Official Literary Award Winner
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Equestrian reviewers have unanimously praised the 'In the Reins' book series
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Feathered Quill Book Award Winner x2
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Book Reviews
"If you love horse stories and are looking for a book to draw you into its pages and not let go until that last page is read, check out In the Reins - you won't be disappointed." - Feathered Quill Book Reviews
" ... if you’re tired of waiting around and hoping for some tall-dark-and-handsome mystery cowboy to jingle his spurs on into your barn (and, believe it or not, that was NOT intended to be a metaphor for anything), go ahead and pick up a copy of In the Reins to live out your fantasy in fiction." - Eileen Cody, Horse Nation Resident Book Reviewer
"Get lost in a world of horses, cowboys, and second chances. I loved getting lost in Devon’s transformation as she faced her need for change head-on. She pursued her new life so tenaciously, in spite of uncertainty and doubt. What’s more, I loved the complexity of each of the characters, JD the reckless yet tender-hearted bull rider, McKennon the strong and intuitive cowboy, and Sophia, the matriarch and Devon’s confidant and guardian angel throughout the novel. I would recommend this to any equestrian who loves getting lost in a great story." - Horse Rookie Equestrian Lifestyle Site
"Carly Kade's first book in the series, "In The Reins," has a good cast of characters - each one owning a distinct personality as they interact with each other. Kade develops a strong sense of place for the story ... it's obvious she's an experienced horsewoman and uses that knowledge to weave in a believable horse story throughout the romance as well. But it's Kade's tension-building skills, tension between all of the characters, that will keep readers flipping pages until the end.
It's been a long (long) time since I've read a romance novel of any kind (being a horse story helped), but I became so engrossed in Devon's and McKennon's relationship that I ended up reading until I finished the novel. I also found myself interested in reading the next two books in the series to see how their story will continue to unfold. An entertaining read." - Kerri Lukasavitz, Author of Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable
It's been a long (long) time since I've read a romance novel of any kind (being a horse story helped), but I became so engrossed in Devon's and McKennon's relationship that I ended up reading until I finished the novel. I also found myself interested in reading the next two books in the series to see how their story will continue to unfold. An entertaining read." - Kerri Lukasavitz, Author of Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable
"It's so awesome to have such a good writer creating fresh and engaging stories revolving around horses. If you need some good summer reading and you love great fiction with horses, then get to reading! Even if you're not a horse person, you can still enjoy because the characters are really interesting. I highly recommend!" - Sarah Conrad, Equestrian Journalist, Lexington, KY
"In the Reins, a western book by Carly Kade ... was a great book and I was sad when it was over (and wanting to read the second book)." - Horses & Heels Equestrian Lifestyle Site
"This story is great about getting the horse facts straight! It’s like watching a movie where people can actually ride their horse without flopping all around. Reading accurate descriptions of horse training is refreshing. And if that isn’t good enough here, there is a sweet, fiery romance complete with horseback kisses. This is one I’d highly recommend to grab on a beach vacation and read with your toes curled in warm sand." - SSwriter.com Book Review
"In the Reins, by new author Carly Kade, has it all: new beginnings, fun characters, beautiful horses, and plenty of enticing, steamy scenes at the stable!" - Maryland Equestrian Lifestyle Guide Book Review
"Her books are one of the most realistic love stories I’ve ever read, and has me cheering them on from my perch. While you don’t have to be a horse lover to understand the book, equestrians will be pleased to feel the authenticity of horse training, ownership, and competition that is such an important part of Devon and McKennon's lives." - Heather Wallace, Author of Confessions of a Timid Rider
"Perfect for a lazy afternoon at the pool or hammock companion, Carly’s books will draw you in with exquisite sensory details and real-life dialog. (By the way, I’m not at all a romance reader, but this was a fun and sometimes funny book.)" - Saddle Seeks Horse Equestrian Lifestyle Site
"I highly recommend this book to all fellow equestrians, no matter your discipline! I may primarily ride English but I have a cowgirl heart and this book definitely calls to it." - Booking Around Book Reviews
"A book that will feel like coming home, complete with a sexy cowboy, a strong female lead, and beautiful horses." - Heather and Horses Book Reviews (5 out of 5 horseshoes)
"I'd suggest adding In the Reins to your beach bag or throwing it in your trailer to read and unwind after a long day at a horse show!" - Brittney Joy, Author of Red Rock Ranch Book Series
