Author: Hannah Hooton
Published: 31st January 2016
My Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Synopsis:
When tragedy strikes, racing trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything he holds dear - his wife, his reputation, his sanity... And when Aspen Valley's runners start to fall foul of the authorities, the question arises is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on?
CHAMPIONS ARE MADE BY THE ADVERSITIES THEY OVERCOME.
When tragedy strikes Aspen Valley Stables, racehorse trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything – his wife, his reputation, his sanity… then in walks Lucy Kendrick, a young reporter, all set to shadow him.
Every journalist has an agenda and Lucy is no different. Can she uphold her cover when charismatic jockey Finn O’Donaghue makes her want to be no one but herself?
The Grand National beckons once more, but when the yard’s runners start to fall foul of the authorities, the future of Aspen Valley Stables is threatened. Is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on?
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review
This book is highly aimed at Aspen Valley where horses are trained to be entered in competition's and races. There are two main vocal points in this book, Jack and Lucy. Jack is a high profile race horse trainer in the UK, whereas Lucy is a student who just graduated from Cambridge University.
Lucy is a typical young adult who wants adventure, has no idea what she wants to do after just graduating . I like how Lucy was very relatable to pretty much anyone, she is a trustworthy, loveable, reliable character. What sets her apart from other characters in the book is why she initially went to Aspen Valley and why did she lie she is a journalist? What are her motives? You don't have to wait too long to find that out in the book and thank god for that, I was seriously thinking I would get old by the time it would be revealed. Lucy is very brave, I liked how she stayed true to her relationship with Callum even though he is overseas. That is a very hard thing to do considering he is so far away doing his Masters for a whole year, I can't say the same about Callum though and oh god! What she does to him in the cafe is so COOL! I was in stitches laughing, he so deserved that!
Jack on the other hand is a busy bee with his horses, personal and family responsibilities. And one incident costs him big time and everything around him in ashes. It was one problem after the other. What happens to Gabby is truly heartbreaking, I was devastated. Poor baby! Jack is emotionally reserved, he finds it hard to talk about his feelings and keeps it bottled up. He doesn't realise that is his problem until he is forced to see it.
Two secondary characters were the best part of this story; Pippa and Finn. I don't think this story would have been that good otherwise. Pippa is a exuberant, happy, charismatic and optimistic person. She likes to see the best in everything, hope, and believe better things will happen. Finn is charming, fun, funny and a total hottie. But I liked his 'aye' and 'lassie' more, what a HOT Irish dude! He brings lightness to this story whereas Pippa brings emotions and drama.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the pace a little bit and how long the pages were. I did think there were a few bits in the story where it was dragged out a bit and made me want to put down the book. I feel like the story was compelling and epic in terms of how it is structured and set out, however, the tale was stretched out in some places than most. What I wished most was the cut down info on the horse racing, like the commentary I get that it is significant in some places, however for some one like me who has no interest or knowledge in that sport it was a bit of a downfall.
Trust is broken, hearts are broken and revelations come to surface. Don't miss this epic story of Jack, Pipa, Lucy and Finn.
Have you read the series? What are your thoughts about the book? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy reading!
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