Moonlit Series ~ Jadie Jones

"Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can't be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn't. But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?"  ~Amazon description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Horses + freaky monsters + time travel + back-stabbing queens + gladiator-style fighting . . . this book was not what I expected and I loved it! A friend recommended Moonlit to me and I was drawn in by the gorgeous horses on the cover. I'm not usually attracted to paranormal stories, but this one changed my mind! First of all, the prologue is the BEST prologue I have ever read . . . BEST!! It immediately sucked me in to the story and made me wonder what happened to these characters ... "I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk, sad and angry. When she made me promise I'd never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the stairs at my feet. I hadn't tried to get out of the way. She had just missed." How can you resist lines like that?! I had to read on.

The main character, Tanzy, is immediately likable and I rooted for her through all the twists and turns of this story. And, let me tell you, there are a lot of twists and turns! Moonlit is like a puzzle that reveals itself one piece at a time, slowly giving you the full picture, yet  it keeps you guessing. The action sequences are non-stop and leave you wanting more! Not to mention, Jadie Jones writes beautifully . . . there were lines and paragraphs of description that I had to read over a few times just because I loved them so much. Looking forward to the sequel!

Moonlit's Sequel ~ WINDSWEPT!...

"Tanzy’s journey continues in Windswept, the second installment of the Moonlit Trilogy...Tanzy Hightower is the key in an ancient prophecy pivotal to the existence of all beings, both Seen and Unseen. Unseen who have waited a millennium for her birth are relentless in their efforts to see the prophecy fulfilled--whether for good or evil, depending on which side of the conflict one stands. Others have sworn an oath to end Tanzy’s existence, permanently. Already, Tanzy’s body has been compromised by her enemies, her veins now home to the blood of a wild horse whose instincts are becoming impossible to control. While Tanzy’s Unseen enemies work to draw her out of a remote safe house, her friends beg her to stay in hiding. She is torn, wanting to reunite with Lucas, who has loved Tanzy since her first incarnation, yet unsure whether fulfilling the ancient prophecy will protect those she loves or destroy them."  ~GoodReads Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Never did I expect to get wrapped up in a world of Seens and Unseens, but Jadie Jones sucked me in again with the sequel to Moonlit! In Windswept, Tanzy's world is further revealed and nothing is as it seems. Seriously, trust no one! The action scenes fall together in a way that brings them to life ... every punch, stab, flip and fall. And, once the action scenes started, I couldn't stop reading. It was like I hopped on a rollercoaster and there was no chance of getting off until the end!

Dark Witch ~ Nora Roberts

"With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland. County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…"  ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ So, this is the actually the first Nora Roberts book I have read. "Dark Witch" is a combination of witches, magic & horses set in Ireland -- how could I resist?! And, look at the cover ... it just pulls you right into the cozy, mystical story. My favorite parts of this book included Nora's descriptions of the settings -- cozy pubs, roaring fireplaces, crumbling castles.

However, the story itself was very repetitive and, frankly, predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and I had a hard time connecting with them. Actually, I connected most with Branna - the darker, more cynical cousin. The main character, Iona, tended to annoy me with her constant babble.

Iona (a witch herself) is able to read the minds of horses AND she works at a stable in Ireland .... I was really looking forward to this aspect of the story - how magic & horses would intertwine. However, the story is pretty skimpy on the horse parts and is written more for the general public than a die-hard-horse-person ... I was disappointed.

I actually gave up on this book at about page 220. I just kept waiting for the story to get good and I couldn't wait any longer. Sigh ... maybe I missed out on the best part of the story in the last 100 pages?? Anyhow, I will definitely give Nora Roberts another try. I've read lots of good reviews on her books -- this one just wasn't for me.

The Dressage Chronicles: Book II - A Matter of Feel ~ Karen McGoldrick

"As it is with people, so it is with horses. There is what you see on the surface, and then there is what is churning below. Lizzy’s good work ethic, and a desire to learn, will take her only so far. To go beyond the books, beyond the riding lessons, she will need courage. Why? Wild Child. He is beauty coupled with power, but mean as a rattlesnake. He triggers reactions in everyone who sees him; envy; ambition; and fear. And he is her responsibility. But not her only challenge. Some rattlesnakes are two-legged. She will find some of her teachers in unlikely places she could never have imagined. She will develop that special quality known among horsemen as “feel.” So the journey of The Dressage Chronicles continues. Put on your helmet." -Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Indeed, put on your helmet for this ride! The second book in The Dressage Chronicles did not disappoint! Karen McGoldrick is a pro at wrapping the reader up in the world of horses. I thoroughly enjoyed following Lizzy through more equine adventures and I loved watching her grow as a horse-woman! The horse characters in this story (Book I and Book II) warm my heart and remind me of many horses that have touched my life. And, I even grew to love Wild Child - the naughty stallion!

