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Unbridled: Out of the Gate
A broken dream. A hidden talent. A second chance at glory.
Martin Smith has spent the last thirteen years as the world’s most overqualified home inspector. It’s a small price to pay to support his niece, Mira—a growing horse girl with an expensive appetite and a burning desire to race in the Maiden’s Derby. Martin is content to be the invisible support system in her shadow, until a mysterious scout notices that the scrappy single dad sees the track differently than anyone else.
Recruited as the new Sprint Coach for a cutting-edge racing academy, Martin is thrown into a world of adrenaline, mana science, and professional competition. He quickly finds he has a knack for bringing out the best in the next generation of racers—and for catching the eye of his fellow coaches.
Now, working alongside a team of beautiful, elite competitors who see the genius beneath his trauma, Martin is forced to confront his past. He’s spent a lifetime running from his own happiness to ensure Mira’s success. But in a league where hesitation costs you the race, Martin has to learn that winning isn't just about crossing the finish line—it’s about believing you belong there.
Will Martin learn to just enjoy the ride? Or will he stumble right out of the gate?
Martin Smith has spent the last thirteen years as the world’s most overqualified home inspector. It’s a small price to pay to support his niece, Mira—a growing horse girl with an expensive appetite and a burning desire to race in the Maiden’s Derby. Martin is content to be the invisible support system in her shadow, until a mysterious scout notices that the scrappy single dad sees the track differently than anyone else.
Recruited as the new Sprint Coach for a cutting-edge racing academy, Martin is thrown into a world of adrenaline, mana science, and professional competition. He quickly finds he has a knack for bringing out the best in the next generation of racers—and for catching the eye of his fellow coaches.
Now, working alongside a team of beautiful, elite competitors who see the genius beneath his trauma, Martin is forced to confront his past. He’s spent a lifetime running from his own happiness to ensure Mira’s success. But in a league where hesitation costs you the race, Martin has to learn that winning isn't just about crossing the finish line—it’s about believing you belong there.
Will Martin learn to just enjoy the ride? Or will he stumble right out of the gate?
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 9, 2026
This was a bit of a slog. The beginning is one of the most depressing things I've ever read in a supposedly 'light' fantasy novel, and the damaged MC got old pretty quickly. Then there was all the teenage family drama.
I was iffy on it due to the title and cover art, but it was for the wrong reason. There is very little sex in this, but at least there is no sexualization of the tween horsegirls. There will definitely be a sequel based on the ending, but whether I read it or not will depend on the day. At least the depressing shit should be done with.
I was iffy on it due to the title and cover art, but it was for the wrong reason. There is very little sex in this, but at least there is no sexualization of the tween horsegirls. There will definitely be a sequel based on the ending, but whether I read it or not will depend on the day. At least the depressing shit should be done with.
April 16, 2026
Surprisingly Excellent
I went into this thinking it was going to just be a subpar cash grab book to hit the Umamusume market. It does aim for that market but boy was I so wrong about the quality. This had tons of heart, thought, care, and even well made action in the form of race.
You really care for all of the characters. Even the ones that are annoying because that annoyance stems from emotional immaturity of certain characters rather than due to bad writing. It also highlights the points where they grow as characters.
The romance was a bit light in this book but satisfactory for a first book in a series setting the screen. The ladies took a bit of a back seat in the story just a bit so that the mc could develop his character and his relationship with his daughter a bit more which I think is the correct decision if they plan on making this a long running series (I hope they do).
The magic system/races were expertly translated so that it never felt confusing what was happening when you have a attitude of characters all acting at once. It felt more like an anime racing scene rather than the gatcha game but you can definitely see the pull from obviously.
All in all. 4.5 out of 5.
P.S. That cliffhanger was diabolical and I am interested in its impact on the world itself.
I went into this thinking it was going to just be a subpar cash grab book to hit the Umamusume market. It does aim for that market but boy was I so wrong about the quality. This had tons of heart, thought, care, and even well made action in the form of race.
You really care for all of the characters. Even the ones that are annoying because that annoyance stems from emotional immaturity of certain characters rather than due to bad writing. It also highlights the points where they grow as characters.
The romance was a bit light in this book but satisfactory for a first book in a series setting the screen. The ladies took a bit of a back seat in the story just a bit so that the mc could develop his character and his relationship with his daughter a bit more which I think is the correct decision if they plan on making this a long running series (I hope they do).
