angieinbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Britt Story is dealing with a lot. She’s just returned home from deployment on medical leave after losing an arm and is counting down the moments until her service contract comes to an end. But the Army has different ideas. It’s hoping by providing her the opportunity to get a state-of-the-art bionic arm and hand, she’ll extend her contract with the Army.
Teddy Alexander, an occupational therapist, is a key figure in the Army’s plan to help rehabilitate soldiers who have lost limbs. She loves her job. She’s excited about how the prosthetic technology is changing people’s lives. But when she’s asked to devote her full-time to Senator Story’s daughter’s rehabilitation on a horse farm in the country, defying Army protocol for literally every other soldier in the Army, Teddy has no choice but to follow orders. It doesn’t help that Britt Story wants nothing to do with any of it—Teddy’s intrusion on her life, the Army’s offer of the most cutting-edge technology so that she’ll have use of her hand again, or the special favors she’s getting because she’s a senator’s daughter. All she wants is to help her grandfather breed horses.
This is a wonderful romance between two women with a lot of personal and professional baggage, but I really loved watch their relationship develop and change, so I’ll forgive the novel a bit for how oddly they actually do come together (felt a bit forced to me) and then how quickly they’re both all in given other circumstances.
But overall, I don’t have any complaints. I loved the secondary characters and all the horse racing and breeding information. The setting was gorgeous. And Britt and Teddy are incredible characters in their own rights. Plus it turns out I’m a sucker for a good military romance.
Teddy Alexander, an occupational therapist, is a key figure in the Army’s plan to help rehabilitate soldiers who have lost limbs. She loves her job. She’s excited about how the prosthetic technology is changing people’s lives. But when she’s asked to devote her full-time to Senator Story’s daughter’s rehabilitation on a horse farm in the country, defying Army protocol for literally every other soldier in the Army, Teddy has no choice but to follow orders. It doesn’t help that Britt Story wants nothing to do with any of it—Teddy’s intrusion on her life, the Army’s offer of the most cutting-edge technology so that she’ll have use of her hand again, or the special favors she’s getting because she’s a senator’s daughter. All she wants is to help her grandfather breed horses.
This is a wonderful romance between two women with a lot of personal and professional baggage, but I really loved watch their relationship develop and change, so I’ll forgive the novel a bit for how oddly they actually do come together (felt a bit forced to me) and then how quickly they’re both all in given other circumstances.
But overall, I don’t have any complaints. I loved the secondary characters and all the horse racing and breeding information. The setting was gorgeous. And Britt and Teddy are incredible characters in their own rights. Plus it turns out I’m a sucker for a good military romance.
mariangb1964's review against another edition
5.0
Hidden intern violence in work. Major injuries. Struggle of talking. Blackmail. Very well written.
amcheri's review
4.0
It's been many years since I read a book by D. Jackson Leigh. With all the awful news in the world right now - and my regular reading and watching very dark material - I needed an angsty romance novel to lift me up a bit. There are two things I love with my romance: believable angst and laugh out loud humor. Blades of Bluegrass wasn't funny but the angst was about perfect for me.
Overall, I enjoyed being on the relationship journey with the characters but did wish there had been more depth with regard to their connection and learning about each other. I would have liked to see them interacting more deeply and honestly about Teddy's dead wife and her grief. I think there could have been a better balance between the horse breeding/racing business, the military/congressional hearing arc, and the growing relationship between Britt and Teddy.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all aspects but did want more of the romance/relationship building than there was.
I'll certainly not wait so long before picking up another of the author's works!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Overall, I enjoyed being on the relationship journey with the characters but did wish there had been more depth with regard to their connection and learning about each other. I would have liked to see them interacting more deeply and honestly about Teddy's dead wife and her grief. I think there could have been a better balance between the horse breeding/racing business, the military/congressional hearing arc, and the growing relationship between Britt and Teddy.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all aspects but did want more of the romance/relationship building than there was.
I'll certainly not wait so long before picking up another of the author's works!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
Britt Story comes home wounded, bitter and angry, ready to leave her military career behind. It’s up to Occupational Therapist Lieutenant Teddy Alexander to work with Britt while answering to those in command who have plans for Captain Story that don’t involve horses or dreams of taking over Story Hill Farm.
I really enjoyed this read. I wrote out all the reasons why and promptly deleted them by accident. Three books later, I will try to remember what appealed to me in Blades of Bluegrass. Thanks Sandra for your excellent review and recommendation.
I don’t think I’ve read a book by D. Jackson Leigh as a lot of her books feature horses and I’ve never been a big horse fan. I am however a thoroughbred racing fan so this story of a wounded soldier returning Stateside and getting her physical therapy at her grandfather’s breeding farm caught my interest. New developments in prosthetics along with some military backroom dealings and a corrupt politician or two also pulled me in. A romance between two strong women? Yes, please.
Watching Teddy tame the wild horse that is Britt was entertaining and sweet. Seeing Teddy move on from her lost love and Britt find her feet once again on the farm while still maintaining her honor and strength of character where the military was concerned made this a powerful read. The issues the author raises are not new, but need to be openly addressed. Well done.
I really enjoyed this read. I wrote out all the reasons why and promptly deleted them by accident. Three books later, I will try to remember what appealed to me in Blades of Bluegrass. Thanks Sandra for your excellent review and recommendation.
I don’t think I’ve read a book by D. Jackson Leigh as a lot of her books feature horses and I’ve never been a big horse fan. I am however a thoroughbred racing fan so this story of a wounded soldier returning Stateside and getting her physical therapy at her grandfather’s breeding farm caught my interest. New developments in prosthetics along with some military backroom dealings and a corrupt politician or two also pulled me in. A romance between two strong women? Yes, please.
Watching Teddy tame the wild horse that is Britt was entertaining and sweet. Seeing Teddy move on from her lost love and Britt find her feet once again on the farm while still maintaining her honor and strength of character where the military was concerned made this a powerful read. The issues the author raises are not new, but need to be openly addressed. Well done.
mgncpr's review against another edition
4.0
I'm always going to pick up the latest book by D Jackson Leigh - she's one of my go to authors.
In Blades of Bluegrass, Captain Britt Story has returned home to her grandfather's farm after losing both her arm and her faith in the chain of command in Afghanistan. Thanks to her Senator father and a rather skeevy General she's fast tracked for a experimental prosthesis in a bid to keep her silence on what happened overseas. Enter Lieutenant Teddy Alexander, physical and occupational therapist who lost her wife in Afghanistan 5 years ago, who has been tasked with helping Britt's recovery. As this is a D. Jackson Leigh novel the farm is a horse breeding farm and there's a fair bit of equine throughout the story.
You'd think from the description this would be an angsty read but Jackson Leigh doesn't delve too deeply into the past tragedies - they impact the characters and their actions, but they aren't overwrought storylines that overwhelm the broader plot. It's a delicate balance to keep the budding romance light and positive when there are such serious issues that they are both dealing with. I do wish a bit more time had been spent on the military plot - it seemed a bit rushed at the end as things were wrapping up into the HEA.
There's a nice romance developed between Britt and Teddy - a slow burn as they build their trust. Even thought I didn't get a strong sense of chemistry at the beginning, both characters were engaging and the chemistry popped once things started moving in a more romantic direction.
As always - I enjoy Jackson Leigh's novels. She writes well, has characters you can't help but like and , of course, her novels are usually set in horse country. With a slightly more serious subplot the book had a bit more gravity and seriousness than some of her other books but it is balances well with the romance. Recommended
In Blades of Bluegrass, Captain Britt Story has returned home to her grandfather's farm after losing both her arm and her faith in the chain of command in Afghanistan. Thanks to her Senator father and a rather skeevy General she's fast tracked for a experimental prosthesis in a bid to keep her silence on what happened overseas. Enter Lieutenant Teddy Alexander, physical and occupational therapist who lost her wife in Afghanistan 5 years ago, who has been tasked with helping Britt's recovery. As this is a D. Jackson Leigh novel the farm is a horse breeding farm and there's a fair bit of equine throughout the story.
You'd think from the description this would be an angsty read but Jackson Leigh doesn't delve too deeply into the past tragedies - they impact the characters and their actions, but they aren't overwrought storylines that overwhelm the broader plot. It's a delicate balance to keep the budding romance light and positive when there are such serious issues that they are both dealing with. I do wish a bit more time had been spent on the military plot - it seemed a bit rushed at the end as things were wrapping up into the HEA.
There's a nice romance developed between Britt and Teddy - a slow burn as they build their trust. Even thought I didn't get a strong sense of chemistry at the beginning, both characters were engaging and the chemistry popped once things started moving in a more romantic direction.
As always - I enjoy Jackson Leigh's novels. She writes well, has characters you can't help but like and , of course, her novels are usually set in horse country. With a slightly more serious subplot the book had a bit more gravity and seriousness than some of her other books but it is balances well with the romance. Recommended
shereadstales's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the galley of this one.
Captain Britt Story lost more than her arm in combat. She lost her faith in the institution she swore to serve, and her faith in her father, once her hero. She knows something the Army wants to protect, and they insist she stay in until her rehab is done, hoping to persuade her to partake in a bionic limb experiment. Occupational First Lieutenant Teddy Alexander lost her wife in combat, and though she’s not super excited to be an on site personal occupational therapist to Britt, she believes wholeheartedly in this project, and as she and Britt become closer, she begins to believe in Britt, too. Both will have some tough decisions to make when secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed this one. It’s helped me to slowly climb out of my Rona reading slump. I loved the characters, and am always looking for good stories with disability rep. The element of horse racing was fun, too, as I know next to nothing on the subject. I loved Britt’s passion for her grandfather’s farm, the trade, and the old man himself. The tension built really well. I enjoyed the science dive behind bionic limbs and research into restoring mobility to those who want it after dismemberment. I loved Britt and Teddie’s slow burn relationship, the hurdles they had to overcome, and their journey to each other. They were super cute, and this book was just what I needed in these weird, uncertain times.
Once again you benefit from me being behind, because you don’t have to wait for this one. It’s available from your favorite retailer and or for request at your local library now.
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lezreviewbooks's review
5.0
Review of ‘Blades of Bluegrass’ by D. Jackson Leigh, audiobook narrated by Hollis Elizabeth
Who doesn’t like lesbian military audiobooks? Normally these stories portray some of the best qualities in women: courage, strength, and patriotism. Besides, women in uniform are hot and these leads embody sex appeal.
Captain Britt Story lost her left arm in Afghanistan and her faith in honor and humanity after failing to protect a soldier under her command. Occupational therapist First Lieutenant Teddy Alexander was in the spotlight after she successfully petitioned to receive survivor’s benefits after her wife was killed in Afghanistan days before DOMA was repealed. When Teddy is assigned to help Britt to recover from her injury, a strong attraction pulls them together. But Britt’s soul is wounded and Teddy is still bound to the woman she lost 6 years ago…
‘Blades of Bluegrass’ is more than a wlw military romance, it’s a social critique to the defense institutions and political powers who still allow inequality and injustice in the military ranks. And it’s an homage to all those women who, despite those inequalities, choose to serve their country. It’s also a love letter to the craft of horse breeding and to the beauty and strength of those animals. The book deals with a mixture of different issues but keeps a good balance between them, but it’s hardly an easy read as it deals with disability, PTSD, bereavement, rape, and sexual harassment.
I’m a pacifist at heart and I’m not a fan of the military in real life but, reading about badass women fighting for ideals and principles? Yes, please. Britt and Teddy are different in many ways but they are both courageous and determined to help others. As they get entangled in a web of deception and political corruption, both women will have to be brave to confront them and not lose their chance at love in the process.
I’ve listened to the audiobook read by Hollis Elizabeth who did a very good job. Her narrative tone was perfect for the book as well as her distinctive voices. This novel requires the expression of a range of different emotions, all performed with easy by Ms. Elizabeth. I had only listened to her audiobook of ‘Snow Globe’ by Georgia Beers, but I’ll definitely listen to more of her performances. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Who doesn’t like lesbian military audiobooks? Normally these stories portray some of the best qualities in women: courage, strength, and patriotism. Besides, women in uniform are hot and these leads embody sex appeal.