I wish I could hang out with Deb, watch Marco work his magic, and slap Rider. Loved them all! I can't wait to read the third book in the series. Go Lizzy! :)

The A Circuit ~ Georgina Bloomberg & Catherine Hapka

"The A Circuit is the top of the top when it comes to horse showing. It's a world with its own rules and super-privileged lifestyles. Teens employ private tutors so they can travel the circuit all year showing horses that cost as much as some people's homes.Tommi, Kate, and Zara are all elite competitors on the circuit, but they come from totally different backgrounds. Tommi is a billionaire heiress trying to prove she has real talent (not just deep bank accounts). Kate puts the working in working student-every win has been paid for with hours of cleaning stalls. She's used to the grueling schedule, but Fitz, the barn's resident hot guy, is about to become a major distraction. And then there's Zara. She's the wild child of a famous rockstar, but she's ready to take riding seriously. Can a party girl really change her ways?" ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Not my favorite horse story, but there were definitely things that I really enjoyed about "The A Circuit"-- I really liked that this book was told from different perspectives of three teenage girls from different backgrounds. The three story lines added interest to this story and kept me turning the pages. I didn't read many reviews on this book until after I read it, but now I can see why readers labeled this story a combination of "Gossip Girl" & the horse show industry -- lots of teenage drama! However, I do wish the writers had dug a little deeper into the drama. A lot of it felt like it was left "on the surface."

The horse and riding terminology is correct and the chaos of the horse show industry is true to form. Kate was definitely my favorite character and easiest to relate to. I also started to warm up to Tommi towards the end of the book.

However, I had a real problem with Zara and, most of the time, I wanted to slap her. Her character is very shallow...and angry. And, I didn't see her as a true horse-lover. I won't give away any spoilers, but it REALLY made me mad what Zara ends up doing to a horse towards the end. It made me cringe. And, I felt like she should have "paid" for this decision.

The other thing I was hoping for was to see more "character" out of the horses. The horses had their own unique personalities, but I don't feel like I got to know them in detail.

The ending felt unresolved, but it is a series and the story continues in three more books. I would call "The A Circuit" a light read and it was fun to follow the drama mixed into the horse show world. I will be putting the second book on my "to-read list."

On a side note, this book was written by two authors -- both of which have equine experience. That's very interesting to me! I wonder how they wrote the book together -- if they took turns writing chapters of the story? Or if they represented different characters?

The Dressage Chronicles ~ Karen McGoldrick

"You know what happens to all those girls who are just crazy about horses? Once they discover boys, the horses are history. Or maybe not. For Lizzy, and others like her, no boy, no man who knows what's good for him, speaks the unspeakable. It's me or the horse. It's no contest. And so Lizzy snips the threads that hold her, however tenuously, to a conventional life, and begins her journey into the world of horse sports. She signs on as a working student for dressage superstar Margot Fanning, heading to south Florida with her six year old mare, for the the season. She immerses herself in an extraordinary world of high-dollar horses and ambitious women, and receives an incredible education in more than just riding dressage. And she's taking notes. Welcome to The Dressage Chronicles." ~Amazon Book Description

Brittney Joy's Review---  LOVED!!...Karen McGoldrick captures the "behind-the-scenes" stories of the horse show world in The Dressage Chronicles. From the first page I was wrapped up in the storyline and the characters -- my interest never faded through 405 pages! This is a wonderfully juicy soap opera for the horse-crazy reader! And, the descriptions of the horses, riding, and equine behavior is exactly on-spot...I even learned some new things about dressage! Kudos to McGoldrick!

I cannot wait to download the sequel!!

To Tame a Wild Heart ~ L.B. Shire

"Chancy Mallory is loyal to three things in her life: her horse Bowie, her parents and the Mallory Ranch.

