September 15, 2024
After an accident left him injured, Ian Kingston doesn't want anything to do with horses, riding, or people who love horses and riding. In spite of this, Ian reluctantly agrees to housesit at Morningsong Farm, the horse farm his sister Anne has impulsively purchased. As far as barn manager Bronwen Jones is concerned, Ian might not own the farm, but the welfare of the horses is his responsibility. So, in his sister's absence, Ian needs to step up and keep things running. Bronwen and Ian eventually work out a compromise--Ian will keep the money flowing as long as everybody leaves him alone. However, all it takes is one kiss with Bronwen to have Ian reconsidering the deal he made with her. In the auspicious start to her Morningsong Farm series, James deftly pays homage to the unique bond that can form between humans and horses as she seamlessly integrates fascinating details about the equestrian world into a richly emotional, smolderingly sensual grumpy / sunshine romance.
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November 8, 2024
Bronwen Jones is having a rough week. The equine boarding barn she manages has been sold, and the new owner is nowhere to be found as the bills--not to mention the manure--are really starting to pile up. When she hears there's someone staying in the main house, she's quick to investigate and determined to get answers. An accident has made Ian Kingston decide to turn his back on the world of horses and show jumping. When his sister asks him to housesit her new property, he's less than thrilled to find there's an active horse barn attached to it, with horses who are now his responsibility and a manager who isn't willing to let him stay uninvolved. Soon, the animals--not to mention the sexy woman who cares for them--are finding their way into his heart. Bronwen's and Ian's past problems and future plans appear incompatible, though, and they must decide if pursuing an HEA together is worth the risk. VERDICT James's (Too Hot To Touch) first Afterglow title will appeal to readers who enjoy a low-key grumpy/sunshine dynamic and romances with relatively little angst.--Rebecca Moe
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September 16, 2024
James (the Firebirds series) opens her Morning Song Farm series with an equally sweet and sensual contemporary. After Morning Song Farm’s owner sells the horse-boarding business to wealthy Anne Kingston, mismanagement and neglect leaves barn manager Bronwen Jones worried she’ll end up without a job and the horses without a home. Anne puts her reclusive brother, Ian, a former show jumper whose career was ended by a devastating injury, in charge while she’s away. When Bronwen confronts him about the farm’s management, she finds him cold, aloof, and undeniably gorgeous. She convinces him to green-light necessary repairs by promising to leave him alone. After an abused and skittish stallion arrives at the farm, however, Ian and Bronwen work together to help the horse adjust. In doing so, both wounded characters learn to face their problems head on—including their intense mutual attraction. The narrative flows easily, delivering a powerful message about fresh starts and forgiveness. Hannah Grace fans should take note. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary.