Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider's Betrayal

by L.R. Trovillion

“Trovillion's prose is vivid, her equine setting authentic.” —Sasscer Hill, award-winning author of the Fia McKee Racing Mysteries

Regina Hamilton is a teen with a big problem. Her abusive mom is getting out of prison...and Regina is the one who helped put her there.

With only three months to show the courts that she can support herself and avoid being forced back home with her mom, Regina lands a job at an exclusive dressage barn. The stakes are high: make enough to earn her keep or get out.

Struggling for her independence, she befriends an unlikely trio: a handsome but unusual boy who trains hawks, a reclusive professor of Celtic legends, and a half-wild red mare named Roheryn, who happens to be the seventh filly born of the seventh mare. Celtic legend tells of the magic of such horses, and as unusual visions and happenings start to unfold, Regina’s bond with the mare takes on an almost supernatural quality.

But when barn workers start disappearing, Regina must navigate a dangerous web of lies and deceit. Roheryn shows Regina a violent vision and a few days later, a beloved horse at the dressage barn is attacked. Regina knows the mare is trying to protect her, but will it be enough. Long-held secrets about the imprisonment of Regina’s mother begin to surface and reveal surprising and potentially deadly threats. To save her horse and her life, Regina may have to trust her enemies and betray her friends.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2019

About the author

L. R. Trovillion lives on a small horse farm with her husband, daughter, and several four-legged creatures that think they run the place. When not writing, she's thinking about writing.

Visit her online at www.lrtrovillion.com

Reviews

[Elsa Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of betrayal within the equestrian community. Regina’s mother (Angela) was imprisoned for insurance fraud and is guilty of much more. Angela and Wade(read and see) are a nasty pair. Regina, a teenager, doesn’t know who she can trust when she finds out her mother is going to be released early. It’s a well-constructed, page-turner that kept me reading late into the night. This is the second book in the series and can standalone. Having owned an equestrian business, I fell right into the rhythm of the story. All throughout, I rooted for Regina. Money issues and ego caused all kinds of trouble. There are high-stakes in many real facilities. Conflicts and tension certainly mounted in this novel and ramped real-life cinereous up a few notches. The falconer, Declan, brought an additional dimension that I loved. Some pages brought tears to my eyes. Well, done!

[Karen Smithson · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.R. Trovillion has again penned a masterfully written equestrian novel. Regina Hamilton is a teen trying to escape an abusive home situation, but in her quest to prove herself she is swept into a tangled web of lies and deceit. The author has skillfully woven the treads of the story into a layered and suspenseful tale that will be hard to put down. If you enjoy a sit on the edge of your seat page turner than this book if for you!

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling Mystery - with Horses!

I never expected the second book in this series to be better than the first but it truly is! The plot is definitely more of a thriller. Obviously I had started to read this for the horse action but was pleasantly surprised to find out its a twisty mystery with some intense thrills and danger. And the danger is a lot more than falling off a horse - its the human type of danger. Because some very dark things are going on in Maryland and poor Regina finds herself in the middle of if.

So this was loads of fun to read. Better yet I found myself easily relating to Regina. She had seen something - something that has her very scared and also very uncertain. Should she tell someone like the police or should she just keep it to herself? Knowing what is the right thing to do is very confusing. Than her family situation makes it even worse. I definitely can see myself having that very same problem. In fact I have had that problem but with a much lesser issue. But the big question is what do you do? And if you don't say anything - because you are scared - then you have the guilt.

So does that sound like you? If so you will relate to Regina.

The story was also about trust. The theme is worked into the story in several diff ways. Like with Decon and his hawk. Regina truly faces her fears in here in several various ways. And I think the hardest thing she actually faced will surprise you. It definitely surprised me.

Another thing I really loved in here was the descriptions. It often was very lyrical. The words are so carefully chosen and just perfect. The writing is just as magic as the stories that Seconds father tells of the silver enchanted horse.

And yes, there are horses in here. The first book had the eventing in it. This one takes place at a dressage barn \ stables. The training. Working students. But there are some dark elements there too. Its not all glittery and sparkling ribbons. At all. Instead there's hard work, freezing feet, A Christmas blizzard and some dark truths about some people in the horse world. Because s people want perfect horses and they don't care who gets hurt..

But more important is can Regina save the special horses that she loves and can she learn to trust? Trust is a very hard thing to do if you have a damaged past.

I believe I actually enjoyed this book much more than the first. The story was more interesting. The mystery added more oomph to the tale and the threat was much higher. This was not just a girl trying to compete for ribbons or to train that special horse - its fighting for your life and the life of the horses you love. And that takes great courage.

Highly recommend!

[Cassia Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A peek into the dark side of high-level horse training.

This book exceeded all my expectations. It’s very well-written. The author knows her craft, and has obviously worked hard to make this a good story on many levels. It’s suspenseful and engaging, with flawed well-drawn characters.

The protagonist has been abused by her controlling, narcissistic mother. Understandably, she has trust issues. The central theme of Trust is reflected in her relationships and underlined by the Celtic lore that I, being a fantasy reader, really enjoyed.

I also enjoyed getting to know a little bit about falconry and dressage. When an author does research and draws from her own experience, it gives an authentic ring to the story, and makes for a believable and satisfying read. Complete suspension of disbelief. Well-deserved 5-stars.

[Valerie Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I anticipated the release of this book after reading the first in the series, and I was not disappointed. The author has a way of weaving intricate plots with memorable characters and an element of fantasy. On top of that, she’s a lovely writer. As a reader, I found myself immersed in the story and worrying about what would happen next. Horses, falconry, flawed characters, and suspense – a definite must read for those who are looking for a good, well-written story with surprises along the way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and even though it was quite a long wait for Regina's story, it did not disappoint. I read the sneak peak for book 3 and can't wait to read Willow's story.

[margo wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first

Very fine book. Characters, story, interactions with animals wonderful. Very well plotted with tension to spare. An excellent read. After the first, I wasn't hooked, I am now.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason this story has received a 4 star rating and not a 5 star is because of one huge error. In the first story they find out that Epiphany is around 6 months pregnant and so that means she will foal Oct/Nov time frame. Rig was in Texas for a little over a year and comes back in Oct of the following year and Cory makes a statement about they will start working Epiphany once the foal, which at this time would no longer be called a foal, but a colt and he would have already been weaned off of her. I'll be considerate with percentage of people who don't start weaning between 5 and 6 months at 2% and I think that's being generous. He's pushing a year and in the show world he would have started basic training shortly after he finished being fully weaned and is calm and not agitated being away from his Dam. Otherwise, this story is riveting, and I couldn't put the book down.

[L B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Much more skillfully put together than the first. Full of interesting things (as a non-horse person, I must say that I would have appreciated more information about the difference between show jumping and dressage).

The Celtic folklore went on way too long but I just skipped ahead.

Regina was a little too passive for me, but that's not unrealistic for an abused teen.

Looking forward to reading book 3.

[Traceylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why

Regina is trying to find a way to support herself and not have to live with her mother who is getting out of prison. She loves horses and wants to work on a horse farm.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 3 books in the series now and really enjoyed them all. I wanted to read constantly which is always a good sign. I think this was my favourite though. I thought the horsey side was well researched and accurate and enjoyed the storylines. Will read more of her books.