Captain Britt Story lost her left arm in Afghanistan and her faith in honor and humanity after failing to protect a soldier under her command. Occupational therapist First Lieutenant Teddy Alexander was in the spotlight after she successfully petitioned to receive survivor’s benefits after her wife was killed in Afghanistan days before DOMA was repealed. When Teddy is assigned to help Britt to recover from her injury, a strong attraction pulls them together. But Britt’s soul is wounded and Teddy is still bound to the woman she lost 6 years ago…
‘Blades of Bluegrass’ is more than a wlw military romance, it’s a social critique to the defense institutions and political powers who still allow inequality and injustice in the military ranks. And it’s an homage to all those women who, despite those inequalities, choose to serve their country. It’s also a love letter to the craft of horse breeding and to the beauty and strength of those animals. The book deals with a mixture of different issues but keeps a good balance between them, but it’s hardly an easy read as it deals with disability, PTSD, bereavement, rape, and sexual harassment.
I’m a pacifist at heart and I’m not a fan of the military in real life but, reading about badass women fighting for ideals and principles? Yes, please. Britt and Teddy are different in many ways but they are both courageous and determined to help others. As they get entangled in a web of deception and political corruption, both women will have to be brave to confront them and not lose their chance at love in the process.
I’ve listened to the audiobook read by Hollis Elizabeth who did a very good job. Her narrative tone was perfect for the book as well as her distinctive voices. This novel requires the expression of a range of different emotions, all performed with easy by Ms. Elizabeth. I had only listened to her audiobook of ‘Snow Globe’ by Georgia Beers, but I’ll definitely listen to more of her performances. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
hsinjulit's review
4.0
TW: PTSD and off-screen sexual assault.
I am happy to say that Blades of Bluegrass was angst-free for me, and along with some romance-unrelated intrigue, it is naturally my kind of story. This does not mean that the theme of the book is light, however. It is a military drama about the corruption and ugliness of the US Army but with beautiful horses.
Captain Britt Story wants to return to civilian life after something happened during her last deployment, and it isn't just about losing her arm. The military tries to keep her in the army and placate her so that she cannot talk about what had happened. Though initially aloof, Britt starts to consider her live-in physical and occupational therapist Lieutenant Teddy Alexander a friend. But unbeknownst to Britt even though it is public knowledge, Teddy has lost her wife Shannon five years ago and is struggling to love again. The pair gradually grows close on Story Hill Farm. But when their pasts and military politics catch up with them, do Britt and Teddy still want to share their lives together?
One of the main emotions in this story is grief. Britt has lost her arm and faith in the army while Teddy's mind is still on Shannon. But nothing was too sad, either. The choice of the setting, Story Hill Farm, no doubt lightens the mood. I love how Britt and Teddy slowly open up to each other and connect on a deeper level. The pairing is balanced and both characters lovable. Now that I come to think of it, I kind of want to hug them both. The writing was also occasionally funny and I found myself chuckling a few times. It was an overall enjoyable reading experience.
Blades of Bluegrass was my first try of Leigh's books, and it sure won't be my last. If you love horses, military politics, or simply enjoy some wooing contents, this book is for you.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am happy to say that Blades of Bluegrass was angst-free for me, and along with some romance-unrelated intrigue, it is naturally my kind of story. This does not mean that the theme of the book is light, however. It is a military drama about the corruption and ugliness of the US Army but with beautiful horses.
Captain Britt Story wants to return to civilian life after something happened during her last deployment, and it isn't just about losing her arm. The military tries to keep her in the army and placate her so that she cannot talk about what had happened. Though initially aloof, Britt starts to consider her live-in physical and occupational therapist Lieutenant Teddy Alexander a friend. But unbeknownst to Britt even though it is public knowledge, Teddy has lost her wife Shannon five years ago and is struggling to love again. The pair gradually grows close on Story Hill Farm. But when their pasts and military politics catch up with them, do Britt and Teddy still want to share their lives together?
One of the main emotions in this story is grief. Britt has lost her arm and faith in the army while Teddy's mind is still on Shannon. But nothing was too sad, either. The choice of the setting, Story Hill Farm, no doubt lightens the mood. I love how Britt and Teddy slowly open up to each other and connect on a deeper level. The pairing is balanced and both characters lovable. Now that I come to think of it, I kind of want to hug them both. The writing was also occasionally funny and I found myself chuckling a few times. It was an overall enjoyable reading experience.
Blades of Bluegrass was my first try of Leigh's books, and it sure won't be my last. If you love horses, military politics, or simply enjoy some wooing contents, this book is for you.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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