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The Russian Witch's Curse #1
My Queendom for a Horse
Kristiana Liepa was supposed to use the money to save her family farm. She was NOT supposed to spend it all to save a massive, black stallion.
But when she saw how he was being treated, what's a vet to do?
She had no idea that gorgeous beast was really a powerful (and morally gray) magician who had been cursed by a witch, or that she was the only one who could reverse the curse.
And she couldn't possibly have known how that one rash decision would irrevocably change her life. . . and his.
Need a little more information to make up your mind? Read a longer description below:
Kristiana’s father has a gambling problem. After a particularly bad hand of cards puts their family’s land in jeopardy, her dad’s solution is to call her billionaire ex. But Kris can't bring herself to beg him for money. At least, not her first time seeing him in ten years. Instead, she withdraws her life savings and bets on herself.
Thankfully, it pays off! She and her most promising horse win big at the Down Royal steeplechase in Ireland, but only because the best horse on the track wasn’t ridden properly. Luckily, it’s just enough to grant a stay of execution with the bank. Or it would be. . .
But when Kris realizes her nemesis is abusing the gorgeous black stallion who should have won, she can’t help herself. She spends her winnings buying the horse she fell for the moment she saw him. It may not be the smartest move in the short run, but Obsidian Devil's her best hope of finally digging out from under the massive debt hanging over them. She’ll have to ask her ex to help with the next payment, but seeing him again won't be so bad.
What Kris doesn’t know is that her new purchase is actually a powerful magician, stuck in horse form by a witch’s curse. She also has no idea that she’ll be the only person who can help him lift the curse. . . And worst of all, that helping him may mean losing the family farm for good.
But when she saw how he was being treated, what's a vet to do?
She had no idea that gorgeous beast was really a powerful (and morally gray) magician who had been cursed by a witch, or that she was the only one who could reverse the curse.
And she couldn't possibly have known how that one rash decision would irrevocably change her life. . . and his.
Need a little more information to make up your mind? Read a longer description below:
Kristiana’s father has a gambling problem. After a particularly bad hand of cards puts their family’s land in jeopardy, her dad’s solution is to call her billionaire ex. But Kris can't bring herself to beg him for money. At least, not her first time seeing him in ten years. Instead, she withdraws her life savings and bets on herself.
Thankfully, it pays off! She and her most promising horse win big at the Down Royal steeplechase in Ireland, but only because the best horse on the track wasn’t ridden properly. Luckily, it’s just enough to grant a stay of execution with the bank. Or it would be. . .
But when Kris realizes her nemesis is abusing the gorgeous black stallion who should have won, she can’t help herself. She spends her winnings buying the horse she fell for the moment she saw him. It may not be the smartest move in the short run, but Obsidian Devil's her best hope of finally digging out from under the massive debt hanging over them. She’ll have to ask her ex to help with the next payment, but seeing him again won't be so bad.
What Kris doesn’t know is that her new purchase is actually a powerful magician, stuck in horse form by a witch’s curse. She also has no idea that she’ll be the only person who can help him lift the curse. . . And worst of all, that helping him may mean losing the family farm for good.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2022
501 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 16, 2023
When I heard of this book I knew I had to read it, it just sounded so fun and original. I mean there's a horse shifter and a curse. Unfortunately this book was a miss for me. The writing style is pleasant, so I hope I'll enjoy some of the author's other books more, but I did not enjoy this one. I kept reading hoping it would get better, but it didn't.
My Queendom for a Horse is told from Kristiana's point of view. Her father has gambled and now they have a huge debt and it's up to her to fix it. So she's attending this horse race and instead of using the winnings to pay off that debt she buys this black stallion that is mistreated by it's owners. Which is one of the few things she does that I liked. It turns out the horse is actually a horse shifter and only she can shift him back and forth until the curse is broken. I loved the set up and the idea behind this book. I don't think I've read about a horse shifter before. And the author clearly knows a lot about horses, as there were lots of specific details and the way the horses got described felt spot on, not that I know a lot about horses.
That's where my love for this book ended unfortunately. I struggled through this book hoping Kirstiana and Aleks would team up to figure out this whole curse thing and actually spend some time together and getting to know each. Instead it's an insta love and hate-to-love romance. Only in the last few chapters I could feel the hint of romance and by then it was too little too late. Kris and Aleks spend the whole book arguing with each other, not communicating, abusing their powers (she shifts him or not shifts him as she seems fit and he barges in on her dates as no fence can stop him as a horse) and just being all-round nasty and rude to the other. I didn't feel their connection or romance at all and got frustrated with it.
On top of that there's a love triangle, I am not a fan of those usually, but I hated this one. Sean wasn't very likable, but by the end of the book I was almost feeling bad for him due to how Kris treats him and strings him along. Then again he pressures her into dating him again and I didn't like how he talked to her and treated her. The love triangle drags on for most of the book and seemed to be there just to create heaps of drama and angst. It just didn't work for me. With the money troubles, the romance and the love triangle there just was way too much angst and drama for my taste in this book.
Despite that all I do think the writing is good and I liked the idea of the story. So it made me extra sad I didn't enjoy it. I kept hoping the actual curse part would play a bigger role and would make things more interesting for me, but the way the curse got resolved was actually quite anti-climactic in my opinion. And there's a hint of some bad guys, but that plot line doesn't get resolved and will probably carry throughout the series. I also had hoped the magic Aleks had would be more interesting and a bigger part of the story. I can't really say much about it for spoilers, but it felt kinda easy how it solved some problems in a non interesting way.
