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Aspen Valley #1
Thrown
THROWN is a lighthearted yet steamy contemporary romance by Golden Heart finalist Colette Auclair, featuring a young woman who must choose between capturing a gold medal and the man who’s captured her heart.
In THROWN, professional trainer Amanda Vogel dreams of riding jumpers in the Olympics, but after seeing her best friend die in a riding accident, she’s so traumatized she can’t show. Broke and desperate, she takes a summer job in Aspen teaching some big-shot widowed movie star’s spoiled daughters to ride—even though she hates teaching kids. She braces herself for three miserable months. But by Labor Day, she has to choose between capturing a gold medal…and the man who has captured her heart.
THROWN was a 2012 Golden Heart finalist in the single-title contemporary romance category. It also won the 2011 Winter Rose Contest (Yellow Rose Romance Writers) and finaled in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest (North East Ohio Romance Writers Association).
In THROWN, professional trainer Amanda Vogel dreams of riding jumpers in the Olympics, but after seeing her best friend die in a riding accident, she’s so traumatized she can’t show. Broke and desperate, she takes a summer job in Aspen teaching some big-shot widowed movie star’s spoiled daughters to ride—even though she hates teaching kids. She braces herself for three miserable months. But by Labor Day, she has to choose between capturing a gold medal…and the man who has captured her heart.
THROWN was a 2012 Golden Heart finalist in the single-title contemporary romance category. It also won the 2011 Winter Rose Contest (Yellow Rose Romance Writers) and finaled in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest (North East Ohio Romance Writers Association).
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2013
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211 people want to read
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December 20, 2013
Originally published at The Book Pushers
“Throw your heart over the fence and the horse will follow” feels like the motto for this wonderfully heartwarming love story about a woman who takes most of a summer to realize that she threw her heart over the fence the moment she broke Grady Brunswick’s Emmy.
If you’ve ever had a soft spot in your heart for horses (and most of us did at least for a little while) you’ll probably throw your heart over the very same fence.
Thrown is a story with a bigger cast of characters than normal, because it’s not just about the romance. It actually takes a while for the romance in this book to heat to the boiling-point. And that’s what makes this story so damn good.
Amanda Vogel is more than just a horse trainer. She’s also one of the top show jumpers in the U.S. She just has this teeny little problem. She can’t jump. Not exactly. She’s okay in training, but not in an event. No judges. The last time she was in an event, her best friend died on the turf, right in front of her. PTSD is a bitch.
But Amanda hasn’t lost her dream of being on the U.S. Olympic Equestrian team. She just has to get herself all the way back together so she can go back into the ring. And for that, she needs to get her finances in order. Except that no one will hire a trainer who can’t also show jump the horse.
So Amanda hires herself out as a riding instructor to TV star Grady Brunswick, to teach his pre-teen daughters riding over their summer in Aspen. Amanda is not prepared for either the handsome but guilt-ridden widowed Grady or the two spoiled terrors that are the girls she is expected to teach.
She doesn’t have a clue what to do about her attraction to the man, but she does know how to train spoiled animals. Amanda decides that the same system of rules, boundaries and rewards that works when training horses might work with over-indulged pre-teens who are over-acting in order to get attention. Amanda’s system works, and the girls thrive. They also learn to love their riding lessons.
Amanda, who originally thought this job was just a way to do something with horses for the summer so she could pay her bills, finds herself in emotionally over her head. She becomes attached to the girls, Solstice and Wave. They need her, and she comes to love them.
But then there’s their father, Grady Brunswick. Amanda and Grady are attracted to each other from the very beginning, but any relationship between them has significant obstacles to jump. First, Grady is her boss. Amanda has been there and done that, exactly once, and it was a huge emotional and career disaster. Not something she wants to revisit.
Grady has bucket-loads, possibly even horse-trough-loads, of guilt over the raising of his daughers and the death of his wife. Hence his spoiling of the terrors. He does not know what to do to be their parent, and Amanda’s ability to get them to simply mind her has him awed, terrified and jealous to the point of madness.
Grady is an actor. A very, very good one. It makes him damn good at being other people, but necessarily good at just being himself. Also acting is the profession of the extremely insecure. He’s had one heck of a lot of therapy to get over some of that, but it’s still there. His buttons are pretty easy to push, and his mother knows how to push them all because she installed them. Her agenda in this story is not in Grady’s best interests.
So the story is about the creation of a family-by-choice. Grady has already started to do that, but Amanda is the missing piece. His daughters need her brand of light discipline, tough love, and just plain boundary setting. It shows she cares. Grady needs the lesson in being the adult and not a friend. He also needs a woman to show him what’s real and not Hollywood fake. He’s trying but not there yet.
Amanda needs to put her heart out there, and she falls for the girls first, because they’re still genuine in their affection. With Grady, it takes her a lot longer because he screws up a lot more in ways that are harder to forgive. He’s an adult and he’s supposed to know better. Sometimes sexual attraction clouds everyone’s judgement in both good ways and bad ways.
Amanda has been hurt in so many different ways. She’s been trying to protect herself because her experience is that everyone she loves leaves her. She has to take as big a risk with her heart as she does when she jumps a horse.
I thought this was a terrific story about love taking time to develop in order for it to be right for everyone. Throw your own heart into Thrown.
I give Thrown an A-
“Throw your heart over the fence and the horse will follow” feels like the motto for this wonderfully heartwarming love story about a woman who takes most of a summer to realize that she threw her heart over the fence the moment she broke Grady Brunswick’s Emmy.
If you’ve ever had a soft spot in your heart for horses (and most of us did at least for a little while) you’ll probably throw your heart over the very same fence.
Thrown is a story with a bigger cast of characters than normal, because it’s not just about the romance. It actually takes a while for the romance in this book to heat to the boiling-point. And that’s what makes this story so damn good.
Amanda Vogel is more than just a horse trainer. She’s also one of the top show jumpers in the U.S. She just has this teeny little problem. She can’t jump. Not exactly. She’s okay in training, but not in an event. No judges. The last time she was in an event, her best friend died on the turf, right in front of her. PTSD is a bitch.
But Amanda hasn’t lost her dream of being on the U.S. Olympic Equestrian team. She just has to get herself all the way back together so she can go back into the ring. And for that, she needs to get her finances in order. Except that no one will hire a trainer who can’t also show jump the horse.
So Amanda hires herself out as a riding instructor to TV star Grady Brunswick, to teach his pre-teen daughters riding over their summer in Aspen. Amanda is not prepared for either the handsome but guilt-ridden widowed Grady or the two spoiled terrors that are the girls she is expected to teach.
She doesn’t have a clue what to do about her attraction to the man, but she does know how to train spoiled animals. Amanda decides that the same system of rules, boundaries and rewards that works when training horses might work with over-indulged pre-teens who are over-acting in order to get attention. Amanda’s system works, and the girls thrive. They also learn to love their riding lessons.
Amanda, who originally thought this job was just a way to do something with horses for the summer so she could pay her bills, finds herself in emotionally over her head. She becomes attached to the girls, Solstice and Wave. They need her, and she comes to love them.
But then there’s their father, Grady Brunswick. Amanda and Grady are attracted to each other from the very beginning, but any relationship between them has significant obstacles to jump. First, Grady is her boss. Amanda has been there and done that, exactly once, and it was a huge emotional and career disaster. Not something she wants to revisit.
Grady has bucket-loads, possibly even horse-trough-loads, of guilt over the raising of his daughers and the death of his wife. Hence his spoiling of the terrors. He does not know what to do to be their parent, and Amanda’s ability to get them to simply mind her has him awed, terrified and jealous to the point of madness.
Grady is an actor. A very, very good one. It makes him damn good at being other people, but necessarily good at just being himself. Also acting is the profession of the extremely insecure. He’s had one heck of a lot of therapy to get over some of that, but it’s still there. His buttons are pretty easy to push, and his mother knows how to push them all because she installed them. Her agenda in this story is not in Grady’s best interests.
