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Even If It Breaks Your Heart
A heart-buckling ride of a romance by beloved author Erin Hahn about two teens finding out that sometimes, the hardest part of discovering what you want is getting the courage to pursue it.
The only thing keeping nineteen-year-old Case Michaels together after the death of his best friend, Walker, is a list Walker left behind of things he wants Case to accomplish in his absence. So far, though, Case hasn’t even been able to continue riding bulls in the rodeo circuit, something he’s done his entire life, balking at the thought of competing without Walker by his side. But the list? Case is determined to follow it to the letter– and he follows it all the way to Winnie Sutton.
Eighteen-year-old Winnie Sutton just wants to keep her family together. She graduated high school early to work long shifts at the Michaels family ranch so she can support her younger siblings and a father who’s more than happy to let Winnie fill the responsible parent role. If she sometimes sneaks out to ride the horses herself and forget about life for a while– well, that’s no one else’s business– until the day she crashes headfirst into Case Michaels. Case sees her riding skills and immediately ropes her into competing for the ranch and becoming his friend.
Winnie and Case couldn’t be more different, but Case can’t help but be inspired by Winnie’s badly-hidden passion for riding and competition. And there’s something about Case that makes Winnie want to try grasping onto a dream for herself, whether that’s a shot at a rodeo trophy, the annoyingly handsome rancher’s son who won’t leave her alone, or maybe both
The only thing keeping nineteen-year-old Case Michaels together after the death of his best friend, Walker, is a list Walker left behind of things he wants Case to accomplish in his absence. So far, though, Case hasn’t even been able to continue riding bulls in the rodeo circuit, something he’s done his entire life, balking at the thought of competing without Walker by his side. But the list? Case is determined to follow it to the letter– and he follows it all the way to Winnie Sutton.
Eighteen-year-old Winnie Sutton just wants to keep her family together. She graduated high school early to work long shifts at the Michaels family ranch so she can support her younger siblings and a father who’s more than happy to let Winnie fill the responsible parent role. If she sometimes sneaks out to ride the horses herself and forget about life for a while– well, that’s no one else’s business– until the day she crashes headfirst into Case Michaels. Case sees her riding skills and immediately ropes her into competing for the ranch and becoming his friend.
Winnie and Case couldn’t be more different, but Case can’t help but be inspired by Winnie’s badly-hidden passion for riding and competition. And there’s something about Case that makes Winnie want to try grasping onto a dream for herself, whether that’s a shot at a rodeo trophy, the annoyingly handsome rancher’s son who won’t leave her alone, or maybe both
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
64 people are currently reading
11619 people want to read
About the author
Erin Hahn
8 books1,394 followersERIN HAHN is the author of the young adult novels You'd Be Mine, More Than Maybe, and Never Saw You Coming as well as the adult romance Built to Last. Romance is her vibe, grunge is her soundtrack and fall is her signature color. She fell for her flannel-clad college sweetheart the very first day of school and together, they have two hilarious kids who keep her humble. She lives outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has a cat named Gus who plays fetch and a dog named June who doesn't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 498 reviews
November 18, 2024
I ended up really enjoying Case and Winnie’s story <3
February 24, 2024
Look it's Erin Hahn, just breaking my heart and putting it back together like it's nothing...
Erin Hahn calls this her "sad rodeo" book, and that was definitely true, but it was also a gorgeous love story and a beautiful story about recovering from grief and loss.
Case and Walker grew up best friends, thick as thieves, and working the rodeo circuit together, riding bulls. But all that changed when Walker's chronic illness caught up with him and he died at age 17. Now Case feels adrift in the world without his best friend. Walker leaves behind a list of things he wanted to do--along with items like jumping naked in a pool and winning the buckle on the national rodeo circuit, Case spies "befriend Winnie Sutton." Case never paid much attention to Winnie, who works at his dad's ranch, but knowing that she meant something to Walker changes things.
This book almost made me like horses, which is a huge feat, as I've been scared of them since childhood. But the ranch vibe is lovely, as is Winnie's absolute reverence for the animals with which she works. Winnie's been raising her younger siblings since her Mom split when she was a kid and her Dad checked out. At this point, she can only practice with other people's horses, but she dreams of competitively barrel racing. And dammit, she's good. I fell hard for Winnie, who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, yet remains optimistic and strong for her family. She has no desire to open her heart or depend on anyone and that includes rich, clueless Case.
I love Erin Hahn's writing and she captured Case and Winnie so well. As they slowly open up to each other and start to trust again... it's impossible not to get caught up in their love. There's nothing instant or half baked in this book. The character development is strong, as we watch Winnie struggle to balance family with her own desires and Case attempt to open up after losing his best friend--and figure out what it is he wants to do with his future. If you've ever lost someone you loved and grew up with young, this book will hit hard.
BREAKS perfectly balances dealing with grief with romance. And it expertly mixes in some fun, with the rodeo pieces (and some awesome 90s country references). This is a beautiful and touching story with wonderful characters. 4.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
Erin Hahn calls this her "sad rodeo" book, and that was definitely true, but it was also a gorgeous love story and a beautiful story about recovering from grief and loss.
Case and Walker grew up best friends, thick as thieves, and working the rodeo circuit together, riding bulls. But all that changed when Walker's chronic illness caught up with him and he died at age 17. Now Case feels adrift in the world without his best friend. Walker leaves behind a list of things he wanted to do--along with items like jumping naked in a pool and winning the buckle on the national rodeo circuit, Case spies "befriend Winnie Sutton." Case never paid much attention to Winnie, who works at his dad's ranch, but knowing that she meant something to Walker changes things.
This book almost made me like horses, which is a huge feat, as I've been scared of them since childhood. But the ranch vibe is lovely, as is Winnie's absolute reverence for the animals with which she works. Winnie's been raising her younger siblings since her Mom split when she was a kid and her Dad checked out. At this point, she can only practice with other people's horses, but she dreams of competitively barrel racing. And dammit, she's good. I fell hard for Winnie, who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, yet remains optimistic and strong for her family. She has no desire to open her heart or depend on anyone and that includes rich, clueless Case.
I love Erin Hahn's writing and she captured Case and Winnie so well. As they slowly open up to each other and start to trust again... it's impossible not to get caught up in their love. There's nothing instant or half baked in this book. The character development is strong, as we watch Winnie struggle to balance family with her own desires and Case attempt to open up after losing his best friend--and figure out what it is he wants to do with his future. If you've ever lost someone you loved and grew up with young, this book will hit hard.
BREAKS perfectly balances dealing with grief with romance. And it expertly mixes in some fun, with the rodeo pieces (and some awesome 90s country references). This is a beautiful and touching story with wonderful characters. 4.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
September 29, 2023
Erin Hahn does it again! She never fails to write a great story that makes me want to laugh, cry, and hug the book all at the same time. When I see one of her books up for request, I don't even have to read the synopsis to know I'm going to love it. Her skill at creating characters you fall in love with rivals...well, everyone.
Both characters are working through their own issues and soon find they have each other to lean on. The romance felt raw and organic; I do love me slow-burn! Winnie has a responsibility to her family while putting her dreams on the back burner and Case's grief over losing his best friend affects his future in the rodeo circuit. Both find healing in each other and that's beautiful.
This is another winner from Erin Hahn!
Both characters are working through their own issues and soon find they have each other to lean on. The romance felt raw and organic; I do love me slow-burn! Winnie has a responsibility to her family while putting her dreams on the back burner and Case's grief over losing his best friend affects his future in the rodeo circuit. Both find healing in each other and that's beautiful.
This is another winner from Erin Hahn!
February 3, 2024
Thank you Wednesday Books for the eARC.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED.
This is now my new favorite Erin Hahn book. I love the way she writes new adult stories and wow did this one just hit every single thing right. I LOVED the setting and all of the cowboy content. The ranch and horses, bull riding and rodeos, it was all magnetic and I was entranced.
And the romance?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME. This was the softest friends to lovers. That genuine, I am here to be your friend, and then realizing that person means a whole lot more to you. Oh my gosh I was WEAK. I adored Case, I loved seeing his grief and his awakenings and the way he cares for those he loves. And how he found what made him passionate and the future he wanted to pursue (which also was one of the 10 reasons I was tearing up reading this). Winnie was also spectacular. I was cheering her on from the beginning. Her tenacity and strength, bless her for finding ways to lets others help in her life too. I loved the deep sibling bond she had with Garrett and Jesse and the way everything worked out for them in the end.
This book was pure magic. I have zero complaints. NO NOTES. It was everything I needed when I picked it up. I loved the story and how Walker was woven in. I loved the friends and so many small moments that packed a punch and really brought this entire book together. There’s even no third act nonsense, AND IT WAS BLISS Y’ALL. The whole book, just go read it. Thank me later.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: strong and high
- Romance: 2 closed door scenes
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a friend (grief depictions throughout), underage drinking, absentee father
ABSOLUTELY LOVED.
This is now my new favorite Erin Hahn book. I love the way she writes new adult stories and wow did this one just hit every single thing right. I LOVED the setting and all of the cowboy content. The ranch and horses, bull riding and rodeos, it was all magnetic and I was entranced.
And the romance?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME. This was the softest friends to lovers. That genuine, I am here to be your friend, and then realizing that person means a whole lot more to you. Oh my gosh I was WEAK. I adored Case, I loved seeing his grief and his awakenings and the way he cares for those he loves. And how he found what made him passionate and the future he wanted to pursue (which also was one of the 10 reasons I was tearing up reading this). Winnie was also spectacular. I was cheering her on from the beginning. Her tenacity and strength, bless her for finding ways to lets others help in her life too. I loved the deep sibling bond she had with Garrett and Jesse and the way everything worked out for them in the end.
This book was pure magic. I have zero complaints. NO NOTES. It was everything I needed when I picked it up. I loved the story and how Walker was woven in. I loved the friends and so many small moments that packed a punch and really brought this entire book together. There’s even no third act nonsense, AND IT WAS BLISS Y’ALL. The whole book, just go read it. Thank me later.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: strong and high
- Romance: 2 closed door scenes
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a friend (grief depictions throughout), underage drinking, absentee father
August 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Overall I enjoyed this book. Winnie and Case were two characters that despite both of them having lots to deal with, they ended up making a good team in the end. They brought out the best in each other while also helping the other one deal with things from the past that they were pushing down. This was a really fun and sweet young adult romance that simply was enjoyable.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Winnie and Case were two characters that despite both of them having lots to deal with, they ended up making a good team in the end. They brought out the best in each other while also helping the other one deal with things from the past that they were pushing down. This was a really fun and sweet young adult romance that simply was enjoyable.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
This is an extremely sweet and heartfelt YA novel about grief and finding your own path in life. This one offers a ranch setting, lots of cowboy events, a friends to lovers storyline and strong family vibes. Although the pacing felt off for me personally, the characters in this are so lovable and the HEA’s are guaranteed.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for my ARC, I appreciate it 💜
3.5/5⭐️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for my ARC, I appreciate it 💜
3.5/5⭐️
July 26, 2023
I'm obsessed with this - horses, rodeos, country music, cowboy boots and hats, and the slowest of slow burn romances. Both Winnie and Case have a lot of heartache to unpack, and they both did so beautifully, and took the time to be real friends before they jumped into anything else. It was the sweetest!
August 18, 2023
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
I swear I saw Erin Hahn call Even if it Breaks Your Heart her "sad cowboy romance". That is the perfect description of this book. It's a sad cowboy romance with a lot of hope. It wasn't a happy read at times (obviously), but it was a great one.
Case is not dealing with the loss of his best friend to cancer. He's stuck in a cycle of making poor choices. All he has left of his best friend is a list of things Walker wants him to do. Winnie is starting to crumble from the pressure of helping support and raise her siblings. She's more mom and dad to them than her own parents. They both need someone to help lift them up and Walker helps them find it in each other.
I loved the friendship Case and Winnie built. They gave each other support they desperately needed and also a hope of the future they had both lost. Case and Winnie were attracted to each other from the start, but it was nice to watch their feelings for each other build over the course of the story. Their romance was really sweet. There was also a ton of personal growth for each of them. I loved how they grew emotionally together and learned a lot about themselves.
Even if it Breaks Your Heart was a very special YA romance that brought hope in a couple of very tough, emotional life situations. I'm sad that Hahn has declared this book her final YA release, but happy I had the chance to read and experience it. It was such a good book.
CW: childhood cancer, parental abandonment
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
I swear I saw Erin Hahn call Even if it Breaks Your Heart her "sad cowboy romance". That is the perfect description of this book. It's a sad cowboy romance with a lot of hope. It wasn't a happy read at times (obviously), but it was a great one.
Case is not dealing with the loss of his best friend to cancer. He's stuck in a cycle of making poor choices. All he has left of his best friend is a list of things Walker wants him to do. Winnie is starting to crumble from the pressure of helping support and raise her siblings. She's more mom and dad to them than her own parents. They both need someone to help lift them up and Walker helps them find it in each other.
I loved the friendship Case and Winnie built. They gave each other support they desperately needed and also a hope of the future they had both lost. Case and Winnie were attracted to each other from the start, but it was nice to watch their feelings for each other build over the course of the story. Their romance was really sweet. There was also a ton of personal growth for each of them. I loved how they grew emotionally together and learned a lot about themselves.
Even if it Breaks Your Heart was a very special YA romance that brought hope in a couple of very tough, emotional life situations. I'm sad that Hahn has declared this book her final YA release, but happy I had the chance to read and experience it. It was such a good book.
CW: childhood cancer, parental abandonment
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
February 5, 2024
Even if it breaks your heart? Ya it did and I loved every second of it.
Case’s grief and Winnie’s struggles allowed them to come together in a beautiful way as they helped each other through their problems. The writing in this book made me feel the heartbreak these characters went through making me feel more connected to the story.
This alone made me want to give this book 5 stars, but there were a few things that took away from the book. I did not understand why everyone gave Case so much shit at the beginning of the book. Winnie made him out to be a snobby asshole but it really did seem like he was trying to be nice. I feel like the author accidentally made him a green flag and just went with it lol. This also carried on as everyone made him seem like a jerk because he did one night stands even though he seemed to be upfront about it and didn’t play with peoples feelings. This isn’t bad writing but it did feel a little strange.
Though I found it very wholesome that Winnie and Case decided to learn a language together in honor of Walker, sometimes they wouldn’t explain what they were saying and I don’t often pull out Google translate when I’m reading lol. It’s a very small part of the book but I’m just putting that out there.
Overall I really did enjoy the plot, and writing of this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes romance. I usually don’t read anything cowboys but I still thought it was good lol.
Thank you for the arc!
Case’s grief and Winnie’s struggles allowed them to come together in a beautiful way as they helped each other through their problems. The writing in this book made me feel the heartbreak these characters went through making me feel more connected to the story.
This alone made me want to give this book 5 stars, but there were a few things that took away from the book. I did not understand why everyone gave Case so much shit at the beginning of the book. Winnie made him out to be a snobby asshole but it really did seem like he was trying to be nice. I feel like the author accidentally made him a green flag and just went with it lol. This also carried on as everyone made him seem like a jerk because he did one night stands even though he seemed to be upfront about it and didn’t play with peoples feelings. This isn’t bad writing but it did feel a little strange.
Though I found it very wholesome that Winnie and Case decided to learn a language together in honor of Walker, sometimes they wouldn’t explain what they were saying and I don’t often pull out Google translate when I’m reading lol. It’s a very small part of the book but I’m just putting that out there.
Overall I really did enjoy the plot, and writing of this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes romance. I usually don’t read anything cowboys but I still thought it was good lol.
Thank you for the arc!
October 8, 2023
The amount of excitement I had for this book was met with the sad, cowboy romance of my dreams.
I’m not sure how she does it, but Hahn is able to capture your heart with these characters without any warning. As I read, I found myself growing more and more attached to Winnie, and especially to Case. She knows how to tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and also pull you back in time to the feeling of first falling in love with someone, or honestly, yourself. The way grief was handled was also something that stuck with me. Case was so dynamic in his feelings and the way he showcased them — I felt for him and his struggles. While the path wasn’t linear, it was eye opening and a joy to read about him healing.
The romance was pure and sweet and funny. Thank you authors that write sincere men! That write women who don’t want to change themselves in order to gain approval!
I shed a few tears and really savored my time reading this. Working my way through all of Hahn’s stories is going to be a blast.
(Also Erin, if you see this, please have mercy and give me a Brody book. I beg of you.)
I’m not sure how she does it, but Hahn is able to capture your heart with these characters without any warning. As I read, I found myself growing more and more attached to Winnie, and especially to Case. She knows how to tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and also pull you back in time to the feeling of first falling in love with someone, or honestly, yourself. The way grief was handled was also something that stuck with me. Case was so dynamic in his feelings and the way he showcased them — I felt for him and his struggles. While the path wasn’t linear, it was eye opening and a joy to read about him healing.
The romance was pure and sweet and funny. Thank you authors that write sincere men! That write women who don’t want to change themselves in order to gain approval!
I shed a few tears and really savored my time reading this. Working my way through all of Hahn’s stories is going to be a blast.
(Also Erin, if you see this, please have mercy and give me a Brody book. I beg of you.)
February 5, 2024
Thank you to the author Erin Hahn, publishers Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART. All views are mine.
Opening Quote: The less you have, the tighter you hold on. Loc.1910.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The writing is strong. I've read at least a dozen similar opening scenes– A young person speaking through a first person narrator, reflecting on life and love while succumbing to death– but this really had my attention. Even the narrator's self effacing notes felt more knee-jerk than planned. Good scene!
2. For me, the details make this story easy to connect with. I understand these characters, particularly Winnie, through these smoothly interconnecting details.
3. Once the plot of this story opens up, it's pretty excellent!
4. Hahn gets intensely at the heart and agony of neglect. Eventually, you become protective of that tiny, muddy, shit-filled backyard. Because it’s yours, and because all you love in the whole world is in that space. Loc.1908.
5. There's a *lot* of it and I'm not convinced it all needs to be there, but I do love all the horse racing and bull-riding details. It's exciting content!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. Some interesting fourth-wall breakage around loc.497 where the first person narrator directly address the audience in a parenthetical paragraph. I almost love this to bits, except that the tone shifts substantially within the parentheses, at least at first. Great examples at Kindle locations 497 and 1297.
2. I'm still not really sure what this story is about, and I'm a third of the way in. The story isn't coming together fast enough. (This resolves at about the halfway point.)
3. Not a fan of casual name calling– "dummy," "idiot," etc.
Closing quote: I’ve never been happier . That she might not feel the same . . . Doesn’t matter right now. She matters. Loc.3390.
Rating: 🐎🐎🐎🐎 / 5 bucking broncos
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Feb 4 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
💖 young romance
🐴 ranch stories
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 sister stories
💇♀️ girl's coming of age
🏇 horse racing and rodeo
Opening Quote: The less you have, the tighter you hold on. Loc.1910.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The writing is strong. I've read at least a dozen similar opening scenes– A young person speaking through a first person narrator, reflecting on life and love while succumbing to death– but this really had my attention. Even the narrator's self effacing notes felt more knee-jerk than planned. Good scene!
2. For me, the details make this story easy to connect with. I understand these characters, particularly Winnie, through these smoothly interconnecting details.
3. Once the plot of this story opens up, it's pretty excellent!
4. Hahn gets intensely at the heart and agony of neglect. Eventually, you become protective of that tiny, muddy, shit-filled backyard. Because it’s yours, and because all you love in the whole world is in that space. Loc.1908.
5. There's a *lot* of it and I'm not convinced it all needs to be there, but I do love all the horse racing and bull-riding details. It's exciting content!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. Some interesting fourth-wall breakage around loc.497 where the first person narrator directly address the audience in a parenthetical paragraph. I almost love this to bits, except that the tone shifts substantially within the parentheses, at least at first. Great examples at Kindle locations 497 and 1297.
2. I'm still not really sure what this story is about, and I'm a third of the way in. The story isn't coming together fast enough. (This resolves at about the halfway point.)
3. Not a fan of casual name calling– "dummy," "idiot," etc.
Closing quote: I’ve never been happier . That she might not feel the same . . . Doesn’t matter right now. She matters. Loc.3390.
Rating: 🐎🐎🐎🐎 / 5 bucking broncos
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Feb 4 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
💖 young romance
🐴 ranch stories
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 sister stories
💇♀️ girl's coming of age
🏇 horse racing and rodeo
February 21, 2024
An emotionally heavy dual POV YA romance that sees two teens dealing with grief and difficult family obligations bonding over their shared love of horses and rodeos. I liked learning more about the world of barrel racing and bull riding and enjoyed both MCs.
However, I wasn't a huge fan of the male narrator for the audiobook and it kind of threw me off fully getting invested in the story. Still enjoyable but I probably would have liked more with a different narrator. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: death of a friend from cancer, parental abandonment/neglect
However, I wasn't a huge fan of the male narrator for the audiobook and it kind of threw me off fully getting invested in the story. Still enjoyable but I probably would have liked more with a different narrator. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: death of a friend from cancer, parental abandonment/neglect
June 30, 2024
“is that okay? i mean, for simplicity’s sake, you can call me your boyfriend. if you want.”
“and you’ll call me your girlfriend?”
“every chance I get.”
i love erin hahn and her books and this was no exception <3
this is so underrated but i would recommend so much!!
oh and haha i read this on oceanofpdf woo!
“and you’ll call me your girlfriend?”
“every chance I get.”
i love erin hahn and her books and this was no exception <3
this is so underrated but i would recommend so much!!
oh and haha i read this on oceanofpdf woo!
February 2, 2024
This was an emotional young adult novel about loss, grief, and finding your own way. Erin Hahn pulls no punches, so please be sure to check content warnings before starting. I thought the depiction of grief and the different ways people process that pain was very realistic. Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a coming of age story about chasing dreams and being comfortable in your own skin. Sometimes the details about bull riding and barrel racing were a bit overwhelming for me, but it was also interesting to learn about a sport I know nothing about. The slow burn, friends (after a rough start) to lovers romance between Winnie and Case was very sweet and I appreciated that there was no third act break up. I think throwing in that drama would have been too much considering all the other plot lines and issues our characters were facing. Winnie and Case had very satisfying character arcs and I loved seeing them grow and change. Winnie's relationship with her siblings was definitely a highlight of the book, but I do wish we would have had a little more resolution to her relationship with her father. The epilogue was wonderfully hopeful and the perfect way to say goodbye to these characters.
CW: death of friend (past, but many mentions and flashbacks to the friendship and deterioration of health), grief, financial concerns and food insecurity, parental abandonment (past), parental neglect, chronic illness, death of parent (past), toxic masculinity, mentions of past animal neglect, truancy, underage drinking, mentions of pandemic
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
CW: death of friend (past, but many mentions and flashbacks to the friendship and deterioration of health), grief, financial concerns and food insecurity, parental abandonment (past), parental neglect, chronic illness, death of parent (past), toxic masculinity, mentions of past animal neglect, truancy, underage drinking, mentions of pandemic
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
July 31, 2023
// "So that's not a thing. We're not a thing. Which is freeing, because it allows me to concentrate on being a good friend to her. Or, at least, to convince her to be my friend. Or convince her to want a friend in the first place, useless as I may seem. But if I'm ever presented with the option of being a friend who gets to kiss her, I absolutely volunteer."
Erin Hahn's sad rodeo book (Even If It Breaks Your Heart - coming out 02.06.2024) is perfection. I have been waiting for this one for forever & it was well worth the wait. Case Michaels' best friend Walker died and left him with a list of things to do after his death & one of them is befriend Winnie Sutton. Given that she does not seem to be interested in being his friend, things are bound to be interesting.
This book is beautiful. It's filled with grief & growing, lots of horses & cowboys, a boy & a girl who become friends and....well, you know how it goes. It is full of super hard moments but super sweet ones and Winnie & Cash are just the best. If you like rodeos, a swagger worthy boy & a girl who puts him in his place, horses or a heartbreaking but courageous look at grief, pick this one up next year. It is just amazing.
Huge thanks to Erin Hahn, Wednesday Books & Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Erin Hahn's sad rodeo book (Even If It Breaks Your Heart - coming out 02.06.2024) is perfection. I have been waiting for this one for forever & it was well worth the wait. Case Michaels' best friend Walker died and left him with a list of things to do after his death & one of them is befriend Winnie Sutton. Given that she does not seem to be interested in being his friend, things are bound to be interesting.
This book is beautiful. It's filled with grief & growing, lots of horses & cowboys, a boy & a girl who become friends and....well, you know how it goes. It is full of super hard moments but super sweet ones and Winnie & Cash are just the best. If you like rodeos, a swagger worthy boy & a girl who puts him in his place, horses or a heartbreaking but courageous look at grief, pick this one up next year. It is just amazing.
Huge thanks to Erin Hahn, Wednesday Books & Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 25, 2024
erin hahn makes me want to kick walls (positive)
in every single one of her books i love both main characters and their relationship and i can fully get behind them. winnie and case are no exception. the depth of their emotions is palpable and drives the story so well. i love winnie's love and care for her siblings and the tension between her responsibility to them (and genuine desire to make sure they are taken care of) and her own dreams was so well-written. case likewise figuring out what he wants for himself, working through grief over walker and the need to remember him, and at the same time needing to untangle himself from walker was also really well done and compelling. i also adored the closeness of winnie and case's friendship and how that was built so strongly before either of them made any move romantically.
every time erin hahn deviates from the traditional romance template it's away from something that annoys me in most romance books and towards something i absolutely love and she has never let me down. also, i know zero (0) things about rodeo and maybe 2-5 things about horses if pressed (all of them are vocabulary words) but this did not stop me from enjoying this book at all.
in every single one of her books i love both main characters and their relationship and i can fully get behind them. winnie and case are no exception. the depth of their emotions is palpable and drives the story so well. i love winnie's love and care for her siblings and the tension between her responsibility to them (and genuine desire to make sure they are taken care of) and her own dreams was so well-written. case likewise figuring out what he wants for himself, working through grief over walker and the need to remember him, and at the same time needing to untangle himself from walker was also really well done and compelling. i also adored the closeness of winnie and case's friendship and how that was built so strongly before either of them made any move romantically.
every time erin hahn deviates from the traditional romance template it's away from something that annoys me in most romance books and towards something i absolutely love and she has never let me down. also, i know zero (0) things about rodeo and maybe 2-5 things about horses if pressed (all of them are vocabulary words) but this did not stop me from enjoying this book at all.
October 27, 2023
Nobody does YA romance quite like Erin Hahn. Her chokehold on wayward, misunderstood, hurting but intensely sweet, charming young men is staggering, and Case Michaels did not disappoint. He feels so real, so fully fleshed out that I could reach out and hug him. Which is pretty much what I wanted to do to that lost, grieving bull rider throughout the entire book. And Winnie is the perfect take no BS, Fiona Gallagher, "Look I'm really busy with REAL WORLD SHIT," horse girl, and she must be protected at all costs.
Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a beautiful, brilliant reimagining of a friends to lovers story. Hahn wasn't telling lies either, this story will break your heart, but only so it can put it back together again in the most touching, heartfelt, unflinching way. I loved every second of this story, and I can't thank the author, NetGalley, and St Martin's Press enough for this advanced copy.
Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a beautiful, brilliant reimagining of a friends to lovers story. Hahn wasn't telling lies either, this story will break your heart, but only so it can put it back together again in the most touching, heartfelt, unflinching way. I loved every second of this story, and I can't thank the author, NetGalley, and St Martin's Press enough for this advanced copy.
August 15, 2024
I’m going at my rating for this one a bit differently than usual.
For the Texas setting, the “horsiness” (especially the barrel racing), and the character of Garrett, I would have rated 4 stars or higher. I loved the bond between Winnie and her 10-year-old sister; it was very touching.
For the constant, almost-on-every-page cursing, mainly f-bombs, I would have dropped it to a one star rating. I am very aware that many teens talk like that, but not all of them do. This book would have been much more enjoyable for me without the vulgar language.
Red Flags:
Much underage drinking, mainly at parties where the parents deliberately looked the other way.
Loss of virginity by a main character; much discussion about sexual exploits from male characters.
Parental neglect is glaring in the case of a main character’s family, to the point where the teen has to take on many adult responsibilities at a very young age.
*I would recommend this book only with a suggestion of parental guidance for impressionable readers*.
For the Texas setting, the “horsiness” (especially the barrel racing), and the character of Garrett, I would have rated 4 stars or higher. I loved the bond between Winnie and her 10-year-old sister; it was very touching.
For the constant, almost-on-every-page cursing, mainly f-bombs, I would have dropped it to a one star rating. I am very aware that many teens talk like that, but not all of them do. This book would have been much more enjoyable for me without the vulgar language.
Red Flags:
Much underage drinking, mainly at parties where the parents deliberately looked the other way.
Loss of virginity by a main character; much discussion about sexual exploits from male characters.
Parental neglect is glaring in the case of a main character’s family, to the point where the teen has to take on many adult responsibilities at a very young age.
*I would recommend this book only with a suggestion of parental guidance for impressionable readers*.
February 1, 2024
I have loved everything I have read by Erin Hahn! This one was no exception. It did start off a little slow for me but once I got going I could not put this book down! I am a sucker for a romance novel that isn't JUST romance. I also loved the horse, rodeo, and country vibes that this book gave off. If you are looking for a book with a super cute ending that will have you melted into a puddle, I recommend you pick this book up!
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up for this cowboy new adult romance from Erin Hahn!
I spite purchased this book because Erin Hahn posted on Threads that someone was trying to sell her "review services" for more attention on this book. Like, "this book is so good but why does it only have 200 reviews let me 'help' you." Yuck, right?
Win for me! I loved this book. This is a new adult story about Case Michaels, who lost his best friend at the age of 17, before Walker got to live life. Walker leaves behind this list of things he never got to do, or at least that's what Case thinks. It turns out to be a list left behind by Walker FOR Case.
One item on the list? Befriend Winnie Sutton. Winnie has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her mom left. Her dad is here physically, but so absent in every other regard that it doesn't really matter that he's there at all. Her brother is acting out. Her sister is a genius, but she's only ten and requires the attention of at least one adult... that adult being Winnie. She graduated from high school early so she could work to support her family. This is no situation that an 18-year-old deserves to be in.
While Case drinks and parties, Winnie has put her head down and gotten to work. But as Case starts checking off items from Walker's list, befriend Winnie Sutton is the one thing he can't just easily (or stupidly) check off. The harder he tries, the more Winnie pulls away, and the more he pushes, the more she withdraws. Case had to change his ways, do a little growing up, and that makes a world of difference.
Connecting with Winnie helps Case to realize that he has more to offer the world that his grief has allowed him to see. And when he starts to show up for people again, the way he used to show up for Walker, it changes things for him. And it changes things for Winnie, too.
These two have had some really big life things happened to them in their young age, and yet they've found a way through and a way to become the people they're meant to be. This book, though? It's appropriately named. The grief and trials along the way just... don't seem fair. And in the acknowledgments section of this book, Erin tells us about where and when and how this story came to be, and I felt that grief deeply. The grief she went through in her life, writing this book, and then hearing it (because I ended up using Hoopla to listen to this one!)... I found myself fighting off tears MULTIPLE times. So while it isn't an easy story, it's absolutely one you should read!!
I spite purchased this book because Erin Hahn posted on Threads that someone was trying to sell her "review services" for more attention on this book. Like, "this book is so good but why does it only have 200 reviews let me 'help' you." Yuck, right?
Win for me! I loved this book. This is a new adult story about Case Michaels, who lost his best friend at the age of 17, before Walker got to live life. Walker leaves behind this list of things he never got to do, or at least that's what Case thinks. It turns out to be a list left behind by Walker FOR Case.
One item on the list? Befriend Winnie Sutton. Winnie has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her mom left. Her dad is here physically, but so absent in every other regard that it doesn't really matter that he's there at all. Her brother is acting out. Her sister is a genius, but she's only ten and requires the attention of at least one adult... that adult being Winnie. She graduated from high school early so she could work to support her family. This is no situation that an 18-year-old deserves to be in.
While Case drinks and parties, Winnie has put her head down and gotten to work. But as Case starts checking off items from Walker's list, befriend Winnie Sutton is the one thing he can't just easily (or stupidly) check off. The harder he tries, the more Winnie pulls away, and the more he pushes, the more she withdraws. Case had to change his ways, do a little growing up, and that makes a world of difference.
Connecting with Winnie helps Case to realize that he has more to offer the world that his grief has allowed him to see. And when he starts to show up for people again, the way he used to show up for Walker, it changes things for him. And it changes things for Winnie, too.
These two have had some really big life things happened to them in their young age, and yet they've found a way through and a way to become the people they're meant to be. This book, though? It's appropriately named. The grief and trials along the way just... don't seem fair. And in the acknowledgments section of this book, Erin tells us about where and when and how this story came to be, and I felt that grief deeply. The grief she went through in her life, writing this book, and then hearing it (because I ended up using Hoopla to listen to this one!)... I found myself fighting off tears MULTIPLE times. So while it isn't an easy story, it's absolutely one you should read!!
November 3, 2023
This is hands down the best book Erin Hahn has written to date. Set in Texas on a horse ranch, it follows the lives of Case Michaels and Winnie Sutton. On the surface they have nothing in common. Case is the son of the ranch owner. Winnie is the girl who mucks the stalls and leads trail rides, all while trying to keep her siblings in line since her mom left and her dad is working or hanging out at the VFW. While Case seems like the privileged son who doesn't want for anything, deep down he's a mess. His best friend, Walker, died and Case has been lost ever since.
Hahn does a marvelous job of making these characters come to life. They feel like real teenagers - acting like kids one minute and adults the next. Their interactions with each other are sweet, but not saccharine. And the glimpse into the horse world is spot on! Never once does Hahn rely on manufactured drama for drama's sake. It's a beautiful story about two people figuring out who they are to the world and to each other, while experiencing grief and growing up.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!
Hahn does a marvelous job of making these characters come to life. They feel like real teenagers - acting like kids one minute and adults the next. Their interactions with each other are sweet, but not saccharine. And the glimpse into the horse world is spot on! Never once does Hahn rely on manufactured drama for drama's sake. It's a beautiful story about two people figuring out who they are to the world and to each other, while experiencing grief and growing up.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!
November 11, 2023
I followed Erin on her journey to write this book before it had a title. I watched the reels and have been invested in her "Sad Rodeo" book for a couple of years. It's been highly anticipated for me as a big big fan of her YA books AND of cowboy/rodeo romance in general.
Good news - it's not that sad. The characters are sad. Case is up to his ears in grief. Winnie has had a tough hand dealt her in her family life. Both are struggling just to get by. But when they find friendship with each other, proximity and unflinching honesty from both of them lead to more. Hahn writes deeply emotional YA books with heart and depth. I love how easy they are to sink into and how quickly I fall in love with her kids. This book will go right into the hands of my favorite teens....when I am ready to let them go.
Good news - it's not that sad. The characters are sad. Case is up to his ears in grief. Winnie has had a tough hand dealt her in her family life. Both are struggling just to get by. But when they find friendship with each other, proximity and unflinching honesty from both of them lead to more. Hahn writes deeply emotional YA books with heart and depth. I love how easy they are to sink into and how quickly I fall in love with her kids. This book will go right into the hands of my favorite teens....when I am ready to let them go.
July 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was such a heartfelt YA coming of age story where the two MCs find their first purpose in life through many struggles from outside forces like family and death.
I thought I would cry more tbh but I did shed a few tears towards the end when Garrett and Jesse were visiting Win’s new place. It was so touching and wow how strong Winnie is was heartbreaking yet empowering. She was drained but she always did everything she could to not only survive but care for others as well.
The romance was also cute sad we didn’t get more cutesy moments with them but that was more of a side thing then to the main story of finding your way in life when it knocks you down!
This was such a heartfelt YA coming of age story where the two MCs find their first purpose in life through many struggles from outside forces like family and death.
I thought I would cry more tbh but I did shed a few tears towards the end when Garrett and Jesse were visiting Win’s new place. It was so touching and wow how strong Winnie is was heartbreaking yet empowering. She was drained but she always did everything she could to not only survive but care for others as well.
The romance was also cute sad we didn’t get more cutesy moments with them but that was more of a side thing then to the main story of finding your way in life when it knocks you down!
March 3, 2024
wow wow wow wow, erin hahn. wowww. this one pulled at my heart so deeply.
October 15, 2023
I got to read this book as an Advanced Readers Copy thanks to my friend and it was sooo good! I love reading an older sibling is the parent trope because of how much growth the character goes through in the story. And there was definitely character growth from both Case and Winnie ( The main characters). Case is dealing with the loss of his best friend and Winnie is dealing with being the parent to her two siblings because her dad is not doing his job as their father. I also love a cowboy read so I definitely ate this up! I 100% recommend this for a fun read! It was sweet and so cute and can’t wait for it’s release in February!
October 13, 2023
Erin Hahn is an auto read for me. I don't even have to know what it's about before I pick it up. This story did not disappoint. It gave all the feels. Case and Winnie's story was well done and I enjoyed reading both point of views the pacing was excellent. They both have some trauma to work through, but everything worked out perfectly.
October 4, 2023
“So what. I’m alive, you know? And as long as I’m breathing, I’m going to live the way I want.”
For a YA romance, this book was so beautiful. Seeing two characters with different struggles come together to grow as a couple and as individuals really made my heart happy. The author tackled very tough subjects such as loss of a friend and parent, difficult family dynamics, financial insecurity etc in a real and meaningful way. Nothing was sugar coated, but it was still written in a way that gave hope to the readers. I loved watching Winnie and Case become friends and really want success for each other. I do think there could have been a little bit more about the bull riding and horseback aspects since that was one of the main themes, but it was still done tastefully! The writing was done very well and wasn’t too cliche. For a YA book, it did read well too and didn’t feel like I was reading a middle schooler’s journal or something. I wanted to laugh, cry, hug and root for all the characters in the book as they all worked for their own versions of success. It was a great read that I could not get enough of!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for and Advanced Readers Copy.
For a YA romance, this book was so beautiful. Seeing two characters with different struggles come together to grow as a couple and as individuals really made my heart happy. The author tackled very tough subjects such as loss of a friend and parent, difficult family dynamics, financial insecurity etc in a real and meaningful way. Nothing was sugar coated, but it was still written in a way that gave hope to the readers. I loved watching Winnie and Case become friends and really want success for each other. I do think there could have been a little bit more about the bull riding and horseback aspects since that was one of the main themes, but it was still done tastefully! The writing was done very well and wasn’t too cliche. For a YA book, it did read well too and didn’t feel like I was reading a middle schooler’s journal or something. I wanted to laugh, cry, hug and root for all the characters in the book as they all worked for their own versions of success. It was a great read that I could not get enough of!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for and Advanced Readers Copy.
September 4, 2023
Even If It Breaks Your Heart is another brilliant young adult romance from Erin Hahn. It’s about growing up and chasing your dreams, love, loss, and trying to move forward after tragedy. It starts with a death, and ends with hope. Hahn brings her hallmark style once again, with a musical soundtrack and three-dimensional characters with flaws and deep emotions.
Eighteen-year-old Case Benton Michaels III comes from a wealthy family and lives a very privileged life; Winnie Sutton’s life is stark in contrast. She works as much as she can on Case’s family ranch to support her younger siblings. At first glance, they have nothing in common, but they both have a love of horses and secret dreams they’re afraid to chase. They also had the friendship of Walker Gibson, who recently died at the tragic age of seventeen.
Walker was Case’s best friend, and the two grew up together riding bulls. Walker made a bucket list, but at the end he shifted purpose and gave the list to Case. What started out as a list of things Walker wanted to do before dying ended up being a reason for Case to keep living. He’s broken and miserable when he tackles the strangest item on the list - befriending Winnie.
She doesn’t know she’s on that bucket list, and he didn’t know she was Walker’s friend. As he attempts to crack her armor, Case realizes she’s on the list for him. “…[Walker] knew she needed a friend, too. I lost my best friend, but she doesn’t have one either.”
Case and Winnie both have their whole lives ahead of them, but neither has been planning for the future. They do what’s expected of them, putting one foot in front of the other, keeping their dreams closely guarded secrets. Walker’s list changes both of their lives.
Even If It Breaks Your Heart is an emotional wringer from beginning to end; it’s also another must-read by Hahn. Rumor has it this will be her last YA romance, as she successfully transitioned into adult romance novels. No matter the genre, Hahn hooks readers from the first page and keeps them wanting more. I’ve read all of her books, and highly recommend them. Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a must-read.
Eighteen-year-old Case Benton Michaels III comes from a wealthy family and lives a very privileged life; Winnie Sutton’s life is stark in contrast. She works as much as she can on Case’s family ranch to support her younger siblings. At first glance, they have nothing in common, but they both have a love of horses and secret dreams they’re afraid to chase. They also had the friendship of Walker Gibson, who recently died at the tragic age of seventeen.
Walker was Case’s best friend, and the two grew up together riding bulls. Walker made a bucket list, but at the end he shifted purpose and gave the list to Case. What started out as a list of things Walker wanted to do before dying ended up being a reason for Case to keep living. He’s broken and miserable when he tackles the strangest item on the list - befriending Winnie.
She doesn’t know she’s on that bucket list, and he didn’t know she was Walker’s friend. As he attempts to crack her armor, Case realizes she’s on the list for him. “…[Walker] knew she needed a friend, too. I lost my best friend, but she doesn’t have one either.”
Case and Winnie both have their whole lives ahead of them, but neither has been planning for the future. They do what’s expected of them, putting one foot in front of the other, keeping their dreams closely guarded secrets. Walker’s list changes both of their lives.
Even If It Breaks Your Heart is an emotional wringer from beginning to end; it’s also another must-read by Hahn. Rumor has it this will be her last YA romance, as she successfully transitioned into adult romance novels. No matter the genre, Hahn hooks readers from the first page and keeps them wanting more. I’ve read all of her books, and highly recommend them. Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a must-read.
October 10, 2023
This is a story of friendship, young love, and finding yourself when it feels like the universe has turned its back on you. The author created a beautiful story about two characters I won’t soon be forgetting.
Right off the bat in this novel I have mixed feelings about Case. At first he comes across as a snobby rich boy who just wants to party, drink, and sleep with every girl he can find (but only once). Then we see him with Winnie and he is a complete gentleman and even stands up for her when Christine starts to say horrible things about Winnie and her family. Then, he goes back to party and finding a woman mode…it was quite the tilt-a-whirl.
Winnie is such a strong character. I liked everything about her. She has to take care of her family, but at no point does she either want people to pity her or acts like she can’t accept help from anyone. I like how she interacts with Case and does not instantly fall in love with him.
The alternative POVs really worked in my opinion. I also liked how we sometimes got more from Case rather than Winnie.
Winnie’s siblings and home life really added to the story. I was frustrated with Jesse but I’m happy he stepped up when he needed to. Garrett was a funny, smart character I hope someday gets her own book.
The romance aspect of this book was not the main plot. I found this interesting, but it absolutely worked. At the 60% mark I said, “huh, there’s been no romance so far. Hmmm.” I realized this is because Case and Winnie first had to establish their friendship, spend time together platonically, and figure out what they wanted in life before venturing into the romantic aspects of their life.
I adored this book. It’s a light read and will make you evaluate many aspects in your own life while hoping this young couple figures things out. I will 100% be reading this author again.
**An ARC was provided from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Right off the bat in this novel I have mixed feelings about Case. At first he comes across as a snobby rich boy who just wants to party, drink, and sleep with every girl he can find (but only once). Then we see him with Winnie and he is a complete gentleman and even stands up for her when Christine starts to say horrible things about Winnie and her family. Then, he goes back to party and finding a woman mode…it was quite the tilt-a-whirl.
Winnie is such a strong character. I liked everything about her. She has to take care of her family, but at no point does she either want people to pity her or acts like she can’t accept help from anyone. I like how she interacts with Case and does not instantly fall in love with him.
The alternative POVs really worked in my opinion. I also liked how we sometimes got more from Case rather than Winnie.
Winnie’s siblings and home life really added to the story. I was frustrated with Jesse but I’m happy he stepped up when he needed to. Garrett was a funny, smart character I hope someday gets her own book.
The romance aspect of this book was not the main plot. I found this interesting, but it absolutely worked. At the 60% mark I said, “huh, there’s been no romance so far. Hmmm.” I realized this is because Case and Winnie first had to establish their friendship, spend time together platonically, and figure out what they wanted in life before venturing into the romantic aspects of their life.
I adored this book. It’s a light read and will make you evaluate many aspects in your own life while hoping this young couple figures things out. I will 100% be reading this author again.
**An ARC was provided from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
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