It was fun to read a story set in Latvia, as I don't think I've read one that took place there before. It doesn't play a huge role, but there are some mentions of Latvian food and places. It did bother me that the characters used miles and Fahrenheit though as Latvia used kilometers and Celsius. Those details got me out of the story. I also thought it implausible she could drive all the way from Latvia to England in just two days, but later in the story she does the same trip in just one day and I just don't see how that's possible.
To summarize: I really wanted to enjoy this book, the premise is so fun and unique and the author clearly knows a lot about horses. I had hoped for more about the curse and Kris and Aleks working together. Instead they spend the whole book arguing with each other, being rude and abusing their powers. I didn't like their romance and could not feel their connection. Unless she's riding him as a horse there are no peaceful cooperative scenes. Aleks and Kris were not likable characters to me and I didn't enjoy reading about them. Their romance felt like insta love and hate-to-love to me and I didn't enjoy it. Most of the book focuses on either the money troubles or the love triangle and there was way too much angst and drama for me. I hated the love triangle. Sean didn't seem like a good fit for Kris and I didn't like how he sort of bargained with her to date him again. I didn't like how the love triangle went on for the most part of the book. The setting in Latvia was interesting, although there were some little details that pulled me out of the story like how Kris used miles and Fahrenheit instead of kilometers and Celsius. I liked the author's writing so I plan to try some of her other books and and hopefully I will enjoy those more.
My Queendom for a Horse is told from Kristiana's point of view. Her father has gambled and now they have a huge debt and it's up to her to fix it. So she's attending this horse race and instead of using the winnings to pay off that debt she buys this black stallion that is mistreated by it's owners. Which is one of the few things she does that I liked. It turns out the horse is actually a horse shifter and only she can shift him back and forth until the curse is broken. I loved the set up and the idea behind this book. I don't think I've read about a horse shifter before. And the author clearly knows a lot about horses, as there were lots of specific details and the way the horses got described felt spot on, not that I know a lot about horses.
That's where my love for this book ended unfortunately. I struggled through this book hoping Kirstiana and Aleks would team up to figure out this whole curse thing and actually spend some time together and getting to know each. Instead it's an insta love and hate-to-love romance. Only in the last few chapters I could feel the hint of romance and by then it was too little too late. Kris and Aleks spend the whole book arguing with each other, not communicating, abusing their powers (she shifts him or not shifts him as she seems fit and he barges in on her dates as no fence can stop him as a horse) and just being all-round nasty and rude to the other. I didn't feel their connection or romance at all and got frustrated with it.
On top of that there's a love triangle, I am not a fan of those usually, but I hated this one. Sean wasn't very likable, but by the end of the book I was almost feeling bad for him due to how Kris treats him and strings him along. Then again he pressures her into dating him again and I didn't like how he talked to her and treated her. The love triangle drags on for most of the book and seemed to be there just to create heaps of drama and angst. It just didn't work for me. With the money troubles, the romance and the love triangle there just was way too much angst and drama for my taste in this book.
Despite that all I do think the writing is good and I liked the idea of the story. So it made me extra sad I didn't enjoy it. I kept hoping the actual curse part would play a bigger role and would make things more interesting for me, but the way the curse got resolved was actually quite anti-climactic in my opinion. And there's a hint of some bad guys, but that plot line doesn't get resolved and will probably carry throughout the series. I also had hoped the magic Aleks had would be more interesting and a bigger part of the story. I can't really say much about it for spoilers, but it felt kinda easy how it solved some problems in a non interesting way.
It was fun to read a story set in Latvia, as I don't think I've read one that took place there before. It doesn't play a huge role, but there are some mentions of Latvian food and places. It did bother me that the characters used miles and Fahrenheit though as Latvia used kilometers and Celsius. Those details got me out of the story. I also thought it implausible she could drive all the way from Latvia to England in just two days, but later in the story she does the same trip in just one day and I just don't see how that's possible.
To summarize: I really wanted to enjoy this book, the premise is so fun and unique and the author clearly knows a lot about horses. I had hoped for more about the curse and Kris and Aleks working together. Instead they spend the whole book arguing with each other, being rude and abusing their powers. I didn't like their romance and could not feel their connection. Unless she's riding him as a horse there are no peaceful cooperative scenes. Aleks and Kris were not likable characters to me and I didn't enjoy reading about them. Their romance felt like insta love and hate-to-love to me and I didn't enjoy it. Most of the book focuses on either the money troubles or the love triangle and there was way too much angst and drama for me. I hated the love triangle. Sean didn't seem like a good fit for Kris and I didn't like how he sort of bargained with her to date him again. I didn't like how the love triangle went on for the most part of the book. The setting in Latvia was interesting, although there were some little details that pulled me out of the story like how Kris used miles and Fahrenheit instead of kilometers and Celsius. I liked the author's writing so I plan to try some of her other books and and hopefully I will enjoy those more.
June 5, 2023
Dnf @ 10%/2 chapters.
This has some decent writing to it, and I feel like we have only just begun the story, obviously since I’m only two chapters in, but for the last two chapters, she’s been very negative towards her ex, which it also doesn’t make sense why he’s there or so hung up on after not seeing her for 10 years, being the one that dumped her, and him have been married for five of those years, but at the very end of chapter 2, she saying now her actions will force her to the one decision that she wanted to do, which was depend on her ex. This absolutely makes no sense to me and it’s pretty much a set up for the love triangle that you can see coming from a mile away.
Therefore I’m stopping now before I get any more annoyed with what might come from this book.
This has some decent writing to it, and I feel like we have only just begun the story, obviously since I’m only two chapters in, but for the last two chapters, she’s been very negative towards her ex, which it also doesn’t make sense why he’s there or so hung up on after not seeing her for 10 years, being the one that dumped her, and him have been married for five of those years, but at the very end of chapter 2, she saying now her actions will force her to the one decision that she wanted to do, which was depend on her ex. This absolutely makes no sense to me and it’s pretty much a set up for the love triangle that you can see coming from a mile away.
Therefore I’m stopping now before I get any more annoyed with what might come from this book.
May 31, 2023
I am rating this a little generously because I really love the concept. I'd love to see more horse shifter books. Please please please!
The build up and first third of this book were incredible. Very fun premise, and the main character is interesting and cool! However, as the story progressed, I really felt frustrated with what felt like a real failure to follow through with the setup. I also feel like the enemies to lovers thing was sorely misplaced in this plot. It makes more sense with a wolf shifter, but we tend to love horses for their personable and generally sweet and agreeable demeanor. There really was no reason for Alexander to be so cocky, and I also think that there are some instances when Kris is downright cruel to him for no good reason.
I just would have liked to see something different for once with a shifter novel, and I felt like a horse shifter was a great way to do that, but it overall felt like any other shifter book I have read with a cocky male lead and a stubborn main character.
Spoilers below!
-
I thought that the book really devolved into a frustrating love triangle when the story shouldn't have been at all. We all know that Sean doesn't have a chance, but he just keep hanging onto the plot like the author was too attached to him or something. He should have showed up, done his thing, and disappeared when Kris decided she was going to start racing again. He just would not go, and Kris wouldn't stop stringing him along. Plz! More bonding between Kris and Alex, less of her ex-boyfriend who dumped her in a horrific way like 10 years ago??
I think this book should have focused way more on the horse thing than anything else- I would have loved to see Kris and Alexander (I listened to the audiobook, apologies if I get the names spelled incorrectly) spend more time bonding. The fact that everyone keeps saying that Kris is a horse whisperer made me think that she and Alex would have bonded. I also kept thinking her veterinary abilities would come in handy at some point- it just seems like that should have been a bigger part of her life as far as the book went. It just kind of felt like they were spitting barbs at each other for the middle of the book out of nowhere, tossing all of their bonding in the first bit out of the window, only to resolve without any meaningful development. It was just that, well, Alex got rich so that's why Kris let herself like him. God forbid she fall in love with a vagrant.
I also have a huge complaint about the book focusing so much on wealth. When Kris told her dad to basically f off, that he ruined their lives with his gambling addiction, and she decided to sell the farm, I thought perhaps she was going to accept life with Alexander and they could be racing buddies, cheating games with their bond (her being a rider and him the human in a horse body) and living in the old beat up barns he would still own. Instead, it turns out that Alexander is even richer than Sean and it was just a bizarre pissing match between the two men over who was richer. It was like a 180 from all of the conflicts of the majority of the book. I preferred the fish out of water, poor Alexander from the first third of the book way more. It was like he was also a billionaire shifter as soon as Kris was tangled in too complicated of a financial web.
A financial web that could have been sovled by something already written in the plot!! Do more racing! Hell, start doing every horse competition under the sun! Your horse is a man! Just tell him to watch Youtube videos of dressage competitions and teach himself!
Also it felt like a drag that Kris and Alex always got into an argument before racing events, so we never once got to see them working together in harmony. Oh, and she refuses to call his by his name when he is in horse form (instead calling him by his registered horse name, Obsidian Devil), so we get a bizarre dissonance between when he is a horse and when he is a human.
And, okay one more gripe, but I was irritated at the last race, where Kris started making a big deal about being a woman racing, and how she kept pushing because she didn't want to let a little girl in the crowd down. She internally monologued about wanting to give other little girls hope that a woman could race just as well as a man but like... Kris was cheating to win with a magical man who was honestly the one doing all of the work because he was, you know, the horse she was racing without any need for instruction because that's like getting a human to run an obstacle course for a dog. All she had to do was hold on for dear life. So it wasn't exactly an empowering feminist moment.
Overall, good potential but glaring flaws.
The build up and first third of this book were incredible. Very fun premise, and the main character is interesting and cool! However, as the story progressed, I really felt frustrated with what felt like a real failure to follow through with the setup. I also feel like the enemies to lovers thing was sorely misplaced in this plot. It makes more sense with a wolf shifter, but we tend to love horses for their personable and generally sweet and agreeable demeanor. There really was no reason for Alexander to be so cocky, and I also think that there are some instances when Kris is downright cruel to him for no good reason.
I just would have liked to see something different for once with a shifter novel, and I felt like a horse shifter was a great way to do that, but it overall felt like any other shifter book I have read with a cocky male lead and a stubborn main character.
Spoilers below!
-
I thought that the book really devolved into a frustrating love triangle when the story shouldn't have been at all. We all know that Sean doesn't have a chance, but he just keep hanging onto the plot like the author was too attached to him or something. He should have showed up, done his thing, and disappeared when Kris decided she was going to start racing again. He just would not go, and Kris wouldn't stop stringing him along. Plz! More bonding between Kris and Alex, less of her ex-boyfriend who dumped her in a horrific way like 10 years ago??
