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Heroes of Heartbreak Creek #2
Where the Horses Run
“A truly original new voice” (New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas), award-winning author Kaki Warner returns to the characters of Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, as a troubled cowboy and a desperate Englishwoman come together to mend their mistakes from the past and create an exciting new future…
Wounded in body and spirit after a shootout, Rayford Jessup leaves his career as a lawman and uses his gift with damaged horses to bring meaning to his solitary life. Hired by a Scotsman in Heartbreak Creek to purchase thoroughbreds, he travels to England, unaware that a traumatized horse and a beautiful Englishwoman will change his life forever.
Josephine Cathcart loves two things: her illegitimate son and her injured stallion. Faced with her father’s looming bankruptcy, she must choose between a loveless marriage to the man who ruined her, or risk her horse and her future on a handsome, taciturn Texan and a high-stakes horse race. But as vengeful forces conspire against them, will Rafe’s love and healing touch be enough to save her horse and protect her and her son?
Wounded in body and spirit after a shootout, Rayford Jessup leaves his career as a lawman and uses his gift with damaged horses to bring meaning to his solitary life. Hired by a Scotsman in Heartbreak Creek to purchase thoroughbreds, he travels to England, unaware that a traumatized horse and a beautiful Englishwoman will change his life forever.
Josephine Cathcart loves two things: her illegitimate son and her injured stallion. Faced with her father’s looming bankruptcy, she must choose between a loveless marriage to the man who ruined her, or risk her horse and her future on a handsome, taciturn Texan and a high-stakes horse race. But as vengeful forces conspire against them, will Rafe’s love and healing touch be enough to save her horse and protect her and her son?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Kaki Warner
18 books189 followersKaki Warner is an award-winning author and long time resident of the Pacific Northwest. Although she now lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Kaki actually grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Her years spent riding horses and enjoying the expansive views of Texas became the Historical Romance Author, Kaki Warner inspiration for the backdrop of her novels - the wide-open spaces of historic New Mexico Territory.
Several years ago after their two children had left for college, Kaki and her husband, Joe, moved from the city to their hilltop cabin overlooking the scenic Methow Valley. Kaki now spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and soaking in the view from the deck with her husband and floppy-eared hound dog.
Several years ago after their two children had left for college, Kaki and her husband, Joe, moved from the city to their hilltop cabin overlooking the scenic Methow Valley. Kaki now spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and soaking in the view from the deck with her husband and floppy-eared hound dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 22, 2014
Where the Horses Run was a sweeping historical romance that felt like an old western, even with the majority of the story set in England.
Twenty-six year old Josephine Cathcart’s choices are dwindling when her father’s poor money management has them on the brink of financial ruin. Josephine seems to be one of his last valuable “assets” he has to rescue them, and so she’s pressured to take an unsavory offer of marriage to get them out of debt. Narrowing her options further is her beloved son, Jaime, the result of a naïve tryst with a baron who seduced and made promises and then left her to suffer a reputation of ruin and debauchery. When Josephine refuses to play along, her father has no choice but to sell off their prize horses and this is how she meets Rafe, an American horse wrangler.
Rafe is working for a Scottish earl buying horses for his stables. When the earl hears of Mr. Cathcart’s plans to sell his horses they make arrangements to visit and check out their stock. After having been burned romantically in the past, Rafe had no designs to settle down, until he laid eyes on Josephine. She’s sweet, strong, intelligent and beautiful. He could care less about her reputation, but he’s in no position to care for a wife and son. However, seeing how Josephine’s father treats her, as a commodity to sell off to the highest bidder enrages him. Soon he’s trying to figure out a way to win Josephine’s heart and make their situation work.
This was a beautiful, sweeping love story. With so many obstacles I wondered how things could possibly work. Rafe was such an honorable man and I fell a little more for him every time he defended Jaime or Josephine. I adored Josephine and the fact she held her head high even when others looked down on her for having an illegitimate son. Her love and care of Jaime was her priority even at the expense of her own happiness, so I truly felt she deserved a happy ending.
I hated how Josphine’s father treated her! I don’t think I would’ve survived back in the 1800’s because I would’ve run my mouth without thought of the consequences. Josephine was wise enough to bide her time, appease, and then do what she wanted anyhow. She was a strong and shrewd woman.
I was sort of reminded of the western movie, Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner, while reading Where the Horses Run. This worked perfectly because I loved that movie!
The little town of Heartbreak Creek sounds like a place I’d love to visit so I’ll keep my eye out for the next in this series which will feature Thomas, the Cheyenne Indian and his troubled romance with Prudence Lincoln.
A copy was provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty-six year old Josephine Cathcart’s choices are dwindling when her father’s poor money management has them on the brink of financial ruin. Josephine seems to be one of his last valuable “assets” he has to rescue them, and so she’s pressured to take an unsavory offer of marriage to get them out of debt. Narrowing her options further is her beloved son, Jaime, the result of a naïve tryst with a baron who seduced and made promises and then left her to suffer a reputation of ruin and debauchery. When Josephine refuses to play along, her father has no choice but to sell off their prize horses and this is how she meets Rafe, an American horse wrangler.
Rafe is working for a Scottish earl buying horses for his stables. When the earl hears of Mr. Cathcart’s plans to sell his horses they make arrangements to visit and check out their stock. After having been burned romantically in the past, Rafe had no designs to settle down, until he laid eyes on Josephine. She’s sweet, strong, intelligent and beautiful. He could care less about her reputation, but he’s in no position to care for a wife and son. However, seeing how Josephine’s father treats her, as a commodity to sell off to the highest bidder enrages him. Soon he’s trying to figure out a way to win Josephine’s heart and make their situation work.
This was a beautiful, sweeping love story. With so many obstacles I wondered how things could possibly work. Rafe was such an honorable man and I fell a little more for him every time he defended Jaime or Josephine. I adored Josephine and the fact she held her head high even when others looked down on her for having an illegitimate son. Her love and care of Jaime was her priority even at the expense of her own happiness, so I truly felt she deserved a happy ending.
I hated how Josphine’s father treated her! I don’t think I would’ve survived back in the 1800’s because I would’ve run my mouth without thought of the consequences. Josephine was wise enough to bide her time, appease, and then do what she wanted anyhow. She was a strong and shrewd woman.
I was sort of reminded of the western movie, Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner, while reading Where the Horses Run. This worked perfectly because I loved that movie!
The little town of Heartbreak Creek sounds like a place I’d love to visit so I’ll keep my eye out for the next in this series which will feature Thomas, the Cheyenne Indian and his troubled romance with Prudence Lincoln.
A copy was provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2016
Great Western Historical—and this one has England & Scotland, too!
Set 1871 in England and Scotland (bracketed by scenes from Texas and Colorado) this is the story of Rafford Jessup (“Rafe”), the former lawman we met in BEHIND HIS BLUE EYES.
Rafe is the wrangler Ash (Lord Kirkwell) hires to go with him to England to procure breeding stock for his thoroughbred ranch in Heartbreak Creek. One of the places they hope to buy horses is in Penrith, England where a former coal miner who became wealthy is being forced to sell his stock. His daughter, Josephine Cathcart, is a ruined woman who had a son by her baron lover who deserted her to marry someone of higher rank. Sadly, Josephine must go along with selling her prized stallion “Pens” unless her father can marry her off to a wealthy man. And so they travel to America. On the ship sailing back to England, they all come together.
Warner serves up a wonderful cast of characters with this installment in the series: cowboys, Scots, the Cheyenne Indian Thomas Redstone, who we have come to love from Warner’s other books, an Irish maid, and some irascible Englishmen, including the valet, Pringle who continually banters with Ash—all wrapped around a love story between two unlikely people in Victorian England who share a passion for horses.
Rafe is the 19th century equivalent of a Texas “horse whisperer,” and Josephine is an Englishwoman who has borne her shame with dignity. I loved them both. And I was delighted to see that Warner brought back Ash and his countess.
The humor and emotion will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. And did I mention that there’s lots of fun in this most unusual tale. You can enjoy it alone, but it’s best devoured with the rest of Warner’s Heartbreak Creek stories: the Runaway Brides trilogy and the Heroes of Heartbreak Creek. I recommend them all! The next will be the story of the Cheyenne dog soldier, Thomas, and the half black schoolteacher, Pru. I CAN’T WAIT for that one!
Set 1871 in England and Scotland (bracketed by scenes from Texas and Colorado) this is the story of Rafford Jessup (“Rafe”), the former lawman we met in BEHIND HIS BLUE EYES.
Rafe is the wrangler Ash (Lord Kirkwell) hires to go with him to England to procure breeding stock for his thoroughbred ranch in Heartbreak Creek. One of the places they hope to buy horses is in Penrith, England where a former coal miner who became wealthy is being forced to sell his stock. His daughter, Josephine Cathcart, is a ruined woman who had a son by her baron lover who deserted her to marry someone of higher rank. Sadly, Josephine must go along with selling her prized stallion “Pens” unless her father can marry her off to a wealthy man. And so they travel to America. On the ship sailing back to England, they all come together.
Warner serves up a wonderful cast of characters with this installment in the series: cowboys, Scots, the Cheyenne Indian Thomas Redstone, who we have come to love from Warner’s other books, an Irish maid, and some irascible Englishmen, including the valet, Pringle who continually banters with Ash—all wrapped around a love story between two unlikely people in Victorian England who share a passion for horses.
Rafe is the 19th century equivalent of a Texas “horse whisperer,” and Josephine is an Englishwoman who has borne her shame with dignity. I loved them both. And I was delighted to see that Warner brought back Ash and his countess.
The humor and emotion will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. And did I mention that there’s lots of fun in this most unusual tale. You can enjoy it alone, but it’s best devoured with the rest of Warner’s Heartbreak Creek stories: the Runaway Brides trilogy and the Heroes of Heartbreak Creek. I recommend them all! The next will be the story of the Cheyenne dog soldier, Thomas, and the half black schoolteacher, Pru. I CAN’T WAIT for that one!
June 25, 2020
Another beautiful book in an awesome series! Loved Rafe & Josie! And now onward to the final book and Thomas & Pru's story. If you love historical western romance, this author's work is perfect. Highly Recommended.
July 22, 2014
Why did I give this 5 stars? I love horses and this story revolves around horses that will be brought to America. The characters include some I've come to love in previous stories, and the writing is compelling. It pulled me in even though historicals are not my favorite genre. Mostly, though, this story WORKS! It gave me lots to think about, not least the relationship between Westerners, Scotsmen, and Englishwomen, as well as the social situations that often imprisoned women into situations not of their own making.
That Josephine not only survives but is not destroyed by her reputation and what happened to her made me cheer every effort she made to ensure a positive life experience for her innocent son. That Rafe sees her for the strong woman she is only made the story that much better.
I'm eager for the next in this Heroes of Heartbreak Creek series.
That Josephine not only survives but is not destroyed by her reputation and what happened to her made me cheer every effort she made to ensure a positive life experience for her innocent son. That Rafe sees her for the strong woman she is only made the story that much better.
I'm eager for the next in this Heroes of Heartbreak Creek series.
July 5, 2014
Everything about this book had appeal for me: Cowboy horse wrangler, genteel English lady, horses, horse racing and a desperate plotting father. Oh and hey, a kilted highlander or two tossed in for good measure. This story by a new to me author and the second in a series was engaging from cover to cover.
As to the fact that it was a second book, I had no trouble reading it out of order. That being said, I am definitely going back for the other story of this series and the series it is a spin-off from.
Josephine Cathcart, disgraced daughter of a commoner who made his former wealth in the mines, is now faced with hard choices as her father pushes her to take a rich husband even as he desperately schemes, gambles and sells everything off to clear his debts after his coal mines played out. Josephine is reluctant for her own part, but even more so for her illegitimate son, Jamie. Her father's trip to America to get some American investors in his latest scheme and attempts to find a rich husband for her didn't work, but on the trip back a wealthy Scottish earl shows an interest in their stables and will send his wrangler along to check out all the horses including her most loved Pembroke's Pride a fine stallion who was injured in his only race.
Rafe Jessup is starting over after recovering from the wounds he received as a US Marshall on a case gone bad. A chance encounter with Ash, Lord Kirkwell, and his desire to set up a horse ranch in Colorado, takes Rafe, the Cheyenne Dog Soldier, Thomas Redstone, and the Earl and his Countess across the sea to England where Rafe encounters the lovely Miss Cathcart and her scheming father. At Rafe's recommendation, the Earl buys many of Cathcart's stable of horses and leaves Rafe at the Cathcart's estate while he goes on to Scotland to deal with affairs on his own estate. Rafe grows close to Josephine and her son, but he knows he doesn't stand a chance with such a fine lady who has been raised to wealthy living on a fine English estate. He has nothing to offer, but the fate of Josey, Jamie, and a horse named Pems leads him to take his courage in hand and go for it all in the face of Cathcart and the Baron set on having Josey from him.
I loved the juxtaposition of Wild West meets English gentry this story offered. Rafe's presence along with Thomas brought the frontier to England as they worked with the horses and though they were out of their element neither tried to conform to fit in. The story line of Rafe working with Pems and the excitement of the cross country race was wonderful and thrilling. Josephine's sad situation of being caught between a rock and a hard place kept the tension up too though I will admit there was a bit of drag in the middle of the story while it was setting this situation up.
The romance was slow to build as Rafe and Josey became friends and then wanted something more and then finally became lovers. I enjoyed how they worked through the barriers even down to the differences in how they reasoned. Rafe was stalwart and understanding, he was tough and confident, but he was still vulnerable where Josey was concerned because it was important to him that he be a good provider. He didn't realize that his reticence about his prospects or that he didn't verbalize his feelings made Josey think that he didn't want her enough. Josephine is the opposite of Rafe in ways though she is stronger than she thinks. She is vulnerable on the outside because of her past mistakes and the trouble her father's failed schemes and gambling gets her into. She is conflicted about the sure thing of marrying for money and a chance at legitimacy and a title for Jamie or following her heart into the unknown particularly when Rafe first tells her to go for the sure thing even though he makes it clear that he cares for her and Jamie.
All in all, I enjoyed the situations of the characters, the settings, the romance and that great plot build to the cross country race. Historical Romance lovers should definitely give this a try if they enjoy both American West and English Countryside settings with a slightly spicy slow build romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
As to the fact that it was a second book, I had no trouble reading it out of order. That being said, I am definitely going back for the other story of this series and the series it is a spin-off from.
Josephine Cathcart, disgraced daughter of a commoner who made his former wealth in the mines, is now faced with hard choices as her father pushes her to take a rich husband even as he desperately schemes, gambles and sells everything off to clear his debts after his coal mines played out. Josephine is reluctant for her own part, but even more so for her illegitimate son, Jamie. Her father's trip to America to get some American investors in his latest scheme and attempts to find a rich husband for her didn't work, but on the trip back a wealthy Scottish earl shows an interest in their stables and will send his wrangler along to check out all the horses including her most loved Pembroke's Pride a fine stallion who was injured in his only race.
