Dark Horse

Dark Horse #1

by Kate Sherwood

Dan thinks about just driving, leaving the whole mess behind. He's got enough money. He could just arrange to get his stuff and his horse shipped to wherever he's going. Taking off is what he used to do when things got to be too much, and it worked pretty well, really.

Dan Wheeler thought he'd found lasting love and stability with his life and work partner, Justin Archer. But when Dan finds himself alone again, still working as a horse trainer for Justin's parents, he has to find a way to accept that his perfect life is gone forever.

Then he meets billionaire Evan Kaminski, who arrives to buy a horse for his younger sister, and Evan's lover Jeff Stevens, a horse trainer who seems to understand more than just Dan's job. Struggling to deal with all the upheavals in his life, Dan finds himself drawn to both Evan's mercurial passion and Jeff's quiet wisdom. Is Dan strong enough to take a chance on new love, or would it be better—safer—for him to be alone?

Genres: M M Romance, Menage, Contemporary, Romance, M M M, Westerns, LGBT

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2010

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.****Review completed April 1, 2013



Billionaire Evan Kaminski comes to Kentucky accompanied by his sister Tatiana and his lover and part-time trainer Jeff Stevens to buy a horse for Tatiana. Due to special circumstances, however, they end up buying the whole 'stable'. Karl and Molly Archer always thought that their son, Justin, would take over the farm but this is not going to happen because Justin is in a coma, severely injured after a riding accident at the popular Rolex competition. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the top event in North America. Even though Dan's best friend Chris told him that Justin's gone a long time ago, Dan is still in denial about Justin's state of health. Besides, it is so incredibly hard for him to find a way to say goodbye because hope dies last, after all.



But then one day the suffering comes to an end.

"If we're being honest, Danny…it's been over for a while." Dan doesn't want to hear this speech, opens his door to get out, but Chris grabs his arm. "Not like you shouldn't be hurting, just like…you're surviving, you're managing without him. You know? I know it hurts, but…you can get past it." He leans back in his seat and takes his hand off Dan's arm. "We can all get past it."

Evan makes a generous offer to buy Karl and Molly's horses. The offer, however, depends on Evan finding a seasoned and suitable trainer. And Evan made it pretty clear that when he says 'suitable' he meant Dan Wheeler. After Justin's death Dan decides to accept Evan's bargain and moves to California. In a way it will allow him to stay close to Justin's beloved horses.

"Hey, you need to teach me to ride."
Dan can't stop himself from smirking a little. "I thought we agreed that it would be better to wait until tomorrow."
Evan shoots him a look. "Seriously? It's your full-time job, and you still pick up on all the dirty expressions? Wouldn't it sort of wear thin after a while?"
"Dude, I had my tongue down your throat two minutes ago. I'm still f@cking hard. Excuse me if I've got sex on my mind."

Dan steps up on the deck, eyes locked on Jeff's. "I think I want to mark you."
(…)
"So if you're gonna tell him, why are you being shy now? Can I mark you, Jeff?" Dan catches Jeff's eyes again, staring as he moves closer. "Can I?" He runs his fingers along Jeff's jaw line and down his neck, sees the goose bumps rise. "Right here, Jeff?" he whispers, and his fingers feel Jeff's convulsive swallow as he nods.

"I want to lick you, and work you open, and then I want to f@ck you slow, while you're on your back, so you can look at me and know who's inside you."

"I get a little worked up sometimes."
Evan snorts. "Yeah. I got that." He scoots forward so that their knees are almost touching, and when he speaks, his voice is lower, and a little husky. "And I've got no problem with it at all. But I want to be the one to work you up, you know?"

Let's get down to business. I am very glad that I gave this book a shot. As it was, I enjoyed it very much and I ended up loving the final 30 % of Dark Horse. In fact, I cannot wait to read the sequels.

What I liked/loved
This is not just another ménage story. It is a love triangle. According to Wikipedia:

A love triangle is usually a romantic relationship involving three people. While it can refer to two people independently romantically linked with a third, it usually implies that each of the three people has some kind of relationship to the other two.

At any rate, I'm very happy that Dark Horse is plot/character driven, and even though I love enough smexy times, my main concern will always be a great story and likable characters. In the end I just want to feel invested in a story and nothing else matters. Well, almost nothing else, right? ;-)
So, kudos to Kate Sherwood. She pulled it off.

I am honestly a little bit surprised that I enjoyed this story so much. It seems to me that my reading tastes really do evolve after all. Anyway, I guess I liked it so much because Dan, Evan, and Jeff are very appealing characters. Also, I love horses and Dark Horse brought back some very fond memories of my own childhood. While I never rode on a competitive level, I always felt thrilled being in contact with horses and ponies. As far as I can judge the author did a fine job at portraying Dan, the man, but also Dan, the trainer. And even more so, she captured the whole ambiance of the stable and equestrian events very nicely. Her writing is vivid and engaging and made me want to go out and saddle a horse again. In any event, Dan is a wonderful horse whisperer, and the author let me feel his absolute dedication to his job and beloved horses. Dan is a pretty simple guy, he loves the routine of his job and while he easily understands horses, people confuse the hell out of him.

"Nah, man, it's fine. I mean, worst case scenario is hot, meaningless sex, right? How bad is that?"
"Well, worst case scenario is an earthquake and then a volcano and a tsunami. With a forest fire. And Ebola. But there's also the possibility of crappy, meaningless sex…"
Dan thinks for a second. "Based on the samples I've had so far, I don't think that's gonna be a problem."

Jeff and Evan have a non-traditional relationship. They love each other and they are emotionally connected, however, they can have sex with other people as long as it's only fun and they make sure that they come home to each other again. Dan's concerns are how this would work out not just physically but mainly emotionally. So, they are talking through their options and they come to some sort of agreement. Also, Jeff and Evan are seriously considering to make this exclusive. I really can't wait to see how their 'arrangement' will pan out in book 2 and 3.

Jeff brings his hand over to Evan's neck in that familiar grip, but this time Evan leans into it, all the way over until his head is nestled into Jeff's shoulder. And then he giggles again. Jeff raises his eyes to Dan's in amusement, and Dan is almost frozen with how good it feels. He wonders for a moment if this is what they could possibly mean, if they could be suggesting that Dan could have this, could be part of this circle of affection and warmth. Jeff's watching him, seems to be reading his reaction, and Dan wonders what would happen if he went over and sat on Jeff's other side, maybe down on the porch floor so he could lean back against Jeff's leg.

"Okay, put it this way…if you were stuck on a desert island somewhere, just the three of you…would you be getting it on?"
Dan smiles at the thought. "Would there be lube?"
"Coconut oil or something. Be creative."

The sex
Granted, I won't beat around the bush and I'm the first to say that I wanted more erotic scenes. On the other hand, however, I am pretty happy with what was 'there' because it was worth the wait. The chemistry between these three was very good and palpable and I really liked the threesome. It was well-written, sexy and hot. Besides, I loved to see Jeff guiding (and ordering) Evan and Dan. Yum!

What didn't work for me
The overuse of 'man' was a little bit annoying.
- "Listen, man…"
- "Hey, man…"
- "Seriously, man…"
- "Thanks, man…" etc., etc., etc.

Dan over-thinking everything was tedious at times.

There was too much crying/drama for my taste during the first third of the story.

Evan shakes his head. "Yeah, you're mad, I get it. But do you have to be such a f@cking drama queen about it all? And did you have to drag Jeff into it? And getting shitfaced is really productive. I mean, you should have stayed put, let me figure it out, and I'd have taken care of it." He looks a little disgusted. "Would it kill you to have a little f@cking faith in me?"

I would have loved to see more of Jeff. He is very mature, reserved, soothing and gentle but on the other hand he is oh-so sexy and attractive. Whew, the man has a hypnotic gaze. He is definitely my favorite character of those three guys. <3 <3 <3

Also, there is plenty of narrative and while I'm not a huge fan of that, it kind of worked for me though. Because it was the perfect occasion to get into Dan's head.


The first third is sad, intense, and the ambiance of the story is rather gloomy. As a matter of fact, a rather huge part of Dark Horse depicts Dan and his emotional path of dealing with memories, pain, confusion, and loss. Friendly advice, keep your tissues at the ready.

Without doubt it was Dan who made the story, however, Dark Horse provides a good cast of secondary characters as well, and I especially liked Chris and Tatiana. While there is so much sadness in the beginning of the plot, it brightened up a bit when Chris and Dan exchanged some funny dialogue.

Dark Horse was my first read by Kate Sherwood and definitely not my last. I'm already looking forward to checking out her backlist.

"Sometimes you just know."

As a side note
The story is written in first person present tense from Dan's POV.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an ugly cry type of book. It is a break-you-down, destroy your emotional resolve, and leave you a sobbing mess type of book. I feel drained from this reading experience, even days later. Very well done Ms. Sherwood. You successfully destroyed me.

This was my first experience with a full-length book from this author and she was just as wonderful as everyone led me to believe. I read this book, despite the fact that I'm not a menage type of girl, (though now I have read so many I just added a m-m-m shelf!) because my friends all adore this series. In terms of emotional experience, I loved this book. The feelings that it wrenched out of me were pretty amazing.

I also really connected with Dan. Kate Sherwood allowed him to take his time as a character and develop organically. I never felt like this book was rushed. One aspect of menage books that I don't like is how everything seems to come together so easily and quickly, when in reality I feel like creating a true menage relationship would be very difficult and slow. Here, we see just how incredibly difficult it really is. Kate Sherwood showed me all sides of this relationship as it was developing; the good, the bad, and the sexy.

What kept this book from being a five star read was a number of small things. Most predominantly is my personal taste issues. I honestly would have preferred Dan to get his happy ending with just one man. I didn't like that Dan, whom I got pretty attached to, was entering this sticky relationship. I didn't have any deep feelings for Jeff or Evan, so I didn't care if they were left out of Dan's life altogether. My second issue is that this book is not really a standalone. It felt very much like an introduction to a series (which, in all fairness, it is). However, I felt like I was waiting and waiting for the menage relationship to begin only to have it start at the very very end of the book.

Was this book great despite my little issues? Yes, it truly was. I really enjoyed it and I will be reading on. I'm so impressed with this author's writing and how much it affected me. Beautifully done, Ms. Sherwood.

[Darien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio July 2019

The Narration: 3.5 Pants Off

This is one of my fave ménage series ever, and I was really excited to listen to them on audio but...not as exciting as I’d hope. The narration isn’t bad, I’m just not a fan of the accent for Dan or the voice for Jeff. Also, didn’t quite deliver on the most impactful part of the stories, and more heat and intensity was needed. Just an alright job overall for an amazing book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

^^SADDLE UP, CUS ITS A BUMPY RIDE!^^
4.5

THE COVER- Really goes with the story. Horses play a huge part of our main characters life. He is also a dark horse of a character, he just comes out of nowhere. You love him or hate him. Also it’s clear that there will be three men involved, and that alone captures your attention.

My first book by Kate Sherwood and it came on strong, very strong. I had so many emotions reading this book, mostly I was a blubbering mess; with tears streaked face. The level of pain in the first 150pages of this book left me with a migraine, and so hopelessly in love. All I am saying is if you want a moving story, this is the book for you.

Dan is a horse trainer and a good one, living day to day is hard though. It has been a little over a year since an accident cost him to lose his lover. Now Justin lies in a coma, just a body without life. Dan is hopeful that he will one day wake up. However, he has to be realistic and face the facts Justin is gone. When a rich family comes to his barn, to check out buying a few horses, Dan has no idea that they are about to change his life. Justin’s parents decide that the next time he has a heart attack or seizure; they will not allow the doctors to bring him back. Dan can’t deal with that information and he becomes resentful and a bit of an asshole. The days leading up to Justin’s funeral will be a test to Dan’s sanity.

Dan finds strength in the least likely person and let’s say that Dan gets a new job, and the opportunity to begin a new life. Because in walks Evan and Jeff, though Dan is initially attracted to Jeff in the beginning he realizes that, he has a lot of love to give. Dan gets invited in a relationship that would involve all three and the next 150pages becomes all kinds of effed up, in the best way possible. Its really not a sexual realtionship until later, but these three are so connected that its clearly a relationship.

These characters have no idea what they are doing, Jeff and Evan is an established couple and inviting Dan is something they both want. I guess this where I became pissed, I have a love/hate relationship with Dan. He is endearing but he also is a bit of an asshole. His procrastination when it came to both Evan and Jeff sort of pissed me off. I hated that he was so easy with Jeff, but found it so difficult to accept Evan. Evan and Jeff are not safe from my wrath. I hated how they discussed Dan, and when they settled on a decision, they would include him. It was like a couple and a third, not a relationship involving three people.

Its no quick HEA, and really there isn’t one, but it’s a slow progression of a relationship that needs building, and even though I was irked most of the time I freaking loved it. I am all kinds of in love with Evan, he makes me happy. Jeff is just a little too perfect for my taste, and I hated his goody two shoes character, I just hated it. Dan is in a league of his own when you think messed up. I can’t blame it on his losing his partner and more on the fact that he has always been like that. He is offended easily, quick to jump to conclusions, and assumes way too much. Seriously, I had problems with Jeff and Dan; those fucking two pissed me off. I had problems with Jeff and Evan, Dan and Evan. Mostly I am just pissed cus I wasn’t there.

Sex is long way off in this book, frankly; it was well developed. Sexual tension plays a key role, and I love sexual tension. It had the right amount to make you wanna chew your fingers off.

There is so much left to say but frankly, my fingers need a break. I do recommend this book, its a beautiful story, with real characters, and horses with some serious personality. Kate Sherwood is an author to look out for, gotta give props to someone who can write a character who is dead in most of the book, but makes you love him. Thank goodness, there is a sequel otherwise; I would be cursing Dan all the way, to wherever he came from.

I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4.5 Stars ****

I’m not sure how this would pan out in real life, but I would be damned if I said it wasn't a fantastic read. I just couldn't put it down.

The beginning was heartbreaking, but I understand that despite being bitter, it was the only way to free Dan and give him closure.



The whole story was a slow burn and just now, almost at the end the guys get into action together as a three.
Jeff and Evan are together for a few years and have an open relationship. However, for the first time they both want the same guy: Dan.



For them, it seems that there is not much to sweat about it as they sometimes have other guys “on side”. Dan, however, is much more cautious because he's really thinking about all aspects of this clusterfuck. The other two don't have much to lose, whereas Dan is Evan's employee and has a lot to consider for that.



It's no secret I like it bad wrong and for that, I admit that the professional line crossed made this more edgy and very appealing to me.

The author created three very distinct MCs and I believe readers will pick a favourite easily. My one is Jeff, silent, watchful, quiet and mysterious. Swoon.



I really liked this overall. My only complaint is that through the whole story what I was yearning the most didn't happen, Evan and Jeff's POV. I was thirsty for it. Absolutely thirsty for it. I wanted to get in their heads so bad. What a shame I couldn’t.

If you want more details, don't miss Martin's review.

Ops! Can I just say one more thing? I didn't like the font in the cover. The lines are too straight, heavy and hard, something more in the line of a sci movie. Somehow I felt it didn't mesh well together with the beautiful horse and the hot guys. Fussy much?

[It's just me Shelly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this book!!!!!!!!!! I don't give a lot of "5 star" ratings but this book, to me, is a 5 star book!!!!!!! Absolutely amazing!!!!



"Jeff’s eyes are intense, and his voice has lowered as well. “I’m not blind, Dan. Of course I like shiny things. And I like them even more when I find out that they’re not just pretty on the outside.”

Dark Horse is a journey through a VERY rough spot in Dan's life, he has lost or is losing, everything he has ever loved. It's very emotional but also very beautiful and REAL at the same time. Dan is a horse trainer, he loves his job, loves his horses but he is at a very uncertain time in his life. He has some very BIG decisions to make through out this book and watching or reading him struggle with those decisions took me through every possible emotion known to man!



The story begins when Jeff, Evan and Tatiana show up at Dan's farm to buy a horse for Tatiana who is Evan's little sister, she's 15. These aren't your average old trail horses they are expensive highly trained eventing horses but that's ok because Evan is loaded, how he came into his money is another sad story but I'm not going in to that in this review...sorry. Jeff is a also a trainer, or riding coach, and Evan's boyfriend. Jeff, Evan and Dan meet and the slow simmer begins. Yes we are going to have a love triangle and it's a fabulous triangle;))).

