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Ocala Horse Girls #1
The Project Horse: A Florida Equestrian Novel
Horses are always a puzzle Posey can figure out. Love and life? Now, those pose a challenge.
Posey Malone is heading home. With her horse trainer father gone to the great bookmaker in the sky, her love life in shambles, and her career as a copywriter low-income at best, she figures it’s best for everyone if she just shacks up with her mother for a while. Abandoning New York City for the wilds of north Florida won’t be easy, but Posey figures she can use some quiet time back in her old bedroom to save money, help her mom adjust to life without her dad, and get her head on straight again. So when she pulls up in front of the family house and sees a big "For Sale" sign in the front yard, please forgive Posey if she says a few swear words.
Mom has a new place to work and live, and Posey has little choice but to tag along after her. Unfortunately, this means she's thrust back into the thick of the Ocala rivalries which chased her away from home eight years ago. Adam Salazar. The son of her father's ex-partner, Adam made her life a living hell as a teenager. One could almost say Adam broke up her entire family, if one wanted to blame someone. And Posey definitely wants to blame someone. Determined to show Adam up, Posey takes on a failed racehorse as her project horse. She'll prove she's a better trainer than he is, and save some pride in the process. But when Adam takes Posey's bet and starts training a project horse of his own, she finds herself spending more time than she anticipated with her arch-nemesis . . . and that the arrogant boy she remembers has been replaced by a handsome man who is determined to make amends.
A story about growing up, coming home, and finding The Project Horse will take you on a gallop through Florida's horse country with plenty of friendship, laughter, and redemption along the way.
The Project Horse is part of the Florida Equestrian Collection, which These novels include overlapping characters, events, and locales which create a community of equestrians you'll love recognizing and catching up with in each book!
Praise for Natalie Keller Reinert
"Natalie Keller Reinert is the author that readers looking for adult equestrian fiction are looking for ... the dialogue is snappy and right on, and the horses and their personalities jump off the page." - Megan D., Grabbing Mane review on Amazon
"Strong women are Ms. Reinert's stock in trade and I love it." - Lori, Grabbing Mane review on Amazon
"I highly recommend all Natalie Keller Reinert's books." - appychicken, Christmas at Catoctin Creek review on Amazon
"You know it's going to be a great day when you can download a new Natalie Keller Reinert book to your tablet!" - LifewithRen, Christmas at Catoctin Creek review on Amazon
Posey Malone is heading home. With her horse trainer father gone to the great bookmaker in the sky, her love life in shambles, and her career as a copywriter low-income at best, she figures it’s best for everyone if she just shacks up with her mother for a while. Abandoning New York City for the wilds of north Florida won’t be easy, but Posey figures she can use some quiet time back in her old bedroom to save money, help her mom adjust to life without her dad, and get her head on straight again. So when she pulls up in front of the family house and sees a big "For Sale" sign in the front yard, please forgive Posey if she says a few swear words.
Mom has a new place to work and live, and Posey has little choice but to tag along after her. Unfortunately, this means she's thrust back into the thick of the Ocala rivalries which chased her away from home eight years ago. Adam Salazar. The son of her father's ex-partner, Adam made her life a living hell as a teenager. One could almost say Adam broke up her entire family, if one wanted to blame someone. And Posey definitely wants to blame someone. Determined to show Adam up, Posey takes on a failed racehorse as her project horse. She'll prove she's a better trainer than he is, and save some pride in the process. But when Adam takes Posey's bet and starts training a project horse of his own, she finds herself spending more time than she anticipated with her arch-nemesis . . . and that the arrogant boy she remembers has been replaced by a handsome man who is determined to make amends.
A story about growing up, coming home, and finding The Project Horse will take you on a gallop through Florida's horse country with plenty of friendship, laughter, and redemption along the way.
The Project Horse is part of the Florida Equestrian Collection, which These novels include overlapping characters, events, and locales which create a community of equestrians you'll love recognizing and catching up with in each book!
