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Aspen Valley #2
Giving Chase
The highly anticipated follow-up to amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller, Keeping the Peace.
There has only ever been one man in Frankie’s life: her father, Doug Cooper. That is, until she takes the job of amateur jockey at Aspen Valley Racing Stables. Here, in the rolling countryside of southwest England, she crosses paths with star rider, Rhys Bradford. Her crush on him would be made so much simpler if they didn’t both have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National favourite, Peace Offering.
In the turbulent run-up to National Hunt’s biggest event, questions are raised. What exactly does Doug have against the Bradfords? Is Rhys playing games with her heart? Will Ta’ Qali show his true potential in time to warrant his place at Aspen Valley? Why do there have to be so many blasted calories in strawberry cheesecake? And lastly, who exactly is Francesca Cooper?
Frankie’s curiosity unearths some long-buried secrets which their keepers would rather remain buried, and on a journey of self-discovery that takes in Britain’s fiercest steeplechase courses, love will prove her costliest stumbling point.
There has only ever been one man in Frankie’s life: her father, Doug Cooper. That is, until she takes the job of amateur jockey at Aspen Valley Racing Stables. Here, in the rolling countryside of southwest England, she crosses paths with star rider, Rhys Bradford. Her crush on him would be made so much simpler if they didn’t both have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National favourite, Peace Offering.
In the turbulent run-up to National Hunt’s biggest event, questions are raised. What exactly does Doug have against the Bradfords? Is Rhys playing games with her heart? Will Ta’ Qali show his true potential in time to warrant his place at Aspen Valley? Why do there have to be so many blasted calories in strawberry cheesecake? And lastly, who exactly is Francesca Cooper?
Frankie’s curiosity unearths some long-buried secrets which their keepers would rather remain buried, and on a journey of self-discovery that takes in Britain’s fiercest steeplechase courses, love will prove her costliest stumbling point.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2013
98 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Hooton
23 books23 followersHannah Hooton burst onto the contemporary romance scene with the release of her debut novel, At Long Odds, in January 2012. This was followed by the multi-award winning, bestselling Aspen Valley series, so far consisting of the first three instalments, Keeping the Peace, Giving Chase, and Share and Share Alike.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 15, 2014
Mi-a placut mult mai mult primul volum al acestei serii.
Daca in Keeping the Peace urmaream cursele de cai prin ochii unui spectator,acum acestea ne sunt prezentate din perspectiva uni jocheu.
Francesca Cooper si Rhys Bradford sunt rivali.
Faptul ca amandoi se lupta sa-l calareasca pe Peace Offering in campionatul National Hunt,i-a dus la aceasta rivalitate.
Rhys o seduce pe Frankie cu gandul de a recupera dreptul asupra lui Pece Offering,dar pana la urma se indragosteste de rivala lui.
Ceva a lipsit in tot acest context.
Primul capitol mi-a placut la nebunie. Chiar am ras atunci cand protagonistii au dus-o pe Emma la spital pentru a naste,si m-am gandit ca aceasta carte o poate depasii pe prima,dar m-am inselat.
Actiunea se desfasoara destul de greoi,povestea lor de dragoste este o farsa,iar Rhys este un increzut.
Autoarea nu a profitat la maxim de intrigile pe care le-a creat,iar acest lucru a tras carte in jos.
Acord doar 3.5 stele acestei carti.
Daca in Keeping the Peace urmaream cursele de cai prin ochii unui spectator,acum acestea ne sunt prezentate din perspectiva uni jocheu.
Francesca Cooper si Rhys Bradford sunt rivali.
Faptul ca amandoi se lupta sa-l calareasca pe Peace Offering in campionatul National Hunt,i-a dus la aceasta rivalitate.
Rhys o seduce pe Frankie cu gandul de a recupera dreptul asupra lui Pece Offering,dar pana la urma se indragosteste de rivala lui.
Ceva a lipsit in tot acest context.
Primul capitol mi-a placut la nebunie. Chiar am ras atunci cand protagonistii au dus-o pe Emma la spital pentru a naste,si m-am gandit ca aceasta carte o poate depasii pe prima,dar m-am inselat.
Actiunea se desfasoara destul de greoi,povestea lor de dragoste este o farsa,iar Rhys este un increzut.