However it's not the insta-love you get with most books it's a slow build because Dan just isn't sure about anything anymore, he's lost so much and he's struggling with his place in this world, with these people, his job, every aspect of his life is changing.

"Overall, it was a good day, and he drives through the falling darkness with a fresh sense of confidence and the idea that someday, somewhere, he might find a new place where he belongs."

The first part of this book, probably the first 40 to 50%, is sad and I mean sloppy crying sad. I don't typically cry when I read books and I usually don't like sad books but there were a couple of times that I teared up and almost lost it. The thing I loved about it was the emotions were so REAL and TRUE, it was sad but beautiful at the same time, these are events that could happen to anyone, it wasn't over the top craziness like you get in most books, just real life stuff. I know I'm not saying much about what happened in the book just my feelings but I'm scared I'll give to much away and spoiler it.



"“Okay, here’s the thing… I like you. Totally apart from sex.” He looks over at Dan. “When I first met you, I wasn’t sure you were gay, and I still thought you’d be a good guy to hang out with. I mean… I hoped you were gay… a lot. I hoped a lot.”

I loved all three of these characters, equally, and they are all so different. Dan of course doesn't know up from down due to his emotional struggle with all the changes in his life. He's not sure about anything but he's trying to figure things out and find his place in Jeff and Evan's life. Evan is rich and headstrong but he's trying to tone it for Dan because he knows he can be intense however, sometimes he just can't get a grip on it and I loved that about him...he made me laugh MANY times through out the book. Jeff is older than Dan and Evan, maybe early 40's, and he is laid back....cool, calm and collected. He has to reel Evan in ALOT.

“Dan, sing me a lullaby,” Evan whines. “Go fuck yourself, Evan.” Evan snorts. “Well, since you won’t….”
“So, if I got up right now and climbed into bed with you, you’d turn me away?” He puts enough teasing in his voice to let Evan know that it’s not going to happen. Evan responds in a similar tone. “I don’t know—why don’t you give it a try?”

Evan cracks me up I love him:)))



I wish I was better at writing reviews but I'm not so all I can tell you is this....this book was wonderful and amazing and I'm sooooo glad I read it. I'm also very HAPPY that it's a series so I'm not done with Evan, Jeff and Dan's story yet. In a word this book was beautiful. Now I'm off to start book 2:))))))

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to writing this review for days, but now that I'm through the first book, I don't even know what to say.

A few words of warning first (consider it a mild but necessary spoiler):
This story is about a couple dragging in a third guy, hoping that he would save their relationship.

I hate this type of set up. Either you're happy or you're not. I don't believe a new guy can magically heal a dying relationship. Same as children don't save an unhappy marriage.

I also need to point out that no one falls head over heels in love here. The book concludes the story with the 'possibility' that these guys might some day fall in love - and until then they'll enjoy sex. Yeah.

Oh - and for those looking for hot sex. You may wait until the very end of the book. Better get some tissues first to wipe away tears.

If you can live with all that (and God knows I survived), here's why I *didn't* throw it out of the window, but kept reading on, glued to my kindle:

I found the characters genuinely interesting. Can't say I liked them all the way through, but still.

Picture this:
Hot 26 year old Californian billionaire Evan. Orphan and heir to the Kaminski empire. He's with his sister's 40+ year old riding trainer. What they are exactly is a big question mark, because, frankly, sexually, everyone does his own thing too.
Evan likes shiny things, no matter male or female, and he goes for what he wants. And what he wants right now that he's in Kentucky to buy a horse for his teenage sister is the sad looking country guy who is training the horses in the stable that Evan selected to make the purchase.

Jeff, Evan's boyfriend, hot silver fox, horse training entrepreneur and artist, was a friend of Evan's parents before they died and he became a 'different' type of father figure to the young heir. He's a solid rock and grounding presence. The yin to Evan's hot headed yang you could say.

Dan is the tragic figure of the story. Mourning his long term partner who recently died in a riding accident, he's not at all interested in the sexual advances of his stable's latest client. He has a very sad and dark past and just got back on his feet and found happiness for a couple of years, when the world fell apart on him again.

However - and OMG, I face palmed so hard reading this - Evan decides to buy ALL the stable's horses AND Dan to move them all to California with him. And when I say he bought Dan, I mean he's offering him a work contract as a horse trainer. Dan is tied to his horses, so he accepts.

If you think the same as me, then yes: Dan is the most expensive hook up ever.

Long story short:
Dan learns that both Evan and Jeff want him. As what, he isn't sure. Is it sex only to spice up their relationship or do they want him to be an equal partner or does only one of them want him at a time? You know, the logistic details...

Dan wants a stable relationship. Someone to come home to. That's why he likes Jeff very much and wonders if going for all this might be worth it to be with Jeff, at least.
Evan, on the other hand, is hot and playful and even though he's technically Dan's boss, Evan turns out to be a decent guy.

So after many many long negotiations about who wants what and how things shall play out - the United Nations would be so proud, by the way - they obviously try their threeway thing. Even though they are aware that they're NOT and I repeat for all you romance readers NOT in love with each other. But at least they throw in a new word that calmed me down a bit: Duogamous. So here's hoping.
And that's where book 1 ends.

I don't really know what else to say.
Dan is a very interesting character, but he's a bit slow to understand subtlety and is pretty much a country boy compared to the Californian couple. I liked his struggles though. He really lost everything in this story - which is the only reason why he would ever go for what Evan and Jeff offer.

I also liked Jeff very much. Although I don't understand him in all this. In the second half of the book he seems to lean back and let his younger love interests sort things out. He was like 'yeah, whatever you want is fine'.
I sort of expected him to be more of a voice of reason. Someone who should speak up and say 'I care about you and I care about Evan, so I want you both to be happy'. But he didn't. He left the second half of the story - and the 'negotiations' to Evan. And Evan didn't really go into lots of emotions to explain his motivation. I think he basically doesn't want to lose Jeff, who is drifting away from him bit by bit.

I disliked Evan right from the start. A millionaire who throws money around and gets EVERYTHING he wants. I hate that. But later I found him to be an endearing charmer and a family man, so he ended up being my favorite guy of the three, which surprised me.

I guess I need to read on in hopes of finding a bit of romance in the subsequent books.

4 stars for Puppet Chris and his hilarious comments throughout the story, haha.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

New shelf added... Yes... And I loved it!



It took some time to happen, but when it did... wow... fabulous!

This book is beautiful! I had some difficult time during the first half... I was so sad... Dan's grief and sorrow was devastating! But when he realized that life must go on, he open his mind to the opportunities that are being offered to him by Evan and Jeff! And he gives himself the chance to be happy... and to find love again...

I love the plot, the MC's, the other characters, the horses... everything is amazing!

I'm going to continue to read this series... I'm so excited about it... literally!!!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

 



 

Welcome to the world of sexy men, romance, mystery, competitive dressage, menage and more.. as Kate Sherwood's first book in her Dark Horse Series introduces you to three men you are sure to remember:  Dan Wheeler, Jeff Stevens, and Evan Kaminski.

I thoroughly  loved this book! It had horses in it - which I love.  It also had three sexy, confident men, who were better together than alone and watching them figure this out was quite the wild ride!   This story starts out with Dan Wheeler alone in Kentucky as he adjusts to his life after the loss of his partner.  Dan thought he had the perfect life, he was with the man he loved and he was able to work with horses every day which he loved as well.  He was perfectly happy.  Until one fateful date his partner, Justin - was killed in a horseback riding accident. Needless to say this tore Dan up and Justin's parents, the owners of a huge horse farm in Kentucky wanted nothing to do with the horses after that - eventually deciding to sell off all the stock and the house/farm where Dan lived. So now, Dan has to make a choice.. does he die with Justin or does he go on trying to live his life and maybe take a chance on finding happiness again away from Kentucky. So when, Opportunity knocks and Dan is offered a job with the last two horses (Justin's horses) - horses that are trained in the highly competitive art of dressage, Dan jumps and moves towards his new life - following Justin's horse across the country. Upon arrival at his new home, Dan finds out that Justin's champion horses have been sold to a rich entitled teenage girl, Tatiana Kaminski, who knows nothing of Dressage and expects Dan to teach her. In addition to the girl comes her older brother, Evan Kaminski - who makes feelings come alive in Dan that he thought would never rise again. He could swear that Evan feels the same way towards him -- but he isn't sure, the man has a partner after-all, Jeff. Jeff Stevens has been with Evan for years - he is older than Evan but somehow they work despite their age difference. When Evan is brash and irrational - Jeff is there to calm him down. When Evan forgets that his sister is still a teenager - Jeff is there to help remind him. So when Evan decides the new trainer for Tatiana's horses looks good enough to eat - he expects Jeff to be the voice of reason or even maybe be jealous. Instead, Jeff agrees with him and thinks that he would love to be in the middle of Evan and Dan even for one night, but hopefully longer!

When Dan and Evan are together - they are combustible! 

Then add in Jeff

And you are left with the perfect Trifecta - they complete each other and help each other.  The only problem is they are bad at communicating and problems that could be easily dealt with are escalated way out of proportion. If that isn't enough add in the stigma and other people not understanding their relationship and you have the perfect storm brewing -- so, it doesn't really take much to push Evan right over the edge and cause him to lash out at the two men he is falling in love with.  Thankfully, Jeff is able to keep his head about him otherwise Evan and Dan might have beat the hell out of each other a couple times as they went through their relationship growing pains.  In the end, as mentioned before - I really liked this book.  If you want to read about three men who find their way to a passionate and love filled relationship - even though it is not the typical relationship - then I think you will enjoy this book too!

5 Stars!!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I read this little gem. Dark Horse is about Dan, a horse trainer who's struggling with love, loss, loneliness, and uncertainty. What a great character and the perfect setting for this story. The details of the horse training were just enough to set the tone of the story and draw you into Dan's world without being overwhelming. By the end, I wanted to spend a day with Dan and his horses.

The first half of this story tore me up. You can feel how deep Dan's pain goes. The push and pull with his emotions and the decisions he had to make, made everything seem so realistic. Nothing came easy for him, even his feelings for Jeff and Evan. I loved how he didn't instantly fall for both men. He had a stronger connection to Jeff and had legitimate concerns about both. Even though his attraction towards Jeff made me feel bad for Evan at times, it still made complete sense.

There weren't any quick rolls in the sack that made everything ok. Even up to the very end, Dan struggles with how he feels. I absolutely loved how the ending wasn't all roses and chocolates. The seeds of doubt are what make Dan who he is. Albeit, there were a few times that his anxiety was getting to me and I was yelling at him to stop with all the "what if's" and second guessing every last detail, but the over-thinking is part of what made me fall for him. Although I still loved it when Evan called him melodramatic and a drama queen. Spot on buddy!

I also enjoyed all the side characters. Tat, Chris, and Ryan, were all great too. However, I thought some of the character's voices blurred. Dan, Chris, and Ryan, all had the same verbal expressions. And the "Hey man's" really got over-used.

The issues that bothered me a bit were:

1. The book had a lot of irrelevant detail, especially in the second half of the book. I think if it was a bit shorter, it would have been perfect.

2. I wanted to know more about Evan and Jeff's relationship. They are great characters. Jeff was calm and gentle while Evan was passionate and impulsive. Great combo. I know this is Dan's book but this made it feel incomplete to me. There were references to them having problems and at the end there were some hints but nothing concrete. I really like these two guys and I wanted more.

3. IMO, the sex didn't live up to the sexual tension these guys had. There was so much heat and chemistry between them, I expected something more explosive than what actually happened.


This was a great book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy Read with my lovely Tina, and also recommended by her. 4.5 stars and

Found this a little slow to start with I have to say, and the present tense thing was definitely irritating in my opinion, but there's such a lot to get through in this book (384 pages), world building etc., that it's bound to take time for people to get into the series. Many, many reviews have been done so this will be a shortie.

I adored Puppet-Chris (real Chris wasn't bad either, and looking forward to more of him), Tat and Ryan. Dan, well I found him annoying at times with his overanalysing and questioning every little thing, but my heart also went out to him for the loss of his lover, partner and best friend Justin, and the circumstances surrounding the decision to switch off the life support machine without consulting him first. As for the other two guys involved in this series, well Jeff is obviously Evan's mentor, sometime lover and friend, and Evan grew on me towards the end of this book...he's a bundle of energy, extremely clever and to my mind still has some growing up to do, but in view of his and Tat's past losing their parents so early in life, I understood his need to be over-protective towards Tat and a little childish at times himself. The 3 guys together are definitely hot!!

Yep, this series already has me hooked, and I'm now reading part 1.1 Sometimes You Just Know. Thank you for the rec Tina my lovely. x

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

The first half or so of this book is heart-crushing. It may break your heart, even if you think you don’t have one.



Dan trains horses and he is one of the best. His life was bliss until a riding accident destroyed his world a year ago. Now his lover is in a coma and has been declared brain dead. Dan can’t let go and wants to keep Justin around just to be near him. When he is forced to let Justin go (due to circumstances out of his control), he has to reluctantly rebuild his life. Oh my heart. This part is so painful.

The rest of the novel is all about Dan attempting to start over with the horses he and Justin loved and forcing himself to slowly step into building new relationship.

It’s painful and it’s messy. Don’t pick this book up thinking you’re too hard-shelled to cry. You will. It may destroy you for a while. I had to take a few breaks from all of the sadness. But don’t worry it’s not all grief and tears. Dan eventually begins to move on and meets a nice guy he’s attracted to as well as a couple who are both attracted to him. It’s a situation that Dan is certain he is not ready to enter but Evan and Jeff are gorgeous and Evan is very persistent. Jeff is older and he befriends and supports Dan as a friend when he needs it most.

“I’m too old to think a broken heart is romantic.” Awww, Jeff, he always knows just what to say.

This book doesn’t follow your typical m/m romance formula where two guys meet, fall in love/lust, have a few (usually silly) fights and live happily ever after. I never quite knew how things were going to end and if Dan would ever be able to open his heart to someone new. I liked the not knowing.

The pace is rather leisurely and there is a lot of time spent on the day to day ins and outs of horse training. I loved all of it but you might not. It is character driven and I prefer those types of stories, when they’re written well, over an action driven plot/convoluted plot any day. The only “action” going on here is action of the sexy kind and it comes late into the book so hang in there if you think it won’t ever happen. It’s worth the wait.

This book stands on its own and doesn’t end with any huge cliff-hanger but it is the first in a series. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series to see where these guys take things.

[The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars - a perfect read!

I'm happy that I finally picked up this amazing book. It has been sitting on my TBR for a long while; I've been reading menage stories regularly during quite a long time and I have to admit that the sub-genre got me a little bored. A lot of the menage stories out there are too easy - thee got gay men are getting together for some hot man-on-man action and after some minor problems they menage to settle into a perfect relationship.

Well, this is not what you will get in Dark Horse. Kate Sherwood takes it slow - very slow!. Anticipation and slow-burn have gotten a whole new meaning after this story. But the pace was just perfect considering all the things especially Dan has to go through.

I don't want to summarize the events of the book; there are many great reviews out there doing a perfect job of it. I just want to highlight that I enjoyed the very complex and credible characters the author was able to create. I wasn't that interesting in Evan and in his story at the beginning, but I guess that I fell for him the same way Dan did. I loved the interaction between the Jeff, Evan and Dan and I can't wait to see how they will settle into a relationship.

Dark Horse is basically a strong introduction to the three characters. We don't get much of their romance yet, but a hell of a lot of sexual tension and very hot daydreams. The end of the story is a beginning and I can't wait to read more about these three amazing characters.

If you chose to read Dark Horse you should be aware of the fact that this book is also about loss and about grieving. It's not easy to read about it and it was quite angsty at a few places - so make sure to get into the right mood for this one!

I'm soooo looking forward to continue this amazing series!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy re-read with my sweet Bev. :)

Re-reading Dark Horse wasn't less emotional than my first read in May 2012.

How I suffered with Dan when Justin, his comatose boyfriend and love of his life, dies. Dan's pain is described in a very deep and moving way. He is confused, feels abandoned and lonely. A part of him is dying and he has to find a way to move on. Justin is gone and Dan has to see if he's able to love again, both physically and emotionally.

“I’ve been ‘like part of the family’ before, Robyn… it never lasts. People say the dog is like part of the family, right before they get rid of it because one of the real kids gets allergies.”



Then he meets Evan and Jeff, who live in a committed relationship. Evan needs Dan for his new horse business, but he and Jeff also want Dan, who suddenly finds himself in charge of the horses and in the middle of the couple. While Dan is physically attracted to both of them he is at first drawn to Jeff, who is a sweet and caring man, the calm to Evan's possessiveness and impatience.

“Yes, it's worth it. The pain of sorrow is terrible and hard to bear, but the joy of love makes it worthwhile.”

I loved that there wasn't a lot of sex until the end of the book. Dan, Jeff and Evan's story of finding together is so touching that you won't miss it. The first kiss was like a revelation. Finally! Finally the guys are getting their shit together and starting something beautiful. What doesn't mean that at the end of book a HEA is waiting. No, the journey ist just beginning...With every step forward, the guys are going two steps back, and more. And that's exactly the part where most of the menage books fail. When it comes to the challenge of living together.





I don't want to forget the amazing supporting characters. Chris, Dan's friend is such a sweetheart. Every time he called Dan 'Danielle' I couldn't stop grinning.

Chris nods as he gets out of the truck. “Hi, Danielle.”
“Christine, you’re here.”
Chris grins. “I’ve been calling you Danielle for five years, and this is the first time it occurred to you that I have a girl’s name too?” Dan shrugs nonchalantly. “I was saving it for when the time was right. And somehow, just now… it felt right.” Chris just nods. “Well, in honor of the auspicious occasion—you can buy the first round.”

I love this guy! And Robyn, the girl that works with Dan... or Tat, Evan's sister. Their bantering is so funny!

Amazing and worth taking the time to read. It's a journey that will touch your heart in all the good ways. Highly recommended!

Now on to the novellas and book two and three...

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The present-tense narration is almost the only thing I didn't love in this otherwise intense and engaging book, and I soon was pulled in enough not to notice it. This is a threesome novel that I felt worked really well on an emotional level, going slowly with issues and concerns, and minimal, delayed sex scenes. There is a lot of angst (which is a plus for my tastes) done well without wallowing in it, and three really interesting main characters, and lots of good secondaries. And thank goodness the sequel was already out, because I finished the last page of this, got online, and bought the next one without even reading the blurb. I love horses, love watching people take each other seriously and try to do the right thing, and this book hit every one of my buttons.

This really is a book about people, about grief, about men with different ages and focuses and experiences coming together in a relationship that works. And while the initial attraction is fast and physical, what is built is a real relationship where all three try to give their partners what they need. I adored Dan, and loved Evan and Jeff. If you read this series, don't miss the short stories, too

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book it is one of the more frustrating books I've read. I really do want to see this threesome play out and will be moving on to the next book and shorts. So many reviews have covered plot so this is just my reactions.

This book is all about Dan. Dan's loss is substantial, he wasn't treated fairly and his head is a mess which is all understandable. For the majority of the story Dan comes off very passive and wishy-washy, but towards the end he exhibits an aggressive more mature side that seemingly comes out of nowhere. We get hints at his not great past, but are not really given much information until the last quarter of the book. While I spent hundreds of pages in Dan's head, I felt I really didn't know him.

Another issue I had was understanding the instant attraction Jeff had with him and it's extreme impact on his relationship with Evan. Their relationship is so vague (I understand they love each other but can sleep around but apparently there are qualifications there as well) I really still don't understand it or how adding Dan in is beneficial other than they are both interested in him. It seemed more of a developing triangle than an actual triad until the very last conversation. Even then I wasn't so sure since now Jeff seems to have doubts.

I know this is a trilogy interspersed with a number of shorts, but for such a long first book, I don't feel I know the characters very well. The three men don't even have an actual informative conversation with each other until the last 10 percent of the story.

Looking at this it sounds like I didn't like the book, but I did. I am hoping that the next book really gets right into the relationship and gives me more about these three men. The chemistry is there and I really want to see it develop.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of ménage stories ( I know, that just shocked the socks off of you all).
But this book and the whole series wasn't really what I was expecting. Each book is told from different POVs, even Justin's in the short Sometimes You Just Know. You get a well rounded feel for all of them and are able to see the big picture, even if Dan is definitely the main focus of all the stories.
I have to say I read them all in one go. I started with this one and went through them all and what started out promising went down hill a bit for me. But I will talk about that in the other books.
This one was very very emotional, touching, sad. It ended on a hopeful note, but it put me though the ringer first.
I did get a whole new appreciation for riding and horses. And I can say that this series doesn't skim over or make the development and dealings of a ménage relationship look easy.
It shows throughout all the books the difficulties, jealousies, resentment and compromise needed.
This was probably the best representation of those issues I've read in any ménage stories( not so much in this one, since it's more of a set up book for the three men).

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was not at all what I was expecting, but I am not complaining. It's been a minute since I found myself putting off snack breaks and bathroom breaks just because I didn't want to put a book down for even 3 minutes.

The focus is really on Dan's character and this time of change in his life in the aftermath of a tragedy. I cried. More than once. And I'm not even mad about it, which is kind of a miracle. (Although I can tell you right now that I have no intentions of EVER reading that prequel novella!)

I'm not a fan of tear-jerkers at all, but there's just something different about this. It's a very interesting, insightful character study and a very realistic look at how moving through and past a tragedy doesn't mean you forget about it. It's a part of you, it changes you, and it's ok to hold on to the good parts.

I think it took me by surprise just because I'm so used to the typical romance formula where the tragedy is to be overcome so that you can move on to your new phase and then it's all happiness and sunshine after that. But this is a lot closer to how reality works.

It's a bit heavy at times, but Dan does not wallow -- if anything, he has to be pushed to really allow himself to be in an emotional place -- so it's not unrelenting. There is a lot of humor here, especially with Chris and Tatiana (Dan's friend and Evan's sister), who have to be two of the most well-drawn secondary characters I've ever read. They are both so crucial to this story and add so much by their presence. Our MCs would literally have different lives without them.

And the horses! Through Dan, we get to know all the horses and their different personalities and get an in-depth education on this world of eventers than I really knew nothing about, which added a whole extra layer of depth to this world. They also require Dan to be grounded, clear-headed and emotionally stable during his long days of training, which helps with the patches of emotional turmoil. Dan is naturally bringing himself back to an even keel every time he enters the barn, and we get to benefit from that as well.

As a romance, it reminded me a lot of Misfits by Garrett Leigh, in that we spend a lot of time getting to know each of the twosomes that make up the threesome, instead of always being with the three of them together. But these guys are very unique. I'm not sure I've ever read quite this same dynamic, and I loved having a full series to see them evolve and smooth over the many, many rough spots they started with.

This book ends with a pretty tentative HFN, so you should probably be prepared to jump straight to the next one.

[JenMcJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a long book. More than half of it is watching Dan deal with life's tragedies as he makes new friends and finds a way to move on toward a new life. Much, much sorrow in this book that I wasn't expecting or prepared for. I verged on sobbing at points (I might have even tipped over that precipice, but I'm not tellin') which I assume the author will find gratifying to know.

Seriously, bring your tissues with you and don't plan on reading this in public because your breakdown will get noticed.

I laughed at places too. At times the banter is witty. The sexual tension is massive as well. As a whole, for balance, the book could have used a few lighter moments more often. Moments that didn't weigh a ton even when they weren't sorrowful. The only time it seemed to back off and allow Dan (and the reader) to stand up and throw off the emotional shackles is when Dan is spending time with Ryan. Compared to the shitstorm and emotional chaos that is Dan's life, this relationship is uncomplicated, friendly and easy. I loved that Dan had "waiter kink" and found his time with Ryan a chance to breath easy just as much as Dan did.

The last 1/4 of the book is more hopeful but still has its tear jerker moments that surprise you.

I would have given this a 5 but the ending is very abrupt and having only one POV, Dan's, makes it very difficult to understand Evan and Jeff's motivation. Most of the time Evan seems much too immature to be running such a large family fortune so successfully. Jeff is too enigmatic to understand him even a little, which makes him seem vague instead of wise and mature at times.

I get that the author has a sequel to this book coming out in August, but I think every romance book should end on its own merit. I guess you could argue that this ends with a HFN but really it just ends with the guys being a little fucked-out and cuddly. The prospects for their continued relationship are so rocky that just getting out of bed in the wrong way in the morning could be the end to it all. If there wasn't a sequel, this would have had a fade out of scene, non-ending that would have ruined the book. I think it would have served the author to not have already planned the sequel and to have finished the book as a stand alone title. It would have ended a lot more strongly as so much emotional investment into these three characters deserves.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not give me what I was expecting, which in this case is a good thing. I knew this was a book about 3 men getting together (my first book of this type actually) and I assumed there would be some plot, no depth at all. What there would be a whole lot of hot sex (don’t get me wrong that would not really disappoint me...hehehe).

What I got was a Dan, a man who is surfing through the devastating accident of his lover Justin. This accident has left Justin being kept alive by machines and Dan is left alone and losing hope of getting his lover back.

Then Dan meets Evan and Jeff, they are a couple who is looking to buy horses from Dan’s employer, who also happen to be Justin’s parents. While Dan is physically attracted to both of them he is at first drawn to Jeff (he is a sweetie, i can see why).

So here is the part where I thought i knew what would happen. Yes, I thought here is where they are going to see their mutual attraction and then “wham bam thank you ma’am” they get to it!

Well that doesn’t happen, I got to know these three lovely characters, but mainly you watch as Dan goes through the process of mourning Justin Watch his struggle to make a life for himself alone and wondering how in the hell is going to do it.

And you see the slow building of friendship and attraction between these 3 guys. And you learn about Evan and Jeff, they are already a couple and trying to find ways to stay together.

In the course of one long evening and 2.5 hr train ride I read this book. i simply couldn’t put it down. Despite the low heat level throughout this book the ending more then made up for it when they finally got together! (ok this is what I am talking about....yes!)

Five tear filled “OMG get me some tissues” stars!

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely nothing like what I had expected. It's my first book by Kate Sherwood and I listened on audio to a narrator I've never heard before (Peter B. Brooke). Done in the present tense (mostly) that can be a big awkward but I got used to it and they both pull it off.

This book is so much about Dan, the MC, and less about the threesome - I've already bought and downloaded the next in the series so I'm kinda hoping for more on the dynamics of the three men together, but I'll be okay if it's more of the same.

Everything Dan is going through was interesting and the insight that Sherwood gives into how Dan's feeling was extremely well done.

I truly loved Jeff's character, but Evan I'm not too sure of yet. I like the immediate attraction between Dan and Jeff - I'm not sold on Dan/Evan yet.

The horse/riding/competition parts of the story were very interesting as well, I could tell Kate Sherwood truly knows what she's talking about.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three hot man a better than two!

Fascinating story.... So unusual... Loved it...

Beautiful horses...



Heartbreak... Tragic story of Justin's death.



Beautiful men...



Just amazing ... ...and crazy hot together...but you have to wait, and wait, and wait for it. All worth it though.


Onto the second book Out of the Darkness

[Kate Sherwood]

This is the first book I've written, and I learned a lot from the process. The most important lesson, from my perspective, is that I really do love to write. The characters came alive for me, and they entertained me all day long, even when I wasn't anywhere near my computer. When I finally did sit down to write, the story flowed easily, because I'd already thought it through so completely.

So, this has already been a great experience for me. I'd love to hear what you all think, though, so, please let me know!



(I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do my own reviews - at least I didn't give myself a rating, right?)

[Claudie ☾]

dnf @ 52%

Sad to say I wasn’t able to enjoy this one as much as some of my friends here did. I tried. 😞

💀 at first I was very impressed by the sensitive way Sherwood handled the subject of grief… but almost 200 pages later, I just don’t care anymore; it’s passed ‘sensitive’ a long time ago, and became depressing.



💀 way too much telling vs showing; whole days were summarized in a couple of paragraphs, conversations and all — I HATE that!

💀 Dan… I didn’t like his inner monologue, which made getting into this book really hard, because he’s the only narrator. Too bad we didn’t get Evan’s or Jeff’s POV 😑

💀 I hated Dan’s bursts of irrational jealousy, and the way he thought of Evan as a spoiled and thoughtless rich kid, when Evan was easily the most likeable and sweetest character here!

💀 lack of communication between the three MC — I foresee that becoming a big obstacle in the future, if they don’t get their shit together soon. Again, don’t care enough about the story to wait for that to happen.

No rating, because as a rule, I don’t rate dnfs unless the book in question is especially offensive/irritating. Plus I really liked reading all the horse training bits — guess I never outgrew my own ‘horse phrase.’ 🤭

[Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Dan's grief was horrendous to read. His longtime lover is on life support after a horse riding accident with a DNR attached. I saw Dan in a sort of emotional limbo and it set the tone for rest of the read as sort of somber and melancholy.

While the individual characters were great I found the menage more than a bit unbalanced and I'll have to read the other books to see how these guys manage to make their relationship work in any kind of long term capacity.

I love the horse world setting and the characters really did shine here. Moving on to book 2!

[Alyosha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Horse had a lot potential, to which it didn't quite live up to - the setting was great, the theme interesting, the tentative forming of a three way relationship realistic, the characters vulnerable and imperfect, the cast neither too big nor to narrow. The story was told in present tense, which at parts delighted me and at others, frustrated.

First of all, this book could have greatly benefited from a skilled editor, at least 100 pages needed to be cut off. In nearly 400 pages almost nothing happens, there is a lot circling around and unnecessary details about things that have nothing to do with the actual plot, which made the story drag at parts, and then lacking in such simple areas as getting to know the characters. By the end, the only person I felt I got to know was Dan, from whose third person point of view the story is told from. Kate Sherwood writes fantastic slice of life- type of novels, regretfully DH falls a bit short in that aspect, at times it felt more like contemporary melodrama.

DH told Dan's story, it's about his struggles and coping with the loss of the love of his life. If a book is about one person, the main character has to have an attractive, entertaining voice to get the reader invested in the story. To me, Dan lacked personality and uniqueness to pull off being the sole star, and that's why it was hard to feel the angst and turmoil the character(s) went through. Dan is a very private person, the only thing he is willing to share with the reader is his love for Justin, horses and his job, other details had to be (literally) forcibly pulled from him. He is "a bit" of a drama queen too, and tends to overreact and over think everything, so sometimes following him was simply exhausting.

Chris, the best friend of Dan's deceased lover Justin, is the voice of reason and humor to both the reader and to Dan. Chris, with his tough love, was by far my favorite character.

Jeff and Evan are, in a way, interesting characters. Their relationship is sweet, but clearly missing something. They hope adding Dan in some form, in their relationship, would make it more fulfilling. Evan is a multimillionaire and the caretaker of his sister, Tat, who is a very sympathetic character, she never comes of too bratty, too perfect or too spoiled. Evan's devotion to her was perfectly understandable, even if it was a bit extreme. Evan has to be either a very savvy business man, or then a miserable one, seeing as he makes very controversial decisions regarding money and business. He is somewhat spoiled (poor little rich boy?) and used to getting whatever he wants, but kind. Jeff, well, supposedly he is a horse trainer. Jeff comes off as a caring, wise "daddy"- type of character. Unfortunately Dan's love interests, Jeff and Evan were a bit cardboard-ish.

There were many questions left unanswered and the romance part of the story had barely begun when the story ended. So, in conclusion, I think I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

3.5 stars

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m feeling review-lazy. I liked this book a hell of a lot. It made me cry my eyes out in the first half. It made me want to slap all of the characters (well, mostly Dan and Evan) in the second half. And it ended with a HAF threesome at the VERY end (fuckingfinally!).

Now: Book two, cause threesomes are messy affairs. 😉

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

“Dan thinks about Justin and how everything had been simple with him. They’d loved each other, loved their jobs, their horses… their lives. And now Dan has this. This mess of confusion.”

If you thought this was a story about a relationship between three people, THINK AGAIN! 🙃🧐😫

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ This is very much the story of thirty-year-old horse trainer, Dan Wheeler and his relationship with Jeff, the older sexy artist-horse trainer, who is in an intimate, but not committed relationship with twenty-six-year old billionaire Evan Kaminski, who has an interest in investing in the upkeep of the horses that Dan cares for, with an even more vested interest in Dan, himself, his past love of his life, Justin Archer, who lies on his deathbed, but he can't bear the thought of leaving him, all extra players who were either enticing him to act in a certain fashion or pushing him into realizing an unspoken truth, Ryan, the rising singer/waiter who offers him a semblance of reality from the complicated intentions he's being forced to examine, Chris, the lawyer/ Justin's best friend, who serves as his last existing tie between his Kentucky life and his aspiring New York one, Justin's horses (not like that, get your head out of the gutter!) - but rather, as a commitment of loyalty for how much they meant to both of them - and lest I forget, Dan, himself. Dan who is a victim of his own annoying and aggravating doubts and thoughts that make it almost impossible for him to make a decision without analyzing it from all angles, and more often than not, NOT wanting any complex situation disrupting his life, least of own troubling his mind. 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

Oh, and let's not forget Puppet-Chris, who serves as devil's advocate or Jiminy Cricket when the real Chris is not available to pick up the call that Dan wishes to make to unload on him all his recent woes. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️



“He’d told Justin he was going to find a way to say goodbye, but this really wasn’t the method he’d had in mind.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It's not that I don't agree that Dan has every right to be overthinking and making sure that whatever he does decide - be it personal or professional - is the right one that best serves him. I get that. It's just that at times, I REALLY struggled to like him, for how he often at times seemed like he wished to avoid complications, because he just did not want to be troubled by work that did not feel worth the trouble. If that makes sense. 🙍🏻‍♀️ That off-putting part of his nature, is perhaps, one of the key reasons, why he was unsettled, if not confused by how he suddenly found himself drawn to Evan and Jeff's mutual attraction for him - 'they’re sin and comfort wrapped up in one bundle, and it’s too much, much too much' - especially when he was still wholly committed to Justin - 'everything else is just a petty detail' - despite how he was unable to figure out that they were both making the moves on him - deliberate or unintentional. 😳

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ For it is that knowing that perhaps in different circumstances, the intent could have been interpreted differently - that the rigamarole way in which they subtly paved a path to entreat to his better nature would not have felt too duplicitous to me. I mean, Evan was not exactly subtle in his first intent, nor did Jeff hide that Dan's palpable interest in Jeff was not reciprocated - so I did understand Dan's wariness of accepting Evan's offer to move to California, and I did empathize with his reasoning for not being set on starting off a relationship so soon after losing one that meant everything to him. 😥 It's a complicated combination - heady with the knowledge that he is desired by both - cherish it or run from it. Not to mention, how he admits that warm, gentle Jeff and hot, passionate Evan are how 'it takes two of them to add up to one of you' to fill in the void left by Justin. Still, the approach they took - needed work - not to mention the way they both had this possessive, yet gentle passive-aggressive approach to the roundabout way they went about it - especially with the lingering notion that the ghost of Justin will definitely follow them into this uncharted territory. 😥

“Still… sometimes, don’t you just want to forget it all, just do what feels good at the time?”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But, as much as this mating game peeved me, I think what really riled me up was when Jeff and Evan openly confessed that their primary interest in Dan, aside from both of them being attracted to his looks and how he carried himself, was that they hoped he could be the solution to saving their existing relationship - restore the balance that seemed off in their relationship, by perhaps being the one part that had been missing.... 😑



🚩🚩🚩🚩

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Oh boy, did that boil by blood! 🙅🏻‍♀️🙅🏻‍♀️ That's like so wrong on so many levels, I can't believe he did not high tail out of there. 'We’re just hoping you’ll give us a chance.' Damn straight! 😫 Even when they honestly laid out the terms to him, that it can work well for all three of them - keep it casual with the physical and emotional apart for Dan - all possibilities open and available, the whole approach just felt wrong to me; even if he did allow himself to get comfortable and enjoy himself for the time being... That is why MMM is always so hard to really fall for, because unless they aren't all strangers before they hook up, the existing pair will always feel like they have a stronger tie than the new partner that joins them. That no matter how they insist that it is a mutual arrangement, there will exist an imbalance that makes it feel like one has to earn their place or prove something. And for someone like Dan, who avoids trouble like the plague, this is something that already feels like it would put undue pressure on him, deservedly so. 😣



‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ As much as it is a character-driven story of Dan, it is his relationships with the aforementioned that shape his journey and what the plot revolves around - each impacting the other in his personality, emotions, and choices he makes. Lacking business acumen with a hefty chip on his shoulder catering to his conflicted youth, I did understand his hesitancy of accepting Evan's proposal; along with multiple other factors at work. There was a slight unevenness to the writing that did make it difficult at times. Certain moments crushed my heart, and others where I struggled for a while with how much repetition there was of the names that it became glaringly offensive at the misuse of it, while also being annoyed at Dan's dismissive personality. 😮‍💨 But as the multiple interactions slowly started to take form, I was able to slowly adjust to his mood. For with all these dynamics in play, it is hard to figure out what future does lie in store for Dan. I have my reservations, but I will try to forgive or even forget that life isn't always a bed of roses, and for a situation as complicated as this, frustration is to be expected. Do I have the patience to watch it evolve? I don't know, let's see. 😕

“But Dan isn’t arrogant enough to think that he could be an actual threat to Jeff and Evan’s relationship, even if he wanted to be.”

Evan - He and Dan definitely got off on the wrong foot. It's not bad enough that they both come from completely opposite walks of lifestyles - Evan growing up on a golden spoon, and Dan, fending for his keep in a more serious and unreliable childhood - not to mention, how their personalities are not even on the same wavelength of being compatible. 🥺 His pick-up techniques definitely need work, too, but there is something so wholesome, so genuine about this gorgeous billionaire that has a way of appealing to Dan's better sense - keen insight, hopeful expectations, and when the flame is lit, a burning hunger that has the both of them consumed by it - spurned by their youthful attraction, if not how they do butt heads of what is acceptable and what isn't. 😟

Jeff - Jeff definitely has the older, stable, resourceful vibe down to a boot. It may be that calming sense that both soothes and invigorates Dan, not to mention, Evan. And while I appreciated his helpfulness to Dan, in the most emotional and vulnerable states, I also didn't really feel comfortable or as attuned to it, as I should have. 🤔 Maybe, because Dan was first attracted to him, even when Justin was there - a sting of betrayal that haunted him for awhile; or maybe, it was the sense that his quiet reserved approach was more of a respectful, but still fully serving that the ball is very much in Dan's court of whether or not he wishes to pursue said feelings for the other.

“The pain of sorrow is terrible and hard to bear, but the joy of love makes it worthwhile.”



Justin - The first half certainly belongs to Justin - his memory is prevalent even long after, clinging to Dan like a second skin, but one that he is slowly trying to shed with new changes and friendships - a forever love lost too soon. But, the shape of him will always be there. 😢 The moments shared of their love together - the heat - the want - the love - beautiful and heart-wrenching - the grief hurting like nothing else, hurting even more for the guilt of admitting that he has to find a way to say goodbye. The silent tears that formed at the most heart-breaking moment - his quiet breakdown - the sadness lingering always - pain and heartbreak is where the writing shined and was felt by me - the angst so palpable. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Ryan - Honestly, Ryan deserves better, and Dan is better off with him; heck, even his first impression of Ryan was so questionable that I was like, huh?? 🤨 Is it a given that waiters are slutty? Oh boy!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ But, Ryan's fun - Ryan's easy - Ryan has no strings attached, something Dan needs in his already messed up life and head. The stones have been marked for some fall-out, which seems inevitable, but I liked that they were upfront about certain things - how they connected as friends and appreciated their time together - a comforting balm to soften the unexpected blows. I wish he and Dan could have met under different circumstances, things could have been different. Perhaps, it is another example of the prevailing theme running throughout - maybe in another life. 😔

Archer Family, Evan's sister, Tatiana - I'm not a fan of people who act like they know better or behave in ways in which they feel like they are in the right and are deserving of being forgiven. Justin's parents - I know it is not fair to be angry with them - but I did not fault Dan's dismissal or disapproval of them, either. And Tatiana - I know - is just fifteen, she's young, she's learning, but she and her brother possess a jealous streak that definitely needs reining in. 😒 I guess, it's a rich kids thing, but there were many times when I just did not like her. In fact, all the extra characters' behavior in which they acted like they KNEW what was best for Dan pissed me off. I know it's wrong and I know it's their way of caring, but everything irked me. 🙍🏻‍♀️

“People confuse the hell out of me.”

