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Fortune's Fool by Mary Pagones #5
Give and Hazard All
"The Maryland Hunt Cup is not the Maclay." Eventer Simon O’Shaughnessy is known for his willingness to take risks. But when his boyfriend and assistant rider Phillip Stone begins exercising horses at a local timber racing barn, Simon is troubled. Has Phillip taken on a challenge that is too much for him? Even by Simon's standards?
- GenresHorses
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2018
33 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Mary Pagones
16 books103 followersAuthor of The Fortune's Fool series
Author of A Study in Scarlet Marquis: Sherlock Holmes and the Trials of Oscar Wilde
Author of Pride, Prejudice, and Personal Statements
Also writes m/m romance under the pen name of Quinn Wilde
Author of A Study in Scarlet Marquis: Sherlock Holmes and the Trials of Oscar Wilde
Author of Pride, Prejudice, and Personal Statements
Also writes m/m romance under the pen name of Quinn Wilde
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 19, 2019
I admit it took me a bit to connect with Simon as a character but I continued reading because in the end he loves his horses and that always what maters most to me. But once we reached Mongolia in Crawling Between Heaven and Earth I finally found my groove with him and Give and Hazard All I began to love Simon and Philip both, I read this one start to finish on a snow day. I found I really enjoyed it going back and forth between Simon and Philip's perspectives. I hope this series continues. I'm ready to see Simon find the true horse of his dreams.
August 22, 2018
More fun than a barrel of semi-feral Mongolian horses! Simon's back! But this novel is told with alternating POVs. So Simon's boyfriend Phillip gets to weigh in on the newest insanity at O'Shaughnessy Eventing--timber racing.
Of course, eventers being eventers, nothing is done by halves, so the ultimate test of that uniquely American form of steeplechasing--the Maryland Hunt Cup--is the goal. On a talented horse with what is politely described as an equine anxiety disorder for good measure.
Of course, eventers being eventers, nothing is done by halves, so the ultimate test of that uniquely American form of steeplechasing--the Maryland Hunt Cup--is the goal. On a talented horse with what is politely described as an equine anxiety disorder for good measure.
May 22, 2021
Simon and Phillip love each other, but Simon's competitiveness and possessiveness about his horses make him an uncomfortable boyfriend at times. Phillip comes into his own in this book, growing as a rider and a person, taking on new challenges. And Simon's jealousy starts to rock their boat, particularly when things don't go his way. We get Phillip's POV in this one as well as Simon's and I enjoyed seeing things trough a lens other than Simon's slightly narrow one.
September 16, 2018
5 stars
I liked that this story told Phillip's story and showcased his changes and personal growth in a surprising way. Really sets an interesting tone for the next book as the dynamic between Phillip and Simon seems to be changing.
I liked that this story told Phillip's story and showcased his changes and personal growth in a surprising way. Really sets an interesting tone for the next book as the dynamic between Phillip and Simon seems to be changing.
September 8, 2018
Better & better!!!
Knew I'd enjoy as I absolutely love these characters, but didn't expect to love this one best so far! Monty the crazy TB leapt off the pages into my heart. And somehow, these books rekindle a kind of riding courage I thought had died a couple decades ago. Just wonderful!!! Can't wait for the next!
Knew I'd enjoy as I absolutely love these characters, but didn't expect to love this one best so far! Monty the crazy TB leapt off the pages into my heart. And somehow, these books rekindle a kind of riding courage I thought had died a couple decades ago. Just wonderful!!! Can't wait for the next!
December 25, 2019
Good Series
Although I do not event, I enjoyed reading about it. The love of horses comes through and the hard work and dedication involved in anything to do with competing them was so true. Simon’s irreverent style was realistic and engaging. It was nice to see Phillip’s development as a rider and a person as well.
Although I do not event, I enjoyed reading about it. The love of horses comes through and the hard work and dedication involved in anything to do with competing them was so true. Simon’s irreverent style was realistic and engaging. It was nice to see Phillip’s development as a rider and a person as well.
October 25, 2021
Loved Phillips point of view here. Really got me liking and investing in him as a character and wishing we had seen his voice last book. I also really like how the author has incorporated a new aspect again Into this book, the steeple chasing,but still sticking to the core vibe of the series. I like seeing Simon from other people’s point of view and feel totally invested in this series.
July 4, 2021
This series is getting better and better. As soon as I finish one I'm already picking up the next one.
For the first time we get a POV that isn't Simon. I thought I wouldn't like it but it actually worked really well.
For the first time we get a POV that isn't Simon. I thought I wouldn't like it but it actually worked really well.
April 1, 2022
Wow, just WOW!!!
A great step forward for the series! Philip is going timber racing (also known as American steeplechasing). The Maryland Hunt Club race. A terrible cross country race, 4 miles of solid non-unbreakable fences. Is he crazy? How will Simon handle this? Will these two different but alike men stay together? Read this fascinating book to find out! Highly recommended.
A great step forward for the series! Philip is going timber racing (also known as American steeplechasing). The Maryland Hunt Club race. A terrible cross country race, 4 miles of solid non-unbreakable fences. Is he crazy? How will Simon handle this? Will these two different but alike men stay together? Read this fascinating book to find out! Highly recommended.
August 29, 2018
Nailed it!
Loved every page and although Max will always have my heart ..,getting to know Phillip better in this book was a bonus. I was eager to learn something about timber racing .., I hope to find this new passion even further explored in your next book.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
Loved every page and although Max will always have my heart ..,getting to know Phillip better in this book was a bonus. I was eager to learn something about timber racing .., I hope to find this new passion even further explored in your next book.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
October 28, 2018
Book four was a tough act to follow, and while I understand the switching POVs between Simon and Phillip, it took me a while to accept, just because I find Simon such an engaging character. Bonus points for having a quirky chestnut Storm Cat-line gelding named Morrissey though (says the Smiths-fan owner of a quirky chestnut Storm Cat MARE, hahahaha).
August 25, 2021
I've now read the first 5 novels in this dynamite series. Stays smoothly from story to story, always something new and enjoyable. I wish there were more than 7 in the series. Ms. Pagones is a super-talented author; she educates, illuminates, makes us keep on truckin' to the end, wanting more. Can't beat that!
February 12, 2023
Language used
I love reading about horses -- all of it, showing, dressage, eventing, jumping. However, I do not like the constant cussing using the F-bomb, taking the Lord's name in vain, etc. The constant swearing is disgusting and that is why I can never finish Mary's books. And I am not against gays (had good horse friends whose entire family were gay/lesbian), but they never used the language that is so overdone in Pagones' books. Sorry as she is a good writer, but I cannot accept such offensive language.
I love reading about horses -- all of it, showing, dressage, eventing, jumping. However, I do not like the constant cussing using the F-bomb, taking the Lord's name in vain, etc. The constant swearing is disgusting and that is why I can never finish Mary's books. And I am not against gays (had good horse friends whose entire family were gay/lesbian), but they never used the language that is so overdone in Pagones' books. Sorry as she is a good writer, but I cannot accept such offensive language.
August 24, 2018
What a ride!
I love Mary Pagones prose! I'm always impressed with the quality and scope of her interlocking characters, world building, and her knowledge of the particulars of horse sports. I recommend any of her books to those people interested in reading about realistic life in the horse world!
I love Mary Pagones prose! I'm always impressed with the quality and scope of her interlocking characters, world building, and her knowledge of the particulars of horse sports. I recommend any of her books to those people interested in reading about realistic life in the horse world!
January 22, 2019
Loved it!
January 14, 2020
Loved it. Again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews