After years of saving every penny, Nathan has finally managed to buy Tsarina, the horse of his dreams, and he’s looking forward to a summer of exploring the mountains above Tucker Springs with her. But on their very first ride, a motorcyclist makes a wrong turn, scaring the mare into bolting and leaving Nathan with a broken leg, a broken hand, and a ruined summer.Ryan is a loner and a nomad, … nomad, content with working odd jobs before moving on to the next town. Feeling guilty for causing the accident that leaves Nathan in two casts, Ryan offers to keep Tsarina exercised until Nathan heals.
A tentative friendship forms, and a strong attraction grows. Nathan doesn’t want feelings getting involved, though. Not after a couple of nasty breakups and especially knowing that Ryan doesn’t stay in one place—or relationship—for long. It’s only a matter of time before Ryan drifts out of Tucker Springs and out of Nathan’s world.
But since when do feelings ever listen to reason? Now it’s Nathan who’s about to shy away, unless Ryan can ease his fears…assuming Ryan doesn’t bolt first.
This previously published book is #6 in the Tucker Springs series, and can be read as a standalone.
This previously published book is #6 in the Tucker Springs series, and can be read as a standalone.
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This is the latest installment in the Tucker Springs series, none of which I’ve read before, but you don’t have to have read any of them to know what’s going on in this story. It is truly stand-alone—for which I am grateful.
The story is told from the point of view of Nathan and is in first person, so it’s all him. He’s a receptionist/clerk/office person for an acupuncturist. He’s also a lover of horses and manages to save enough to purchase a beauty—Tsarina. On their first trail ride, they’re galloping up a steep path when a motorcycle comes roaring out of nowhere and spooks the horse. This causes a fall where Tsarina ends up on top of Nathan. Not good for Nathan. The horse is okay. Nathan, however, ends up with a broken leg and, when he punches Ryan (the cycle rider) in the face, also a broken wrist. Nathan ends up with casts on his leg and arm and has to give up on his dream of riding his horse for several months. Interesting point: The author obviously knows her horses and lingo and uses it well to enhance the story.
Then Ryan offers to take over riding Tsarina for Nathan and the story takes off. The men form a comfortable relationship, get to know each other, and slowly but surely start a little romance.
I liked how the author gave both men relationship hang-ups, but some of Nathan’s just went a little overboard for me. Especially the first sex scene where he freaks out about not being in control but we’re not told why or what happened to make him so…insecure.
Also, there was a lot of repetition of scenes. I got to the point where wanted to read something different and skipped ahead. A lot. After a certain point, there wasn’t much going on that hadn’t happened before: Nathan gets help going up or down the stairs, they go visit Tsarina, they go to a restaurant to eat, they talk too long and leave the restaurant late. Add in some sex scenes about halfway through and go through everything again—including the sex. That doesn’t mean it’s bad. It just got repetitive.
There was the usual romance story dust up where it looks like they’ll never be together—though you know they will—and the story has a satisfying ending.
Ms. Witt’s writing is full of humor and snark, as well as emotions. I found myself actually laughing out loud on a few occasions. The sex scenes were well done—even if they did seem to repeat. Explicit but never clinical, and emotional and romantic, despite a couple of casts getting in the way.
Recommendation: This is a solid romance about two guys who are realistic and a gorgeous and there’s a beautiful horse to boot. A definite read for those who like light standard romances.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
A decent installment in the Tucker Springs series. Not my favorite but not bad. The pace is slow and Nathan’s ‘issue’ that is supposed to be the struggle they have to over come fell a bit flat for me. Ryan is sweet and caring and I immediately liked him. There were times when I felt like scenes were only there as a set up for the next book in the series, not really important to this story line.