So the story is about the creation of a family-by-choice. Grady has already started to do that, but Amanda is the missing piece. His daughters need her brand of light discipline, tough love, and just plain boundary setting. It shows she cares. Grady needs the lesson in being the adult and not a friend. He also needs a woman to show him what’s real and not Hollywood fake. He’s trying but not there yet.
Amanda needs to put her heart out there, and she falls for the girls first, because they’re still genuine in their affection. With Grady, it takes her a lot longer because he screws up a lot more in ways that are harder to forgive. He’s an adult and he’s supposed to know better. Sometimes sexual attraction clouds everyone’s judgement in both good ways and bad ways.
Amanda has been hurt in so many different ways. She’s been trying to protect herself because her experience is that everyone she loves leaves her. She has to take as big a risk with her heart as she does when she jumps a horse.
I thought this was a terrific story about love taking time to develop in order for it to be right for everyone. Throw your own heart into Thrown.
I give Thrown an A-
December 16, 2013
THROWN by Colette Auclair is a witty, sweet story about a woman named Amanda who is hired to teach two spoiled rich kids how to ride horses. The hero is a sexy widowed movie star who needs to learn how to raise kids. Amanda is up for the task. If you’re looking for a light, breezy read, with some heart-warming emotion added, then this is the book for you!
December 20, 2013
Professional horse trainer Amanda Vogel was on her way to realizing her dream of riding jumpers in the Olympics when she witnessed her best friend die in a riding accident. Traumatized, broke, and desperate, Amanda takes a summer job teaching the spoiled daughters of an A-list movie star. Three months in Aspen promise to be torture. But things are not what they seem. The hot-shot movie star has a sensitive side, and the bratty girls crave structure. Now she has a choice: return to the horse show circuit as a professional trainer or risk her heart for the chance of a family.
While I was originally put off by the length, it ended up working in the story’s favor. The story takes several more twists and turns than usually happen in romance novels. This helped me to get a better sense of the love interests, Amanda and Grady, and the flaws that threaten to keep them apart. It also caused me to become even more invested in the relationship. I wanted Amanda and Grady to be together, to create a family for Grady’s daughters.
I also found the characters relatable. Take away Amanda’s job as a professional horse trainer, and she’s a young woman struggling to chase her dream of riding in the Olympics. She has her doubts about being able to achieve her dream. But that doesn’t stop her from going after it even when others doubt her. While Grady is a Hollywood actor, he’s also a widower with two daughters. His over-protectiveness makes him vulnerable, and his sense of humor gives him charm. Everything he does is done because he believes it is the right thing to do. Women can see themselves in Amanda and would be attracted to a man like Grady.
This book would be a good read for someone who has a basic knowledge of horses (though a lot is explained). It is a good vacation, weekend, or plane read since it draws the reader into the story.
Rating: five of five stars
Thrown by Colette Auclair will be published Pocket Star and available for purchase on December 16, 2013.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
While I was originally put off by the length, it ended up working in the story’s favor. The story takes several more twists and turns than usually happen in romance novels. This helped me to get a better sense of the love interests, Amanda and Grady, and the flaws that threaten to keep them apart. It also caused me to become even more invested in the relationship. I wanted Amanda and Grady to be together, to create a family for Grady’s daughters.
I also found the characters relatable. Take away Amanda’s job as a professional horse trainer, and she’s a young woman struggling to chase her dream of riding in the Olympics. She has her doubts about being able to achieve her dream. But that doesn’t stop her from going after it even when others doubt her. While Grady is a Hollywood actor, he’s also a widower with two daughters. His over-protectiveness makes him vulnerable, and his sense of humor gives him charm. Everything he does is done because he believes it is the right thing to do. Women can see themselves in Amanda and would be attracted to a man like Grady.
This book would be a good read for someone who has a basic knowledge of horses (though a lot is explained). It is a good vacation, weekend, or plane read since it draws the reader into the story.
Rating: five of five stars
Thrown by Colette Auclair will be published Pocket Star and available for purchase on December 16, 2013.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
January 17, 2016
Y a un truc qui va pas avec le comportement du héros, et la cruchitude de l'héroïne!
December 18, 2013
My Take on this Journey:
Thrown, by Colette Auclair was a wonderfully refreshing story about Grady Brunswick and his two daughters, Solstice and Wave. Grady is an award winning actor who is widowed with these two, young, incredibly spoiled rotten daughters with foul mouths. He has no idea how to discipline them, as his wife brought them up while he went from city to city fulfilling his dreams. It is the beginning of summer in Aspen and he has hired the famous jumper rider, Amanda Vogel. Amanda has been going through a tough time since her best friend died in a freak accident in front of her eyes. Amanda has been going through post-traumatic syndrome. She frequently wakes with nightmares and cannot escape the visions that repeatedly shoot through her mind. She decides to take a break from the circuit for the summer and earn some money while she is out of the lime light.
Amanda is tested by Solstice and Wave over and again, as they get away with whatever they can, because they have their rich daddy wrapped around their fingers. It takes Amanda quite a while to learn how to deal with these two misfits. During her stay at the the outrageously huge log home in Aspen Creek, she gets to know Jacqueline, the aristocratic French mistress of the thousand acre palatial estate. She seems to be a stern woman, but as the story evolves, she has a big heart and loves the family she works for and comes to love Amanda as well. Harris, the chef of the estate is a wonderfully humorous character who befriends Amanda. They develop a friendship that gives Amanda the wings she needs to fly. He helps her figure out the girls and tells her the truth without holding back.
The characters in this book were wonderfully created, and I enjoyed the way that Ms. Auclair let you know what Amanda was really thinking, which was a total contradiction to what was coming out of her mouth. She was witty, charming, stubborn, and unassuming. When Solstice does something that could have been very harmful to one of the horses, Amanda reins her in, by getting control of her summer that could have ended as fast as it started. She gets the upper hand, Wave follows suit, and she is able to keep her job that was on the line if the little darlings didn't start coming around to the rules of their riding instructor. Along the way, a romance ensues, but because of being an actor, Grady get's himself into situations along the way that make Amanda question his lifestyle. The signals get crossed more than a few times, which leads to a great evolution in the character growth amongst the entire cast of characters.
Ms. Auclair's descriptions are wonderful, the scenery is a clearly visual sight to the reader, the emotions are deeply felt, and the love scenes are magical. I loved this fast paced, heart felt, genuinely funny, laugh out loud novel. The reader will get thoroughly involved in the lives of the characters and be rooting for each and every one of them. It is great to see the changes in Solstice and Wave, and the evolution of their feelings come to light. The reader will feel their pain, their surge for a new purpose, and their realization of what life could become. Have your tissues ready for an emotionally charged ride.
I give Thrown, by Colette Auclair 4 Second Chance, Love Filled, Transforming Stars!!!
Thrown, by Colette Auclair was a wonderfully refreshing story about Grady Brunswick and his two daughters, Solstice and Wave. Grady is an award winning actor who is widowed with these two, young, incredibly spoiled rotten daughters with foul mouths. He has no idea how to discipline them, as his wife brought them up while he went from city to city fulfilling his dreams. It is the beginning of summer in Aspen and he has hired the famous jumper rider, Amanda Vogel. Amanda has been going through a tough time since her best friend died in a freak accident in front of her eyes. Amanda has been going through post-traumatic syndrome. She frequently wakes with nightmares and cannot escape the visions that repeatedly shoot through her mind. She decides to take a break from the circuit for the summer and earn some money while she is out of the lime light.