"Author Kade has a knack for re-creating for the reader the world of western horse showing and the hard-partying, hard-riding cowboy life. I especially liked her descriptions of the boot-scooting boogy dance halls and seedy bars, the railbirds at the big horse shows, and the wild, sequined costumes complete with boots made from endangered species." - L.R. Trovillion, Author of False Gods
"Very honored to have been assigned a feature on Carly Kade for Chrome, and I’m chomping at the bit to read the sequel to In the Reins. Thank you to the Paint Horse Journal staff for your trust in me again this year. If you haven’t read Carly’s work, I’m not going to lie - I dragged my feet about reading it last year because it was a romance. Little did I know I’d stay up until 2 AM to finish one night! She’s that good and you’ll love the characters, both human and horse." - Delores Kuhlwein, Contributor to Chrome Magazine
"Sequels can be difficult to write, but not for Carly Kade. Cowboy Away is fantastic and without a doubt one of the best sequels I have ever read. This follow-up to In The Reins brings McKennon's and Devon's story full circle, yet leaves you hungry for more! I very highly recommend this equestrian romance!" - Laurie Berglie, Author of the Equestrian Romance Series
"Carly Kade hits another home run with her sequel to In the Reins. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I like this one even more. She strikes the perfect balance between making her characters human and revealing their flaws, while still allowing us to love them and root for their success. I loved the backstory she developed for McKennon - he's even sexier in this book than he was in the original." - Amy Elizabeth, Author of the Aspen Eyes Series
"I had such a fun time finally learning about our handsome mystery cowboy in volume 2. It truly kept me at the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next as the story unfolded. If you liked the first book, you will LOVE the second one." - Horses & Heels Equestrian Lifestyle Site
"If you love horses, then I give Cowboy Away five blue ribbons, and if you love the romance genre, then I'd give it five golden hearts. And if you love both those things ... that makes it a solid 10!!!" - Sarah Evers Conrad, Equestrian Journalist, Lexington, KY
"Many of the horse books I read are categorized as young adult (and that’s the genre I write) and I haven’t run across many equestrian series that are written for adults AND also truly dive into the horse world. Carly Kade is a lifelong equestrian who rides and shows her beautiful paint mare in Western pleasure. She also features Western pleasure and breed shows (Quarter Horse & Paint) in her series and I appreciate this setting! I grew-up showing in pleasure events and it’s fun to be back in that environment for a love story." - Brittney Joy, Author of Red Rock Ranch Book Series
"Carly Kade has built a beautiful life at Green Briar in her In the Reins series with characters the horse world has come to love. The other day I was out with my horses, mucking and doing barn chores, and caught myself thinking about Green Briar and how I wished I lived there!" - Laurie Berglie, Author of the Equestrian Romance Series
"The third installment in this series brings us a quieter, reflective look at the world of horsemanship through the eyes of our favorite characters, Devon and McKennon. The story paints a vivid and accurate portrayal of the responsibilities of caring for an injured horse, training a young horse from the ground up, and the challenges of preparing for competition. Through it all, we see Devon and McKennon grow even closer as a couple as they freely share their love for their horses -- and each other. A very satisfying addition to a lovely series." - Amy Elizabeth, Author of the Aspen Eyes Series
"“My toes instantly curl in my cowgirl boots,” swoons the main character in Show Pen Promise, swept off her feet by the cowboy she’s in love with. I adore how Kade can make you remember just what it’s like to be in young love, and how she allows the reader inside the minds of her characters without being maudlin.
I was, however, completely surprised when my adrenaline actually shot up before I turned the page to see how Devon, the main character, places in her class in the show pen at one point; that NEVER happens to me when I read. Kade possesses the ability to grab the reader and not let go, and make them feel personally invested in the story.
As an equestrian exhibitor, it’s so nice to read details about a setting and with terminology I live each day. But even if that’s not your cup of tea, the romance itself will draw you in to the point where you don’t want to put the book down. I’m not a romance reader – ever- other than Kade’s books, and she never disappoints! Highly recommend." - Delores Kuhlwein, Contributor to Chrome Magazine
I was, however, completely surprised when my adrenaline actually shot up before I turned the page to see how Devon, the main character, places in her class in the show pen at one point; that NEVER happens to me when I read. Kade possesses the ability to grab the reader and not let go, and make them feel personally invested in the story.
As an equestrian exhibitor, it’s so nice to read details about a setting and with terminology I live each day. But even if that’s not your cup of tea, the romance itself will draw you in to the point where you don’t want to put the book down. I’m not a romance reader – ever- other than Kade’s books, and she never disappoints! Highly recommend." - Delores Kuhlwein, Contributor to Chrome Magazine
"As a dedicated Carly Kade fan, this series starts out great and just keeps getting better and better! Once I started reading Beyond Eight Seconds, I could hardly put it down. I smiled, I laughed, and then, I was on the edge of my seat! Kade has so much talent that I feel as if the characters are real people. Readers will love this book regardless but, if you are a horse owner (as I am) and a rodeo fan, you'll find satisfaction in the knowledge with which Kade writes about her chosen subject area. I'm already looking forward to her next release!" - Hope Ellis-Asburn, Author of Kimbrook Arabians
"I feel like I'm cheating on Carly's other books by saying this, but Beyond Eight Seconds is definitely her best work to date! And that's so hard for me to say because I LOVE her first three as well! But in Book 1 I fell hard and fast for JD McCall, so I simply couldn't wait for him to have his own book. And BES did not disappoint!! JD was born to be a star, and Carly gave him the spotlight he deserved. Readers will love new character, Ev, as well. I VERY highly recommend this one. Thank you Carly for giving JD his own book - excited to see what's next for him!" - Laurie Berglie, Author of the Equestrian Romance Series
"What a fun follow-up to an already great series! This fourth installment picks up with all our favorite characters but really turns the spotlight onto sexy bull rider JD. I learned so much about professional bull riding through the witty dialogue and great action scenes. I especially enjoyed the contrasting settings of Green Briar Farm and the fast-paced lifestyle in New York City. And, of course, there was plenty of toe-curling romance and relationship drama to keep me turning those pages. A must-read for everyone who loves horses, cowboys, rodeos, and a great romance!" - Amy Elizabeth, Author of the Aspen Eyes Series
"I’ve read Carly’s series from the beginning and was so excited to see JD get some special attention while Devon and McKennon didn’t get left behind. Truly a wonderful read you won’t want to put down. Hold on beyond 8 seconds because this is going to be a fun ride!" - Heather Wallace, Author of Girl Forward
Reader Reviews
Couldn't stop reading!
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"I figured it'd be a good book to take to the beach ... So much for going in the water - I stayed on the beach and read all weekend."
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"I figured it'd be a good book to take to the beach ... So much for going in the water - I stayed on the beach and read all weekend."
For the REAL Horse Girl
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"This book is for the horse girl who will do ANYTHING for her horse. Who will stop at nothing to get better for her partner and learn everything she needs to succeed. I can't count the number of times Carly's words went straight into my heart. Read the book. You will love it!"
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"This book is for the horse girl who will do ANYTHING for her horse. Who will stop at nothing to get better for her partner and learn everything she needs to succeed. I can't count the number of times Carly's words went straight into my heart. Read the book. You will love it!"
Great book!!
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"I love the way the story just reels you in and makes you feel that you are right there! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This truly would make a great movie!"
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"I love the way the story just reels you in and makes you feel that you are right there! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This truly would make a great movie!"
Great romance novel and was beautifully written
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"Carly Kade has a way of making her characters feel so alive and real. I am so in love with all of these characters that I want to pack my bags and move near Green Briar!"
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"Carly Kade has a way of making her characters feel so alive and real. I am so in love with all of these characters that I want to pack my bags and move near Green Briar!"
Can't wait for the next book!!
Format: Paperback
"This wonderfully written story touches the inner cowgirl in me."
Format: Paperback
"This wonderfully written story touches the inner cowgirl in me."
Reminding me of what it was like to really fall in love
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"This book brought me back to that time and place, reminding me of what it was like to really fall in love for the first time...with both a horse and a person!"
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"This book brought me back to that time and place, reminding me of what it was like to really fall in love for the first time...with both a horse and a person!"
Up and coming writer
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"I read the entire book in one night."
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"I read the entire book in one night."
Compelling story!
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"Highly recommend this book, even if you are not a horse lover."
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"Highly recommend this book, even if you are not a horse lover."
Great
Format: Paperback
"It is great for any equestrian bookworm, it doesn't matter what discipline you ride; if you love horses and a good book, you'll love this."
Format: Paperback
"It is great for any equestrian bookworm, it doesn't matter what discipline you ride; if you love horses and a good book, you'll love this."
Relatable read
Format: Paperback
"If you love or have grown up with horses, this is a must read!"
Format: Paperback
"If you love or have grown up with horses, this is a must read!"
Fun Romance
Format: Paperback
"The author's writing makes you feel like you're right there part of the story."
Format: Paperback
"The author's writing makes you feel like you're right there part of the story."
Excellent, fast-paced
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"Loved the romantic tension between Devon and McKennon, and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!"
