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Lexington Lovers #1
Unstable Stud
Horses were his passion, until he laid eyes on his boss.
Eighteen months ago, tragedy struck Bywater Farm when a riding accident killed Clay Hunter’s lover and traumatized his prize horse, King of Hearts. Clay and King lingered in limbo, surviving but not really living, until a breath of fresh air in the form of Luke Davis, a new groom in the stud barn, revives them both.
When a fall from King’s back sends Luke to the emergency room, Clay watches the shaky foundation of their budding relationship tumble down. Can Clay really love a jockey again, or will his fear of losing another man he loves keep them apart for good?
Eighteen months ago, tragedy struck Bywater Farm when a riding accident killed Clay Hunter’s lover and traumatized his prize horse, King of Hearts. Clay and King lingered in limbo, surviving but not really living, until a breath of fresh air in the form of Luke Davis, a new groom in the stud barn, revives them both.
When a fall from King’s back sends Luke to the emergency room, Clay watches the shaky foundation of their budding relationship tumble down. Can Clay really love a jockey again, or will his fear of losing another man he loves keep them apart for good?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2016
11 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Tachna
150 books407 followersAriel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 16, 2018
4 Stars
Bywater Farm has been at a bit of a standstill since one of its own tragically died during a steeplechase race eighteen months ago. The farm’s owner, Clay Hunter, was lover and business partner to the deceased and has been buried in grief since that fateful day. The horse in question, King of Hearts, has also been out of sorts, expressing his own sorrow and even acting aggressive towards most people (asides from Clay) since he lost his beloved rider.
By all accounts, this story starts off on a really sad note and had me deeply empathizing with Clay and King over the loss of Nick, a character I didn’t even get to meet, which is quite an impressive feat.
Thankfully, a bit of sunshine and hope enters their lives in the form of Luke Davis. After mucking stalls during his six month stint on the farm, it becomes obvious that Luke has a special way with King, and soon enough Clay promotes Luke to be King’s personal groom, and before long, new rider.
Luke is a sweetheart of a character. He is all alone in the world and is working extra hard to pay off debts left behind after his mother’s death. He loves working at Bywater Farm and he’s stoked when he gets promoted to work closely with King, whom he has formed a deep and cherished bond. Luke can’t help his attraction to his boss, but he knows of the loss Clay is dealing with and doesn’t for a second believe that he could ever be of interest to Clay should he ever be ready to move on. Thankfully, Luke is wrong on that count.
In the aftermath of great loss, Luke manages to bring life back to Clay and King, and Clay isn’t ignorant of this fact. Clay is drawn to Luke in a way he didn’t think he’d ever be drawn to another man again, and thankfully, he decides to embrace those feelings. Over the course of a few months, as Luke is training to ride King, the two men slowly but surely begin a tentative and sweet relationship.
Things aren’t all sunshine and roses now, though, as Clay is still in a constant battle to overcome his loss, which is expounded on by his newfound fears for Luke’s own safety as Kings new rider. His fears are more than understandable considering what he’s been through, but together Clay and Luke manage to work on overcoming Clay’s fears by learning to trust and compromise in a way that will suit all three parties involved (King included).
If I’m being honest, I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. By all accounts, I went into this without positive expectations because I knew the story dealt heavily with a dead lover trope, which (as many of you well know) is a romance trope I’m not fond of. I’m glad to be eating my words here. I loved the way Tachna handled the loss and grief that was being experienced by Clay and King, and although Nick’s death was in focus a lot throughout the story, I never felt it overshadowed the new feelings growing between Luke and Clay.
For me, the relationship between Luke and Clay wasn’t the strong point of this book, though. I liked Luke and Clay well enough as a couple and I adored Luke as a character, but what I truly loved were the bonds between horse and man. King played a major role in this story and his connections to each man, including his lost rider, Nick, were captivating and extremely moving at times. (I may or may not have teared up a time or two).
As is in classic Dreamspun Desires fashion, this story was extra sweet and sappy, but ultimately, I was swept up in this story and truly enjoyed this new-to-me author reading experience. This is definitely one of my favourite reads from the Desires line so far, and I have no doubt I’ll be reading more from Tachna in the future.
Bywater Farm has been at a bit of a standstill since one of its own tragically died during a steeplechase race eighteen months ago. The farm’s owner, Clay Hunter, was lover and business partner to the deceased and has been buried in grief since that fateful day. The horse in question, King of Hearts, has also been out of sorts, expressing his own sorrow and even acting aggressive towards most people (asides from Clay) since he lost his beloved rider.
By all accounts, this story starts off on a really sad note and had me deeply empathizing with Clay and King over the loss of Nick, a character I didn’t even get to meet, which is quite an impressive feat.
Thankfully, a bit of sunshine and hope enters their lives in the form of Luke Davis. After mucking stalls during his six month stint on the farm, it becomes obvious that Luke has a special way with King, and soon enough Clay promotes Luke to be King’s personal groom, and before long, new rider.
Luke is a sweetheart of a character. He is all alone in the world and is working extra hard to pay off debts left behind after his mother’s death. He loves working at Bywater Farm and he’s stoked when he gets promoted to work closely with King, whom he has formed a deep and cherished bond. Luke can’t help his attraction to his boss, but he knows of the loss Clay is dealing with and doesn’t for a second believe that he could ever be of interest to Clay should he ever be ready to move on. Thankfully, Luke is wrong on that count.
In the aftermath of great loss, Luke manages to bring life back to Clay and King, and Clay isn’t ignorant of this fact. Clay is drawn to Luke in a way he didn’t think he’d ever be drawn to another man again, and thankfully, he decides to embrace those feelings. Over the course of a few months, as Luke is training to ride King, the two men slowly but surely begin a tentative and sweet relationship.
Things aren’t all sunshine and roses now, though, as Clay is still in a constant battle to overcome his loss, which is expounded on by his newfound fears for Luke’s own safety as Kings new rider. His fears are more than understandable considering what he’s been through, but together Clay and Luke manage to work on overcoming Clay’s fears by learning to trust and compromise in a way that will suit all three parties involved (King included).
If I’m being honest, I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. By all accounts, I went into this without positive expectations because I knew the story dealt heavily with a dead lover trope, which (as many of you well know) is a romance trope I’m not fond of. I’m glad to be eating my words here. I loved the way Tachna handled the loss and grief that was being experienced by Clay and King, and although Nick’s death was in focus a lot throughout the story, I never felt it overshadowed the new feelings growing between Luke and Clay.
For me, the relationship between Luke and Clay wasn’t the strong point of this book, though. I liked Luke and Clay well enough as a couple and I adored Luke as a character, but what I truly loved were the bonds between horse and man. King played a major role in this story and his connections to each man, including his lost rider, Nick, were captivating and extremely moving at times. (I may or may not have teared up a time or two).
As is in classic Dreamspun Desires fashion, this story was extra sweet and sappy, but ultimately, I was swept up in this story and truly enjoyed this new-to-me author reading experience. This is definitely one of my favourite reads from the Desires line so far, and I have no doubt I’ll be reading more from Tachna in the future.
March 18, 2016
5 stars - Loved This book!
What would you do if the thing you loved inadvertently killed the person you loved? How would you deal? This is what Clay, the owner of Bywater Farm, has been forced to deal with after he watched his lover get trampled during a steeplechase, by the horse they had raised from just a foal. King of Hearts, he is a champion - a Stallion - and now he is also known and damaged.
It's been 18 months since that fateful day. Nobody has dared to mention moving on to Clay. Nobody has dared to bother doing anything extra with King. They pretty much have left him to the fate of a stud with no hope of returning to shows. They are all stuck in limbo. Until a new stable boy catches the eye of Clay, well I should say Clay Notices that King tolerates the new Stableboy much better than anyone else - he is a different horse around him. Clay decides that Luke's efforts are being wasted and he needs to devote his time to King.
Luke Davis. He is a simple guy. Working hard to pay off bills. Trying to survive. He loves animals. He is over the moon when he is given a promotion from Stableboy to primary groom of Champion King of Hearts. He not only thinks the horse is beautiful, but his owner is pretty hot too. But he doesn't have time in his life for anything extra right now. He has plans. We all know what they say though? Best laid plans and all...
So let me just say I loved this book! It had a damaged brooding MC - Clay, an innocent MC - Luke, it has horses (I love horses) it has a nice slow burn, some good ol' angst, and a great HEA. It is probably one of my favorite of the "Dreamspun Desires Series" ~ in addition the author threw us a great big old goodie **don't look if you don't want to know**
So I really think this book has something for everyone! If you have tried the Dreamspun Desire Books and were not happy, give this one a try - it has a lot more depth and the characters are very lovable!
~ 5 Stars
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
What would you do if the thing you loved inadvertently killed the person you loved? How would you deal? This is what Clay, the owner of Bywater Farm, has been forced to deal with after he watched his lover get trampled during a steeplechase, by the horse they had raised from just a foal. King of Hearts, he is a champion - a Stallion - and now he is also known and damaged.
It's been 18 months since that fateful day. Nobody has dared to mention moving on to Clay. Nobody has dared to bother doing anything extra with King. They pretty much have left him to the fate of a stud with no hope of returning to shows. They are all stuck in limbo. Until a new stable boy catches the eye of Clay, well I should say Clay Notices that King tolerates the new Stableboy much better than anyone else - he is a different horse around him. Clay decides that Luke's efforts are being wasted and he needs to devote his time to King.
Luke Davis. He is a simple guy. Working hard to pay off bills. Trying to survive. He loves animals. He is over the moon when he is given a promotion from Stableboy to primary groom of Champion King of Hearts. He not only thinks the horse is beautiful, but his owner is pretty hot too. But he doesn't have time in his life for anything extra right now. He has plans. We all know what they say though? Best laid plans and all...
So let me just say I loved this book! It had a damaged brooding MC - Clay, an innocent MC - Luke, it has horses (I love horses) it has a nice slow burn, some good ol' angst, and a great HEA. It is probably one of my favorite of the "Dreamspun Desires Series" ~ in addition the author threw us a great big old goodie **don't look if you don't want to know**
So I really think this book has something for everyone! If you have tried the Dreamspun Desire Books and were not happy, give this one a try - it has a lot more depth and the characters are very lovable!
~ 5 Stars
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
April 28, 2016
Meh. That's ultimately my response to this book. It started off pretty well. I really liked Luke and his landlady and the way he blossomed as he worked with King. If this was just a story about a guy finding himself while working to bring a traumatized horse out of it's shell, then it would have been a success. But it wasn't. It was supposed to be a romance and that part didn't work for me at all.
There were two people involved in this romance, but I never really felt like I knew Clay. The story is told from Luke's POV and I think it would have helped immensely to have some of the story from Clay's POV. Instead he remained a mystery with a shitload of baggage, so it was hard to believe he was over Nate's death, let alone that he was in love with Luke. I also felt no chemistry between Clay and Luke. There was no tension or build up. It was just meh.
There were two people involved in this romance, but I never really felt like I knew Clay. The story is told from Luke's POV and I think it would have helped immensely to have some of the story from Clay's POV. Instead he remained a mystery with a shitload of baggage, so it was hard to believe he was over Nate's death, let alone that he was in love with Luke. I also felt no chemistry between Clay and Luke. There was no tension or build up. It was just meh.
August 11, 2017
The romance between Lucas and Clay never felt real to me, so much so that even their love scenes made me cringe. Zero chemistry. I also did not find either Clay or Lucas or the story interesting, and ended up scanning the last half of the book. This is just my personal taste, other readers might love the book, but it was just not me.
April 14, 2016
2.5 stars**
The Dreamspun Desires Series is starting to become a serious addiction folks. No joke. I remember reading Harlequin novels many years ago and wondering what it would be like to have the mm version. And what do you know?! It’s amazing! I’ve read quite a few books by now and they all share the same kind of guilty indulgence thing going on: drama, some cheesy dialogue and/or plot, pretty improbable situations, hot smex, and amazing HEAs. What’s not to love? While I didn’t love this particular addition to the series, it was an okay read and I mostly enjoyed myself –minus a few cringe-worthy moments I’ll mention in a bit.
So the gist of it: Luke works as a stable boy for Clay Hunter, who in Luke’s words was “as rich as Croesus and as blue-blooded as the queen. He’d never look twice at a poor stable boy from the wrong side of the tracks.” See what I mean about the dramatic flair? Anyway, Clay is mourning the tragic death of his partner who was a professional rider and was trampled by his horse, King, at a race gone bad. Luke rarely sees the boss, as Luke is but a lowly stable boy, after all, but he gets promoted to King’s groomer, because that horse only responds to a couple of people and Luke is surprisingly a soothing presence to King. I actually enjoyed reading about Luke’s interactions with the horse and the level of detail that went into the horse’s daily routine was impressive. However, it could have been cut down considerably. I think a lot of writing ended up being filler, something I noticed in scenes with Luke and his lovely landlady. Clay ends up spending more and more time in Luke’s presence, observing King’s progress as a breeding horse.
Things got a little weird here. There were a couple of scenes where the process of breeding with a dummy mare -and later on an actual mare- was ridiculously detailed. It was frankly uncomfortable to read. Not only that, Luke was describing the goings-on and started getting turned on, thinking what it would be like to have sex with Clay. Neon red flashing lights kept going off in my head: SICK SICK SICK ABORT ABORT ABORT. Case in point:
The story had an overall good vibe to it. I wanted Luke to find happiness because he was such a good guy. He had a great work ethic, he was kind with King, and he just wanted someone to love, really. Luke held a torch for Clay for the majority of the book, but Clay did not show any signs that he might feel the same until about 70%. I wouldn’t mind if the story was set up as a slow-burn, but the fact that Clay showed no indication of reciprocating Luke’s wistful musings made it seem more one-sided than it ended up being. There was no sexual tension. Instead, after a bit of a scare with Luke (I loved the medical drama!) Clay started flirting very subtly with Luke and very shortly after that, straight up asked him if he wanted to be in a relationship with Clay. Umm...okay. So they started this relationship. Not sexual, because Luke wasn’t ready. But they became closer, they had dinner dates, and sleep-overs (in separate bedrooms) and just got on. There were some developments with King’s part of the plot that made me question if Clay was really falling in love with Luke or if he was clinging on to his old life. And then, because of this development, which Clay instigated came more drama and the make or break it moment in the story. Again, Clay’s fault every which way you look at it, and yet, he was being a huge hypocrite about it all. I really can’t say more about what happened because it would spoil it, but I was seriously pissed off about it.
So. There were problems. There were awkward situations. The drama was not developed very nicely (except for the medical drama, can’t go wrong there, I loved it!). But the story succeeded in making me feel, even though my feelings were not always pleasant, and I was invested to see what will happen at the end. They eventually did have sex, and it was intimate and sweet. The HEA was dreamy, as expected, and sort of kind of maybe made up for the cringe-worthy moments I had while reading.
So, even though I didn’t love this, I think fans of the Dreamspun Desires Series might enjoy reading it more than I did.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
The Dreamspun Desires Series is starting to become a serious addiction folks. No joke. I remember reading Harlequin novels many years ago and wondering what it would be like to have the mm version. And what do you know?! It’s amazing! I’ve read quite a few books by now and they all share the same kind of guilty indulgence thing going on: drama, some cheesy dialogue and/or plot, pretty improbable situations, hot smex, and amazing HEAs. What’s not to love? While I didn’t love this particular addition to the series, it was an okay read and I mostly enjoyed myself –minus a few cringe-worthy moments I’ll mention in a bit.
So the gist of it: Luke works as a stable boy for Clay Hunter, who in Luke’s words was “as rich as Croesus and as blue-blooded as the queen. He’d never look twice at a poor stable boy from the wrong side of the tracks.” See what I mean about the dramatic flair? Anyway, Clay is mourning the tragic death of his partner who was a professional rider and was trampled by his horse, King, at a race gone bad. Luke rarely sees the boss, as Luke is but a lowly stable boy, after all, but he gets promoted to King’s groomer, because that horse only responds to a couple of people and Luke is surprisingly a soothing presence to King. I actually enjoyed reading about Luke’s interactions with the horse and the level of detail that went into the horse’s daily routine was impressive. However, it could have been cut down considerably. I think a lot of writing ended up being filler, something I noticed in scenes with Luke and his lovely landlady. Clay ends up spending more and more time in Luke’s presence, observing King’s progress as a breeding horse.
Things got a little weird here. There were a couple of scenes where the process of breeding with a dummy mare -and later on an actual mare- was ridiculously detailed. It was frankly uncomfortable to read. Not only that, Luke was describing the goings-on and started getting turned on, thinking what it would be like to have sex with Clay. Neon red flashing lights kept going off in my head: SICK SICK SICK ABORT ABORT ABORT. Case in point:
Luke watched until King thrust forward into her. He heard movement at his side and glanced at Clay, who was entranced by the sight of King and his mare. Luke flushed at the thought of what Clay would look like aroused and in the act, but such thoughts had no place in the stud barn.Exactly my thoughts! I almost DNFed right there, but I kept going, and to be honest, I’m glad I did, because I managed to get over the disgust over Luke’s weird sex associations and move on.
The story had an overall good vibe to it. I wanted Luke to find happiness because he was such a good guy. He had a great work ethic, he was kind with King, and he just wanted someone to love, really. Luke held a torch for Clay for the majority of the book, but Clay did not show any signs that he might feel the same until about 70%. I wouldn’t mind if the story was set up as a slow-burn, but the fact that Clay showed no indication of reciprocating Luke’s wistful musings made it seem more one-sided than it ended up being. There was no sexual tension. Instead, after a bit of a scare with Luke (I loved the medical drama!) Clay started flirting very subtly with Luke and very shortly after that, straight up asked him if he wanted to be in a relationship with Clay. Umm...okay. So they started this relationship. Not sexual, because Luke wasn’t ready. But they became closer, they had dinner dates, and sleep-overs (in separate bedrooms) and just got on. There were some developments with King’s part of the plot that made me question if Clay was really falling in love with Luke or if he was clinging on to his old life. And then, because of this development, which Clay instigated came more drama and the make or break it moment in the story. Again, Clay’s fault every which way you look at it, and yet, he was being a huge hypocrite about it all. I really can’t say more about what happened because it would spoil it, but I was seriously pissed off about it.
So. There were problems. There were awkward situations. The drama was not developed very nicely (except for the medical drama, can’t go wrong there, I loved it!). But the story succeeded in making me feel, even though my feelings were not always pleasant, and I was invested to see what will happen at the end. They eventually did have sex, and it was intimate and sweet. The HEA was dreamy, as expected, and sort of kind of maybe made up for the cringe-worthy moments I had while reading.
So, even though I didn’t love this, I think fans of the Dreamspun Desires Series might enjoy reading it more than I did.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
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April 16, 2016This was so damn sweet.
Again, another fun and romantic read from the Dreamspun Desires series and another new to me author under my belt.
Unstable Stud, just the title makes me wonder exactly who we are referring to; King of Hearts, aka King – the horse, or Clay – the studly owner since both are a bit unstable after the death of Nick, Kings rider and Clay’s lover.
We meet Luke Davis as he is working at the Bywater Farm just doing his job, mucking out stalls and doing it with his utmost determination and loyalty because Luke needs this job and the money. You see, Luke is dealing with the recent passing of his mother and having to pay off her medical bills while he lives of the bare necessities and never quite having a social life.
Luke loves working at the farm and with the horses. King is a special horse as he was ridden by the late Nick and King is not keen to many people doing this around him but King was a champion and folks want his babies. Yup, there is a lot of breeding talk in the beginning of this book that honestly, had me kinda uncomfortable. It’s a personal issue for me so I won’t speak much on it but it’s there and parts are odd but, this book is about a horse bringing two men together so it’s relevant. Relevant but not my favorite thing.
Anyway, Luke and King get along well and when Clay sees the horse that used to love only he and his late lover Nick, take to Luke, he promotes Luke from a stable boy to Kings groom and this gives Clay and Luke a chance to be around one another more.
Luke has crushed on Clay the entire six months he has been there but Luke, he doesn’t think too highly of himself as men in the past have basically told him he’s nothing but a pretty face with nothing going on upstairs. It’s gonna take a good man with a lot of love, patience and determination to change Luke’s mind and it’s a good thing Clay is a good and patient man.
I like the approach to the romance, Clay and Luke take their time with the relationship through there is enough UST and tender moments to sustain the reader. I will admit the turnaround happened quickly and it took me a minute to buy that Clay was really into Luke for LUKE and not all the similarities or reminders he brought up of Nick. But once I settled into the romance when it began, I was hooked. I was hooked and it was worth it.
King was a character all his own in the story, his presence was always a joy to read as I am a huge animal lover and once fancied myself a Equine Veterinarian until contradictions arose within my conscious but I sill love watching and being around horses. I wish I'd had the privledge my older siblings did of learning to ride horses as the times we get with riding in the book, made me wistful and nostalgic. I cannot leave out the amazing Mrs. Twitchell as she was a great comfort to Luke as well as a positive influence on him in so many way.
Have I said how much I love this series? Speaking of series, this is listed as “Lexington Lovers” as well, I’m curious where the series will take us next.
Unstable Stud was a lovely slow burn romance that never rushes the gallop of love, but lets you trot your way through until you are comfortable. It’s a story about falling off the horse – literally – and getting back in your seat because it’s where you belong, with the man who will be there with a promise at the end.
Again, another fun and romantic read from the Dreamspun Desires series and another new to me author under my belt.
Unstable Stud, just the title makes me wonder exactly who we are referring to; King of Hearts, aka King – the horse, or Clay – the studly owner since both are a bit unstable after the death of Nick, Kings rider and Clay’s lover.
We meet Luke Davis as he is working at the Bywater Farm just doing his job, mucking out stalls and doing it with his utmost determination and loyalty because Luke needs this job and the money. You see, Luke is dealing with the recent passing of his mother and having to pay off her medical bills while he lives of the bare necessities and never quite having a social life.
Luke loves working at the farm and with the horses. King is a special horse as he was ridden by the late Nick and King is not keen to many people doing this around him but King was a champion and folks want his babies. Yup, there is a lot of breeding talk in the beginning of this book that honestly, had me kinda uncomfortable. It’s a personal issue for me so I won’t speak much on it but it’s there and parts are odd but, this book is about a horse bringing two men together so it’s relevant. Relevant but not my favorite thing.
Anyway, Luke and King get along well and when Clay sees the horse that used to love only he and his late lover Nick, take to Luke, he promotes Luke from a stable boy to Kings groom and this gives Clay and Luke a chance to be around one another more.
Luke has crushed on Clay the entire six months he has been there but Luke, he doesn’t think too highly of himself as men in the past have basically told him he’s nothing but a pretty face with nothing going on upstairs. It’s gonna take a good man with a lot of love, patience and determination to change Luke’s mind and it’s a good thing Clay is a good and patient man.
I like the approach to the romance, Clay and Luke take their time with the relationship through there is enough UST and tender moments to sustain the reader. I will admit the turnaround happened quickly and it took me a minute to buy that Clay was really into Luke for LUKE and not all the similarities or reminders he brought up of Nick. But once I settled into the romance when it began, I was hooked. I was hooked and it was worth it.
King was a character all his own in the story, his presence was always a joy to read as I am a huge animal lover and once fancied myself a Equine Veterinarian until contradictions arose within my conscious but I sill love watching and being around horses. I wish I'd had the privledge my older siblings did of learning to ride horses as the times we get with riding in the book, made me wistful and nostalgic. I cannot leave out the amazing Mrs. Twitchell as she was a great comfort to Luke as well as a positive influence on him in so many way.
Have I said how much I love this series? Speaking of series, this is listed as “Lexington Lovers” as well, I’m curious where the series will take us next.
Unstable Stud was a lovely slow burn romance that never rushes the gallop of love, but lets you trot your way through until you are comfortable. It’s a story about falling off the horse – literally – and getting back in your seat because it’s where you belong, with the man who will be there with a promise at the end.
April 15, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
This was a great comfort/healing story from Ariel Tachna where not just one of the MC’s needed some TLC to aid in his recovery but also a beautiful horse named King who played a pivotal role in first friendship then romance.
Clay Hunter owns a successful stable and had everything he wanted until he lost his business partner and lover in a terrible accident involving their favourite horse eighteen months ago. Now Clay and King are going through the motions but are nowhere near recovered or finished grieving. King hasn’t been ridden since that day in fact there are only a couple of people that he will tolerate anywhere near him so when Clay spots a young stable hand offering King comfort and more importantly King accepting it things at the stable begin to change.
Luke Davis has worked at the stables for the past six months and has kept his head down determined to stay out of trouble. He has debts to pay off so his social life is non-existent but the job is more important to him than anything else and he has a real affinity with the horses. When he’s called into the office by the boss, the very handsome but oh so intimidating boss, his life changes for the better but becomes infinitely more complicated at the same time.
I loved the tentative move to friendship first between these two. Luke had already proved he had an almost magic personality when it came to calming King but he seems to have the same effect on a skittish Clay. I liked the slow build too and whilst Luke was young and inexperienced he was very clear on what he wanted from a relationship and wasn’t afraid to wait until he got it. There are a few bumps along the way – when Luke falls off King Clay’s emotions spiral out of control once again – but Luke is there to steady him, they really do work well together.
This was a great comfort/healing story from Ariel Tachna where not just one of the MC’s needed some TLC to aid in his recovery but also a beautiful horse named King who played a pivotal role in first friendship then romance.
Clay Hunter owns a successful stable and had everything he wanted until he lost his business partner and lover in a terrible accident involving their favourite horse eighteen months ago. Now Clay and King are going through the motions but are nowhere near recovered or finished grieving. King hasn’t been ridden since that day in fact there are only a couple of people that he will tolerate anywhere near him so when Clay spots a young stable hand offering King comfort and more importantly King accepting it things at the stable begin to change.
Luke Davis has worked at the stables for the past six months and has kept his head down determined to stay out of trouble. He has debts to pay off so his social life is non-existent but the job is more important to him than anything else and he has a real affinity with the horses. When he’s called into the office by the boss, the very handsome but oh so intimidating boss, his life changes for the better but becomes infinitely more complicated at the same time.
I loved the tentative move to friendship first between these two. Luke had already proved he had an almost magic personality when it came to calming King but he seems to have the same effect on a skittish Clay. I liked the slow build too and whilst Luke was young and inexperienced he was very clear on what he wanted from a relationship and wasn’t afraid to wait until he got it. There are a few bumps along the way – when Luke falls off King Clay’s emotions spiral out of control once again – but Luke is there to steady him, they really do work well together.
April 24, 2016
Realistic Setting, Frustrating Lovers
This one has everything right in terms of setting and industry. Set in Lexington, KY, it is actually true to virtually everything I know about that city, except that maybe a major steeplechase champion would be a gelding and would not be in Lexington preparing for a career at stud. This just doesn't happen, but in the context of the plot, it is forgiven.
The tale is sweet, but so much time is spent on the training of the horse, King of Hearts, that the romance that develops between Luke and Clay plays a decidedly secondary, and almost unbelievable, role. It's also a romance which is almost chaste except for kissing, which there is a lot of.
While we get to know Luke all over, we hardly get a look at who Clay actually is--there is some reference to him being in the entertainment industry, but it's not clear if it's movies or television. And we don't quite get any idea what he looks like (Luke is on the cover), and how old he is (he is older than Luke but by how much)?
The ending is very fairy-tale and handled quite well, though I wish the author would have worked in Luke's landlady into the finale. This is apparently the first of a series--I am going to read the others when they come out, but I'll be looking for a little more passion for each other as well as the horses.
This one has everything right in terms of setting and industry. Set in Lexington, KY, it is actually true to virtually everything I know about that city, except that maybe a major steeplechase champion would be a gelding and would not be in Lexington preparing for a career at stud. This just doesn't happen, but in the context of the plot, it is forgiven.
The tale is sweet, but so much time is spent on the training of the horse, King of Hearts, that the romance that develops between Luke and Clay plays a decidedly secondary, and almost unbelievable, role. It's also a romance which is almost chaste except for kissing, which there is a lot of.
While we get to know Luke all over, we hardly get a look at who Clay actually is--there is some reference to him being in the entertainment industry, but it's not clear if it's movies or television. And we don't quite get any idea what he looks like (Luke is on the cover), and how old he is (he is older than Luke but by how much)?
The ending is very fairy-tale and handled quite well, though I wish the author would have worked in Luke's landlady into the finale. This is apparently the first of a series--I am going to read the others when they come out, but I'll be looking for a little more passion for each other as well as the horses.
January 14, 2018
Another great example of a genre romance. There's a good bit of tension without it being something that can be solved with a thirty second conversation. The characters both grow and evolve over the course of the book and so does their relationship.
January 21, 2019
Luke is working on a ranch, mucking stalls and doing grunt work so he can pay off his mom’s medical bills from before she passed. He doesn’t have two nickels to rub together, but he has a good work ethic and his landlady has taken him in, giving him someone in his corner and to keep company. She’s the cutest, you’ll love her.
The story is told in Luke’s POV, which was alright, but I’d have loved to have seen where Clay was at mentally during the time Luke got promoted and worked solely with Clay’s late partner’s horse, King. He’s adorable too, though I’m scared to death of horses, this one seemed to be almost humanlike with its intelligence and he really got along with Luke.
Clay hasn’t been the same since his partner fell off King during a race and died. King wasn’t the same either, but they both seemed to trust Luke almost immediately. He was good for them, and it was cute the way Luke interacted with King, which is what we saw most of, for the first half of the book. I enjoyed it, though like I mentioned, it might not have seemed so out of nowhere when Clay, who had been standoffish and closed off, suddenly not only wanted Luke but seemed to be falling for him.
The formatting also wasn’t my favorite, it was all so jumbled together, no spaces between paragraphs and it gave me a bit of a headache… I hate to complain about it, because it’s probably just me being picky… but, blah. I had to mention it.
I also thought that the co-worker was going to make trouble, he seemed bent on treating Luke like crap, but he was gone as quick as he came. I was confused by that. It seemed unnecessarily thrown in, in the beginning. Anyway, cute little story about healing and moving on. Very cute.
4 stars from me
The story is told in Luke’s POV, which was alright, but I’d have loved to have seen where Clay was at mentally during the time Luke got promoted and worked solely with Clay’s late partner’s horse, King. He’s adorable too, though I’m scared to death of horses, this one seemed to be almost humanlike with its intelligence and he really got along with Luke.
Clay hasn’t been the same since his partner fell off King during a race and died. King wasn’t the same either, but they both seemed to trust Luke almost immediately. He was good for them, and it was cute the way Luke interacted with King, which is what we saw most of, for the first half of the book. I enjoyed it, though like I mentioned, it might not have seemed so out of nowhere when Clay, who had been standoffish and closed off, suddenly not only wanted Luke but seemed to be falling for him.
The formatting also wasn’t my favorite, it was all so jumbled together, no spaces between paragraphs and it gave me a bit of a headache… I hate to complain about it, because it’s probably just me being picky… but, blah. I had to mention it.
I also thought that the co-worker was going to make trouble, he seemed bent on treating Luke like crap, but he was gone as quick as he came. I was confused by that. It seemed unnecessarily thrown in, in the beginning. Anyway, cute little story about healing and moving on. Very cute.
4 stars from me
November 20, 2018
What a great book. Full of heartache, but hope and second chances. It was a tear jerkers but so worth it in the end.
July 19, 2019
2.5 Stars
Meh.
This time for the story...John Solo did what he could with the narration but there was no heat, and I couldn't feel any chemistry between the MCs.
Meh.
This time for the story...John Solo did what he could with the narration but there was no heat, and I couldn't feel any chemistry between the MCs.
April 14, 2016
Books that feature horses are always going to be one of my favorite books. When you combine my love of all things horse with my love of M/M romance novels, Unstable Stud by Ariel Tachna seemed like a sure bet for me.
Right?
I won first prize with this book!! Or, I should say, Ariel wins the prize for delivering an outstanding addition to the Dreamspun Desires series, one I devoured in one sitting because I just couldn't stop reading.
Luke Davis is a new stall mucker at Bywater Farm, where the owner Clay Hunter breeds and trains race horses. Luke is a nice, unassuming guy who bonds with King Of Hearts aka King, the race horse traumatized by a terrible accident during his last race, one that killed his rider, Clay's husband.
When Clay notices that King responds well to Luke, he appoints Luke as King's groom. There are some hints of Clay possibly having some other intentions as well, but Luke, half in love with this boss anyway, doesn't even think that he stands a chance.
Besides, Clay is in mourning, still. And Luke's boss. And Luke is just a groom.
Right.
I really liked how the author picked up the theme of this series - it's all a bit OTT, as it should be, and it uses the trope of older, richer man romancing a younger, much poorer one, but making it work somehow anyway.
I adored Luke. He was sweet and kind and humble and just so adorable. Simple but not a simpleton. Kind but not a doormat. I cried for Clay, for his pain, and I rejoiced when he slowly finds his way out of the grief and darkness.
Ariel sure seems to know her stuff when it comes to horse breeding, and the scenes when King is doing his studly duties were at once amusing (bc of Luke's reactions) and accurately portrayed. I giggled a few times. When I wasn't oohing and aahing over this book, or sniffling at the more emotional scenes.
The Steeplechase at the end was also well done, and I loved how Ariel almost seemed to give us a glimpse of the horse's mind as well. Luke performs beautifully, and it was a fitting ending to a great romance novel.
I absolutely loved this book, and I hope you will too. Recommended for everyone who loves slightly fluffy, slightly OTT M/M romance with a touch of Harlequin.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Right?
I won first prize with this book!! Or, I should say, Ariel wins the prize for delivering an outstanding addition to the Dreamspun Desires series, one I devoured in one sitting because I just couldn't stop reading.
Luke Davis is a new stall mucker at Bywater Farm, where the owner Clay Hunter breeds and trains race horses. Luke is a nice, unassuming guy who bonds with King Of Hearts aka King, the race horse traumatized by a terrible accident during his last race, one that killed his rider, Clay's husband.
When Clay notices that King responds well to Luke, he appoints Luke as King's groom. There are some hints of Clay possibly having some other intentions as well, but Luke, half in love with this boss anyway, doesn't even think that he stands a chance.
Besides, Clay is in mourning, still. And Luke's boss. And Luke is just a groom.
Right.
I really liked how the author picked up the theme of this series - it's all a bit OTT, as it should be, and it uses the trope of older, richer man romancing a younger, much poorer one, but making it work somehow anyway.
I adored Luke. He was sweet and kind and humble and just so adorable. Simple but not a simpleton. Kind but not a doormat. I cried for Clay, for his pain, and I rejoiced when he slowly finds his way out of the grief and darkness.
Ariel sure seems to know her stuff when it comes to horse breeding, and the scenes when King is doing his studly duties were at once amusing (bc of Luke's reactions) and accurately portrayed. I giggled a few times. When I wasn't oohing and aahing over this book, or sniffling at the more emotional scenes.
The Steeplechase at the end was also well done, and I loved how Ariel almost seemed to give us a glimpse of the horse's mind as well. Luke performs beautifully, and it was a fitting ending to a great romance novel.
I absolutely loved this book, and I hope you will too. Recommended for everyone who loves slightly fluffy, slightly OTT M/M romance with a touch of Harlequin.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
Luke’s only been at Bywater Farms for a little while but he’s heard of the horrible story involving his boss’s partner and their prized horse. Neither King nor Clay have gotten over what happened but when King takes kindly to Luke, Clay realizes it might be time to get King back into things. As King and Luke get closer, so do Clay and Luke but when Luke gets injured, it brings up a lot of old memories for Clay. Will Clay be able to love a jockey again or will their relationship be over before it really even begins?
I absolutely LOVED Luke. I found him so adoring and the situation he was in really resonated with me. I felt bad for him but I found the way he handled everything so endearing. As for Clay, I enjoyed him as a character but I didn’t know him as much as I would have liked. I would have liked to get his POV and experience things from him side.
I really, really enjoyed this one but with all the issues between Clay and Luke, I wish they had actually taken the time to really get to know each other better and work out the issues. I felt like they had a great relationship together but to me, it still feels like they don’t know much about one another. Especially Clay. I don’t feel like he know Luke at all.
In the end, I still loved this book. I liked how much chemistry there was between Clay and Luke and the slow-burn build up to their relationship. It was interesting to see how Luke and Clay grow as characters and I absolutely loved the moments with King! If you’re looking for a sweet, slightly angsty story, definitely give this one a go!
Luke’s only been at Bywater Farms for a little while but he’s heard of the horrible story involving his boss’s partner and their prized horse. Neither King nor Clay have gotten over what happened but when King takes kindly to Luke, Clay realizes it might be time to get King back into things. As King and Luke get closer, so do Clay and Luke but when Luke gets injured, it brings up a lot of old memories for Clay. Will Clay be able to love a jockey again or will their relationship be over before it really even begins?
I absolutely LOVED Luke. I found him so adoring and the situation he was in really resonated with me. I felt bad for him but I found the way he handled everything so endearing. As for Clay, I enjoyed him as a character but I didn’t know him as much as I would have liked. I would have liked to get his POV and experience things from him side.
I really, really enjoyed this one but with all the issues between Clay and Luke, I wish they had actually taken the time to really get to know each other better and work out the issues. I felt like they had a great relationship together but to me, it still feels like they don’t know much about one another. Especially Clay. I don’t feel like he know Luke at all.
In the end, I still loved this book. I liked how much chemistry there was between Clay and Luke and the slow-burn build up to their relationship. It was interesting to see how Luke and Clay grow as characters and I absolutely loved the moments with King! If you’re looking for a sweet, slightly angsty story, definitely give this one a go!
April 21, 2016
I always think that horses are majestic animals. I admire them from afar because being up high on their back is kinda scary. I have only two experiences in my lifetime of riding them. So in terms of Luke and his connection with King of Hearts in this book, I really enjoyed it. I liked that there were details day-to-day activities of Luke and the stallion up to the part where Luke learned how to ride King.
I also liked Luke as a character -- I liked his thoughts, his determination, his kindness ... and I liked that he knew how to fight what he wanted. He didn't just give up when Clay made a decision for them.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the romance between Luke and Clay, his boss and the owner of Bywater Farm, it was underwhelming. The problem to me was not the slow-burn romance (they shared their first kiss in what, 3/4th way of the book?) but more that the romance felt unbalanced.
The story was written solely from Luke's perspective. So I knew what he was thinking about his boss. But Clay remained a mystery. I didn't get the feeling from him as a character. I didn't know how, when, or why he started to pay attention to Luke. Was it because Luke was the only person (other than him and Joe, the horse trainer) that could get close to King? But was that it? I wish there were more to it than that...
I guess I wasn't really convinced because Luke also spent more time with the stallion rather than with Clay. I got more relationship feel between Luke and King rather than Luke and Clay.
So all in all, the writing is good and solid but I'm not exactly sold on the romance.
I also liked Luke as a character -- I liked his thoughts, his determination, his kindness ... and I liked that he knew how to fight what he wanted. He didn't just give up when Clay made a decision for them.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the romance between Luke and Clay, his boss and the owner of Bywater Farm, it was underwhelming. The problem to me was not the slow-burn romance (they shared their first kiss in what, 3/4th way of the book?) but more that the romance felt unbalanced.
The story was written solely from Luke's perspective. So I knew what he was thinking about his boss. But Clay remained a mystery. I didn't get the feeling from him as a character. I didn't know how, when, or why he started to pay attention to Luke. Was it because Luke was the only person (other than him and Joe, the horse trainer) that could get close to King? But was that it? I wish there were more to it than that...
I guess I wasn't really convinced because Luke also spent more time with the stallion rather than with Clay. I got more relationship feel between Luke and King rather than Luke and Clay.
So all in all, the writing is good and solid but I'm not exactly sold on the romance.
September 25, 2018
The real romance here is between Luke, the poor but wholesome boy who sacrificed everything for his sick, dying mother, and King, the horse.
Tachna doesn't seem to understand pacing or how to structure her plot. There's also the issue of badly developed (if there is development) romances. Most of the time is spent with Luke and King. Luke feeds King. Then he bathes King. Then he watches King play. Then he participates in breeding King a few times and gets to ride that stallion in a totally wholesome and not at all euphemistic way. Ride that horse, baby.
So, um, where's Clay during all this romance? The character who is actually supposed to be either as important as Luke or get as much time as the second most important character because that's how god damned romance novels work? Oh, he's just there to perv on Luke with the hot tub. And ever the wholesome, self-sacrificing, yet scrappy boy, Luke acts like a virgin in an 80s romance with the rich but troubled millionaire who is only able to forget his demons when he looks into her ('his' even though the novel will never give up hetero-normative gender roles in romances) glorious eyes. And then break up because stupid plot reasons even though they really love each other but can't have a simple conversation without a butt load of drama and weeks of depression. You know, like adults can.
Ride your stallion, Luke. Forget emotionally stunted men and just keep heading into that sunset with your true love.
Tachna doesn't seem to understand pacing or how to structure her plot. There's also the issue of badly developed (if there is development) romances. Most of the time is spent with Luke and King. Luke feeds King. Then he bathes King. Then he watches King play. Then he participates in breeding King a few times and gets to ride that stallion in a totally wholesome and not at all euphemistic way. Ride that horse, baby.
So, um, where's Clay during all this romance? The character who is actually supposed to be either as important as Luke or get as much time as the second most important character because that's how god damned romance novels work? Oh, he's just there to perv on Luke with the hot tub. And ever the wholesome, self-sacrificing, yet scrappy boy, Luke acts like a virgin in an 80s romance with the rich but troubled millionaire who is only able to forget his demons when he looks into her ('his' even though the novel will never give up hetero-normative gender roles in romances) glorious eyes. And then break up because stupid plot reasons even though they really love each other but can't have a simple conversation without a butt load of drama and weeks of depression. You know, like adults can.
Ride your stallion, Luke. Forget emotionally stunted men and just keep heading into that sunset with your true love.
March 19, 2019
There is nothing simple about this book and, for me, it is written proof that things are not always what they seem. At first glance, it all seems obvious. There is Luke, the narrator of the story who is a financially struggling stable hand in the employment of absurdly rich horse owner and breeder Clay. Then you have King, a thoroughbred horse traumatized by a riding accident two years ago when his rider was trampled during a steeplechase. But then there is a second layer that complicates things more than a little. Luke is not struggling due to incompetence or addiction, but because he has to pay his deceased mother’s medical bills. Clay is grieving because the rider who got trampled was his business partner and lover of twenty years. But that is not all. Ariel Tachna throws in another few elements, like Luke’s talent to deal with horses that is close to horse whisperer level, and the result is a spellbinding story with heartbreaking emotional moments and a very hard-earned resolution that had me sighing in relief. What a story!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 25, 2016
I don't know much about horse jumping, but this felt very believable and legit. I loved getting to read all about the horses in this one!
