Leaping Hearts

It doesn't matter if it's a book written ten years ago or a new one hot off the press - if it's written by J R Ward - it's going to be fantastic! Leaping Hearts is no exception! Set amid the elite world of horse jumping, the hero, Devlin McCloud, is the former captain of the US Olympic Equestrian team, a legend in his field before a freak injury took him permanently out of the game. A J is the beautiful, spunky, headstrong heroine who shines as the rich daughter whose family gives her everything she could ever want - except a black stallion no one can ride. She sees his potential as one of the great jumpers of all time and impulsively buys him at auction only to learn he is not welcome at the family training complex. Refusing to give him up, she goes to the only person who might be persuaded to help her, the now bitter and reclusive Devlin McCloud. The attraction between the two is immediate. Still when he reluctantly agrees to help her, they both struggle to keep their minds on the common goal: to train the black stallion into the world class jumper they both believe he can be. This is a story of struggle, sacrifice, and ultimate victory against overwhelming odds. It is a love story at it's best as both characters strive to overcome their own personal challenges, and in doing so, find a love deeper than either could have ever imagined. It is a story by J R Ward. And that, essentially, says it all.

I'll be honest. Even though JR Ward is my favorite author (alongside Larissa Ione), I was really skeptical about her human romances so I stayed away from them and kept on the BDB and Fallen Angels series. Well, it didn't take long for me to run out of books to read and what was I left with? Ms. Ward's contemporary romances as Jessica Bird, of course. So I gave one a shot. My first was the Player (or His Comfort and Joy, same thing I guess). It was wildly different than what I was used to from her, but as she was still the genius writer that I knew she was, I could appreciate it. This one caught my attention before I could actually go through the entire Moorehouse Legacy series from start to finish because I'm an animal lover so I thought I would be able to connect with this one better. Love love loved it. Still not the exact same writing style I used to seeing from her, but still pleasant to read nonetheless. Bought the Heart of Gold paperback to read next but didn't get very far before her next installation of BDB/Fallen Angels came out so it's been on the back-burner for a while. Will definitely pick it up after finishing The King, and I know I'll love it.

After reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood all the way through - TWICE - I decided to delve into other books by this author. If you love horses and the world that revolves around horses, you'll really like this book. A tormented past, Devlin, has given up the horse world after a disaster hits while competing. Broken and hurting physically and emotionally, he distances himself from everyone. A.J. has a jerk for a step-brother who seems to have it in for her and when she falls in love with a black demon stallion and buys him with her own money, she finds her beloved family has turned her out with no place to board her new stallion or herself. With nothing but her new stallion, a truck and trailer, and a cold night coming on too fast, she needs a place to stay and takes a gamble and convinces Devlin to let her sleep on his sofa and board her demon stallion for the night. Surprises and turns in this book keep Devlin and A.J. in turmoil, but you know that all of them, including Sabbath the wild stallion find that talented rider A.J. and Devlin the equestrian genius make an outstanding team destined to win and to love.

This was such a great book. The story revolves around the horse jumping world. The author really seems to know her stuff when it comes to the particulars of this sport. The main male character, Devlin, is a tough, no nonsense type of guy. I’m pretty sure I fell in love with him while reading this book. He ends up falling for AJ, a tough no nonsense type of girl. This book had me laughing, (Chester) crying, (Mercy) and yelling (Devlin and AJ) through the whole thing. This is a really sweet love story and definitely worth the read.

I've now had the chance to read Heart Of Gold and just finished Leaping Hearts. Both books have been great. Strong characters including the stallion have kept me reading through the book until it ends. I can't wait to find more books written by J. R. Ward and/or Jessica Bird. Go J.B.!!

excellent book

I just discovered the Moorehouse series and I have read them all including the expanded titles involving related characters. The contemporary romance is very sexy, very romantic and written really well, although this is not a surprise because J.R. Ward is a fabulous writer. I love the BDB series, the Fallen Angel series and this romance series. I hope she writes another one after her latest involving Spike! With all these series going how does she have time to breathe?

