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Half Pass
He looks good on a horse, but it’s hard to love a man with a big ego and a small alibi.
Paul King’s inheritance is named Serenity Stables, but for him it’s far from serene. He has one plan for the crumbling unload it as fast as possible. But two months on the market, and he’s still mucking stalls and dreaming of his old life back in San Francisco.
It doesn’t help that he seems to have misplaced a horse. Not just any horse—Tux, a million-dollar Warmblood who, despite lacking opposable thumbs, has an Olympic medal to its name. So does its Brazilian trainer, Estevan Souza, a man whose darkly sexual, smoldering glances almost make Paul forget his horse phobia.
Intriguing as Paul finds Estevan, distractions are piling up. The boarders are picky. The arena roof is leaking. His drunken cousin is wreaking havoc. Tux’s owners are threatening to sue. On top of that, a bucket of blood points to possible murder.
Suddenly, Estevan’s glances are looking more suspicious than sinful. And, if Paul can’t come up with a plan to save Tux, he could lose not only his chance with Estevan, but his life.
Includes beautiful horses, men in tight breeches, murderers, horse thieves, Olympic champions, cowboy hats, anal sex, broken dreams, and the conquering of traumatic childhood fears.
Paul King’s inheritance is named Serenity Stables, but for him it’s far from serene. He has one plan for the crumbling unload it as fast as possible. But two months on the market, and he’s still mucking stalls and dreaming of his old life back in San Francisco.
It doesn’t help that he seems to have misplaced a horse. Not just any horse—Tux, a million-dollar Warmblood who, despite lacking opposable thumbs, has an Olympic medal to its name. So does its Brazilian trainer, Estevan Souza, a man whose darkly sexual, smoldering glances almost make Paul forget his horse phobia.
Intriguing as Paul finds Estevan, distractions are piling up. The boarders are picky. The arena roof is leaking. His drunken cousin is wreaking havoc. Tux’s owners are threatening to sue. On top of that, a bucket of blood points to possible murder.
Suddenly, Estevan’s glances are looking more suspicious than sinful. And, if Paul can’t come up with a plan to save Tux, he could lose not only his chance with Estevan, but his life.
Includes beautiful horses, men in tight breeches, murderers, horse thieves, Olympic champions, cowboy hats, anal sex, broken dreams, and the conquering of traumatic childhood fears.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2010
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181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 23, 2025
This satisfied my inner 10yr old like nothing else! (but with the added bonus of explicit m/m romance). I loved horse books as a kid - Hollywell stables, Riders, Thoroughbred series, the original Saddle Club. This gave me really fun nostalgic vibes and I spent the whole read in a happy delulu land.
Paul is 29 and leaves his smoochy accountant life in San Francisco to return to Washington countryside and take over his aunts stables after her passing. Honestly the premise is exactly what I’d have loved in a 90’s horse book. He needs to keep the equestrian boarding stables afloat, faces homophobia from his awful cousin, has to solve a mystery and encounters the sexy Brazilian horse trainer Estevan. I lapped this up.
Lovely, slow burnish kind of romance (as much as one can be in 200pages) with lots of subtle moments to enjoy right from the start. I really enjoyed their connection.
I liked how this mystery did not involve a dead body, it was something a bit different. I had NO IDEA what the ending would turn out to be and was sufficiently wrapped up in it all.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as Song of the Navigator (which I really loved but is much darker) but I am impressed that Astrid Amara has written something completely different and the writing is still very good. It’s snappy with no superfluous flowery prose or rambling repetition.
Paul is 29 and leaves his smoochy accountant life in San Francisco to return to Washington countryside and take over his aunts stables after her passing. Honestly the premise is exactly what I’d have loved in a 90’s horse book. He needs to keep the equestrian boarding stables afloat, faces homophobia from his awful cousin, has to solve a mystery and encounters the sexy Brazilian horse trainer Estevan. I lapped this up.
Lovely, slow burnish kind of romance (as much as one can be in 200pages) with lots of subtle moments to enjoy right from the start. I really enjoyed their connection.
I liked how this mystery did not involve a dead body, it was something a bit different. I had NO IDEA what the ending would turn out to be and was sufficiently wrapped up in it all.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as Song of the Navigator (which I really loved but is much darker) but I am impressed that Astrid Amara has written something completely different and the writing is still very good. It’s snappy with no superfluous flowery prose or rambling repetition.
April 14, 2014
3.5 stars
I'm not certain where this comes from, but I'm a sucker for the fluffy cowboy romance. I love 'em. I love cowboys. I love horses as side characters. I love guys in jeans, tight button downs, boots, and hats. I love barns and stalls and muck and hay (<-...well...in the books, I do). It's kinda my thang...
So, it's obvious that I'd like Half Pass. And I did!
Paul King makes a very sympathetic MC - his ex cheated, he got released from his cushy job and life in San Francisco, his aunt died leaving him her stables, and oh yeah, because of an accident in his past, he hates horses. This, and his small hometown is grossly homophobic. Paul's life and loneliness broke my heart. I wanted to do anything to be able to help him. I pictured myself volunteering to work at the ranch and be his friend. (ummm...please don't judge my craziness...)
The great thing, and what Paul only comes to realize, is that he has lots of people around him who care...who want to help...who want to be in his life.
One of these people is Estevan. Estevan is a award-winning trainer who has all the women swooning over this Latin Lover. Problem is...he only has eyes for Paul (problem for Paul is, he's in the closet).
There's nothing entirely new or original in any of the bits of this book. But, that's ok because as I've made mention, all those bits work for me. I really enjoyed the employee-to-friends-to-lovers story between Paul and Estevan. I liked the side characters. I loved the horses. :) And I really was feeling the MYSTERY element: an invaluable horse was stolen, someone's trying to kill Paul (oh, did I forget to mention that?), and everyone's wondering whodunnit, when all fingers can be pointed to any number of people! It sounds a bit over-the-top (ok, maybe just a little)...but as I said, I really enjoyed it.
Entertaining. Great book for those who like the cowboy category. Also, my first Astrid Amara book and I'm looking forward to reading some more!
January 17, 2011
I guess readers are fickle since while I adored Love Ahead by Astrid Amara, I found Half Pass to be totally devoid of the same charm and warmth. This story relies on a weak pseudo mystery, circumstance, and an equally tepid happy ending between characters that I simply couldn’t connect to on any meaningful level. There are several good areas of tension introduced, yet the story and characters go nowhere with the possibility. Instead most of the issues are resolved too easily and I never could appreciate the romance dynamic between the main men.
Paul is going through a life change. He broke up with his lying, philandering boyfriend, who happened to be his boss, and was the sole recipient of the company’s “downsizing.” Out of work and home, Paul heads to the Pacific Northwest to handle the sale of his late aunt’s horse boarding business. Yet the business is nearly bankrupt, the work is piling up, Paul’s openly hostile cousin may be sabotaging the barn, and now a million dollar horse is missing. Paul is not having a good time right now. Between all his problems and lack of solutions, sexy pretentious trainer Estevan comes riding into the muck.
Told in first person point of view from Paul’s perspective, the story relies on a lot of telling and less showing right from the start. Most important details are offered in internal monologues and heavy dialogue with very little action. Although Half Pass begins with a lot of coincidences and some obvious manipulation to get all the right players where they need to be, this isn’t such a big stretch. The initial setup of the circumstances and Paul’s trust issues are nicely incorporated and the edgy feeling to the business is established early on. This is a business on the verge of total collapse and only Paul’s hard work and increasing confusion about why he’s even there hold the duct taped mess together. This is also important since the story spends considerable time reminding readers that Paul has trust issues. The truth is a big deal to him and he refuses to lie in any way, no matter how small.
