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Love, Canter, Action
Saddle up for this swoony enemies-to-lovers romance, full of giggles, snark, and heart, perfect for fans of Kasie West and Emma Lord.
Nora Green wants out. Out of rural Georgia—and, more importantly, out of the house she’s been resentfully occupying with her father and his wife. It’s been five months since her mama died and the state dumped her on her father’s doorstep, and Nora’s been counting every second.
With the sudden closure of the Shep horse ranch, Nora’s last home-away-from-home, comes two surprises: news of her admission to a prestigious equine training program in Montana, and a job wrangling horses on a movie set to cover the costs.
To her eternal nightmare, she discovers that the movie stars teen heartthrob Alexander Mathis, hot off the heels of a very public scandal. Not that Nora cares who he is—to her, he’s just the obnoxious stranger who interrupted her dinner the night before.
When photos of their argument are misread as a passionate affair, the Internet falls head-over-hooves for Hollywood’s newest couple. Eager to capitalize on the press, Alec offers Nora a deal: go on three fake dates with him, and he’ll cover her ticket to Montana.
But the lines between script and reality have a way of blurring, and when the truth about Alec’s scandal catches up to him, Nora has a choice: continue shutting everyone out, or open her heart to the love that’s always been around her.
Nora Green wants out. Out of rural Georgia—and, more importantly, out of the house she’s been resentfully occupying with her father and his wife. It’s been five months since her mama died and the state dumped her on her father’s doorstep, and Nora’s been counting every second.
With the sudden closure of the Shep horse ranch, Nora’s last home-away-from-home, comes two surprises: news of her admission to a prestigious equine training program in Montana, and a job wrangling horses on a movie set to cover the costs.
To her eternal nightmare, she discovers that the movie stars teen heartthrob Alexander Mathis, hot off the heels of a very public scandal. Not that Nora cares who he is—to her, he’s just the obnoxious stranger who interrupted her dinner the night before.
When photos of their argument are misread as a passionate affair, the Internet falls head-over-hooves for Hollywood’s newest couple. Eager to capitalize on the press, Alec offers Nora a deal: go on three fake dates with him, and he’ll cover her ticket to Montana.
But the lines between script and reality have a way of blurring, and when the truth about Alec’s scandal catches up to him, Nora has a choice: continue shutting everyone out, or open her heart to the love that’s always been around her.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2025
13 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 25, 2025
Rating: 2.75⭐️
This was an okay read but I might have been the wrong target audience for this. It was a bit too YA for me. I also found the leads to be childish, stubborn and temperamental at times which was very annoying and frustrating to read.
I did like the romance though. The progression from hating each other to trusting each other and opening themselves up to love did not feel rushed. However, the way the MMC handled the third act breakup soured the romance a bit for me. He was a complete jerk and I felt that he needed to grovel more for the FMC’s forgiveness.
So overall, it was a short and quick read and I enjoyed it for the most part.
This was an okay read but I might have been the wrong target audience for this. It was a bit too YA for me. I also found the leads to be childish, stubborn and temperamental at times which was very annoying and frustrating to read.
I did like the romance though. The progression from hating each other to trusting each other and opening themselves up to love did not feel rushed. However, the way the MMC handled the third act breakup soured the romance a bit for me. He was a complete jerk and I felt that he needed to grovel more for the FMC’s forgiveness.
So overall, it was a short and quick read and I enjoyed it for the most part.
January 30, 2025
I got my hands on the arc of this and I’m so glad I did!
This book was such a delight. The writing was lovely. The characters were fantastic. Their banter was top tier! The story itself, about a girl realizing she had to open herself up after tragedy, was just too good. I will be rereading this when it comes out in May.
LOVED
This book was such a delight. The writing was lovely. The characters were fantastic. Their banter was top tier! The story itself, about a girl realizing she had to open herself up after tragedy, was just too good. I will be rereading this when it comes out in May.
LOVED
April 28, 2025
Can’t say enough good things about this book! Great pacing, witty banter, character growth that is believable, and such good romance! Also loved the sub plot of her with her new family.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy! Our podcast Two Babes and a Book discussed this book in depth. 😊
Thank you for the advanced reader copy! Our podcast Two Babes and a Book discussed this book in depth. 😊
February 8, 2025
i was lucky enough to read an arc of this book! if i weren’t so busy throughout the week, this would have been completely read in one sitting! from the first chapter, i was hooked. the characters and the plot made it so impossible to put it down. this is definitely a new comfort novel for me!