The magic system/races were expertly translated so that it never felt confusing what was happening when you have a attitude of characters all acting at once. It felt more like an anime racing scene rather than the gatcha game but you can definitely see the pull from obviously.
All in all. 4.5 out of 5.
P.S. That cliffhanger was diabolical and I am interested in its impact on the world itself.
March 13, 2026
I made it 88 pages through this book and decided it wasn't for me. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just couldn't pull me into the story. I went into it was strong expectations due to the authors, and low expectations because the concept of horse girls doesn't do much for me.
My biggest drawback was that the horse girls the MC and others will be training feel like they are groomed like racehorses more than women. They are at an academy to become better racers, so everything is geared around their diet, exercise, and the like. It feels like reading the story about a horse trainer, but they will all be female girls that have hooves, horse ears and tails. Horse racing does zilch for me, so this didn't feel good.
Also, the MC is one of two males at this academy, the other being a male orc. So he's going to be shooting fish in a barrel.
The MC was fine, with a good head on his shoulders. The tragic backstory was a little much on the whole "make him super sympathetic and someone the horse women will want to coddle" aspect. And the potential LIs introduced did zero for me.
Maybe I should have given this more before giving up, but I was just feeling apathetic to it.
My biggest drawback was that the horse girls the MC and others will be training feel like they are groomed like racehorses more than women. They are at an academy to become better racers, so everything is geared around their diet, exercise, and the like. It feels like reading the story about a horse trainer, but they will all be female girls that have hooves, horse ears and tails. Horse racing does zilch for me, so this didn't feel good.
Also, the MC is one of two males at this academy, the other being a male orc. So he's going to be shooting fish in a barrel.
The MC was fine, with a good head on his shoulders. The tragic backstory was a little much on the whole "make him super sympathetic and someone the horse women will want to coddle" aspect. And the potential LIs introduced did zero for me.
Maybe I should have given this more before giving up, but I was just feeling apathetic to it.
March 5, 2026
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Disclaimer: I was a beta reader for this book.
With a bright young protagonist that sees his share of challenges from life leading him on a roller coaster, this series is a refreshing and different story that has all the hallmarks of a great sports anime and all the antics of your favorite anime style horse girls, with our intrepid human coach trying to navigate his way through coaching young athletes while dealing with his tragic past and figuring out where his life will go as his adoptive daughter has her own dreams come true. There are rivalries among the students, friends and frenemies, growing pains, and an inexplicable number of coaches and parents taking an interest in our hero. Yet another heartwarming family tale from Virgil and Annabelle that you should absolutely read whether you are a fan of that one horse girl anime/game or not, you won't be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I was a beta reader for this book.
With a bright young protagonist that sees his share of challenges from life leading him on a roller coaster, this series is a refreshing and different story that has all the hallmarks of a great sports anime and all the antics of your favorite anime style horse girls, with our intrepid human coach trying to navigate his way through coaching young athletes while dealing with his tragic past and figuring out where his life will go as his adoptive daughter has her own dreams come true. There are rivalries among the students, friends and frenemies, growing pains, and an inexplicable number of coaches and parents taking an interest in our hero. Yet another heartwarming family tale from Virgil and Annabelle that you should absolutely read whether you are a fan of that one horse girl anime/game or not, you won't be disappointed.
March 8, 2026
Disarmingly charming
Alternate universe, fantasy races, magic, LitRPG light, racing subculture, family and growing up, harem adult situations
What an unexpected treasure. Martin is a hard working man who's put his family before his own life for more than two decades, taking care of his family. This is LitRPG very light, but instead of dungeon diving or bloody battles, we take a trip into racing and a new school dedicated to training teenage horse girls into becoming competitive racing athletes, including the young girl he's raised as a single parent of Mira. Excellent editing. Looking forward to where this new feel-good series about growing up and being dependable decides to go with cliffhanger ending.
Alternate universe, fantasy races, magic, LitRPG light, racing subculture, family and growing up, harem adult situations
What an unexpected treasure. Martin is a hard working man who's put his family before his own life for more than two decades, taking care of his family. This is LitRPG very light, but instead of dungeon diving or bloody battles, we take a trip into racing and a new school dedicated to training teenage horse girls into becoming competitive racing athletes, including the young girl he's raised as a single parent of Mira. Excellent editing. Looking forward to where this new feel-good series about growing up and being dependable decides to go with cliffhanger ending.
April 30, 2026
A fantastic new story from Virgil and Annabelle
When I first saw the description and title it immediately peaked my interest. The story is endearing and sweet with a nice dash of spice. The family bond between Mira and Martin is easy to relate to and make the two characters charming. All the horse girls and coaches are all individual and unique. As typical fashion for this duo the story is building to a harem relationship. For me I was happy this did not take the forefront as the horse girl story was so interesting and original. I am excited to see where the story goes next. To be honest I knew the twist before the big reveal but loved how it played out. Until next time, Happy reading!
When I first saw the description and title it immediately peaked my interest. The story is endearing and sweet with a nice dash of spice. The family bond between Mira and Martin is easy to relate to and make the two characters charming. All the horse girls and coaches are all individual and unique. As typical fashion for this duo the story is building to a harem relationship. For me I was happy this did not take the forefront as the horse girl story was so interesting and original. I am excited to see where the story goes next. To be honest I knew the twist before the big reveal but loved how it played out. Until next time, Happy reading!
March 7, 2026
So much fun! So cute!
I'm a big fan of both authors, so went to read "Unbridled" as soon as it came out.
I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it based on the blurb, but boy were my expectations exceeded!
The book was heartfelt, adorable, and so cute and heartwarming in the best way.
I suspect the authors don't like me very much because I mostly give out 4 stars instead of 5, because to me, 4 stars is a book that I really enjoyed.
But this one was one of my favorites and really deserves the 5 stars.
Can't wait for the sequel :)
I'm a big fan of both authors, so went to read "Unbridled" as soon as it came out.
I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it based on the blurb, but boy were my expectations exceeded!
The book was heartfelt, adorable, and so cute and heartwarming in the best way.
I suspect the authors don't like me very much because I mostly give out 4 stars instead of 5, because to me, 4 stars is a book that I really enjoyed.
But this one was one of my favorites and really deserves the 5 stars.
Can't wait for the sequel :)
May 9, 2026
I don't know, it's great writing as expected from these authors, but the settings and concepts are hard for me to get into. It took me a few days before I could read this without cringing every time I heard 'horsegirls' or the names of the girls, they are literally names after race horses...But the characters and everything else are above average, which is really the only reason I managed to finish it. I'll probably give the sequel a try.
March 6, 2026
Another great first book in a new series
I love the books these two authors write together. The world building and characters are always so well done. I read this one straight through without a break because I was so connected to the characters and the situation. I could not wait to find out what happened. Really can’t wait for the next book!
I love the books these two authors write together. The world building and characters are always so well done. I read this one straight through without a break because I was so connected to the characters and the situation. I could not wait to find out what happened. Really can’t wait for the next book!
March 10, 2026
Fantastic
Loved the setting and loved the characters. So much more to explore in this world. Loving the slower burning romance and can't wait to see where it goes. Everything awesome. Coach did get over his issues a bit fast, by that I mean I wish we had a bit of a relapse into our horse girls strong arming him into love, but its all great anyway.
Loved the setting and loved the characters. So much more to explore in this world. Loving the slower burning romance and can't wait to see where it goes. Everything awesome. Coach did get over his issues a bit fast, by that I mean I wish we had a bit of a relapse into our horse girls strong arming him into love, but its all great anyway.
March 26, 2026
I loved this book!
It’s hard to find a story nowadays that really reaches out and grabs a hold of your emotions and forces you to live the characters lives alongside them. This one really did that though. I’m the classic dude but I’m also man enough to admit I may have teared up several times throughout the book. I definitely look forward to the next book!
It’s hard to find a story nowadays that really reaches out and grabs a hold of your emotions and forces you to live the characters lives alongside them. This one really did that though. I’m the classic dude but I’m also man enough to admit I may have teared up several times throughout the book. I definitely look forward to the next book!
May 18, 2026
I liked this more than I thought I would
This was a really fun read. Virgil and Annabelle did an amazing job fleshing out the characters and making them feel unique. I don't usually expect this genre to play with my heartstrings, but this book did it in spades. I look forward to the next book.
This was a really fun read. Virgil and Annabelle did an amazing job fleshing out the characters and making them feel unique. I don't usually expect this genre to play with my heartstrings, but this book did it in spades. I look forward to the next book.
