Thursday, June 8, 2023

Review: Sweet & Bitter Rivals

 


* First in a new series *

Abby St. Clair can’t wait to start another season with her elite riding team at her boarding school. She has something to prove after literally falling on her face during the biggest competition of the year the previous season. And she could really use a win after her mom left her family, her dad remarried, and Abby’s new stepsister, Emery, proved to be a strong rider and stiff competition.

Abby wants to return to some semblance of normal but is hiding a secret: she accidentally cost her biggest rival, Selly, a chance at team captain. Then Abby begins to receive anonymous messages, threatening to expose her unwitting sabotage and a video that makes it look like she’s trash-talking Emery. With an important competition on the horizon and the knowledge that someone in her circle knows way too much about her, the pressure is on.

Abby tries to put on blinders and have the perfect meet with her horse, Beau, but she’s about to find out the hard way that secrets don’t make friends at Saddlehill Academy. - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: As soon as Jessica Burkhart announced this, I was SUPER excited! I LOVED the Canterwood Crest series. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. It was everything I wanted it to be - it had all the classics from the Canterwood Crest books - friendship drama, family drama, crushes, and of course horses. I loved the horse moments in this book. I felt bad for Abby as she struggled with the changes in her family on top of going back to school and trying to keep a secret. I loved the easter eggs from Canterwood Crest and learning more about our favorite characters. And of course, that cliffhanger ending makes me NEED the next book immediately. Luckily, I only have to wait less than two months!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: Book sent for review (I asked the publisher for this one, which is rare for me)
Library Recommendations: A must have book for your school and public libraries!

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