Autoarea nu a profitat la maxim de intrigile pe care le-a creat,iar acest lucru a tras carte in jos.
Acord doar 3.5 stele acestei carti.
February 23, 2016
This is a great second book. It brings out some of the characters from Book 1 of the Aspen Valley series and builds on their stories. In Giving Chase you meet Frankie, a female jockey, and in the world of horse racing the females have it hard. She ends up being a racer at Aspen Valley and soon she finds herself on a path to be more than just a female. She fights her way through the races and her job to earn the respect of her male counterparts, while at the same time falling for one, the famous Rhys Bradford. The romance is definitely not there at the beginning, but soon they figure it out.
This book was awesome! It was so funny at times. I laughed out loud countless times at some of the antics. There was humor, romance, and even more love for animals. The ending was absolutely amazing and I am absolutely loving this series so far!....Stormi
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This book was awesome! It was so funny at times. I laughed out loud countless times at some of the antics. There was humor, romance, and even more love for animals. The ending was absolutely amazing and I am absolutely loving this series so far!....Stormi
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February 13, 2014
I WAS WORRIED I WOULDN'T LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT HORSE RACING. BOY, WAS I WRONG, BEFORE HALF WAY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. THIS WOULD MAKE A VERY EXCITING MOVIE, A REAL NAIL BITTER. SUCH A HEART WARMING BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE, GREAT CHARACTERS AND A GOOD STORY LINE. READING ABOUT THE RACES HAD ME ON THE EDGE OF MY RECLINER CHAIR, SO WELL WRITTEN. I LOVE IT WHEN A WRITER CAN MAKE ME SEE THE VISUAL PICTURE BY USING AND PUTTING TOGETHER THE RIGHT WORDS. ;>
February 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! It's nice to read a romance that's set in England - I was beginning to worry about our love lives!! The characters were all relatable and the story line more than believable - and it has a good bit of drama! Just goes to prove you don't need steamy sex scenes for a book to work worth a read!
February 3, 2014
Excellent book with romance,mystery and horse racing,what could go wrong! Very believable characters who you go along with on jump rides and start of love. Great writing of the jump races and you see things behind the scenes that can make such a difference in how well a horse performs. Recommend to all horse lovers who also want a little substance in the read
December 20, 2013
The second book in the Aspen Valley Series. . . I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story follows Frankie Cooper - new amateur jockey for Aspen Valley as she tackles the challenges of living up to (what she thinks) are her father's ambitions for her and to the memory of her brother.
March 5, 2014
Its a love story but I really enjoyed it. Hannah kept me very interested through the entire book. I don't read many love stories but I found it hard to put down at times. You can even spell Hannah's name backwards and its the same name.
August 31, 2014
Fantastic read. Fun, cute, witty, drama, and horses!! Better than #1! These books are the first I have read with horse racing and I loved them. I'm addicted to Hannah Hooton! I love her writing style. Thank you for the amazing stories!
September 16, 2013
Loved this story, love this series! I have found a new author to follow!!
Read
November 30, 2013nice story
March 7, 2014
Fulfilling
slow in parts, with tear jerking end.three evenings well spent.nothing disappoints.be in private place for engrossing ending privacy required for great end for books hero
slow in parts, with tear jerking end.three evenings well spent.nothing disappoints.be in private place for engrossing ending privacy required for great end for books hero
November 1, 2014
The great characters continue to populate this series - and I fell in love with the new ones introduced in this second book. Hoses and racing and romance - doesn't get much better than this!
June 19, 2017
I absolutely loved Frankie's story.. There was only one thing that truly bothered me in the entire plot
October 10, 2024
13th Hour
Well done to Hannah Hooton for a compelling story of love loss and an obsession with a pendant a dramatic chase across Nazi occupied France and the lives changed in the future I couldn't put this book down
Well done to Hannah Hooton for a compelling story of love loss and an obsession with a pendant a dramatic chase across Nazi occupied France and the lives changed in the future I couldn't put this book down
February 13, 2017
There was alot of back and forth. Story lines were good. Kept me on my toes. a little romance and lots of drama.
June 2, 2016
I am so sorry that it took me a while to finish reading Giving Chase by Hannah Hooton and for doing this review. I am going to be giving this book five butterflies because it was so worth it. The beginning was a bit slow and I also had to get used to the fact that we are now getting to see with what the race part is like for a jockey.