Chancy is set on capturing a wild mustang colt to prove her worth to her father who believes the Mallory legacy died when he buried his three sons. When Nick Stone appears at the ranch, Chancy can't fight the waves of change. She fears her father's attentions are slipping out of her reach. And while before she thought only of horses and the ranch, her thoughts are now drifting to boys and kisses. Sweet kisses with Nick that is. Except he's her rival, or is he?"  ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Fantastic story of a young romance with a cowboy...and a mustang! This sweet story takes place on an eastern Oregon cattle ranch in the late 1800s. Now, stories of this time period are not usually my thing, but I was hooked  in the first few pages! The romantic suspense, ranch-talk, & the story of the mustang herd kept me turning pages and I blew through this book in a few days! Perfect summer read and I'm looking forward to the sequel! Curious to see where the story continues with Chancy...and Nick...and Snowbar... :)

Wild Horse, Wild Ride ~ Documentary

If you haven't already seen this movie, run out and rent (or buy!) "Wild Horse, Wild Ride!" This beautiful documentary captures the deep, true bond that can be achieved between horse and human. From the first minute of this movie, I was engrossed in the multiple stories that unfolded-- making me cry tears of heartache and of joy.  

Wild Horse, Wild Ride -- makes it to the top of my favorite movie list...EVER!! LOVED!!!!   

Wild Horse, Wild Ride - Website/Trailer

"Each year, through the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge, 100 people across the country attempt to tame a wild mustang in 100 days. Following this dangerous and harrowing feat performed by everyday people from every walk of life, is a public showcase that determines whether these horses can be saved from a life in captivity. Complete with first-hand footage and interviews, Wild Horse Wild Ride provides an in-depth look at the incredible relationship that blossoms between man and animal." ~Amazon Description

Pony Club Rivals ~ Stacy Gregg

THE AUDITIONS (PONY CLUB RIVALS, BOOK 1)

"Competition is fierce at the All-Stars Academy – can the new girl outshine her rivals? The Blainford ‘All-Stars’ Academy is the most elite horse riding school ever and it’s auditions time for next year’s new students! The hopefuls must battle for a place against the most talented riders from around the world. Friendships are quickly made, but with rivalries hotting up inside AND outside the arena, who will stay focused and outshine the competition?"  ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Seriously ... I'm obsessed with Pony Club Rivals! I stumbled across Stacy Gregg's Pony Club Rivals Series while searching for young adult horse books on Amazon and downloaded the first book in the series -- The Auditions. OMG...I couldn't stop reading! I devoured this book!

There is not one slow point in this story. The twists and turns and action kept me wanting more! Not to mention, the characters made me tear-up and crack-up. I was enamored by the horse world that Stacy created and sucked in by the high speed and action of the competitions. 

She also had me giggling at the horsie-stereotypes worked into this story. Spot on!

No matter what your age, if you love horses you need to put this book on your read-list! I have already downloaded the second book in Stacy Gregg's Series-- Showjumpers, Pony Club Rivals Book #2. And, I cannot wait to jump into Georgie's new adventure! 

SHOWJUMPERS (PONY CLUB RIVALS, BOOK 2)

"Georgie has secured her place at Blainford Academy for now, but knowing who to trust is tough when you’re all competing against each other. Some new-found friendships might already be close to breaking point as competition heats up in the showjumping arena. Is cute boy James about to become an ally or is his scheming sister Kennedy going to wreck Georgie’s dreams? And can she really trust her rivals? Find out in the exciting second term!" ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ After finishing "The Auditions," I immediately downloaded the second book in the Pony Club Rivals Series ~ Showjumpers! Again, I loved it!! Stacy Gregg's characters have a witty sense of humor which keeps me reading and giggling. The second book is full of more adventure, twists, and general horse-wonderfulness! I'm looking forward to the third and fourth books ... this series would make a great gift-set for the horse-crazy tween!

What is your favorite horsie-related read?

I grew up devouring The Thoroughbred Series by JoAnne Campbell! I wanted to be a jockey until I hit the very un-jockey-like height of 5'8". Never-the-less, I loved getting lost in the books and then running out to the barn, saddling up my mare, shortening the stirrups, and racing through the pastures.

Currently, two of my recent favorite horsie-reads are definitely  The God of Animals (Aryn Kyle) and Chosen by a Horse (Susan Richards)!

The writing in The God of Animals is haunting. I literally read sentences over and over as the wording was so stunning and honest. And, this book has the best opening line I have read in a long time..."Six months before Polly Cain drowned in the canal, my sister, Nona, ran off and married a cowboy." This story had me at the first line and NEVER let me go. This will be one I will reread.   

Chosen by a Horse made me laugh and cry and laugh and cry. The author was spot-on with her descriptions of horse behavior and thoughts. Loved, loved, loved.  

Now, what is your favorite horsie-read? I'm always looking for new books to add to my pile...