May 4, 2025
Nora and Alec are perfect and if you want a romance where horses are really prominent, please pick this up!
Shep Horse Ranch is closing, and that means Nora is out of a job and a home away from home. Since her mom passed a few years ago, Nora has had to live with her father and his wife, considering her father was never in her life because he cheated on his wife (with Nora's mom), the tension in the air is always thick.
Mrs. Shep, the owner of the ranch, offers Nora something she can't refuse: an opportunity to go to equestrian school in Montana, and the down payment has already been taken care of. The rest of the tuition is also taken care of, as Mrs. Shep got Nora a job as the horse wrangler on set for a new movie being filmed in town. Nora's life is FINALLY looking up, until she crosses path with the pretentious asshole that is Alexander Mathis.
They get off on the wrong foot, and when a photo of them is spread online, it saves his reputation, and Alec needs that more than anything. When a surprise $1,500 is owed in two weeks to the school, Nora is giving up her dream until Alec offers her $500 for every date they're photographed on. Deal.
I don't read young adult contemporary anymore unless it's Ann Liang, but Katie Gilbert really delivered. I came across this arc when it was sent to my workplace, and my coworker knows I love cowboy romance, so she gave it to me! I wasn't expecting to love this book, considering YA contemporary romance isn't my favorite, mostly due to pacing, but I fell in love with this story.
I really enjoyed how horses and ranching were prominent in this story. Oftentimes, especially with the rise of yeehaw romance, a lot of books are marketed as cowboy, but lack the vibes and the actual setting. This book just had such a love and feel for horses.
Alec was a character I had to get used to. Especially with that third-act conflict, some of what he said ruined his character slightly, but he's also a teenager, and with how well he communicated his feelings in the end, I can't blame him, and instead, it made me love him more.
This also isn't just a romance. Like most YA contemporary romances, there's a solid plot there, too. Nora lost her mother and is reeling with a father who was absent for most of her life; the grief and confusion she feels are explored within these pages.
My only real issue I have isn't the author's fault. The formula most YA romances follow is this, so I can't be too upset, but I wanted more romance. Due to the fact that this is marketed towards teenagers, YA authors focus a lot on emotional connection and the other aforementioned plot points, which leaves little to no time for the characters to be together and in love. I'm not asking for smut, my GOD, they're 18, but I want more of their lovey-dovey, cheesy, and cutesy time together! That's why I read romance!!
This title is set to release on May 13, 2025, from Union Square & Co. Thank you to the publishers for the physical ARC and my review reflects the ARC I read.
Shep Horse Ranch is closing, and that means Nora is out of a job and a home away from home. Since her mom passed a few years ago, Nora has had to live with her father and his wife, considering her father was never in her life because he cheated on his wife (with Nora's mom), the tension in the air is always thick.
Mrs. Shep, the owner of the ranch, offers Nora something she can't refuse: an opportunity to go to equestrian school in Montana, and the down payment has already been taken care of. The rest of the tuition is also taken care of, as Mrs. Shep got Nora a job as the horse wrangler on set for a new movie being filmed in town. Nora's life is FINALLY looking up, until she crosses path with the pretentious asshole that is Alexander Mathis.
They get off on the wrong foot, and when a photo of them is spread online, it saves his reputation, and Alec needs that more than anything. When a surprise $1,500 is owed in two weeks to the school, Nora is giving up her dream until Alec offers her $500 for every date they're photographed on. Deal.
I don't read young adult contemporary anymore unless it's Ann Liang, but Katie Gilbert really delivered. I came across this arc when it was sent to my workplace, and my coworker knows I love cowboy romance, so she gave it to me! I wasn't expecting to love this book, considering YA contemporary romance isn't my favorite, mostly due to pacing, but I fell in love with this story.
I really enjoyed how horses and ranching were prominent in this story. Oftentimes, especially with the rise of yeehaw romance, a lot of books are marketed as cowboy, but lack the vibes and the actual setting. This book just had such a love and feel for horses.
Alec was a character I had to get used to. Especially with that third-act conflict, some of what he said ruined his character slightly, but he's also a teenager, and with how well he communicated his feelings in the end, I can't blame him, and instead, it made me love him more.
This also isn't just a romance. Like most YA contemporary romances, there's a solid plot there, too. Nora lost her mother and is reeling with a father who was absent for most of her life; the grief and confusion she feels are explored within these pages.