Francesca (aka Frankie as she likes to be called) Cooper gets hired to work at Aspen Valley Racing Stables which is the same place her late brother used to work at before his death. The day before she went to work for Aspen Valley Racing Stables she had a race against Rhys Bradford and it went good overall. Rhys didn’t mind about her beating him in that one until he learned that she was going to work for the same stable as him. Let’s just say that there was pretty intense glare between the two of them.
Rhys and Frankie were doing okay. If they walked into each others way they would exchange a friendly work related greeting before going their separate ways. We still see Billy, Emmie, Pippa, and Tasha but not as regularly as we did in the first book since Billy and Emmie had their kid whereas Pippa and Tasha still had their jobs back in London or wherever Pippa is currently working at. Before Peace Offering had his first race as Grand National favorite Pippa and Frankie talked. Where Pippa liked Frankie’s reason for winning the Grand National. Rhys and Jack on the other hand didn’t agree, especially Rhys.
After that Rhys didn’t like Frankie very much as he would try to avoid Pippa as much as possible even if it was race day for the both of them. This went on for quite a while before the Christmas party where they got drunk and did some things. After that they’re pretty much a couple until she found out the reason for which he decided to do what he did at the Christmas party. She was quite upset and broke up with him. She was heartbroken after that but it lasted until the Grand National race where they patched things up. Especially in front of her father who didn’t exactly like Rhys and Rhys’s father was there who also didn’t like Frankie’s dad.
Giving Chase by Hannah Hooton is incredibly well-written and I loved every single bit of it. Ms. Hooton makes it where you fall in love with Frankie. You can see yourself as her going through these ups and downs as a jockey, while also falling in love with Rhys. You also see this different side to Rhys which makes you hate him for what he did to Frankie but then Ms. Hooton makes you fall again for him after his conversation with Frankie at the ending of the book.
Overall I would recommend reading Giving Chase by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read other reviews like this one please visit my blog: baronessbooktrove.com
Francesca (aka Frankie as she likes to be called) Cooper gets hired to work at Aspen Valley Racing Stables which is the same place her late brother used to work at before his death. The day before she went to work for Aspen Valley Racing Stables she had a race against Rhys Bradford and it went good overall. Rhys didn’t mind about her beating him in that one until he learned that she was going to work for the same stable as him. Let’s just say that there was pretty intense glare between the two of them.
Rhys and Frankie were doing okay. If they walked into each others way they would exchange a friendly work related greeting before going their separate ways. We still see Billy, Emmie, Pippa, and Tasha but not as regularly as we did in the first book since Billy and Emmie had their kid whereas Pippa and Tasha still had their jobs back in London or wherever Pippa is currently working at. Before Peace Offering had his first race as Grand National favorite Pippa and Frankie talked. Where Pippa liked Frankie’s reason for winning the Grand National. Rhys and Jack on the other hand didn’t agree, especially Rhys.
After that Rhys didn’t like Frankie very much as he would try to avoid Pippa as much as possible even if it was race day for the both of them. This went on for quite a while before the Christmas party where they got drunk and did some things. After that they’re pretty much a couple until she found out the reason for which he decided to do what he did at the Christmas party. She was quite upset and broke up with him. She was heartbroken after that but it lasted until the Grand National race where they patched things up. Especially in front of her father who didn’t exactly like Rhys and Rhys’s father was there who also didn’t like Frankie’s dad.
Giving Chase by Hannah Hooton is incredibly well-written and I loved every single bit of it. Ms. Hooton makes it where you fall in love with Frankie. You can see yourself as her going through these ups and downs as a jockey, while also falling in love with Rhys. You also see this different side to Rhys which makes you hate him for what he did to Frankie but then Ms. Hooton makes you fall again for him after his conversation with Frankie at the ending of the book.
Overall I would recommend reading Giving Chase by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read other reviews like this one please visit my blog: baronessbooktrove.com
January 28, 2016
Audiobook
Narration - Elan O'Connor - simply fabulous. Her males are believable, and she really has a variety of character voices. Read with a British accent, so, you pretty much had me at "Chapter One..."
I loved her little kids and really enjoyed the personalities she portrayed for Frankie and Rhys. Especially Frankie... there was actually a lot of subtle humor and adorable inflections to Frankie's character that made me really fall in love with her. Such a nice job, she's popped into my favorite narrators list.
The story, I loved. This is such a different story than anything I've ever read before. There are a lot of details about the races and as I was listening, I could really envision what was happening even though I really don't know much about this type of horse racing/jumping. I felt anxiety, and really got nervous at times worrying about what was going to happen. (needless to say, it really had me drawn in)
The love story between Frankie and Rhys started with typical animosity, but this baby had a REALLY good reason for all the animosity, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that the plot took with secondary characters.
My initial concerns were that this is book 2 and it was up next, but I hadn't read book 1. I seriously considered holding off on this and reading the first one, but honestly I was fine. I know that Pippa and Jacks's story were told in book one so I now have some giant spoilers for that book, but I will totally go back and read it. The first book is also not available in audio at this time, but again, not a problem for me. Loved it, wasn't lost for a minute.
My other concern was the fact that I'm a 5'11" woman, so I was a little curious as to how I was going to be attracted to, or become invested in the male characters when I kept envisioning 5'2" Victor Espinoza (the funny little jockey that was on Dancing With the Stars). That just wasn't working for me (in my head)!!! Turns out Ryhs is 5'10 when he stands on his left leg and 5'11" on the right (or visa-versa lol) so it still worked for me.
I felt like it went pretty quickly once they got over the animosity and it was a little insta-lovey, but I really enjoyed their interactions and the end??? *sighs, then melts into a big ole puddle* Just sweet and romantic and I ate up every minute of it!
Loved it! Great, really smart writing, exceptional narration, totally worth a credit!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.
Narration - Elan O'Connor - simply fabulous. Her males are believable, and she really has a variety of character voices. Read with a British accent, so, you pretty much had me at "Chapter One..."
I loved her little kids and really enjoyed the personalities she portrayed for Frankie and Rhys. Especially Frankie... there was actually a lot of subtle humor and adorable inflections to Frankie's character that made me really fall in love with her. Such a nice job, she's popped into my favorite narrators list.
The story, I loved. This is such a different story than anything I've ever read before. There are a lot of details about the races and as I was listening, I could really envision what was happening even though I really don't know much about this type of horse racing/jumping. I felt anxiety, and really got nervous at times worrying about what was going to happen. (needless to say, it really had me drawn in)
The love story between Frankie and Rhys started with typical animosity, but this baby had a REALLY good reason for all the animosity, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that the plot took with secondary characters.
My initial concerns were that this is book 2 and it was up next, but I hadn't read book 1. I seriously considered holding off on this and reading the first one, but honestly I was fine. I know that Pippa and Jacks's story were told in book one so I now have some giant spoilers for that book, but I will totally go back and read it. The first book is also not available in audio at this time, but again, not a problem for me. Loved it, wasn't lost for a minute.
My other concern was the fact that I'm a 5'11" woman, so I was a little curious as to how I was going to be attracted to, or become invested in the male characters when I kept envisioning 5'2" Victor Espinoza (the funny little jockey that was on Dancing With the Stars). That just wasn't working for me (in my head)!!! Turns out Ryhs is 5'10 when he stands on his left leg and 5'11" on the right (or visa-versa lol) so it still worked for me.
I felt like it went pretty quickly once they got over the animosity and it was a little insta-lovey, but I really enjoyed their interactions and the end??? *sighs, then melts into a big ole puddle* Just sweet and romantic and I ate up every minute of it!
Loved it! Great, really smart writing, exceptional narration, totally worth a credit!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 23, 2016
Giving Chase is about Frankie Cooper and Rhys Bradford wanting to win the Grand National Steeple Race. Each of them has their own reason until Frankie, an amateur jockey, became the jockey for the Grand National favorite horse, Peace Offering instead of Rhys, star jockey.
Frankie was newly hired as an amateur jockey to Aspen Valley. When Frankie was handed to ride Peace Offering at the National, Rhys wanted nothing to do with Frankie. Being the favorite star jockey, Rhys is humiliated publicly when the newspaper caught the story unofficially.