I think this book should have focused way more on the horse thing than anything else- I would have loved to see Kris and Alexander (I listened to the audiobook, apologies if I get the names spelled incorrectly) spend more time bonding. The fact that everyone keeps saying that Kris is a horse whisperer made me think that she and Alex would have bonded. I also kept thinking her veterinary abilities would come in handy at some point- it just seems like that should have been a bigger part of her life as far as the book went. It just kind of felt like they were spitting barbs at each other for the middle of the book out of nowhere, tossing all of their bonding in the first bit out of the window, only to resolve without any meaningful development. It was just that, well, Alex got rich so that's why Kris let herself like him. God forbid she fall in love with a vagrant.
I also have a huge complaint about the book focusing so much on wealth. When Kris told her dad to basically f off, that he ruined their lives with his gambling addiction, and she decided to sell the farm, I thought perhaps she was going to accept life with Alexander and they could be racing buddies, cheating games with their bond (her being a rider and him the human in a horse body) and living in the old beat up barns he would still own. Instead, it turns out that Alexander is even richer than Sean and it was just a bizarre pissing match between the two men over who was richer. It was like a 180 from all of the conflicts of the majority of the book. I preferred the fish out of water, poor Alexander from the first third of the book way more. It was like he was also a billionaire shifter as soon as Kris was tangled in too complicated of a financial web.
A financial web that could have been sovled by something already written in the plot!! Do more racing! Hell, start doing every horse competition under the sun! Your horse is a man! Just tell him to watch Youtube videos of dressage competitions and teach himself!
Also it felt like a drag that Kris and Alex always got into an argument before racing events, so we never once got to see them working together in harmony. Oh, and she refuses to call his by his name when he is in horse form (instead calling him by his registered horse name, Obsidian Devil), so we get a bizarre dissonance between when he is a horse and when he is a human.
And, okay one more gripe, but I was irritated at the last race, where Kris started making a big deal about being a woman racing, and how she kept pushing because she didn't want to let a little girl in the crowd down. She internally monologued about wanting to give other little girls hope that a woman could race just as well as a man but like... Kris was cheating to win with a magical man who was honestly the one doing all of the work because he was, you know, the horse she was racing without any need for instruction because that's like getting a human to run an obstacle course for a dog. All she had to do was hold on for dear life. So it wasn't exactly an empowering feminist moment.
Overall, good potential but glaring flaws.
January 10, 2023
3.75 stars
I wanted to love this book. It sounds like it would be everything I could hope for, and some of it was, but it just didn't completely work for me.
Gorgeous cover, yes
Russian horse shifter, yes
Not excessively smutty, yes
Decent editing, yes
Intelligent heroine, yes
Chemistry between the hero and heroine, sadly mostly lacking until the last couple of chapters.
It was a weird combination of enemies to lovers and instalove without being either, plus a big serving of love triangle to go with it.
I still might try the next book in the series because horse books for grownups are hard to find.
I wanted to love this book. It sounds like it would be everything I could hope for, and some of it was, but it just didn't completely work for me.
Gorgeous cover, yes
Russian horse shifter, yes
Not excessively smutty, yes
Decent editing, yes
Intelligent heroine, yes
Chemistry between the hero and heroine, sadly mostly lacking until the last couple of chapters.
It was a weird combination of enemies to lovers and instalove without being either, plus a big serving of love triangle to go with it.
I still might try the next book in the series because horse books for grownups are hard to find.
December 31, 2022
Unique and Lovely
Romance, horses, and a shifter! What’s not to love?!! I loved this read and now I’m left waiting for the next book!
Creative and inventive and well written and edited. As a horse enthusiast and long time fan of the Grand National this has all the feels. Throw in international intrigue with Russian history and Latvian landmarks the story grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to end.
Well done, Bridget Baker! Keep the imagination going.
Romance, horses, and a shifter! What’s not to love?!! I loved this read and now I’m left waiting for the next book!
Creative and inventive and well written and edited. As a horse enthusiast and long time fan of the Grand National this has all the feels. Throw in international intrigue with Russian history and Latvian landmarks the story grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to end.
Well done, Bridget Baker! Keep the imagination going.
August 28, 2023
I never connected with the FMC. She has a somewhat anger-prone, monologuing personality and also habitually says no when she means yes. She pushes away the hero constantly. Even at the end, she is still denying her feelings. If I was the hero, that would be the last straw. I’d be thinking, “She is incapable of being vulnerable or honest with me. Why am I still waiting for her to change? I’m sick of groveling.” Really, he has had to chase her TOO much, and I don’t say that lightly.
The plot isn’t compelling. Too focused on her debts and how she can’t ask her old boyfriend for help (but does anyway), on a never ending loop. Too much page-time given to a love triangle (that never really felt like a love triangle because it’s so clear who the winner will be) instead of spent on the two love interests bonding and connecting on a deeper level. I missed the depth, the connection, the tension, that can really up the chemistry. Their constant superficial bickering didn’t create the necessary tension and connection.
Speaking of her old boyfriend, I liked him as a supporting character, even tho he definitely was in the book way longer than he should have been (and he was strung along by Kris for too long). I’m so glad he was not villainized by the author, tho. He just wasn’t right for Kris. I loved that! He was a legit good guy, and I’m glad his character was given that respect. Nicely done.
Unfortunately, I never really understood what Seth saw in her, to be honest. (Same holds true for the hero, Alex.) And that aspect was disappointing. Still, for whatever reason, Seth’s sincere but unrequited feelings were flattering.
I really liked the well researched aspect of the horse racing. Clearly the author knows what she’s talking about, and that shone through the writing. Well done on that point.
Sadly, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Alex and Kris at all. There’s 45 minutes left in the book, but I’m headed to bed. I may or may not listen to the rest tomorrow. *update- never finished it.* He’s mid-grovel and she’s finally being honest with him, so I should be riveted. But all I feel is meh. I just don’t like her anymore.
Underwhelmed.
Content:
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scene although there are sexual innuendos.
Drug/alcohol- she gets drunk twice. And the author uses these episodes as the FMC’s excuses to be genuine. It’s annoying.
Cover- cool
Narrator- okay. I listened on 1.5 speed which was too rushed, so that probably diminished the experience for me. (It made the FMC sound more petulant than she legitimately was.) But I wasn’t into the book and wanted to hurry it along.
I listened to this on Scribd.
The plot isn’t compelling. Too focused on her debts and how she can’t ask her old boyfriend for help (but does anyway), on a never ending loop. Too much page-time given to a love triangle (that never really felt like a love triangle because it’s so clear who the winner will be) instead of spent on the two love interests bonding and connecting on a deeper level. I missed the depth, the connection, the tension, that can really up the chemistry. Their constant superficial bickering didn’t create the necessary tension and connection.
Speaking of her old boyfriend, I liked him as a supporting character, even tho he definitely was in the book way longer than he should have been (and he was strung along by Kris for too long). I’m so glad he was not villainized by the author, tho. He just wasn’t right for Kris. I loved that! He was a legit good guy, and I’m glad his character was given that respect. Nicely done.
Unfortunately, I never really understood what Seth saw in her, to be honest. (Same holds true for the hero, Alex.) And that aspect was disappointing. Still, for whatever reason, Seth’s sincere but unrequited feelings were flattering.
I really liked the well researched aspect of the horse racing. Clearly the author knows what she’s talking about, and that shone through the writing. Well done on that point.
Sadly, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Alex and Kris at all. There’s 45 minutes left in the book, but I’m headed to bed. I may or may not listen to the rest tomorrow. *update- never finished it.* He’s mid-grovel and she’s finally being honest with him, so I should be riveted. But all I feel is meh. I just don’t like her anymore.
Underwhelmed.
Content:
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scene although there are sexual innuendos.
Drug/alcohol- she gets drunk twice. And the author uses these episodes as the FMC’s excuses to be genuine. It’s annoying.
Cover- cool
Narrator- okay. I listened on 1.5 speed which was too rushed, so that probably diminished the experience for me. (It made the FMC sound more petulant than she legitimately was.) But I wasn’t into the book and wanted to hurry it along.
I listened to this on Scribd.
December 28, 2022
My Queendom for a Horse had me reading into the early morning hours. I love horses and this cover is gorgeous but I also loved the story. It was fast-paced with a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for Aleksandr the entire book. I am so intrigued about the curse and how Kris is connected to Aleksandr's world. Aleksandr is such a strong broody alpha type and he pulls out all the stops. I can't wait for the next book because I need more banter from Aleksandr and Kris and I need more horse shifters! Check this book out because you may just find your next book boyfriend.
July 29, 2024
Kinda interesting how Hemingway, Dickens, and Dostoevsky have all been silent since this book came out…
December 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ I picked this one up after finding the title on a list of best British fantasy reads. This was a fun, engaging story but it had some elements that needed attention: constant focus on wealthy people, lack of detail on the FMC’s alleged veterinary practice as well as the actual curse which the entire book revolved around, a one-dimensional MMC, and a love triangle pushed aaaaalllllllll the way to the very last couple pages of the book. I found myself pulled away from the story by these few flaws, which is really unfortunate.
I enjoyed the level of descriptive detail, the inventive plot and the overall arc of the novel. I found myself reaching for it each day as I came home from work and eager to finish it to see how it resolved. I’m undecided on whether I’ll read another from the series, however.
Horse lovers, fans of shifter stories, and those who love a clean romance will enjoy.
Synopsis: Kristiana, a Latvian vet who owns, races and breeds her horses, finds herself suddenly in possession of a giant beautiful black stallion after a steeplechase win - which she was supposed to spend on saving her farm from her father’s creditors. The stallion ends up being a Russian aristocrat who shifted back to human form somehow via her touch. Will she be able to save the farm? How will he adapt to life in the modern world - or will he?
I enjoyed the level of descriptive detail, the inventive plot and the overall arc of the novel. I found myself reaching for it each day as I came home from work and eager to finish it to see how it resolved. I’m undecided on whether I’ll read another from the series, however.
Horse lovers, fans of shifter stories, and those who love a clean romance will enjoy.
Synopsis: Kristiana, a Latvian vet who owns, races and breeds her horses, finds herself suddenly in possession of a giant beautiful black stallion after a steeplechase win - which she was supposed to spend on saving her farm from her father’s creditors. The stallion ends up being a Russian aristocrat who shifted back to human form somehow via her touch. Will she be able to save the farm? How will he adapt to life in the modern world - or will he?
July 7, 2025
I powered through this book because I love horses, but will not be continuing with the series. For all that the premises is interesting, the characters were awful. The female lead is overly stubborn, and rather dense at times. The male lead is worse - dismissive, ignores communication, rude, physically pushy, and overall highly annoying. There were times I would have called the relationship toxic and abusive because of both their actions. There is no real romance or chemistry between them at any point, and most of the conflict was self-imposed.
Redeemed some stars by having lots of realistic horse details in, but not enough to make this book worth it. Very glad I downloaded this whilst it was free on kindle, as I would have resented spending money on it.
Redeemed some stars by having lots of realistic horse details in, but not enough to make this book worth it. Very glad I downloaded this whilst it was free on kindle, as I would have resented spending money on it.
