok, but I didn’t feel a lot of authenticity from the characters. Preston’s dad was practically bi-polar (smacking Preston around then giving him a new pony.) Preston’s step-dad just going out and renting his 16 year old son porn seemed nuts. Preston’s mom even marrying Preston’s dad didn’t make much sense. Ned – putting up with Preston’s crap for so long.
Audiobook
Max Lehnen is hit or miss for me. I have heard him do some nice narrations, and I have heard him butcher some. In this case he had some tall orders. He had to do a wide range of ages, including aging the MCs from 10 to adult. He had several accents to do, Texan, British, and Preston’s odd British/Texas blend. I thought for the most part he did a great job handling such a demanding narration, though some of his accents were definitely better than others.
I give Max Lehnen 4 of hearts and the story 1 of 5 hearts which should give this an average of 2.5 hearts – but I can’t really go that high. So 2 of 5 hearts for the audiobook.
September 25, 2013
Really a fantastic book. I couldn't put this thing down. Everything in this story was wonderfully played out. Every argument, resistance, acceptance, all of it. Beautifully written, every emotion felt or conveyed was right there for me to devour. It was all there, beating me down and taking me over. Preston's tale of childhood love was so sweet. As the story goes on, the love between Preston and Kon turned from breathtaking, to gut wrenching sorrow, to happiness. Every step of the way, I was right there.
Characters that are so well written follow me forever. Preston, Konrad were perfectly written. Ned is an amazing friend. Dr. Carlisle was intriguing. They all left me wanting more and my hopes for another book to follow could not be higher. There is no need for one, but there are things left hanging that would inspire a novella, at the least. I'll pray for that. Something. Anything more because this was so good, I didn't want it to end.
Characters that are so well written follow me forever. Preston, Konrad were perfectly written. Ned is an amazing friend. Dr. Carlisle was intriguing. They all left me wanting more and my hopes for another book to follow could not be higher. There is no need for one, but there are things left hanging that would inspire a novella, at the least. I'll pray for that. Something. Anything more because this was so good, I didn't want it to end.
August 24, 2013
2.5 Stars
This book was probably very good. It seems to have some high ratings, so I am thinking it might just be me.
The lead, Preston, left me cold. I couldn't warm up to him, therefore I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have if he was written differently. Kon was a much better character, but this was not his story.
Oh well, not all books are for all readers, so on to the next one.
This book was probably very good. It seems to have some high ratings, so I am thinking it might just be me.
The lead, Preston, left me cold. I couldn't warm up to him, therefore I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have if he was written differently. Kon was a much better character, but this was not his story.
Oh well, not all books are for all readers, so on to the next one.
June 13, 2013
Read original review at here.
Summary: An epic love story that broke my heart several times over but left me satisfied in the end.
Review:
One word for this book: Wow. I first picked it up because I’m a cowgirl at heart, and while I don’t have my horses anymore, they’re still close to my heart. I don’t know anything about polo, however, so I thought it would be interesting. The polo part of the story was well-written, researched, and seamless.
The theme was woven throughout the plot, and even in the descriptions of the characters. To someone who knows horses, it was very well done.
I also thought it would be just another typical contemporary m/m romance storyline. Boy, was I ever wrong.
The story begins in medias res, with forty-five-year-old polo player Preston Fawkes in the hospital after a major fall. If you didn’t read the blurb, you’d have probably thought the love interest in the story was his doctor, Rayne Carlisle, as there is considerable chemistry between the two of them.
But as Preston begins to drift through his morphine induced haze, his mind drifts back to when he meets the love of his life, Konrad Schnell. He first met Konrad when he was ten and Konrad was fifteen. Preston begins tagging along after Konrad, trying to learn polo despite the reservations of his abusive rancher father. He eventually begins grooming for Konrad so they spend a lot of time together.