Rafe Jessup is starting over after recovering from the wounds he received as a US Marshall on a case gone bad. A chance encounter with Ash, Lord Kirkwell, and his desire to set up a horse ranch in Colorado, takes Rafe, the Cheyenne Dog Soldier, Thomas Redstone, and the Earl and his Countess across the sea to England where Rafe encounters the lovely Miss Cathcart and her scheming father. At Rafe's recommendation, the Earl buys many of Cathcart's stable of horses and leaves Rafe at the Cathcart's estate while he goes on to Scotland to deal with affairs on his own estate. Rafe grows close to Josephine and her son, but he knows he doesn't stand a chance with such a fine lady who has been raised to wealthy living on a fine English estate. He has nothing to offer, but the fate of Josey, Jamie, and a horse named Pems leads him to take his courage in hand and go for it all in the face of Cathcart and the Baron set on having Josey from him.
I loved the juxtaposition of Wild West meets English gentry this story offered. Rafe's presence along with Thomas brought the frontier to England as they worked with the horses and though they were out of their element neither tried to conform to fit in. The story line of Rafe working with Pems and the excitement of the cross country race was wonderful and thrilling. Josephine's sad situation of being caught between a rock and a hard place kept the tension up too though I will admit there was a bit of drag in the middle of the story while it was setting this situation up.
The romance was slow to build as Rafe and Josey became friends and then wanted something more and then finally became lovers. I enjoyed how they worked through the barriers even down to the differences in how they reasoned. Rafe was stalwart and understanding, he was tough and confident, but he was still vulnerable where Josey was concerned because it was important to him that he be a good provider. He didn't realize that his reticence about his prospects or that he didn't verbalize his feelings made Josey think that he didn't want her enough. Josephine is the opposite of Rafe in ways though she is stronger than she thinks. She is vulnerable on the outside because of her past mistakes and the trouble her father's failed schemes and gambling gets her into. She is conflicted about the sure thing of marrying for money and a chance at legitimacy and a title for Jamie or following her heart into the unknown particularly when Rafe first tells her to go for the sure thing even though he makes it clear that he cares for her and Jamie.
All in all, I enjoyed the situations of the characters, the settings, the romance and that great plot build to the cross country race. Historical Romance lovers should definitely give this a try if they enjoy both American West and English Countryside settings with a slightly spicy slow build romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this richly drawn historical western novel with a loner hero, a quietly courageous heroine, and a very romantic storyline. Rafe Jessup has taken a job to help a Scotsman purchase thoroughbreds in England, but when he meets Josie Cathcart and her illegitimate son he strives to find a way for them to be together. Ms. Warner has written characters with depth and a believable storyline, and her knowledge of horses really gives this tale an added layer. I highly recommend the story. And although it’s the second book in her Heroes of Heartbreak Creek series, it can easily be read on its own.
July 14, 2023
I loved this book and author so much.
Josie and Rafe met while he was looking at buying horses from her father on behalf of Ash. Josie had an illegitimate son and her father was determined to make her marry her son's father to get himself out of debt.
Josie and Rafe overcame obstacles with the help of their friends. Rafe won a horse race and bought Josie's horse from her dad. Josie and Rafe and her son Jamie sailed to America to start their new life and got married on the ship.
Josie and Rafe met while he was looking at buying horses from her father on behalf of Ash. Josie had an illegitimate son and her father was determined to make her marry her son's father to get himself out of debt.
Josie and Rafe overcame obstacles with the help of their friends. Rafe won a horse race and bought Josie's horse from her dad. Josie and Rafe and her son Jamie sailed to America to start their new life and got married on the ship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2016
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This latest effort by Kaki Warner is a little bit of a departure from her previous books as the majority of this novel takes place in England rather than the American West, but the west does not entirely disappear as a majority of the characters are Heartbreak Creek residents traveling to England. These characters from Heartbreak Creek figure prominently in the story, so for those who have devoured all of Warner’s books, revisiting old friends makes this book even better. It is always satisfying to find out what happens to beloved characters once their story has been told, and I enjoyed reading about Angus and Maddie from Colorado Dawn and Thomas Redstone (who figures throughout most of her books). But it is the hero from this book that breaks the mold.
Rayford Jessup is not, at first glance, the typical romance novel hero. He is not wealthy, a huge alpha male, or arrogant, and his appearance is described as “well favored” rather than drop dead gorgeous. A former lawman who was injured in a shootout, Rafe has been drifting with no real purpose in his life. He has no home and not much in the way of visible means of support. What does separate him from the pack is his affinity with horses. A chance meeting with Angus Wallace, former Viscount Ashby and now the Earl of Kirkwell, changes his life for the better. Ash wants to build a strong stable of horses in Colorado and he ends up hiring Rafe to travel with him to England to help choose some horses to breed with his American stock. Rafe is also tasked with keeping Cheyenne Dog Soldier Thomas Redstone in check as he joins the traveling party headed across the pond. While on the ship heading across the Atlantic, the Heartbreak Creek party becomes acquainted with the Cathcarts.
Mr. Cathcart is an Englishman who made his fortune in mining, but is in danger of losing his new fortune through bad investment decisions. His daughter Josephine is beautiful and has the manners of a lady, but when her titled beau deserted her when she became pregnant, her marriage prospects to a respectable gentleman dropped considerably. Mr. Cathcart needs an influx of funds and he needs them yesterday. When Josephine refuses to marry an elderly neighbor in exchange for new cash, Mr. Cathcart contrives to find a wealthy American who has no knowledge of Josephine’s illegitimate son. He tells Josephine that they are traveling to America to purchase a new augur for his mines, but she knows what his real purpose is and is determined to thwart him. Josephine meets Rafe on the trip home when they are traveling on the same ship. Ash has heard of Mr. Cathcart’s stables and is interested in purchasing some of his stock. When he discovers that his wife Maddie is pregnant, he decides to take her on to Scotland and appoints Rafe to travel to the Cathcart estate to look over the horses. Josephine has a horse named Pembroke’s Pride who is the best horse in their stable, but he was injured in a race and now refuses to cross water. It doesn’t take long for Rafe to understand that the horse is not the only one in need of saving; Josephine and her son need a hero as well.
While neither Rafe or Josephine are truly ordinary people, they are much closer to ordinary than we typically find in an American/British romance. Rafe is a directionless drifter and Josephine’s new money places her in a precarious social situation in class conscious 19th century England. I like that Warner chose her main characters out of the common mold. Rafe is just a darling. His calm manner as a type of “horse whisperer” carries over into his interactions with people and it is hard not to just love him to death. By British standards, the Cathcarts occupy that tenuous social rung below the aristocracy, but above the working class, but even so their wealth is something that Rafe has never experienced in his life. To him, Josephine is beyond his reach as his male psyche cannot abide the thought he would not be able to support her in the manner to which she is accustomed. The main obstacle to their romance is her perceived unattainability.
Josephine is equally likeable as a heroine and has just as much depth to her as Rafe. Kaki Warner has done a great job of writing two very well fleshed out characters. Josephine’s father is also an obstacle as he has much greater plans for his daughter – and a penniless American simply will not do. He is also an ill-tempered, conniving man who would just as soon toss Rafe off his property, but cannot afford to anger the Earl of Kirkwell. His character is also extremely believable and well written. Another obstacle to their HEA arrives in the form of the father of Josie’s illegitimate child. While his inclusion was not exactly contrived, I did not feel it was absolutely necessary to introduce this element to the story. It was an interesting development, but it just felt a little like piling on. However, that is the only criticism I found in this book – and the reason it just missed DIK status for me.
Warner fans will be pleased with the latest in the Heartbreak Creek storyline, but readers need not have read all of the previous books to enjoy this one. It works well as a standalone. I look forward to the next story by Kaki Warner.
This latest effort by Kaki Warner is a little bit of a departure from her previous books as the majority of this novel takes place in England rather than the American West, but the west does not entirely disappear as a majority of the characters are Heartbreak Creek residents traveling to England. These characters from Heartbreak Creek figure prominently in the story, so for those who have devoured all of Warner’s books, revisiting old friends makes this book even better. It is always satisfying to find out what happens to beloved characters once their story has been told, and I enjoyed reading about Angus and Maddie from Colorado Dawn and Thomas Redstone (who figures throughout most of her books). But it is the hero from this book that breaks the mold.
Rayford Jessup is not, at first glance, the typical romance novel hero. He is not wealthy, a huge alpha male, or arrogant, and his appearance is described as “well favored” rather than drop dead gorgeous. A former lawman who was injured in a shootout, Rafe has been drifting with no real purpose in his life. He has no home and not much in the way of visible means of support. What does separate him from the pack is his affinity with horses. A chance meeting with Angus Wallace, former Viscount Ashby and now the Earl of Kirkwell, changes his life for the better. Ash wants to build a strong stable of horses in Colorado and he ends up hiring Rafe to travel with him to England to help choose some horses to breed with his American stock. Rafe is also tasked with keeping Cheyenne Dog Soldier Thomas Redstone in check as he joins the traveling party headed across the pond. While on the ship heading across the Atlantic, the Heartbreak Creek party becomes acquainted with the Cathcarts.
Mr. Cathcart is an Englishman who made his fortune in mining, but is in danger of losing his new fortune through bad investment decisions. His daughter Josephine is beautiful and has the manners of a lady, but when her titled beau deserted her when she became pregnant, her marriage prospects to a respectable gentleman dropped considerably. Mr. Cathcart needs an influx of funds and he needs them yesterday. When Josephine refuses to marry an elderly neighbor in exchange for new cash, Mr. Cathcart contrives to find a wealthy American who has no knowledge of Josephine’s illegitimate son. He tells Josephine that they are traveling to America to purchase a new augur for his mines, but she knows what his real purpose is and is determined to thwart him. Josephine meets Rafe on the trip home when they are traveling on the same ship. Ash has heard of Mr. Cathcart’s stables and is interested in purchasing some of his stock. When he discovers that his wife Maddie is pregnant, he decides to take her on to Scotland and appoints Rafe to travel to the Cathcart estate to look over the horses. Josephine has a horse named Pembroke’s Pride who is the best horse in their stable, but he was injured in a race and now refuses to cross water. It doesn’t take long for Rafe to understand that the horse is not the only one in need of saving; Josephine and her son need a hero as well.
While neither Rafe or Josephine are truly ordinary people, they are much closer to ordinary than we typically find in an American/British romance. Rafe is a directionless drifter and Josephine’s new money places her in a precarious social situation in class conscious 19th century England. I like that Warner chose her main characters out of the common mold. Rafe is just a darling. His calm manner as a type of “horse whisperer” carries over into his interactions with people and it is hard not to just love him to death. By British standards, the Cathcarts occupy that tenuous social rung below the aristocracy, but above the working class, but even so their wealth is something that Rafe has never experienced in his life. To him, Josephine is beyond his reach as his male psyche cannot abide the thought he would not be able to support her in the manner to which she is accustomed. The main obstacle to their romance is her perceived unattainability.
Josephine is equally likeable as a heroine and has just as much depth to her as Rafe. Kaki Warner has done a great job of writing two very well fleshed out characters. Josephine’s father is also an obstacle as he has much greater plans for his daughter – and a penniless American simply will not do. He is also an ill-tempered, conniving man who would just as soon toss Rafe off his property, but cannot afford to anger the Earl of Kirkwell. His character is also extremely believable and well written. Another obstacle to their HEA arrives in the form of the father of Josie’s illegitimate child. While his inclusion was not exactly contrived, I did not feel it was absolutely necessary to introduce this element to the story. It was an interesting development, but it just felt a little like piling on. However, that is the only criticism I found in this book – and the reason it just missed DIK status for me.
Warner fans will be pleased with the latest in the Heartbreak Creek storyline, but readers need not have read all of the previous books to enjoy this one. It works well as a standalone. I look forward to the next story by Kaki Warner.
November 15, 2023
I liked that the romance grew and there was no instantaneous sex.
I didn't like that Josephine rewarded her father at the end of the book considering his disgusting behaviour.
It made no sense that someone was suspected of concealing a weapon and was not called out in the race scene.
Although this was a good book I found it rather stressful to read; perhaps because there was no humour.
I didn't like that Josephine rewarded her father at the end of the book considering his disgusting behaviour.
It made no sense that someone was suspected of concealing a weapon and was not called out in the race scene.
Although this was a good book I found it rather stressful to read; perhaps because there was no humour.
June 7, 2020
With people crossing the ocean in both directions, it was a bit confusing to figure out who was going where when they met. I enjoyed how the villains had a humanizing redemption, despite being confronted with their own actions.
August 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book although there were a couple of parts that were a little bit steamy for me. This was my second book by this author. There are lots of characters to enjoy and travels and horse racing. I recommend this book and author.
June 15, 2017
I ❤️ Rafe, he's my new book beau.
August 6, 2018
Really enjoyable read on all counts.
March 7, 2021
A little on the longish side but still interesting.
February 17, 2022
Loved this book. A cowboy in England and a Native American too was funny and sad. Great read
August 5, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
July 17, 2014
Favorite Quote: “You give me courage, Rafe,” she whispered against his lips. “And I adore you for that.”
Kaki Warner is back with a new book and I couldn’t be more excited. The past couple of books haven’t been my favorite but Where the Horses Run brings back the warm and passionate characters that I adore from this author. This might not be the most action-packed western I’ve read, but it kept me intrigued the entire time.
Rafe Jessup was a Deputy U.S Marshal in Texas, but after being seriously shot, he trades in that life to focus on his other love – caring for damaged horses. He not only lost his career as a Marshal while in Texas, but also a woman he loved. Choosing the more solitary life, he takes a job with Lord Kirkwell (aka Ash from Colorado Dawn) to help him decide which thoroughbreds he should purchase. Ash lives in Scotland and in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. This book takes place all in England, as Ash travels to our heroine’s house to look at her horses.
Josephine’s life has not turned out as she has planned. She gets pregnant by a man who dumps her when he finds someone with more money. Now her son is eight years old and the love of her life. Her father has wasted away most of their money and now wants to sell her beloved horses to pay off his creditors. When Rafe shows up to look over their horses, she goes from so angry that her father would think of selling them, to very curious about this American man. He is a man of few words, but the words he chooses to speak to her mean a lot. She discovers his true love of horses and that he treats them much better than her father ever does. They have a lot in common and soon become close friends.
Josephine has one horse in particular, named Pembroke’s Pride that is her most favorite. Injured in a previous race and paranoid of water now, Rafe decides to try to get Pem back to his old shape. Josephine’s father wants to race him again, to win money to pay off his debts, which horrifies Josephine.
What I think is well done in this book is how much Josephine wants out of her father’s control, yet he has so much control she can’t just walk away. Josephine and Rafe fall in love, but love doesn’t make her situation any less tricky. Rafe doesn’t have a lot of money, or a house or a career really. He is more just a wanderer, who Ash happened to pick up to help him purchase horses. Josephine has a kid with a Baron, who comes back sniffing around, much to the delight of Josephine’s father. She has to worry about the well-being of her son. But she also craves freedom, not just from her father but from the strict social standards that England has, and the stares and gossip she has received since she bore an illegitimate child. In America, she would be more free – but she just has to get there with Rafe. The ultimate plan devised and series of events that occur are done well.
In this book, there isn’t a lot of action, but the characters are very well developed. We really get into their heads and learn their personalities. Rafe has been traveling with an American Indian named Thomas (he has shown up in previous book, and his book is next. I’m so excited for it). His relationship with Thomas has amusing moments, but also shows us insight into each of their characters. I wish we had learned a bit more about what really happened to Rafe back in Texas, maybe more of his early life. Rafe is a very mature man, who comes to understand Josephine quite well. He understands her pain when she speaks about her horses, he understands her frustration with her father. He is patient, and a good listener, but also protective of her and his temper flares up easily when he has to deal with her father or those that don’t treat her well.
As with most Kaki Warner books, she gives us great romance and chemistry, but fade to black sex scenes. Sigh. In this book we do get an actual sex scene, although it’s quite mild. But I’ll take it. Rafe is a big sexy man, with bullet scars and muscular thighs. I’ll take what we can get *wink*
I really enjoyed Rafe and Josephine and I can not wait to get Thomas’s story. We’ve seen him so much in past book and he needs his happy ever after!
Rating: B
Kaki Warner is back with a new book and I couldn’t be more excited. The past couple of books haven’t been my favorite but Where the Horses Run brings back the warm and passionate characters that I adore from this author. This might not be the most action-packed western I’ve read, but it kept me intrigued the entire time.
Rafe Jessup was a Deputy U.S Marshal in Texas, but after being seriously shot, he trades in that life to focus on his other love – caring for damaged horses. He not only lost his career as a Marshal while in Texas, but also a woman he loved. Choosing the more solitary life, he takes a job with Lord Kirkwell (aka Ash from Colorado Dawn) to help him decide which thoroughbreds he should purchase. Ash lives in Scotland and in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. This book takes place all in England, as Ash travels to our heroine’s house to look at her horses.
Josephine’s life has not turned out as she has planned. She gets pregnant by a man who dumps her when he finds someone with more money. Now her son is eight years old and the love of her life. Her father has wasted away most of their money and now wants to sell her beloved horses to pay off his creditors. When Rafe shows up to look over their horses, she goes from so angry that her father would think of selling them, to very curious about this American man. He is a man of few words, but the words he chooses to speak to her mean a lot. She discovers his true love of horses and that he treats them much better than her father ever does. They have a lot in common and soon become close friends.
Josephine has one horse in particular, named Pembroke’s Pride that is her most favorite. Injured in a previous race and paranoid of water now, Rafe decides to try to get Pem back to his old shape. Josephine’s father wants to race him again, to win money to pay off his debts, which horrifies Josephine.
What I think is well done in this book is how much Josephine wants out of her father’s control, yet he has so much control she can’t just walk away. Josephine and Rafe fall in love, but love doesn’t make her situation any less tricky. Rafe doesn’t have a lot of money, or a house or a career really. He is more just a wanderer, who Ash happened to pick up to help him purchase horses. Josephine has a kid with a Baron, who comes back sniffing around, much to the delight of Josephine’s father. She has to worry about the well-being of her son. But she also craves freedom, not just from her father but from the strict social standards that England has, and the stares and gossip she has received since she bore an illegitimate child. In America, she would be more free – but she just has to get there with Rafe. The ultimate plan devised and series of events that occur are done well.
In this book, there isn’t a lot of action, but the characters are very well developed. We really get into their heads and learn their personalities. Rafe has been traveling with an American Indian named Thomas (he has shown up in previous book, and his book is next. I’m so excited for it). His relationship with Thomas has amusing moments, but also shows us insight into each of their characters. I wish we had learned a bit more about what really happened to Rafe back in Texas, maybe more of his early life. Rafe is a very mature man, who comes to understand Josephine quite well. He understands her pain when she speaks about her horses, he understands her frustration with her father. He is patient, and a good listener, but also protective of her and his temper flares up easily when he has to deal with her father or those that don’t treat her well.
As with most Kaki Warner books, she gives us great romance and chemistry, but fade to black sex scenes. Sigh. In this book we do get an actual sex scene, although it’s quite mild. But I’ll take it. Rafe is a big sexy man, with bullet scars and muscular thighs. I’ll take what we can get *wink*
I really enjoyed Rafe and Josephine and I can not wait to get Thomas’s story. We’ve seen him so much in past book and he needs his happy ever after!
Rating: B
October 26, 2022
Heroine completely lacked any gumption.
July 2, 2014
While I love the old west as written by Kaki Warner and I’ve enjoyed every minute she’s given readers with Heartbreak Creek characters, this time she takes our cowboys, Indians, and horses to England. All that stuffiness across the pond had never seen the like of our hero, Rayford, and his trusty Indian sidekick, Thomas. What fun I had as they brought their own brand of excitement to the British.
Nothing better to do at the moment and nowhere else to go after leaving behind memories he’d rather not have of Texas, Rayford Jessop takes the long trip to the English countryside to round up horse stock for his new friend Ash. Keeping an eye on the exasperating Indian Thomas is a job all in itself, especially once he meets the captivating Josephine Cathcart. Rafe also takes on the job of rehabilitating her prize stallion after a horrific accident in the last race he ran.
Josie and her son live with her father, a man who made his money in mining but who’s now lost it all through drinking and gambling. He’s at the point where his schemes no longer work and he’s using Josie to lure wealthy men he’ll force her to marry just to make his life easier. If it weren’t for her son and the horses, especially the injured Pems, she’d never be able to get past her father’s machinations and the town’s quiet but obvious disdain of her fallen reputation.
I love these two main characters. Rafe may think he has nothing to offer Josephine – the reason he first keeps his attraction in check – but the man is as honorable, gentle, and kind as the day is long. His past has shaped him into the observant horse whisperer he is. The early scenes when Josie’s irritation shows at Rafe’s stinginess with words are such fun as they get to know one another. Also enjoyable are the scenes as Josie’s backbone becomes more rigid where her father is concerned. Of course, she has huge decisions to make, especially about her son’s future, let alone her own, but I want to scream every time she has doubts after speaking to her father. The man is only out for himself.
The best thing about this story is how all the characters fit together. Even the villains. They have their moments, especially the jerk in the race near the end of the book. We get to see a lot of Ash and Maddie, since it is Ash who is looking for stock to take back to Heartbreak Creek. Maddie befriends Josephine, and Josie takes to the friendship like a duck to water. She’s never had such closeness with another female, save her maid, and that’s a different thing entirely. I especially like the relationship that grows between Rafe and Jamie, Josie’s son. The boy couldn’t have picked a better father figure.
I enjoyed this change of pace, but I’m also happy we got back to Heartbreak Creek at the end, even for a few pages. So I’m definitely looking forward to spending a lot more time with all those beloved townsfolk in the next book. This story can be read as a stand-alone, but if you’re just new to Kaki Warner, I’d definitely start at the beginning, because her lineup of characters and all that happens with them are fun, emotional, heart wrenching; you’ll laugh out loud and you’ll tear up here and there. So why miss all of that by starting five-plus books in?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Nothing better to do at the moment and nowhere else to go after leaving behind memories he’d rather not have of Texas, Rayford Jessop takes the long trip to the English countryside to round up horse stock for his new friend Ash. Keeping an eye on the exasperating Indian Thomas is a job all in itself, especially once he meets the captivating Josephine Cathcart. Rafe also takes on the job of rehabilitating her prize stallion after a horrific accident in the last race he ran.
Josie and her son live with her father, a man who made his money in mining but who’s now lost it all through drinking and gambling. He’s at the point where his schemes no longer work and he’s using Josie to lure wealthy men he’ll force her to marry just to make his life easier. If it weren’t for her son and the horses, especially the injured Pems, she’d never be able to get past her father’s machinations and the town’s quiet but obvious disdain of her fallen reputation.
I love these two main characters. Rafe may think he has nothing to offer Josephine – the reason he first keeps his attraction in check – but the man is as honorable, gentle, and kind as the day is long. His past has shaped him into the observant horse whisperer he is. The early scenes when Josie’s irritation shows at Rafe’s stinginess with words are such fun as they get to know one another. Also enjoyable are the scenes as Josie’s backbone becomes more rigid where her father is concerned. Of course, she has huge decisions to make, especially about her son’s future, let alone her own, but I want to scream every time she has doubts after speaking to her father. The man is only out for himself.
The best thing about this story is how all the characters fit together. Even the villains. They have their moments, especially the jerk in the race near the end of the book. We get to see a lot of Ash and Maddie, since it is Ash who is looking for stock to take back to Heartbreak Creek. Maddie befriends Josephine, and Josie takes to the friendship like a duck to water. She’s never had such closeness with another female, save her maid, and that’s a different thing entirely. I especially like the relationship that grows between Rafe and Jamie, Josie’s son. The boy couldn’t have picked a better father figure.
I enjoyed this change of pace, but I’m also happy we got back to Heartbreak Creek at the end, even for a few pages. So I’m definitely looking forward to spending a lot more time with all those beloved townsfolk in the next book. This story can be read as a stand-alone, but if you’re just new to Kaki Warner, I’d definitely start at the beginning, because her lineup of characters and all that happens with them are fun, emotional, heart wrenching; you’ll laugh out loud and you’ll tear up here and there. So why miss all of that by starting five-plus books in?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
August 7, 2014
Wounded in body and spirit after a shootout, Rayford Jessup leaves his career as a lawman and uses his gift with damaged horses to bring meaning to his solitary life. Hired by a Scotsman in Heartbreak Creek to purchase thoroughbreds, he travels to England, unaware that a traumatized horse and a beautiful Englishwoman will change his life forever.
Sold. I didn’t even need to read the rest of the blurb. It’s like whoever wrote it crawled inside my brain and served up just the kind of hero I am always looking for. I didn’t quite satisfy the way that I hoped. It wasn’t bad. The problem was that it wasn’t all that engaging.
Yes, Jessup and Josephine are wounded, but their emotions didn’t resonate completely. It was a little dry and I would have liked the characters to evoke more angst; more longing; more sexual tension; more, well, everything.
Money is tight for Josephine’s father and he is to the point where he is trying to marry her off to a wealthy gentlemen in order to get some cash. Josephine wants a love match, but more than that, she must be sure that any future she plans for herself will be what is best for her young son Jamie. Unfortunately, she has few options with an illegitimate child. So in a last ditch effort to gain funds, her father decides to sell off the family horses.
That’s where Jessup comes in. He is an American horse wrangler, hired by a Scottish earl living in the states, to investigate Josie’s family horses and decide their worth. He is the strong, silent type, but he is also gentle and kind. Jessup and Josephine make a quick connection over their mutual love of animals and from there a friendship is born. Of course, that friendship turns into something more but it’s a slow process, especially since Jessup is a man of no prospects and he knows he can’t take care of Josie and her son.
The story had potential. I liked both main characters well enough. They were good people with the right intentions. But at times, it was a little… boring. The relationship developed slowly. The horses were featured heavily. And the foil to the relationship was rather lackluster. Even the sex was very nondescript and short in nature.
A positive point for the book was in the secondary characters. I found myself interested in Jessup’s Native American friend Thomas and his backstory. I’m also very interested in his romance which seems to be coming in the next book. I liked the Scottish earl, Ash Kirkwell and his wife. I even liked little Jamie. Another plus: I liked the American west juxtaposed with the English nobility. It was different and I enjoyed the contrast.
But. Josie’s dad is kind of a one-note bad guy –and Jamie’s father wasn’t even a blip on the radar.
It wasn’t bad, just kind of meh. I think I will give the next story a try, though, just because the author did a really good job piquing my interest on Thomas and Pru.
Rating: B-/C+
*ARC provided by publisher for review
Sold. I didn’t even need to read the rest of the blurb. It’s like whoever wrote it crawled inside my brain and served up just the kind of hero I am always looking for. I didn’t quite satisfy the way that I hoped. It wasn’t bad. The problem was that it wasn’t all that engaging.
Yes, Jessup and Josephine are wounded, but their emotions didn’t resonate completely. It was a little dry and I would have liked the characters to evoke more angst; more longing; more sexual tension; more, well, everything.
Money is tight for Josephine’s father and he is to the point where he is trying to marry her off to a wealthy gentlemen in order to get some cash. Josephine wants a love match, but more than that, she must be sure that any future she plans for herself will be what is best for her young son Jamie. Unfortunately, she has few options with an illegitimate child. So in a last ditch effort to gain funds, her father decides to sell off the family horses.
That’s where Jessup comes in. He is an American horse wrangler, hired by a Scottish earl living in the states, to investigate Josie’s family horses and decide their worth. He is the strong, silent type, but he is also gentle and kind. Jessup and Josephine make a quick connection over their mutual love of animals and from there a friendship is born. Of course, that friendship turns into something more but it’s a slow process, especially since Jessup is a man of no prospects and he knows he can’t take care of Josie and her son.
The story had potential. I liked both main characters well enough. They were good people with the right intentions. But at times, it was a little… boring. The relationship developed slowly. The horses were featured heavily. And the foil to the relationship was rather lackluster. Even the sex was very nondescript and short in nature.
A positive point for the book was in the secondary characters. I found myself interested in Jessup’s Native American friend Thomas and his backstory. I’m also very interested in his romance which seems to be coming in the next book. I liked the Scottish earl, Ash Kirkwell and his wife. I even liked little Jamie. Another plus: I liked the American west juxtaposed with the English nobility. It was different and I enjoyed the contrast.
But. Josie’s dad is kind of a one-note bad guy –and Jamie’s father wasn’t even a blip on the radar.
It wasn’t bad, just kind of meh. I think I will give the next story a try, though, just because the author did a really good job piquing my interest on Thomas and Pru.
Rating: B-/C+
*ARC provided by publisher for review
July 6, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wh...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kim
where-the-horses-run-heroes-of-heartbreak-creek-kaki-warnerAlthough this is number 2 in the series, this made a great stand a lone. I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the first one but of course I will read the first one because this was so good.
This was so good and so full of action that I didn’t want to put it down because I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Just a great book and its sure to stick in my memory for a long time.
Nothing worse then for someone else making choices for your, what’s worse is when you have someone holding the mistake over your head, making you feel low. But no matter what, Josephine Cathcart will never consider her son Jamie a mistake. The only mistake she made was trusting a man she loved with her heart and body at the tender age of sixteen. The man whom she trusted had just turned her away because he was a Baron and she just a commoner. Now pregnant with his child and abandoned the only choice she has is to run to her father.
Josephine’s father refuses to acknowledge Jamie as his grandchild and can barely stand his own daughter and at every chance he tries to throw her into a loveless marriage for what riches he can gain. Josephine refuses to marry someone for money and her father hurts her in many different ways. Showing her no love, only as his possession and what use he can get out of his own daughter. Now her father is selling the one thing she loves and that’s her horse Pembroke’s Pride.
Rayford Jessup, Rafe, is coming along with the man who wants to buy the horses off of Josephine’s father to see if they are worthy animals and to work with them to see if they are of the value Mr. Cathcart is asking for them.
Immediately Rafe and Josephine are attracted to one another but with Rafe being from America and Josephine being from England the two worlds are about to collide.
Rafe doesn’t see society etiquette like the English and thinks that the rules are too strict and unforgiving. He doesn’t see Josephine as damaged or unworthy in fact he sees her in a whole different way and the fact that she’s an unmarried mother makes no difference to him.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kim
where-the-horses-run-heroes-of-heartbreak-creek-kaki-warnerAlthough this is number 2 in the series, this made a great stand a lone. I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the first one but of course I will read the first one because this was so good.
This was so good and so full of action that I didn’t want to put it down because I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Just a great book and its sure to stick in my memory for a long time.
Nothing worse then for someone else making choices for your, what’s worse is when you have someone holding the mistake over your head, making you feel low. But no matter what, Josephine Cathcart will never consider her son Jamie a mistake. The only mistake she made was trusting a man she loved with her heart and body at the tender age of sixteen. The man whom she trusted had just turned her away because he was a Baron and she just a commoner. Now pregnant with his child and abandoned the only choice she has is to run to her father.
Josephine’s father refuses to acknowledge Jamie as his grandchild and can barely stand his own daughter and at every chance he tries to throw her into a loveless marriage for what riches he can gain. Josephine refuses to marry someone for money and her father hurts her in many different ways. Showing her no love, only as his possession and what use he can get out of his own daughter. Now her father is selling the one thing she loves and that’s her horse Pembroke’s Pride.
Rayford Jessup, Rafe, is coming along with the man who wants to buy the horses off of Josephine’s father to see if they are worthy animals and to work with them to see if they are of the value Mr. Cathcart is asking for them.
Immediately Rafe and Josephine are attracted to one another but with Rafe being from America and Josephine being from England the two worlds are about to collide.
Rafe doesn’t see society etiquette like the English and thinks that the rules are too strict and unforgiving. He doesn’t see Josephine as damaged or unworthy in fact he sees her in a whole different way and the fact that she’s an unmarried mother makes no difference to him.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 10, 2016
This book was an interesting mix of historical western and historical British fiction. It was original and the author did a good job of differentiating the settings. The juxtaposition of English society and western pragmatism was novel and intriguing. However the romance aspect of this story was sadly lacking, as was the witty banter and humorous inner monologue I've come to expect from Kaki Warner's characters.
The H was not a fully developed character. We never understand why he's always wandered, or indeed if he always had. Surely he must've been born and raised somewhere. As the author never really delved into that part of his character, we really don't know. All we have are some obscure mentions of the reason why he doesn't trust women. And even with those revelations, if they could indeed even be called that, we still don't really understand what happened to him.
At least the h was a fully developed character. Unfortunately, I didn't really like her that much. I admired her for making the best of a bad situation. I felt badly for her son, for the way that she and her son were shunned by polite society, and their subsequent mistreatment by the h's father, but I still couldn't find myself liking her very much. Why? Well, what a perfect segue into the real reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped I would.
For a historical romance, this wasn't very romantic. I'm tired of MCs who find themselves loving each other "just because". Sure, they found each other physically attractive and enjoyed each other's company, but when they suddenly find themselves in love with each other, I sighed. And maybe even rolled my eyes. And the way the h couldn't decide between her son's father and the H, leaving both of them hanging for quite some time, was unromantic to the nth degree. To be sure, I found her situation to be the most realistic of all the Heartbreak Creek heroines to date, but realistic doesn't a good romance make.
Overall, an enjoyable read enough, but not for the reasons you might suspect. The historical aspect of this story was the most interesting element of this book. I enjoyed the dual povs, seeing the Kirkwells (Angus and Maddie), hearing about what's going on in Heartbreak Creek, and the engaging storytelling, but the underdeveloped H, and the not-that-likable h left me feeling underwhelmed.
The H was not a fully developed character. We never understand why he's always wandered, or indeed if he always had. Surely he must've been born and raised somewhere. As the author never really delved into that part of his character, we really don't know. All we have are some obscure mentions of the reason why he doesn't trust women. And even with those revelations, if they could indeed even be called that, we still don't really understand what happened to him.
At least the h was a fully developed character. Unfortunately, I didn't really like her that much. I admired her for making the best of a bad situation. I felt badly for her son, for the way that she and her son were shunned by polite society, and their subsequent mistreatment by the h's father, but I still couldn't find myself liking her very much. Why? Well, what a perfect segue into the real reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped I would.
For a historical romance, this wasn't very romantic. I'm tired of MCs who find themselves loving each other "just because". Sure, they found each other physically attractive and enjoyed each other's company, but when they suddenly find themselves in love with each other, I sighed. And maybe even rolled my eyes. And the way the h couldn't decide between her son's father and the H, leaving both of them hanging for quite some time, was unromantic to the nth degree. To be sure, I found her situation to be the most realistic of all the Heartbreak Creek heroines to date, but realistic doesn't a good romance make.
Overall, an enjoyable read enough, but not for the reasons you might suspect. The historical aspect of this story was the most interesting element of this book. I enjoyed the dual povs, seeing the Kirkwells (Angus and Maddie), hearing about what's going on in Heartbreak Creek, and the engaging storytelling, but the underdeveloped H, and the not-that-likable h left me feeling underwhelmed.
June 3, 2014
“Where the Horses Run" by Kaki Warner, is the third book in the series “The Heroes of Heartbreak Creek”. I enjoyed the book quite a bit. It was a look into the differences between the American West and Scotland and England in the late 19th century and was well written.
The story takes place near Penrith, England, in 1871. It is the story of a Scottish Earl, Ash Kirkwell and his wife Maddie who are travelling back to Scotland in order that the Earl spends some time at his Scottish home. On the way, they make a detour to purchase horses for their new enterprise in Colorado. Ash has hired a wrangler, Rayford Jessup from Texas to purchase the horses for him in England from the Cathcarts. They are also joined by Thomas, a half-breed Cheyenne Indian. Josephine Cathcart is a young woman, who because of an indiscretion when she was sixteen, who loves only her son and her horse, Pembroke’s Pride. Her father is a gambler who has wasted their hard-earned fortune on wagers and gambling. He is trying to force Josephine to marry into the nobility to save his holdings.
Josie and Rafe are destined to be together no matter all the obstacles that appear to keep them apart. I enjoyed Josie for her spirit and spunk and her determination not to waste the rest of her life on someone she does not love. I thought that the dialogue among the Kirkwells, Thomas and Rafe were amusing at times. Ash Kirkwell’s use of the English language with a Scottish brogue was highly entertaining all through the story.
I was sent a free print copy of this book by Night Owl Reviews in return for my honest assessment of the book. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-bm.
The story takes place near Penrith, England, in 1871. It is the story of a Scottish Earl, Ash Kirkwell and his wife Maddie who are travelling back to Scotland in order that the Earl spends some time at his Scottish home. On the way, they make a detour to purchase horses for their new enterprise in Colorado. Ash has hired a wrangler, Rayford Jessup from Texas to purchase the horses for him in England from the Cathcarts. They are also joined by Thomas, a half-breed Cheyenne Indian. Josephine Cathcart is a young woman, who because of an indiscretion when she was sixteen, who loves only her son and her horse, Pembroke’s Pride. Her father is a gambler who has wasted their hard-earned fortune on wagers and gambling. He is trying to force Josephine to marry into the nobility to save his holdings.
Josie and Rafe are destined to be together no matter all the obstacles that appear to keep them apart. I enjoyed Josie for her spirit and spunk and her determination not to waste the rest of her life on someone she does not love. I thought that the dialogue among the Kirkwells, Thomas and Rafe were amusing at times. Ash Kirkwell’s use of the English language with a Scottish brogue was highly entertaining all through the story.
I was sent a free print copy of this book by Night Owl Reviews in return for my honest assessment of the book. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-bm.
