What do you think?
Taking the Reins
A Riders-inspired YA romance, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Jilly Cooper and Emily Henry.
Talented but consistently overlooked, Sophie has never been able to catch a break. Riding is her life, but she hasn’t been raised with a stable in her garden the same way some of her competition have. But this summer is different – she’s just earned herself a spot at the prestigious Blackwood Equestrian Camp.
Luke, the camp’s star jumper – charming, wealthy and with a perfect seat in the saddle he’s actually a very sweet boy at heart. His dad owns the Blackwood estate, so he’s always had it easy and never met a girl who doesn’t fall at his feet . . . until Sophie.
Scrappy Finley is a stable hand who works for the estate with a talent for breaking in difficult horses. He’s brooding, rough around the edges, and hiding a secret that could ruin him.
When a major riding competition is on the line, forcing them all to work together, Sophie must decide who really has her heart, and whether she’s willing to risk everything for love.
Talented but consistently overlooked, Sophie has never been able to catch a break. Riding is her life, but she hasn’t been raised with a stable in her garden the same way some of her competition have. But this summer is different – she’s just earned herself a spot at the prestigious Blackwood Equestrian Camp.
Luke, the camp’s star jumper – charming, wealthy and with a perfect seat in the saddle he’s actually a very sweet boy at heart. His dad owns the Blackwood estate, so he’s always had it easy and never met a girl who doesn’t fall at his feet . . . until Sophie.
Scrappy Finley is a stable hand who works for the estate with a talent for breaking in difficult horses. He’s brooding, rough around the edges, and hiding a secret that could ruin him.
When a major riding competition is on the line, forcing them all to work together, Sophie must decide who really has her heart, and whether she’s willing to risk everything for love.
- GenresAudiobook
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 21, 2026
Cute but nothing too special. Loved the horses though.
June 8, 2026
I didn’t expect this book to be a five star. I loved Ivy Bailey’s tennis romance and I love horse riding so I guess it was the perfect formula. I was so invested.
August 29, 2026
2.5🌟
Unfortunately for me, this book was underwhelming. I felt that it lacked personality especially when it came to the voice of Sophie.
Although this is a no spice book, it’s not entirely cheesy. I could definitely tell it’s geared towards a younger audience but it’s written without it being too naive.
As for the drama, I felt that it could’ve been executed in a better way. All the ideas and plot points were there but it didn’t make me feel invested. I really wish more detail was put into the story, especially the characters. They felt felt too two dimensional caricatures.
Even though it’s a love triangle it was clear who Sophie had more chemistry with. And guess what— she chose the wrong boy🤦♀️
Other than the romance, there’s a good handful of equestrian elements that don’t overwhelm the plot and keep it progressing.
This was a quick and short read and all the chapters are to the point. I think younger teens would like this if they’re getting into reading.
Unfortunately for me, this book was underwhelming. I felt that it lacked personality especially when it came to the voice of Sophie.
Although this is a no spice book, it’s not entirely cheesy. I could definitely tell it’s geared towards a younger audience but it’s written without it being too naive.
As for the drama, I felt that it could’ve been executed in a better way. All the ideas and plot points were there but it didn’t make me feel invested. I really wish more detail was put into the story, especially the characters. They felt felt too two dimensional caricatures.
Even though it’s a love triangle it was clear who Sophie had more chemistry with. And guess what— she chose the wrong boy🤦♀️
Other than the romance, there’s a good handful of equestrian elements that don’t overwhelm the plot and keep it progressing.
This was a quick and short read and all the chapters are to the point. I think younger teens would like this if they’re getting into reading.
June 9, 2026
tbh idk why i hoped there would be more actual horse stuff but i can’t be mad there wasn’t bc it is a romance book overall it was nicely written and easy to get through but for some reason i was hoping it would be finley in the end :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
She went for the wrong boy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2026
Cozy and perfect in between series or thrillers
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews