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Winner Takes All

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Enjoy this new novella by Amazon #1 Historical Romance author Anna Harrington!

RACING FOR A FALL...

Four years ago, Jackson Shaw left the employment of Viscount Darlington to strike out on his own as a horse trainer—and escape the temptation posed by the viscount’s beautiful daughter, Francesca, a woman he could never have. But success as a trainer has proved elusive, and the only hope for saving his indebted farm is to win the famous Epsom Derby.

Francesca Darlington is desperate to win the Derby for her own reasons. She’s managed to cajole her father into an agreement: if her colt wins the Derby, then she’ll earn the freedom to marry whomever she wants. But if she loses, she’ll marry the man her father has chosen for her—a man she will never love.

When an accident at the track brings Frankie back into Shaw’s arms, old desires return, and Frankie realizes that Shaw is the only man she wants to marry. But only one of them can win the Derby and seize their dream for the future, while the other is racing for a fall.

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2020

15 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Anna Harrington

41 books772 followers
I fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency—and especially all those dashing Regency heroes—while living in England, where I spent most of my time studying the Romantic poets, reading Jane Austen, and getting lost all over the English countryside.

When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.

In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.

I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.

I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Ami.
6,241 reviews489 followers
July 22, 2020
3.5 stars

I think, aside from cats and dogs, I also love romance surrounding horses. Horse is so majestic to me. That was why when I saw that Anna Harrington -- a new-to-me author whose next book is one I'm waiting for -- has a new novella with HORSES, I had to read it.

For the most part, because apparently Jackson and Francesca had history, the time-span worked. There were no needs to build up the romantic relationship because it was there, albeit happening off page before the novella started. I could believe their feelings towards one another. The solution for the problem was a good one, and I totally LOVED Francesca for her smart thinking. Oh, and I also admired her for standing firm with what she wanted. You go, girl!

I just wish there were more pages with Jackson and Francesca training Midnight. I know, I know, it's a novella darn it, the feeling of "wanting more" will always be there. But still, HORSES!
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews129 followers
July 21, 2020
What do the following have in common... Horses, racing, a handsome hero, a beautiful lady and an attraction that will not be denied? Why, a captivating story by Anna Harrington, writer extraordinaire!
They had met when he worked for her father as the stable master and had fallen in love. But he'd made the decision to leave since it would never work out between them. She was a Viscount's daughter after all and he...
Jackson had gone out on his own to make a name for himself as a horse trainer, but had not established himself to be sustainable yet. So his entry in the Derby was critical that he win.
Francesca was determined herself to avoid being married to a man her father picked out. If she could prove herself and the colt she had bred by winning the Derby, she would be able to choose her path.
The only problem was that she and Jack ran into each other and those feelings wrapped around them again.
So much was at stake and not just with the race as these two need a win to determine their future, with the winner taking all... Perfect.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
July 18, 2020
This was a really enjoyable novella length read. Jack and Francesca provide readers with plenty of feels as they struggle to overcome the many obstacles that stand in their way of a HEA. The story is very well written and fast paced. Each of the characters was likable and as a couple they were easy to root for. There is a lot of sweetness to this story but also feelings of angst and poignancy and also of course some drama. All this occurs against the backdrop of horses and horseracing. Quite delightful!
This is my independent, impartial review.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,099 reviews22 followers
July 20, 2020
The reader is the winner with this story. Wonderful story of Jackson Shaw, a former stable hand, now a horse trainer and an owner of his own stables, and Francesca Darlington, a Viscount's daughter, and avid horse breeder and racer. Four years ago they gave up on their love, and went their separate ways, to be thrust back together when both need to win the same horse race. This is a novella, but the characters are well fleshed out and the story well-paced. Winner takes all, or love wins this one? Highly recommend you read to find out.
Profile Image for Molly.
667 reviews29 followers
June 29, 2020
I am a big Anna Harrington fan and her stories always make me feel like I am in the story. This novella is about Jackson Shaw, who 4 years ago left the employment of Viscount Darlington to go out on his own as a horse trainer. Francesca Darlington really wants to win the Derby so she can marry who she wants. I did really enjoy this novella. I liked the plot.
2,421 reviews22 followers
July 11, 2020
Anna you have done it again. You take a short story and bring us into the world of horse racing. This second chance romance is smart, exhilarating and sexy. Jackson and Francesca are a match made in heaven. The story kind of reminds me of the tale The Gift of the Magi, sacrificing for those we love. Oh dear, time to get out the tissue again.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,341 reviews38 followers
August 13, 2021
This is the 3rd book I read by Anna Harrington. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the hot 🔥 steamy scenes. I loved ❤ Shaw's character. I loved ❤ Frankie's character. I loved ❤ the ending. I loved ❤ what I learned about the era. Awesome job Ms. Harrington." I received a free copy for an honest review".
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
938 reviews16 followers
July 20, 2020
This short story is set up with an impossible plot. Which means I'm going to love it because it's romance and I know the author will give us a HEA. It centers around a horse race and both people have to win the race. The hero is Jackson Shaw, owner of a farm and stable that raises and trains horses. He's a former groom of Viscount Darlington. His stable isn't doing well and he's got to win the Derby for the prize money to save his stable. Winning will put him in a position to have people want to purchase his prize winning horses.