December 8, 2023
This unfortunately read like a YA romance when I was expecting an adult romance. Also, love triangle? Really?
May 26, 2024
DNF @ 52%.
Honestly, pushed through further than I usually would for a DNF because the writing wasn't bad. I really, really wanted to like this book because I'm a horse girl at heart. However, the horses were about the only thing I liked.
The story begins at a horse race wherein Kris is racing her beloved horse and betting on herself in order to have a hope of covering the debts her father wracked up putting her farm at risk. We are also introduced to Sean—her ex of ten years who married someone else for family approval—who seems intent on white knighting for her because he's rich and wants a second chance...after ten years...and no communication...this seemed SO RANDOM to me. But fine.
After the race where she wins her money, she ends up spending it to save the gorgeous black she raced against from abuse—from the very same owner her dad owes all his debt money to.
And now starts my issues.
Less than one ride at her farm later, she discovers he's actually a man and that she can transform him to and from a horse at will. While I knew this would inevitably happen, I wish it would have happened later. It seemed really quick to go from HORSES to WTF IS HAPPENING.
Aleksander, turns out, is one of four "lords" that was cursed and placed underground. He remained in a sort of stasis until he woke up about a year ago, locked in horse form, not understanding anyone, and all around being quite pissed. It has something to do with two other "lords" from his time...which connects somehow to the Romanov's demise during the Russian Revolution...and he will be in danger as soon as the peeps that placed him in the ground realize he's free and blah blah blah.
What REALLY CINCHED IT was Sean basically blackmailing Kris to give him 12 dates in exchange for the first portion of debt money to save her farm. (I'd do it, but still.) Sean is literally just there to cause drama and a love triangle. (No one likes you, Sean. Blackmail is not the way to the heart, Sean. White knighting is also not the way to the heart, Sean.) Sean pisses off Aleks by just breathing, so Aleks tries to continually ruin their dates in horse form. In human form, he's overbearing, pushy, and is in a constant battle to "take charge" from Kris.
Look. I wanted a horse book and got this convoluted political story with two guys I wouldn't give the time of day.
I tried. I really did.
Honestly, pushed through further than I usually would for a DNF because the writing wasn't bad. I really, really wanted to like this book because I'm a horse girl at heart. However, the horses were about the only thing I liked.
The story begins at a horse race wherein Kris is racing her beloved horse and betting on herself in order to have a hope of covering the debts her father wracked up putting her farm at risk. We are also introduced to Sean—her ex of ten years who married someone else for family approval—who seems intent on white knighting for her because he's rich and wants a second chance...after ten years...and no communication...this seemed SO RANDOM to me. But fine.
After the race where she wins her money, she ends up spending it to save the gorgeous black she raced against from abuse—from the very same owner her dad owes all his debt money to.
And now starts my issues.
Less than one ride at her farm later, she discovers he's actually a man and that she can transform him to and from a horse at will. While I knew this would inevitably happen, I wish it would have happened later. It seemed really quick to go from HORSES to WTF IS HAPPENING.
Aleksander, turns out, is one of four "lords" that was cursed and placed underground. He remained in a sort of stasis until he woke up about a year ago, locked in horse form, not understanding anyone, and all around being quite pissed. It has something to do with two other "lords" from his time...which connects somehow to the Romanov's demise during the Russian Revolution...and he will be in danger as soon as the peeps that placed him in the ground realize he's free and blah blah blah.
What REALLY CINCHED IT was Sean basically blackmailing Kris to give him 12 dates in exchange for the first portion of debt money to save her farm. (I'd do it, but still.) Sean is literally just there to cause drama and a love triangle. (No one likes you, Sean. Blackmail is not the way to the heart, Sean. White knighting is also not the way to the heart, Sean.) Sean pisses off Aleks by just breathing, so Aleks tries to continually ruin their dates in horse form. In human form, he's overbearing, pushy, and is in a constant battle to "take charge" from Kris.
Look. I wanted a horse book and got this convoluted political story with two guys I wouldn't give the time of day.
I tried. I really did.
November 25, 2024
"I know I'm supposed to wait for you to say yes, but I've learned with you not to wait. Not to listen. Not to argue. Just to do something that matters to me, and if you really object, you'll show me..."
"See that rock? That says you're mine, now. And I always protect what's mine..."
This is a story where the villain gets the girl. Where the girl leaves the nice sweet guy who respects her and gives her space and dignity and falls for the nasty piece of shit that bullies her, forces his way into everything even when she's screaming at him to stop, who enters her bedroom when she keeps saying NO, who slams her into walls and doesn't know how to kiss her without it being rough and bruising.
Ladies: stop reading this filth. YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. Do not fall for these types of men in your life. Do not be influenced by this type of writing; to think that this is okay behavior and that this is the type of guy you should fall for.
Authors: stop writing this filth. You can influence a new era of women with your words! Help us remember that we deserve good, kind, decent men and that these types of shite should be smeared into the ground and left outside.
It's a shame that this is a story about the villain winning the girl. Because the horse race and horse info was fascinating and the author clearly understands horses and horse businesses, even if the author does not understand healthy romance and good relationships.
"See that rock? That says you're mine, now. And I always protect what's mine..."
This is a story where the villain gets the girl. Where the girl leaves the nice sweet guy who respects her and gives her space and dignity and falls for the nasty piece of shit that bullies her, forces his way into everything even when she's screaming at him to stop, who enters her bedroom when she keeps saying NO, who slams her into walls and doesn't know how to kiss her without it being rough and bruising.
Ladies: stop reading this filth. YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. Do not fall for these types of men in your life. Do not be influenced by this type of writing; to think that this is okay behavior and that this is the type of guy you should fall for.
Authors: stop writing this filth. You can influence a new era of women with your words! Help us remember that we deserve good, kind, decent men and that these types of shite should be smeared into the ground and left outside.
It's a shame that this is a story about the villain winning the girl. Because the horse race and horse info was fascinating and the author clearly understands horses and horse businesses, even if the author does not understand healthy romance and good relationships.
December 26, 2022
I’ve never really been interested in most of the shifter books I’ve seen advertised on Facebook, but I love all of Bridget E Baker’s books so I decided this would be one I would read. It was definitely different than I thought. I assumed it would be more fairytale, different world type. Instead, it’s set in our world with some magic elements. I love the details Baker includes in her books, like information about Latvia. It always amazes me how much research she puts into her books and I learn new things. Kris is a strong female protagonist who doesn’t want to need a man, but wants to be wanted (not needed) by a man. Aleks is a man who needs Kris because without her his powers don’t work. The story was tied up with a neat bow, but has the possibility for more, which excites me. I want to know more! I highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2023
I could NOT put this book down. It was surprising, to be honest, how much I loved it. I'm not much of an animal person and I haven't spent a ton of time around horses. But this book hooked me quick. Here are a few things I loved about it: 1) Older protagonist. Instead of the usual fantasy protagonist being a teenager, our protagonist here is in her thirties. She's lived. She's made mistakes and she has some scars. She has ADULT problems to handle and it feels so real. 2) The war between what she wants and what she THINKS she should want. It's all too relatable. 3) The magic is intriguing and not at all hokey. It is so well written and brilliantly understated. 4) Perfect blend of romance, drama, and intensity.
I can't wait for the next in the series, but in the mean time-- READ THIS BOOK.
March 10, 2023
Finally, a modern fantasy with a horse shifter. (Believe it or not, I've read some from the 80s and 90s! Maybe older than that. Wish I remembered their names.) I wasn't sure how that was going to be pulled off without it being weird, but it was satisfying. There are 2 potential love interests, and I won't give away how that part ends, but I feel like one of the guys got the short end of the stick and wasn't treated the nicest. However, that made the relationship part pretty realistic, when it comes down to it.
If you're looking for spice, this book won't have it--which is perfect for me, honestly. There's definite romance and attraction, but time is spent on developing the relationships between the characters, which is my jam.
I'm eager to see what happens in book 2!
If you're looking for spice, this book won't have it--which is perfect for me, honestly. There's definite romance and attraction, but time is spent on developing the relationships between the characters, which is my jam.
I'm eager to see what happens in book 2!
December 28, 2022
This book was incredible!! I’ve read a couple different shifter books, and I’ve always loved them. This one was no different!!
Don’t be mistaken by the horse shifter, even though they are prey animals, Aleksandr knows what he wants and has no problem taking it. He and Kris have that banter flirting that you can’t help but love. A true enemies to lovers!!
I enjoyed this book so much, I could hardly put it down and finished it with a day. I’m sure that if you love magic, even small amounts of it, you will absolutely love this book!
Don’t be mistaken by the horse shifter, even though they are prey animals, Aleksandr knows what he wants and has no problem taking it. He and Kris have that banter flirting that you can’t help but love. A true enemies to lovers!!
I enjoyed this book so much, I could hardly put it down and finished it with a day. I’m sure that if you love magic, even small amounts of it, you will absolutely love this book!
December 30, 2022
Very entertaining
This book is for all the horse girls who also wanted a prince on white horse to come save them, but as they grew older found they actually wanted a bad boy on a black stallion to say, "mine."
This book is for all the horse girls who also wanted a prince on white horse to come save them, but as they grew older found they actually wanted a bad boy on a black stallion to say, "mine."
September 16, 2025
2⭐️Maybe I just don’t understand the attraction to a guy who dumps me for someone else and then colludes with my gambling father to manipulate me into a debted relationship with the same guy who dumped me so I didn’t get how she Kristiana is still kinda in love with that ex of hers. The book offers something like a love triangle but realistically Shawn is just manipulative as hell and weird from the very first time we are introduced to him. And her dad is clearly trying to pimp her out. I just don’t understand how she doesn’t see it!
Alex however, I like. He is chalk full of good ideas. Like murdering Shawn but he’s an out of touch dickhead to everyone, which is a red flag to me.
Kristiana is like a glorified gold-digger, and she tries to gaslight the reader into seeing her as a victim. She says “I’d never stand by as someone I loved abandoned me”. Girl you DEMANDED and REITERATED that you wanted him gone! And he showed every clue that he wanted you and you called him annoying and physically pushed him away REPEATEDLY. Then this book is 75% miscommunication trope because there were loads of opportunities for Alex to say “hey, you’re literally sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars” but he only tries to tell her when he’s a horse. This book has pretty good writing and the book wasn’t boring, but I hate the characters. I’ll give book 2 a try but fuck dude these guys really suck. It didn’t help that the book just kept hinting on smut but never delivered. I usually don’t mind a clean book but this could have done with some smut 🙄.
Alex however, I like. He is chalk full of good ideas. Like murdering Shawn but he’s an out of touch dickhead to everyone, which is a red flag to me.