Unfortunately this is also a major problem I had with the story and Paul in particular. Throughout the story many, many, many people lie to Paul. From small lies to rather big, essential manipulations, Paul is rarely ever told the truth. Yet these lies – which are all exposed – never really factor into the story or cause much tension. When female employees lie to Paul, his main concern is he made them cry; not that his employees are lying to him and potentially causing harm and problems for his failing business. Nor does Paul’s supposed near obsession with the truth come into play when he’s being lied to. Since the story spends so much time reminding us that Paul hates lies, why isn’t it an issue when people lie to him?
Although I’m going to attempt not to give any spoilers, a similar event occurs towards the end of the story with the missing horse issue involving lies and manipulations. Instead of feeling betrayed and angry, perhaps a near breaking point, Paul is only concerned with the liar’s feelings and motivations. Sure this makes sense given that Paul is a rational, logical person understanding that reasons are important. Yet the emotional aspect is almost completely absent and again I’m left wondering why the story makes such a point about Paul’s love of honesty when it never factors into issues in any significant way. No matter how big these lies are, no matter how damaging, Paul gets over them almost immediately. This really kept me from connecting with the character on any meaningful level since he seems to have no great depth of emotion. He rarely gets angry or even that passionate, he’s almost too easy going. Whenever the tension would build and I expected Paul to get upset or angry, he never did and instead left me confused about the character and his motivations.
Likewise Estevan, the eventual love interest, is too mysterious. Paul spends considerable time chasing Estevan and seducing him, likening Estevan to “a scared mouse.” In fact this description is so apt I couldn’t really feel any chemistry between the two nor an engaging dynamic. When Estevan later changes his personality and becomes open and affectionate, I was left wondering what happened and what I missed. The two men are the only gay men in the story and seemingly in the area so I guess it makes sense to be together but their relationship feels more like circumstance than a passionate and instant connection.
Another jarring note is the resolution at the ending. The finances of the barn are an important aspect of the story and one family is the sole reason the barn can stay open. This family apparently pays quite a bit of money to house their horses yet when that money disappears, the barn seems to be the same financially. Oh it’s bad and barely hanging on still, but the sudden withdrawl of money, which should have forced the barn to close, isn’t referenced again. If this detail is important enough to be a main element in the pseudo mystery of the missing horse and that resolution, then I imagine it’s important enough to tie up the loose end in how the barn will survive now without it.
Unfortunately Half Pass left me with the feeling of thinking the book is “ok” but I can still imagine other people will be interested. There are familiar elements of the story that have it fitting well within the genre and those looking for a story they know well may really enjoy this despite its problems. The themes and tropes used are ones readers are likely to recognize and thus will appeal to the right reader. Astrid Amara is a good writer and though Half Pass didn’t work for me, chose for yourself.
Paul is going through a life change. He broke up with his lying, philandering boyfriend, who happened to be his boss, and was the sole recipient of the company’s “downsizing.” Out of work and home, Paul heads to the Pacific Northwest to handle the sale of his late aunt’s horse boarding business. Yet the business is nearly bankrupt, the work is piling up, Paul’s openly hostile cousin may be sabotaging the barn, and now a million dollar horse is missing. Paul is not having a good time right now. Between all his problems and lack of solutions, sexy pretentious trainer Estevan comes riding into the muck.
Told in first person point of view from Paul’s perspective, the story relies on a lot of telling and less showing right from the start. Most important details are offered in internal monologues and heavy dialogue with very little action. Although Half Pass begins with a lot of coincidences and some obvious manipulation to get all the right players where they need to be, this isn’t such a big stretch. The initial setup of the circumstances and Paul’s trust issues are nicely incorporated and the edgy feeling to the business is established early on. This is a business on the verge of total collapse and only Paul’s hard work and increasing confusion about why he’s even there hold the duct taped mess together. This is also important since the story spends considerable time reminding readers that Paul has trust issues. The truth is a big deal to him and he refuses to lie in any way, no matter how small.
Unfortunately this is also a major problem I had with the story and Paul in particular. Throughout the story many, many, many people lie to Paul. From small lies to rather big, essential manipulations, Paul is rarely ever told the truth. Yet these lies – which are all exposed – never really factor into the story or cause much tension. When female employees lie to Paul, his main concern is he made them cry; not that his employees are lying to him and potentially causing harm and problems for his failing business. Nor does Paul’s supposed near obsession with the truth come into play when he’s being lied to. Since the story spends so much time reminding us that Paul hates lies, why isn’t it an issue when people lie to him?
Although I’m going to attempt not to give any spoilers, a similar event occurs towards the end of the story with the missing horse issue involving lies and manipulations. Instead of feeling betrayed and angry, perhaps a near breaking point, Paul is only concerned with the liar’s feelings and motivations. Sure this makes sense given that Paul is a rational, logical person understanding that reasons are important. Yet the emotional aspect is almost completely absent and again I’m left wondering why the story makes such a point about Paul’s love of honesty when it never factors into issues in any significant way. No matter how big these lies are, no matter how damaging, Paul gets over them almost immediately. This really kept me from connecting with the character on any meaningful level since he seems to have no great depth of emotion. He rarely gets angry or even that passionate, he’s almost too easy going. Whenever the tension would build and I expected Paul to get upset or angry, he never did and instead left me confused about the character and his motivations.
Likewise Estevan, the eventual love interest, is too mysterious. Paul spends considerable time chasing Estevan and seducing him, likening Estevan to “a scared mouse.” In fact this description is so apt I couldn’t really feel any chemistry between the two nor an engaging dynamic. When Estevan later changes his personality and becomes open and affectionate, I was left wondering what happened and what I missed. The two men are the only gay men in the story and seemingly in the area so I guess it makes sense to be together but their relationship feels more like circumstance than a passionate and instant connection.
Another jarring note is the resolution at the ending. The finances of the barn are an important aspect of the story and one family is the sole reason the barn can stay open. This family apparently pays quite a bit of money to house their horses yet when that money disappears, the barn seems to be the same financially. Oh it’s bad and barely hanging on still, but the sudden withdrawl of money, which should have forced the barn to close, isn’t referenced again. If this detail is important enough to be a main element in the pseudo mystery of the missing horse and that resolution, then I imagine it’s important enough to tie up the loose end in how the barn will survive now without it.
Unfortunately Half Pass left me with the feeling of thinking the book is “ok” but I can still imagine other people will be interested. There are familiar elements of the story that have it fitting well within the genre and those looking for a story they know well may really enjoy this despite its problems. The themes and tropes used are ones readers are likely to recognize and thus will appeal to the right reader. Astrid Amara is a good writer and though Half Pass didn’t work for me, chose for yourself.
September 23, 2018
More like 4.5 stars
April 23, 2014
3.5 stars
Astrid Amara is one of my favorite authors -- when it comes to her contemporary anyway, or paranormal contemporary; I don't read her high fantasy -- so when Susan wrote a review for this one, I realized that it was one contemporary story of hers that I had not read!! And it was released 3 years ago. So of course I had to correct that mistake!
This the journey of Paul King, who returned to his hometown Lynden, Washington, to oversee the stable he inherited from his aunt. In the beginning, Paul was dead set of hating the life of the stables, he felt miserable, he didn't want to be back on the town that was not supportive to his being gay. He wanted to sell the stable but Paul felt that he owed it to his aunt that he kept the stable going before it was being sold. Then of course as the story moved along, Paul found friendship and his heart went to both the horses and later, to Estevan, the esteemed Brazilian trainer working at Serenity Stables.
For the most part, this was an enjoyable story. I did think that the stable life was fascinating, even at few times, too many details on the horses :). I wasn't really sold on Estevan at first though ... I mean, I liked Paul just fine, but Estevan's hot and cold act (he was not out of the closet) was grating on my nerves.
The relationship was slowly build but when they finally worked it out, I thought Estevan's willingness to finally come out and not denying his liking men as a little too quick. Oh, and the ending also felt rather quickly wrapped up. I felt that I needed more to cement my believing that Paul and Estevan would be okay together.
The mystery was a nice touch -- there was no dead (person) body, but there was a missing horse and an attempt to harm Paul. I thought the resolution about who took the horse was good and the motive as reasonable.
Uhm, by the way, can anyone explain to me what is the "Half Pass" in the title referring to??! Because I can't work that one out!
PS: Edited at April 24, 2014
Kate on BookLikes told me what "Half Pass" meant. I understand how it relates to the story then...
Astrid Amara is one of my favorite authors -- when it comes to her contemporary anyway, or paranormal contemporary; I don't read her high fantasy -- so when Susan wrote a review for this one, I realized that it was one contemporary story of hers that I had not read!! And it was released 3 years ago. So of course I had to correct that mistake!
This the journey of Paul King, who returned to his hometown Lynden, Washington, to oversee the stable he inherited from his aunt. In the beginning, Paul was dead set of hating the life of the stables, he felt miserable, he didn't want to be back on the town that was not supportive to his being gay. He wanted to sell the stable but Paul felt that he owed it to his aunt that he kept the stable going before it was being sold. Then of course as the story moved along, Paul found friendship and his heart went to both the horses and later, to Estevan, the esteemed Brazilian trainer working at Serenity Stables.
For the most part, this was an enjoyable story. I did think that the stable life was fascinating, even at few times, too many details on the horses :). I wasn't really sold on Estevan at first though ... I mean, I liked Paul just fine, but Estevan's hot and cold act (he was not out of the closet) was grating on my nerves.
The relationship was slowly build but when they finally worked it out, I thought Estevan's willingness to finally come out and not denying his liking men as a little too quick. Oh, and the ending also felt rather quickly wrapped up. I felt that I needed more to cement my believing that Paul and Estevan would be okay together.
The mystery was a nice touch -- there was no dead (person) body, but there was a missing horse and an attempt to harm Paul. I thought the resolution about who took the horse was good and the motive as reasonable.
Uhm, by the way, can anyone explain to me what is the "Half Pass" in the title referring to??! Because I can't work that one out!
PS: Edited at April 24, 2014
Kate on BookLikes told me what "Half Pass" meant. I understand how it relates to the story then...
November 5, 2012
Barely a two.... While the tone and writing itself was solid, the mystery was weak at best. I was particularly annoyed at how challenges were so easily glossed over (and I kept waiting for the invisible fairy godmother who solved everything with a wave of her wand to show up).
October 27, 2014
I really love this author's writing style. There's a certain charm to it. The slow burn romance here was just perfect. Funny with likeable MCs and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. A really good read. 4.5 stars
October 25, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Interesting romance with a unique mystery and a bit of a look into the world of competitive horse stuff. I actually grew up not far from where this takes place, with friends who have horses and compete nationally, so I found this interesting from that perspective, and I did think on the whole there was enough horse stuff to provide needed context, but it never felt gratuitously specific, though YMMV there. I enjoyed the characters and the slow build of their connection, though I did find that that the ending felt a little rushed. Estevan spends most of the book (and most of his life) fighting against his sexuality, but seems to really get over it all quite quickly in the end. There were also just so many open questions/loose threads about what it would really mean for Paul to stay and run the stables and for them to be together, that I did find the ending a little lacking in specificity. This is one that I think could have benefited from a tighter wrapping up of the main story, and then maybe an epilogue that took place farther out. I also found myself a little uncomfortable around some of the framing and phrasing around Estevan, who is Brazilian and a person of color. Lots of mentioning about his 'dark complexion' in a way that rubbed me the wrong way on occasion.
Interesting romance with a unique mystery and a bit of a look into the world of competitive horse stuff. I actually grew up not far from where this takes place, with friends who have horses and compete nationally, so I found this interesting from that perspective, and I did think on the whole there was enough horse stuff to provide needed context, but it never felt gratuitously specific, though YMMV there. I enjoyed the characters and the slow build of their connection, though I did find that that the ending felt a little rushed. Estevan spends most of the book (and most of his life) fighting against his sexuality, but seems to really get over it all quite quickly in the end. There were also just so many open questions/loose threads about what it would really mean for Paul to stay and run the stables and for them to be together, that I did find the ending a little lacking in specificity. This is one that I think could have benefited from a tighter wrapping up of the main story, and then maybe an epilogue that took place farther out. I also found myself a little uncomfortable around some of the framing and phrasing around Estevan, who is Brazilian and a person of color. Lots of mentioning about his 'dark complexion' in a way that rubbed me the wrong way on occasion.
March 31, 2016
Having recently spent some time digging around in the massive collection of unread books on my Kindle to find something to read, and having not yet met an Astrid Amara book I didn’t like, I unearthed the author’s 2011 novel Half Pass from my archives and am happy to report that she hasn’t failed me yet.
This novel is immersed in an equestrian setting, one I admit is entirely foreign to me outside of the fact I look at horses and think, “Oooooh, pretty.” Amara, it becomes clear, either knows her stuff firsthand, or did an impressive amount of research about the backdrop against which she’s set this romantic mystery. Based upon the Dedication at the outset of the novel, I’m going to lean toward the side of her knowing her way around a horse, though, and I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. There’s nothing I don’t love about the idea of a man on horse (cowboys, anyone?), and this served the feel of the novel well.
Paul King’s equine history holds some bad memories laced with grief and fear, but upon his aunt’s death and his inheriting Serenity Stables from her in the process, he left the city life to return to his hometown of Lynden, Washington—the small town he’d left behind years before to escape the small minds that made it difficult to be openly gay—to carry on Beth’s legacy until he can find a buyer for the stables. A bitter and drunken cousin, a failing business, the responsibility for the care of horses he’s not particularly fond of (not to mention their owners), and a Brazilian trainer whose smoldering sexiness lights a little fire under Paul’s libido all combine to complicate even further the sudden disappearance of a horse whose pedigree includes an Olympic medal and a million-plus-dollar price tag. I felt for Paul being in the position he was in—being stuck somewhere he didn’t want to be, doing things he didn’t want to do, and dealing with problems he didn’t ask for, let alone want. And through it all, he persevered out of love for his aunt when a lesser man would have called it quits and walked away.
And then, someone starts trying to kill him.
Amidst all this turmoil and mystery, Paul’s trying his hardest to figure out what Estevan Souza’s story is. The gorgeous horseman has a past he’s left behind in Brazil, and quite the reputation as a ladies’ man around the stables…but the looks Estevan’s giving Paul don’t exactly scream platonic curiosity. When Tux disappears and all the red herrings begin to surface, including some of that suspicion falling directly on Estevan himself, not to mention the threats of a lawsuit from Tux’s owners, Collin—the drunk—trying to sabotage the stables, and someone very nearly succeeding in making sure Paul doesn’t live long enough to start collecting social security, Estevan slowly begins to emerge as not at all the man he’d like people to believe he is. I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between these guys, and liked the juxtaposition of their respective fears—Paul’s fear of getting back on a horse, with good reason; Estevan’s fear of admitting he’s not as straight as everyone believes he is, and the way both men gentled each other’s anxieties along the way.
Half Pass is a sweet bit of escapist romance fortified by a mystery and a little amateur sleuthing by its heroes. I really liked Paul and Estevan together, loved the way they helped each other find their way, and I liked the little home-grown family that built around Paul at the stables–friends who are ready to not only take care of him but to defend him too. This whole story is just so feel-good with a little bit of drama thrown in for good measure. It’s a book I couldn’t put down—not necessarily because it was so different from anything else I’ve ever read but because Astrid Amara’s storytelling is so engaging and I just enjoyed spending time with its characters.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
This novel is immersed in an equestrian setting, one I admit is entirely foreign to me outside of the fact I look at horses and think, “Oooooh, pretty.” Amara, it becomes clear, either knows her stuff firsthand, or did an impressive amount of research about the backdrop against which she’s set this romantic mystery. Based upon the Dedication at the outset of the novel, I’m going to lean toward the side of her knowing her way around a horse, though, and I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. There’s nothing I don’t love about the idea of a man on horse (cowboys, anyone?), and this served the feel of the novel well.
Paul King’s equine history holds some bad memories laced with grief and fear, but upon his aunt’s death and his inheriting Serenity Stables from her in the process, he left the city life to return to his hometown of Lynden, Washington—the small town he’d left behind years before to escape the small minds that made it difficult to be openly gay—to carry on Beth’s legacy until he can find a buyer for the stables. A bitter and drunken cousin, a failing business, the responsibility for the care of horses he’s not particularly fond of (not to mention their owners), and a Brazilian trainer whose smoldering sexiness lights a little fire under Paul’s libido all combine to complicate even further the sudden disappearance of a horse whose pedigree includes an Olympic medal and a million-plus-dollar price tag. I felt for Paul being in the position he was in—being stuck somewhere he didn’t want to be, doing things he didn’t want to do, and dealing with problems he didn’t ask for, let alone want. And through it all, he persevered out of love for his aunt when a lesser man would have called it quits and walked away.
And then, someone starts trying to kill him.
Amidst all this turmoil and mystery, Paul’s trying his hardest to figure out what Estevan Souza’s story is. The gorgeous horseman has a past he’s left behind in Brazil, and quite the reputation as a ladies’ man around the stables…but the looks Estevan’s giving Paul don’t exactly scream platonic curiosity. When Tux disappears and all the red herrings begin to surface, including some of that suspicion falling directly on Estevan himself, not to mention the threats of a lawsuit from Tux’s owners, Collin—the drunk—trying to sabotage the stables, and someone very nearly succeeding in making sure Paul doesn’t live long enough to start collecting social security, Estevan slowly begins to emerge as not at all the man he’d like people to believe he is. I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between these guys, and liked the juxtaposition of their respective fears—Paul’s fear of getting back on a horse, with good reason; Estevan’s fear of admitting he’s not as straight as everyone believes he is, and the way both men gentled each other’s anxieties along the way.
Half Pass is a sweet bit of escapist romance fortified by a mystery and a little amateur sleuthing by its heroes. I really liked Paul and Estevan together, loved the way they helped each other find their way, and I liked the little home-grown family that built around Paul at the stables–friends who are ready to not only take care of him but to defend him too. This whole story is just so feel-good with a little bit of drama thrown in for good measure. It’s a book I couldn’t put down—not necessarily because it was so different from anything else I’ve ever read but because Astrid Amara’s storytelling is so engaging and I just enjoyed spending time with its characters.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
December 2, 2012
Enjoyable m/m mystery romance about Paul, an account manager who moves from San Francisco to northern Washington State to take over his late aunt’s stables. City boy Paul isn’t too keen about running Serenity Stables, especially after a horse-riding trauma from his youth, but he presses on until he can find a buyer for the place. But plans go awry as he struggles with a gaggle of nosy boarders, a violent and homophobic cousin, and the sudden disappearance of one of the horses. Throw in there a sexy horse trainer and a murder plot, and suddenly country living looks anything but peaceful.
I’ve only read Amara before in the excellent shared-world fantasy anthologies Hell Cop and Irregulars, so this is the first work I’ve read by her that was a contemporary romance. Her style is easy and readable, and she has a sly, acerbic humor that she slides effortlessly into Paul’s first person POV. The mystery itself was good, and I was surprised at the layers of reveals that popped up. The growing romance between Paul and Estevan is a nice slow burn, although their chemistry seemed a little reserved. I’m not sure if that was more because of Amara’s style or Estevan’s general reticence through most of the story.
Overall, a solid read, and as a WA state resident, I appreciated all the northwest details. Also, even though I was never one of those girls into horses, I really dug following Paul as he groused around the stables. It was easy to picture everything and get the feel of the setting, and I loved how Amara wrote about the horses, and showed how each was a distinct character.
I’ve only read Amara before in the excellent shared-world fantasy anthologies Hell Cop and Irregulars, so this is the first work I’ve read by her that was a contemporary romance. Her style is easy and readable, and she has a sly, acerbic humor that she slides effortlessly into Paul’s first person POV. The mystery itself was good, and I was surprised at the layers of reveals that popped up. The growing romance between Paul and Estevan is a nice slow burn, although their chemistry seemed a little reserved. I’m not sure if that was more because of Amara’s style or Estevan’s general reticence through most of the story.
Overall, a solid read, and as a WA state resident, I appreciated all the northwest details. Also, even though I was never one of those girls into horses, I really dug following Paul as he groused around the stables. It was easy to picture everything and get the feel of the setting, and I loved how Amara wrote about the horses, and showed how each was a distinct character.
June 26, 2011
This book had realistic characters, a mystery that did not involve a dead body, and horses. The equine stuff is written with authority and, for me at least, just the right amount of detail. I really liked the narrator, both his character and his voice. My only reason to withhold the fifth star was that I felt the relationship evolved too fast once it got going. The closeted character came out too fast and too easily for someone who had spent that long hiding. Still a great read, especially if you like horses as well as two hot guys finding each other.
January 26, 2011
I'm not actually sure I'd give this book 5 - probably more like 4 - but I'm jumping it up here to offset what I see as unduly low reviews, because I think this is a good, solid read, definitely up there with most that are rated 3.5 or 4 or 4.5 in this genre, and well worth reading, especially (but not only) by fans of the author or people who know what the name of the book is referring to!
I found it, like most of the author's current works, charming and warm; it's not my favorite of hers (that would be Holiday Outing), but I liked it a lot and will definitely re-read it. To be fair, this might be partly because I am a big horseperson (with three of my own), and specifically someone who does the sort of riding described in this book. So the horse bits really spoke to me - I thought the author was dead on in so many of her descriptions both of horse owners and of horses. In particular, she captured so very well, and often with just a few lines, those sometimes clashing feelings of sublime joy, anxiety, and heartbreak that characterize horse ownership. I loved how her descriptions were often slightly barbed and...maybe perplexed, from the perspective of an outsider, while still obviously (to me at least) showing an "insider's" (i.e., horse lover/owner's) understanding of and empathy with that seeming craziness.
So the horse setting - and the characters in that setting, and the protagonist's (Paul's) reaction to it - were, I felt, very well done; I'd have enjoyed the book for these alone. (And admittedly, there were some things in the book that perhaps could only be fully appreciated by someone who does in fact read Dressage Today every month, and has gone to the World Equestrian Games, and is familiar with the current raging helmet controversy in the dressage world; unlike many sports, dressage is not one familiar to many who don't participate.) But I also enjoyed the underlying characters and story; in particular, seeing Paul grow and change - seeing his feelings about the place evolve, seeing him overcome long-ingrained fears (fears to which any horseperson can certainly relate).
Paul's love interest, Estevan, wasn't as well developed, and I didn't feel as great an attachment to him, but I still enjoyed his role. Again, part of this was recognition: he's a type (the arrogant, naturally gifted dressage trainer/rider) so familiar to me, an object of both awe and mockery. I got such a kick out of the scene in which he, who is blessed with such natural gifts and "feeling" for riding, attempts to teach a plodding, average, amateur, with classic lines like "put him on the aids" - instructions that are utterly meaningless unless you already know, and can feel, what they mean. Such a familiar scene to anyone who's been in this sport who isn't naturally gifted! But I also liked seeing Estevan humbled, seeing him overcome barriers of his own to be with Paul, seeing how deeply he cared for the horses, and what he was willing to do to save people - and horses! - he loved. And the author, I thought, did reasonably well at showing Estevan's conflict and confusionfrom Paul's first person POV.
The mystery was fun - I didn't figure the entire thing out on my own. It was appropriate for a book set in the horse world - in some elements it reminded me of an old Dick Francis. The resolution did, as another reviewer noted, reveal that Paul had been lied to, but - again perhaps because of my horse background, I don't know - I did not feel at all that he should have felt more angry and/or betrayed about this than he did. In fact, I can't imagine any horseperson I know facing that situation ending up angry about that "betrayal" once discovering the reason, no matter how great their purported "love of honesty" - so perhaps the point of his lack of more extreme reaction was to show his growth and healing: he now sees that in some cases there might in fact be things more important than 100% honesty and he realizes what the horses and the barn operation are coming to mean to him.
This wasn't a perfect book - in particular, it did feel as if some problems were overcome too quickly and easily, specifically with regard (as mentioned by other reviewers) to barn finances, and also to the resolution of Paul's feelings about and history with the hostile atmosphere of the town. But I found it a fun, enjoyable read, with what has become (to me) Astrid Amara's trademark blend of light humor and a sort of non-saccharine sweetness of spirit, solidly written, with an interesting and unique setting. I definitely recommend it, and doubly so to anyone with a remote familiarity with or interest in things equine.
I found it, like most of the author's current works, charming and warm; it's not my favorite of hers (that would be Holiday Outing), but I liked it a lot and will definitely re-read it. To be fair, this might be partly because I am a big horseperson (with three of my own), and specifically someone who does the sort of riding described in this book. So the horse bits really spoke to me - I thought the author was dead on in so many of her descriptions both of horse owners and of horses. In particular, she captured so very well, and often with just a few lines, those sometimes clashing feelings of sublime joy, anxiety, and heartbreak that characterize horse ownership. I loved how her descriptions were often slightly barbed and...maybe perplexed, from the perspective of an outsider, while still obviously (to me at least) showing an "insider's" (i.e., horse lover/owner's) understanding of and empathy with that seeming craziness.
So the horse setting - and the characters in that setting, and the protagonist's (Paul's) reaction to it - were, I felt, very well done; I'd have enjoyed the book for these alone. (And admittedly, there were some things in the book that perhaps could only be fully appreciated by someone who does in fact read Dressage Today every month, and has gone to the World Equestrian Games, and is familiar with the current raging helmet controversy in the dressage world; unlike many sports, dressage is not one familiar to many who don't participate.) But I also enjoyed the underlying characters and story; in particular, seeing Paul grow and change - seeing his feelings about the place evolve, seeing him overcome long-ingrained fears (fears to which any horseperson can certainly relate).
Paul's love interest, Estevan, wasn't as well developed, and I didn't feel as great an attachment to him, but I still enjoyed his role. Again, part of this was recognition: he's a type (the arrogant, naturally gifted dressage trainer/rider) so familiar to me, an object of both awe and mockery. I got such a kick out of the scene in which he, who is blessed with such natural gifts and "feeling" for riding, attempts to teach a plodding, average, amateur, with classic lines like "put him on the aids" - instructions that are utterly meaningless unless you already know, and can feel, what they mean. Such a familiar scene to anyone who's been in this sport who isn't naturally gifted! But I also liked seeing Estevan humbled, seeing him overcome barriers of his own to be with Paul, seeing how deeply he cared for the horses, and what he was willing to do to save people - and horses! - he loved. And the author, I thought, did reasonably well at showing Estevan's conflict and confusionfrom Paul's first person POV.
The mystery was fun - I didn't figure the entire thing out on my own. It was appropriate for a book set in the horse world - in some elements it reminded me of an old Dick Francis. The resolution did, as another reviewer noted, reveal that Paul had been lied to, but - again perhaps because of my horse background, I don't know - I did not feel at all that he should have felt more angry and/or betrayed about this than he did. In fact, I can't imagine any horseperson I know facing that situation ending up angry about that "betrayal" once discovering the reason, no matter how great their purported "love of honesty" - so perhaps the point of his lack of more extreme reaction was to show his growth and healing: he now sees that in some cases there might in fact be things more important than 100% honesty and he realizes what the horses and the barn operation are coming to mean to him.
This wasn't a perfect book - in particular, it did feel as if some problems were overcome too quickly and easily, specifically with regard (as mentioned by other reviewers) to barn finances, and also to the resolution of Paul's feelings about and history with the hostile atmosphere of the town. But I found it a fun, enjoyable read, with what has become (to me) Astrid Amara's trademark blend of light humor and a sort of non-saccharine sweetness of spirit, solidly written, with an interesting and unique setting. I definitely recommend it, and doubly so to anyone with a remote familiarity with or interest in things equine.
December 26, 2012
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0
Paul King is an accounts manager who recently lost his job at a respectable accounting firm in San Francisco after he broke off his long time love affair with his boss. When Paul's beloved aunt dies and leaves him her equestrian boarding facility named Serenity Stables, Paul reluctantly returns to the hometown of his youth. He has one plan for the crumbling facility: unload it as fast as possible. But two months on the market, and he's still mucking stalls and dreaming of his old life back in San Francisco. To makes matters worse, Paul has lost one of his boarders, a million-dollar Warmblood named Tux. On the (sorta) bright side, Serenity Stables is home to Brazilian horse trainer and Olympic medalist, Estevan Souza, whom Paul fancies. Intriguing as Paul finds Estevan, distractions are piling up: the boarders are picky; the arena roof is leaking; Paul's drunken cousin is wreaking havoc; Tux's owners are threatening to sue; and someone is trying to take Paul out of the game, permanently. Half Pass is a story about Paul and Estevan overcoming horse thieves, would-be murderers, and long-held phobias to reach their HEA.
I'm a huge fan of Astrid Amara's work and while this was not one her best books (IMHO), I enjoyed it nonetheless. Both MCs were likeable enough but I had a difficult time connecting with them at first. They warmed up to me by the end but my affection remained tenuous at best. Paul was okay but I got frustrated with him at times. I don't know if it was because he was too passive or too complacent or what ... but there wasn't a strong connection for me there. Estevan was even harder for me to relate to. He was so obnoxious at first that I just flat out didn't like him. He seemed like such a pompous ass. Granted, as the story progressed we saw the softer side of him. But, again, I wasn't enthralled with his character. The book had many secondary characters that provided fodder for the underlying mystery. I liked them okay but no one really stood out for me. Besides adding to the pool of suspects, the secondary characters managed to repeatedly interrupt Paul and Estevan at the most inopportune moments making this book one for the "slow burn" category.
Bottom line: The mystery woven throughout the book kept me guessing; and, although the MCs were hard to relate to at first, they eventually grew on me. An entertaining read from one of my most favorite authors.
Paul King is an accounts manager who recently lost his job at a respectable accounting firm in San Francisco after he broke off his long time love affair with his boss. When Paul's beloved aunt dies and leaves him her equestrian boarding facility named Serenity Stables, Paul reluctantly returns to the hometown of his youth. He has one plan for the crumbling facility: unload it as fast as possible. But two months on the market, and he's still mucking stalls and dreaming of his old life back in San Francisco. To makes matters worse, Paul has lost one of his boarders, a million-dollar Warmblood named Tux. On the (sorta) bright side, Serenity Stables is home to Brazilian horse trainer and Olympic medalist, Estevan Souza, whom Paul fancies. Intriguing as Paul finds Estevan, distractions are piling up: the boarders are picky; the arena roof is leaking; Paul's drunken cousin is wreaking havoc; Tux's owners are threatening to sue; and someone is trying to take Paul out of the game, permanently. Half Pass is a story about Paul and Estevan overcoming horse thieves, would-be murderers, and long-held phobias to reach their HEA.
I'm a huge fan of Astrid Amara's work and while this was not one her best books (IMHO), I enjoyed it nonetheless. Both MCs were likeable enough but I had a difficult time connecting with them at first. They warmed up to me by the end but my affection remained tenuous at best. Paul was okay but I got frustrated with him at times. I don't know if it was because he was too passive or too complacent or what ... but there wasn't a strong connection for me there. Estevan was even harder for me to relate to. He was so obnoxious at first that I just flat out didn't like him. He seemed like such a pompous ass. Granted, as the story progressed we saw the softer side of him. But, again, I wasn't enthralled with his character. The book had many secondary characters that provided fodder for the underlying mystery. I liked them okay but no one really stood out for me. Besides adding to the pool of suspects, the secondary characters managed to repeatedly interrupt Paul and Estevan at the most inopportune moments making this book one for the "slow burn" category.
