Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Blog Tour: Review - Breaking the Reins




Breaking the Reins
by Juliana Haygert 
Publication date: August 14th 2013 
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma’s life and kills her horse, Hannah’s immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can’t turn away even though she’s not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.

But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

Review
I received Breaking the reins in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Hannah’s life was perfect until the night her grandmother and beloved horse die in a fire. Now she’s running her grandmother's ranch juggling school and still trying to be the perfect girlfriend to Eric who’s perfect. When an animal control officer shows up at her door asking her to rehab an abused horse Hannah isn't sure she’s up to the challenge she’s not a horse whisperer like her grandmother. Both her boyfriend and father want her to sell the ranch and learn to take over her father’s breeding business. However Hannah can’t let go of the ranch or Argus the abused horse.

Hannah notices that Eric is starting to become possessive telling her to sell the ranch drop out of school which is the last thing she wants to do. When a new attractive polo player shows up in town giving Eric a run for his money his temper flares. Eric can see the Leo is interested in Hannah but he won’t let her go, she belongs to him forever even if he has to make her understand. As Eric becomes more aggressive with Hannah she starts to develop a connection with Leo who agrees to help her with Argus. While things with Leo are heating up it’s getting cold with Eric. Soon Hannah will have to choose who she wants and will the one not chosen let her go?

I love Hannah she’s a girl after my own heart. I’m a diehard horse fan so of course this book was perfect for me. I also had abusive ex so I can relate to her story I don't blame her for wanting to help Eric deal with his temper she’s a good person with a good heart. Her life isn't easy and when things get tough she does her best to overcome them. I instantly didn’t like Eric he just rubbed me the wrong way right from the start but I love Leo he’s just amazing. Kind of any girls dream guy, plus he’s attractive and loves horses can’t go wrong.

Breaking the Reins is a captivating story filled with horses, polo players, danger, romance, and healing. I found the characters easy to connect with they felt like real people even if they are living in the spotlight. The author has created a story around a tough real life situation that happens to thousands every day. I think she did a beautiful job creating Hannah’s story, giving us a unique inside look into the life of a domestic violence victim. I found Hannah inspiring; I cheered her on even when she was down knowing it would work out in the end. I loved the way the author used Argus to bring Hannah and Leo together using the broken horse they are all able to heal.  The author created a powerful story I highly suggest anyone who has a love for horses and wants a tear jerker with a happy ending should check it out. I feel like I could ramble about Breaking the Reins for hours, it's one of my new favorites. Loved it!!!!
5 out of 5 stars 


AUTHOR BIO 

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author links:

Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour (Here)

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