Kristiana is like a glorified gold-digger, and she tries to gaslight the reader into seeing her as a victim. She says “I’d never stand by as someone I loved abandoned me”. Girl you DEMANDED and REITERATED that you wanted him gone! And he showed every clue that he wanted you and you called him annoying and physically pushed him away REPEATEDLY. Then this book is 75% miscommunication trope because there were loads of opportunities for Alex to say “hey, you’re literally sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars” but he only tries to tell her when he’s a horse. This book has pretty good writing and the book wasn’t boring, but I hate the characters. I’ll give book 2 a try but fuck dude these guys really suck. It didn’t help that the book just kept hinting on smut but never delivered. I usually don’t mind a clean book but this could have done with some smut 🙄.
June 5, 2023
This one's for all you horse lovers out there!
Horse Shifter Hero 😍 Also Morally grey. Heroine is in her 30s. Enemies to Lovers. Love triangle. Romance is closed door, though there are innuendos and references to sex. Set in the country of Latvia. Horse Races 🐎 Dad is a gambler. Some intrigue.
Aleksander is very confident and knows what he wants. 😏
This was such a unique story! I absolutely loved it.
🎧 Narrator is fantastic 👌🏻
💕RCRS: 3 (heavier kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes:
"Love and hate aren't opposites." His voice drops just a hair, "There's only a razor thin line between them."
"Well then I must practically love you," I say, "because I can't think of anyone I hate more."
I didn't know someone could swagger with their tone, but now I know, and its dangerous.
"I'm not going to let them kill me today, which means I'm going to have to do a little destroying myself."
Horse Shifter Hero 😍 Also Morally grey. Heroine is in her 30s. Enemies to Lovers. Love triangle. Romance is closed door, though there are innuendos and references to sex. Set in the country of Latvia. Horse Races 🐎 Dad is a gambler. Some intrigue.
Aleksander is very confident and knows what he wants. 😏
This was such a unique story! I absolutely loved it.
🎧 Narrator is fantastic 👌🏻
💕RCRS: 3 (heavier kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes:
"Love and hate aren't opposites." His voice drops just a hair, "There's only a razor thin line between them."
"Well then I must practically love you," I say, "because I can't think of anyone I hate more."
I didn't know someone could swagger with their tone, but now I know, and its dangerous.
"I'm not going to let them kill me today, which means I'm going to have to do a little destroying myself."
July 8, 2024
This was a freebie on Amazon.
The hero is 100 years old & was cursed by his family's enemies. He lays dormant underground, then when he awakens he's a horse! It turns out he's a wizard & one of the shapes he can assume is a horse. Unfortunately, he's unable to change back.
When the vet/horse trainer/jockey heroine feels bad about the unmanageable horse about to be put down & buys him she's in for a surprise. She's the only one who can change him into a man. Then back into a horse.
So, this wasn't a bad story. The heroine has a lot of problems - the main one is her dad with a gambling addiction. She has constant money issues. Her ex fiance also comes to pay off her debt if she'll get back together with him. Then we get the love triangle trope. Frankly I really wasn't feeling the romance with the wizard. I think she would have been better off with the ex.
I guess by the end I really didn't care who she ended up with!
The hero is 100 years old & was cursed by his family's enemies. He lays dormant underground, then when he awakens he's a horse! It turns out he's a wizard & one of the shapes he can assume is a horse. Unfortunately, he's unable to change back.
When the vet/horse trainer/jockey heroine feels bad about the unmanageable horse about to be put down & buys him she's in for a surprise. She's the only one who can change him into a man. Then back into a horse.
So, this wasn't a bad story. The heroine has a lot of problems - the main one is her dad with a gambling addiction. She has constant money issues. Her ex fiance also comes to pay off her debt if she'll get back together with him. Then we get the love triangle trope. Frankly I really wasn't feeling the romance with the wizard. I think she would have been better off with the ex.
I guess by the end I really didn't care who she ended up with!
December 28, 2022
This is such a good read! Not knowing exactly what to expect I dived straight in and boy was it good! Well written, well paced with fantastic characters, I found myself drawn into the story and didn’t want it to end. Kris is our female mc, strong , reliable and definitely doesn’t set out to save this gorgeous stallion who turns out to be a cursed magician. It’s an incredible enemies to lovers story filled with magical moments and with great and sometimes hilarious banter between Kris and Alek and an exciting, intriguing and thrilling plot that at times has you laughing out loud and Keeps you hooked and entertained. I really hope the author does more!
August 12, 2023
I'm sitting at 70% and trying hard to decide if I'll finish this one. What opened as a really interesting and funny story about a woman accidentally buying a horse shifter has devolved into an angsty love triangle between three characters who I really don't care about.
December 30, 2022
Really good
This book was really well written, had a good amount of angst, and the feels were real. I really enjoyed it! Can't wait to read the next one!
This book was really well written, had a good amount of angst, and the feels were real. I really enjoyed it! Can't wait to read the next one!
May 10, 2023
A fun twist on a shifter fairytale!
Kudos to Bridget Baker! Magic, drama, romance, & horses. This story is a fun & easy page turner.
Get it now.
Kudos to Bridget Baker! Magic, drama, romance, & horses. This story is a fun & easy page turner.
Get it now.
September 2, 2023
An unusual fantasy with some very fun moments. I loved the horse and the conflict.
September 1, 2024
DNF. There was witches and other stuff I didn't like, so I stopped reading about 1% of the way through.
January 4, 2025
I have obsessed over this book. It’s captivating from start to finish and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The swoon meter was off the charts!
July 2, 2025
Yeah, whatever, I liked this. And I’m embarrassed to say I’ll probably be reading the whole series
December 25, 2022
I've read all of Bridget's books and this was no exception to her great writing! I loved it. Can't wait to find out more about this curse and how they are all connected!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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