Summary: Giddy up, friends, and join us for a ride into the wild world of horses. Holly has been a lifelong Horse Girl and Devin spent a decade taking horseback riding lessons, but neither of them have been as involved with the animals as any of the characters in their featured books today. For better or worse, a life revolving around horses can be all encompassing and high pressure; our hosts highlight the good and bad in their respective wheelhouses today.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (6:39): Holly discussed Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier, a thriller perfect for anyone looking to read about rich people behaving badly. We follow two teenage sisters, Piper and Maple, and their mother, Heather. as they move to an exclusive community in the heart of Southern California. Once there, they begin riding at the Rancho Santa Fe Equestrian, where horses (and murder) are a lifestyle. Holly’s key takeaways were:
From the start we learn that someone is dead, and then Brazier weaves us through the lead up to the incident with alternating perspectives from Heather, her daughters, and other “Barn Moms” at the stables.
There are distinct socioeconomic themes and dynamics in this book; Heather is newly wealthy and determined to give her daughters the life she never had, but the established families in the community are suspicious and judgemental.
This book is full of characters that are flawed, hurt, downright unlikeable and their internal challenges clash against their peers as they feed their ambitions and fight for what they believe they deserve.
The Heart (21:44): Devin discussed Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage, a novel following professional barrel racer Emmy Ryder as she returns to her hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming after an accident renders her unable to get back on her horse. Once there, she’s met with more than she expected as her brother’s best friend, Luke Brooks, becomes more than just an occasional thorn in her side. Devin’s key takeaways were:
If you’re looking for some horse energy, this is the book for you. Emmy’s family owns Rebel Blue Ranch which raises cattle, horses, gives riding lessons and embraces the classic western vibes. Luke and Emmy spend most of their time around horses and the deepening of their romantic dynamic is part and parcel with those interactions.
The story does not hold back on the steam front; this book is almost shockingly sexy and involves dirty talk. If you’re looking for a more subtle, closed door romance vibe, tread lightly with this book. If you’re not, join Devin for an absolute blast.
Sage has ADHD herself and worked hard to bring more authentic representation of the disorder with Emmy. Both she and Luke have traumas and experiences that inform and block their connection that they work through together to grow as people (and together).
Hot On the Shelf (45:32):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (50:00):
Holly: The Night Of on HBO
Devin: Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Amazon Prime
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
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