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Castlelough #3
Legends Lake
In the do-or-die world of horse racing, Alec MacKenna stands out as a man who genuinely cares—not just about winning, but for the horses he trains. And he knows that the rangy Irish thoroughbred Legends Lake needs some special handling. The young stallion could be a Triple Crown contender, but he’s more intent on outrunning his demons than his competition. There’s only one hope for curing him: taking him back to Ireland and the unique woman who bred him.
Kate O’Sullivan’s ability to soothe a frightened horse is almost magical, but the Irishwoman is also as stubborn as the day is long when it comes to all she holds dear. Since Alec has a temper himself, their new partnership promises to be fiery. But as their shared concern for the troubled horse brings them together, they find that sometimes a lot of heart is all you need to fall in love. . . .
Kate O’Sullivan’s ability to soothe a frightened horse is almost magical, but the Irishwoman is also as stubborn as the day is long when it comes to all she holds dear. Since Alec has a temper himself, their new partnership promises to be fiery. But as their shared concern for the troubled horse brings them together, they find that sometimes a lot of heart is all you need to fall in love. . . .
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
31 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
241 books797 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 16, 2009
This is a little book that caught my eye and I wasn't sure if I was going to be interested. But because I had read other Joann Ross novels I thought "what the heck".
Alec McKenna is an American race horse trainer that has a temper. When a horse that he is working with is forced to race in mud, being scared to death, and the horse falls and breaks it's leg, thus having to be distroyed. Alec loses his job when he punch's the owner and breaks the guy's jaw. Months go by before he is offered another job. The horse he is going to train isn't what he would have chosen, but the horse can run. There is a problem though, he also jumps the fence during the race. Not Good. To figure out what might be wrong with the horse, he takes him back to his breader in Ireland, along with his 15 yr. old step daughter.
Kate O'Sullivan is a well known Horse breader with a little twist. She happens to be a druid Witch. When Alec and his Step-daughter show up she is standing in front of a bull dozer trying to save a tree that she beleives has feiries living in it. Alec thinks she just might be nuts, but he also thinks she is very beautiful. When the bull dozer driver starts toward her in the big rig she summons the clouds to gather in the sky and lightning proceeds to come down right in front of the machine. Scaring everyone but Kate. But saving the tree in the process. Alec doesn't think for one minute that she could have made the lightning come, she just couldn't. Or could she?
Alec is continually drawn to Kate. She wears so many hats in her world. She is not only a horse breader but a Mother of two cute kids, runs the barn and takes care of her neighbors. And a Witch too. She is so good with his rebellious teen age step-daughter. He is truely amazed by her. But as time goes by Alec finds out they have some similar experiences in their lives. He being abused as a child and she being abused by her soon to be ex-husband.
While they try to work through the horses issues, they become very close and soon the attraction is too much and they find them selves in love. But what can they do? She has another three years to wait for her divorce to become final, under Irish law. But when her husband shows up and beats her again while Alec isn't at the farm, he feels he needs to handle the issue with the husband. So he visits the man in the hospital and threatens him. A few days later the police show up and want to know exactly what happened, because the husband is now dead.
What is to be done? Can they work through their issues? Combine a family? Combine Careers? You will need to read this really good book to find out.
Alec McKenna is an American race horse trainer that has a temper. When a horse that he is working with is forced to race in mud, being scared to death, and the horse falls and breaks it's leg, thus having to be distroyed. Alec loses his job when he punch's the owner and breaks the guy's jaw. Months go by before he is offered another job. The horse he is going to train isn't what he would have chosen, but the horse can run. There is a problem though, he also jumps the fence during the race. Not Good. To figure out what might be wrong with the horse, he takes him back to his breader in Ireland, along with his 15 yr. old step daughter.
Kate O'Sullivan is a well known Horse breader with a little twist. She happens to be a druid Witch. When Alec and his Step-daughter show up she is standing in front of a bull dozer trying to save a tree that she beleives has feiries living in it. Alec thinks she just might be nuts, but he also thinks she is very beautiful. When the bull dozer driver starts toward her in the big rig she summons the clouds to gather in the sky and lightning proceeds to come down right in front of the machine. Scaring everyone but Kate. But saving the tree in the process. Alec doesn't think for one minute that she could have made the lightning come, she just couldn't. Or could she?
Alec is continually drawn to Kate. She wears so many hats in her world. She is not only a horse breader but a Mother of two cute kids, runs the barn and takes care of her neighbors. And a Witch too. She is so good with his rebellious teen age step-daughter. He is truely amazed by her. But as time goes by Alec finds out they have some similar experiences in their lives. He being abused as a child and she being abused by her soon to be ex-husband.
While they try to work through the horses issues, they become very close and soon the attraction is too much and they find them selves in love. But what can they do? She has another three years to wait for her divorce to become final, under Irish law. But when her husband shows up and beats her again while Alec isn't at the farm, he feels he needs to handle the issue with the husband. So he visits the man in the hospital and threatens him. A few days later the police show up and want to know exactly what happened, because the husband is now dead.