Frankie has a secret crush on Rhys for such a long time. So when her friends dared Frankie to dance with Rhys, their relationship shifted. As Frankie began to know Rhys, she is discovering the dark secrets her family has been hiding from her. Frankie has never knew why her father hated Rhys' father so much.
Rhys also hated his father and also need to prove that he is not like his father. Every time that Frankie asked, Rhys withdrew from her.
As the National grew closer, Frankie also have to face major decision of what she wants: to win the National because she wanted to or to prove something to her father.
Giving Chase has everything: romance, family feud, secrets that are refusing to stay buried, discovering what ones want in life, and a lesson about the Steeple Racing. Readers/Listeners are going to enjoy this romance story. This story has a lot going on but it is well told. However, as a fair warning to readers/listeners who don't do peppy very well, Pepper is the only preppy character. She is way too cheerful as a character.
The narrator, Elan O'Connor is a wonderful voice to listen to. I love the voices for Frankie and Rhys. I love that British accent in this story which is perfect since the Grand National Steeple Race is held in England annually just like the Triple Crown Stakes is held in the U.S.
I was given this audiobook by author/narrator/publisher via Audiobook Blast in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
Frankie was newly hired as an amateur jockey to Aspen Valley. When Frankie was handed to ride Peace Offering at the National, Rhys wanted nothing to do with Frankie. Being the favorite star jockey, Rhys is humiliated publicly when the newspaper caught the story unofficially.
Frankie has a secret crush on Rhys for such a long time. So when her friends dared Frankie to dance with Rhys, their relationship shifted. As Frankie began to know Rhys, she is discovering the dark secrets her family has been hiding from her. Frankie has never knew why her father hated Rhys' father so much.
Rhys also hated his father and also need to prove that he is not like his father. Every time that Frankie asked, Rhys withdrew from her.
As the National grew closer, Frankie also have to face major decision of what she wants: to win the National because she wanted to or to prove something to her father.
Giving Chase has everything: romance, family feud, secrets that are refusing to stay buried, discovering what ones want in life, and a lesson about the Steeple Racing. Readers/Listeners are going to enjoy this romance story. This story has a lot going on but it is well told. However, as a fair warning to readers/listeners who don't do peppy very well, Pepper is the only preppy character. She is way too cheerful as a character.
The narrator, Elan O'Connor is a wonderful voice to listen to. I love the voices for Frankie and Rhys. I love that British accent in this story which is perfect since the Grand National Steeple Race is held in England annually just like the Triple Crown Stakes is held in the U.S.
I was given this audiobook by author/narrator/publisher via Audiobook Blast in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
September 16, 2015
This was a really interesting story. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this read. I was really on the fence. But, I ended up pleasantly surprised. It was a bit long and tended to meander at times, YET I didn't mind.
The relationship between Rys and Frankie developed slowly. But, it wasn't too slow. The whole story kind of flowed organically. I thought Doug was a bit gruff and at times a jerk. There were definitely a lot of jerky moments for several characters. Ms. Hooton did a good job of making everyone human, and show their good and bad sides. Frankie at times was naive and made questionable decisions, but that wasn't a detraction. It was something that anyone can see in the people around them that make them human. There are a lot of things I could say about which characters irritated me, made me mad, etc. HOWEVER, these are not things that would be negatives about the book. It speaks to Ms. Hooton's ability to draw you in and make you care enough to go through a few emotions about the characters as you follow them through the journey to the end of the story. And, there were a lot of funny and sweet moments of the book that I loved.
This was a racing story and I thought that the romance and other human dynamics that developed around the racing element of the story is what made it work so well. It didn't just feel like a typical romance, but like following the story of the lives of the characters for this specific period of time.
Overall a wonderful listen. I thought the narrator, Elan O'Connor was really great. She has this wonderful quirkiness. And, some of the voices she did would probably not have gone as well without her charming accent. But, somehow, the accent and Elan's performance gave them so much character and life. I loved her Rys and Frankie voice. Overall just a great job.
This audiobook was provided for an honest review
The relationship between Rys and Frankie developed slowly. But, it wasn't too slow. The whole story kind of flowed organically. I thought Doug was a bit gruff and at times a jerk. There were definitely a lot of jerky moments for several characters. Ms. Hooton did a good job of making everyone human, and show their good and bad sides. Frankie at times was naive and made questionable decisions, but that wasn't a detraction. It was something that anyone can see in the people around them that make them human. There are a lot of things I could say about which characters irritated me, made me mad, etc. HOWEVER, these are not things that would be negatives about the book. It speaks to Ms. Hooton's ability to draw you in and make you care enough to go through a few emotions about the characters as you follow them through the journey to the end of the story. And, there were a lot of funny and sweet moments of the book that I loved.