As he gets older, Preston notices that he is beginning to have physical feelings for Konrad, and he actually witnesses an encounter between Konrad and a cowboy that leads him to believe Konrad is gay. He confronts Konrad about it and learns that he is, in fact, gay, but deeply closeted with no plans of coming out, ever. Keep in mind that their budding relationship takes place in the seventies, on the cusp of the burgeoning AIDS crisis, when attitudes about homosexuality were vastly different.
Konrad forgoes college to join the professional polo circuit while Preston gets sent away to boarding school at Eton at the insistence of his English mother, so they are separated. Before they part ways, Pres badgers Kon into kissing him. The kiss marks the start to momentous love affair that spans decades. As their relationship develops, you just know in the back of your mind that their love would destroy one or both of them.
They’re both perfectly imperfect characters; Preston, the idealistic kid and the playboy adult; Konrad, never able to acknowledge the feelings he says he has for Preston. Yet throughout the years, they keep coming together in blazing encounters, during which all else falls away.
As in every good angst-ridden romance, tragedy strikes—but it was one that I did not expect—and it tore me open and left me bleeding for what should have been. After this event, the story picks up where it began, with Preston in the hospital, mulling over his uncertain future and his unfulfilled life.
I especially loved the introduction and explanation of the term Fire Horse, which I’ll let you discover on your own, but it was just another interesting facet to this story. It tied everything together perfectly.
The ending was catastrophically perfect. Pres and Kon get their HEA, but Ms. Ashling makes them, and us, bleed for it.
This book kept me riveted from the very first page, and I read it almost without stopping, desperate to find out what happened next. I’ll admit, I was crying for a good amount of that time. This isn’t your typical cookie cutter romance and maybe isn’t a book I would normally choose, but it’s most definitely one that I will never forget.
Summary: An epic love story that broke my heart several times over but left me satisfied in the end.
Review:
One word for this book: Wow. I first picked it up because I’m a cowgirl at heart, and while I don’t have my horses anymore, they’re still close to my heart. I don’t know anything about polo, however, so I thought it would be interesting. The polo part of the story was well-written, researched, and seamless.
"The sound of eight ponies thundering across three hundred yards of turf was an auditory sensation akin to being enveloped by a crowd at a rock concert."
The theme was woven throughout the plot, and even in the descriptions of the characters. To someone who knows horses, it was very well done.
"He shut his eyes and shook his head like a frustrated pony trying to get rid of a fly."
I also thought it would be just another typical contemporary m/m romance storyline. Boy, was I ever wrong.
The story begins in medias res, with forty-five-year-old polo player Preston Fawkes in the hospital after a major fall. If you didn’t read the blurb, you’d have probably thought the love interest in the story was his doctor, Rayne Carlisle, as there is considerable chemistry between the two of them.
But as Preston begins to drift through his morphine induced haze, his mind drifts back to when he meets the love of his life, Konrad Schnell. He first met Konrad when he was ten and Konrad was fifteen. Preston begins tagging along after Konrad, trying to learn polo despite the reservations of his abusive rancher father. He eventually begins grooming for Konrad so they spend a lot of time together.
As he gets older, Preston notices that he is beginning to have physical feelings for Konrad, and he actually witnesses an encounter between Konrad and a cowboy that leads him to believe Konrad is gay. He confronts Konrad about it and learns that he is, in fact, gay, but deeply closeted with no plans of coming out, ever. Keep in mind that their budding relationship takes place in the seventies, on the cusp of the burgeoning AIDS crisis, when attitudes about homosexuality were vastly different.
Konrad forgoes college to join the professional polo circuit while Preston gets sent away to boarding school at Eton at the insistence of his English mother, so they are separated. Before they part ways, Pres badgers Kon into kissing him. The kiss marks the start to momentous love affair that spans decades. As their relationship develops, you just know in the back of your mind that their love would destroy one or both of them.
"Kon owned me, body and soul, and each time I lay in his arms, I was cognizant of that undeniable truth."
They’re both perfectly imperfect characters; Preston, the idealistic kid and the playboy adult; Konrad, never able to acknowledge the feelings he says he has for Preston. Yet throughout the years, they keep coming together in blazing encounters, during which all else falls away.
"He kissed me then, hard, rough, violent, and so fucking good."
As in every good angst-ridden romance, tragedy strikes—but it was one that I did not expect—and it tore me open and left me bleeding for what should have been. After this event, the story picks up where it began, with Preston in the hospital, mulling over his uncertain future and his unfulfilled life.
"Despite his fears and ongoing demons, he was all I ever wanted. I had enough courage for both of us, and I’d be able to get us through any crisis if he would only let me."
I especially loved the introduction and explanation of the term Fire Horse, which I’ll let you discover on your own, but it was just another interesting facet to this story. It tied everything together perfectly.
The ending was catastrophically perfect. Pres and Kon get their HEA, but Ms. Ashling makes them, and us, bleed for it.
"God knows what was going through his mind, but I was more than willing to hand over my heart again. In truth, it had never belonged to anyone else."
This book kept me riveted from the very first page, and I read it almost without stopping, desperate to find out what happened next. I’ll admit, I was crying for a good amount of that time. This isn’t your typical cookie cutter romance and maybe isn’t a book I would normally choose, but it’s most definitely one that I will never forget.
November 8, 2013
I loved this breathtaking tale of two virile and princely men finding and keeping love despite an abundance of obstacles and opposition. Packed with a wealth of information about horsemanship and polo, the genuine tour de force of this story is Preston Fawkes, a scrappy, headstrong, gorgeous polo player who falls early in his life for the man of his dreams and refuses to give him up.
Destined to be a cowboy, Preston, the son of a Texas rancher, finds a horse-oriented career he likes better and a hero to worship, when at ten he meets fifteen-year-old polo protégé Konrad Schnell. The charismatic blond-haired, blue-eyed stud Konrad, already an expert player, helps Preston during a riding lesson and “Flea”, the nickname Konrad immediately awards Preston, sticks to him like glue. Amused by the precocious, small boy, Konrad takes Preston under his wing and soon, despite Preston’s father’s objections to the sport, Flea is determined to follow in his mentor’s footsteps. After meeting Konrad, plucky Preston juggles two paths of career training: learning all aspects of running a ranch, to appease his father, and learning the game of polo with the help of Konrad. When Konrad’s prowess at polo draws the attention of a polo-playing sponsor forcing the first of many separations between the two teens, Preston’s world ignites as he feels the first stirs of his sexuality.
Konrad Schnell lives for polo, it is all he has ever known and desired, to become a top polo player and to be sponsored as such. Finding the young Flea’s determination mirrors his own, he’s happy to help Preston out; the kid has drive and is scrappy as all get-out. Sure, Flea’s impulsiveness and pushiness gets him into some odd scrapes, but the boy’s determination and discipline is like none Konrad has experienced. Under his tutelage, Preston is destined to follow Konrad’s footsteps and he’ll have a friend on the circuit when they are grown-ups; they are a pair, he and Preston. It isn’t until Flea is thirteen and Konrad eighteen that Konrad understands how much they truly have in common, and what conflict truly feels like.
I loved both of these characters and the above is only the beginning of the life story of these two magnificent men, their lives together and apart, and their love and desire for each other. Beautifully written and kept moving at a galloping pace through the point of view of the unforgivingly aggressive Preston Fawkes, this is a tale not to be missed. Rich in emotional depth, family dynamics, and the lavish landscape of the polo playing world, the story contains a multitude of dynamic locations and events. Phenomenal supporting characters, including some splendid horses, added to the verity of this piece, which also contains some of the hottest, underplayed sex scenes I’ve had the pleasure to read. But the storyline winningly remains true to the exquisite romance between the two leads and I daresay these characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page of the book.
In truth, this book kept me up well after two o’clock in the morning. At which point I not only webbed my way over to the author’s site to leave what can only be called a “drunken” love message, but then hit the link on my Kindle, purchased its sequel, “Ride-Off”, and started reading it. Yes, I did have to go to work the next day, but, well, Fire Horse pretty much lit a fire in me, I probably glowed all day. May it do the same for everyone.
