Much thanks to Natalie Keller Reinert, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it's overdue.

Spoilers

I requested this during a listening dry spell, I was requesting anything just to have something to listen to. As soon as my request was granted, I immediately had doubts--I have no interest in horses or showing them or the horse world whatsoever. Or Florida, for that matter--I honestly don't understand how anyone can think it's a good idea to live there. Would I end up hating the book and giving a bad review when I shouldn't have requested it to begin with?

So no one's more surprised than me to find that I really liked this novel! I might have liked it more if I was into horses, but I thought it was generally well-written, and everything was explained well, the topic made accessible. I loved that the pace was steady, timeline was linear, there was only one POV, and the romance was so sweet. I loved that the MC truly struggled (she literally lost everything in a hurricane!) and didn't have everything she wanted by the end (it is a series, after all)--but what she did have was repaired relationships, so she had a good arc.

However, Jules might have been a tad too bitchy; there were times when I was surprised Pete still pursued her (I mean, his crush on her was sweet, but no means no?). Times when I wasn't surprised Becky jumped ship and Lacey was headed that way too. Times when I didn't want to be around Jules. But there was something that drew me to her, too; perhaps knowing that her ruthlessness and acerbity masked a well of vulnerability. Maybe because she was kind of an underdog. Maybe I saw a little of myself in her. Regardless, there was enough goodness to her character to prevent me completely disliking her.

I liked the other characters as well, Pete, Becky, Lacey, Dr. Em--though I'm surprised the horses weren't given more personality. Well, Princess Regina was--or, more accurately considering her name, Queen Regina--but Mickey and Dynamo weren't. All the horses were well-described, but their personalities consisted largely of their faults and hangups. Dynamo was exhausted, Mickey had PTSD and was a disappointment, the girl twin had a butterfly phobia (LOL!) and the other twin had a quirk I can't remember. Or maybe that's about as much personality as horses have, I don't know.

There were times when the exposition was a little too heavy on the horse talk, going into unnecessary detail, but it was written with such great flow that I didn't mind much. Perhaps the wonderful narration helped, too. Barrie Kreinik was excellent.

I do have some questions. If Jules and Lacey were the only ones living/working on Green Winter Farm and they spent all their waking hours with the horses, who took care of the acreage? I assume the lawn was mowed, the weeds sprayed, the landscaping weeded, the trees trimmed, the buildings maintained. I highly doubt Jules bothered with gardens. There was no mention of any equipment, like power tools or machinery, they seemed to do all the work in the barn by hand, and never once did Jules mention them mowing lawn, etc., at least not to my recollection. But they would have wanted to make the entire place aesthetically pleasing for the tours of potential boarders, right? I just can't believe that Jules and one unpaid student accomplished everything, not just the horse work, all on their own. Unless the farm was much smaller than I'm imagining.

Then the circumstances of living (and working) on Pete's farm after the hurricane were curiously vague. I understand Jules and her horses had no where else go and Pete was exceptionally kind taking them all in. But first, I obviously missed where ten extra horses were kept, because I thought Pete's barn was full with twenty. And did all the horses get along? Did his horses mind sharing their pastures? Then there are feed and supplies questions--one, where did Jules keep hers? If Pete's barn was at full capacity, I can only assume his storage was, too. Two, did the finances get messy? I assume a lot of Jules's feed and supply was ruined in the storm, and it was well established that she lived boarder check to boarder check. Was she still able to buy her own supplies after the prices were raised? Did she pay Pete any kind of rent? Maybe things weren't as tight for her when she no longer had property to pay for or utility bills and stuff. Why didn't Jules and Pete form some kind of business partnership since Jules needs a barn and they both have pretty much the same business model and goals? It was just strange that we went from a pretty close account of Jules's tight finances to very vague mention of how things were organized. I suspect the author was trying to keep a complicated situation as simplified as possible for the sake of flow.

But furthermore, the situation with Pete's grandmother needed clarity. So the farm is hers, the grandfather died years ago in a riding accident, and because of that the grandmother hates the farm and everything to do with horses. But Pete loves horses and wanted the farm, so his grandmother agreed to keep paying the bills while Pete used it for a boarding/training business and while he tried to become an eventing champion? I think he had a deadline, but she just agreed to keep paying for that place she hated for Pete's sake? (Ha, no pun intended!) Did I understand that right? So, what's unclear to me is the grandmother's level of involvement. Does she live there? Her presence was never mentioned; likely I missed mention of her living elsewhere. What does she pay for vs. what does Pete pay for? Is she aware that Jules and her horses also come to squat on the grandmother's farm and dime? How does she feel about that? I feel like the situation was brimming with drama and conflict and I was surprised it wasn't fleshed out and explored.

Then again, those issues were introduced in the last quarter or so of the book, which was already getting long, so this book really wasn't the place to explore that situation. I think Pete's "secret" should have been saved for like a cliffhanger moment toward the end, maybe the sudden appearance of his disapproving grandmother to see what's going on on her farm or something, indicating Pete's "secret" would be explored as conflict in the next book.

So yeah, I had a few questions, and a horse lover would probably appreciate the story more, but overall this is a well-written novel that I enjoyed. My library doesn't currently carry any of Reinert's work, but I've requested all the audiobooks, so perhaps one day I can continue the saga. If Ms. Reinert would like a review of Pride's audio, all she has to do is message me.

This was a nice young adult story. If you like horses, you'll love this book. If you're considering this book, I say go for it!

Ambition was a propulsive and well-written read. I liked the audio narrator. the character study was thorough.

Book 1 in the Eventing Series

Jules is a horse trainer determined to make her dream a reality. She wants to be a top trainer and is determined to get there quickly. But she is also unlucky. Can she will her dream into existence?

Jules is a bit insufferable. She could use some humbling. She gets some, but not enough. I'll continue the series and hope she gets better.

If you do not know much about horses, I can see needing to keep your dictionary handy when reading.

Barrie Kreinik narrates the audiobook and always delivers a solid performance.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job! I love horses and was captivated by the book from the very beginning. I loved the characters and cannot wait to read the next in the series!

Ambition: A Novel by Natalie Keller Reinert was the first book in The Eventing Series. I was originally drawn to this book because of its attractive cover. Horses have never been a passion of mine but Ambition piqued my curiosity. It took place in Ocala, Florida which according to this book is considered “horse country “. I have never been to that part of Florida, nor knew anyone that was intent on training and riding horses for competition and shows. It seemed like a difficult yet rewarding experience. Ambition explored the paths, lives and challenges of two horse farm owners, Jules (Juliet) Thornton and Peter Morrison. Although from two completely different walks of life, they had more in common than they realized. Their love for horses, a devastating hurricane and an undeniable magnetism to each other was too much for them to resist. Ambition was the perfect driving force that described the journey both Jules and Peter were following. Will Jules allow herself to listen to her heart or will her mind, ambition and dreams interfere? If you have a love for horses or even if you don’t, I recommend Ambition by Natalie Keller Reinert highly.

I listened to the audiobook of Ambition that was narrated extremely well by one of my favorite narrators, Barrie Kreinik. She did a fabulous job narrating this audiobook. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Ambition by Natalie Keller Reinert through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Engaging and entertaining. A recommended purchase for collections where WF and adult horst stories are popular.

My grown up horse girl heart LOVED Ambition! It was a fantastic and enthralling listen! I can’t wait for the next one!

This book took FOREVER to get into. Basically, this book doesn’t start until chapter 13/14. I almost think it would have been helpful to start the book there and then sprinkle the rest in throughout the book. I almost quit. Once the book started, it held my attention. Jules is a very hardworking horse woman that just wants to make enough money to support her horse business and show the world she’s a successful horse trainer. I did enjoy seeing what would happen to Jules throughout her journey. Jules is very stubborn and wants things her way. Sometimes her way doesn’t always go well. I throughly enjoyed when Peter was weaved into the story. The narrator did a great job with this story. Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this story.

The horse girl within me absolutely squealed throughout the entire book. Reinert expertly captures exactly what it’s like to be part of the equestrian world!!! The characters are well-rounded and I was left constantly wanting to have ‘just one more chapter’

If Jules and Peter’s dynamic doesn’t leave you wanting more, I can guarantee that Dynamo and Mickey will steal your heart completely.

Reinert truly balances out the realism of the equestrian world and melds it within the realm of fiction. It was truly a pleasure to listen to and it absolutely healed a part of my horse-loving soul that desperately wanted a novel that NAILED what it’s like to be submerged in this horse world full of challenges, heartbreak, and sacrifice— with humor sprinkled in throughout the entire book.

Kreinik’s narration of the book was utterly delightful! She brought Jules to life so much so that it was hard not to fall into the idea that it was actually Jules’ speaking! The pace of the narration was excellent without going too fast, but perfectly building up climatic movements. Kreinik masterfully creates such an engaging narration that leaves her listeners fully believing that they are present in the midst of all the novel’s events and not just listening to an audiobook on their way home.

If you’re looking for a horse book that actually has horses woven into the story as supporting characters, this is it! I loved how nearly every single page had horses woven into it.

It’s also so refreshing to have a female protagonist who is wonderfully imperfect. You’ll cheer for Jules, love her, ache for her, and get so incredibly frustrated with her all at the same time! She’s a character that embodies so much of what it feels like to make your mark in a world where money is everything. I’m so, so, so eager to continue this series and see how far Jules, Peter, Dynamo, Mickey, and Regina will go!!

In Dynamo I trust, forever!