Jessica Whitman

Ride Free by Jessica Whitman is a 2016 Forever Romance publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This final book is the Polo Season trilogy, presented by the famous Polo star, Nacho Figueras, pulls out all the stops with a heart pounding and emotional conclusion.

Antonia Black is the illegitimate daughter of the Del Campo patriarch. After her father’s death, Noni’s half-brother found her in Berlin, and brought her back to Florida. But, no matter how welcoming her brothers had been, she feels she is still an outcast. If she could learn the game of Polo, she believes they will accept her more fully.

To that end, she wishes to enlist the help of her best friend, and stablemaster, Enzo Rivas, but the chemistry brewing between them suddenly erupts, despite the risk to their friendship. But, just as the couple finally gives in to their desires, Noni’s past comes barging in, threatening to destroy her future.

Can Enzo understand Noni’s complicated past, or compete for her affections against a former lover?

While I enjoyed the first two books in the series, and found the world of Polo to be quite fascinating, the stories were pretty much standard contemporary romances with a sports related theme. But, this addition to the series, has a slightly darker tone and deals with some heavier issues.

Noni is a woman that has endured much pain and hardship in her life, and did not enjoy the comforts of wealth while growing up the way her brothers did. She is a part of the family, yet I could feel her standing apart from them too, as though she is on the outside looking in.

To complicate matters, Noni’s mother arrives and brings with her a ghost from Noni’s past, a man she once loved. Now she is torn between the past and present, confused by her feelings, which is understandable, especially in light of the special circumstances.

I understood the position Enzo was in, especially when his feelings were mixed to begin with, but I did wish he had been a little more aggressive at times. But, when the plot took an unexpected turn, Enzo shows real mettle.

The last quarter of the book sets the stage for a big finale, with a showdown I never saw coming. While this part is perhaps a little overdramatic, and the whys and wherefores are a little thin, it made the conclusion tense and exciting.

Enzo is a passionate hero, a little conflicted in the beginning, but his character solidifies nicely and he showed Noni the stuff was made of, which is always really sexy.

Noni, too, will grow and find peace in her life, knowing she is loved by everyone, a lot more than she ever thought.

The epilogue is super sweet, and puts a nice cherry on the cake, bringing everyone together for a very special family event.

Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy, and am glad I had the opportunity to read it, and learn more about horses and the game of polo, as well as enjoy sweet and sexy love stories. Of the three books, I would say this one was probably my favorite.… (altro)