Thursday, July 3, 2025

My review for Sofie Darling's "WIN ME, MY LORD"

 

WIN ME, MY LORD
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
July 29, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DPVKPMGB

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Artemis Keating is the sister of a duke. After the death of her beloved horse, she starts an animal rescue and sanctuary Artemis hears rumors that Branwell, the man who abandoned her ten years ago, is staying with her neighbor. She becomes involved in a certain racehorse’s training, which involves being around Bran. Artemis notices he is not the same man she once remembered or loved. Will Artemis and Bran learn the truth about their past relationship? Can they forget the past to forge a new relationship?

Lord Branwell “Bran” Mallory is the brother of an impoverished earl and a war hero. An unfortunate accident has left him scarred mentally and physically. His godfather entices him with an offer Branwell cannot refuse. If he can train the nonagenarian’s horse to win a particular derby, Bran can keep the prize money. However, the training must involve Artemis. Branwell fears that she sees him as another wounded soul in need of fixing. Will a new career path open for Bran? And does that future involve Artemis?

Artemis can also be classified as the wounded/tortured type. Her scars are located within, especially the heart. First, dealing with her mother’s mental abuse dressed up as parental concern. Then losing her precious horse in the middle of an important race. I adore how the latter circumstances prompted her to open an animal sanctuary, no matter what they were. Artemis did not allow the loss to close her off helping other less fortunate animals in need.

I am generally blasé when it comes to second-chance romances. It is my least favorite trope (unfortunately for me, it seems to be a favorite of most authors). However, when it is coupled with a wounded/tortured hero type, I do not mind much. And Branwell did not disappoint me! I like how he is still trying to come to grips with his body’s limitations. Such things are not easy to accept and move on from, even two years from the fact. And I like how he openly acknowledges that his inability to ride horses all stems from the mind.

WIN ME, MY LORD is the fifth book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I recommend reading these books in chronological order to better understand the participants and the preparations leading to the Race of the Century. The entire series revolves around horse races set in Regency times. I started late (third book) but that did not hinder my ability to follow the plot’s flow. I still need to read the second book, THE DUCHESS GAMBLE.

I wonder if the author plans to write a sixth book. Yeah, I know the great race is done and the winner announced, but I really want Blaze Jagger to get his happily-ever-after. It would be interesting to see him paired up with either Saskia or Viveca, Gabriel and Tessa Siren’s sisters (hero from THE DUCHESS GAMBLE and the heroine from WAGER WITH A SIREN). I shall be keeping my fingers crossed…


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