Amanda is tested by Solstice and Wave over and again, as they get away with whatever they can, because they have their rich daddy wrapped around their fingers. It takes Amanda quite a while to learn how to deal with these two misfits. During her stay at the the outrageously huge log home in Aspen Creek, she gets to know Jacqueline, the aristocratic French mistress of the thousand acre palatial estate. She seems to be a stern woman, but as the story evolves, she has a big heart and loves the family she works for and comes to love Amanda as well. Harris, the chef of the estate is a wonderfully humorous character who befriends Amanda. They develop a friendship that gives Amanda the wings she needs to fly. He helps her figure out the girls and tells her the truth without holding back.
The characters in this book were wonderfully created, and I enjoyed the way that Ms. Auclair let you know what Amanda was really thinking, which was a total contradiction to what was coming out of her mouth. She was witty, charming, stubborn, and unassuming. When Solstice does something that could have been very harmful to one of the horses, Amanda reins her in, by getting control of her summer that could have ended as fast as it started. She gets the upper hand, Wave follows suit, and she is able to keep her job that was on the line if the little darlings didn't start coming around to the rules of their riding instructor. Along the way, a romance ensues, but because of being an actor, Grady get's himself into situations along the way that make Amanda question his lifestyle. The signals get crossed more than a few times, which leads to a great evolution in the character growth amongst the entire cast of characters.
Ms. Auclair's descriptions are wonderful, the scenery is a clearly visual sight to the reader, the emotions are deeply felt, and the love scenes are magical. I loved this fast paced, heart felt, genuinely funny, laugh out loud novel. The reader will get thoroughly involved in the lives of the characters and be rooting for each and every one of them. It is great to see the changes in Solstice and Wave, and the evolution of their feelings come to light. The reader will feel their pain, their surge for a new purpose, and their realization of what life could become. Have your tissues ready for an emotionally charged ride.
I give Thrown, by Colette Auclair 4 Second Chance, Love Filled, Transforming Stars!!!
December 1, 2013
You can also find my review on my blog:
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/12...
Thrown is the first work from debut author Colette Auclair and was truly enjoyable from start to finish.
Trying to pick up the pieces after seeing her best friend killed in a riding accident, Amanda Vogel finds herself the personal trainer to one of the biggest movies stars in Hollywood’s two little girls. More like two little spawns of Satan, if she’s being honest. Seems like Amanda really can’t catch a break. She’s had to sell her beloved horse, she lost her best friend, can’t even think about jumping anymore without going into a panic attack and now she has to train these little brats. There was one up side though…getting to see the girls’ gorgeous movie star father, Grady. A girl could get used to seeing his sexy self every day. Grady’s personal assistant already warned Amanda that she was to keep things professional and that trying to get into Grady’s bed was not part of her job. Well, Amanda didn’t have time for a relationship anyway, so no worries there. Plus, the last break up still stung. Looks like the only thing left to do was focus on her work, get these girls trained and hopefully move on once the summer and this job was over. Except fate seems to have a different plan in store for Amanda and this job may be exactly what she needs to put the bad memories behind and find a chance at life, and love, once again.
Thrown is one of those books that leaves you feeling happy and smiling from ear to ear when you finish reading. Amanda’s story was pretty damn sad when we first meet her. Her dreams of being an Olympic jumper and all but crushed when her best friend dies tragically and the accident Amanda emotionally scarred and unable to jump. But she’s got a strong will and is trying her very best to pick up the pieces and move on. I truly admired her strength…which she sure needed in dealing with Grady’s two little girls. Ugh, those two were rotten in the beginning of the book! Amanda had her work cut out for her, but she managed to build an amazing relationship with those two little girls who were in need of a mother figure in their lives. Speaking of relationships, what Amanda and Grady build throughout the story is one of those “dreamy sigh” kinds of relationships. The attraction between them was there from the start and builds slowly and beautifully. There were more than a few starts and stops and a lot of emotional ups and downs between them and I really wasn’t sure of they could get past all of it and make things work between them, but it ended exactly how I wanted it to. Oh, and Grady’s best friend and house chef, Harris, is someone I want to hang out with! He is quite a character and the voice of reason on more than one occasion for both Amanda and Grady. Love that man!
Overall, Thrown is a beautifully written love story with a whole lot of heart. I will be looking forward to see what comes in the next book, Jumped, due out in June. Thank you, Ms. Auclair, for a fabulous read!
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/12...
Thrown is the first work from debut author Colette Auclair and was truly enjoyable from start to finish.
Trying to pick up the pieces after seeing her best friend killed in a riding accident, Amanda Vogel finds herself the personal trainer to one of the biggest movies stars in Hollywood’s two little girls. More like two little spawns of Satan, if she’s being honest. Seems like Amanda really can’t catch a break. She’s had to sell her beloved horse, she lost her best friend, can’t even think about jumping anymore without going into a panic attack and now she has to train these little brats. There was one up side though…getting to see the girls’ gorgeous movie star father, Grady. A girl could get used to seeing his sexy self every day. Grady’s personal assistant already warned Amanda that she was to keep things professional and that trying to get into Grady’s bed was not part of her job. Well, Amanda didn’t have time for a relationship anyway, so no worries there. Plus, the last break up still stung. Looks like the only thing left to do was focus on her work, get these girls trained and hopefully move on once the summer and this job was over. Except fate seems to have a different plan in store for Amanda and this job may be exactly what she needs to put the bad memories behind and find a chance at life, and love, once again.
Thrown is one of those books that leaves you feeling happy and smiling from ear to ear when you finish reading. Amanda’s story was pretty damn sad when we first meet her. Her dreams of being an Olympic jumper and all but crushed when her best friend dies tragically and the accident Amanda emotionally scarred and unable to jump. But she’s got a strong will and is trying her very best to pick up the pieces and move on. I truly admired her strength…which she sure needed in dealing with Grady’s two little girls. Ugh, those two were rotten in the beginning of the book! Amanda had her work cut out for her, but she managed to build an amazing relationship with those two little girls who were in need of a mother figure in their lives. Speaking of relationships, what Amanda and Grady build throughout the story is one of those “dreamy sigh” kinds of relationships. The attraction between them was there from the start and builds slowly and beautifully. There were more than a few starts and stops and a lot of emotional ups and downs between them and I really wasn’t sure of they could get past all of it and make things work between them, but it ended exactly how I wanted it to. Oh, and Grady’s best friend and house chef, Harris, is someone I want to hang out with! He is quite a character and the voice of reason on more than one occasion for both Amanda and Grady. Love that man!
Overall, Thrown is a beautifully written love story with a whole lot of heart. I will be looking forward to see what comes in the next book, Jumped, due out in June. Thank you, Ms. Auclair, for a fabulous read!
May 6, 2015
Review originally posted:
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
This book has me a bit emotionaly confused. Despite the fact that I really liked the plot and its development, there was something that bothered me.
But let me first concentrate on the things that made me liked it.
First of all, it isn’t possible to write a review about this book without mention the phenomenon character of this story. And who am I talking about? But of course Harris! Any word is too small and not enough to describe his personality and explain fully why he is the best gay book characters EVER! I just fell instantly head over heels in love with him and I had a serious blast reading him. I just couldn’t stop laughing because of his lines and his attitude.
But this story belongs to Grandy and Amanda so let’s get back to these lovely lovebirds……
Grandy is a famous movie star and Amanda is a riding instructor. He hires her for the 3 months of summer to teach his two little daughters how to ride, since she is the most wanted instructor. From their very first meeting – which by the way is one of my favorites scenes in the whole book because is just amazing – the sparks of the attraction for each other are strong. Amanda, except from the fact that she has to tolerate the 2 a-bit-spoiled kids, has to also fight against her attraction and feelings that are developing for their dad.
Each one of these characters, is a complicated personality and with issues since they have have been through some very difficult and traumatic situations. But, in the end, they get over them because they have each other. Both of them, many times during the story, they are called to make some very difficult decisions whose results can’t be predicted.
As for what didn’t click to me, was the way the story was written. The fact that i got to read each other thoughts through the author, it bothered me quite a bit. It just couldn’t bring me closer to the characters so i can feel what they felt and thought deeper in me. But, although this way wasn’t getting along with my tastes, I have to say that Auclair did a very good job and didn’t make it difficult for me to read and enjoy the whole story.
Auclair gave me the chance to go to an emotionaly wonderful journey and I want to thank her for that. She wrote a very sweet love story that really captivated me and characters who are very unique. Her writing skills are trully great and I loved that I got to read that story as my first one of hers.
But now it’s time for me to experience the second book of Aspen Valley series, so au revoir for now.
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
This book has me a bit emotionaly confused. Despite the fact that I really liked the plot and its development, there was something that bothered me.
But let me first concentrate on the things that made me liked it.
First of all, it isn’t possible to write a review about this book without mention the phenomenon character of this story. And who am I talking about? But of course Harris! Any word is too small and not enough to describe his personality and explain fully why he is the best gay book characters EVER! I just fell instantly head over heels in love with him and I had a serious blast reading him. I just couldn’t stop laughing because of his lines and his attitude.
But this story belongs to Grandy and Amanda so let’s get back to these lovely lovebirds……
Grandy is a famous movie star and Amanda is a riding instructor. He hires her for the 3 months of summer to teach his two little daughters how to ride, since she is the most wanted instructor. From their very first meeting – which by the way is one of my favorites scenes in the whole book because is just amazing – the sparks of the attraction for each other are strong. Amanda, except from the fact that she has to tolerate the 2 a-bit-spoiled kids, has to also fight against her attraction and feelings that are developing for their dad.
Each one of these characters, is a complicated personality and with issues since they have have been through some very difficult and traumatic situations. But, in the end, they get over them because they have each other. Both of them, many times during the story, they are called to make some very difficult decisions whose results can’t be predicted.
As for what didn’t click to me, was the way the story was written. The fact that i got to read each other thoughts through the author, it bothered me quite a bit. It just couldn’t bring me closer to the characters so i can feel what they felt and thought deeper in me. But, although this way wasn’t getting along with my tastes, I have to say that Auclair did a very good job and didn’t make it difficult for me to read and enjoy the whole story.
Auclair gave me the chance to go to an emotionaly wonderful journey and I want to thank her for that. She wrote a very sweet love story that really captivated me and characters who are very unique. Her writing skills are trully great and I loved that I got to read that story as my first one of hers.
But now it’s time for me to experience the second book of Aspen Valley series, so au revoir for now.
December 18, 2013
REVIEW: Colette Auclair's Thrown is a heart-warming, must-read romance!
Every child dreams of having a horse, don't they? I know I did. So when the publisher offered an advance copy of Thrown by Colette Auclair, I couldn't resist reading it.
The heroine, Amanda Vogel, is almost guaranteed a berth on the equestrian Olympic team, however a friend's fatal accident seems to have crippled her even more than her own injury. To earn money, after having to sell even her own horse to pay medical bills, she takes a summer job in Colorado to instruct two young girls in riding.
Sounds easy right? Well the two girls are the very pampered daughters of a Hollywood A-lister, Grady. I laughed in commiseration with Amanda's character when she first encounters the Hollywood star and manages to drop (and break) his Oscar. He endeared himself to me by is non-reaction. Soon I began to root, not only for Amanda to recover her dream of Olympic stardom, but also for the two of them to, perhaps, find love with one another.
It doesn't seem on the cards though, as Amanda begins dating someone else - then a woman from Grady's past pays a visit. Along the way, the two girls (absolute monsters when first encountered), begin to flourish under the love and attention Amanda pays them. I was quite jealous of them actually as they live every child's dream in having their own horse, private lessons, and fun. (This book should be read just for the over-the-top description of the barn Grady built for his girls.)
I found this a true heart-warming novel with enough plot twists and turns to hold my interest through the end and which prevented the story from ever becoming predictable. I'd highly recommend that you add this book to your must-read list and I'm looking forward to reading more by Colette Auclair in the future.
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.
Every child dreams of having a horse, don't they? I know I did. So when the publisher offered an advance copy of Thrown by Colette Auclair, I couldn't resist reading it.
The heroine, Amanda Vogel, is almost guaranteed a berth on the equestrian Olympic team, however a friend's fatal accident seems to have crippled her even more than her own injury. To earn money, after having to sell even her own horse to pay medical bills, she takes a summer job in Colorado to instruct two young girls in riding.
Sounds easy right? Well the two girls are the very pampered daughters of a Hollywood A-lister, Grady. I laughed in commiseration with Amanda's character when she first encounters the Hollywood star and manages to drop (and break) his Oscar. He endeared himself to me by is non-reaction. Soon I began to root, not only for Amanda to recover her dream of Olympic stardom, but also for the two of them to, perhaps, find love with one another.
It doesn't seem on the cards though, as Amanda begins dating someone else - then a woman from Grady's past pays a visit. Along the way, the two girls (absolute monsters when first encountered), begin to flourish under the love and attention Amanda pays them. I was quite jealous of them actually as they live every child's dream in having their own horse, private lessons, and fun. (This book should be read just for the over-the-top description of the barn Grady built for his girls.)
I found this a true heart-warming novel with enough plot twists and turns to hold my interest through the end and which prevented the story from ever becoming predictable. I'd highly recommend that you add this book to your must-read list and I'm looking forward to reading more by Colette Auclair in the future.
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.
November 27, 2013
I love animals of all shapes and sizes and horses hold a special place in my heart. So I knew I was really going to enjoy Thrown by Colette Auclair. Not only is there plenty of scene's with the beautiful horses and the adorable little girls riding them, there is a nice romance, some wonderful friendship stories, and over all just a very entertaining story line.
Amanda Vogel has been through some very traumatic events and had to make some very difficult decisions. She is a very strong, independent woman with her heart set on the Olympics. She is also wonderful with horses and as it turns out she's mighty talented with children as well. Amanda did not think she was going to get a long well with the two girls she was hired to teach to ride. However it turns out that she has the special touch these girls needed and they all soon found a fondness for each other. It was sweet watching these two girls following Amanda's lead and growing closer to her. I loved her interaction with the girls.
Then there is Grady, hot, sexy, super star Grady. Amanda is determined not to fall for her hot boss but when they both discover a deep attraction it makes it a LOT harder to not fall for each other.
I enjoyed Harris the cook and best friend. There were some fun additional characters that helped make the storyline even more fun.
I really, truly enjoyed this fun entertaining story. It had just he perfect mix of drama, romance, some steamy scenes, some great stories about the horses, and some nice family moments as well.
Overall, I really liked this story. I had not had a chance to read anything by Ms. Auclair before, however now I know I would love to read more of her work. This is a really great story.
I was given the chance to this book to share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts.
Amanda Vogel has been through some very traumatic events and had to make some very difficult decisions. She is a very strong, independent woman with her heart set on the Olympics. She is also wonderful with horses and as it turns out she's mighty talented with children as well. Amanda did not think she was going to get a long well with the two girls she was hired to teach to ride. However it turns out that she has the special touch these girls needed and they all soon found a fondness for each other. It was sweet watching these two girls following Amanda's lead and growing closer to her. I loved her interaction with the girls.
Then there is Grady, hot, sexy, super star Grady. Amanda is determined not to fall for her hot boss but when they both discover a deep attraction it makes it a LOT harder to not fall for each other.
I enjoyed Harris the cook and best friend. There were some fun additional characters that helped make the storyline even more fun.
I really, truly enjoyed this fun entertaining story. It had just he perfect mix of drama, romance, some steamy scenes, some great stories about the horses, and some nice family moments as well.
Overall, I really liked this story. I had not had a chance to read anything by Ms. Auclair before, however now I know I would love to read more of her work. This is a really great story.
I was given the chance to this book to share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts.
December 23, 2013
In Thrown, Amanda is an Olympic hopeful who is crippled by anxiety after she watches her best friend die in a jumping accident during a competition. After selling everything including her beloved horse, Edelweiss, because she is broke, she takes a job in Colorado to teach two young girls how to ride. Their father is a famous movie star. The girls are spoiled and know no discipline.
I enjoyed this story. I was able to read it pretty quickly. I liked that it gave both Amanda's and Grady's point of view. The relationship between them grows slowly over the summer and that is was appealed to me the most. It wasn't an insta-love, jump in bed kind of deal. As for Grady and Amanda, I think I liked Amanda more. I could feel her heartache every time she thought about the accident that took her best friend. Her anxieties came across as real and believable. I have to admit that I wasn't too keen on Grady through most of the book. For a smart and successful actor, he was kind of clueless. Frankly, I was surprised that Amanda even gave him a chance after he treated her the way he did. Thankfully, he did redeem himself in the end. I loved her surprised toward the end and have to admit to getting a little teary-eyed reading that scene.
There other characters in the books added some color to the story. I loved Harris! As for Wave and Solstice (really, who names their kids that?), I was happy to see they changed. Thrown is a good debut for this Ms. Auclair. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
I enjoyed this story. I was able to read it pretty quickly. I liked that it gave both Amanda's and Grady's point of view. The relationship between them grows slowly over the summer and that is was appealed to me the most. It wasn't an insta-love, jump in bed kind of deal. As for Grady and Amanda, I think I liked Amanda more. I could feel her heartache every time she thought about the accident that took her best friend. Her anxieties came across as real and believable. I have to admit that I wasn't too keen on Grady through most of the book. For a smart and successful actor, he was kind of clueless. Frankly, I was surprised that Amanda even gave him a chance after he treated her the way he did. Thankfully, he did redeem himself in the end. I loved her surprised toward the end and have to admit to getting a little teary-eyed reading that scene.
There other characters in the books added some color to the story. I loved Harris! As for Wave and Solstice (really, who names their kids that?), I was happy to see they changed. Thrown is a good debut for this Ms. Auclair. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
August 3, 2014
4.5 stars
Thanks Netgalley for ARC
To be honest I never thought I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It was something new to me because I haven't read anything with horses and all that. Because of that it felt new, fresh for me.
The story starts with Amanda starting her new summer job with the hot actor Grandy and his 2 daughters. Amanda is going to be their riding instructor but the girls at first were brats with her. After a while the girls change and they start to like their riding classes and their instructor Amanda. Grandy also starts no like Amanda but he doesn't know the feeling is mutual. Amanda has always being a good with horse but she saw her friend fall and die and since then she has had problems. She learns to overcome her fear. At the end the characters can hide their emotions anymore and they fight to be with each other.
I did like the ending and the whole book like I said it was fresh for me.
Thanks Netgalley for ARC
To be honest I never thought I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It was something new to me because I haven't read anything with horses and all that. Because of that it felt new, fresh for me.
The story starts with Amanda starting her new summer job with the hot actor Grandy and his 2 daughters. Amanda is going to be their riding instructor but the girls at first were brats with her. After a while the girls change and they start to like their riding classes and their instructor Amanda. Grandy also starts no like Amanda but he doesn't know the feeling is mutual. Amanda has always being a good with horse but she saw her friend fall and die and since then she has had problems. She learns to overcome her fear. At the end the characters can hide their emotions anymore and they fight to be with each other.
I did like the ending and the whole book like I said it was fresh for me.
February 14, 2023
4 Stars.
As a former horseback rider, I really enjoyed this book. It made me think back to all of the books I read when I was little just because they had horses in them. And I'll be honest, I started this one for that reason, haha! But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the characters and the story. Amanda, an elite show jumper, is recovering from PTSD after witnessing a friend have a fatal horseback riding accident. Consequently, she cannot work, because she cannot ride in competitions. So she takes a job for the summer to teach the two young daughters of a Hollywood superstar, Grady. Their meet-cute is adorable, and I like that things aren't always rosy in their friendship/relationship. I could have done without the conflict-for-no-reason moment, but overall it was an enjoyable read, and I liked that it had an epilogue.
As a former horseback rider, I really enjoyed this book. It made me think back to all of the books I read when I was little just because they had horses in them. And I'll be honest, I started this one for that reason, haha! But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the characters and the story. Amanda, an elite show jumper, is recovering from PTSD after witnessing a friend have a fatal horseback riding accident. Consequently, she cannot work, because she cannot ride in competitions. So she takes a job for the summer to teach the two young daughters of a Hollywood superstar, Grady. Their meet-cute is adorable, and I like that things aren't always rosy in their friendship/relationship. I could have done without the conflict-for-no-reason moment, but overall it was an enjoyable read, and I liked that it had an epilogue.
January 25, 2015
Thrown (Aspen Valley, #1)
Auclair, Colette
Like I have told one of my friends "love will come when you least expect it." Amanda Vogel wanted a summer away from her normal life. Her dreams were put on hold since the tragic accident that claimed the life of her friend. She knew she could ride but questioned if she was brave enough to show horses. Will she ever see her dream of the Olympics? Amanda could never predict how her life will change. This i a great love story, yet it also shows a way of life that is a mystery to all of us..... Beautiful scenery. Outstanding horses, and information about the horse show lifestyle.
Auclair, Colette
Like I have told one of my friends "love will come when you least expect it." Amanda Vogel wanted a summer away from her normal life. Her dreams were put on hold since the tragic accident that claimed the life of her friend. She knew she could ride but questioned if she was brave enough to show horses. Will she ever see her dream of the Olympics? Amanda could never predict how her life will change. This i a great love story, yet it also shows a way of life that is a mystery to all of us..... Beautiful scenery. Outstanding horses, and information about the horse show lifestyle.
November 12, 2013
I absolutely loved the book! I wish I would come out in paper back. I've always been a big fan of horses and story's about them although I have never ridden one before. This book is purely amazing. It's heart wrenching and painful. It's amazing and bright. It's everything and awesome book should be. It's approximately 400+ I finished it in 3 hours. I just couldn't put it down even though I finished it at about 4am. Even though I am completely exhausted I would most defiantly read this book over again in a heart beat. I want to know more about their story this little family is very interesting and entertaining. Loved this book must read!
November 17, 2013
This is about Amanda, who starts this summer job with Grandy and his two daguhters. Oh, did I mention Grandy is a hot actor?! So this storyline/plot isn’t something new, but it’s a good read nonetheless. The girls start off as brats, but really, who wouldn’t when some new woman steps into your life and you don’t know if she’s out to get your dad and his money, or not? Plus it’s pretty accurate as far as horses. Picture The Parent Trap and add horses!
November 10, 2013
She quoted The Philadelphia Story-meep. At that point, I was morally obligated to love this story.
This is hilarious! Like The Parent Trap, except you like the future stepmother.
The epilogue is sooo cute!
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is hilarious! Like The Parent Trap, except you like the future stepmother.
The epilogue is sooo cute!
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is a totally accurate horsey rom-com.
You can read my full review for HorseNation.com at: http://www.horsenation.com/2013/11/13...
I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
You can read my full review for HorseNation.com at: http://www.horsenation.com/2013/11/13...
I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2013
3.5 stars. Reviewed at Dear Author: Linky - http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
December 13, 2013
Review posted at http://ragesexandteddybears.blogspot....
December 17, 2013
A great mix of celebrity, sportsmanship, family and friends, all in a romantic and fun package! Loved the book and hated to see it end!
December 26, 2014
Couldn't get into it. Not for me.
December 30, 2013
Love horses? This is a great story for you. Love a smart, sexy read where the characters have flaws but build up to something amazing? This story has it all. Very well done.
December 30, 2013
3.5/5 (B-)
July 18, 2017
Such a lovely story that is as poignant as it is entertaining. Also interesting the way it draws you into the world of horse jumping.