This was a racing story and I thought that the romance and other human dynamics that developed around the racing element of the story is what made it work so well. It didn't just feel like a typical romance, but like following the story of the lives of the characters for this specific period of time.
Overall a wonderful listen. I thought the narrator, Elan O'Connor was really great. She has this wonderful quirkiness. And, some of the voices she did would probably not have gone as well without her charming accent. But, somehow, the accent and Elan's performance gave them so much character and life. I loved her Rys and Frankie voice. Overall just a great job.
This audiobook was provided for an honest review
October 24, 2014
Synopsis: "There has only ever been one man in Frankie’s life: her father, Doug Cooper. That is, until she takes the job of amateur jockey at Aspen Valley Racing Stables. Here, in the rolling countryside of southwest England, she crosses paths with star rider, Rhys Bradford. Her crush on him would be made so much simpler if they didn’t both have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National favourite, Peace Offering.
In the turbulent run-up to National Hunt’s biggest event, questions are raised. What exactly does Doug have against the Bradfords? Is Rhys playing games with her heart? Will Ta’ Qali show his true potential in time to warrant his place at Aspen Valley? Why do there have to be so many blasted calories in strawberry cheesecake? And lastly, who exactly is Francesca Cooper?
Frankie’s curiosity unearths some long-buried secrets which their keepers would rather remain buried, and on a journey of self-discovery that takes in Britain’s fiercest steeplechase courses, love will prove her costliest stumbling point."
My Review: I had a hard time while reading this book, it involves horses so I should already like it but the unfamiliar setting pushed it out of my comfort level. I also didn't really connect with the characters, I found Frankie to be an immature drama queen who is terrified of her job so does it horribly, and Rhys is just that mysterious, dark guy who is now required in every book since Twilight. The only redeeming characters for me were Tom and Ta'Qali. The storyline was also very all over the place and it felt like there were a lot of random tangents that had no supporting qualities. All in all a disappointment for me.
In the turbulent run-up to National Hunt’s biggest event, questions are raised. What exactly does Doug have against the Bradfords? Is Rhys playing games with her heart? Will Ta’ Qali show his true potential in time to warrant his place at Aspen Valley? Why do there have to be so many blasted calories in strawberry cheesecake? And lastly, who exactly is Francesca Cooper?
Frankie’s curiosity unearths some long-buried secrets which their keepers would rather remain buried, and on a journey of self-discovery that takes in Britain’s fiercest steeplechase courses, love will prove her costliest stumbling point."
My Review: I had a hard time while reading this book, it involves horses so I should already like it but the unfamiliar setting pushed it out of my comfort level. I also didn't really connect with the characters, I found Frankie to be an immature drama queen who is terrified of her job so does it horribly, and Rhys is just that mysterious, dark guy who is now required in every book since Twilight. The only redeeming characters for me were Tom and Ta'Qali. The storyline was also very all over the place and it felt like there were a lot of random tangents that had no supporting qualities. All in all a disappointment for me.
September 18, 2015
What a wondeful listen. First off, I was a little concerned that this is the second in the series and I would not have enough background to follow along, but this read fine as a stand alone novel. I love race horse books, and this one drew me into the lives of the people involved. Frankie, a female jockey trying to fit in a man's world brought us into her family, her love life and her Girl Guides. Love that there was more to her than just riding a horse and falling in love with Rhys. It gave her depth and made her character very believable. Definitely wanted to smack her father a couple of times for his attitude, but ithis secondary story added a whole new dimension to the book. Rhys proved to be a worthy hero . There were times I questioned his motives, but always wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. The back story of Tom and Frankie, Pippa and Jack , and June all brought additional facets making you feel like you were part of the story and kept me listening.had to keep routing for the horses too! So much to take in and I just had to keep my earbuds on to finish!
Élan O'Connor portrayed the characters in this book beautifully. She brought the story to life. A narrator can make or break a book and she is one I will search out to listen to.
