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Tilly Bagshawe is back with her latest novel, SHOWDOWN, which is one part HORSE WHISPERER, one part Jackie Collins, and all parts entertaining. Much like her debut novel, last year's ADORED, Bagshawe whisks her readers around the world to some of the wealthiest, most glamorous playgrounds of the rich. But instead of Tinseltown, this time her tale is set in the exciting world of high-stakes horse breeding.
Modern-day Marlboro Man Bobby Cameron inherits Highwood, a magnificent ranch nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains of California's horse country, from his old-school cowboy father, Hank. The only trouble is that his father was a helluva cowboy but no businessman. Wyatt, the ranch's trusty foreman, alerts Bobby that they are in dire financial straits. Apart from being an enviable tract of land, Highwood sits upon untapped oil reserves that many people would kill for. Throughout his lifetime Hank had not wanted to ruin or exploit the land in any way and Bobby would like to keep his legacy alive, at least as long as he is able. Perhaps they can raise and train quarter-horses on the ranch. But they would still need a partner with lots of quick cash who could commit in a flash, before the bank forecloses.
Milly Lockwood Groves is a frustrated horsewoman at 17. On her way to becoming one of the most accomplished riders in her corner of the English countryside, a fall off a horse convinces her father that she must never ride again. But since her family lives on a prominent horse-breeding estate in the country village of Newmarket, not thinking about horses is harder than you'd think. Although her father Cecil has banned her from the actual riding of horses, she's desperate to help out with the breeding, and here she proves herself invaluable. Despite her young age, she gives men twice her years a run for their money. To add insult to injury, her wretched brother, Jasper, who fancies himself quite the horseman, has begun dating her nemesis, Rachel Delaney, who has taken over Milly's spot in the lineup of local riders. How will she ever convince her father to lift his ridiculous ban?
Sorely in need of funds, Bobby accepts a job working for Sir Michael Delaney --- wealthy landowner, horsebreeder and father of the spoiled Rachel, bane of Milly's existence. Because the Delaneys' estate is going through massive renovations, Bobby is boarding with the Lockwood Groves, where he immediately notices Milly's prowess with the horses, among other things. He quickly finds himself smitten with her, much to his chagrin. He sees how she's suffering and begins training her in secret. With her help, he might be able to turn Highwood into a profitable breeding ranch in no time. Can he train her, be professional and deny his growing feelings for her? Can he save his beloved ranch from the bank and greedy developers?
A big, juicy beauty of a beach book, Bagshawe has followed the formula that worked so well in ADORED. Her descriptions of the equine playgrounds of California, Palm Beach and the English countryside are so lush and vivid, the reader is immediately transported and transfixed by each new, glamorous locale. Bearing no pretense to be something that it isn't, this novel is a rollicking, fun, sexy read. With SHOWDOWN, Bagshawe is securing her place as the rightful heir to Jackie Collins.
--- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller
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