July 12, 2014
Thrown, Book One of The Aspen Valley Series, Colette Auclair.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
So, anything with horses catches my eye and this one drew me in. I've been a horse nut since a child – astonished my parents, and bewildered them when I spent time sitting ( and trotting!) on the brick wall with a blanket and string stirrups and braidle tied round the lamp post. In the book colette has the girls making a jumping course rtound the garden – yep, I too did that and jumped it with my imaginary horse...so much of how she's written the girls playing is really familiar to me and probaly ost horse mad children. This book reminds me very much in style of the great books I loved by Bev Pettersen.
I loved Amanda, and could understand her PTSD and panic attacks. I've never been in the situation she was, but have had some nasty falls that made it hard to continue, and easy to stress and panic about. She was great with the girls too – very natural and gave them the structure to their life they needed. The kids at the end are nothing like the horrors we first meet. Then neither is Grady, Hottie film star but loving dad. He wants to be their friend though and as Amanda says – they don't need that, they need a leader, someone to set boundaries. It's a common scenario with divorce so prevalent and families separated. In this case their mother has died so that something else he feels they need leeway for. I liked Grady's humour when we first met him, and its clear he was attracted to Amanda but at times he was a jerk, a real pushover for the kids, and just not looking for what was really best for them in his overprotective, let them have whatever they want way. His PA Jaqueline was lovely – she knew the family really well, and ran his and their lives perfectly. Then there's his long time friend and chef Harris, and I enjoyed reading about him. Full of love and humour, he saw more than he let on and steered things to where he thought people would benefit. He was a sounding board for both Amanda – who became a real friend – and Grady, and a great addition to the book. I'd love cocktails withn him!
So there they all are, a great cast, a terrific story from the obnoxious children and overprotective father, and Amanda is there for three months to teach the kids to ride. She slides into all their lives so easily – they soon love and respect her and it's as if she's been there years. Grady gets closer to her, and they fall in love, though neither will admit to it. Then when things go wrong – Grady was so emotionally cruel, though I sort of understood it he was really OTT, and it took Harris to show him what he'd done and why. Poor Amanda – I was heartbroken with her, but all romance stories need this sort of downside. It counteracts and enhances IMO the romance, and makes the drama and upsides so much better. I like it too when the sad parts are strung out over a period, and not just dealt with quickly – I like to wallow...What will happen when the three months are up? Dream ambition or give it up for love? Amanda has a real quandary to work out.
Stars: Loved it – full five. BTW Colette, in UK we don't call it a headstall, but a halter as in US, or more often a headcollar. The yard/stall/barn defintion is a bit off too.... :-) I often thing of UK/US as the famous quote “divided by a common language” read a book recently where the girl asked if the guy knew how to Shag...US its a film/dance but here in UK is a slang term for sex....
ARC supplied by publishers andNetgalley
NB: Thrown, the first ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, will be on sale July 21st – August 4th for $1.99!( about £1.49 I think). Jumped, the second ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, is out soon, Branded, the third ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, will publish December 2014. Each book is a standalone, although the characters are vconnected. I've book two to read next and am looking forward to that.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
So, anything with horses catches my eye and this one drew me in. I've been a horse nut since a child – astonished my parents, and bewildered them when I spent time sitting ( and trotting!) on the brick wall with a blanket and string stirrups and braidle tied round the lamp post. In the book colette has the girls making a jumping course rtound the garden – yep, I too did that and jumped it with my imaginary horse...so much of how she's written the girls playing is really familiar to me and probaly ost horse mad children. This book reminds me very much in style of the great books I loved by Bev Pettersen.
I loved Amanda, and could understand her PTSD and panic attacks. I've never been in the situation she was, but have had some nasty falls that made it hard to continue, and easy to stress and panic about. She was great with the girls too – very natural and gave them the structure to their life they needed. The kids at the end are nothing like the horrors we first meet. Then neither is Grady, Hottie film star but loving dad. He wants to be their friend though and as Amanda says – they don't need that, they need a leader, someone to set boundaries. It's a common scenario with divorce so prevalent and families separated. In this case their mother has died so that something else he feels they need leeway for. I liked Grady's humour when we first met him, and its clear he was attracted to Amanda but at times he was a jerk, a real pushover for the kids, and just not looking for what was really best for them in his overprotective, let them have whatever they want way. His PA Jaqueline was lovely – she knew the family really well, and ran his and their lives perfectly. Then there's his long time friend and chef Harris, and I enjoyed reading about him. Full of love and humour, he saw more than he let on and steered things to where he thought people would benefit. He was a sounding board for both Amanda – who became a real friend – and Grady, and a great addition to the book. I'd love cocktails withn him!
So there they all are, a great cast, a terrific story from the obnoxious children and overprotective father, and Amanda is there for three months to teach the kids to ride. She slides into all their lives so easily – they soon love and respect her and it's as if she's been there years. Grady gets closer to her, and they fall in love, though neither will admit to it. Then when things go wrong – Grady was so emotionally cruel, though I sort of understood it he was really OTT, and it took Harris to show him what he'd done and why. Poor Amanda – I was heartbroken with her, but all romance stories need this sort of downside. It counteracts and enhances IMO the romance, and makes the drama and upsides so much better. I like it too when the sad parts are strung out over a period, and not just dealt with quickly – I like to wallow...What will happen when the three months are up? Dream ambition or give it up for love? Amanda has a real quandary to work out.
Stars: Loved it – full five. BTW Colette, in UK we don't call it a headstall, but a halter as in US, or more often a headcollar. The yard/stall/barn defintion is a bit off too.... :-) I often thing of UK/US as the famous quote “divided by a common language” read a book recently where the girl asked if the guy knew how to Shag...US its a film/dance but here in UK is a slang term for sex....
ARC supplied by publishers andNetgalley
NB: Thrown, the first ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, will be on sale July 21st – August 4th for $1.99!( about £1.49 I think). Jumped, the second ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, is out soon, Branded, the third ebook in The Aspen Valley Series, will publish December 2014. Each book is a standalone, although the characters are vconnected. I've book two to read next and am looking forward to that.
December 2, 2013
Look at that gorgeous dapple gray horse! I was sold before I read the blurb. :D Yes, I was that girl that read Black Beauty, the Black Stallion books, the Marguerite Henry books, took lessons, and owned a horse. I no longer ride or own a horse but I still love them and this book excited me with it's Olympic-hopeful equestrian heroine.
There was enough horse business and enough horses to make me happy but I think non-horsey people won't be overwhelmed or lose interest in the story. Amanda is a professional rider, broke and took a job as a private riding instructor for the summer to earn some money. Grady is a rich, handsome, sexy, successful single father and movie star. He's more interested in being a friend to his daughters than a parent and their behavior shows it.
They're attracted to each other from the first but aware of their employer-employee roles and hesitant to cross the boundaries. Add in Amanda's refusal to do a no-strings-attached relationship and they dance around each other for a while. She even dates another man, hoping that will stop her thinking about Grady. Does that EVER work in books, movies, or real life? *eye roll* They split when he disses her Olympic dreams and tries to talk her out of them. Grady on the other hand takes her seriously and respects the work she has put in so far towards her goal. He is however an idiot at times such as when she falls and injures her back. Does he call an ambulance? NOOOO! He moves her (and she lets him!) and has her sit upright while he drives her to the hospital. The author, a show rider herself, should know better; you don't mess with potential back or neck injuries. Luckily, her injuries are minor but it was stupid behavior on both Grady and Amanda's part.
I liked Amanda, I liked Grady, I loved the horses, I really liked Harris, but I wish he'd been better developed and used less often. Who is Harris? The gay best friend. He's Grady's BFF and rapidly becomes Amanda's good friend. He also knows all about fashion and interior design, is a whiz at makeup, he gossips, listens to Cher and GaGa, drinks a lot; in other words, he's the time-worn cliche of a gay man. He's sweet and funny but he has little depth. Granted, he's a secondary character but more thought and work could have been put into him. Also, he moves much of the plot along by telling Amanda every confidence that Grady shares with him and vice versa. If you want to keep something, then don't tell Harris. When Grady or Amanda are being obtuse or unreasonable, counselor Harris (he's actually Grady's personal chef) is there to set them straight.
Harris is not the only underdeveloped secondary character; there's Grady's mother Estelle and his ex-lover Priscilla. Actually, Priscilla starts out as a cliched slutty blonde but we do see some growth towards the ends and that made me happy. Estelle, well, she's the controlling, perfectionist, never satisfied show business mom. Her main purpose in the story is to cause problems between Grady and Amanda.
I also disliked the epilogue but I'm not an epilogue anyway. This one was sugary, sappy and utterly predictable.
So, what did I like? The way that Grady and Amanda are respectful of each other's careers, how Auclair has the relationship, including the sexual aspect, build slowly, the humor, and the characters. "Thrown" is a sweet, funny, sexy romance with characters who act intelligently most of the time. The horse details are spot on and the movie star life seemed realistic also. Despite my complaints, I enjoyed "Thrown" and would recommend it for lovers of contemporary romance.
There was enough horse business and enough horses to make me happy but I think non-horsey people won't be overwhelmed or lose interest in the story. Amanda is a professional rider, broke and took a job as a private riding instructor for the summer to earn some money. Grady is a rich, handsome, sexy, successful single father and movie star. He's more interested in being a friend to his daughters than a parent and their behavior shows it.
They're attracted to each other from the first but aware of their employer-employee roles and hesitant to cross the boundaries. Add in Amanda's refusal to do a no-strings-attached relationship and they dance around each other for a while. She even dates another man, hoping that will stop her thinking about Grady. Does that EVER work in books, movies, or real life? *eye roll* They split when he disses her Olympic dreams and tries to talk her out of them. Grady on the other hand takes her seriously and respects the work she has put in so far towards her goal. He is however an idiot at times such as when she falls and injures her back. Does he call an ambulance? NOOOO! He moves her (and she lets him!) and has her sit upright while he drives her to the hospital. The author, a show rider herself, should know better; you don't mess with potential back or neck injuries. Luckily, her injuries are minor but it was stupid behavior on both Grady and Amanda's part.
I liked Amanda, I liked Grady, I loved the horses, I really liked Harris, but I wish he'd been better developed and used less often. Who is Harris? The gay best friend. He's Grady's BFF and rapidly becomes Amanda's good friend. He also knows all about fashion and interior design, is a whiz at makeup, he gossips, listens to Cher and GaGa, drinks a lot; in other words, he's the time-worn cliche of a gay man. He's sweet and funny but he has little depth. Granted, he's a secondary character but more thought and work could have been put into him. Also, he moves much of the plot along by telling Amanda every confidence that Grady shares with him and vice versa. If you want to keep something, then don't tell Harris. When Grady or Amanda are being obtuse or unreasonable, counselor Harris (he's actually Grady's personal chef) is there to set them straight.
Harris is not the only underdeveloped secondary character; there's Grady's mother Estelle and his ex-lover Priscilla. Actually, Priscilla starts out as a cliched slutty blonde but we do see some growth towards the ends and that made me happy. Estelle, well, she's the controlling, perfectionist, never satisfied show business mom. Her main purpose in the story is to cause problems between Grady and Amanda.
I also disliked the epilogue but I'm not an epilogue anyway. This one was sugary, sappy and utterly predictable.
So, what did I like? The way that Grady and Amanda are respectful of each other's careers, how Auclair has the relationship, including the sexual aspect, build slowly, the humor, and the characters. "Thrown" is a sweet, funny, sexy romance with characters who act intelligently most of the time. The horse details are spot on and the movie star life seemed realistic also. Despite my complaints, I enjoyed "Thrown" and would recommend it for lovers of contemporary romance.
August 11, 2016
ORIGINAL POST: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Titled: THROWN by Colette Auclair Takes a Blue Ribbon! with Giveaway
E-Galley provided by publisher via Net Galley for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own.
I really loved this book! It had great, emotional characters who didn’t really fit any mold, who made awful decisions, and who, unlike most of us, readily admitted when they were wrong. It also has great “horse stuff.” Having taken lessons for a while as an adult, I know enough to appreciate the technical aspects of the sport and stable activity. It does get a little specific for the non-horse set when discussing shows and competitions. The two main characters are Grady, a movie star and Amanda an equestrian whose PTSD has taken her off the circuit. The children in the story are Wave and Solstice. I did have an issue with the short time it takes the girls to go from spoiled rotten, entitled, Hollywood hoydens to nice kids who merely needed a little structure and discipline.
This PTSD has nearly ruined her career, and almost her life. I had some very mild symptoms after my husband had an accident, but nothing as big as hers. Have you ever had crippling PTSD?
Auclair’s descriptive abilities come through well, especially with the architecture of her bosses house, barn and the area they live in. Her writing shows an ease with and affection for her characters, as well as a natural writing voice. The internal monologues, in particular are very real as her characters mentally go through hoops to understand themselves and each other.
Grady has a habit of caving to his kid’s demands and jumping to conclusions. He is easily swayed to act rashly, even against his better judgment. He seems down-to-earth, but is a “movie star” and while he doesn’t often play that card on purpose, he does have a tendency to just expect certain deferential behaviors from others. Especially when he is clueless and extra especially in regards to parenting.
Amanda prefers to employ “horse sense” in dealing with difficult people, especially her boss and her kids. She is usually right and it works more often than not. She is good with people.
She also makes spurious assumptions based on stereotypes about Grady’s friend and chef’s sexual orientation based on his knowledge of skin care. Yet, in my experience we all do things like this – depend on cues to tell us about people. The “gay” in question is Harris, and he’s drawn with both stereotypical and what are seen as “non-gay” traits – like enjoying sports. Harris also provides the slap down to his best friend’s sillier, “movie-star” behaviors — he plays the clown, the truth teller and the voice of reason.
I was really taken by the story and it’s contemporary romance with comedy, and drama. The plot is often predictable. Any pet or animal lover will appreciate Amanda’s sense of loss in having had to sell her horse. Towards the end I was brought to tears. It’s really a great debut novel that deserves a chance. At under $2 as an e-book it’s a great bet I can Highly Recommend!
Titled: THROWN by Colette Auclair Takes a Blue Ribbon! with Giveaway
E-Galley provided by publisher via Net Galley for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own.
I really loved this book! It had great, emotional characters who didn’t really fit any mold, who made awful decisions, and who, unlike most of us, readily admitted when they were wrong. It also has great “horse stuff.” Having taken lessons for a while as an adult, I know enough to appreciate the technical aspects of the sport and stable activity. It does get a little specific for the non-horse set when discussing shows and competitions. The two main characters are Grady, a movie star and Amanda an equestrian whose PTSD has taken her off the circuit. The children in the story are Wave and Solstice. I did have an issue with the short time it takes the girls to go from spoiled rotten, entitled, Hollywood hoydens to nice kids who merely needed a little structure and discipline.
This PTSD has nearly ruined her career, and almost her life. I had some very mild symptoms after my husband had an accident, but nothing as big as hers. Have you ever had crippling PTSD?
Auclair’s descriptive abilities come through well, especially with the architecture of her bosses house, barn and the area they live in. Her writing shows an ease with and affection for her characters, as well as a natural writing voice. The internal monologues, in particular are very real as her characters mentally go through hoops to understand themselves and each other.
Grady has a habit of caving to his kid’s demands and jumping to conclusions. He is easily swayed to act rashly, even against his better judgment. He seems down-to-earth, but is a “movie star” and while he doesn’t often play that card on purpose, he does have a tendency to just expect certain deferential behaviors from others. Especially when he is clueless and extra especially in regards to parenting.
