All bets are off in this heartfelt romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And … make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.
After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit, he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.
How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll be there only long enough to break it?
So Harper and Aidan agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And, as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.
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Beautifully developed characters with a sizzling love story. Phoenix, the racehorse, is an important part of the story and character development
I loved this book. I loved the back seat type character of Harper and the brash aggressiveness of Aidan and how their relationship played out. They were wonderful together.
I’m always up for books that center around animals and a glimpse into the horse racing world is always exciting.
I especially loved the “misfit” animals. Who wouldn’t love a little goat running around in a chicken costume and cuddling up to the horse that doesn’t let any other animals close? So adorable!
A great story by Ms. Probst.
Aidan has a secret he left behind in Ireland to make a new start in America. He’s honest with Harper in that he tells her he just wants to race. They fall in love but don’t tell each other right away. Then Aidan’s ex business partner shows up and tells Harper a bunch of lies about Aidan, but she doesn’t believe him. I enjoyed the story very much and loved the relationship between Captain Hoof and Phoenix! I enjoyed the narration, too!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah –
This is a gentle book with a huge heart and characters who feel fresh and original.
I love everything about Harper’s animal rescue farm and the work she and Aidan do to train Phoenix as a racehorse. Harper and Aidan are both driven, capable, and fiercely secretive. I love the spark between them, and I love the passion they both have for their work.
I love the combination of humour and excitement in the story. Phoenix’s training provides great suspense but the characters and animals on the farm provide humour and entertainment. There are some crazy, steamy hot scenes between Harper and Aidan, but I also loved the sense of family in the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the animals.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and it works well as a standalone. I loved it so much that I intend to purchase the previous books and catch up but I didn’t need to read them to understand Harper’s book.
And finally a grumble – I can’t for the life of me understand what the cover has to do with the story. Most of the book takes place on a working farm with the characters in sensible work clothing. It’s a pretty cover but it really doesn’t fit the book.
Avid Reader –
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
This is Harper’s story. She is the quiet one of the siblings. She loves her animals and relates to them much better than she relates to people. Harper learned a long time ago that animals will never judge her for being her and won’t hurt her like people can.
Aidan is in need of a change. He is re-examining his life and his priorities after he’s betrayed by some people in his life whom he thought loved him and had his back.
Aidan is staying at Harper’s family farm. He wants some time to think, relax, reflect, and lick his wounds. To say that as soon as he arrives, he’s bored, is an understatement. Aidan is used to being in the action. As a horse trainer, he’s used to early mornings, late nights, and victories. Now on a farm that’s far from what he’s used to, Aidan will need to really listen to his surroundings. Is he ready?
Harper’s life work is rehabilitating abused animals. She knows that she can’t save them all, but in her heart, just saving the ones she can is enough. Harper knows that Phoenix is destined to be more than a family horse. Phoenix’s spirit is one that shines bright and long and looking at this horse run, Harper knows that if she can get a trainer, Phoenix could win a lot of races. His best friend is a goat that wears a chicken costume and let me tell you, that itself was laugh worthy.
When Aidan sees Harper on Phoenix, he’s instantly captivated. He knows that Phoenix is a winner. If he can convince Harper and her family that he’s the man for the job, he could be back on top in no time. He could go back home, head held high, and show his former partner that he is the man for any job.
Aidan and Harper form a friendly alliance and want what’s best for Phoenix. However, along the way, both see their connection and both realize that they could be so much more. When they decide that they can just have a relationship while Aidan is around, neither really believes that. Their hearts and minds are at war with each other and both will have to decide what they are truly wanting. Does love really win all other arguments?
I really liked watching Aidan and Harper. They were truly a wonderfully passionate couple and loved what they did. Their connection grew organically, and it was one of deep respect and compassion. It was a great read and I would love to see them more down the road.
Potential Triggers: Animal abuse, bullying
Ruthie –
This is the third book in the series, but I must admit my first. I am sure that I will be going back to read the earlier ones, and whilst I may have missed some ‘in’ jokes, I never felt that I was not fully up to speed with the family dynamics.
Harper has watched her siblings find love, and is feeling a little alone, but at the same time is happy that her life of animal rescue work gives her so much fulfilment. Her latest rescue, a beaten racehorse prospect, Phoenix is finally starting to relax and show signs of his potential – now she needs someone experienced to help him win. And then Irishman Aidan turns up, hiding out from a disaster back home, and he may be the one to warm her heart and train her horse.
Watching these two independent souls work together, house share, and then finally acknowledge their feelings for each other is by turns amusing, intense, and always fun. There is a lot of humour and love at the core of this book, and it is absolutely entrancing. Ophelia, Kyle, Ethan, and Mia all join in the effort to get Phoenix to his very best, and yet it is a runt-of-the-litter goat (and a crazy chicken) who actually are the key to success.
I loved the drama of the racing world, the price of success, and the intimacy between two people who are very down-to-earth, hard-working, and honest folk. There was an underlying tension borne of them coming from very different places, and how that could ever be reconciled, but as any Probst fan will know, the outcome will be everything we could ever want!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I LOVE a rescue story and while horses aren’t the usual, this was perfect! And she mentions one of my favorite Instagram accounts, Goats of Anarchy! So yeah, I was all over this story.
The one thing I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE is to hear Aidan’s voice – I’m not usually a huge audio book person but for a hot accent, I totally will be! So if there’s plans for an audio book, with Aidan being voiced by an amazing Scottishman, I will be buying that audiobook.
Harper is so honorable in wanting to rescue horses, and really any animal, that comes across her path. And I truly love people like that. Aidan is just wanting to get back on top of the horse training gig but Harper and her family and ragtag rescue animals snag him.
Which Bishop’s story is next???
Five racing stars! A touchy and sexy romance with all the feels.
Suddenly my heart was warmed in sweet honey and my soul was seduced with the tempting Irish accent of the male character of this wonderful book, taking me by surprise! I felt like all the books I read before lead me to this moment. Jennifer Probst has that magical and addictive touch. Her writing always has the power to leave me feeling so good. My heart full of emotions. My soul full of romance. All bets are off when it is about Jennifer Probst’s books. All Roads Lead to You is an exceptional and unique romance with a heartfelt throb where the main characters will learn a few lessons in life, love, trust and taking chances.
The story told inside the pages of this piece of sweet heaven is an enticing journey of challenges, promises and irresistible attraction. This book is more than a plain romance, it is so much more. The plot is unexpectedly refreshing. The pacing is fast and the characters are easy to love, especially Phoenix. He is a rising star, his spirit is powerful and his soul is pure like no other rescued horse. Healed with love and trained to win by two people who love the farm life, two generous souls that would give anything for the well-being of any animal.
Harper and Aidan. Their romance flourished in the forbidden arms of healing and training the spirited and temperamental horse. The attraction between those two is explosive and a major distraction. It was one of the best slow burn! Sparks fly when they are together. Two loners who prefer animals over people. They have been hurt and trust is a major issue for both of them. They have been burned by their painful past. Harper runs the family horse rescue farm with tender heart full of love for any animal in need. She has a better relationship with animals because they don’t break your trust as humans do. She is very determined to make her thoroughbred, Phoenix a winner. Trusting him to a guest at her family’s B&B. He happen to be a horse trainer who left Ireland because some shady issue. Aidan has a gift and training horses is his life. He has a goal, to return home like a king and he will do anything to convince Harper and her siblings to train Phoenix.
Between the chemistry and the undeniable attraction, Harper and Aidan will try to keep it professional but lines will be blurred. They couldn’t ignore the feelings growing steadily, as their lonely souls recognized their match. Slowly they will build, without realizing, a small family with all the rescued fur babies.
I found myself pretty identified with Harper, such a fierce and sassy woman who knows exactly what she wants. I felt like she could be my best friend. She has a generous soul. Her passion for rescuing animals called to my soul. Open up is not easy for her because of her past but Aidan worth any heart break or good bye. She didn’t need a man to feel complete although she learned so much and became a better version of herself because loving someone change you in the best way possible. She really had it bad because who can resist a sexy and hot Irish man?
Aidan took a special place in my boyfriend list. He is all man. Adorably hot and sinful handsome. Just a dangerous mix of hard work and alpha male. He was very intriguing, pushy and absolutely charming. Determined to make Phoenix a champion. He pushed all of Harper’s boundaries. The mini battles and his tactics made them a perfect team, balancing and respecting each other. Aidan’s magnetic personality and distinctive qualities overwhelmed me. Aidan’s support, fighting spirit and relentless attitude shattered Harper’s walls. The result: blistering lust, passion and overwhelming sexual tension that engulfed them in a sizzling and tempting rush of wicked desire.
Funny, sexy, emotional, and full of scenes that make your heart swell with love, All Roads Lead to You is a beautiful story, one you will want to read again and again.
Stay #3, The third and youngest Bishop sibling has met her match. I love this series it was so emotional and heartwarming with Jennifer Probst fusion of humor all three books are such great reads. I had high hopes for this one and it was definitely was worth the wait.
Harper Bishop has been the black sheep of the Bishop family always preferring animals over other people with a soft heart when it comes to abandoned and abused animals. When she found a spirited black racehorse who’d been abused both Harper and her brother knew the horse was something special. Aidan O’Connor is looking for a new start after a backstabbing of both the professional and personal nature he’s looking for something that will prove he’s better than his old business partner. With no luck of finding the right horse yet his visit to the Robin’s Nest B&B was suppose to be a vacation but then he met Harper and her horse Phoenix.
Aidan’s vacation turned into a working holiday when he offers to train Phoenix. Harper is hesitant about accepting the offer but Aidan is who he says he is and if he believes he can train Phoenix and win why not let him try. Their working relationship has the undercurrent of lust. Both finding each other attractive but Harper is hesitant about this too, for reasons of her own she doesn’t take things a face value, she always doubts people’s motives. The more time she spends with Aidan the more she get to know him and the fact that he plans on leaving she agrees to a discreet affair. But the closer they work together the more the attraction grows into something more. But Aidan hasn’t admitted something from his past and it could potentially ruin what he has going on with both Harper and with training Phoenix.
Overall, I really really enjoyed this one. Hei Hei as usual is his crazy little chicken self and with a new addition of the adorable goat Captain Hoof it adds nicely to their menagerie. The romance as always was great, the dynamic between Harper and Aidan is wonderful and the chemistry was pretty smokin’ too.
Loved the book and can’t believe I missed the first two books in this series. Another great story by Jennifer Probst.
This is one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time – the author breaks your heart in so many ways, but then puts it back together so completely. This was a story about redemption for a man betrayed, a horse abused and a woman with an extremely guarded heart.
Pro: How could you not love a story containing rescue animals blessed with Disney names? There were many and very cute to boot! The horse racing world was very well portrayed by the author – you could feel the excitement, nerves, color and drama coming right off the page. And now the important part – the romance. This was a slow-burn romance story, filled with flirty, sexy banter delivered with an Irish brogue on one side and a shy sweetness on the other. The anticipation for their first kiss was almost unbearable! (but I survived)
Con: As much as I love animals, at times it felt they overtook the romance aspect of the story. Also, although the cover art is very eye-catching, the male in the picture is a brunette and the author makes a point several times of describing Aidan as having “straw colored hair”. Also, Harper was not a romantic, floaty kind of girl – nit picky yes, but I always have a mind’s eye picture of the couple I’m reading about and that starts with the cover art which didn’t match up for me.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
Escaping Ireland after a betrayal he doesn’t think he can ever get over, Aidan O’Connor, arrives at a B&B in the New York Hudson Valley. One of the things that drew him to this location, is the rescue horse center at the B&B. Aidan has trained horses all his life, to become the best in racing. Now he’s looking for the next Secretariat to add to his belt of accomplishments. Investigating his surroundings, Aidan comes across a magnificent horse in a stall separated by all the other horses. He can sense this horse has been abused, just by his behavior towards him, but he can see the spirit this animal has.
Harper Bishop is proud to run her horse rescue farm, along with her brother who handles all the trail rides for the B&B. Her latest rescue, Phoenix, is going to be extremely difficult to train with the abuse he received by his last owner. If only she could find someone with the knowledge of training race horses, When she meets their new guest, Aidan, he makes them a proposition to train Phoenix and get him ready for the Triple Crown. There’s only one problem, the chemistry between Aidan and her is electrifying. How can she keep this business as usual when he keeps trying for more.
This is another hit for Jennifer Probst!
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
When the family was happy, I laughed; when the group was worried, I was anxious; and when Aiden found love with Harper; I cried. It’s that sort of book and you will love this story. Details of horse races were written perfectly and how to get to the Kentucky Derby with a great horse was a terrific story-line. The author must have done a ton of research to get so much detail. Then there was the little goat – I loved it! I had a wonderful day of reading and recommend this author as she does such a great job of writing which brings out so many emotions throughout the book.
This was a great book! Loved it! Good story line!
Mission accomplished!! Probst made me lose my mind For. Good!!! AGAIN! This series is unreally good!! Every story, every love, every character is more perfect, more beautiful, more addicting and more heart-stealing than its previous.
Three siblings. Three tortured souls. Three magical love stories. What more could a reader ask for?
And I think Probst saved the best for last. Harper Bishop’s love journey is definitely the best one – no offense to Ethan & Ophelia. The intensity, rawness, and strength Aidan & Harp had were unreal. Jennifer Prost delivered a story that, no matter what, it’s impossible to put into words and you can never separate from the deepest part of your soul.
They say that if a story takes your breath away and make your heart stop beating, then that’s a book that you will treasure it forever. And if that doesn’t apply 200% on All Roads Lead To You then I don’t know what does. Scene after scene, I fell harder and harder for just about everything that Aidan & Harper were creating in those pages. Countless times I felt my heart squeeze, my eyes tear up and my skin break down in shivers.
Ugghhhh, I feel like I have forgotten all the English vocabulary, grammar and general the whole damn language. I can’t seem to be able to compose a full sentence without using the same words over and over again.
From their charged first meetings to their super super I-am-melting steamy moments to their real, raw, painful, tough moments where the soul of their true love was existing and breathing, Harper & her Irish enslaved me for life! I will never be the same after that love! I want to read it again and again and again!! The recommendation of course goes without saying…… YOU NEED THIS COUPLE IN YOUR LIFE!!!! NOW!
This is the third installment in this WONDERFUL series and oh it is so, so, SO good and well worth the wait. Harper Bishop owns and runs the family Bed and Breakfast along with her sisters but her love in the rescue farm and especially Phoenix the thoroughbred who she thinks could be a contender for the triple crown. The only problem, she needs a trainer. Luckily, there is a newcomer to the inn and he is more than expected. Hot and brooding and with an Irish brogue and he is a horse trainer by trade. Aidan O’Connor has come to America for a much needed vacation. Burnout has him questioning his life but then he gets a look at Phoenix and he has a whole new outlook. But wait! Then he and Harper come together and the chemistry is off the charts. Oh, that is something they were not expecting and neither wanted to happen. Such a well thought out story and well told with all the characters from the previous books and some new ones too, both two legged and four legged! Even if you didn’t read the first two books, you have to read this one!
**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
I am addicted to all her books .
All Roads Lead To You is book 3 of the Stay series. I had not read the other books in the series prior to this story, but it did not affect my ability to enjoy Harper and Aidan’s story.
What worked for me:
Open and respectful dialogue between the hero and heroine. I appreciated that the dark moment on their path to HEA wasn’t overdramatized. The heroine took the time to recognize why the hero chose to omit information and also recognized that his actions up to that point proved he was a man of integrity. There was no extended “punishment” for his omission. Adulting done right! Bravo!
Slow burn HEA with great chemistry. The hero was respectful and consent was sexy!
Strong sibling ties. I enjoyed the banter and camaraderie of the group, as well as their ability to support one another in their dreams.
The animals-cue all the happy sighs about cute animals that get their happy ending.
What didn’t work for me:
Animal Rescue & Horse Racing. But…I just said that worked. Allow me to clarify. I found the interactions with the animals entertaining (Loved Hei Hei, Capt. Hoof, and Phoenix), but they often took the focus off of the HUMAN relationship, i.e. the romance that was developing between Aidan and Harper. I found myself skimming some of those scenes and felt as though the romance suffered and became more tell vs show at the expense of the number of scenes spent on horse racing.
There is a scene when the heroine attempts to manipulate a volunteer with the animal rescue that bothered me enough to make me stop reading, highlight the section, and place a note to myself. It seemed so opposite her character type. Later in the scene she was straightforward about what she needed to be done, completely negating the need for the manipulation that had occurred.
Overall thoughts:
There were moments during this book where I was all-in, but unfortunately I’d get pulled out of the HEA mindset when the focus shifted to horse racing. As a fan of the sport, I love a great story about a horse that’s come from nothing and is storming the horse world, but I feel as though the subject matter sort of stole the show. I loved Aidan and honestly think of this book as more his and Phoenix’s story than his and Harper’s. Aidan had a great character arc and I enjoyed following along as he began to recognize what it was that he truly wanted from life.
I give this book a solid three stars and plan to read the follow up with the first two books in the series.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SO. DANG. GOOD. Loved this book. I loved the all the feels that just jumped off the page. Great characters, great chemistry, great story. All 3 books in this series are 5+ stars, you won’t be sorry. Read them all!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought Harper and Aiden were perfect for each other. And all the animals made for some wonderful secondary characters.
An excellent conclusion to this series
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or remuneration.
Wow just wow…Jennifer Probst definitely gave you the best book in the Stay Series last and that is saying something because they all have been incredible. You will need tissues for this book and maybe a fan the tension between Harper and Aiden is palpable.
So worth reading and not even putting it down for a break.
What a beautiful love story! I love Jennifer Probst’s writing. She pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last page. I have not read the previous two books in this series ( although now I really want to) but such is the beauty of the interconnected standalone….you can pick one up at any point in the series and it will go just fine. Harper and Aidan were characters I got to know so well and each had their own private demons that needed to be dealt with before they could find their HEA together. I am a sucker for any book with a farm setting. The animals on this farm had so much personality I would call them secondary characters. From Phoenix to Captain Hoof to Hei Hei they seemed to jump off the pages. I learned a lot about horses and horse racing which was cool and Aidan is now my favorite swoony, sexy, Irish horse whisperer. As a heroine, Harper is a strong woman and comfortable in her own skin. Her heart is in her rescue animals and her prickly exterior only makes her more endearing. Harper and Aidan are the perfect fit in all ways but its a bit of a bumpy road toward their own realization of this fact. Great read!
Reviewed by: Jamie B.
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3.5
What a refreshing story! This is my first Probst book so I was not sure what to expect. I felt she did a great job! I can relate to Harper and her love of animals and the desire to be surrounded by animals instead of people. I loved how she was passionate about her work. Harper rescues animals and nurses them back to life but she also sees their potential.
Aidan is in need a break so he head to the states to regroup. He happens to land at the B&B attached to Harpers farm. He feels an instant sparks with Harper. Once he finds out Harper has a horse she is attempting to get race ready he knows he landed at the right place at the right time.
I enjoyed how it took Aidan and Harper to act on the connection they felt. I like how they allowed the relationship time to blossom. I felt that Aidan and Harper’s loneliness spoke to each other. I thought the story was so sweet. I loved the characters and curious to read the other books in the series.
Reviewed by: Alexis R.