My only real issue I have isn't the author's fault. The formula most YA romances follow is this, so I can't be too upset, but I wanted more romance. Due to the fact that this is marketed towards teenagers, YA authors focus a lot on emotional connection and the other aforementioned plot points, which leaves little to no time for the characters to be together and in love. I'm not asking for smut, my GOD, they're 18, but I want more of their lovey-dovey, cheesy, and cutesy time together! That's why I read romance!!
This title is set to release on May 13, 2025, from Union Square & Co. Thank you to the publishers for the physical ARC and my review reflects the ARC I read.
April 7, 2025
“𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺. 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦? 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩.”
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert!
As someone who grew up watching their DVDs of 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 on loop, this book is everything I needed and more. I have been trying to get to more debut author ARCs this year because I want to be able to tell customers about these stories, and I am SO glad I have. This is an INCREDIBLE debut!! I am a reader who loves YA and who loves romances involving horse girls and cowboys. This book delivers on both fronts, knocking its story out of the park (or ranch).
This story involves an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating scheme that has a star actor and a bonafide horse girl crossing paths. When you first meet Nora and Alec, Nora is struggling with a new reality and lingering grief following her mother’s death and Alec is trying to keep his head (and career) above water following a very public breakup and scandal. The chemistry between these two during their dislike-to-love journey was SO good.
But on top of the romance being excellent, this book does so many other things right. It explores complex family dynamics that show that every story has more than one side (and that had me tearing up several times). It delves into grief and how people can struggle to let down their walls when they’re scared of being hurt. And it tackles the pervasiveness of parasocial relationships and how willing “fans” are to cross lines with the celebs they revere.
This book had me laughing out loud, fighting tears, and waiting on the edge of my seat for our leads to kiss. It delivers on all the banter and emotion you could ask for out of a story like this. I cannot WAIT to read this author’s future books!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert!
As someone who grew up watching their DVDs of 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 on loop, this book is everything I needed and more. I have been trying to get to more debut author ARCs this year because I want to be able to tell customers about these stories, and I am SO glad I have. This is an INCREDIBLE debut!! I am a reader who loves YA and who loves romances involving horse girls and cowboys. This book delivers on both fronts, knocking its story out of the park (or ranch).
This story involves an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating scheme that has a star actor and a bonafide horse girl crossing paths. When you first meet Nora and Alec, Nora is struggling with a new reality and lingering grief following her mother’s death and Alec is trying to keep his head (and career) above water following a very public breakup and scandal. The chemistry between these two during their dislike-to-love journey was SO good.
But on top of the romance being excellent, this book does so many other things right. It explores complex family dynamics that show that every story has more than one side (and that had me tearing up several times). It delves into grief and how people can struggle to let down their walls when they’re scared of being hurt. And it tackles the pervasiveness of parasocial relationships and how willing “fans” are to cross lines with the celebs they revere.
This book had me laughing out loud, fighting tears, and waiting on the edge of my seat for our leads to kiss. It delivers on all the banter and emotion you could ask for out of a story like this. I cannot WAIT to read this author’s future books!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️
November 11, 2024
A small town romance with big heart. Love, Canter, Action pulls no punches in its humor or sincerity, and delivers a unique spin on the fake-dating trope through rustic charm and searing chemistry on every page.
May 29, 2025
Third act break up 👎 I did enjoy this book, but it seemed a little bit too young adult for me. The banter was fun and it brought a lot to the romance progression as they went from people that hated each other to somebody that they could trust and love. It was a really short/ quick read. I do recommend for anybody who loves western romance to give it a try.
May 16, 2025
I don’t read a ton of westerns or books about horses, but when the publisher reached out to me about this one, it just sounded so cute! And really it was a mostly predictable story, but in a good way! I enjoyed this sweet story and just knowing how it would go. It was enough that the big dramatic bit at the end did actually have me tearing up a bit so that is good.
I loved the horses and the movie being filmed. Nora’s friends were fun and good friends as well. Her dad and stepmom even were more than she assumed they were, and I loved how that story came around in the end as well. There were a few “bad guys” in the story, Alec’s ex, an old classmate of Nora’s, as well as someone in Alec’s world. One of them the author gave them a little bit of empathy, even if what they did sucked. I did mark it down a half star on my blog review for the bit of misunderstanding issue at the end, even if I guess it was understandable.