Amanda prefers to employ “horse sense” in dealing with difficult people, especially her boss and her kids. She is usually right and it works more often than not. She is good with people.
She also makes spurious assumptions based on stereotypes about Grady’s friend and chef’s sexual orientation based on his knowledge of skin care. Yet, in my experience we all do things like this – depend on cues to tell us about people. The “gay” in question is Harris, and he’s drawn with both stereotypical and what are seen as “non-gay” traits – like enjoying sports. Harris also provides the slap down to his best friend’s sillier, “movie-star” behaviors — he plays the clown, the truth teller and the voice of reason.
I was really taken by the story and it’s contemporary romance with comedy, and drama. The plot is often predictable. Any pet or animal lover will appreciate Amanda’s sense of loss in having had to sell her horse. Towards the end I was brought to tears. It’s really a great debut novel that deserves a chance. At under $2 as an e-book it’s a great bet I can Highly Recommend!
December 16, 2013
My Review:
Grady Brunswick is an A-list action movie star in Aspen for the summer hoping to reconnect with his 11 and 8 year old daughters. Their mother died when they were little and Grady has been too busy building his career. All three are virtually strangers and the girls have become pretty much spoiled brats who can get their father to agree to anything they want.
Amanda has her own promising career, but after a trauma when she saw her friend die in a horseback competition, she has PTSD and needs a break from her normal routine. She hires on with Grady to be the girls' riding coach for the summer, not knowing what she's really signing up for or how impossible the girls are.
This book is a modern day twist on the governess story line and I found that I really enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I read this kind of story. Overall I enjoyed the romantic story line even though there were a few moments when I was rolling my eyes at the over-reactions of the characters simply and the cliche mother/ex-girlfriend visit to cause more drama to the story line. There were a few small chapters in the middle of the book that featured this part of the story line. I wish they had been written differently cause that kept this book from being truly outstanding. As it is, though, I still enjoyed it overall.
I will admit my favorite character in the book was Harris, the gay chef, who's been Grady's best friend since their college days. I enjoyed his by-play with both Amanda and Grady and LOVED the tradition of his and Amanda's evening cocktails to unwind every day.
It was a fun, light read...VERY, very light on the smexy so I think it will appeal to a larger audience. The horse knowledge was interesting and I loved the mental visuals of Aspen in the summer. It was like a mini vacation to the mountains to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Grady Brunswick is an A-list action movie star in Aspen for the summer hoping to reconnect with his 11 and 8 year old daughters. Their mother died when they were little and Grady has been too busy building his career. All three are virtually strangers and the girls have become pretty much spoiled brats who can get their father to agree to anything they want.
Amanda has her own promising career, but after a trauma when she saw her friend die in a horseback competition, she has PTSD and needs a break from her normal routine. She hires on with Grady to be the girls' riding coach for the summer, not knowing what she's really signing up for or how impossible the girls are.
This book is a modern day twist on the governess story line and I found that I really enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I read this kind of story. Overall I enjoyed the romantic story line even though there were a few moments when I was rolling my eyes at the over-reactions of the characters simply and the cliche mother/ex-girlfriend visit to cause more drama to the story line. There were a few small chapters in the middle of the book that featured this part of the story line. I wish they had been written differently cause that kept this book from being truly outstanding. As it is, though, I still enjoyed it overall.
I will admit my favorite character in the book was Harris, the gay chef, who's been Grady's best friend since their college days. I enjoyed his by-play with both Amanda and Grady and LOVED the tradition of his and Amanda's evening cocktails to unwind every day.
It was a fun, light read...VERY, very light on the smexy so I think it will appeal to a larger audience. The horse knowledge was interesting and I loved the mental visuals of Aspen in the summer. It was like a mini vacation to the mountains to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 25, 2016
Are you a fan of Horse stories ? Love those romances where your ordinary girl gets the celebrity but not without a lot of drama and troubles ? I may not be a huge animal lover but I have always enjoyed reading horse stories ever since I was a little girl and in love with Pony Pals and The Saddle Club tales. In Thrown we meet Amanda Vogel who was on her way to the Olympics as an amazing rider and jumper but all that came crashing down when her best friend Courtney was killed in an riding accident and it struck Amanda hard as she fell into a depression state. Now she has been offered a job for the summer break which will help with her desperate financial situation. She has been hired as a teacher for Hollywood Celebrity Grady Brunswick's daughters Solstice and Wave. Two very spoilt children who like to get their own ways - one part that made me laugh at how spoiled they were was when Grady asked Amanda if she could make the horses look more like My Little Ponies and Pimp them . As the book goes along we read as Solstice and Wave start to like Amanda and vice versa and soon she becomes like a substitute mum/friend for the girls and things seem to be looking up in the romance department for Amanda and Grady, but will it all fall apart when not only Grady's mother Estelle comes to visit but also Grady's hot co-star and on/off girlfriend actress Priscilla who wants to be the one whose fingers adorn Grady's engagement ring. Will Grady grow a backbone and stand up for what he wants and fight for the one he loves or will she become another missed opportunity for him ?
Find out in Thrown by Colette Auclair , in the Aspen Valley series - a series I am looking at continuing and reading the next two books.
Find out in Thrown by Colette Auclair , in the Aspen Valley series - a series I am looking at continuing and reading the next two books.
June 30, 2017
I spent the whole day reading this book. I loved it. Absolutely loved it. For a number of reasons.
It's a horse story. There're not many of them out there, and there's just something about a story with horses that I love.
The hero, Grady, frequently acts like an a$$. When I think he's finally got it together, he hauls off and acts like an a$$ again. He's a gorgeous, spoiled, self-centered, rich movie star. And while at times he's nice, he can also get caught up in his own BS. The heroine, Amanda, starts out overwhelmed by his looks and that status doesn't change for a long time. He's easy to resist because it's all superficial. Later on, as they--finally--peel away their layers, he becomes so much harder for her to resist. This entire situation is DIFFERENT. Sometimes authors' alpha heroes act like a$$hats, but Grady is not an alpha. This guy is different. My love for him grew as slowly as Amanda's did.
I loved Grady's daughters. They added so much to the story, and they were delightful. Loved all the secondary characters, including the horses!
A last thing that made this book different--an entire summer goes by and Grady and Amanda have still not had sex. Haven't even gotten close. Have only shared a couple kisses. There's lots and lots of sexual tension in the book, and I actually liked having them hold off--for reasons that changed as the characters' emotions changed--until late in the story. It made the story more real. It made the lovemaking a big step.
I can't wait to read the author's next book, which will feature one of THROWN's secondary characters.
It's a horse story. There're not many of them out there, and there's just something about a story with horses that I love.
The hero, Grady, frequently acts like an a$$. When I think he's finally got it together, he hauls off and acts like an a$$ again. He's a gorgeous, spoiled, self-centered, rich movie star. And while at times he's nice, he can also get caught up in his own BS. The heroine, Amanda, starts out overwhelmed by his looks and that status doesn't change for a long time. He's easy to resist because it's all superficial. Later on, as they--finally--peel away their layers, he becomes so much harder for her to resist. This entire situation is DIFFERENT. Sometimes authors' alpha heroes act like a$$hats, but Grady is not an alpha. This guy is different. My love for him grew as slowly as Amanda's did.
I loved Grady's daughters. They added so much to the story, and they were delightful. Loved all the secondary characters, including the horses!
A last thing that made this book different--an entire summer goes by and Grady and Amanda have still not had sex. Haven't even gotten close. Have only shared a couple kisses. There's lots and lots of sexual tension in the book, and I actually liked having them hold off--for reasons that changed as the characters' emotions changed--until late in the story. It made the story more real. It made the lovemaking a big step.
I can't wait to read the author's next book, which will feature one of THROWN's secondary characters.
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