Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Years of buying, breeding and training lead up to the most exciting two minutes in sports: the Kentucky Derby. But horse racing isn't just an American pastime; the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Ireland also ante up billions to add thoroughbreds to their stables. But, is a sinister element working behind the scenes to set back Kentucky's horse industry and sabotage future Derbies. Shockingly, it’s happening again. Something is causing mare after mare to abort, producing still-born foals. The news rocks the Thoroughbred industry and the state of Kentucky. But, what can be the cause?

Sasha, the manager of the Sheik of Karoumi’s stables is charged with finding the horses to restore the glory of the Arabian horse lines and advance his country’s horse racing industry. His duties lead him to Lexington, Kentucky where he meets the beautiful Callie Collquit, a woman with a past. Sasha’s loyalty and motives are tested when he finds himself lured into a fantasy voyage with Callie, a woman of every man’s dreams. But, the discovery that his sheik has been kidnapped by the terrorist group the Knights of the Caliphate while he was conveniently unavailable quickly turns his fantasy voyage into a nightmare. Sasha quickly rushes home to do whatever it takes to rescue his ruler along the way finding chaos and betrayal.

I would classify Bluegrass Betrayal as action adventure with a little mystery thrown in as well. The book is very well written with excellent dialog. However, the book title didn’t exactly portray the story line. There were some elements of the Kentucky story, but most of the main characterization was about Sasha and the kidnapping of the sheik. Additionally, the author introduced many characters. I would have liked to have seen a little more development of them with a little more concentration on the mystery of the still-born foals. Overall, as action adventure, Bluegrass Betrayal is a very good read.