A Heartfelt Gallop Through Life and Love: Review of Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert
There’s something undeniably captivating about a story that intertwines the delicate threads of romance with the raw spirit of horses. When I stumbled upon Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert, I felt an immediate pull—maybe it was the mention of horses or the promise of a heartfelt journey. As someone who has forayed into the genre less frequently lately, my curiosity was piqued, and I couldn’t resist diving into the world of Nora and Alec.
Nora’s life quickly unravels as Shep Horse Ranch, a sanctuary for her heart and soul, faces closure. With the loss of her mother still fresh in her heart and a strained relationship with her father, who was absent for far too long, she is on the brink of losing yet another home. Gilbert paints this backdrop beautifully, resonating with the emotional reverberations that come from familial loss and the search for stability. The promise of attending equestrian school in Montana, thanks to Mrs. Shep’s generosity, allows us to glimpse hope amidst Nora’s chaos.
Here’s where Alec enters the picture—the "pretentious asshole" who is much more than he initially appears. Their first encounter ignites a delightful spark of tension, which is both amusing and relatable. I appreciated how Gilbert embodies the youthful struggles of miscommunication and budding romance in a light-hearted yet sincere manner. As they navigate a complex arrangement driven by public perception and personal growth, I found myself rooting for them—even as I sometimes grappled with Alec’s character flaws. The third-act conflict was a stinger, but witnessing his transformation alongside Nora made it all worthwhile.
One of the standout elements of Gilbert’s writing is her genuine affection for horses and ranching. Unlike many contemporary stories that twist cowboy themes without authenticity, Love, Canter, Action resonates with the heartbeat of ranch life. The vivid imagery and the emotional connections to the horses endeared me even further to the narrative.
As for the pacing, I must admit, as much as I adored the emotional arcs and character development, I found myself longing for more of those fluffy romantic moments—the heart-fluttering dates and quiet intimate exchanges. Teen romance often treads carefully around physical intimacy, but I yearned for a little more of that “lovey-dovey” time between Nora and Alec. It’s those sweet moments that really make a romance sing, right?
Overall, Love, Canter, Action is not just a simple teenage romance; it delicately weaves themes of loss, identity, and growth into its tender pages. I appreciated how Gilbert allowed Nora to grapple with her past while simultaneously striving for a future she yearns for—a clever blend that many readers will find relatable.
Set to release on May 13, 2025, from Union Square & Co., this book will likely resonate with fans of young adult contemporary romance who appreciate a strong emotional foundation, especially for those who find solace in the equestrian world. If you love stories that celebrate growth, friendship, and sweet romance in a landscape of horses and heart, then this book is a must-add to your reading list.
My journey with Love, Canter, Action was a pleasant surprise, proving that sometimes diving into a genre you think you’ve outgrown can reignite a sense of wonder. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite read nestled in between the pages, waiting to whisk you away.
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