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Color My Horse

by Bev Pettersen (Goodreads Author)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 122 ratings · 32 reviews

Jessica barely knows one end of a horse from the other but shoveling manure is preferable to letting her rich grandfather yank her strings. The only problem is that her new boss is a little too fussy… and way too sexy.

She can handle sleeping in a mice-infested stall as well as the occasional encounter with a mysterious, knife-wielding trespasser, but a lovable old gelding...more

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Published September 1st 2011 by Westerhall (first published August 13th 2011)

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Jan 21, 2012 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bev-pettersen, brooding-hero, charming-hero, commitment-phobic-hero, contemporary-romance, controlled-hero, creepy-villian, emotional-wrangler, endearing-heroine, favorite-heroines, good-for-nothing-ex-boyfriend, haunted-by-the-past-hero, independent-heroine, loner-hero, opposites-attract, possessive-hero, possessive-heroine, protective-hero, review-requests, scarred-heroine, sizzling-sexual-tension, stalker-villian

I was a bit apprehensive diving into my second book by Bev Pettersen, not because she tells a bad story, hardly that. Jockeys and Jewels which was my first Bev Pettersen turned out to be a good read for me because there was a lot of horse jargon involved that detracted me a bit from enjoying the story that unfolded. But I was absolutely delighted to discover that true to Bev’s word, Color My Horse turned out to be one of those stories that was hard to put down because of the sheer number of emot...more I was a bit apprehensive diving into my second book by Bev Pettersen, not because she tells a bad story, hardly that. Jockeys and Jewels which was my first Bev Pettersen turned out to be a good read for me because there was a lot of horse jargon involved that detracted me a bit from enjoying the story that unfolded. But I was absolutely delighted to discover that true to Bev’s word, Color My Horse turned out to be one of those stories that was hard to put down because of the sheer number of emotions that coursed through me while I was reading the story.

Jessica Boone is the heiress to the Boone fortune. With a controlling grandfather who wants to map out her life the way he wants it, Jessica is a woman who is stuck in a hard place with no way out. With her skiing career a choice no longer available with a severe knee injury, Jessica grabs at the last straws to assert her independence. She bargains with her grandfather to allow her to give her the cash she needs to start her own dog kennel. But it does come with a price. Jessica has to work at the Belmont racetrack for a set period of time, living entirely on what she earns from her job, failing to do which she has to come work for her grandfather.

Enter 31 year old Mark Russel, who is a horse trainer, who runs a tight ship with his workers with his no nonsense attitude towards horse training as well as life in general. Mark has the fear that he might turn out to be just like his father; a man who thought with the wrong body part when it came to alluring females. And when Jessica’s grandfather coerces him into accepting Jessica on board, Mark doesn’t expect the rich heiress to last much longer than a day mucking stalls and scrubbing down horses which is a far removed life from that of a woman of the elite society.

However, Jessica surprises Mark and herself as well when her resolve to to regain her independence gives her the strength to persevere in spite of all odds being stacked against her. Jessica is a character who is so very full of life. She tends to spread vivid color everywhere she goes, spreads a kind of joy that intrudes and cracks the reserves around Mark’s emotions before he is even aware of it happening. Though Mark tells himself that it is only a heady sexual attraction and desire that he has towards his newest employee, feelings of the much deeper kind continues to develop as both of them indulge in an affair that leaves them both wanting more.

What makes Color My Horse such a fabulous book to read is the way Bev Pettersen brings the story to life. Her love for horses shines through marvelously and I couldn’t help but pout just a little bit because I live in a country where running into a horse is an impossibility. I loved how Bev paired off someone whose bright outlook on life lights up the life of a man for whom looking after the horses that he loves means everything. The thread of suspense that is woven throughout the story just served to be the icing on the cake and I loved every single minute of Jessica’s journey towards discovering all that she is capable of and in the process finding the love of her life.

With all the things that I loved about the story, there was just one teeny tiny thing that irked me for a bit. I couldn’t get over just how little Mark seemed to be affected by Jessica’s return towards the end of the book. I know that Mark is a man who is reserved in his display of emotions and the fact that he continues to carry on Jessica’s “traditions” when it comes to looking after horses does tell a lot about how he feels towards Jessica. But I would have loved the ending a bit more if Mark had been a bit more forthcoming about his feelings towards Jessica, and maybe while he was at it, if he had tried to reach out to Jessica a bit sooner. But in the end, I guess it all comes down to Mark’s character and the fact that he doesn’t stray far from how his character is portrayed throughout the story.

Recommended for those who love character driven romances, those who love stories where heroines who are full-of-life meets up with the reserved type of hero. And of course, for those who loves horses. You cannot find an author who practically grabs you with the way Bev brings the culture and life of horse training and racing to life like she does.

Rating=4.5/5

Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance (less)

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Feb 15, 2012 Lady Raven RAVE! rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: suspense-romance, series-romance, davia-reviews-for-rnj

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers

BRIEF SUMMARY

Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and is not happy when he gets a...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Avry15 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*

this is a cute country book with a mix of romance and thriller..
The story is set as a heiress attempts to escape her grandfather's iron-fisted control, but later encountered an uncompromising horse trainer who has little tolerance for greenhorns, especially one he’s been forced to hire.

The trainer Mark Russell never expected his rookie groom to have the spunk or savvy to last at his de...more

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Jun 19, 2013 Booksintheburbs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Growing up, I rode a horse one time! So, I’m not the typical person who would pick up this book. However, Bev Pettersen writes this story in a way that anyone can read, understand, and enjoy. Color My Horse pulled me in after reading the first few pages, and it kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened next throughout the whole book.

Jessica’s independent and passionate spirit shines through as she cares for the horse she’s assigned to: Buddy, who looks rather beautiful in his purple brai...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Reviewers for R.N.J rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-suspense

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers

*Reviewed by Davia for R.N.J

BRIEF SUMMARY

Jessica is a retired injured skier and is forced to go home to live with her rich grandfather. Jessica lost her career and her boyfriend, if that's not bad enough, her grandfather wants her to work for him. Jessica wants to open a dog grooming business and her grandfather challenges her to work for 6 weeks at the racetrack horse stables and then he will fund her business. Mark is a trainer at the stables and...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was throughly into this story and fought to stay awake so I could keep reading, but after 1:30am lost the battle. But was able to finsh this morning. This is the second book by Bev I have read and hopefully won't be the last one.
Jessica was injured last year and with her knee still troubling her could no longer be on ski team. Her grandfather Boone wanted her to work in his company, but Jessica wanted to work outside . She was thinking she wanted to open a dog daycare center. Her grandfather m...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-read, mystery, romance

In Color My Horse, dedicated race horse trainer Mark Russell is manipulated into hiring inexperienced, but attractive young Jessica Boone. Her grandfather, a wealthy horse owner hopes that she will give up her own plans and go to work for him at Boone. The death of a backside worker at the prestigious Belmont racetrack, and the wealth of detail about the hidden side of horse racing is reminiscent of Dick Francis’ novels, but while Color My Horse is part mystery, part horse story, it is mostly a...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Shay Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, romantic-suspense

COLOR MY HORSE is a contemporary romance with a suspense twist that sneaks up on you. Jessica used to be a contender for the Olympic Ski Team until she had an accident during a race. Since then she has been living with her grandfather who is attempting to force her into his company. However she has other ideas and is looking for start up cash for dog kennel. Her grandfather makes a deal with her that if she can survive working at Belmont for six weeks then he would fund her.

Mark is a trainer at...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adult Women

Recommended to Emily by: First Reads

Shelves: chick-lit, contemporary-romance, favorite-contemporary-romance, favorites, first-reads, romance, western-romance

First Reads

The author graciously provided me a PDF version to review

This is the 2nd Pettersen novel that I have read, and I absolutely loved it. I'm a horse enthusiast and a romantic junky, so this book was absolutely perfect for me.

Pettersen certainly has a talent for writing, and because of her history with horses, her Racetrack Romance series is incredible.

This particular story revolves around Jessica and Mark, and provides a gratifying sexual tension that captivates and holds the reader's at...more

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Feb 17, 2012 A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, review-requested, romance, suspense, mystery

My rating is actually 3.5 stars.

Jessica Boone is the rich granddaughter of a tyrant in charge of a large corporation. Her competitive skiing career goes down the drain when she has an accident that wrecks her knee. Now, her grandfather is pressuring her to join the family business, but Jessica just wants out from under his thumb. A deal is struck. If Jessica can last 8 weeks at Belmont where he has two race horses without quitting or being fired then he will finance her dog daycare business. If...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Cathy Speight rated it 4 of 5 stars

I did enjoy this book set in the world of horse-racing – I’m an animal lover and a sucker for any story with a four-legged creature. Although I don’t ride, I love horses, and this book did not disappoint.

