THE GIFT HORSE - Jami Davenport
Evergreen Dynasty, Book 3
BookStrand Publishing - www.bookstrand.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-60601-253-6
ISBEN-10: 1-60601-253-3
May 2009
Contemporary Romance

Washington State - The Present

Samantha MacIntyre's position as trainer for the dressage horse, Gabriella, is her last chance to stay in the horse business. Her father and brothers have footed the expenses for her riding career, including lawyers' fees after she was accused of starting a barn fire in which several horses and a woman died. She promised she would quit in one year if she couldn't make it. She needs that time, partly to prove her innocence, but also because she loves what she does and dreams of riding in the Olympics. Her problem is finding anyone willing to hire a rider whose carelessness might have caused a tragedy. That turned out to be Jake and Harlee Reynolds, who hire her to train Gabriella, a talented horse famous for throwing her riders. Samantha's dream seems possible until she meets the gift horse's owner, Jake's brother Carson. How unfortunate that he attracts her like no other man has in a long time.

Carson Reynolds left his father's business causing a rift between him and his family. His father's recent heart attack may have changed his approach to business, but not Carson's. The last thing Carson wants is being forced to reintegrate into the company based on a birthday gift he doesn't want --- the horse Gabriella. The Cedrona Equestrian development is his sister Bridget and his mom's dream. It falls to him to make it happen, despite Bridget's interference and budget busting spending habits. The sloppy-looking horse trainer is unlike any woman Carson has ever dated, so why does she interest him so much? Her reputation isn't ideal for building an equestrian center, but he decides she deserves a chance, until strange events start occurring in the barn.

Smart-mouthed Samantha's and all-business-sense Carson's relationship is a roller coaster ride of physical attraction, doubt and conflicting dreams. Samantha has won the confidence of Carson's horse, making it just possible he might sell Gabriella for the big profits he desperately needs. While opposites might attract, perhaps, if their families don't drive them apart, they might discover they share more than they differ. Samantha's work with Gabrielle will captivate all horse lovers, as author Jami Davenport's experience as a horsewoman creates true-to-life details. If her riding skills are as good as her writing talent, she wins blue ribbons. A fun romance with intrigue and danger, and for a former rider, THE GIFT HORSE gave the unparalleled treat of being back in the saddle.

Available in several electronic formats with print to come.

Robin Lee