Save A Horse

by Alicia Vanover

"It wasn't just the adventures that defined our childhood. It was the bond that we shared. Daisy and I would sit under the stars countless nights after dinner while our parents talked or sat on the porch, sharing our secrets and dreams. I believed, in those moments, that we would always be there for each other."

Daisy McClain and Colt Hogan are no strangers to heartbreak.

Daisy shed her life on a small town ranch after after her high school graduation to escape the pain of losing her mother at age sixteen. Being in the city for the last seven years, Daisy hasn't looked back.

Colt lost his mom at twenty and has never left the comfort of his small town home. Spending every day on his family's ranch, dreaming of one day taking over, Colt still felt he was missing something.

With a childhood friendship between them, what will happen when Daisy and Colt's dads make a deal for Daisy to stay on Colt's family's ranch for the whole summer? They knew each other once, but will they get to know each other in a different light this go around? Will their heart's finally heal, or will they be left with more heartbreak?

Genres: Cowboy Romance

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

Reviews

[Linz_loves_books (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save a Horse is this author's debut novel, and it was such a cute and fun read. Colt and Daisy have been friends since they were kids. They told each other everything as kids. Their dads are friends and both own ranches in this small town. They also both share the grief of losing their mom. Daisy moved away to the city after graduation and became a city girl where she has never really had to work hard for anything. Colt on the other hand stayed in their little, small town working on the ranch. When Daisy decides to come back to town her dad sends her off to Colt's fathers ranch to work all summer. What happens when they have to work together all summer? Will they be able to work past their inner grief together or will it get in the way of a future? What happens when Colt's dad informs him that the one thing he wants is off limits?

What to Expect
🐎Cowboy Romance
🐎Small-town Romance
🐎Second Chance Romance
🐎Friends to lovers
🐎Forced Proximity
🐎Forbidden Love

This was a really cute and sweet story of two characters who have a lot of heartbreak but looking for healing. There was a lot of emotion from both characters. My favorite part of this book was during the chapters you would see little flashbacks of them when they were children. It was sweet and kind of gave me "Sweet Home Alabama" vibes with the flashbacks. I can't wait to see what is next for this author.


Pre-read Review: A cute little cowboy romance..sign me up!

[Jessica Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanna say a huge thank you to my friend and author Alicia Vanover for allowing me to have a early copy!!
I throughly enjoyed this book, from the moments that made me giggle and kicking my feet, the spice 🌶️, and southern cowboy charm 😏. This book is so beautifully written, you truly feel the emotions from each character through the page, so much depth, emotion, and love just protruding off of these pages
Cowboy romances are always my fave, but I absolutely cannot wait for Alicia’s next works, please keep them coming because I need more immediately!!! 😏🤠

Again huge thanks to Alicia for trusting me with her Debut novel🩷

📚if you want to read this amazing book, you can preorder the e-book on Amazon (this is also available on Kindle Unlimited), and grab a SIGNED paperback copy through the link on her socal medias (Facebook, tic tok, Instagram.) Release date is September 1st, 2025 📚

[kesy_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed colt and Daisy story. Cult was so sweet and I loved how he kept calling her darling.

Forced proximity
Childhood friends
Friends to lovers
Second Chance
Forbidden love
Cowboy Romance

This book was beautifully written, there was so much emotion and clean passion. I loved the pacing the banter I loved everything about this book.

[Taylor Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Save a Horse by Alicia Vanover

This book was such a sweet, fun ride 🤠. It has that small-town cowboy charm, a little spice, and plenty of moments that made me grin. Colt and Daisy’s love was just beautiful—I felt it the whole way through. There were parts that made me so sad because I cared so much for the characters, but every time it circled back to happiness. By the end, I was crying sad tears that turned into happy ones 🥲💖.

The whole story was beautifully written. I loved everything about it—the names, the characters, the setting… it all felt so real and pulled me right in. The pacing was just right too, with enough drama to keep me hooked but still giving me that cozy western vibe 🌵.