Jessica Boone’s skiing career is seemingly over after a severe knee injury and her wily, controlling and ruthless grandfather – her guardian after the loss of both parents – is keen for her to join his company. She has more independent ideas, however. She bets her grandfather that if she can las...more I did enjoy this book set in the world of horse-racing – I’m an animal lover and a sucker for any story with a four-legged creature. Although I don’t ride, I love horses, and this book did not disappoint.

Jessica Boone’s skiing career is seemingly over after a severe knee injury and her wily, controlling and ruthless grandfather – her guardian after the loss of both parents – is keen for her to join his company. She has more independent ideas, however. She bets her grandfather that if she can last an agreed period working in the stable that trains her Gramps’ colt, supporting herself financially, he will respect her wishes and agree to fund her plans to run a dog kennel and not insist on imposing his own intentions for her future. The stables are run by Mark Russell – a good-looking and, of course, irresistible, trainer of horses. He and Jessica are undeniably attracted to each other. His efforts to try and keep her at arm’s length are impeded by her attractiveness, her personality, her unexpected affinity with the horses, her willingness and capacity to learn.

There is a smart thread of suspense that runs through this romance which is neatly interwoven into the horsey setting – there’s a murder, an attempted murder, theft and a potential terrorist threat. Bev’s knowledge or research of the horse world is impressive and credible – the pace of the story ran along enjoyably with the nail-biting horse races.

However, I did think this book was struggling to decide what it wanted to be. There was a fair amount of explicit sex in this – I don’t have an aversion to that, but this wasn’t an erotic novel – it was a romantic/suspense story and perhaps the emphasis should have been on the mystery side of it rather than the afternoon bonkathons.

My only other niggle – and this is personal, other readers might be perfectly happy with it – I just didn’t like the slightly irritating absence of pronouns in the sentences, a style which peppered the novel and made for rather jerky reading, eg:

“Flexing his knuckles, he turned, reluctant to look. Stared down the walkway.
She glanced at the thick-chested man next to her. Could see his program spread against the rail.“

Aside from that, I was smitten by the characters – they were caring and likeable, and it was hard to not to have a soft spot for the horses – Bev managed to give them endearing personalities, and I’ll admit I had the odd lump in my throat.

A satisfying and entertaining read.(less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Magi Nams rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Color My Horse - Stuck with a conniving grandfather and a bum knee, Jessica Boone is tossed from the world of elite downhill skiing into the lowest echelon of thoroughbred racing. Working as a groom for Mark Russell, trainer for Jessica's grandfather's racehorses, Jessica shows grit, pluck, and compassion as she rises to her grandfather's challenge that she won't last a week. As a newbie caught up in the world of thoroughbred racing, she learns tricks of the trade, dodges a killer, befriends a h...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Stephanie Wolf rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, mystery

This is not your regular poor little rich girl story, or your typical love story. This is the story of a girl born into a wealthy family who is determined to make it for herself.

Jessica Boone was born into a rich family. Her father died too young and her mother went to work for her grandfather, who made her life miserable. Jessica grew up and discovered skiing, and was very good at it, until one accident. Forced to return to her grandfather’s home, she was pressured to come work for him and his...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-read, gifted-from-author

I entered to win this book on Goodreads, but I was not chosen. I later received an e-mail from Bev telling me that I won an ebook format in her door prize and that she hoped that I enjoyed it. This is the first book written by Bev that I've read and I have to say that after reading it she has found herself another follower. I laughed and I cried, it was easy to picture everything that was going on as I read. Please do not pay attention to the start and finish dates, my kindle was out of commiss...more I entered to win this book on Goodreads, but I was not chosen. I later received an e-mail from Bev telling me that I won an ebook format in her door prize and that she hoped that I enjoyed it. This is the first book written by Bev that I've read and I have to say that after reading it she has found herself another follower. I laughed and I cried, it was easy to picture everything that was going on as I read. Please do not pay attention to the start and finish dates, my kindle was out of commission for 10 days, so I couldn't read it straight through.

This is based at the horse track, but I will tell you in my opinion (whether you like books with horses or or not) I think you will like this story.

After a serious skiing accident Jessica Boone had no idea what she wanted to do in her life -- accept it would be anything that didn't include working in her grandfather's business. She decides she wants to start a dog daycare business but needs the start up money. Jessica makes a deal with her grandfather to work for the horse trainer her grandfather uses at Belmont Park for eight weeks-- if she can keep the job without quitting or being fired, her grandfather will give her the money she needs. If she can't keep the job she has to work for him--which is his plan to make happen at all costs.

Mark Russell is the owner and head trainer where she is going to work. He starts Jessica out with small easy jobs with one horse name Buddy. He has strict rules that no sex goes on at his barn, so he usually hires women who will not stir any desires in himself or his crew. Now that he has seen Jessica he has to fight against his own rules. Their no-strings relationship starts to bloom outside of the park, but now there is danger going on at the park and they are forced to look at what they feel for each other.

Can they work through their relationship keeping it separate from the training barn while trying to find out where the danger is coming from and stopping it before it's too late? Will Jessica find out what her grandfather is willing to do to make sure she does work for him in the end? You will have to read the book to find out (less)

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Jan 06, 2013 Carol Malone rated it 4 of 5 stars

There were times when I wanted the shake Jessica and Mark, make them see what a big mistake they were making not to see what was right under their noses. Misunderstanding and mistrust plagued their association and their passion right up to the end. Loved reading about the inner workings of the backside of a race track and or horse racing. There's so much behind the glitz and glammour of running horses than I ever realized. What a great book. Loved it.

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Aug 22, 2011 Janet rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a very good read. I just love the way this author puts things together. One can learn more about the horse training and all the things that go into the racing of a horse. It is unreal the amount of work it takes. The story is a good one and I like the characters in the book as well. One can really see the personality and the compassion of each person or the lack of. I can't wait for the next book by this author.

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Jul 30, 2012 Tiss Treib rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. It is about racing horses and because I came from a racing family alot of the terms and sayings were familiar to me. It had a good love story feeling to it also, but the sex is not scorching hot, but the story line just worked for me.

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Sep 21, 2011 Hope Ramsay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I could not put this book down. Ms. Pettersen's knowledge of racing and Thoroughbreds shines on every page, and she whisked me away to another world with wonderful characters, and unbelievably detailed setting, and a touching love story involving humans and horses. I just loved this book.

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Sep 27, 2012 Bellarush rated it 3 of 5 stars

I started off liking this book better than the first. I think the problem is, I'm just not a romance reader! That said, I don't think it's fair to judge, and I will pass these books along to my romance-reading friend. :-)

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Oct 04, 2011 Tara Chevrestt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-release, horses, mystery, librarything, smashwords, kindle

I first read Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen and I really enjoyed it, but this one is even better.

First of all, it needs to be said that Color My Horse is NOT a sequel. It can stand alone.

Second, the mystery isn’t as dominate in this one as it was in Jockeys. The mystery in this one revolves around a few mysterious people hanging around the horse track stealing cell phones, brandishing knives, following the heroine, Jessica, and attempting to feed Breeder’s Cup horses poisoned carrots. There...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Oonagh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-erotic-romance, horse

Gosh I love these books....her characterization is fabulous. The romance really works. The only criticism I have is that they end quite abruptly...all loose ends are tied but I'm left wanting a slightly slower ending with maybe a little more.

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Jun 22, 2012 Gail rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am loving this series of books. I just bought the 3rd one. I should have bought the boxed set....would have been cheaper. Oh well; it's worth every penny.

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Jun 17, 2012 Danimdavis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Found this author while searching free books on my kindle. Her books have horses, romance, and mystery. Quick reads but great writing. Excellent!

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Mar 20, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horse-breeders, horse-race, jockeys, romance

4.5!! I reviewed this title on http://mybookaddictionreviews.wordpre...

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May 17, 2012 Ihutch2000 rated it 3 of 5 stars

i wish that the women character was a bit stronger. enjoyed the horse aspect of it.

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Jan 20, 2012 Retta rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked this book and would like to read the others Ms. Pettesen has written.

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Mar 22, 2013 Stacey Frederes rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars.

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May 06, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-contemporary

Very good! Review to come

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Jun 17, 2013 Jessica Harlow rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by Bev Pettersen!

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May 10, 2013 Christie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, bad-boy, character-driven, contemporary, fighting-attraction, horse-trainer, library-e-book, steamy, strong-heroine, thief

I'm not really sure how I found this book but it was really good from beginning to end.

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About Bev Pettersen

Bev Pettersen is an award-winning writer and two-time finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® Award. She competed for five years on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and when she’s not writing novels, she’s riding. Visit her at http://www.bevpettersen.com

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