Review: Run for the Roses
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 26, 2013
RUN FOR THE ROSES features Abby, a super-motivated girl who wants to win the Youth Nationals. This year is her big chance, and winning is more important than ever because she wants the college scholarship prize, but also because she wants to win so bad it hurts. Abby’s spent years focusing on this goal, and her life consists of riding, school, and working to help support her dream.Boys do NOT figure into Abby’s life. She has no time for a boyfriend. None.Enter Chase. Abby meets him at the show before Nationals. Not only is Chase insanely hot, but he’s also funny, nice, and easy to talk to. I really liked their conversations; the banter was amusing. Abby tries to keep from falling for Chase, but of course, she can’t help herself.RUN FOR THE ROSES is a novella, clocking in at approximately 80 pages. The short length doesn’t give a lot of relationship development time for Abby and Chase, which was my biggest complaint about the book. Abby and Chase fall for each other quite quickly, and though there is room for some turmoil between them, I felt like they moved really fast.However, their relationship does allow for Abby to question if she needs to focus so closely on her goals, or if she really can have it all. I liked that Abby was so focused and determined, but I also enjoyed seeing her grow and realize she could have some fun, too. I couldn’t help but want more Abby and Chase, even though the book does end on a happy note.RUN FOR THE ROSES is perfect if you’re looking for a fun read, particularly if you enjoy books with horses in them. One of the best parts is that the author has experience, and knows what she’s talking about, so she’s able to easily explain Abby’s type of competing without confusing readers or dumbing anything down.Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.