This was very sweet, and I just loved Luke. His love for King and his job, and his eventual love for his boss, was well written and lovely to read. I do wish we had gotten more from Clay, like something from his POV since he was impossible to get a read on, like what his emotions were.
Super sweet ending, very romantic, and I really enjoyed reading this one!
This was very sweet, and I just loved Luke. His love for King and his job, and his eventual love for his boss, was well written and lovely to read. I do wish we had gotten more from Clay, like something from his POV since he was impossible to get a read on, like what his emotions were.
Super sweet ending, very romantic, and I really enjoyed reading this one!
May 26, 2019
Sure it was a romance. Between Luke and King maybe. Or if you are feeling more adventrous you can add Joe for the threesome. But no no to Clay. Where was even he for the most part!
I dont know why Daughtery was there. Maybe the writer had a fixed number of characters in mind and had to get the quota. Dont know.
I have said thia before but I absolutely hate nosy female characters put there just for that purpose. They are such cliched mm romance characters. At least make them real if they are necessary. Honestly one can not help rolling eyes when reading the same sentences in these books again and again.
I dont know if its my selection lately or these books or what, but i have wasted lots of time.
And the end. One word: ridiculous.
It reminded me of some olympian winning because like twenty people infront of him fell in a pile and he was too behind to join them 😩
I dont know why Daughtery was there. Maybe the writer had a fixed number of characters in mind and had to get the quota. Dont know.
I have said thia before but I absolutely hate nosy female characters put there just for that purpose. They are such cliched mm romance characters. At least make them real if they are necessary. Honestly one can not help rolling eyes when reading the same sentences in these books again and again.
I dont know if its my selection lately or these books or what, but i have wasted lots of time.
And the end. One word: ridiculous.
It reminded me of some olympian winning because like twenty people infront of him fell in a pile and he was too behind to join them 😩
August 7, 2025
This isn't a bad book and I loved King Of Hearts the horse and Mrs. Twitchell, but Luke and Clay were good. I was more invested in King no longer being scared than of their building relationship. I also don't like third act break ups so that annoyed me like crap.
Luke is a stable hand until one day his boss sees how well he is with King who after Nick was killed, who was his owner and rider in horse racing, he was traumatized and didn't let but 2 people near him and h3 only tolerated them. They couldn't calm him that quick or finally ride him.
It takes forever for the 2nd part the summary to happen which was when the break up happens near end and I just didn't care for it. There was other things happening and the last chapter was goof, but I'll be giving this away I'm never going want read again. I also don't like horse racing but I like hurt comfort which why I bought it.
Luke is a stable hand until one day his boss sees how well he is with King who after Nick was killed, who was his owner and rider in horse racing, he was traumatized and didn't let but 2 people near him and h3 only tolerated them. They couldn't calm him that quick or finally ride him.
It takes forever for the 2nd part the summary to happen which was when the break up happens near end and I just didn't care for it. There was other things happening and the last chapter was goof, but I'll be giving this away I'm never going want read again. I also don't like horse racing but I like hurt comfort which why I bought it.
January 3, 2026
Luke is a stable boy on Clay's ranch and he's been doing his job including getting to know horses. King is the ranch's prize steeplechase station who's been put out to stud after an accident saw his rider fall and die. Luke is the first new person that King has trusted since the accident. When Clay sees the way Luke is able to settle the horse he's promoted to groom. Clay is just beginning to recover from the accident which killed his husband, King’s rider. Luke can't ever imagine that Clay would see him as anything more than the horse’s groom, but he can dream. There's a slow burn between Luke and Clay as their interactions increase as Luke works with King. Old memories almost end their relationship. Persistence, self sacrifice, and longing win out as they learn to negotiate a way to move forward.
April 22, 2020
A short rather sweet read. The plot is interesting but all it seems to be about is the training of the horse. The author gives detailed account of how the horse, the trainer and the trainee move, but never really tells us how the h/h fall in love. The POV is only from Luke, the young one who is supposed to be the rush of fresh air in the wounded horse and horse’s owner, Clay. We really never get to see what Clay thinks or sees in Luke that makes him so special. The story could have been much better told since the premise is really interesting. I usually like AT’s books, sadly this isn’t a favorite for me.
October 11, 2024
This was a relatively low angst, sweet story with no major drama. I was expecting a bit more in some places, but it just kind of fizzled out. I didn't initially get that Luke and Clay were really connecting and it seemed more that they were just there, so when they got together it made me wonder what I had missed. Outside of that, though, the story was a good one. I loved King and his interactions with both Luke and Clay. Maybe more of a 3.5 star read
January 23, 2017
It started really well, but then there wasn't really any build up of the relationship between the MCs beyond being friendly, and then BAM!, some 2/3 in the love interest suddenly starts seducing the protagonist. Then there's an angst tantrum, they talk it over and that's it. I really liked the characters, but emotionally it just wasn't satisfying.
May 5, 2020
eine schoene Geschichte, die mir sehr gut gefallen hat,
fluessig und spannend geschrieben,
alle Charaktere haben mich ueberzeugt,
auch die Beschreibung aller Arbeiten mit Pferden finde ich super,
ich kann dieses Buch nur empfehlen
fluessig und spannend geschrieben,
alle Charaktere haben mich ueberzeugt,
auch die Beschreibung aller Arbeiten mit Pferden finde ich super,
ich kann dieses Buch nur empfehlen
July 23, 2021
Perfect. A horse knows more than we realize, even though he can't speak. And even after a life shattering disaster, we can find love again. It's a bumpy road at first for Luke and Clay, but of course you have to learn to ride before you can jump.
July 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Like all of them though, they're to short!
May 15, 2023
Very little drama when there should've been more tension -- I just didn't feel the urgency from anyone here. Enjoyable but a little bit meh.
February 21, 2025
I probably would’ve DNFed this or rated it lower, but I’m a simple girl—give me a book about horses, and I’ll overlook almost anything. The story had its flaws, but the horse content kept me hooked.
January 29, 2021
The story was great I loved it (seriously it's Ariel Tachna how could I not) but I wasn't sold on the romance which made this book drop from 4 stars to 3. Pretty much everything I feel for the book is perfectly already written here by Amy.
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