Francesca Darlington is the viscount's daughter who loves Jackson. He left because he also loved her but knew because of their stations in life he couldn't have her. She's made a deal with her father that if she wins the race he'll let her live her life as she pleases instead of having to marry the man of her father's choosing. We find Dad has an understanding already with Lord Charles, the second son of Duke Norwich. He's detestable and would never let her live her life raising horses. When she she falls from her horse Midnight during a practice run, Jackson takes her home and learns the story. She can no longer be a jockey after hurting her foot and begs Jack to help her placing him in an impossible position.

I loved watching the chemistry between these two people and how they sought to figure out how they could both win in the end and be together. I was surprised at the ending and that is always my favorite thing. Well done Anna Harrington!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sharon.
444 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2020
This quick novella hits all the points in a romance. This is a second chance romance between an aristocratic woman, Francesca, and the man who was once a stablemaster at her home and is now building a business as a horse breeder, trainer, and racer, Jackson Shaw. They loved each other once but Jackson left, knowing there was no future. Francesca unexpectedly falls back into Jackson's world, literally. The upcoming Epsom Derby is everything to each of them. A win will cement a future, but they can't both win. Or can they? Sexy times included on the way to HEA.

I do enjoy a heroine who wants to buck the rules of her time. Francesca doesn't want to marry, at least not the wrong man, but does want to breed horses. I also appreciate Jackson's strength and work to become his own business owner. When two characters figure out they can be stronger together, that's the win.

Uncle Jonas is the kind of side character we want, who sees more than you think he sees. There's a slimy suitor that gets what he deserves, and Francesca's father, who proves to actually be decent. It is nice to have that for a change.

At the end, there's a win and a twist and it all works so we can have our HEA. A satisfying read for fans of Anna Harrington and historical romance fans looking for a quick afternoon read.

Included at the end is the first chapter of a previously published book in the Capturing the Carlisles series.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
46 reviews
July 20, 2020
I just finished an ARC of this novella. As always, Anna drew me into the story in the first few paragraphs. This is story of two people in love who are separated 4 years in the past due to the difference in their stations. This story begins when the two are drawn back together by their love of horses and expertise in training them. The heroine is thrown from her horse while pretending to be a male jockey. The hero is the first to get to her side. While examining her for injuries, He discovered that she was female & immediately realizes who she is. He knows that there’s only one female who would be riding her horse in preparation for the Epsom Downs race. He protects her identity to save her from scandal. He discovers that she is racing because of a deal with her father. If her horse wins, she can marry whom & when she please. If she loses, she will marry the man her father chooses. He needs to win to save his farm & business. Since she was injured in fall from her horse, she cannot ride her horse. Eventually Jackson, our hero agrees to help her with training & racing the horse, Midnight. They are thrown together for several weeks & realize they are still in love. He’s fighting it. She is not. Will not get into further details of what happens for them to reach their HEA.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,258 reviews45 followers
July 4, 2020
I am a big fan of Anna Harrington's Regency romances, so when I got the chance to read this novella that was also a horse story, I was elated! Once again, she has written a great story, full of wonderful characters and just enough steamy romance to get your heart racing.

