It has been almost three years since the last Horsemen book Highland Stallion and it has been a long, long wait. So long that there have been times I have imagined what I would have written for a sequel. I created my own characters and stories but when Winter Stallion was released I grabbed it up. The wait was over. And I was right -- Winter Stallion is a book well worth waiting for and we now have the privilege to revisiting all our old friends from the previous books and discovering a new story set in this creative world.

Phillipa is proud of her heritage; she is half human and horseman. Phillipa’s father and brother were or are among the finest fighting carriers known far and wide. Even though like all women of Horseman heritage she can’t fly, she does have a true knack for handling true horses. Running her messenger service between villages keeps her more than busy. While everyone else is preparing for the winter holiday called Unity Feast, Phillipa is called to deliver an urgent message to a neighboring village. Returning home in a blinding snowstorm she is knocked unconscious but awakens safe in a forest cabin.
Her rescuer is a blue eyed Horseman with a coat the same color as the freshly fallen snow. A Horseman so handsome and virile looking that for the first time in her life Phillipa has no desire to resist when he wants to make her his mate.

After a tragic accident during a gathering where he was severely injured and many died, Luther has been living in self-proclaimed exile. For Luther, a Fighting Carrier who lost his entire Gathering party is no longer fit to lead. His solitude is shattered when he finds a woman injured in the forest, a woman who sets his soul on fire.

Phillipa won't rest until she convinces Luther to face the truth about that tragic flight and take his place among the greatest Horsemen warriors in the world. Luther has other issues he is a Woodfield-Shire of the Lawton Orchard, a family all about their heritage and their position in the world.

This is the fourth in the Horseman series and while possible to read as a stand alone, why would you? Dream Stallion, Captive Stallion and Highland Stallion were of the finest caliber. Kate Hill is an impressive storyteller and Winter Stallion is an excellent read.

Phillipa is an engaging character, while independent; she is also willing to share who and what she is. Luther, though in doubt about his abilities and unsure about facing the past, is a caring and thoughtful being, ready to listen and learn from others. Again, Winter Stallion was a wonderful story, part of a great series and definitely a winner for Kate Hill.

Reviewed by Theresa
© October 2007