Bottom line: The mystery woven throughout the book kept me guessing; and, although the MCs were hard to relate to at first, they eventually grew on me. An entertaining read from one of my most favorite authors.
March 24, 2011
“Life takes a dump, and you scoop it up and move on.” That is how Paul King felt when he lost his job and inherited a run-down equestrian boarding facility from his aunt Beth. Most of us can all relate to downsizing in today’s economy and know how if feels to let go of a job you love and take on a job you hate, like cleaning horse stalls in a backwoods town you left behind years ago.
It was the title and horse on the cover of this book that caught my eye and the rest was history because I had to get it. I have never read any of Astrid Amara's books, so I was very pleased at her knowledge of horses and the running of equestrian boarding facilities, which not only added a feel of realism but also created an incredible entertaining story. As I watched the unique and charming personalities of Paul and Estevan Souza come alive as well as the secondary characters, I found it hard to put the book down. However, this story is not a short read so I could not finish it before bedtime.
Up early the next day, I had my nose back in the book eager to see if a missing horse had been found or if he was dead. I also needed to find out if there was anything going on between Paul and Estevan, who seemed to be dancing around each other without really coming out and giving you an idea if there was more than friendship connecting them. To say that I was completely blown away with the plot and all the action that took place within the story is an understatement, for I found myself completely enchanted by the story line as well as the characters and chomping at the bit to see what would happen next.
There is definitely conflict, trust issues, mystery, and suspense found through out the pages that made it hard to lay the book down. I found it well written and jam-packed with all the elements that make a book worth reading. I'm definitely looking for more books by this author. It was a pleasure to review this story and recommend it to all my friends.
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
It was the title and horse on the cover of this book that caught my eye and the rest was history because I had to get it. I have never read any of Astrid Amara's books, so I was very pleased at her knowledge of horses and the running of equestrian boarding facilities, which not only added a feel of realism but also created an incredible entertaining story. As I watched the unique and charming personalities of Paul and Estevan Souza come alive as well as the secondary characters, I found it hard to put the book down. However, this story is not a short read so I could not finish it before bedtime.
Up early the next day, I had my nose back in the book eager to see if a missing horse had been found or if he was dead. I also needed to find out if there was anything going on between Paul and Estevan, who seemed to be dancing around each other without really coming out and giving you an idea if there was more than friendship connecting them. To say that I was completely blown away with the plot and all the action that took place within the story is an understatement, for I found myself completely enchanted by the story line as well as the characters and chomping at the bit to see what would happen next.
There is definitely conflict, trust issues, mystery, and suspense found through out the pages that made it hard to lay the book down. I found it well written and jam-packed with all the elements that make a book worth reading. I'm definitely looking for more books by this author. It was a pleasure to review this story and recommend it to all my friends.
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
March 23, 2011
I finally got around to reading this one. A combination of the blurb doing nothing for me & and some luke warm reviews made me hesitate even though this author is usually an auto-buy for me. I finally decided that a so-so book by Ms. Amara would be better than most other m/m books and went for it. I needn’t have worried because I enjoyed this one as much as all her others.
I really loved Paul and there was just the right amount of stable life shown for my taste. That is, I felt totally emersed in the atmosphere w/o a lot of riding & horse jargon. I didn’t want to be taught about riding or horse care and I didn’t feel it came to that at all. You got a sense of the labor involved and Paul’s frustration with the grunt work was endearing.
I didn’t mind that Estevan remains a bit of an enigma. It prolonged the development of the relationship as Paul (& the reader) figured him out.
I was also satisfied by the mystery. I thought there were plenty of viable suspects and I didn’t guess correctly about who was involved.
A very well written, enjoyable book.
I really loved Paul and there was just the right amount of stable life shown for my taste. That is, I felt totally emersed in the atmosphere w/o a lot of riding & horse jargon. I didn’t want to be taught about riding or horse care and I didn’t feel it came to that at all. You got a sense of the labor involved and Paul’s frustration with the grunt work was endearing.
I didn’t mind that Estevan remains a bit of an enigma. It prolonged the development of the relationship as Paul (& the reader) figured him out.
I was also satisfied by the mystery. I thought there were plenty of viable suspects and I didn’t guess correctly about who was involved.
A very well written, enjoyable book.
June 8, 2013
Funny, interesting, great MCs with slow burn and a good plot - an all around winner :-)
December 26, 2016
Loved this the second time around. Perfect distration in a sorrowful day as today has been.
Smart, witty, full of love for horses and I just adored Estevan, especially seen through Paul's eyes.
Smart, witty, full of love for horses and I just adored Estevan, especially seen through Paul's eyes.
April 22, 2012
I enjoyed this story very much. The details of the stables and all the work with and for the horses made me feel into the story. I know nothing about horses, but you can really see the author's passion for these animals.
Paul, the narrator, has inherited Serenity Stables from his aunt and has accepted to manage them until he finds a buyer. He has just lost his job, after his boss and lover dumped him, and he's back in his conservative home town with little hope and little prospects.
Estevan is the Brazilian Olympic champion horse trainer. He is aloof and mysterious and he sends all sorts of mixed signals to Paul.
Paul's already troubled life turns into a nightmare when one of the most prized horses, Tux, disappears. The horse was probably stolen by someone close to the stables. The suspects include co-workers, boarders, the cousin with whom Paul has a feud.
Paul's voice is not flashy, or too funny, or humorous, it's a polite, level, rational voice that by the end of the book becomes almost hypnotic. It made the book easy to read and engaging. His previous relationship colors his fears about a new love and Estevan seems the worst choice: everybody thinks he's straight, but Paul feels his eyes on him; he defends Paul but he's also unusually skittish. He's hot and sexy, but he's not easy to like.
The romance simmers throughout the book and since I like anticipation, it was perfect for me, but I have to admit that I didn't really feel the explosion of their passion, because for all the proud and haughty attitude, Estevan was a bit too weak in my opinion, while Paul, who appeared a bit whiny at first, was really brave.
The mystery-suspense part of the story was ok. I guessed the "how", but not exactly the "who", and there was a part at the end that I didn't find convincing .
So, apart from a couple of things, I really liked the story. Up until now I've enjoyed this author's work in different genres and it's always been satisfying.
Paul, the narrator, has inherited Serenity Stables from his aunt and has accepted to manage them until he finds a buyer. He has just lost his job, after his boss and lover dumped him, and he's back in his conservative home town with little hope and little prospects.
Estevan is the Brazilian Olympic champion horse trainer. He is aloof and mysterious and he sends all sorts of mixed signals to Paul.
Paul's already troubled life turns into a nightmare when one of the most prized horses, Tux, disappears. The horse was probably stolen by someone close to the stables. The suspects include co-workers, boarders, the cousin with whom Paul has a feud.
Paul's voice is not flashy, or too funny, or humorous, it's a polite, level, rational voice that by the end of the book becomes almost hypnotic. It made the book easy to read and engaging. His previous relationship colors his fears about a new love and Estevan seems the worst choice: everybody thinks he's straight, but Paul feels his eyes on him; he defends Paul but he's also unusually skittish. He's hot and sexy, but he's not easy to like.
The romance simmers throughout the book and since I like anticipation, it was perfect for me, but I have to admit that I didn't really feel the explosion of their passion, because for all the proud and haughty attitude, Estevan was a bit too weak in my opinion, while Paul, who appeared a bit whiny at first, was really brave.
The mystery-suspense part of the story was ok. I guessed the "how", but not exactly the "who", and there was a part at the end that I didn't find convincing .
So, apart from a couple of things, I really liked the story. Up until now I've enjoyed this author's work in different genres and it's always been satisfying.
March 31, 2011
I really do enjoy Astrid Amara's work, but this one has to be one of my favorites. Gorgeous characters and plenty of 'will they won't they' tension. Men wearing riding breeches/jodhpurs - what's not to like? AND horses. The mystery was a very scooby affair and made me laugh. Nothing nicer than a nasty villain or three!
The authors deft descriptions of riders and their equine companions was well done. It had me wishing I was fourteen again and charging about the countryside on my own horse. I think this is the kind of romance that I like to read. It was just marvelously entertaining and super romantic. Good romantic fiction does just that. Entertains!
The authors deft descriptions of riders and their equine companions was well done. It had me wishing I was fourteen again and charging about the countryside on my own horse. I think this is the kind of romance that I like to read. It was just marvelously entertaining and super romantic. Good romantic fiction does just that. Entertains!
March 6, 2011
I really liked Half Pass. Sure, there were some minor consistency issues* and it's not super-realistic. Still, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable story. The author's love of horses really transpires from the writing (which by the way is pretty amazing); the setting was very well drawn and I found myself wanting to be there, with the horses, smell and dirt and all.
I'd say don't over-analyze it, go with it and enjoy the ride.
* For example, a horse steps on the character's foot and it's swollen, but the next morning, he goes for a run, swollen foot forgotten...
I'd say don't over-analyze it, go with it and enjoy the ride.
* For example, a horse steps on the character's foot and it's swollen, but the next morning, he goes for a run, swollen foot forgotten...
July 31, 2015
Well, I always say I like characters... and this story was chock-full of them. I'm not a big fan of murder mysteries, and here there ended up being tons of mysteries. What happening to Tux? Why does Collin have it in for Paul? What is up with those rich pains in the *sses, the Jacksons? So many questions, whew, was exhausted by the end of the book :)
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1st read - Apr 3, 2011
2nd read - Jul 24, 2015
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1st read - Apr 3, 2011
2nd read - Jul 24, 2015
January 2, 2011
4.25 out of 5
November 22, 2024
I really wanted to like this one because it's got two of my favorite things in it: M/M Romance and horses. But once I got past the beginning, it stopped working for me. I've owned this book, probably since 2011 or thereabouts, and honestly, it felt a little dated the way Estevan kept running away from Paul every time Paul tried to start something with him romantically.
I do like slow burn, but this was not a slow burn. It was a maybe start and stop, maybe start and stop, maybe start and stop until over halfway through the book and then it was romance on fire, a very nervous, unsure horse that suddenly becomes a star thoroughbred race horse without warning and without buildup.
I wanted to get to know the side characters better and to have more of a mystery with more clues and more of a buildup to the end, something to keep me on my toes. I think I wanted to be able to think through the side characters to see which one could have stolen Tux, but there wasn't much to make me think any of them had anything to do with it. My brain wanted to work for this, and it couldn't.
Anyway, I liked it well enough to read through to the end, but I really didn't love it as much as I'd hoped I would.
I do like slow burn, but this was not a slow burn. It was a maybe start and stop, maybe start and stop, maybe start and stop until over halfway through the book and then it was romance on fire, a very nervous, unsure horse that suddenly becomes a star thoroughbred race horse without warning and without buildup.
I wanted to get to know the side characters better and to have more of a mystery with more clues and more of a buildup to the end, something to keep me on my toes. I think I wanted to be able to think through the side characters to see which one could have stolen Tux, but there wasn't much to make me think any of them had anything to do with it. My brain wanted to work for this, and it couldn't.
Anyway, I liked it well enough to read through to the end, but I really didn't love it as much as I'd hoped I would.
August 18, 2020
I have an unhealthy fascination with anything horse since binge-ing on Dick Francis in my younger years. So I loved the setting of this book - a struggling stable where manager Paul is in over his head with, among other things, a missing horse. Then there is dressage trainer Estevan, who may or may not be trusted. And of course, all the horses with their quirks. I was rooting all the way for Paul, hoping he gets his HEA with Estevan, hoping his evil cousin gets his comeuppance, and hoping for a happy ending for Tux and the stables. It was just a super feel good book, with horses. Recommended!
February 18, 2020
Was this book overly dramatic at some points? Yes.
Did I care? Not one bit.
It is so hard to find horse-themed books written for readers older than 13, but Astrid Amara did a solid job on this one. A fast read, and surprisingly accurate in all things horse-y (as a passionate equestrian myself, I tend to be very picky when it comes to that) - what's not to like?
Did I care? Not one bit.
It is so hard to find horse-themed books written for readers older than 13, but Astrid Amara did a solid job on this one. A fast read, and surprisingly accurate in all things horse-y (as a passionate equestrian myself, I tend to be very picky when it comes to that) - what's not to like?
December 24, 2025
3 stars
Paul inherits a stable in the town he grew up in. He plans to unload it as soon as possible, because he wants, and because being back in the town that he grew up in isn't pleasant. Not to mention the horses. Unfortunately, people who are willing to buy a stable aren't lying thick on the ground, and Paul is still trying to offload the facility months later while trying to make ends meet. Then he meets the stable trainer, Estevan, a famous expensive horse goes missing, and Paul's cousin is resentful that he didn't inherit the stables and things get a little wonky.
Well. This was an experience. There was so much going on in this book, from the owners, to Paul coming to terms with his past, to the missing horse that Paul investigates, to the cousin and all the trouble he caused. But don't you worry! There was plenty of room in the story for Paul to essentially force his attentions on Estevan, even though he kept saying no. No, Paul didn't commit rape, but he did keep laying hands (and a mouth, from what I remember) on Estevan without consent or even, in my opinion, encouragement. Paul kept thinking that Estevan was blowing hot and cold on him, and I kept thinking "Dude. There is no hot or cold. He's not showing you anything but professionalism and concern for what is happening around the stables. Back off." It seemed to me that Paul had an "I want it, so I should get it" attitude, regardless of reality, which came across in a predatory way. Side note: I know that some people have an issue with bodice rippers from the 70s and 80s, and they are definitely problematic, but they seem almost kinder than this book. Probably because there is (usually) a reason for what is done, and the women definitely get their own back, which doesn't happen in this book.
Paul also wasn't very professional with any of his employees, not just the one he was attracted to. Add in the mess of everything else that was going on (sooooo over the top), and this was just... something not great. So why did I rate this 3 stars? Well, about halfway through the book, I finally gave up and went and looked at the original publishing date. It was 2011, and attitudes were really quite different then, regarding consent and regarding whether or not men could control themselves and how men comported themselves in same-sex relationships. So I gave it a little leeway, and instead of 2 stars, went with 3.aul has inherited a stable from his aunt.
Paul inherits a stable in the town he grew up in. He plans to unload it as soon as possible, because he wants, and because being back in the town that he grew up in isn't pleasant. Not to mention the horses. Unfortunately, people who are willing to buy a stable aren't lying thick on the ground, and Paul is still trying to offload the facility months later while trying to make ends meet. Then he meets the stable trainer, Estevan, a famous expensive horse goes missing, and Paul's cousin is resentful that he didn't inherit the stables and things get a little wonky.
Well. This was an experience. There was so much going on in this book, from the owners, to Paul coming to terms with his past, to the missing horse that Paul investigates, to the cousin and all the trouble he caused. But don't you worry! There was plenty of room in the story for Paul to essentially force his attentions on Estevan, even though he kept saying no. No, Paul didn't commit rape, but he did keep laying hands (and a mouth, from what I remember) on Estevan without consent or even, in my opinion, encouragement. Paul kept thinking that Estevan was blowing hot and cold on him, and I kept thinking "Dude. There is no hot or cold. He's not showing you anything but professionalism and concern for what is happening around the stables. Back off." It seemed to me that Paul had an "I want it, so I should get it" attitude, regardless of reality, which came across in a predatory way. Side note: I know that some people have an issue with bodice rippers from the 70s and 80s, and they are definitely problematic, but they seem almost kinder than this book. Probably because there is (usually) a reason for what is done, and the women definitely get their own back, which doesn't happen in this book.