Alec wasn’t the dashing hero to start, it was definitely an enemies to lovers trope. And while it seemed way over the top how he reacted in his and Nora’s first meeting, it made sense once we learned what he’d been dealing with. A fun movie star falls in love with a normal girl story, and I’m not usually a fan of those, but this was done perfectly.
So glad I got to read this one!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I loved the horses and the movie being filmed. Nora’s friends were fun and good friends as well. Her dad and stepmom even were more than she assumed they were, and I loved how that story came around in the end as well. There were a few “bad guys” in the story, Alec’s ex, an old classmate of Nora’s, as well as someone in Alec’s world. One of them the author gave them a little bit of empathy, even if what they did sucked. I did mark it down a half star on my blog review for the bit of misunderstanding issue at the end, even if I guess it was understandable.
Alec wasn’t the dashing hero to start, it was definitely an enemies to lovers trope. And while it seemed way over the top how he reacted in his and Nora’s first meeting, it made sense once we learned what he’d been dealing with. A fun movie star falls in love with a normal girl story, and I’m not usually a fan of those, but this was done perfectly.
So glad I got to read this one!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 24, 2025
3.75⭐
This book was such a fun read! I read it really quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. For me though, it was just a little bit YA. I usually prefer books with characters a bit closer to my age but I still really enjoyed this one. Also the cover is beautiful!
This book follows Nora, a 17 year old from Georgia. She had never considered working anywhere but Shep Farm... Until it closes. But Mrs Shep (the farm's owner) has her covered, with an equine programme in Montana, half the fees and a job on a movie set wrangling horses to cover the rest.
After a rude encounter with leading star, Alec Mathis (who she didn't know!), Nora is shocked to find he is leading on the movie she's working for. After a misunderstood photo of them, that could save his career, circulates online, she agrees to go on 3 fake dates and teach Alec to ride horses in return for payment to cover her housing deposit in Montana. However, she is not as good an actor as Alec as the fake romance soon turns very real. But is he falling too?
This book contains horses (and lots of them unlike some cowboy books I've read!), showbiz and drama. It was a quick, fun, easy read but one that still has me wanting to throw my kindle across the room in frustration when things didn't go to plan. It covers some tricky topics such as the death of Nora's mother and her complicated relationship with her dad and stepmum and does this well.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy! 🐴🎬🩷
This book was such a fun read! I read it really quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. For me though, it was just a little bit YA. I usually prefer books with characters a bit closer to my age but I still really enjoyed this one. Also the cover is beautiful!
This book follows Nora, a 17 year old from Georgia. She had never considered working anywhere but Shep Farm... Until it closes. But Mrs Shep (the farm's owner) has her covered, with an equine programme in Montana, half the fees and a job on a movie set wrangling horses to cover the rest.
After a rude encounter with leading star, Alec Mathis (who she didn't know!), Nora is shocked to find he is leading on the movie she's working for. After a misunderstood photo of them, that could save his career, circulates online, she agrees to go on 3 fake dates and teach Alec to ride horses in return for payment to cover her housing deposit in Montana. However, she is not as good an actor as Alec as the fake romance soon turns very real. But is he falling too?
This book contains horses (and lots of them unlike some cowboy books I've read!), showbiz and drama. It was a quick, fun, easy read but one that still has me wanting to throw my kindle across the room in frustration when things didn't go to plan. It covers some tricky topics such as the death of Nora's mother and her complicated relationship with her dad and stepmum and does this well.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy! 🐴🎬🩷
July 11, 2025
A sweet and thoughtful YA romance with some of those classic ingredients -- teaching a young movie star to ride for a part! Searching for what she'll do after high school! -- along with some excellent twists. I love the South Georgia ranch setting, which is obviously written with love. Nora's relationship with her family was poignant, with a satisfying resolution that brought a smile to my face. Horse details were great! Looking forward to whatever Katie Gilbert writes next!
May 21, 2025
That was surprisingly fun and heartwarming. I’m not usually into horse books, but this was actually interesting to me (and definitely gave the tv show Heartland vibes). I also liked how Nora, the main character, learned to let people into her life…..including the dad she didn’t even know she had.
October 28, 2025
yeah okay i loved this. maybe its because ive been riding horses for 13 years but i ate this one right up! i dont feel like writing a whole review but this was so cute and im glad i read it (somewhat) fast, at least compared to how i have been doing! hopefully i can keep this up and at least somewhat redeem my reading goal😅
January 6, 2026
So cute!! Love this western romance!! I would recommend this book if you love horses and want the romance without spice!! It had a good pace and kept me engaged throughout the whole book
May 9, 2025
A few months ago sweet Columbia local author Katie Gilbert popped into AGB and handed me an ARC of her debut novel “Love, Canter, Action”. Now, we’re just a few days away from her pub day on May 13!
This book is one of the more tender and thoughtful YA romances I’ve read in the last few years. Katie handles a difficult family dynamic with such honesty and care.
The main trio of friends’ dialogue and actions are realistic for their age, and I enjoyed how supportive and non-toxic they were.
Nora is a very lovable and relatable main character. I often saw my own stubbornness reflected back at me.
The cost of fame and finding comfort in a new family in the face of devastating loss are two themes throughout the book that always felt realistic and incorporated seamlessly.
You guys are simply going to love Alec and Nora and I can’t wait for you to meet them!
🐎🌾🎥🎬🐴🛻
Thank you to Katie and Union Square & Co. for the ARC!
This book is one of the more tender and thoughtful YA romances I’ve read in the last few years. Katie handles a difficult family dynamic with such honesty and care.
The main trio of friends’ dialogue and actions are realistic for their age, and I enjoyed how supportive and non-toxic they were.
Nora is a very lovable and relatable main character. I often saw my own stubbornness reflected back at me.
The cost of fame and finding comfort in a new family in the face of devastating loss are two themes throughout the book that always felt realistic and incorporated seamlessly.
You guys are simply going to love Alec and Nora and I can’t wait for you to meet them!
🐎🌾🎥🎬🐴🛻
Thank you to Katie and Union Square & Co. for the ARC!
May 15, 2025
Exceptional writing by Katie Gilbert !
A great story that will captivate your interest from start to finish!
A great story that will captivate your interest from start to finish!
May 11, 2025
Cute romance with many tropes. One horse, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, fake dating, and many more. Plus, my favorite trope - famous guy regular girl.
My biggest quibble is that the horse knowledge is not there. I think the author tried to do some cursory research, but she likely isn't a horse person herself.
My biggest quibble is that the horse knowledge is not there. I think the author tried to do some cursory research, but she likely isn't a horse person herself.
April 28, 2025
This book was witty and delightful - check out two babes and a book podcast episode for a full review! It was a sweet story that made me smile, laugh and tear up at the end. Thank you for the advanced copy Katie ❤️
March 15, 2025
This book was short and sweet! I was lucky to get a DRC from the publisher, and I’m so glad I did! I’m recovering from a shoulder injury, and this book helped me escape for a few hours.
This is a YA enemies to lovers rom-com with a small town girl from Georgia and Hollywood’s latest hot young actor.
The premise was fun, the chemistry was great, and I absolutely loved the banter. The FMC is dealing with the death of her mother, and tension with her father, and I thought it was handled really well. The character growth felt earned, even with such a short timeline. I also really appreciated the author’s attention to detail when it came to the horses/riding aspect. As someone who grew up working with horses, it is a big turn off when it’s written unrealistically.
All in all I really enjoyed Love, Canter, Action. It’s a perfect read for anyone who is looking for a quick light read, and I’d definitely recommend it to my teen students(even though there are mentions of underage drinking, it wasn’t a major plot point or anything). I look forward to more from Katie Gilbert!
This is a YA enemies to lovers rom-com with a small town girl from Georgia and Hollywood’s latest hot young actor.
The premise was fun, the chemistry was great, and I absolutely loved the banter. The FMC is dealing with the death of her mother, and tension with her father, and I thought it was handled really well. The character growth felt earned, even with such a short timeline. I also really appreciated the author’s attention to detail when it came to the horses/riding aspect. As someone who grew up working with horses, it is a big turn off when it’s written unrealistically.
All in all I really enjoyed Love, Canter, Action. It’s a perfect read for anyone who is looking for a quick light read, and I’d definitely recommend it to my teen students(even though there are mentions of underage drinking, it wasn’t a major plot point or anything). I look forward to more from Katie Gilbert!
Read
July 12, 2025Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert is a first person-POV YA contemporary romance. Since her mother’s death, Nora has been living with her father and stepmother and can’t wait to get out. When she’s given a chance to leave by going to college in Montana, she takes a job as a horse wrangler on a movie set to pay for it. But the lead, Alec, has some stuff going on himself and he offers Nora even more money if she agrees to pretend to date him.
Alec and Nora’s relationship is not what I would call enemies-to-lovers so much as a misunderstanding-to-lovers. They are never really on opposite sides but more got off on the wrong foot because Alec jumped the gun when he thought Nora’s friend took a covert picture of him and Nora, understandably, was upset about this but because she didn’t recognize who Alec was, she didn’t realize the place he was coming from either. They grow to understand each other quickly and bridge the gap of misunderstanding while they go through the fake dating aspect as they share more information about each other.
Nora’s journey is also about opening herself up to her friends and allowing herself to love her father and stepmother. It’s understandable that she would have a lot of struggles with the situation because she has spent her entire life without really knowing her father only to suddenly move in with him when she was seventeen or else he was going to be in legal trouble. But her father and stepmother do try the best they can to provide her what she needs without pushing her because they know it’s weird. It’s weird for them, too. It was probably my favorite dynamic in the book because it felt realistic.
The public vs private lives of celebrities is explored a lot through Alec. He doesn’t want people to know everything about him and he has felt betrayed by people close to him more than once, which is what led to him blowing up at Nora when they first met. The more we learn about why he won’t reveal bits of information, the more obvious it becomes that the lack of privacy is hurting him and the people who are still in his corner. The more privacy is eroded, the more depictions like this in art are important and the more they will relate to normal people who go viral on TikTok.
I would recommend this to fans of YA romance who love celebrity x normal person set-ups and readers of romance who want an exploration of complex family dynamics
July 17, 2025
I am FLOORED, guys. I grabbed this, thinking, "I love horses and I love YA romance. This'll be cute."
I was not prepared for the happy tears, ALL THE CRAZY HAPPY TEARS. This book has one of the best family dynamic plotlines that I've read in years. Nora's interaction with her father and his wife throughout the book was spectacularly written and I couldn't help but cry for almost the entire last quarter of the book when they had scenes together. Cecilia with the numbers, the phone call, the talks with her father about the past, the money, ALL OF IT. I was not prepared to love this subplot THIS much.
And the romance plot was also absolutely beautiful. I really loved Alec. I could feel them slowly becoming friends and then something more throughout this book, slowly developing feelings, slowly revealing more of themselves.
The third act conflict BROKE ME and I LOVED IT. I love the conflicts that make PERFECT sense but also cut my heart to pieces. You know it's a good book when it does that.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves YA romance and wants to a story with a very good familial plot. Also, there is no spice in this book so it's perfect for a younger YA audience as well.
I was not prepared for the happy tears, ALL THE CRAZY HAPPY TEARS. This book has one of the best family dynamic plotlines that I've read in years. Nora's interaction with her father and his wife throughout the book was spectacularly written and I couldn't help but cry for almost the entire last quarter of the book when they had scenes together. Cecilia with the numbers, the phone call, the talks with her father about the past, the money, ALL OF IT. I was not prepared to love this subplot THIS much.
And the romance plot was also absolutely beautiful. I really loved Alec. I could feel them slowly becoming friends and then something more throughout this book, slowly developing feelings, slowly revealing more of themselves.
The third act conflict BROKE ME and I LOVED IT. I love the conflicts that make PERFECT sense but also cut my heart to pieces. You know it's a good book when it does that.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves YA romance and wants to a story with a very good familial plot. Also, there is no spice in this book so it's perfect for a younger YA audience as well.
August 2, 2025
Early 2000s Disney channel original movie vibes, but in all the good ways! I didn’t realize this was YA but honestly I enjoyed it. Girly forgave him way too fast at the end but they’re young, life be like that.
July 13, 2025
Sweet, fluffy, charming, so so cute! Definitely feels YA but not in an annoying whiny stupid teenagers being dumb kinda way. Could see the third act breakup cause from a mile away but hey it’s a romance what can you expect.
8.5/10 would recommend to the right people
8.5/10 would recommend to the right people
August 3, 2025
“My job was to pretend to fall in love with you, Alec. I completely and utterly failed.”