I really enjoyed this book by JR Ward. The characters are interesting and the story flows. The horse aspects are written by someone who understands horses and the show jumping world. If I had to say something bad about the story, its that the female heroine seems a bit clueless at times and makes bad judgment calls. But I liked the story and would buy the book again.

I love JR Ward, but her brotherhood series totally blows these away! I guess I'm just a paranormal girl at heart! The story was well written and if you have a love of horses you'll truly enjoy this read. Just not as hot and exciting as her black dagger brotherhood series, which I cannot get enough of!

I enjoyed the story line and was caight up enough to cry thru theethe ending. Ihave read all of the Blackdagger Brotherhood and Angel series. Am waitng for more those books and discovered these four romance novels and have enjoyed them as well. JR Ward always suckd me onto her plots and I don't put them dowm. Love the worlds she creates

It doesn't matter if it's a book written ten years ago or a new one hot off the press - if it's written by J R Ward - it's going to be fantastic! Leaping Hearts is no exception! Set amid the elite world of horse jumping, the hero, Devlin McCloud, is the former captain of the US Olympic Equestrian team, a legend in his field before a freak injury took him permanently out of the game. A J is the beautiful, spunky, headstrong heroine who shines as the rich daughter whose family gives her everything she could ever want - except a black stallion no one can ride. She sees his potential as one of the great jumpers of all time and impulsively buys him at auction only to learn he is not welcome at the family training complex. Refusing to give him up, she goes to the only person who might be persuaded to help her, the now bitter and reclusive Devlin McCloud. The attraction between the two is immediate. Still when he reluctantly agrees to help her, they both struggle to keep their minds on the common goal: to train the black stallion into the world class jumper they both believe he can be. This is a story of struggle, sacrifice, and ultimate victory against overwhelming odds. It is a love story at it's best as both characters strive to overcome their own personal challenges, and in doing so, find a love deeper than either could have ever imagined. It is a story by J R Ward. And that, essentially, says it all.

I'll be honest. Even though JR Ward is my favorite author (alongside Larissa Ione), I was really skeptical about her human romances so I stayed away from them and kept on the BDB and Fallen Angels series. Well, it didn't take long for me to run out of books to read and what was I left with? Ms. Ward's contemporary romances as Jessica Bird, of course. So I gave one a shot. My first was the Player (or His Comfort and Joy, same thing I guess). It was wildly different than what I was used to from her, but as she was still the genius writer that I knew she was, I could appreciate it. This one caught my attention before I could actually go through the entire Moorehouse Legacy series from start to finish because I'm an animal lover so I thought I would be able to connect with this one better. Love love loved it. Still not the exact same writing style I used to seeing from her, but still pleasant to read nonetheless. Bought the Heart of Gold paperback to read next but didn't get very far before her next installation of BDB/Fallen Angels came out so it's been on the back-burner for a while. Will definitely pick it up after finishing The King, and I know I'll love it.

After reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood all the way through - TWICE - I decided to delve into other books by this author. If you love horses and the world that revolves around horses, you'll really like this book. A tormented past, Devlin, has given up the horse world after a disaster hits while competing. Broken and hurting physically and emotionally, he distances himself from everyone. A.J. has a jerk for a step-brother who seems to have it in for her and when she falls in love with a black demon stallion and buys him with her own money, she finds her beloved family has turned her out with no place to board her new stallion or herself. With nothing but her new stallion, a truck and trailer, and a cold night coming on too fast, she needs a place to stay and takes a gamble and convinces Devlin to let her sleep on his sofa and board her demon stallion for the night. Surprises and turns in this book keep Devlin and A.J. in turmoil, but you know that all of them, including Sabbath the wild stallion find that talented rider A.J. and Devlin the equestrian genius make an outstanding team destined to win and to love.

This was such a great book. The story revolves around the horse jumping world. The author really seems to know her stuff when it comes to the particulars of this sport. The main male character, Devlin, is a tough, no nonsense type of guy. I’m pretty sure I fell in love with him while reading this book. He ends up falling for AJ, a tough no nonsense type of girl. This book had me laughing, (Chester) crying, (Mercy) and yelling (Devlin and AJ) through the whole thing. This is a really sweet love story and definitely worth the read.