What is to be done? Can they work through their issues? Combine a family? Combine Careers? You will need to read this really good book to find out.
January 29, 2016
The third in the Castlelough series, and equally enjoyable. Who wouldn't enjoy being pulled into a story about a fabulous thoroughbred with fears that interfere with his racing career, the woman on whose farm he was born, and the Yankee trainer who brings him to Ireland in hopes the woman can help him rehabilitate the horse? Much depends on their success, not least of which is the Alec McKenna's career as a trainer. After all, he punched out a previous owner when the man refused to listen to Alec's plea not to run the mare.
Irish legends and Celtic beliefs are replete in this story, adding fantastic images to the beauty of the story and illustrating how Kate O'Sullivan finally divests herself of the nightmares brought on by her abusive husband with whom she's now legally separated. Her two children dearly love Alec and would love for him to be their new da, but how can that happen in Ireland where divorce is so difficult to obtain?
When the crisis comes, Alec shows where his heart is, leading to a climax that is satisfying on so many levels, especially when Legends Lake wins the Kentucky Derby. I stood up and cheered!
Irish legends and Celtic beliefs are replete in this story, adding fantastic images to the beauty of the story and illustrating how Kate O'Sullivan finally divests herself of the nightmares brought on by her abusive husband with whom she's now legally separated. Her two children dearly love Alec and would love for him to be their new da, but how can that happen in Ireland where divorce is so difficult to obtain?
When the crisis comes, Alec shows where his heart is, leading to a climax that is satisfying on so many levels, especially when Legends Lake wins the Kentucky Derby. I stood up and cheered!
May 20, 2019
I know this novel has been on my "to read" pile for a long, long time and I'm not sure why I paused so long to read it. It was a surprise to me to learn that JoAnn Ross has written over 100 novels and this is the very 1st novel by the author that I have read. I didn't realize until I came to select the novel for my GoodReads "add to my shelf" that this novel is part of a series - actually Book 3 of 5. I read it as a stand-alone and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This contemporary romance has something for everyone from a behind-the-scenes look at all that is horse training / racing and particularly the beloved Triple Crown series in the United States, the allure of Ireland, the tales of Irish magic, spellbinding legends and Celtic beliefs, a Mother trying to raise 2 children as she herself is finding her way after being in an abusive relationship, a divorced stepfather that has reunited with a stepdaughter after the death of her mother, and a horse that needs healing from its own emotional scars.
It is said that there are 7 elements of successful fiction: Plot, Setting, Characters, Point of View, Theme, Symbolism, and Conflict. JoAnn Ross clearly demonstrates that she is a Master Storyteller. I look forward to reading more of her novels.
This contemporary romance has something for everyone from a behind-the-scenes look at all that is horse training / racing and particularly the beloved Triple Crown series in the United States, the allure of Ireland, the tales of Irish magic, spellbinding legends and Celtic beliefs, a Mother trying to raise 2 children as she herself is finding her way after being in an abusive relationship, a divorced stepfather that has reunited with a stepdaughter after the death of her mother, and a horse that needs healing from its own emotional scars.
It is said that there are 7 elements of successful fiction: Plot, Setting, Characters, Point of View, Theme, Symbolism, and Conflict. JoAnn Ross clearly demonstrates that she is a Master Storyteller. I look forward to reading more of her novels.
February 12, 2020
Instead of waiting to continue a series I decided to plunge right into this one when I finished reading Fair Haven. Although I was never a horse crazy teen, I did greatly enjoy Dick Francis' novels so it was fun to be back at the races, so to speak. There is something very special about Ireland (where I've yet to go) and Scotland (where I've been often and where I think I may have lived in a previous life). So books set in this part of the world already start out with a number of brownie points (or should those be fairy points?). Here yet another American (of Scottish origins this time) comes to find his place with the people in this tiny corner of the world - even if it will only be part of the year. An enjoyable read.
June 29, 2024
What's not to like about this book? It has Ireland, horses, and magic -- everything a girl could want in a book. It also has conflict and interesting characters, although the secondary characters are a bit unformed -- everything a woman could want.
This is the second time I read LEGENDS LAKE. I've been culling books for a move and set this one aside to postpone the decision to keep or donate. I got caught up and, instead v of browsing through it, I settled down to read. Obviously, it's a keeper.
This is the second time I read LEGENDS LAKE. I've been culling books for a move and set this one aside to postpone the decision to keep or donate. I got caught up and, instead v of browsing through it, I settled down to read. Obviously, it's a keeper.
August 23, 2024
I’m beyond reading romance novels of my teen and young adult years. Because I have followed thoroughbred racing since I was young, I decided to read this book. Wonderful story, edge of my seat reading. It’s not often we see a Triple Crown winner, and it was a real pleasure seeing it in print. The romance was pretty cool as well. Tears, sadness, heart break, anxiety, joy, happiness and love. It’s all in there. Very much worth reading.
June 18, 2017
3 stars
February 23, 2018
I liked it a lot but think the sex was a bit much. I really liked the main characters and getting to know them.
November 17, 2019
Great read but with JoAnn Ross I've never had a bad read
December 26, 2022
Nice story, but the whole "druid" and "witch" bit ruined it for me. It would've been fine with the light stuff, but the scene with the circle and the moonlight was too scifi for my liking.
Read
May 23, 2025I didn’t finish this book
October 15, 2012
Mom gave me this book when she was done with it, several years ago. I just uncovered it while cleaning out my office and decided to read it so it could go on to a new destination...
This is one of those situations where I really want to give a book a half star. The problem wasn't necessarily the writing behind Legend's Lake, it was that I was expecting a book more about horses with a dash of romance thrown in, and got a full-on romance novel with a bit of horses tossed in.
The romance part was inevitable, but Ross tried to throw some twists in the straight line between "can barely stand one another" and "can't stop ripping each others' clothes off," mostly in the form of personal baggage and bad exes.
The horse part started strong -- it is, essentially, what brings these two people together in the first place. But "fixing" the race horse with a lot of potential took a back seat to the romance and the poor horse never got to get up front again. His victory win (of course) at the end was hurried and anticlimactic.
It's also part of a series, one that I hadn't read. So, if you like Ross' writing and really enjoy romance books (and don't just spend your time rolling your eyes at the pages), then go ahead -- read this one. If not... pick up a different book and happily sit in your corner with no worries that you're missing anything.
This is one of those situations where I really want to give a book a half star. The problem wasn't necessarily the writing behind Legend's Lake, it was that I was expecting a book more about horses with a dash of romance thrown in, and got a full-on romance novel with a bit of horses tossed in.
The romance part was inevitable, but Ross tried to throw some twists in the straight line between "can barely stand one another" and "can't stop ripping each others' clothes off," mostly in the form of personal baggage and bad exes.
The horse part started strong -- it is, essentially, what brings these two people together in the first place. But "fixing" the race horse with a lot of potential took a back seat to the romance and the poor horse never got to get up front again. His victory win (of course) at the end was hurried and anticlimactic.
It's also part of a series, one that I hadn't read. So, if you like Ross' writing and really enjoy romance books (and don't just spend your time rolling your eyes at the pages), then go ahead -- read this one. If not... pick up a different book and happily sit in your corner with no worries that you're missing anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2011
This was the book I was most looking forward to. Kate was introduced during the first novel and I was very intrigued by her. I expected Ross to take this in a different direction, with Kate meeting the father of her son again, rather than a complete stranger. I was somewhat disappointed, but still enjoyed the novel.
Kate and Alec don't get along very well at the beginning of the story. He thinks she's crazy and she thinks he cares for nothing and no one but himself. Watching the blinders fall away from their eyes about each other was lovely. I also liked the way Ross took care to write about Ross' teenage daughter and their relationship.
Kate and Alec don't get along very well at the beginning of the story. He thinks she's crazy and she thinks he cares for nothing and no one but himself. Watching the blinders fall away from their eyes about each other was lovely. I also liked the way Ross took care to write about Ross' teenage daughter and their relationship.
October 3, 2016
Another wonderful book about Ireland and the fairies and tales that go along with this enchanting country. Legends Lake is a racehorse that runs like the wind until something snaps in his mind and he takes off, jumping everything that is in his path. Trainer Alec MacKenna decides to take the horse to where he was born and trained by Kate O'Sullivan in Ireland. With the help of Kate and her expertise, not only is the horse ready for races but Alec's heart is ready to open.
March 22, 2016
A wonderful story
One again JoAnn has transported me to Ireland for an exciting ride. If you haven't read this you are missing a great book. It has all the elements romance, mystery and happiness.
One again JoAnn has transported me to Ireland for an exciting ride. If you haven't read this you are missing a great book. It has all the elements romance, mystery and happiness.
August 27, 2007
The final book in Ross' Irish trilogy set in Castlelough Ireland. Beautifully placed in the Irish countryside with characters met in her 2 previous books A Woman's Heart and Fair Haven.
March 11, 2010
I loved this book as well as Fair Haven and A Womens Heart. Alec and Kate are a perfect touch of Magic in and of itself. A love story with so much more.
January 18, 2010
Loved this book!!!!
July 30, 2010
Not her best offer, but an OK book. Horse breeding, training and racing. I like how she brings in characters from other books.
August 8, 2010
as far as dime store romance novels go, this one actually held my attention! not bad.
March 5, 2011
Kind of long for the plot... but easy reading.
July 30, 2014
A decent romance, with an intriguing heroine and an interesting hero, along with a variety of family drama.
October 3, 2014
Liked this series
November 20, 2014
I loved this book! A very good story with a cute ending :)
June 20, 2016
great addition to the series
November 30, 2009
Slow starting...
December 6, 2012
Excellent ending to this particular trilogy.
October 25, 2014
A nice conclusion to the Trilogy of books based in Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews