If Wishes Were Horses by Sarah Leslie is a homoerotic fantasy romance.

Lily is determined that she will accomplish her goal to get Alaric to the Reconciliation Ball. Ever since Alaric was seriously injured, he has hidden away from the world continuing his work as a Forge Master. Lily has loved him for a long time and she knows that if she manipulates him into going, there is a good chance that she can get him together with the man he loves, Lord Valerian, whom he has refused to see since his injury. Alaric agrees to go with her after she plays her trump card, that Valerian was injured in battle. Once at the Ball, Alaric remembers the last time he was with Valerian and all the unrestrained passion that blazed between them after Valerian gives Alaric his ring when he asks for his one wish, to be handsome. Valerian sees through the spell to see the man of his dreams. Valerian was willing to risk displeasing their ruler Titania when he asked Alaric to be his and his feelings have never changed. Valerian approached Alaric for a dance, but Alaric thinks that his true personality is hidden. Does Lily have any other tricks up her sleeve to help get Alaric and Valerian together? Will Alaric find the strength to give love one more chance? Will Valerian find a way to prove to Alaric that his love has remained steadfast and nothing, let alone a few scars, will keep them apart?

Ms. Leslie has created a fascinating story incorporating mythical creatures into a setting that many people can understand. Alaric’s injuries were horrible, but the scars on his soul kept him apart from the love of his life until Valerian overcame them with love and acceptance. The love between them was beautiful to behold and very erotic. Add to that the special abilities that many of the characters in the story held which developed a plot that was both realistic and surreal. I hope that Lily will have her own story. I enjoyed how she manipulated and schemed to help Alaric find his happy ending. Thanks go to Ms. Leslie for a great story.

Reviewed by: Teresa