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, for penning this outstanding tale that showed me the true meaning of “setting your heart on someone.”
“Sparkling, Virile, Heat”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Destined to be a cowboy, Preston, the son of a Texas rancher, finds a horse-oriented career he likes better and a hero to worship, when at ten he meets fifteen-year-old polo protégé Konrad Schnell. The charismatic blond-haired, blue-eyed stud Konrad, already an expert player, helps Preston during a riding lesson and “Flea”, the nickname Konrad immediately awards Preston, sticks to him like glue. Amused by the precocious, small boy, Konrad takes Preston under his wing and soon, despite Preston’s father’s objections to the sport, Flea is determined to follow in his mentor’s footsteps. After meeting Konrad, plucky Preston juggles two paths of career training: learning all aspects of running a ranch, to appease his father, and learning the game of polo with the help of Konrad. When Konrad’s prowess at polo draws the attention of a polo-playing sponsor forcing the first of many separations between the two teens, Preston’s world ignites as he feels the first stirs of his sexuality.
Konrad Schnell lives for polo, it is all he has ever known and desired, to become a top polo player and to be sponsored as such. Finding the young Flea’s determination mirrors his own, he’s happy to help Preston out; the kid has drive and is scrappy as all get-out. Sure, Flea’s impulsiveness and pushiness gets him into some odd scrapes, but the boy’s determination and discipline is like none Konrad has experienced. Under his tutelage, Preston is destined to follow Konrad’s footsteps and he’ll have a friend on the circuit when they are grown-ups; they are a pair, he and Preston. It isn’t until Flea is thirteen and Konrad eighteen that Konrad understands how much they truly have in common, and what conflict truly feels like.
I loved both of these characters and the above is only the beginning of the life story of these two magnificent men, their lives together and apart, and their love and desire for each other. Beautifully written and kept moving at a galloping pace through the point of view of the unforgivingly aggressive Preston Fawkes, this is a tale not to be missed. Rich in emotional depth, family dynamics, and the lavish landscape of the polo playing world, the story contains a multitude of dynamic locations and events. Phenomenal supporting characters, including some splendid horses, added to the verity of this piece, which also contains some of the hottest, underplayed sex scenes I’ve had the pleasure to read. But the storyline winningly remains true to the exquisite romance between the two leads and I daresay these characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page of the book.
In truth, this book kept me up well after two o’clock in the morning. At which point I not only webbed my way over to the author’s site to leave what can only be called a “drunken” love message, but then hit the link on my Kindle, purchased its sequel, “Ride-Off”, and started reading it. Yes, I did have to go to work the next day, but, well, Fire Horse pretty much lit a fire in me, I probably glowed all day. May it do the same for everyone.
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, for penning this outstanding tale that showed me the true meaning of “setting your heart on someone.”
“Sparkling, Virile, Heat”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 10, 2013
This was a confusing book to start reading but well-worth the time spent to unravel each twist and turn.
I'm going to put part of my review behind spoilers. While I won't be revealing anything major, I feel the charm of this book is best enjoyed fresh without any prior expectations.
An utterly beautiful story with many complex layers. A little too complex for me, but I appreciated the skillfully woven story.
I'm going to put part of my review behind spoilers. While I won't be revealing anything major, I feel the charm of this book is best enjoyed fresh without any prior expectations.
An utterly beautiful story with many complex layers. A little too complex for me, but I appreciated the skillfully woven story.
March 13, 2016
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
Hmmm, the book starts out with Pres, 45, divorced twice, two kids, and injured and is strongly recommended to retire from his beloved polo.
Pres is selfish and arrogant and alone because there's the one true love he lost many years ago, or did he? The bulk of the book is told in flashback with 10-yo Pres recounting meeting 15-yo Kon and twu luv ensues on Pres part. He becomes Kon's groom and chases him relentlessly, especially after he sees Kon receiving a a blow job from another guy and tricks Kon into having sex with him when he's 16. That goes on until Pres' homophobic dad catches them and forces Kon into the service.
They continue to catch forbidden time until Kon disappears for good on a mission and Pres has to go on with his life, ergo two ex-wives etc.
I liked the polo background, that was new to me and for the most part liked this although I thought the ending was awfully convenient.
Hmmm, the book starts out with Pres, 45, divorced twice, two kids, and injured and is strongly recommended to retire from his beloved polo.
Pres is selfish and arrogant and alone because there's the one true love he lost many years ago, or did he? The bulk of the book is told in flashback with 10-yo Pres recounting meeting 15-yo Kon and twu luv ensues on Pres part. He becomes Kon's groom and chases him relentlessly, especially after he sees Kon receiving a a blow job from another guy and tricks Kon into having sex with him when he's 16. That goes on until Pres' homophobic dad catches them and forces Kon into the service.
They continue to catch forbidden time until Kon disappears for good on a mission and Pres has to go on with his life, ergo two ex-wives etc.
I liked the polo background, that was new to me and for the most part liked this although I thought the ending was awfully convenient.
July 19, 2013
A well written, engrossing book, and the amount of research that must've gone into this is admirable. Also, the spirit of the various times this book was set in was portrayed very well--Kon was only too right to be afraid.
However, the characters were a bit hard to take to, particularly Preston. Geez, what a selfish prick.
I liked Kon better, though the sacrifices he made for Pres (and not with too much fuss)were baffling.
Poor Ned was almost too good to be true--certainly too good for Pres. How he ever put up with being his friend for 30+years, I couldn't figure out.
And I'll be grateful if I never have a doctor as unprofessional as Rayne treating me for whatever illness, however preeminent in his field he might be otherwise.
However, the characters were a bit hard to take to, particularly Preston. Geez, what a selfish prick.
I liked Kon better, though the sacrifices he made for Pres (and not with too much fuss)were baffling.
Poor Ned was almost too good to be true--certainly too good for Pres. How he ever put up with being his friend for 30+years, I couldn't figure out.
And I'll be grateful if I never have a doctor as unprofessional as Rayne treating me for whatever illness, however preeminent in his field he might be otherwise.
December 3, 2018
I'm a sucker for horsey books, so of course I just had to read this one. And I am still surprised by how much I liked it.
Grown-up Preston was an absolute asshole, but after reading the flash-back to his youth, I have to admit that he had his reasons. I really liked young Preston ("Flea"), and I loved his relationship with Konrad.
Also, at first I was quite skeptical about them being seperated for so long (when I first started reading this book, I didn't even realize how long they would be seperated for!), but again, the author surprised me and I have to say, the whole thing was really believable and I enjoyed it a lot!
Grown-up Preston was an absolute asshole, but after reading the flash-back to his youth, I have to admit that he had his reasons. I really liked young Preston ("Flea"), and I loved his relationship with Konrad.
Also, at first I was quite skeptical about them being seperated for so long (when I first started reading this book, I didn't even realize how long they would be seperated for!), but again, the author surprised me and I have to say, the whole thing was really believable and I enjoyed it a lot!
November 21, 2013
4.5 Stars
May 2, 2021
GREAT love story and I enjoyed learning about polo.
October 1, 2016
Preston worships the ground Konrad walks on, he follows him around learning from him all about Polo. Preston follows him around for three years learning everything he can, before he is shipped off to England to boarding school. Konrad has no problem befriending this kid and showing him all he needs to know about Polo.
While I enjoyed this book, it starts off with an accident and you don't really understand what is going, it then jumps back in time anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The story line tends to jump around all over the place, so you see Preston and Konrad grow up, grow apart and then reconnect.
While it was hard to follow at times, the language used to tell this story of young love, lost love and reunited love was excellent. It was woven together, and their lives were intertwined, you just had to keep reading to find out what happen.
While I enjoyed this book, it starts off with an accident and you don't really understand what is going, it then jumps back in time anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The story line tends to jump around all over the place, so you see Preston and Konrad grow up, grow apart and then reconnect.
While it was hard to follow at times, the language used to tell this story of young love, lost love and reunited love was excellent. It was woven together, and their lives were intertwined, you just had to keep reading to find out what happen.
could-not-finish
March 6, 2017BDSM and historical ('70s is historical, right?) MM: neither are my preferred reading matters.
January 8, 2016
Not sure what my thoughts are really after listening to this one.
I feel like it is a story that I should have lapped up but I didn't. Not sure if that is because it was an audiobook and I'm more of a visual person or that because I don't have time to actually sit and listen it didn't really sink in (I listened mostly in the car but even so, you still have to pay attention to the road!)
Whilst I admired the narrator coping with all the voices, I find when reading that all voices (male, female, young, old) have the same voice but here obviously not and whilst I'm sure any attempt of mine to do a Texas accent would be bad, I thought the english accents he attempted were just so off. It didn't help that I also thought the story portrayed the english characters as numptees.
I preferred the 2011 storyline more than the earlier more because Pres didn't seem such as self important little so and so by then. Didn't warm to his earlier character at all, he didn't want to listen to Konrad's pov at all. But then Konrad dcome across to me as not that into Pres - always looking for a way out.
The issue of early sex that bothers some didn't bother me, fitted in with raging hormones and the story.
There is obviously a whole chunk of their actual stories that go past very quickly and I wasn't certain about Konrad's disappearance - yes it happened but just couldn't assimilate it. Seeing it from his pov may have helped.
After taking long times over Pres's accident and then their early years together, the ending seemed quite quick.
Going to go for 3* but for me probably a 2.5/2.75*
I feel like it is a story that I should have lapped up but I didn't. Not sure if that is because it was an audiobook and I'm more of a visual person or that because I don't have time to actually sit and listen it didn't really sink in (I listened mostly in the car but even so, you still have to pay attention to the road!)
Whilst I admired the narrator coping with all the voices, I find when reading that all voices (male, female, young, old) have the same voice but here obviously not and whilst I'm sure any attempt of mine to do a Texas accent would be bad, I thought the english accents he attempted were just so off. It didn't help that I also thought the story portrayed the english characters as numptees.
I preferred the 2011 storyline more than the earlier more because Pres didn't seem such as self important little so and so by then. Didn't warm to his earlier character at all, he didn't want to listen to Konrad's pov at all. But then Konrad dcome across to me as not that into Pres - always looking for a way out.
The issue of early sex that bothers some didn't bother me, fitted in with raging hormones and the story.
There is obviously a whole chunk of their actual stories that go past very quickly and I wasn't certain about Konrad's disappearance - yes it happened but just couldn't assimilate it. Seeing it from his pov may have helped.
After taking long times over Pres's accident and then their early years together, the ending seemed quite quick.
Going to go for 3* but for me probably a 2.5/2.75*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2015
Started off promising then went off the rails. I mostly liked the characters, and I didn't mind the underage sex (because Konrad wasn't that much older than Preston -- 16 and 21, I'd be a grossed out if Konrad was older than that though), but I found the dialogue weird and stilted. I don't know anyone who speaks like these guys and I've lived in the UK. e.g.
"Everything copacetic back home" errrrrr... Say what now? I just thought that was a really odd way to ask if everything was okay back home. There were other instances where the characters spoke way too formally, and Preston always spoke way too maturely for his age.
The majority of this book occurs as a flashback. After Preston gets injured (2011), you get thrown back to the late 70s and early 80s. There's mention of AIDS (though unnamed) and I was almost afraid someone was going to die from it. Turned out only slightly less worse than that... The reveal felt very daytime soap opera-ish. Or what I imagine those shows are like since I don't watch them. Just very dramatic, improbable, and something I saw coming from a mile away but still hated all the same.
"Everything copacetic back home" errrrrr... Say what now? I just thought that was a really odd way to ask if everything was okay back home. There were other instances where the characters spoke way too formally, and Preston always spoke way too maturely for his age.
The majority of this book occurs as a flashback. After Preston gets injured (2011), you get thrown back to the late 70s and early 80s. There's mention of AIDS (though unnamed) and I was almost afraid someone was going to die from it. Turned out only slightly less worse than that... The reveal felt very daytime soap opera-ish. Or what I imagine those shows are like since I don't watch them. Just very dramatic, improbable, and something I saw coming from a mile away but still hated all the same.
April 13, 2013
I'm lost for words. Honestly what can I say about this book? Nothing will come close to describing what I feel at the moment.
Mickie B. Ashling is, in my opinion, a master of words. She manages to pull me into her stories, into lives and worlds outside of my experience, and make me feel at home. Feel as if I belong there, as if I know the characters and the surroundings they live in.
Her characters come to life without fail. They all have their parts to play and are all important to the whole. They are not perfect, no, they are flawed as they would be in real life. This is one of the things I love about these characters; they feel as if I could ask them to meet me for coffee (or I suppose tea in this case).
The story settings are again vividly described. And the sex scenes... wow! Hot, hot, hot!
I wasn't ready for it to finish where it did. Lucky for me (and in reality for the author, as I probably would have hounded her to write more lol) the next one is out all ready. Now I just have to find time to read it.
Mickie B. Ashling is, in my opinion, a master of words. She manages to pull me into her stories, into lives and worlds outside of my experience, and make me feel at home. Feel as if I belong there, as if I know the characters and the surroundings they live in.
Her characters come to life without fail. They all have their parts to play and are all important to the whole. They are not perfect, no, they are flawed as they would be in real life. This is one of the things I love about these characters; they feel as if I could ask them to meet me for coffee (or I suppose tea in this case).
The story settings are again vividly described. And the sex scenes... wow! Hot, hot, hot!
I wasn't ready for it to finish where it did. Lucky for me (and in reality for the author, as I probably would have hounded her to write more lol) the next one is out all ready. Now I just have to find time to read it.
July 12, 2015
I was enthralled in this 30 yr love affair. It was difficult for me to believe that Preston was gay and not bisexual. Although they were one night stands or hook ups that lasted off and on for less than six months they were still with women and men. So I do believe his mutual feelings for Konrad and thinking he was gay was a lil coerced because of his bond & being naïve. He was struggling with his undeveloped sexuality, and his pedestal he put Konrad on. The love was more glorified than sexual. He has an attraction to both sexes. In the end with years of clarity, solitude, and indulgence it worked out where his heart lies and belongs. I swore Rayne was gonna be his forever after, but eh shit happens and your 1st love returns from the dead lol!! This was a great first installment in the series, and I see there is a second "Ride Off". Although this story ended well I'm not interested in the dynamics of the kids relationship with everybody finds out Konrad is gay and alive, and in love with his nephews dad smdh. But great read though!
September 10, 2016
Fire Horse is told in first person narrative from the POV of Preston "Flea" Fawkes. It starts off in "current day" when Fawkes is 45-years-old, but then most of the book is spent telling the story of his childhood and teenage years and his relationship with Konrad "Kon" Schnell.
I enjoyed Fawkes as a narrator, especially during his teenage years and also the various settings in the book - Texas, England, Spain. I also liked learning about Polo, although I wish there had been more actual games in the story - we never get to read about Fawkes playing. The relationship between Flea and Kon is moving and the sex scenes are quite hot. Though, a word of warning, if you are bothered by an age difference of 21 and 16, this is not the book for you. (The 16-year-old is definitely the instigator here.)
The ending was a tad rushed, but I loved the romantic twist and was also glad how Ned's story turned out.
I enjoyed Fawkes as a narrator, especially during his teenage years and also the various settings in the book - Texas, England, Spain. I also liked learning about Polo, although I wish there had been more actual games in the story - we never get to read about Fawkes playing. The relationship between Flea and Kon is moving and the sex scenes are quite hot. Though, a word of warning, if you are bothered by an age difference of 21 and 16, this is not the book for you. (The 16-year-old is definitely the instigator here.)
The ending was a tad rushed, but I loved the romantic twist and was also glad how Ned's story turned out.
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