March 6, 2026
Absolutely Wonderous!!!
Utterly fantastic! When this showed up in my soon to be released feed I was instantly interested and I certainly haven't been disappointed. The only problem I have now is how long I have to wait for a sequel.
Utterly fantastic! When this showed up in my soon to be released feed I was instantly interested and I certainly haven't been disappointed. The only problem I have now is how long I have to wait for a sequel.
March 7, 2026
Wholesome fantasy, heartwarming
High-school racing horse girls attending racing school. Fairly good interpersonal interactions depicted with adult relationships between teachers. Reads like beginning of a series but no sequel noted.
High-school racing horse girls attending racing school. Fairly good interpersonal interactions depicted with adult relationships between teachers. Reads like beginning of a series but no sequel noted.
March 12, 2026
Great New Series
A great new series from these authors. As an Umamusume fan I greatly enjoyed the story, it had its share of heartbreak, laughter and everything in-between. I can't wait for book 2 whenever it comes out.
A great new series from these authors. As an Umamusume fan I greatly enjoyed the story, it had its share of heartbreak, laughter and everything in-between. I can't wait for book 2 whenever it comes out.
March 17, 2026
It was fantastic.
I thought the pacing was great. Really gave us time to get know the characters. I preordered the book on impulse and I don't regret it for a second. I'll definitely preorder the sequel.
I thought the pacing was great. Really gave us time to get know the characters. I preordered the book on impulse and I don't regret it for a second. I'll definitely preorder the sequel.
April 20, 2026
Holy Crap!! So good!!
Virgil and Annabelle did an amazing job! Such a fantastic and heartwarming tale of family, loss, love, and horse girls. I cannot wait until the next book comes out!
Virgil and Annabelle did an amazing job! Such a fantastic and heartwarming tale of family, loss, love, and horse girls. I cannot wait until the next book comes out!
May 8, 2026
A real heart twister
This book will grab hold of your heart and give it a big squeeze. I really wasn't expecting a series with so much family and relationship building. But I sure as He'll have found it. Can't wait for the next book.
This book will grab hold of your heart and give it a big squeeze. I really wasn't expecting a series with so much family and relationship building. But I sure as He'll have found it. Can't wait for the next book.
March 5, 2026
Loved it!
Love the horse girl story, characters, everything. Fun to read! Looking forward to seeing where the authors take it next.
Love the horse girl story, characters, everything. Fun to read! Looking forward to seeing where the authors take it next.
March 7, 2026
very heartwarming
I had teary eyes most of the book, both from laughter and sadness. When the pimple and the forehead happened I knew what was happening.
I had teary eyes most of the book, both from laughter and sadness. When the pimple and the forehead happened I knew what was happening.
March 9, 2026
It's not fair, what this book does to you.
Wow. This one is just filled with constant hits to the feels.
Great story and writing. Heartbreaking and wonderful.
Pick it up!
Wow. This one is just filled with constant hits to the feels.
Great story and writing. Heartbreaking and wonderful.
Pick it up!
March 10, 2026
dammit right in the feels
These two are so good together it’s almost a shame to read anything else. Two of my favorites are off to a great start
These two are so good together it’s almost a shame to read anything else. Two of my favorites are off to a great start
March 11, 2026
That was uh weird lol.
Don't get me wrong good story but the ending kinda, I don't know, threw me off. Anyway, let's see what comes next.
Don't get me wrong good story but the ending kinda, I don't know, threw me off. Anyway, let's see what comes next.
March 21, 2026
great start to a series
Love both these authors and most all of what they have written. Cannot love this book enough so wholesome and great. Looking forward to book 2!
Love both these authors and most all of what they have written. Cannot love this book enough so wholesome and great. Looking forward to book 2!
April 2, 2026
Horse girls win!
Great story. This is a fun read. I liked the writing style. Just pure fun. Highly recommend this entertaining story. Fun on the hoof.
Great story. This is a fun read. I liked the writing style. Just pure fun. Highly recommend this entertaining story. Fun on the hoof.
June 2, 2026
good book
A really interesting story. More of a slice of life and sports streaming book. There is romance in this first book, but more about the characters growing up.
A really interesting story. More of a slice of life and sports streaming book. There is romance in this first book, but more about the characters growing up.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews