Latest Read: Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally

Here are the basics ...
Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks, #4) by Miranda Kenneally
Publication date: Dec. 3, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: ARC received from publisher (Thanks!)

Summary: They’re from two different worlds. He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries. With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: It's hard not to feel excited when Miranda Kenneally comes out with a new book. It's a chance to dive back into the Hundred Oaks world and in Racing Savannah, the author introduces us to a young girl who loves horses and dreams of becoming a jockey. Savannah has spent her life growing up around horses because her father is a trainer. When his latest job moves their family onto the Goodwin estate, Savannah is ready to get a job as an exerciser along with him and do something more. Then she meets Jack Goodwin - son of the owner and currently training to take over one day. He's also hot and completely off-limits but that doesn't stop the sparks or the easy camaraderie that springs up between Savannah and Jack.

This could've easily just been a contemporary romance about the poor girl and the rich boy falling in love against the odds and honestly, with Miranda Kenneally's engaging writing, I still would've loved it. But instead, she gives us the romance and so much more. Savannah hasn't had it easy. She lost her mom and while her dad is a supportive, caring man, he hasn't exactly encouraged Savannah to do more with her life. And the longer she's on the Goodwin estate, making friends and spending time with Jack, she's realizing the many options in front of her if she chooses to go for it. Savannah was such an easy character to root for and connect with. Even when she doesn't always know what she wants, she knows who she is and she's confident. She's confident in her ability around horses and as things get confusing with Jack, which they inevitably do, she knows what she deserves. I admired that so much. And I liked the way her relationship with Jack developed. There was an obvious attraction but it was also the way they talked about horses, supported one another and what a great team they made. There are a lot of great scenes between the two (and some steamy ones!).

But it wasn't just about the romance. There's a lot of about horse jockeying. Then Savannah is the new girl and she quickly makes friends who becomes near and dear to her. I loved that there was this healthy balance of family, friends, love and figuring out who you are. It reminded me a little bit of Catching Jordan, except better.

(No) reservations: My only reservation is that I wasn't ready to leave a Hundred Oaks by the end! I flew through the book and I definitely wouldn't have minded more only because I really enjoyed these characters.

Do I recommend?: I do! It's another great installment in this series and what's great about them, is that they're more like companion novels. You don't have to read the previous books although I recommend you do. I think this might be my favorite of the bunch and I already bought a copy for my shelves.

Happy reading!