Praise for Natalie Keller Reinert
"Natalie Keller Reinert is the author that readers looking for adult equestrian fiction are looking for ... the dialogue is snappy and right on, and the horses and their personalities jump off the page." - Megan D., Grabbing Mane review on Amazon
"Strong women are Ms. Reinert's stock in trade and I love it." - Lori, Grabbing Mane review on Amazon
"I highly recommend all Natalie Keller Reinert's books." - appychicken, Christmas at Catoctin Creek review on Amazon
"You know it's going to be a great day when you can download a new Natalie Keller Reinert book to your tablet!" - LifewithRen, Christmas at Catoctin Creek review on Amazon
- GenresHorses
382 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2022
186 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Keller Reinert
53 books549 followersNatalie Keller Reinert is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Eventing series and Briar Hill Farm series. Drawing on her professional experience in three-day eventing, working with Thoroughbred racehorses and mounted patrol horses, therapeutic riding, and many other equine pursuits, Natalie brings her love of equestrian life into each of her titles. She also cohosts the award-winning equestrian humor podcast Adulting With Horses.
Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.
Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 5, 2025
I’m a huge Reinert fan from her early Jules and Pete days. My favorite thing about her writing is that she stays true to the “horse” details. I read her books for relaxation and enjoyment; I’m not required to think much, and I don’t end up disappointed that the book has a slew of weirdly wrong language about horses.
This series (there are 5 books) is more romance focused, with horses being the backdrop for the human love affairs. As such, they are “formulaic” in that they follow an established trope. I was cool with that, and knew what I was getting into, so the books more than satisfied my need for an easy, comfortable read.
My least favorite bit about The Regift Horse was that I found the “regifting” a bit contrived, but once past that, the story made sense, there was a lot of real life detail about how difficult it is to run a barn and I liked all of the human characters. Malcolm was quite believable, and I appreciate that there was tension between Alison and Evie, but it *wasn’t* over Malcolm.
Overall, an easy five stars, enjoyable and fun to read.
This series (there are 5 books) is more romance focused, with horses being the backdrop for the human love affairs. As such, they are “formulaic” in that they follow an established trope. I was cool with that, and knew what I was getting into, so the books more than satisfied my need for an easy, comfortable read.
My least favorite bit about The Regift Horse was that I found the “regifting” a bit contrived, but once past that, the story made sense, there was a lot of real life detail about how difficult it is to run a barn and I liked all of the human characters. Malcolm was quite believable, and I appreciate that there was tension between Alison and Evie, but it *wasn’t* over Malcolm.
Overall, an easy five stars, enjoyable and fun to read.
May 9, 2022
Natalie deftly begins a story that seems simple on the surface. Posey (love the name!) Malone abandoned a life with racehorses in Florida for a writing life in New York City. It hasn't worked out on so many levels (except for her wonderful roommate, Carmen) that she finally decides to head back home to Ocala to regroup and decide next steps in a somewhat aimless life plan. Posey figures she can also offer support to her mom, who is still recovering from the death of Posey's father, an exemplary racehorse trainer who taught Posey everything she knows about horses.
Simple, right? Well. no, when you factor in Adam Salazar, Posey's first love as a teenager, who betrayed her and caused her to head for NYC. And it turns out that settling into the house she grew up in is not in the cards. Her mom has sold it and is moving into a house on Salazar Farm, courtesy of Adam. Posey is broke and has no alternative but to temporarily move in with her mom and go back to working with racehorses under her former boyfriend. What an uncomfortable situation! And thus the story begins, with twists and turns and many emotional ups and downs. The dramatic shifts—and the outcome—are immensely satisfying. That’s all I can say without giving too much away. But readers will enjoy the new characters and the crossovers to characters from other Reinert series.
I think it’s great that Natalie is doing this mix-and-match with people we’ve become attached to from different series. It’s a fresh approach, and interesting.
Simple, right? Well. no, when you factor in Adam Salazar, Posey's first love as a teenager, who betrayed her and caused her to head for NYC. And it turns out that settling into the house she grew up in is not in the cards. Her mom has sold it and is moving into a house on Salazar Farm, courtesy of Adam. Posey is broke and has no alternative but to temporarily move in with her mom and go back to working with racehorses under her former boyfriend. What an uncomfortable situation! And thus the story begins, with twists and turns and many emotional ups and downs. The dramatic shifts—and the outcome—are immensely satisfying. That’s all I can say without giving too much away. But readers will enjoy the new characters and the crossovers to characters from other Reinert series.
I think it’s great that Natalie is doing this mix-and-match with people we’ve become attached to from different series. It’s a fresh approach, and interesting.
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December 5, 2024Rating: 4 Stars
⭐️ This was fun! Very much “enemies to lovers” between Posey and Adam, but with all the horses 🐎♥️
⭐️ I enjoyed the Ocala setting, always brings me some nostalgia from my brief stay in the “horse heaven” years ago.
⭐️ I actually really like that this was only from Posey’s POV. I really felt like as a reader, I got to uncover the “holes” of the past with her as she unraveled the full story of what happened with the Salazar’s and the Malone’s.
⭐️ I also really enjoyed Posey’s relationship with her mom.
⭐️ There were all the enemies to lovers and second chance romance vibes here with a nice touch of heat, still bringing the chemistry but keeping it on the low heat end. If you enjoy romance and Thoroughbreds, pick this book up!
⭐️ This was fun! Very much “enemies to lovers” between Posey and Adam, but with all the horses 🐎♥️
⭐️ I enjoyed the Ocala setting, always brings me some nostalgia from my brief stay in the “horse heaven” years ago.
⭐️ I actually really like that this was only from Posey’s POV. I really felt like as a reader, I got to uncover the “holes” of the past with her as she unraveled the full story of what happened with the Salazar’s and the Malone’s.
⭐️ I also really enjoyed Posey’s relationship with her mom.
⭐️ There were all the enemies to lovers and second chance romance vibes here with a nice touch of heat, still bringing the chemistry but keeping it on the low heat end. If you enjoy romance and Thoroughbreds, pick this book up!
August 12, 2022
I read a few other books by this author and this one was just okay for me. I feel like the end was rushed.
April 19, 2022
Natalie Reinert brings us back to racing in her latest offering, The Project Horse, but this time the story focuses on life on a training farm. Posey, who grew up in a horseman’s racing family, has left that world on bad terms and tried to make a new path in the city. She has failed in her endeavors and in the meantime her father has passed away. She returns to Ocala, she thinks, to care for her mother at the farm that should have been her family’s. The situation she returns to is charged with many loose ends, some personal dramas, and many uncertainties. She dreads inevitably encountering the people who have done her so much wrong. Or maybe she really does want to be there. Does she actually miss this life? The story follows her reintegration into horse world and whether she wants to stay or whether she wants to flee back to New York.
Reinert is creating something of her own Marvel universe, weaving the threads of her stories together and blending some of her old favorite girls from other series. This series offers the possibility of branching into other disciplines and other story lines, its all connected. I’m excited to see how this series builds and grows and how it fleshes out horsie life in Ocala.
Reinert is creating something of her own Marvel universe, weaving the threads of her stories together and blending some of her old favorite girls from other series. This series offers the possibility of branching into other disciplines and other story lines, its all connected. I’m excited to see how this series builds and grows and how it fleshes out horsie life in Ocala.
August 26, 2025
The Project Horse follows Posey Malone as she returns to her roots in Ocala, Florida, after a tough breakup, the loss of her father, and a growing dissatisfaction with her writing career in New York City. With plans to regroup and support her mother through grief, Posey expects a quiet reset. What she doesn't expect is a surprising twist awaiting her back home.
To her shock, Posey finds her mother not only coping well but thriving—she’s landed a job at Posey's late father's former racing stable. And running that very stable? Adam Salazar, Posey's high school love and the very person she once fled to escape. As Posey is drawn back into the world of horses—and possibly into Adam's orbit again—she must confront old wounds and new possibilities. Will she find herself back in the saddle, literally and emotionally?
