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Prepare to laugh!

Avalon has spent her entire life on her family’s cattle station in Northern Queensland. In her eyes, there is nothing sweeter than working the land and spending as much time on her beloved horse as possible.

Due to her parents’ divorce she is forced to move to her mother‘s house, located in a city beach suburb, as part of the divorce agreement to save the Station she loves.

Avalon has a hard, never back down attitude which lands her straight at odds with the local surf hero who has never encountered the type of battles that this girl, with the face of an angel and guts straight from hell, brings to his world. Life certainly gets interesting when he doesn’t pay heed to her seriously given warning…

DO NOT GET BETWEEN HER AND HER HORSE!

WARNING: contains some swearing and sexual references..

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2016

30 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Shantelle McKinnon

3 books43 followers

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5 stars
115 (81%)
4 stars
18 (12%)
3 stars
6 (4%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen.
76 reviews
December 7, 2016
A lovable story featuring a true original spitfire. As Avalon has to move away from what she holds dear. This girl doesn't let that hold her down for her heart is wild as the horse she loves.

This is one of the most memorable characters and Avalon won't disappoint on a
journey full of crazy antics that leave you snorting and holding your sides. Even when making new friends, she isfollowing her heart, and always blazing her own inspiring path.

To say more would give away spoilers, but this is a must read for young or old alike.
Profile Image for Megan’s Endless Reads.
371 reviews25 followers
November 21, 2017
Loved, loved, loved, and loved!

Really was unsure of this book and what it would entail, but man did it blow my mind. I was constantly laughing at the characters and the situations that they got into. I will say that they were a little immature in terms of character development, but with the way this book is written and the plot laid out, I didn't really focus on this and therefore didn't see it as a issue that would stop me from enjoying the read. The only reason I even mention this is because normally this would be a big turnoff for me but this book just capitalized on these characters to make the comedy that much more funny.

Literally enjoyed this book from start to finish and definitely recommend this to any who like a slow burn romance. I've heard rumors that this could turn into a RH, so beware if that's not your cup of tea. But if you've noticed the books I've been reading recently, this is one of my favorite genres of the moment so I'm pretty excited to see where this series is headed.

Definitely check this series out just be warned that there isn't a whole lot of romance happening but I can see a build up!
Profile Image for Sasha.
3 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2022
I have had this in my favorites list on Wattpad since she first started writing it on there. I absolutely love the story she wrote that I knew I had to buy a physical copy when I saw it on Amazon! I can now force my other family members to read the book because they will not read books on apps/internet. I love the characters, humor, pranks, and the story itself. I definitely recommend and think this book deserves more recognition. I want to thank the author that wrote this book because she had made me smile and laugh so much. I am definitely going to buy all of the books that come out because I love reading about Avalon’s shenanigans. I also wanted to buy the book because I know I will read it multiple times and I wish to support my thanks to the author.
131 reviews
September 30, 2020
LOVED IT!!!

I read this book years ago on wattpad & fell in love with it. I finally got around to rereading it again & I love it just as much if not more. I've never wanted to be friends with a character more than I have with Avalon. I love her outlook on life & her love & protectiveness for her friends & family & her horse! Its hard to find good books with accurate horse & farm life descriptions. I'm a horse girl at heart & l9ve reading about people who love their horses just as much as I do. As for the writing there are a few typos & the Austin lingo takes some getting used but that doesn't take away from the story at all. I highly recommend this to everyone
Profile Image for Rheanna Harrison.
38 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2018
A fantastic read

I love what I have read of this series (1 & 2) and find myself constantly coming back for more. The novel overall is well written and manages to bring just about anything you could hope for. There is laughter, danger, tears, general teenage stuff (bonus points for not being cringe worthy) and a wonderful picture of Australian country, city and surf culture. There seem to be a few little errors throughout but they weren't enough to detract from the story line or worth more than a quick mention. Looking forward to the next novel.
Profile Image for Kitlina.
2,005 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2019
5 BILLION FREAKING STARS

I can't believe I've waited this long to read this. I have been practically up all nigh reading this story.
It consumed me.
I will read the second book asap.
AMAZING doesn't even cut it. It's out of this world.
I can honestly say that Avalon is the BEST female YA lead there is, will be, ever was. You get my drift.
And I am totally #TEAMNOAH
I really need to go read the second book now.
3 reviews
September 23, 2019
Avalon really becomes a part of your life when reading this book. I was so immersed in her story that I was getting annoyed with real life getting the way. Following Avalon and Ambers journey really warmed my heart. Avalon’s unwavering loyalty to her loved ones is really remarkable and gives the reader such a soft spot for her. A delightful story full of humour, crazy antics and a wave of emotions.
Profile Image for Beanca Ras.
230 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2019
Just as food as the first time

I read Avalon the forst time on Wattpad a couple of years ago when it was still being updated chapter by chapter, but like an addict i waited unpatiently for each new addition. And now i have read it again and i laughed so much, reading things i missed and just generally loved it all.

Avalon is a badass and she is just so freaking cool..

#TeamNoah all the way
4 reviews
November 15, 2018
This is one of the most fantastic books I have ever read. Avalon is a bright, entertaining and relatable, character that is a delight to read. The book had such a wonderful down to earth and fantastic plot, its kept me on the edge of my chair and unable to put the book down every time I read it and re-read it. I can't wait for book 2. please keep writing! Its one of my all-time favorite books.
45 reviews
February 19, 2018
Love this book

Absolutely love this book, god I wish I was as awesome as Avalon, ended up staying up until 4 am reading this then of course I had to start book two straight away because what else can you do with a book this awesome
8 reviews
February 2, 2019
I love this book!

I have read this book more time than it is probably healthy! If you love horses read it! If you love brave beautiful mc with a backbone of steel, read it! If you like people who push social expectations, read it! Just read it you will be happy you did!!
Profile Image for Kirstin Lewry.
286 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2017
Fab read

It was a laugh out loud brilliant read. Love Avalon and her humour. Great mix of action and comedy with a good storyline, can't wait for book two!
9 reviews
December 7, 2020
Best laugh

I love this book I've read it a few times now avalon is my hero and my dream life I couldn't ask for a better book
Profile Image for Imogen Dior.
925 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2020
Freaking amazing

No words can describe the amazingness that is this book, that is Avalon. I love her and her relationship with Amber, Frank and her brothers. Every single secondary character bring something great to the book and just reiterates the amazingness that is this book!
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
July 13, 2021
Avalon has a very good story line, with great characters and awesome animals. The only downside is the abrupt ending and editing. Other than that, it's a truly awesome book.
7 reviews
September 11, 2024
Absolutely love this book and series. Have reread this book multiple times and can't wait for more.

Love reading the books 📚 but this makes it easier to read. Out and about.
176 reviews13 followers
November 12, 2017
This book is priceless. Of all the books you ought to read in your lifetime.... this is it. I have reread this book so many times. You think you know strong female characters? You have never met one like Avalon! She is funny, fiery and feisty and strong as hell. She is an instant role model and since I can't be her I would give just about anything to meet her and have her as a friend. It has made me try to be a better person; more understanding, patient and less quick to judge. It may be classified as a young adult novel but let me tell you a lot of it is worth the while for people of all ages.

This story follows main character Avalon, a girl born and raised on a cattle station in Australia. The station is not only her home, it is her past present and future. Avalon loves her hard working family and all their workers. She gets along with just about everyone and is a real people person, she always has a story to tell. She is also one of those rare people that is not only good at talking but is equally as good at listening. Things get messy however when Avalon must go live in the city with her mom, whom Av does not get along with— past scars that haven't faded. A girl that has never been without her family (her best friend is her older brother Nathan); she is thrust into this new environment with no one on her side. She has to stick out the six months her mother demanded because if not her mother will take half the land their station is on and sell it. That would sink the business and Av cannot let that happen to her beloved family and home. I cannot explain the extent to which Av loves her home and her life and her family. They are what keep the fiery girl going.

So Av goes to the city and tries to keep herself from falling apart. Av is unconventional however and to keep her mind off things she pranks her easily irritated neighbor, Seth; she befriends the residents of the local elderly home and meets her idol—the man with the record for the highest bareback jump ever. Av is a very hands on, drive life forward type of person and she could never be accused of letting life pass her by. Next thing you know she is pranking her big headed neighbor, decorating the old folks home and taking them to shows and dancing and giving them their lives back (even if it means going against the wishes of a demeaning nurse) and getting the old jumper to help her with her jumping dreams and bringing him back to life in the process. This girl spreads life like none I have seen before. She is fierce. She is no lap dog. Av is at once everything and nothing you could possibly expect.

I urge you to get to know this girl because man she will change your life. I don't even know her and I miss her even though its been two weeks since I closed her book. Some characters just stay with you and refuse to be shaken. With an impressive rating on Goodreads, its clear I'm not the only one whose life she has taken over.

I would pay good money to see this book become a movie. It would be a dream come true! Its times like this I wish I were a director—then I could MAKE it happen!

So here is the catch... the author published independently and thus this book is not (yet) available in bookstores (and I don't know if it will ever be, although it definitely ought to be!). It is however available at amazon.com! I've included the link in case you want to check it out. I had to get mine shipped to me in Canada and while not cheap I have no regrets because I ended up buying three other books (Thunder road series I will review another time) along with it to save on shipping costs (and costs per Thunder Road book book ironically)! Nothing like a good excuse for more books!

P.S.: the one off-putting thing about this book is that the author chose not to get an editor. This was a bad plan simply because there are spelling errors; more than two of them. It is a little irritating at first but the content makes up for it!
Profile Image for Monica.
542 reviews5 followers
Read
April 4, 2017
This story is amazing! I love how the main character is true to herself. She is a champion of the underdog, animals and the elderly. She gives respect to those you normally wouldn't think twice about and opens your eyes to how to treat others. I love how she is loyal to others and is not afraid to stand up for those who stand in need.
I laughed myself to tears! I'm not allowed to read her story in bed while my husband is sleeping! I loved this story so much that I even gifted copies to my friends.
I can't wait to see where Avalon takes us next and I pray that the Author continues this story!
I can see this being made into a weekly tv show! It's that good and with Avalon you just don't know where she will go next. Totally unpredictable!
Profile Image for Lauren.
14 reviews
January 18, 2018
It's not often a story is able to really have an impact on you, but I can honestly say Avalon does just that. You don't just read Avalon you live it, she makes you laugh out loud (literally) makes you want to punch the nasty slags (cough Amanda, Angel and at times Seth) but most of all you want to be a part her family & close circle of friends.
Her outlook on life and good old fashioned values really hits home at how different the world we live in today is.
Family & friends and her horse Amber are the most important things to her along with respect, honesty & loyalty.
After reading Avalon you can't help but feel inspired to chase your dreams and be a better person and makes you realise you are the only one able to make the changes to make that possible.
I cannot wait to pre order the next instalment (next time I'll chuck the slow cooker on before I start so my family don't have to have a chicken roll for dinner again ;)
Thanks Shan for being such a great friend and such an inspiration! Love ya chick!
15 reviews
January 18, 2017
Loved it!

Oh I loved this story. Awesome characters. Fun and funny. Can't wait for more. One two three four five six
15 reviews
January 19, 2017
Wow

What a crazy girl. I love her spirit tho! Wish I was half as crazy as she it. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Don't want her to choose tho :/
35 reviews
December 27, 2022
Absolutely love this book. I honestly don't know how to describe the book to give it justice all I can say is give it a go!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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