Review: I enjoyed the setting very much
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 2, 2012
I enjoyed this story very much. The details of the stables and all the work with and for the horses made me feel into the story. I know nothing about horses, but you can really see the author's passion for these animals.Paul, the narrator, has inherited Serenity Stables from his aunt and has accepted to manage them until he finds a buyer. He has just lost his job, after his boss and lover dumped him, and he's back in his conservative home town with little hope and little prospects.Estevan is the Brazilian Olympic champion horse trainer. He is aloof and mysterious and he sends all sorts of mixed signals to Paul.Paul's already troubled life turns into a nightmare when one of the most prized horses, Tux, disappears. The horse was probably stolen by someone close to the stables. The suspects include co-workers, boarders, the cousin with whom Paul has a feud.Paul's voice is not flashy, or too funny, or humorous, it's a polite, level, rational voice that by the end of the book becomes almost hypnotic. It made the book easy to read and engaging. His previous relationship colors his fears about a new love and Estevan seems the worst choice: everybody thinks he's straight, but Paul feels his eyes on him; he defends Paul but he's also unusually skittish. He's hot and sexy, but he's not easy to like.The romance simmers throughout the book and since I like anticipation, it was perfect for me, but I have to admit that I didn't really feel the explosion of their passion, because for all the proud and haughty attitude, Estevan was a bit too weak in my opinion, while Paul, who appeared a bit whiny at first, was really brave.The mystery-suspense part of the story was ok. I guessed the "how", but not exactly the "who", and there was a part at the end that I didn't find convincing ***spoiler***especially the part of Beth, the previous owner, investigating the boarders ***end spoiler***.So, apart from a couple of things, I really liked the story. Up until now I've enjoyed this author's work in different genres and it's always been satisfying.