Natalie Keller Reinert delivers a light, engaging read that blends heart, humor, and just the right amount of horse life. Whether you're a longtime equestrian or just along for the ride, The Project Horse offers a charming escape without getting bogged down in technical details. It's a breezy, heartfelt story with just enough grit to keep it real.
To her shock, Posey finds her mother not only coping well but thriving—she’s landed a job at Posey's late father's former racing stable. And running that very stable? Adam Salazar, Posey's high school love and the very person she once fled to escape. As Posey is drawn back into the world of horses—and possibly into Adam's orbit again—she must confront old wounds and new possibilities. Will she find herself back in the saddle, literally and emotionally?
Natalie Keller Reinert delivers a light, engaging read that blends heart, humor, and just the right amount of horse life. Whether you're a longtime equestrian or just along for the ride, The Project Horse offers a charming escape without getting bogged down in technical details. It's a breezy, heartfelt story with just enough grit to keep it real.
April 30, 2022
This book journals Posey’s return to her childhood home after her father dies. After failing to thrive in New York as a journalist, Posey returns to her Florida horse country roots to find that her mother is selling the house and moving to the horse farm of her childhood friend and love turned enemy Adam.
The author details the reasons why Posey quit riding horses after spending most of her youth loving and training them and the reasons why Posey and Adam’s relationship was broken before she left. Posey begins to ride again and the question becomes - can one truly return home as an adult and will Posey be stuck in the past, or heal enough to move forward?
I am excited to read further books in this series, as I’ve become invested in the human (and equine!) characters in the series.
I was lucky to receive an advanced Arc copy of this book from BookFunnel, but the opinions I’ve expressed are my own.
The author details the reasons why Posey quit riding horses after spending most of her youth loving and training them and the reasons why Posey and Adam’s relationship was broken before she left. Posey begins to ride again and the question becomes - can one truly return home as an adult and will Posey be stuck in the past, or heal enough to move forward?
I am excited to read further books in this series, as I’ve become invested in the human (and equine!) characters in the series.
I was lucky to receive an advanced Arc copy of this book from BookFunnel, but the opinions I’ve expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
Great start to a promising horsey series!!
Childhood besties are pitted against each other and become bitter adolescent rivals. She moves away to college in the big city, then a job. He stays on the farm and looks to "have it all." But when big city job and ex-boyfriend fall apart on her, Posey heads home to her mom and the horses.
This story is so beautifully layered and realistic. It doesn't sugar-coat the reality of the amount of hard work that goes into training Thoroughbred race horses, nor the cut-throat nature of that business.
Neither does it ignore the humanity of the people in the racing industry who put the welfare and best interests of the horses above all other factors.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Childhood besties are pitted against each other and become bitter adolescent rivals. She moves away to college in the big city, then a job. He stays on the farm and looks to "have it all." But when big city job and ex-boyfriend fall apart on her, Posey heads home to her mom and the horses.
This story is so beautifully layered and realistic. It doesn't sugar-coat the reality of the amount of hard work that goes into training Thoroughbred race horses, nor the cut-throat nature of that business.
Neither does it ignore the humanity of the people in the racing industry who put the welfare and best interests of the horses above all other factors.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
April 16, 2022
Just finished my ARC of Project Horse this morning and really enjoyed it. Posey Malone returns to Ocala, Florida after a seven year absence to help her recently widowed mother. Returning home brings back many memories, both the good ones as well as the bad ones. She is horrified to learn her mother is selling her home and moving to Salazar Farm, home of Posey's former crush and current nemesis, Adam Salazar.
Natalie Keller Reinert develops her characters (and includes a few from some of her other series) so well that you feel as if you know them. Natalie's books are a real treat for riders/equine enthusiasts but can also be enjoyed by on riders as well. I highly recommend this book.
Natalie Keller Reinert develops her characters (and includes a few from some of her other series) so well that you feel as if you know them. Natalie's books are a real treat for riders/equine enthusiasts but can also be enjoyed by on riders as well. I highly recommend this book.