Jackson Shaw is a horse trainer, trying to save his farm with the winnings from the Epsom Derby. His colt, Ghost, has a great chance of winning and Shaw is sure that he will prevail.

Then the love of his life, Francesca Darlington, shows up at the track, pretending to be a jockey riding a faster colt named Midnight. Of course, the reader knows that things have to bring these two star-crossed lovers back together, but how? Frankie's father has promised that she will be free to marry her a man of her choosing if Midnight wins the Derby.

You know that both horses can't win, but how will this story resolve itself? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out! If you are fan of Regency romances, this is a great short book. And, if you happen to love books set in the world of horse racing, even better!

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,112 reviews13 followers
July 21, 2020
This a terrific story with an exciting plot, including an interesting (and a bit sad) backstory. Jack is a horse trainer and Francesca wants to prove she has the talent to breed race horses. They each want, or need, to win the Epsom Derby; he to save his farm and she to win her independence. Neither knows why the race is so important to the other. Jack and Frankie know each other. In fact, you might call them star-crossed lovers. As the result of an accident, Jack trains both horses for the Derby, and he and Frankie spend a lot of time together. Sparks fly and the chemistry between these two sizzles. Is this their second chance for happiness? The race is on. Will pride and heartaches take the race or will love win the day? It’s a hold-your-breath finish and an awesome surprise at the end. I recommend this one. Don’t miss it.

I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Valerie Lynne.
Author 7 books69 followers
July 23, 2020
Well, I’m just going to come out and say it—Anna Harrington has become one of my favorite authors. Just like everything else I’ve read written by her, I loved it! She has a way with words that suck the reader into another time. Her attention to detail and utilization of imagery are astounding and each of her stories leave me longing for more.

In Winner Take All, Ms. Harrington takes readers into the world of 1800’s horse racing in her steamy novella featuring Jackson Shaw, a down-on-his luck horse breeder whose livelihood depends on winning the Epsom Derby. His biggest obstacle is Francesca Darlington, who proves to be more than just a competitor—she’s the same woman he was forced to leave four-years earlier. With the stakes at an all-time high, Jack and Frankie, discover the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

*I was given an advanced copy of this book and was thrilled to give my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
July 20, 2020
Winner Takes All by Anna Harrington is the story of Francesca 'Frankie' Darlington and Jackson 'Jack' Shaw. Jack left the security of Viscount Darlington employment to strike out on his own as a horse trainer and to run from his growing feelings for the Viscount's daughter, Francesca. A few years later he finds that he is need of money to help with his farm, which leads him to enter into the Epsom Derby. Francesca has made a deal with her father to win the same derby. The deal is if Francesca can when it then she gets to choose her own husband, but if she looses then she will have to marry the man her father chose. But what neither Jack or Francesca counted on seeing the other and competing against each other with the same desire to win. Really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book and of course this author's writing.

52 reviews
July 21, 2020
I love Anna Harrington and she has done it once again with her new story. Her short novella is everything a romance should be. I fell in love with Frankie and Shaw.
This is a second chance romance between businessman Jackson Shaw and aristocratic woman Francesca Darlington. He used to work in her father's stables and she fell in love with him then - she never stopped. He left because he knew there could be no future.
The Epsom Derby means everything to both of them. If Jackson wins, he can run his own business and become the best horse trainer and breeder. If Frankie wins, she will be free to choose whom to marry and become a horse breeder.
Who will win?
If you love romance and happily ever afters, be sure to pick up this book. I can't wait for Anna Harrington's next book!
I was given an opportunity to read an advanced copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
381 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2020
As a big fan of the Kentucky Derby, this story made me wistful for missing it this past May. This is a novella length story but complete in a way that I do not feel like I am missing anything. There was enough backstory given to understand the motivations of Jack and Francesca and feel the feelings needed to get swept away with their second chance at love. I particularly enjoyed seeing the slight differences in horse racing of the past compared with modern day. The author included the right amount of details to make it realistic. I would definitely recommend Winner Takes All if you are looking for a shorter historical story that is based around a very important horse race with stakes high enough to change lives, but with all the romance and sexy times that you are no doubt looking for.
Profile Image for Whitney.
485 reviews
July 9, 2020
Such a good short read. I have no idea how Anna Harrington did it, not only was the plot amazing but the reader was given a solid backstory, which just further enriched the story.
The entire premise was one of my favorite historical premises, love across different social classes. A groom turned horse trainer and a lady who wants to breed horses. That common love of horses was not only the factor that allowed them to see each other clearly but what brought them back together in the end.
Beautifully written short read. Highly recommend.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
Profile Image for Alyl02.
91 reviews
July 26, 2020
I loved this story/novella about a character that is in other books but not a main character. It’s nice to see their story as well. What I loved about this book was that it was a working class man who through hard work made a great living and name for himself. Then to have the love of a higher class woman who didn’t care what he did but because of the type of man he was. This was a fast paced fun story. The female lead was fun and head strong knew what she wanted and would get her way. I highly recommend this book. Anna’s books are so fun to read. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
767 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2020
This a nice book for an afternoon read. Jack Shaw is an owner/trainer of a horse farm which he is in debt. Francesca (Frankie) owns a beautiful racing horse. Each of them are entering their horses in the Derby, each of them has a reason/need to win the race. Jack and Frankie knew each other years ago and were in love, but Jack left because he knew a lady could never marry a groom who worked for her father. This book is about when they meet again. Their story is lovely, they belong together. Anna Harrington always writes a nice romantic story you will enjoy.

Profile Image for Amanda.
438 reviews43 followers
July 20, 2020
A novella that feels like a full length novel. Anna Harrington is able to provide enough back story to make it feel like you missed nothing. As if I already knew their history and now watching how their recent interactions will play out. Jackson Shaw is in love with Francesa Darlington, but she is a viscounts daughter, and he was their groom. He now runs his own horse training business but business is not good, he must win the Derby to keep his business. A fateful run in with Francesca will change both of their futures. Second Chance lovers at its best!
41 reviews
July 20, 2020
An unlikely romance between a horse trainer and a Viscounts daughter. Loved the story line and the characters. Jackson once worked for her father and left because of his desire for Francesca. She has always admired him. She is feisty and believable. Gets dressed as a jockey to enter her horse in The Epsom Derby. She must win at all costs to avoid being betrothed to a man of her fathers choice. He must win to save his business.
Really enjoyed this story. Well done Anna.
49 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2020
Breathtaking!!!!

This was such a great read. Couldn’t put it down. A disparity of stations between a horse trainer and a lady could not keep their love apart. I loved the story premise of a horse race determining whether the two lovers could be together. Exciting till the very end. Loved it and you will too.
766 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2020
Exciting story, set in the world of horse racing. A lady does not train and race a horse, or have a relationship with a stable master - or does she? I received an ARC of tis book,
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
649 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2020
Jackson Shaw was a stablemaster but he had left his old position and followed his dream. He had bought a small place where he could train his horses. His gray colt had excellent bloodlines and ran well but not like the black colt next to him. He found out that the woman training him was his unrequited love. They were racing for the same purse.
Francesca Darlington twenty-three had raised Midnight from a colt and had trained it. She needed a win so she could choose her life. Marry who she wished.
This a very good novella but if it was longer it could have been fleshed out even more. It was well written and easy to read. It is also something you could read with lunch. The characters were engaging, fun, and in love. There is so much to this book and I am glad I got the chance to read it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
810 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2020
An entertaining short story with wonderful characters...
This is the story of Jackson Shaw, a horse trainer, and Francesca Darlington, a young lady...
Both want to win the Derby for different reasons...
But old feeling are returning...
Who will win?
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