Taking the Reins

by Laurie Twizel

**WARNING** This book contains adult themes and is not suitable for Under 18's** The life of an eventing groom never promised to be easy – and trying her hardest to stay out of the way of gorgeous and charming eventing royalty, Frederick Twemlow, is easier said than done for Elsa Aldridge. But when a disaster throws her back into his path, can she easily forget her ill-feelings towards her knight in shining armour as he comes to her rescue? Despite Elsa’s yard being dogged by injuries and setbacks, it is inevitable that the pair of them will continue to cross paths at events. But can they rekindle their former passion, and if not, what is stopping them? And who is the beautiful new working pupil he constantly has in his shadow? Can the arrival of a tall, dark and handsome Frenchman help heal Elsa’s broken heart and wipe Frederick from her mind once and for all, or will her feelings towards him intensify? Frederick Twemlow is the envy of all his fellow competitors, but as his own problems deepen, he is growing tired of putting on a brave front. But there’s only one person who can help him, and he can’t seem to stop pushing her away. Without Elsa by his side, does the guy who has everything, really have anything at all? As Frederick’s world begins to fall apart around him, Elsa knows his problems run deeper than what meets the eye. But she is torn between helping someone who is reluctant to accept her, and preparing for announcements that will turn her own life upside down.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2018

Reviews

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking the Reins is the second book in the Hearts & Horse Trials series and follows on with groom Elsa, who we originally met in Just a Groom, and her on/off relationship with up and coming eventer Frederick. Things get even more heated in this book as there's new characters introduced to drive a further wedge between the two, and as things improve for Elsa and Sophia's careers, Frederick's appears to be going down the swanny.

I enjoyed the second book in this series for the most part, and I genuinely really enjoy seeing Elsa go about her daily life as a groom, and her life in the show arena with Sophia. I liked how many shows were a part of this book, and I loved the strengthening friendship between Elsa, Ava and Sophia. It's always great to see strong representations of female friendships in books and all the girls really supported each other no matter what!

Frederick definitely became a bit annoying in this book. He was very hot and cold, and I didn't like that Elsa seemed happy to just be led on by him - no matter how good-looking he is.Some of his actions didn't make much sense in comparison to the type of guy he seemed in the first book. In Taking the Reins, he appeared to be very defeatist and allowed everyone to walk all over him instead of just standing up for himself. The end of this one frustrated me quite a bit, as I honestly just can't seem to understand how he allowed it to happy and the character I met in the first book wouldn't have allowed it.

I hope the read Frederick comes back soon in the third book, and is ready to sweep Elsa off her feet again. But I'm looking forward to more time with Timber Bear, Drop Kick, Nobby and all the horsey lovelies from this series in the next book.

[lynne burlinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so want these books to have happy endings......

Please continue the story. The horse world is rough and romance is always appreciated. I loved reading this book and anxiously await the next

[Pam Mahony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good all the way through

Now I will have to go back to read book one. I jumped in here thinking it would not make a difference, but I can't read on without finding out who the characters are before they became the people of book two.

[Keri Schenter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enough already

When I read the first one, I enjoyed the horsey parts enough to forgive the not so good rest of it. This author has exceptional talent in writing all things equestrian, but let’s face it, the “romance” angle and associated plot lines are awful. That was magnified in this one. The sex scenes are awful, and the dull plot is just worse. If my friends were to lie to me once, they aren’t so quickly trusted again. And the “anger” between Elsa and Frederick is waaay too confusing. One moment they are literally inseparable, the next they are mad about something. It’s boorish.

[Charlotte Brazil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I quite enjoyed the first book but when I realised you would have to buy the second book to find out the outcome of what happens to Elsa and Frederick I was a little disappointed however upon reading all of this book I am back to the same position!! I am rather bored now and irritated! Frederick has also turned in to a total drip! It’s should have been wrapped up now in my opinion..
I won’t be buying the third book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read but left unsettled

Absolutely loved book one and 2 in the series and binge read them however after getting to the end of book 2 I was saddened that there’s no book 3 as the ending left me feeling like I hadn’t read the whole book. It ended as though only part way through. However that said I will be reading book 3 in the series if it makes an appearance

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor 2nd half of 1st book

Enjoyed the first book (though to be honest it was short and more like half a book) so was happy to read this one. Unfortunately it was very disappointing the story was very slow and the characters less likeable. Could have lived with that until the ending to say it was horrendous to end like that without at least a 3rd book to complete it was a joke.

[Leigh Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first book and most of the second aside from the gratuitous sex scenes. Reading for the horse story. But seriously, that was how the author decided to end the book? OMG. It really only deserves one star after that horrid ending. Assuming she meant to write Book 3, but haven't seen that she has.

[gill allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down can't end like this need a 3rd. Wonderful insight into everything world. Love money and hard work

[Aylish Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner kept me reading nearly constantly for a weekend. Cannot wait for book.

[Janet Daines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected finish

Good read but did not like the way it finished as it was not what I had expected to happen