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"Loved the romantic tension between Devon and McKennon, and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!"
Can't wait for the sequel!!
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"This novel definitely kept me guessing - there were some plot twists that I was not expecting, (but that was a good thing)!"
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"This novel definitely kept me guessing - there were some plot twists that I was not expecting, (but that was a good thing)!"
Perfect summer read!
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"I am always looking for a fun beach read and 'In The Reins' delivered."
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"I am always looking for a fun beach read and 'In The Reins' delivered."
Best book of the year
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"I like books that are page turners and each chapter lead into another that made me not want to put it down."
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"I like books that are page turners and each chapter lead into another that made me not want to put it down."
Fun read! Great characters
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"Great characters and very relate-able for any horsewoman, regardless of discipline, although refreshing this was for western pleasure lovers."
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"Great characters and very relate-able for any horsewoman, regardless of discipline, although refreshing this was for western pleasure lovers."
A thought provoking message about Life!
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"Couldn't put it down. Looking for more from this author."
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"Couldn't put it down. Looking for more from this author."
In The Reins
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"This is one of those books that pulls you in after a few pages your in! Then here it comes, up all night!"
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"This is one of those books that pulls you in after a few pages your in! Then here it comes, up all night!"
Getting lost in a great story. I could not put this book down
Format: Paperback
"A must read for horse lovers, cowgirls (and cowboys), or for anyone that simply enjoys getting lost in a good story."
Format: Paperback
"A must read for horse lovers, cowgirls (and cowboys), or for anyone that simply enjoys getting lost in a good story."
Fun and easy
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"Excellent way to spend a lazy day or weekend."
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"Excellent way to spend a lazy day or weekend."
Five Stars
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"Excellent!!!"
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"Excellent!!!"
Could NOT put it down!
Format: Paperback
"Definitely recommend this to horse friends, girl friends, and anyone just looking for a good "get away" from reality book!"
Format: Paperback
"Definitely recommend this to horse friends, girl friends, and anyone just looking for a good "get away" from reality book!"
Does not disappoint!
Format: Paperback
"Laundry, house work, kids….nope, not until I finished every page of this book!"
Format: Paperback
"Laundry, house work, kids….nope, not until I finished every page of this book!"
Life, Love, and horses
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"An added bonus for me was the author's knowledge and ability to bring an understanding to the reader of a horses' personality and temperament."
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"An added bonus for me was the author's knowledge and ability to bring an understanding to the reader of a horses' personality and temperament."
Like her first book
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Her heroine, Devon, is strong but vulnerable. But not in the expected way you see played out over and over in movies. And her male characters have a level of depth that you don’t often see. And the connection Devon has with her horse reminds us that love and understanding is often not found in words. This book is funny. Romantic. Mysterious. And an all around entertaining read (whether you know and love horses or not!).
Verified Purchase
Her heroine, Devon, is strong but vulnerable. But not in the expected way you see played out over and over in movies. And her male characters have a level of depth that you don’t often see. And the connection Devon has with her horse reminds us that love and understanding is often not found in words. This book is funny. Romantic. Mysterious. And an all around entertaining read (whether you know and love horses or not!).
This Sequel Was Even Better Than the First in the Series ... and In the Reins Was a Great Read!
Format: Paperback
If you love horses, then I give Cowboy Away five blue ribbons, and if you love the romance genre, then I'd give it five golden hearts. And if you love both those things ... that makes it a solid 10!!!
Format: Paperback
If you love horses, then I give Cowboy Away five blue ribbons, and if you love the romance genre, then I'd give it five golden hearts. And if you love both those things ... that makes it a solid 10!!!
Romantic and exciting
"I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out."
"I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out."
Ready for more
"Couldn't put down...looking forward to more!"
"Couldn't put down...looking forward to more!"
I could not put this book down. This is such a great romance novel ...
"In The Reins is a must read for horse lovers, cowgirls (and cowboys), or for anyone in need of a new read who really looks forward to getting lost in a great story."
"In The Reins is a must read for horse lovers, cowgirls (and cowboys), or for anyone in need of a new read who really looks forward to getting lost in a great story."
I just ordered Cowboy Away
"Since it’s way too cold to ride ... I’ve been huddled under the covers staying warm by reading her smoldering plot line."
Loved it!
I couldn't wait for the sequel to "In The Reins" to come out and it exceeded my expectations. I love the depth of the characters. I laughed and cried with them ... fantastic story!
More McKennon and Devon please.
Great story line. Love a good “stable” romance. And the horse thread that is weaved throughout is the icing on the cake.