Book Review: Leaping Hearts by J.R. Ward

Leaping Hearts
By J.R. Ward (writing as Jessica Bird)

Synopsis: 

A beautiful young woman with a defiant spirit, A. J. Sutherland spends a small fortune on a horse with a wild reputation, and is forced to sacrifice her position at her family’s stables to keep him. She plans to ride the magnificent stallion in the biggest event of the show jumping season—and she knows she can win. But without the backing of Sutherland Stables, A. J. must rely on a stranger to help her: a man who makes her heart pound, her head spin . . . and who just happens to be a legend in equestrian circles. 

When Devlin McCloud’s career was cut short by a tragic accident, he never expected to get back in the ring. But when A. J. asks him to be her trainer, he finds he cannot resist the chance—or his stunning new employer. And what begins as a business arrangement soon becomes something deeper, as Devlin and A. J. learn that even in a sport full of hazards, sometimes the most dangerous thing to risk is one’s heart. . . .

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Viviana's Review: 

This was J.R. Ward’s first published book which has been re-released with a new cover.  Leaping Hearts is a traditional contemporary romance with a cowboy, horses and a heroine in need of help in order to win a competition. Who doesn’t love a hunky cowboy? And the new cover, well, yummy!

The story is solid and flows smoothly. Both the Hero and Heroine have their flaws, each has their own journey to take but their roads intertwined and they must work together in order to be able to have their HEA.

Though this was her first published book, her writing style shows through. You can almost imagine her at her desk typing away at a scene. Then, leaning back on her chair, sighing, and hitting the backspace key several times as she reminded herself because this was a contemporary novel and couldn’t go over the line. Reigning herself in, she still does a great job to convey the emotions between Devlin and A.J.

If you’re a fan of her style (great conversation between characters, the world she creates, and characters, etc.) then you’ll enjoy this novel. However, do not go into it thinking it is like her Black Dagger Brotherhood or Fallen Angel Series!  Remember – Contemporary Romance! With that said those, the girl can write one nice steamy scenes!! Just saying!

Looking forward to her other “re-releases”.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It!

Review Originally Posted at Reading Between the Wines Book Club