Review: Great setting and a good blend of mystery and romance..
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 29, 2013
This a well crafted story with detailed setting, great descriptions and supported by solid research. Also if you like horses you are in for a treat. The plot is a good blend of romance and mystery. The added intrigue of the mystery surrounding a scandal in the horse racing world in the 1980s certainly adds to the meat of the plot. It is easily a 4 stars read.So why not 5 stars? My problem is I just can't get into the characters of Will and Francis. There is nothing distinct about these two. The contrast is even more glaring when compared to the two supporting characters of Nic and Louis, who are more complex and likable. As a result I find this younger couple's romance pales in comparison to that between Nic and Louis. I wish Nic and Louis are the protagonists. This older couple's love affair which spanned years, marked by hearbreaks in the beginning and marred by scandals is much more interesting and emotional. Will and Francis story is just the usual. Instant attraction (sex on the first day), almost instant love (oh the writer tries to tone it down by telling us the no. of weeks they went on dates), misunderstandings which is resolved on the very same day. I am not into contrived angst but Will forgiving Francis so easily is a tad too convenient. So Will is the besotted one (sigh..) and Francis is the usual alpha male who actually is vulnerable in the inside. It also does not help that Francis is not in a major part of the story. Granted this is Will's POV and this young jornalist's investigation but I kept expecting Francis to turn up...But don't let my complaint deter fans from picking this one up. When I like the setting of a story, I tend to have more expectation and really want this one to be perfect. Certainly the writing and effort put into the story is notches above the usual stereotype MM with mindless sex and minimal plot. At the end this is well worth your time.