I've now had the chance to read Heart Of Gold and just finished Leaping Hearts. Both books have been great. Strong characters including the stallion have kept me reading through the book until it ends. I can't wait to find more books written by J. R. Ward and/or Jessica Bird. Go J.B.!!

excellent book

I just discovered the Moorehouse series and I have read them all including the expanded titles involving related characters. The contemporary romance is very sexy, very romantic and written really well, although this is not a surprise because J.R. Ward is a fabulous writer. I love the BDB series, the Fallen Angel series and this romance series. I hope she writes another one after her latest involving Spike! With all these series going how does she have time to breathe?

I really enjoyed this book by JR Ward. The characters are interesting and the story flows. The horse aspects are written by someone who understands horses and the show jumping world. If I had to say something bad about the story, its that the female heroine seems a bit clueless at times and makes bad judgment calls. But I liked the story and would buy the book again.

I love JR Ward, but her brotherhood series totally blows these away! I guess I'm just a paranormal girl at heart! The story was well written and if you have a love of horses you'll truly enjoy this read. Just not as hot and exciting as her black dagger brotherhood series, which I cannot get enough of!

I enjoyed the story line and was caight up enough to cry thru theethe ending. Ihave read all of the Blackdagger Brotherhood and Angel series. Am waitng for more those books and discovered these four romance novels and have enjoyed them as well. JR Ward always suckd me onto her plots and I don't put them dowm. Love the worlds she creates

This is another great book from J.R. Ward. A. J. and Devlin are great characters and I love how invested in them you get right from the start. This book doesn't have the usual devastating split between couples that are in most of Ward's books but I found that almost refreshing.

I started with Dark Lover and was slightly skeptical by this tame storyline but don't be fooled! it was well written, entertaining and gut wrenching. loved it! If you liked this book you should try

I have read all of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, and they are fabulous, can't put down reads, but who knew she could write such a love story without Vamps. Great writing and reading. Going in for another one now.

I loves the chemistry that both characters had as they met and JR Ward does not dissappoint in the sensual department. She definetly does not dissappoint and I hate that I read through it so fast!

Good story. However like all of Ward's books in this genre it is about a brooding male and insecure woman. Would like a bit of a new twist now and then.

It was a fun and interesting read. While I've read horse stories before, I hadn't read any about competitive jumping. It was nice to see the horse world from a new angle.

Not bad. I bought just for her name and I was not let down anything she writes I read and I have never not enjoyed her writing.Read and be surpised.Enjoy.

I didnt give it the full number of stars because i dont care to read about the world of horses & that part of the book was snore worthy.

Nice conventional story, nice to find that some of the story leads to another book that I found just as entertaining. Definitely worth the read.

J. R. Ward is my favorite author and I collect her books. Completely love the BDB and Fallen Angels, but her contemporary romances aren't slacking, either. Very good reads. (note: I'll be leaving this review for all her contemporary books, just so I can rate them.)

it was about horse and this girl who would not take no for and answer and she comes from a really rich family but her dickweed brother would not let her break in the horse at the home so she went over to the champs house

An easy fun read. Characters are likable and while the story line is a little predictable, it was an enjoyable read.

I liked this book but i have to admit it was not good as the vampire alpha who loves his mate. This was a long story and i kept reading there was not much steamy scenes just a pretty good story.

This was a feel good read I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one by Jessica Bird.

Absolutely loved it!! Was so excited when it came that I stopped reading what I was reading, I liked it that much that not even half way through I ordered her other books!! Love J.R Ward she is a great author!!

having just read a first book by another author that was truly awful, I can only say that even if this is J R Ward's first book, it was very good and I loved it. Possibly predictable, but still well written.

I've read all of JR Ward's newer works and enjoyed a few of her older romances but this book was hard to get through -- in fact, I quit at the 70% mark. I never felt particularly invested in AJ and Devlin's romance but I was curious about whether they'd manage to pull off the qualifier or not so I stuck with it. Until my least favorite trope reared it's ugly head: the heroine being pigheadedly dishonest until the inevitable reveal, leading to anger, break-up, strife, blah blah blah. Blah. I threw my kindle -- softly -- onto the table and gave it up. I don't care how it ends, though I hope the horse gets a nice home with a smarter rider.

Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.

Same remarks as the last Jessica Bird Novel I reviewed. This is not my favorite genre since I like mysteries and paranormals as a general rule rather than love stories.

Already enjoyed this Author's books, so this is another one I found in Amazo to read and love the book; I cound'nt put the book down and read enter the night.

Good

Love it

Smoken hot and sexy, good and naughty. I also HIGHLY recommend J.R.Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Also smoken hot and sexy, men the way men should be ....

good

Great book!

This is a fast read for everyone Good romance and adventure. I rate this a 10. Good for adult reading..

im more of a vampire girl.....was okay read, but too slow for me, i like the action of the brotherhood!

JR Ward books are the best! I read every book she has written.

This book was the worst read I've had in a very long time. Useless storyline, ridiculous characters. Having read many books by this author, this one was not her finest hour.

Bravo JR Ward! I couldn't put it down! It made me miss riding. Can't wait to read the next one.

Big fan of J.R. Ward. Have loved the black dagger series and anything else she writes. Would recommend to friends and family.

Again, JR Ward is the most prolific writer in her field - her characters are compelling, especially her Band of Brothers.

The service was fast. Love the author

Great author who is consistently delivering great stories, never disappointed with JR Ward!

Ugh the only thing that kept me going, was the fact that it would be over soon. I love JR Ward! So far the only book of hers I could most deff put down. Nothing like her others. The whole thing was slow, the romance was boring. And waaaaay to detailed about the life of a horse enthusiast.

Good reading

Great book to read

Very entertaining

I really thought this would be well written, but it failed miserably. Plodding, predictable. I like other J.R. Ward stuff but this was bad.

When I love an author I want to read everything they've written. (I would read grocery lists if I could) So writing under a pseudonym is like finding buried treasure. Ladies and Gentlemen this is JR Ward. You know, of the Black Dagger Brotherhood fame? This is not paranormal this is a Black Beauty type of story. Our heroine believes her horse can win she just needs the right trainer. Enter our hero in need of redemption. A lovely story written by a master storyteller.

My Take The primary theme is having faith in yourself but acknowledging your shortcomings. In other words, never lie to yourself. This is a sweet romance that revolves around show jumping, an unthinking beauty, and a man who has retreated from life. It flows well and has some nice insight on A.J.'s part as she realizes just how good she had it and what her family has had to put up with as opposed to what she thought. I thought the arrangement her dad had with Peter was very unfair and chauvinistic but with the reveal about Regina...damn, Peter did not have it easy. The Story There's something about that thoroughbred and A.J. must have win him. She knows Sabbath's reputation but she knows there is heart within this horse. Unfortunately, her stepbrother is fed up with A.J.'s thoughtless purchases and he refuses to honor her decision. His disapproval is so deep that when A.J. arrives back at the stables with Sabbath in tow, she is met by her father and Peter with the news that Peter is now in charge and he has already sold Sabbath to another owner. A.J. is so grateful for her decision on how to finance his purchase now and she immediately removes herself and Sabbath from the yard. Only, this was not what she had ever expected and she has no idea where to go. Sabbath needs to be out of this trailer and she needs a bed. At least, not until she remembers the incredibly gorgeous Devlin McCloud. She herself threw down the gauntlet. She and Sabbath would enter the Qualifier in two months' time. Now if she can just persuade Devlin to re-enter the land of the living. The Characters A. J. Sutherland is one of the two bosses at Sutherland Stables; she deals with the actual training and riding of the horses while her stepbrother Peter Conrad handles its finances and god forbid he actually have to get near a horse or barn. Ick. He is constantly fighting with A.J. Garret Sutherland is her father and has always financed everything about A.J.'s lifestyle including building up the stables but he's too easily swayed by his wife, Regina, A.J.'s wicked stepmother, and Peter. Devlin McCloud was internationally famous in the equestrian world. "A maverick, a national sports presence, the former captain of the Olympic Equestrian Team, a multiple gold medal winner and one of the best show jumpers the country had ever produced." Until the accident that killed his partner and crippled him. Chester is the only father Devlin ever knew and taught him all he knew and knows about horses and riding. Now he's playing matchmaker while he works as groom as Devlin works to train A.J. and Sabbath. Margaret Mead is the auction house secretary and very much on A.J.'s side. The Cover The cover is a bit dull with A.J.'s profile blended in with the purple of the sunrise with the silhouette of Sabbath running across the horizon. My guess on the title is that its A.J.'s, Sabbath's, and Devlin's Leaping Hearts that are of concern in this tale of jumping.

