On-the-Bit Charlotte

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Reviews

  

Press
02.01.2017
Sian-Bronwyn Claven - The Blithering Bibliomanicas - 3 Stars out of 5

Near the coast of Tanzania pirates kidnap Charlotte, the teenage daughter of a US diplomat, and sell her on to traders. How are Catherine Zitgow and her former kidnapper, the darkly handsome Rivas Romero involved in this? And why is Romero's stallion, the magnificent Andalus, behing held in the stables of Washington's FBI?
Kinnear has brought to life a thrilling tale of excitement; kidnapping; mystery and love. From the first word of this book Kinnear sets the reader out on an adventure with an array of characters – all with their advantages and most certainly their faults. For me On the Bit; Charlotte was certainly an unusual book bringing together a clear understanding of love; travelling and horses.

I enjoyed unfolding the story of Charlotte through the book as the main characters Catherine and Rivas plough their away across continents searching for Charlotte with minimal clues to go on. All the while knowing where Charlotte is and what her captors are doing to her. This book is a shock to the system and in my opinion gives an excellent portrayal of what hostages go through; something a lot of books that I have read have failed to do – opting to keep the hostage situation under wraps giving minimal insight into what happens to the hostage.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book was a side of Catherine that got on my nerves – although I am objective to recognize that there are people in this world with the very same traits; they are traits that can really irritate me. I feel that Catherine at times is rather self-centred and selfish but she does have a lot of redeeming qualities. Her unwavering determination to see things through for one thing is something I admire in her as a character. That for me is one of her greater redeeming qualities.
Kinnear has done a lot of research for this book and it shows in her writing as the plot develops. I enjoyed how realistic the captors were as well as the way the hostage negotiations take place. Kinnear manages to derive a sense of pity for some of Charlotte’s captors and in an instant turns it around for a deep loathing and fear; something that Charlotte experiences herself. Kinnear’s ability to get the reader to feel this way; the way Charlotte’s feel; is a true testament to her skill as a writer.
If you love mystery; if you love transcontinental adventure doused with a fiery love and if you love horses then this is a book I would recommend to you.

 
 
Goodreads 4.0 out of 5 stars A thundering good story that has substance.
By Andrew Christie on May 17, 2016
Format: Paperback
As a dedicated, passionate reader, this is exactly the kind of book that I look for.

You see, reading a book is easy, and finding an enjoyable book is as simple as chatting to some friends or maybe checking out some reviews. But finding a book that blows my hair back and puts a sizzle in the back of my throat – THAT’S scarce!

Kinnear has written a book that is that rarest of things – a thundering good story that has substance. Her story of a kidnap victim being moved across several Central African countries engages sympathy in the reader, while avoiding the pathos that books like this often hide behind. The parallel story examines the would-be-rescuers as they chase the kidnappers, hoping to find the victim before tragedy strikes. And the parallel story stars characters introduced in Kinnear’s first book in the “On the Bit series even though, I hasten to add, it is definitely not necessary to read it first.

The main strength of this writer is in creating beautifully believable characters that avoid stereotyping at all costs. Part of this is due to the extensive knowledge and research that underpins “On the Bit: Charlotte”, but is also due to Kinnear creating characters that are as flawed as they are admirable, as frailly human as they are sexy heroes and heroines.

The plot moves quickly, but at no point is the reader left wondering what just happened, nor is the book overpopulated. Rather, the reader is taken on an exciting and engaging trip, with characters that one can’t help wishing were one’s actual friends.

Whatever you do – don’t miss out on this trip!

 

Amazon 5 Stars - Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
By Amazon Customer, 2015-12-25

"Wow! I loved "On the bit Catherine" and I have loved this book too! Made me look forward to jumping into bed early just to get some extra reading time in!" 'On the Bit. Charlotte' is available as a paperback or as a kindle. 504 pages of romance, adventure, thrill and horses!

  

If you enjoy rollercoaster rides you will be familiar with the sensation of those tense ascents followed by the rapid descents. One minute up on top and a quick gasp for air, the next minute flying down at breakneck speed. There is no time to breathe! Nothing is under your control - you are completely exposed to the forces at play. That’s how this book is. Yes, Annette Kinnear was able to pull thousands of readers into the world of darkness with her first book On the Bit. Catherine but her sequel has exceeded our most daring expectations. Catherine and Rivas must face their past and master it. The journey begins with their love, gallops through European and American justice systems and ends up in internationally organized and highly structured human trafficking circles.

During this horror trip they meet betrayal, greed and violence. But desperation, too, and resignation and fear surface strongly in the dark jungle of the human soul. The two unusual heroes are not only confronted with the crimes of others, but cannot escape facing their own demons, too. Of course, they are not without help from their four legged, neighing friends. It seems Annette Kinnear has grown in her work. The style and content of the book reach a very high standard indeed. The elegant weave of fiction on the one hand and accurate historical, cultural, societal and political themes from various countries on the other – and that in combination with magnificent natural settings - make On the Bit Charlotte truly unique.

The high art of psychology rounds off this effect. What goes on in the victims? What in the perpetrators? What chance of a normal life will they have, if they survive? The professionally conducted research allows readers to gain valuable insights into specific areas of expertise that are yet of general interest. Past and present… the puzzle of the various stories skillfully netted together into one big story. Readers who did not read the first volume On the Bit Catherine are sufficiently filled in on the context in order to be able to follow the story. If you are already an ‘On the Bit insider‘, these backdrop inserts awaken memories which elicit broad smiles. From the very first page, one feels welcomed home – as an old and dear friend. Once you have start reading, you will not want to put this book down. (equimondi.de – Press review of the German original - translated and re-reprinted by permission)

Many readers are already familiar with the first volume of the On the Bit Series by Annette Kinnear. This headhunting thriller series has turned out to be of particular interest for equestrian enthusiasts who like it ‘tense’. Now the sequel On the Bit Charlotte has been released and the adventures of Catherine, Rivas and the black stallion Andalus continue. As was the case with On the Bit Catherine, the sequel again boasts over 500 pages and is therefore a voluminous read. It will be beneficial to have read the first volume but not essential. The reader gains enough insight into the events of the first novel to not let it affect his or her reading enjoyment. On the Bit Charlotte is an extremely exciting romantic thriller. The author Annette Kinnear has once again managed to connect human behavioral patterns, corruption, kidnapping and last but not least horses to guarantee high levels of tension and mystery. hobbyranch.de – Press review of the German original