September 1, 2023
I'm not a fan of rom/coms but I do love horse stories. Ms. Reinert does know horses and the racing industry. The main character, Posey, has returned home to Ocala, Florida, after trying to make it as a writer in NYC. Her father has recently died, leaving Posey's mother alone in the family house.
But Posey finally has to admit the big city is not for her and that she really does love training horses, both Thoroughbreds off the track and other horses to excel at least one of the other riding disciplines. In a circuitous route, Posey ends up back with her old boyfriend and settles back into a fulfilling life with many friends and good horses.
But Posey finally has to admit the big city is not for her and that she really does love training horses, both Thoroughbreds off the track and other horses to excel at least one of the other riding disciplines. In a circuitous route, Posey ends up back with her old boyfriend and settles back into a fulfilling life with many friends and good horses.
December 27, 2024
This was a cute, quick read - and quite nostalgic for me, having lived in the Ocala area for almost a decade. There were some distracting editing/grammar errors, and the pacing felt rushed, particularly the ending. I never fully bought this as an enemies-to-lovers story…the “enemies” part just felt weak. But as a former Ocala horse girl myself, I definitely enjoyed this one and it was a nice palate cleanser after finishing a pretty heavy fantasy series. Will read the rest of the series for sure!
May 11, 2022
Posey is DELIGHTFUL!
Honestly in the first couple of chapters I was nervous we had another Jules on our hands and I was a little annoyed at her internal dialogue but I was pleasantly surprised when she could see with reason! Natalie brings Ocala and horses to life and gives her characters so much depth. I LOVED the guest appearances in this book (especially the Alex and Alexander scenes because I’ve been shamelessly begging for more of them). I seriously can’t wait for the next installment of any of Natalie’s books!
Honestly in the first couple of chapters I was nervous we had another Jules on our hands and I was a little annoyed at her internal dialogue but I was pleasantly surprised when she could see with reason! Natalie brings Ocala and horses to life and gives her characters so much depth. I LOVED the guest appearances in this book (especially the Alex and Alexander scenes because I’ve been shamelessly begging for more of them). I seriously can’t wait for the next installment of any of Natalie’s books!
February 9, 2023
Horse Girl Comes Home
When your life falls apart it always nice when you can come ho!e again. Except when you arrive home to find that nothing is the same and the troubles of your past are no longer in the past. Come with Posey as she falls back in love with horses and an old flame. What could possibly go wrong?
Natalie does it again with an amazing horse girl romance that hits all the boxes. Let your head and your heart get run away with in The Project Horse.
When your life falls apart it always nice when you can come ho!e again. Except when you arrive home to find that nothing is the same and the troubles of your past are no longer in the past. Come with Posey as she falls back in love with horses and an old flame. What could possibly go wrong?
Natalie does it again with an amazing horse girl romance that hits all the boxes. Let your head and your heart get run away with in The Project Horse.
January 18, 2025
Clean Read
I'm usually one for ghost pepper level of spice but this book was too sweet to be disappointed in. While not from the racing world I am a horse girl and I love how the horses in this book actually have personality and aren't just pretty props for the characters! The representation of the girls in the show ring is too accurate! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
I'm usually one for ghost pepper level of spice but this book was too sweet to be disappointed in. While not from the racing world I am a horse girl and I love how the horses in this book actually have personality and aren't just pretty props for the characters! The representation of the girls in the show ring is too accurate! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
May 31, 2022
Always a good read
You can always count on Natalie to write a book that sucks you in and refuses to let go, right up until the end. Her characters are real people you care about, she certainly knows her horses, and she always nails the Ocala setting. I can’t wait for the next one!
You can always count on Natalie to write a book that sucks you in and refuses to let go, right up until the end. Her characters are real people you care about, she certainly knows her horses, and she always nails the Ocala setting. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 5, 2022
I am a huge Natalie Keller Reinheart fan, and this first book in her new series doesn’t let you down. Great characters with cameos from some of your favorites from other series makes for a great read. I’m looking forward to the development of these new characters as the series continues. I think it’s going to be addicting (in a good way!)