Another amazing story. The love of horses, the connections of blended families and a love story of wonders makes exciting reading.

I thought this was a great book. It kept my interest through out the book. I recommend it to anyone who loves romance.

Giddy up. I love her early novels. The men are still tough and sexy, despite the lack of fangs.

This a story of a girl named A.J. Sutherland who has a love for horses and puts her life into the stables her family owns. She spends money on a horse with a wild reputation cause she sees what the stallion could be. She plans to train and ride Sabbath in the Qualifier(the biggest event of show-jumping), only to find she does not have the support of her family or backing of Sutherland Stables. With no where to go she turns to Devlin McCloud, a multiple gold medal winner whose career was cut short by a tragic accident, unable to say no he agrees to be her trainer. They fall in love from the beginning and there are twist and turns to keep you glued. A great love story! This was the first book I read by Jessica Bird and I look forward to reading more of them. I really enjoyed it and could not put it down. I came away from the book wanting to go horseback riding. :) There are a few love scenes and GDs, but I would recommend this book!

The moment A.J. Sutherland saw the sleek black stallion named Sabbath, she knew. She just KNEW he would be a champion jumper. The stallion's hellish reputation notwithstanding, she saw him as pure gold and bought him at auction over the strenuous objections of her stepbrother, the contentious pain in the hindquarters who runs the business side of her wealthy father's stables. A.J. was resolute, however, and with one signed check she committed herself to a whole new life. Her decision gets her new horse banned from her family's stable and herself steamrollered by her stepbrother's quick snatch of the power to control her. With her options limited to fleeing or submitting to him, she makes a mad dash towards freedom, but the reality of the situation hits her hard. She's now more or less homeless, with nothing of her own but some well-worn tack, a horse no one but she believes in, and a burning desire to prove them all wrong. Committed to entering and making a good showing at a prestigious jumping competition in a mere two months, A.J. throws herself on the mercy of the one man who she believes can help her. The one man she desires most...in all ways. Devlin McCloud had been a superstar in the sport of showjumping, having won just about every major competition he'd entered in the past decade, before a brutal and career-ending fall almost a year ago crushed his leg and forced him to put down the horse he loved. Since then he's been wallowing in self pity, cut off from the life and sport that meant everything to him. Until the day he went to auction and saw a fiery woman stare down an intractable horse. For the first time in a very long time, desire heated his blood and tightened his veins, but when he first hears A.J.'s ridiculous proposition that he train her, he shuts her down fast. That part of his life is over. Looking into her eyes and telling her no when she shows up at his house in the middle of the night, desperate after her family ditches on her, however, proves to be the truly impossible task. She's obviously in need of help and has nowhere to go with the bad-tempered but promising horse she'd purchased. Whether she had the mettle to stick it out and go the distance isn't the question, though. It's whether he can keep his hands off her and his desire in check while he helps her do just that. Before she stormed onto the paranormal romance scene and became beloved as the Warden, J.R. Ward started her illustrious career writing contemporary romance as Jessica Bird. Within

When I was in the book store picking up a few books for some summer reads, I noticed Leaping Heart sitting on a book stand as I was passing by to go up to the checkout. Being an avid horse person and horse owner, I backtracked back to the book when I saw the running horse on the cover. I picked up the book, read the back breifly and tossed in with my buys. It turned out to be a good buy. It was about A.J. Sutherland, a young women who buys a black stallion named Sabbath, for a small fortune, intending to train him for the Qualifier, which is a big show jumping event. Her stepbrother, Peter Conrad, who runs the financial records for Sutherland Stables argues with her that it was a bad buy. Everything is ok until she gets back to the stables. AJ learns that Peter is now the owner of the farm and he tells her that he as sold the stallion, and it was a good move for Aj to pay for the stallion with her own money and not out of the stables account. She tells him that he could not sell something the farm doesn't own and leaves her home and stable with Sabbath. Desperate to find a place to live, AJ comes to Devlin McCloud's doorstep. Devlin was a former showjumper who fell victim to a terrible accident which led to the end of his showjumping carrer, and the death of his horse, Mercy. He agree to let AJ and Sabbath stay for one night, but after some thought begins to train them for the Qualifier, and that leads to AJ and Devlin falling in love with each other. I loved the passion that devolped between them. I thought it would be more of a romance story than a horse story. But it had an even amount of horses and romance. It is an awesome romance novel to read. You could almost feel the characters emotions. I enjoyed it alot. If you liked this story, I also recommend Legends Lake by Joann Ross.

Sabbath was the name of the magnificent stallion that no one could seem to tame. A.J. Sutherland decided she would be the one to do it! She spent a small fortune to purchase him only to find out her family's stables refused to back her up! A.J. was forced to choose between her family and the horse she knew could be a champion. For various reasons, A.J. chose Sabbath. Since the horse was not welcome at the Sutherland Stables, A.J. and Sabbath left. Devlin McCloud was a former champion equestrian. Due to a horrible accident a year ago, he was unable to compete. A.J. managed to convince Devlin to help train Sabbath fro the Qualifier, only two months away. It was to be business only; however, A.J. and Sabbath began knocking down the wall Devlin had built around his heart. ***** This is one truly awesome story! The author has a few sub-plots to keep the readers on the edge of their seats, while managing to give each of the two main characters their own set of problems AND a shaky romance! Well done, Jessica Bird! Highly recommended reading here! *****

In fact, way below J.R. Ward (Jessica Bird) standards. Slow. Monotonous. Childish characters. I almost couldn't finish it. Could have been a wonderful story if developed well. I love horses. I ride. Was so looking forward to a good story. Sometimes I wonder just WHO writes these books. One will be great then another is scraping the bottom of the barrel.

I loved Jessica Bird's ( JR Wards) other books. I read all the Black Daggar Brotherhood books and then read a couple of her non-vampire books and really loved those as well. I am a horse lover and breeder, so from the start that part was interesting for me. But it got a little ridiculous and unrealistic and then the horse part no longer mattered. The romance part just plain bored me. I can't even remember all the details now, but I quit reading on page 73 of a 370 page book. Like other readers, I was not invested or interested in the characters. I am normally curious enough to force myself to read further, but not this time. Too bad this was a total flop compared to her other work. Don't waste your time.

This book was a fantastic escape! Not customarily a romance reader, I dipped my toe in with curiosity -- and then read it all the way through immediately. It grabs you from the beginning and keeps you enchanted. Jessica Bird is a fantastic new author! The writing in this book is of high caliber, and the characters are people you relate to and are rooting for as you whiz through the book. I can't wait for her next one to hit the stands! Courtney Dickinson

I loved this book - couldn't put it down and have read it 3 times over the last few years. Highly recommended!

At a Virginia horse auction, A.J. Sutherland buys four-year-old thoroughbred Sabbath for thirty thousand dollars though the steed has a nasty reputation and her stepbrother, the family finance expert Peter Conrad, objected. Following her instincts, A.J. pays with her own personal money. When she returns to Sutherland Stables, Peter informs her that he sold the horse. An upset A.J. blithely says he cannot sell what the stable does not own and leaves with her horse though she has no place for Sabbath to stay. A desperate A.J. travels to the nearby home of Devlin McCloud to beg the once golden boy of horse jumping to allow her steed to stay in his stable. Devlin still uses a cane from the injury he suffered last year that led to the euthanasia killing of his beloved horse Mercy. He wants nothing to do with A.J. or Sabbath, but would never allow an animal to suffer because of human stupidity. Soon he finds himself training horse and woman. As A.J. and Devlin fall in love, both fear commitment with a human. Though readers will wonder how the father of A.J. could allow the cruelty of not stabling Sabbath for at least a night, fans will appreciate this warm contemporary romance. The story line is exciting as Devlin and A.J. leap from love even though the dangerous matchmaking skills of the key third character Sabbath pushes them together. LEAPING HEARTS combines a good horse jumping competition with a strong romance into a fine debut by newcomer Jessica Bird. Harriet Klausner

Loved this book. I have read many of J.R. Wards books and loved every one. This one is a light-hearted love story. An easy read. Perfect when you just want to enjoy a book without having a lot of detail to absorb. I use these types of books for relaxation. It is enjoyable, fun, and has a happy ending. A good break from studying and work.

In Bezug darauf, dass dies ihr als erstes veröffentlichtes Buch ist, bekommt man einen kleinen Vorgeschmack darauf, wozu J.R. Ward in ihren Büchern fähig ist: knisternde Erotik, leidenschaftliche und gefühlvolle Liebe. Auch bei den Hauptpersonen dieses Buches kann man das deutlich spüren, auch wenn das Ganze noch nicht so ausgefeilt ist. Wenn man dazu noch die Welt der Pferde liebt, ist es ein herzerwärmendes Buch, das man gerne liest und das man mit einem schönen Gefühl und einem Lächeln auf den Lippen beiseite legt. Für Fans von J.R. Ward ein Muss, auch wenn es mit ihren späteren Werken noch nicht mithalten kann!

Another great book from JR Ward. I really enjoyed it and I love how Carter was mentioned. She's in the next book I noticed. So I know what my Christmas read will be 😁

I enjoyed this book. As a keen horse owner, who has also done a lot of show jumping and also owned a very challenging mare, similar to the stallion Sabbeth, I could relate - shame I didn't get the hot trainer. Very different to the Black Brotherhood and Fallen Angel books - some may find this a bit tame and whilst I enjoyed both these series and this book, others may not if they think they are getting more of the paranormal very hot sex stuff.

I don't usually read books that revolve around horses. I found this particular book very interesting, well written and easy to understand .

Ganz nett zu lesen, aber eben der Debütroman von Jessica Bird a.k.a. J.R.Ward und deshalb eher als eine Fingerübung zu bewerten. Kein Vergleich zu den späteren Black Dagger Romanen. Die Geschichte um die ambitionierte junge Springreiterin A.J., ihr Pferd Sabbath und ihren Trainer Devlin McCloud ist Standard, die Charaktere bleiben leider eher stereotyp und blass. Die Nebenplots werden nur halbherzig entwickelt und sind teils nicht sehr glaubhaft. Besonders die Sache mit Devlins schwerer Beinverletzung, die seine Reitkarriere beendete und ihn am Anfang des Buches zu einem verbitterten Mann gemacht hat, wird im weiteren Verlauf der Geschichte unter den Teppich gekehrt - plötzlich rennt er ohne Stock. Sprachlich ist die Lovestory okay, aber auch noch ein gutes Stück van J.R. Wards späteren Werken entfernt.

I`m an absolute fan of J.R. Ward/ Jessica Bird and after reading the irresistible and `book pls don`t ever end` series of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (best ever I`ve read) and the Fallen Angels series it`s just amazing to learn about of the romantic beginning of a great author!!! I`m so waiting for her next book coming out and for every fan a must have all of her books!

Allways enjoyable and well written

A good summer read in the garden!

I love JR Ward. I have read all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books and started on her first books.