This book turned my love for western romances way up—I’m ready to read them all now! 📚💫 If you love cowboys, sweet romances with a touch of heat, and a story that makes you feel every emotion, this one’s for you. And honestly… I already want another read by her now! 🤎

✨ Huge thanks to my friend, the author Alicia Vanover, for trusting me with her debut novel in exchange for my honest review.

📚 If you want to read it, you can preorder the eBook on Amazon and grab a signed paperback copy through the link in her socials (TikTok, Facebook, & Instagram). It releases September 1st—you can then purchase the paperback as well. And good news, it’ll be available on Kindle Unlimited too! 🎉

💌 Alicia, keep the cowboy romances coming, because I’m officially hooked 😉🤠

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You make me feel alive"
"I would run through fire for her"

Attention all my cowboy romance lovers, here's a super cute book to add to your TBRs! Save A Horse is Alicia’s debut novel and she absolutely killed it.

Colt and Daisy were incredible main characters and were both so well written with so much depth, emotion, and heart to them. With both of their families owning ranches and being close friends, they've known each other their whole lives.
From going on playful adventures together as kids who told each other everything to sharing very similar loses and pain, they've been a constant in each other's lives. That all changes when Daisy leaves the tranquility and quiet of the ranch life for the big bustling city to chase her dreams. When she returns years later to help out Colt's dad on their familly ranch, her and Colt reconnect in ways neither one of them expected. What ensues is a story full of yearning, heated swoon worthy moments, forced proximity, and forbidden love that heals them both in ways they never even knew they needed.

The story of Colt and Daisy was so heartfelt and emotional, I loved it. My favorite parts were definitely the flashbacks to their childhoods; they were so adorable and so special to them both and their story.

Huge congrats to you Alicia on your debut novel, you've created such beautiful characters and an even more beautiful story!

Save A Horse releases on September 1st, preorder your copy now!! 🧡🐴

[Sarjxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ✨️

I loved this Forbidden Love, Second Chance Cowboy Romance 🤠
Giddy up my fellow readers, you're gonna love this ride!!!

[Dani Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing debut novel for Alicia Vanover. She really put everything into this novel. The characters were amazing. You felt every emotion and thought with her writing. Don’t even get me started on the location. I want to visit just because it sounds so amazing.

Daisy and Colt have always been childhood friends until Daisy moved away. After several years, she comes home for the summer to work on Colt’s ranch. At first there was a little snark and banter between the two until a night out on the town turned those into sparks that neither wanted to allow to catch fire.

Between learning how to navigate a friendship to a relationship, this novel keeps you kicking your feet and just saying to yourself, just go for it.

[Güera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read an early copy. I love your writing style. Your book is beautifully written. I fell in love with Colt and Daisy. I was a bit frustrated in the beginning with Colt’s hesitation and the hot/cold but I understood the complexity.

Colt: I couldn’t lose her. I would survive without her. She was my comfort, my joy, my safe place. She was the moon and the stars. She was a light in the darkness. She was everything to me ❤️❤️❤️❤️😭

I can’t wait to read more of your books 🫶🏻❤️

My latest Book Boyfriend is a 6 Foot Cowboy 🤠 named Colt 😍🥰

[Nikki Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy & Colt were always the best of friends when they were kids; inseparable. They are both grown up now, and for the summer they have to work together on the ranch. Will old feelings pop up?
This book was just so sweet. It has forced proximity, childhood friends to lovers, yearning, small town romance and forbidden love with a dash of spice! Who doesn't love a cowboy who yearns? I remember seeing my grandparents together when I was a teenager and thinking that it was how love should be, how love should look.
I feel the same with Save A Horse. I got emotional a few times reading this. I didn't want the book to end and purposefully took it slow so I could take it all in. A book that feels like a 90s country song, in all the best ways. I hope in the future I can see more of Colt & Daisy

[Bryanna(Beesbooksta) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet second-chance, friends-to-lovers cowboy romance. Colt and Daisy reconnect when she returns to her home town for the summer, and I loved seeing their friendship grow into something more. The flashbacks to their childhood added so much heart to the story.

At times when the POV switches it felt a little repetitive but once the story hit its stride, I was really invested. The small-town setting, family ties, and Colt and Daisy’s chemistry made this a cute, heartfelt read.

