The Art of Losing

Fortune's Fool by Mary Pagones #8

by Mary Pagones

"Horses only spook at two things—things that move and things that don't."

Eventer Simon O' Shaughnessy has always prided himself on his lack of fear in the saddle. But after his talented young showjumper friend Lena Roberts has a nasty fall, Simon must question his conviction good riders never feel fear.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2021

About the author

Author 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

Reviews

[Sarah Matte · Rating 5 out of 5]

short & sweet

Simon is growing as a person and it’s so lovely. I went in knowing this was a novella, but if you are unprepared the end might surprise you a little.
That being said, this story ended in such a nice way. As always, I can’t wait for more!

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing frightens someone practiced in the art of equestrianism more...than the art of losing. Now live and on sale in the Kindle store!

[Pauline Pedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - I hope there’s number 9 (plus 10, 11, 12 - oh you get it!!) I’d miss Simon if there weren’t more books - author please note, lol!

[Stonemagpie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been so happy to read about someone going to the dentist! This was a good but short read, looking forward to finding out what Simon gets up to next.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon is a multifaceted character and this one, of all the book in this series, revealed his growth as a human being. The author writes about horses from her heart and connects with her equestrian readers on a level that gets better with each book. I hope to see more of this series but feel like if the author leaves Simon in this place in his journey through life .., that I could live with that. What an amazing character arc. Loved this book and hope to see more from an author who makes me feel I am known.

[Elana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun read

Another great book about Simon. It's a quick read I loved that jousting made an appearance. Can't wait for the next one!

[Kersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon is growing up and making better choices, while still remaining true to his punk rock roots! Ready enjoyed this read and looking forward to the next installment.

[Sara Kolenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author’s books. They are all so good and so precise with the horse details. I also really enjoy her sense of humor laced throughout the text. Highly recommend!!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Gail G · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

More upbeat than the last book and more horse riding. But some poor grammatical errors distracted from the reading for me.

[David Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Pagones is a gifted author. Simple as that. The entire Fortune's Fool series has been a great reading experience for me. Book #8 came as a surprise, and it was a very happy one. Following the several story lines was smoothly done. "Watching" the characters go through the ups and downs, growing as the books progress, telling so many evolvements was gratifying. I love this author.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment by this lovely author. I hope she keeps writing this series as I really enjoy it. It took me a while to get back into Simon’s head space as it really is quite a unique one but before long I felt like I’d never left on from the last book. I do confess to feeling sad that there wasn’t more romance in this one as it was the M/M aspect that got me into this series. I was also very sad that we didn’t see Philip or get his point of view again as I loved that in previous books. Bring him back please! And some steamy scenes and relationship angst! Or maybe a fling with the dentist 🤷‍♀️ As for the horse part I found this engaging and I assume accurate as I’m not a rider myself but felt like I could follow along with all of this easily. It was good to Ainsley again. I feel like this author really enjoys writing these books and this shines through her words. Hoping the next instalment isn’t too far away and hoping for a full length novel as this Novella ended too soon for me.