Paul also wasn't very professional with any of his employees, not just the one he was attracted to. Add in the mess of everything else that was going on (sooooo over the top), and this was just... something not great. So why did I rate this 3 stars? Well, about halfway through the book, I finally gave up and went and looked at the original publishing date. It was 2011, and attitudes were really quite different then, regarding consent and regarding whether or not men could control themselves and how men comported themselves in same-sex relationships. So I gave it a little leeway, and instead of 2 stars, went with 3.aul has inherited a stable from his aunt.
June 23, 2013
I almost didn't read this book after reading this sentence in the sample:
Trounced? Do you know what trounced means?
So, I'm sorry, but no way did she trounce into the barn. Maybe flounced? Or bounced? But definitely not trounced.
I only kept reading because my TBR pile was empty and I've read and liked a few of the author's other books.
Then later I came across this:
Again, do you know what droll means?
Nothing about this character seems funny to me at all. She is very dull, as the sentence says.
And then later the main character hears there has been a fire in one of his fields. And doesn't even go into the field to investigate! I mean, I assume there would be charred earth and at least a bit of evidence. But no one even goes to look!
And then this sentence later:
What? You cannot possibly hit your chin on your own helmet when you are wearing it. That makes no sense. Maybe the strap hurt his chin. Or maybe he hit his chin on Estevan's helmet. But no way did he hit his chin on his own helmet unless his helmet somehow came flying off and attacked him in the face.
All these complaints made it sound like I didn't like the book. And they really did bother me, and I wouldn't have bought it if I had anything else in my list to read. But I did buy it and I did somehow like it. Mostly.
My employee, Stacy Lopez, trounced into the barn in sweatpants,...
Trounced? Do you know what trounced means?
Trounce (Verb): Defeat heavily in a contest. Rebuke or punish severely.
So, I'm sorry, but no way did she trounce into the barn. Maybe flounced? Or bounced? But definitely not trounced.
I only kept reading because my TBR pile was empty and I've read and liked a few of the author's other books.
Then later I came across this:
Their daughter, a bit on the frumpy side, was a droll, uninterested person with a dull expression and an ugly pair of breeches.
Again, do you know what droll means?
Droll (Adjective): Curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement.
Synonyms: funny, comical, amusing, humorous
Nothing about this character seems funny to me at all. She is very dull, as the sentence says.
And then later the main character hears there has been a fire in one of his fields. And doesn't even go into the field to investigate! I mean, I assume there would be charred earth and at least a bit of evidence. But no one even goes to look!
And then this sentence later:
My jaw hurt from where my chin had smashed against my helmet on landing...
What? You cannot possibly hit your chin on your own helmet when you are wearing it. That makes no sense. Maybe the strap hurt his chin. Or maybe he hit his chin on Estevan's helmet. But no way did he hit his chin on his own helmet unless his helmet somehow came flying off and attacked him in the face.
All these complaints made it sound like I didn't like the book. And they really did bother me, and I wouldn't have bought it if I had anything else in my list to read. But I did buy it and I did somehow like it. Mostly.
March 3, 2015
read here on my blog
I have always loved Astrid Amara's work, from The Archer's Heart to The Devil Lancer I have adored her novels. However Half Pass was the first of her contemporaries I have read, and I was not disappointed. This book is crammed with gorgeous characters and plenty of will they wont they tension. And of course their are lots of HORSES! The mystery of this novel made me giggle. There is nothing better than nasty villains or three but don't worry no spoilers. This book is too good to think about spoiling it for you.
Paul King, returns to his hometown Lyden, Washington after living in San Francisco for six years after his relationship disintegrates and he is fired from his job. His aunt Beth has died and Paul has inherited her stables. At first he intends to run it until he can find a new owner who he is happy with as Paul is petrified of horses, after a nasty accident years ago. Paul finds friendship with the horses and Estevan, the Brazilian trainer working at Serenity Stables and seems to find his place back in the town he grew up in.
I liked the slow build of the relationship and how difficult it was for Estevan really showed throughout this novel. Astrid's love for horses really shon through this narrative as each one was well written with their own district characteristic. Overall an enjoyable narrative.
I have always loved Astrid Amara's work, from The Archer's Heart to The Devil Lancer I have adored her novels. However Half Pass was the first of her contemporaries I have read, and I was not disappointed. This book is crammed with gorgeous characters and plenty of will they wont they tension. And of course their are lots of HORSES! The mystery of this novel made me giggle. There is nothing better than nasty villains or three but don't worry no spoilers. This book is too good to think about spoiling it for you.
Paul King, returns to his hometown Lyden, Washington after living in San Francisco for six years after his relationship disintegrates and he is fired from his job. His aunt Beth has died and Paul has inherited her stables. At first he intends to run it until he can find a new owner who he is happy with as Paul is petrified of horses, after a nasty accident years ago. Paul finds friendship with the horses and Estevan, the Brazilian trainer working at Serenity Stables and seems to find his place back in the town he grew up in.
I liked the slow build of the relationship and how difficult it was for Estevan really showed throughout this novel. Astrid's love for horses really shon through this narrative as each one was well written with their own district characteristic. Overall an enjoyable narrative.
May 31, 2016
3 stars
Paul's life is not exactly where he wants it to be. In his thirties he had a successful career as an account manager, an expensive trendy apartment in San Francisco and had a committed boyfriend of 6 years... Suddenly however, he finds himself fired as the boyfriend - who is also his boss - turns out to be a cheat and a liar, the only family who still acknowledges him dies and he inherits her crumbling boarding stable.
So Paul finds himself the stable manager of Serenity Stables, working his ass off for no money at all and surrounded by ungrateful boarders, temperamental horses and one very arrogant and also very handsome male dressage trainer. To make matters worse Paul is afraid of horses and also openly gay in Lynden, which lays claim to the dubious honor of being the town the movie Footloose was based upon and also holds an openly homophopic public.
Shoveling horse shit, being in lust with a straight man and no potential buyer for the stables in sight, Paul doesn't think life can get any worse. But then a million dollar horse in his care goes missing, his drunk cousin starts vandalizing and breaking into the property and apparently someone hates Paul enough to want him dead...
This was an enjoyable little mystery with a touch of romance. The mystery wasn't hard to unravel and the romance lacked a bit of chemistry in my opinion. But all in all it was a fun and easy read. Enjoyable for a rainy day.
Paul's life is not exactly where he wants it to be. In his thirties he had a successful career as an account manager, an expensive trendy apartment in San Francisco and had a committed boyfriend of 6 years... Suddenly however, he finds himself fired as the boyfriend - who is also his boss - turns out to be a cheat and a liar, the only family who still acknowledges him dies and he inherits her crumbling boarding stable.
So Paul finds himself the stable manager of Serenity Stables, working his ass off for no money at all and surrounded by ungrateful boarders, temperamental horses and one very arrogant and also very handsome male dressage trainer. To make matters worse Paul is afraid of horses and also openly gay in Lynden, which lays claim to the dubious honor of being the town the movie Footloose was based upon and also holds an openly homophopic public.
Shoveling horse shit, being in lust with a straight man and no potential buyer for the stables in sight, Paul doesn't think life can get any worse. But then a million dollar horse in his care goes missing, his drunk cousin starts vandalizing and breaking into the property and apparently someone hates Paul enough to want him dead...
This was an enjoyable little mystery with a touch of romance. The mystery wasn't hard to unravel and the romance lacked a bit of chemistry in my opinion. But all in all it was a fun and easy read. Enjoyable for a rainy day.
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