At Long Odds

Caspian Chronicles #1

by Hannah Hooton

. . .'Don't you see, Julien? ' Ginny continued in anguish. 'We're after the same prize. . .' He nodded. '. . .but there can only be one winner,' he finished for her. When Ginny Kennedy returns home to Newmarket to revive the family's racing stable she has just one thing on her winning the coveted Dewhurst Stakes at the end of the season. Not only is she faced with the challenges of making her way in a man's world, but she must also cope with her next door neighbour, rival trainer, Julien Larocque. Sharing the same ambition with the suave and successful Frenchman is only part of her problems though and when her world takes a sinister turn, Ginny must decide who she can and cannot trust. Come Race Day, she realises that there is a lot more at stake than just a trophy. . . Praise For Hannah Hooton 'Group class and makes the grade on my shelves.' Love the Races 'Move over Dick Francis!' amazon reviewer

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Horses, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2012

About the author

Hannah Hooton burst onto the contemporary romance scene with the release of her debut novel, At Long Odds, in January 2012. This was followed by the multi-award winning, bestselling Aspen Valley series, so far consisting of the first three instalments, Keeping the Peace, Giving Chase, and Share and Share Alike.

The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.

Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.

Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found another new author to read. Loved the story...race horses, hot guy, young woman breaking into a "man" job! I really enjoyed reading this story.

I will be reading more stories from this author.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

At Long Odds is an entertaining read that tactfully mixes horse racing and romance. As a horse enthusiast I was intrigued by the different terms in the UK horse lexicon and I enjoyed the attention that was spent on the horses. It may have dragged a little at points but I was mostly happy with the way it turned out.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realistic horse racing romance. A female trainer and her determination to prove herself with the boys when she steps into her fathers shoes.

The book while focusing around the race track won't bore a non-horse lover. It gives just the right mix of horses, intrigue and romance.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Nicole Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another free selection, another great discovery. I do not know anything about horse racing, but another reviewer says that it was well research so I have no doubt about it because it seems so accurate and plausible. Even without the knowledge of racing, the author verbalized the race in such ways that she keeps you on the edge. I felt I got a peak behind the scene of horse racing.
I found this book to be very interesting and I enjoyed the read. It was a good romance set in an unusual world for me. The story line, the drama and the plot was compelling. A very well balanced book: with the right amount of drama, romance dilemma; horse racing excitement; and, a bit of humor to make you smile. The type of book that is hard to put down.

My reason for a 4 stars instead of a 5, it was very well done, very well written but could have used a little more editing. Mind you I have seen much, much worst.

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ginny returned home from South Africa to manage her families racing horse business. Her father had suffered a heart attack and needed her. Julien has a racing stable next door. They are fierce competitors. The relationships in this story are staggering. There is so much trust and then discovery of mistrust, blame and blame in error The extremes are endless. Finally, Ginny's horse wins a big race. This is enough to give her stable the revival it needs. Julien's horses lost, but they commit to sharing stables and perhaps a happy future.

[Sumiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Hooton is writing two series of British racing romances and the books in the series follow the British racing seasons: winter is for steeplechasing and summer on the flat. The Caspian Chronicles follows the adventures of the people involved in the training/life of a fine young horse named Caspian. Ginny Kennedy has returned to Newmarket to take over her father's racing yard and to bring it back to prominence. A rivalry with a neighboring trainer makes things spicy.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great and lengthy for a free book on Kindle!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, but was disappointed mainly due the fact I was expecting Dick Francis and got Jill Mansell

[JennPerryman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a bit more about horse racing while following an intriguing plot.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you understand English terminology, horse racing, and horses in general....this book you will love. Very romantic and it seemed to be very real for the plot and characters. Great read

[Ronda Blanke Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. many twists and turns and a good plot. enjoyed it immensely.