Title: Out of the Gate
Series: N/A
Author: E.M. Lynley
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (267 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 21st, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: British actor Wesley Tremayne thinks he’s close to hitting the big time—a film career—with his role as a hunky explorer on a popular American TV show. Success should be just around the corner, as long as he keeps his sexual orientation a secret. Wes’s best friend and beard, Julia Compton, forms the other half of a glamorous Hollywood couple that’s merely a façade.
Evan Taylor left his acting career behind five years ago without looking back. He’s always been more comfortable around horses than people—especially Hollywood types. His new life, training racehorses, is a dream come true, but increasing financial problems and an abusive boyfriend have him doubting himself and his choices.
Then Wes and his friends buy a third-rate racehorse—partially for publicity—and send him to Evan’s stable. Wes’s friendship with Evan soon develops into an overpowering attraction he can’t act on. He’s never met a man like Evan, but if there’s any chance for a future together, Wes must choose between a career he loves and the man he adores.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4896
Reviewer: GiGi
Review: A refreshing read! This love story has a great plot, action, suspense, plenty of drama and horses. Who could turn that down? The author gives some very interesting insight into the world of American Thoroughbred racing, those who own, those who train, and the excitement, dedication and dark side to racing.
You can really understand Evan’s dedication to his job, the training and care of these magnificent beasts. He seems stand-off-ish, and obviously prefers horses to people, until Wes trots into his life and his barn one fine race day.
Wes has an honest interest in racehorses, but it’s a convenient excuse to pursue his sexual interest in Evan, but taking his time to research and dedicate himself to both is what Wes has in mind. Trouble is Wes has secrets to hide, well, one big secret. His sexuality is hidden by Julia, another costar, actress, and beard. She knows his secret but has been pushing him out of the closet for his best interests and hers.
But it turns out Evan has secrets too. His past career in Hollywood is riddled with dark secrets, abuse, advantage, and it left him hollow and bitter. Thankfully, he found refuge in horses, training, and the privacy of his farm. He was done with Hollywood, and didn’t want to let Wes into his bed let alone his heart.
We see both men fighting their loyalties, their commitments, their pasts and their relationships with friends and lovers to give their, Wes and Evan’s, relationship a try. Wes holds off on intimacy, to give Evan time to end an abusive relationship, and Evan understands of Wes’ fears of bringing their relationship out into the open, living outside his closet.
Throughout the story plenty of suspense develops, including a plot involving Evans’ horses, his training career and trouble his ex has gotten himself into. Tragedy strikes and it seems to spell and end to both the men’s hope for their relationship and both of their careers. Can both be salvaged? What is truly behind Gray’s machinations?
This is a great read! I found details about training and racing horses very interesting and striking me as very truthful. I had horses since childhood and I’ve heard and seen many racing horror stories. It was pleasant to see the author shine a positive light on Evan and his training practices.
A highly recommended read!