Thank you Alicia for letting me be apart of your ARC team!

“Well, darlin’, you look like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day.” -Save A Horse
Alicia Vanover

[Shannon Katariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best cowboy romance books you will ever read!!!! This is the love story of Colt and Daisy. If you love romance books that tells you each characters thoughts and feelings, then this is the book for you. One of the best aspects is the childhood memories / flashbacks.

Spicy - ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Plot - ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Characters -❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Emily Arriola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save A Horse was such a fun read! Colt and Daisy were so good together!!
❤️Childhood Friends
❤️Second Chance
❤️Cowboy Romance
❤️Forced Proximity

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations to Alicia on such a wonderful debut! This was an adorable small town, cowboy romance.
Colt and Daisy’s story pulled me right in, and I really loved the way the flashbacks from their childhood added to their journey and it made me root for them even more for their second chance at love. I liked getting both POVs, though at times it did feel a little repetitive when the same event was retold. That said, it didn’t take away from how charming and heartfelt the story was overall. I’m excited to see what Alicia brings us next!

Rating ⭐️: 4/5
Spice 🌶️: 1.5/5

🤠 Cowboy romance
🧡 Friends to strangers to lovers
🤠 Forced proximity
🧡 It’s always been you
🤠 Small town

Thank you to Alicia for the arc!

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I love this book!!! Colt and Daisy have like each other since they were kids. But neither one told the other. At time it was so sad. After high school Daisy goes to the city. Few years later she finds herself back at the Rose ranch. Her Father want her to learn what hard work is. It is not just anyone ranch. It Colts father ranch. Their dads are best friends. Colt was told to stay away from her. He told his father that he would. But that does not stop. Since she walk back on the ranch. He can't stop him thinking about her. Chapter 19 and 20. Had my heart breaking for both of them. Then with the whipped cream and ice cream. Oh how could I forget about the truck scene after the went dancing!!! Like ok cowboy 🤠. I give this a 5 ⭐. I want to say thanks to my friend, Author Alicia Vanover. Girl you did it!!! I can't wait for book 2.

Favorite quotes(were from Colt mother)
Happiness isn’t something you find. It’s something you create. I want you to create your own happiness, baby. I want you to find your reason and love."

Colt, whenever you’re feeling lost or unsure, remember to look around you. Find joy in the little things. Do things that give you peace. That is where you will find your answers and comfort"

[Priscilla Herchold · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

The Cowboy Era continues and I absolutely love it!

Now this... this a very sweet romance. Daisy and Colt were childhood friends, coming from families that both owned ranches. Once she graduates, Daisy moves to the city and Colt is left behind; the friendship is effectively DOA. When Daisy returns, her father sends her to work at Colt's family ranch. Back in each other's orbits, the friendship starts anew but turns to something more.

Both Colt and Daisy are great characters. There's a lot of depth to them; Vanover is able to build that depth not only by switching POVs but by also going between childhood and present timelines. We can see their emotions as childhood friends and then again as adults as those emotions morph into romance. With the foundational basis of friendship, everything about Daisy and Colt just feels natural - their whole story feels natural and sigh-worthy.

Very sweet and it'll leave you feeling good. If you didn't want a cowboy already, you'll want one after this!

Congratulations to Alicia on her debut!

🤎𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🤎𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🤎𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
🤎𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲
🤎𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞
🤎𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!

[TrashxQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save a Horse is Alicia Vanovver’s debut, and what a debut it is! This cute small-town cowboy romance completely won me over. I absolutely loved it!

I really enjoyed both POVs and how seamless they were, giving us insight into each character’s heart and mind. The flashbacks to when they were younger made their bond feel even more real.

What stood out most to me was how well the grief element was handled. We really got to understand Daisy’s pain and why going back home was so difficult for her. Colt, unfortunately, had experienced his own loss, which allowed him to relate to her in such an authentic way. Instead of pushing, he helped her slowly find reasons not to hate being back home.

I also loved that they had a history together. Even though their childhood friendship faded after Daisy left and they lost touch, it was so sweet watching them reconnect. Their friendship resurfaced naturally, and it gave them the chance to finally explore the feelings they’d both secretly held onto but never acted on when they were younger.

The small-town charm, the cowboys, the heartfelt emotion, and the second chance vibe all worked perfectly together. For a debut, this felt polished, warm, and so easy to sink into. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Alicia Vanovver!

[Justina Bascombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, huge congratulations to Alicia on her debut novel and thank you for gifting me a copy and letting me be a part of your early readers!

This was such a sweet small town romance. It’s one that you pick up if you are looking for an easy and comfy read. Colt and Daisy were close childhood friends but that ended when Daisy moved away after graduating. She finds herself back home and working for Colt’s dad on their family ranch.

They both have so much trauma to heal from having both lost their mothers. Daisy at 16 and Colt at 20. Not only do they have to become friends again but the pull they have to each other makes them take their relationship further.

We get both POVs, it gets a little repetitive since the some scenes are repeated but from the other POV, but we also get flashbacks into some of their interactions and feelings from when they were younger.

Again, this is just a super sweet story and if you love a feel good small town, cowboy romance, this needs to be in your library!

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save a Horse was such a fun and heartfelt debut! I loved Colt and Daisy’s story from start to finish. They grew up as childhood friends on neighboring ranches, only to take very different paths: Daisy headed to the city, while Colt stayed behind to work the land. When she comes back for the summer and ends up working on Colt’s ranch, all those old feelings start to bubble up.

The banter between them had me smiling, and the sparks once they finally gave in were so worth the wait. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to their younger years They made the whole relationship feel so genuine and deep. Both characters were easy to root for, and I could feel their emotions jumping off the page.

The small-town ranch setting was written so vividly that I wanted to pack up and visit myself. This book gave me a little angst and a lot of heart. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Irene Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Alicia for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this.

One of my favorite parts of this book is their "flashbacks". I liked how it gave more depth into their lives growing up together during the summer. This second-chance story reminded me of some of my favorite movies growing up. Character building and setting descriptions were descriptive enough that I could see it playing in my head. While I do love dual POV, I felt that sometimes the repetition of dialogue in the other person's POV wasn't necessary. Over all, a great read!

Congratulations Alicia!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save A Horse was a sweet small town romance that was easy to read. I enjoyed watching their friendship blossom into more. Their story was a heartfelt read and the flashbacks to their childhood just added to the story! Save A Horse was a great debut novel and I can’t wait for what Alicia has planned next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you Alicia for the ARC of Save A Horse! I hope you have a fantastic release day!

[john peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daisy McClain left for the city, she thought she’d left her past and the pain behind. Colt Hogan never left, staying loyal to the land and memories they once shared. Now, a summer back on his family’s ranch brings them face to face with old feelings and new possibilities. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but so are the fears that haunt them both. Sometimes, coming home is the only way to move forward.

[Evelyn Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Alicia for gifting me this book!

What a cute read! A cowboy, second chance, small town, friends to lovers romance. Full of yearning and between Daisy and Colt, who were meant to be from the start. Alicia has such a cool writing style, giving you both perspectives for most scenes!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story felt like coming home. The small-town ranch setting is beautifully written, and the childhood-friends-to-something-more dynamic was handled with so much heart. Daisy and Colt’s shared grief makes their connection feel real and earned. I loved how healing, second chances, and quiet love were at the center of it all.

[Kyrstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect book to get you out of a slump

I love how real the characters feel. Like they are described perfectly and almost like you can imagine it being someone you’ve already met. I loved it!

[Lisassharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

I always love myself a cowboy romance and this was such a sweet one. Daisy and Colt were best friends until Daisy moved to the city. When she comes back for the summer she’s working on Colts dad’s ranch and all the nostalgic feelings starting to return.
I love it when they go back in time and you slowly start seeing the whole picture of how they used to be as friends.
Sometimes the last part of the chapter was also the first part of the next chapter, which was a bit unnecessary in my opinion. I also felt like I missed a little depth in their present story. But I still really enjoyed it!

Follow Books and Buckles on Instagram and TikTok for more reviews and bookish content https://linktr.ee/books.and.buckles