Dark Horses

Written by Cecily von Ziegesar

Narrated by Luis Moreno and Sandy Rustin

From the internationally bestselling author of Gossip Girl comes a dark, psychologically complex update of Black Beauty replete with jealousy, romance, mystery, and redemption. Merritt Wenner has been self-destructing ever since the tragic deaths of her grandmother and her horse, and after an epic all-night bender she walks out of the SAT and disappears. Her parents, looking for a quick fix, ship her off to a residential equine therapy program. At Good Fences, Merritt meets Red-a failed racehorse and a terror in the barn. Red has never bonded with anyone, but Merritt is not afraid of him, which makes all the difference. Soon they're sneaking rides after curfew, which catches the attention of Red's owner. Recognizing their potential, he funds their launch into the competitive hunter/jumper circuit. Against the cutthroat backdrop of competitive riding, Merritt and their groom, Beatrice, develop an attraction. Merritt also finds herself drawn to Carvin, a rival rider. But in Red's mind, Merritt belongs to him alone. Anyone else poses a threat. And Merritt can't foresee what he'll do to keep her to himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781501936708

Cecily von Ziegesar

Cecily von Ziegesar is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels, upon which the hit television show is based. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Reviews for Dark Horses

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have never read anything but this author, not even the Gossip Girl books that the television series was based after. Which, I did not watch this show when it was on television. What drew me to this book in the first place was the book cover and second the words "Black Beauty". I am a horse fan. It has been long over due since I have read a horse book. Which I found most of the other characters in this book good, it really was the Merritt and Red show. They were the true stars. I loved the alternating chapters with each of Merritt and Red's voices. The bond that these two shared was lovely. Watching them both blossom into butterflies gave me joy. I could not stop reading this book. I had grown such an attachment to Merritt and Red that by the end I almost cried and smiled at the same time. A must read for horse fans!