Horses - I don't know much of anything about horse riding or the commitment it takes to care for them, let alone have them participate in events, but I felt like they were portrayed in a believable sense. 👍🏻 And it was also where Dan really felt at home - his comfort zone bereft of the confusion clouding his thoughts - what inspires him to prove his capabilities. So unlike people that confuse him, they were a steady constant reassurance and a welcome reminder of Justin - a balm that soothed his heart and made him appreciate how fortunate he is to have a job that he loves - that he is wholly committed to. 🐴

Chris - He did want only the best for Dan. Justin meant just as much to him as Dan - a fact Dan often conveniently forgets. But he is there for him - he wants him to move on, he feels his pain - he offers his words of wisdom, or even taunts him to act on his desires, or the interest from other men. It can be hard to always be the one to offer that reassurance, ignoring your own pain and guilt to heal the other's suffering, but Chris - Chris definitely is a friend and then some. 🫂

“I can’t have what I need.”

Dan - Dan, Danny, Daniel, Danny... Much to say, so much I want to say... He is never not thinking - it is perhaps it is his downfall, and his savior. Constantly second-guessing, anxious of anything that seems too upsetting, not bothered by trivial matters. Is it willful ignorance, or deliberate avoidance? I can't figure it out. 🤷🏻‍♀️ But, what I can say, is that his love for Justin transcends that of what Evan and Jeff or even Ryan has to offer. It was a pure, unadulterated love that was tragically stolen from him too soon by a cruel hand of fate, and he carries the burden of guilt that he can even allow himself to feel something for another again - a betrayal of the highest regard - before and after death. 💔 It was a visceral if not daunting pressure on him that was a constant prevalence. And keeping in tandem with his actions and decisions - both the faulty ones and the right ones - makes it hard to decide what happiness I want for Dan. I just know that he does have a lot on his plate - his mind and his conscience. He's always afraid what opportunities given to him will be stolen from him - always at a risk of taking the welcome gifts for granted. He is a good guy, a self-centered one at times, but I don't think he ever means to be this blunt or uncaring, but somehow ends up looking like he is unfeeling, or better yet not motivated to be more purposeful in his pursuit of happiness. 😞

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I suppose, in a way, these relationships are the reflection of how Dan is very much a Dark Horse, of his own making. For as much as he doesn't think much of himself, or what he has to offer, it is somehow, his own sense and everyone's consideration of him that has him proving that he is worthy of something - capable of finding his own place and moving on from an unbearable loss that has made it difficult for life and love to find a way back into his heart and mind. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

“I miss you, baby. But… I’m still here, right? I gotta try to put a life together. So… this is what I’m trying.”

So, maybe, I might as well, try and give him a chance.... 😔

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Wheeler is a horse trainer, it's a job he loves and is good at, but lately not even the horses bring him joy. It's been a year since his lover, Justin, was seriously injured during a riding competition. Working at Justin's family ranch and visiting Justin in the hospital, where he still lies in a coma, is pretty much his whole life now. That starts to change with the visit of billionaire Evan Kaminski, his lover Jeff Stevens and Evan's younger sister Tatiana.

Evan and Jeff are looking to buy a horse for Tatiana but their visit kicks off a chain of events that completely turns Dan's life upside down. The next few months are extremely emotional and the story is at times very heavy and angst-ridden as Dan deals with a death, a change of employment and trying to find a way through the dark times, which isn't easy. The support of his friend Chris and his growing closeness with Evan, Jeff and Tat help Dan to deal with his loss and find a way to move forward. He also becomes friendly with Ryan and this new friendship helps him quite a bit as well.

As Dan starts to build a new life his friendship with Evan and Jeff starts to change. Both men are interested in him and despite not being very comfortable with their 'open relationship' Dan finds himself drawn to the men but hesitant to do anything about it. A three-way relationship is not something Dan's ever contemplated and frankly he can barely comprehend the mechanics of it. But the sexual tension between the men is undeniable and hot, especially with Jeff, and it leads to a lot of confusion for Dan. In the meantime his friendship with Ryan has the potential to be more but fizzles out when Ryan's dreams of a musical career unexpectedly start to come true.

Just as things start to settle down for Dan and he begins to see the possibility of being with Evan and Jeff new complications arise. Thankfully it's not drawn out and Dan, Evan and Jeff finally begin to make sense of what their future could be.

What I liked...

I really enjoyed the writing style of this new to me author. Although told exclusively through Dan's POV, which of course made him the most developed of the characters, all of them are interesting and well drawn. I found the author's descriptions of the world of Eventing detailed enough to make the story easy to follow but not overdone which might have bogged down the flow of the book. I also liked the emotional intensity of the story. Dan goes through so much and I really felt for him as he struggles to deal with it all. There are some lighthearted moments and witty banter in this story and the sexual tension between the men was really well written.

What I didn't like...

This is quite a long book and at times it felt like it was dragging along. The story would then pick up again but once again toward the end it slowed down. In fact I was getting a bit anxious as I approached the end of the story and I wasn't getting a feel for how they were going to make things work out between them. And then finally they do and BOOM... it's over. The ending felt very abrupt to me and I didn't really feel a true connection develop between them. They do finally have sex together but ultimately the end left me wanting. I then clicked the next page and found out the sequel, Out of the Darkness, which I now know is about their relationship comes out in a few months. I did like this story even though I was a bit disappointed at the end.

Overall...

This was a really well-written story about dealing with loss and moving forward. Dan especially was a great character and for the most part his relationships with the other characters as well as the descriptions of the 'horse' world he lives in made this an interesting and engaging story. Despite some small reservations I enjoyed Dark Horse and look forward to the sequel. Recommended.

[Alona · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!
Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved that book.

I did not cry like that for a long time now! And I tell you... Not 'tears streaming down my face quietly', but - big ugly loud sobs!

The author is brilliant at getting you to really FEEL all the emotions the MC's are going through, the sorrow, the loneliness, the passion, the anger... All of it, and strongly.
I also laughed so hard (Evan is a wonderful story teller!) and loved all the other characters: Chris, Puppet-Chris (another brilliant idea!), Tat, sweet Ryan and the beautiful horses.

I don't usually believe that a threesome book can really be good, it can be fun, can be sexy but not really good, here it is soooo good that it blew my mind.

As for the MC's, I love Dan, totally felt his sorrow deep in my bones and my heart, he is a wonderfully broken character that you can't not love. Jeff is the quiet older man that is the mature adult and the voice of reason, I felt that he is sometimes too perfect, but I still love him. At this point I am an Evan fan! He wants Dan so much and willing to do so much in order for him see it, he is an absolute angel when it comes to the attraction between Jeff and Dan when he could have been a real bitch about it.

So... I need to finish this review with a big THANK-YOU to the wonderful Eva that kept sending recommendations to this books! Love you girl!!

I am on to the next installment NOW!

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I ended up reading this on Christmas....but, what are you gonna do?

Dan Wheeler has the perfect life, the perfect job, finds the perfect boyfriends, and lives happily every after. Gotcha!

Gosh, what to even write? This book put me through a range of emotions. I found the first half of the book to be incredibly sad. The writing was so excellent that I could really *feel* Dan's anguish and despair. Dan was so real. The way he was second guessing his decisions and the guilt that he felt. And when he would 'talk' to Justin....there was no doubt that Dan loved him! I wrote in one of my updates that I would love a book about Justin and Dan's relationship.

Chris was awesome! The friendship with him and Dan was great! I also really liked Ryan.

I'm not sure what to write about Evan and Jeff. I will probably have more to say after reading the next book...which I'm definitely going to do! This was definitely a great read even though it was depressing as hell sometimes.