June 15, 2019
This book is second in a series of THE HEROES OF HEARTBREAK CREEK; however, the series is based on the RUNAWAY BRIDES, particularly COLORADO DAWN (see below). I recommend the books be read in order because the characters take an active part (and are referred to) in later novels.
Former US Marshal Rayford Jessup is hired by Ash Kirkwell to travel to England and purchase some thoroughbreds. There he meets Josephine Cathcart and her traumatized horse. He also lives under the roof of her unscrupulous father, a wheeler-dealer trying to stave off looming bankruptcy.
The father of Josephine's illegitimate son, Jamie, comes back into Josephine's life and wants to rekindle their passion. She wants none of it because she realizes that she is more interested in the American Rafe than the titled father of Jamie.
Kaki Warner has written another winner! This story has substance and held my interest throughout the book. It is wonderful to see Thomas Redstone again (a Cheyenne horseman hired by Ash; his story has been running through the books). Hopefully, Warner will return to Thomas and Prudence Lincoln's tenuous and troubled romance in future stories.
I thought the suspense would kill me before the horse race even began. This book has everything: an engaging love story, interesting and complex characters, and what people will do to win a high-stakes horse race. 4.5 stars
Runaway Brides
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
Heroes of Heartbreak Creek
1. Behind His Blue Eyes (2013)
2. Where the Horses Run (2014)
Former US Marshal Rayford Jessup is hired by Ash Kirkwell to travel to England and purchase some thoroughbreds. There he meets Josephine Cathcart and her traumatized horse. He also lives under the roof of her unscrupulous father, a wheeler-dealer trying to stave off looming bankruptcy.
The father of Josephine's illegitimate son, Jamie, comes back into Josephine's life and wants to rekindle their passion. She wants none of it because she realizes that she is more interested in the American Rafe than the titled father of Jamie.
Kaki Warner has written another winner! This story has substance and held my interest throughout the book. It is wonderful to see Thomas Redstone again (a Cheyenne horseman hired by Ash; his story has been running through the books). Hopefully, Warner will return to Thomas and Prudence Lincoln's tenuous and troubled romance in future stories.
I thought the suspense would kill me before the horse race even began. This book has everything: an engaging love story, interesting and complex characters, and what people will do to win a high-stakes horse race. 4.5 stars
Runaway Brides
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
Heroes of Heartbreak Creek
1. Behind His Blue Eyes (2013)
2. Where the Horses Run (2014)
July 12, 2014
WHERE HORSES RUN by Kaki Warner is an interesting Western Historical Romance set in 1871 England, Texas and Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. #2 in "The Heroes of Heartbreak Creek", but can be read as a stand alone. An engaging tale of horses, an ex-lawman, and a beautiful Englishwoman with a small son.
Rafe Jessup, wounded in a shootout gives up his badge to use is gift with damaged horses to start over, in what he thinks will be a solitary life. Enter, Josephine Cathcart, who loves her injured stallion and her illegitimate son.
Can a troubled cowboy and a Englishwoman who is desperate mend two lives into one and move past all their hurts, mis-trust, to find happiness and love? Fast paced tale of intrigue, a sweet romance, a passion for horses, healing, forgiveness, hope, and the fierce love of a mother for her son.
The characters are engaging, enduring and entertaining. The storyline is interesting, with a mixture of romance, danger, and the power of true love. Well written and an enjoyable read! This was my first time reading this author, and I look forward to her next installment. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Rafe Jessup, wounded in a shootout gives up his badge to use is gift with damaged horses to start over, in what he thinks will be a solitary life. Enter, Josephine Cathcart, who loves her injured stallion and her illegitimate son.
Can a troubled cowboy and a Englishwoman who is desperate mend two lives into one and move past all their hurts, mis-trust, to find happiness and love? Fast paced tale of intrigue, a sweet romance, a passion for horses, healing, forgiveness, hope, and the fierce love of a mother for her son.
The characters are engaging, enduring and entertaining. The storyline is interesting, with a mixture of romance, danger, and the power of true love. Well written and an enjoyable read! This was my first time reading this author, and I look forward to her next installment. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 17, 2015
Rayford Jessup, Rafe, has gone to England with Ash & Maddie Kirkwell, to buy horses and return to his Scottish home. He meets up with a father & daughter on the boat ride over and is intrigued with Josephine Cathcart. She loves her horses. They hit it off and also find an attraction for the other.
things aren't easy for Josephine because her father is in debt up to his eyeballs and wants to use Josephine to lure prospective buyers into getting a high price for the horses. She hates being manipulated especially when things are so tense between them because of her illegitimate son Jamie.
Rafe and Josephine are interesting characters and are developed over the course of the story. I love their interaction when he tries so hard to please her. Story gets even more interesting when the Baron comes to visit and wants her back. Jamie is always a delight and smart for a 7 year old.
the addition of the secondary characters, especially Thomas, makes the story even more enjoyable. Good ending as well. Looking forward to Thomas' and Pru's story next!
things aren't easy for Josephine because her father is in debt up to his eyeballs and wants to use Josephine to lure prospective buyers into getting a high price for the horses. She hates being manipulated especially when things are so tense between them because of her illegitimate son Jamie.
Rafe and Josephine are interesting characters and are developed over the course of the story. I love their interaction when he tries so hard to please her. Story gets even more interesting when the Baron comes to visit and wants her back. Jamie is always a delight and smart for a 7 year old.
the addition of the secondary characters, especially Thomas, makes the story even more enjoyable. Good ending as well. Looking forward to Thomas' and Pru's story next!
July 17, 2014
This was the best western romance that I have read in a long time. The book was so exciting and kept me reading til I finished. If you are familiar with the series, you will be excited to meet old friends like Angus and Maddie Wallace. They brought so many memories from the previous book titled Colorado Dawn. You meet also someone new who will steal your heart. His name is Rafe Jessup who is an ex-lawman who has become a horse wrangler. He has decided to work for Angus in bringing horses back from Scotland to add to his ranch. When they reach England on the way to check out about a horse, Rafe meets the lovely Englshwoman named Josephine Catheart who will change his life. This man who is so alone with past mistakes takes one look at Josie and sees into her soul. Josie looks into Rafe's eyes and sees the same. Two people with pain and sorrow will heal their hearts forever, because love will be the key.
December 20, 2016
If you are wondering why this is a cowboy romance taking place in England, it is because wrangler Raft with his Cheyenne friend, Redstone crosses the water to look for new bloodstock with their old friend, a Scot named Ash.
There he meets Josie and her son Jamie. He also meets Pembroke's Pride, a damaged horse because of an accident involving water.
With these together and Josie's grasping wily father, Ms Warner proceeds to weave an intriguing plot. This one keeps you reading on the edge of your seat. The Cheyenne adds quite a bit of comedy to this book.
This is the second second one in the Heartbreak Creek series. I still have a third to read.
Highly recommended.
There he meets Josie and her son Jamie. He also meets Pembroke's Pride, a damaged horse because of an accident involving water.
With these together and Josie's grasping wily father, Ms Warner proceeds to weave an intriguing plot. This one keeps you reading on the edge of your seat. The Cheyenne adds quite a bit of comedy to this book.
This is the second second one in the Heartbreak Creek series. I still have a third to read.
Highly recommended.
August 8, 2014
Forget about the romance - the novel is worth the cost just for the spirited sniping between Rafe and Thomas. And for Ash's grumblings too. Warner writes heroes to die for, and Rafe is one of her best. Laconic but honorable, his actions definitely speak louder than words. I didn't love Warner's last two books but this one shows her back on track. I am worried that Thomas and Prudence's story, which comes next, will read like the romance between a noble savage and a saintly black woman, and not a real relationship between two genuine human beings, but maybe she can pull it off.
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