RHEJRHEHSHJSSJ THESE TWO HAVE MY ENTIRE HEART
RHEJRHEHSHJSSJ THESE TWO HAVE MY ENTIRE HEART
October 6, 2025
and everyone said “i’m sure” when i said “wow i want cecilia” (but no in all truth you can’t go wrong with a YA romance this was really endearing)
May 13, 2025
This book was so good! Such a beautiful story. Loved all the characters. Highly recommend this book to any romance lovers and anyone that loves horses. Even made me tear up a couple of times! Thanks so much Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review
August 23, 2025
THIS is what I wanted from Even If It Breaks Your Heart. It's sweet and bubbly and warm, with a core of grief recovery that doesn't take away from the general lightness of the story, and suitable for younger readers as well. I admire the main character; the first chapter alone was enough for her to become my favorite and want to see all the best things for her. And of course, there are horses! A vanishing rarity in YA.
If I'm being honest, I would have liked even more scenes with the horses -- I was really keen to find out what the head wrangler does on a movie set. But we pretty much only see her in that context for a day or two, which consists of general stable work & helping match horse to rider, and then giving private riding lessons outside the scope of her job. I still don't know why they needed 10 horses or who else besides the leads were riding them. Did I read it too fast, or did they not even go over the movie's plot?
Still, there were enough horsey scenes to make me happy, including the entire afternoon/evening where they do those riding lessons out on the secluded farm of her former employer. Ethel is a good mare. ♥
And congrats to this author for writing such a vivid portrait of Nora's mama, dead before the story begins, that she was one of my favorite characters. I loved every flashback scene/memory of her SO MUCH; can I read a prequel about them and their life on the ranch? A middle grade novel would be ideal, I think. Because I also want more of Mrs. Shep, who is only in one chapter but is immediately my hero and someone I think deserves way more page time.
But I loved that this also turned into a story about embracing her newly-acquired family as well, and being embraced by them in turn, when it turns out that between her, her father, and her stepmother, Nora is the only one actually counting down the days until she can be out of their lives forever.
The only thing I didn't believe in was the romance, but I kind of figured I wouldn't from the start. Alexander's not abhorrent, but he's still pretty rude in the beginning regardless of his reasons, and I just didn't see that much to convince me he was worth getting to know beyond surface level -- let alone believe they're falling in love when they met three literal weeks ago.
Especially after the ridiculous fight they have! His apology is the bare minimum to put things right, but that's not a make-up gift, that's a "goodbye forever, but I at least now I will think fondly of your face when I reminisce on my life-changing summer" moment.
That said, I did note that she's good at writing the mechanics of sweet romance, capturing the fizz of unexpected emotions and the magic of a first kiss. I imagine actual young adult readers will love the epilogue.
Final thoughts:
* I don't really like the harsh pink-orange tones of the dust jacket, but the hardcover underneath is beautiful -- soft, pale yellow boards with shiny, vivid green text on the spine that screams spring.
* Please check out the author's website (katiegilbertwrites.com); it's full of adorable clipart and a design that evokes Southern charm so much that it doubled my already-high anticipation to read this one.
* I'm definitely curious to see what she publishes next. I hope it's about horses again, even more than I hope she improves on the love interest. I especially want a book set at the campus for the Equine Studies program. Not necessarily a sequel, or even a companion novel following a different character, though it could be -- I just really want to soak up that atmosphere.
If I'm being honest, I would have liked even more scenes with the horses -- I was really keen to find out what the head wrangler does on a movie set. But we pretty much only see her in that context for a day or two, which consists of general stable work & helping match horse to rider, and then giving private riding lessons outside the scope of her job. I still don't know why they needed 10 horses or who else besides the leads were riding them. Did I read it too fast, or did they not even go over the movie's plot?
Still, there were enough horsey scenes to make me happy, including the entire afternoon/evening where they do those riding lessons out on the secluded farm of her former employer. Ethel is a good mare. ♥
And congrats to this author for writing such a vivid portrait of Nora's mama, dead before the story begins, that she was one of my favorite characters. I loved every flashback scene/memory of her SO MUCH; can I read a prequel about them and their life on the ranch? A middle grade novel would be ideal, I think. Because I also want more of Mrs. Shep, who is only in one chapter but is immediately my hero and someone I think deserves way more page time.
But I loved that this also turned into a story about embracing her newly-acquired family as well, and being embraced by them in turn, when it turns out that between her, her father, and her stepmother, Nora is the only one actually counting down the days until she can be out of their lives forever.
The only thing I didn't believe in was the romance, but I kind of figured I wouldn't from the start. Alexander's not abhorrent, but he's still pretty rude in the beginning regardless of his reasons, and I just didn't see that much to convince me he was worth getting to know beyond surface level -- let alone believe they're falling in love when they met three literal weeks ago.
Especially after the ridiculous fight they have! His apology is the bare minimum to put things right, but that's not a make-up gift, that's a "goodbye forever, but I at least now I will think fondly of your face when I reminisce on my life-changing summer" moment.
That said, I did note that she's good at writing the mechanics of sweet romance, capturing the fizz of unexpected emotions and the magic of a first kiss. I imagine actual young adult readers will love the epilogue.
Final thoughts:
* I don't really like the harsh pink-orange tones of the dust jacket, but the hardcover underneath is beautiful -- soft, pale yellow boards with shiny, vivid green text on the spine that screams spring.
* Please check out the author's website (katiegilbertwrites.com); it's full of adorable clipart and a design that evokes Southern charm so much that it doubled my already-high anticipation to read this one.
* I'm definitely curious to see what she publishes next. I hope it's about horses again, even more than I hope she improves on the love interest. I especially want a book set at the campus for the Equine Studies program. Not necessarily a sequel, or even a companion novel following a different character, though it could be -- I just really want to soak up that atmosphere.
April 20, 2025
3.5 stars
May 31, 2025
I bought this book as a preorder then had two crazy weeks- when I finally sat down to start it I finished this one in under 24 hours!
I loved reading about Nora & Alec 🥹 This book was a great example of young adults struggling with life’s hardships. Nora has recently lost her mom, who raised her by herself, and had no choice but to move in with her once- absent father. Alec is struggling to enjoy his fame and monetary successes because of his loss of privacy and lack of genuine people in his life. The two of them are searching for both stability and genuineness from people in their life- which they find in each other.
Throw in some lovable horses (I totally pictured Ethel as the horse from the Aristocats’ Frou Frou with her fancy hat), a ‘poor girl gets the chance to experience a lavish lifestyle’ (every impoverished persons dream) and a quiet, country town (MY hometown, no less!) and you have the makings for a great story.
I can’t wait to see what Katie Gilbert puts out next ☺️
I loved reading about Nora & Alec 🥹 This book was a great example of young adults struggling with life’s hardships. Nora has recently lost her mom, who raised her by herself, and had no choice but to move in with her once- absent father. Alec is struggling to enjoy his fame and monetary successes because of his loss of privacy and lack of genuine people in his life. The two of them are searching for both stability and genuineness from people in their life- which they find in each other.
Throw in some lovable horses (I totally pictured Ethel as the horse from the Aristocats’ Frou Frou with her fancy hat), a ‘poor girl gets the chance to experience a lavish lifestyle’ (every impoverished persons dream) and a quiet, country town (MY hometown, no less!) and you have the makings for a great story.
I can’t wait to see what Katie Gilbert puts out next ☺️
September 4, 2025
This book was way more heartwarming than I was expecting! And the family dynamic was even more important than the love story in my opinion. Surprisingly, the step mom was my favorite character.
Nora’s whole life has been on a horse ranch but a few things changed close together. Nora’s mom died. Nora’s boss at the ranch sold it.
Nora was dropped onto the doorstep of her father because she was still 17. She thinks her father resents her because she is the result of his affair with her mother. And she never met him until her mom died. But it’s a more complicated story than that.
Nora has a way out- she’s been offered a spot at a prestigious equine academy but she needs more money to afford it. Her previous boss lined up a job on a movie set and Nora soon finds herself touching the young male lead to ride.
She also finds herself agreeing to fake dating him to make him look better in the tabloids.
On the surface this may sound like another fake dating story…nothing wrong with that…but the scenes with Nora’s family are beautiful at times. I literally cried twice.
Beautiful story. I mainly picked it up cause I’m very into Heartland and I’m glad I did.
Nora’s whole life has been on a horse ranch but a few things changed close together. Nora’s mom died. Nora’s boss at the ranch sold it.
Nora was dropped onto the doorstep of her father because she was still 17. She thinks her father resents her because she is the result of his affair with her mother. And she never met him until her mom died. But it’s a more complicated story than that.
Nora has a way out- she’s been offered a spot at a prestigious equine academy but she needs more money to afford it. Her previous boss lined up a job on a movie set and Nora soon finds herself touching the young male lead to ride.
She also finds herself agreeing to fake dating him to make him look better in the tabloids.
On the surface this may sound like another fake dating story…nothing wrong with that…but the scenes with Nora’s family are beautiful at times. I literally cried twice.
Beautiful story. I mainly picked it up cause I’m very into Heartland and I’m glad I did.
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