--I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Élan O'Connor portrayed the characters in this book beautifully. She brought the story to life. A narrator can make or break a book and she is one I will search out to listen to.
--I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 31, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
This is the second in the series and the second I have read from the author. I can say that I enjoyed this novel more than the first, and I think it is because the dynamic between the lead couple is different. Besides friend-to-lovers stories, my next favorite trope is enemies/rivals-to-lovers. I appreciated that there was no insta-love between the hero and heroine and that their love took time to develop and grow.
The female lead was not my favorite. I found her personality immature and grating at times. I can forgive her for being immature but that didn’t make her irritating when she had her moments. However, I appreciated her strength to “try and make it in a man’s world.” Despite her character flaws, it took strength to do what she did and deal with the people she had to. And I enjoyed her growth and interaction with male lead.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The story was not overrun with equine jargon and the author focused more on the characters and their drama rather than horseracing.
❧ Arec
Rainy Thursdays
This is the second in the series and the second I have read from the author. I can say that I enjoyed this novel more than the first, and I think it is because the dynamic between the lead couple is different. Besides friend-to-lovers stories, my next favorite trope is enemies/rivals-to-lovers. I appreciated that there was no insta-love between the hero and heroine and that their love took time to develop and grow.
The female lead was not my favorite. I found her personality immature and grating at times. I can forgive her for being immature but that didn’t make her irritating when she had her moments. However, I appreciated her strength to “try and make it in a man’s world.” Despite her character flaws, it took strength to do what she did and deal with the people she had to. And I enjoyed her growth and interaction with male lead.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The story was not overrun with equine jargon and the author focused more on the characters and their drama rather than horseracing.
❧ Arec
Rainy Thursdays
October 17, 2015
Race to Win
Rhys was a young, handsome, star rider, who rode for the prestigious horse racing stables, Aspen Valley. Frankie was just hired by Aspen as an Amateur jockey and had dreams of making her Dad proud by winning the Grand National some day.
When both of these riders have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National, sparks fly.
Suspense, friendships, and romance keeps you turning every page. Excellent book.
Rhys was a young, handsome, star rider, who rode for the prestigious horse racing stables, Aspen Valley. Frankie was just hired by Aspen as an Amateur jockey and had dreams of making her Dad proud by winning the Grand National some day.
When both of these riders have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National, sparks fly.
Suspense, friendships, and romance keeps you turning every page. Excellent book.
February 13, 2014
A sweet story set in the competitive horsejumping/racing world of jockeys. Definitely not for adult readers but I would probably have given it a 10 if I was still a 16 year old girl.
Reads easy, balanced, just the right amount of life lessons and there is a heroine and a hero...and they get together despute the "storm and drung"
Recommended to young girls especially if they like horses
Reads easy, balanced, just the right amount of life lessons and there is a heroine and a hero...and they get together despute the "storm and drung"
Recommended to young girls especially if they like horses
March 1, 2016
Billed as a new Dick Francis !
When will I learn to read the reviews first........ It was rubbish.
Stupid little girl (aged 28 but going on 14) who moons over a boy. His looks, his smile, blah blah.
She behaves in a ridiculously childish way; and the whole thing is an awful girly love story.
Yuck !
When will I learn to read the reviews first........ It was rubbish.
Stupid little girl (aged 28 but going on 14) who moons over a boy. His looks, his smile, blah blah.
She behaves in a ridiculously childish way; and the whole thing is an awful girly love story.
Yuck !
August 26, 2016
I have no experience of horse whatsoever. This book is about horses and jump jockeys.
I loved it. The author is able to convey what it is to love , train and raise-ride horses.
Very nice set of characters.
I loved it. The author is able to convey what it is to love , train and raise-ride horses.
Very nice set of characters.
March 4, 2014
If you are knowledgeable about steeplechase, some parts of this might hold your attention more than mine.
Want to read
October 28, 2014Free 10-28-14
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/givin...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/givin...
November 17, 2014
I love it. Being a horse horse trainer i live reading books that get their facts straight
March 12, 2015
Great read
Was good from the first chapter to the very ending!! A good book is hard to put down !! Looking forward to the next!!
Was good from the first chapter to the very ending!! A good book is hard to put down !! Looking forward to the next!!
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