March 9, 2023
Once again, a very good book from this author. The equine portions are spot on for the time period it covers. There is a romance which does not distract from the tale. It is entirely suitable for ages 15 and up - IMO. Only thing I would change is the proofreader. Whomever it was they were over paid; but I'm a grammar geek.
June 20, 2025
The first in The Ocala Horse Girls series. This book feels different to others I have read by Natalie. Maybe a little more about the romance and the slow burn and tension than the horses and the training. Looking forward to the next book in the series. It was fun to see some of the characters from her other books make an appearance on the Ocala scene and mix with this one.
April 30, 2022
I can't get enough!
I've been an avid fan of this world for, well, forever. Alex and Alexander, Jules and Pete, even Amanda the hunter princess. This work has it all. Horses, romance and some surprise visits from some of my favorite characters. I can't wait for the best one!
I've been an avid fan of this world for, well, forever. Alex and Alexander, Jules and Pete, even Amanda the hunter princess. This work has it all. Horses, romance and some surprise visits from some of my favorite characters. I can't wait for the best one!
May 6, 2022
Great book, loved it !
Obviously it's about horses and people and love.
We are getting to know new characters while crossing path with some, that we are familiar with, from other series the author wrote.
It also crossing racing with "classical" riding.
You should absolutly read it !
Obviously it's about horses and people and love.
We are getting to know new characters while crossing path with some, that we are familiar with, from other series the author wrote.
It also crossing racing with "classical" riding.
You should absolutly read it !
October 9, 2022
4.5 stars
The book romance was sweet but fraught with some angst, mostly on the heroine’s side. But the horses are always well written by this author. The enjoyment of the lazy rides outside brings back fond memories of my youth.
The book romance was sweet but fraught with some angst, mostly on the heroine’s side. But the horses are always well written by this author. The enjoyment of the lazy rides outside brings back fond memories of my youth.
September 11, 2024
Il m'a vraiment manqué de l'alchimie entre les 2 MC. J'ai pas non plus compris certains choix de l'héroïne, où j'aurais aimé qu'elle s'affirme un peu plus. À part ça, trop cool de lire une romance où les chevaux ne sont pas qu'un élément minime de l'histoire
October 26, 2024
so boring
I was so excited to read a romance novel with horse themes. What I got was too much dialogue about specific horse details and very little romance. The understory was underwhelming. Super disappointed but hope someone tries again.
I was so excited to read a romance novel with horse themes. What I got was too much dialogue about specific horse details and very little romance. The understory was underwhelming. Super disappointed but hope someone tries again.
June 21, 2022
lovely read
The start of another beautiful series! The attention to detail is outstanding, the horse content accurate. I look forward to seeing where these characters take us next!
The start of another beautiful series! The attention to detail is outstanding, the horse content accurate. I look forward to seeing where these characters take us next!
September 17, 2022
Very fun quick read
January 22, 2023
another good one
Natalie Reinert writes fantastic horse books! They’re so realistic, with perfect love stories woven in. I can’t wait to read more.
Natalie Reinert writes fantastic horse books! They’re so realistic, with perfect love stories woven in. I can’t wait to read more.
June 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
December 2, 2023
oh these girls and boys
Human and Horse are a mess. You want to laugh, cry, throw a fit, and jump and down already. The day has just begun. Get your read on!!!!!!!
Human and Horse are a mess. You want to laugh, cry, throw a fit, and jump and down already. The day has just begun. Get your read on!!!!!!!
January 8, 2024
I fell in love with this book! Started out a bit slow and I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. So so glad I did! Definitely going to be reading more
January 13, 2024
horses
I truly loved how this book covered so many areas from finding past love to everything about horses. It was enough to make me read the whole series. A fun read.
I truly loved how this book covered so many areas from finding past love to everything about horses. It was enough to make me read the whole series. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews