Make Your Move by Heather Garvin

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 7/13/23 - 7/16/23

    Abbie Linley cherishes her small-town life. As her friends head off to college, she finds comfort in the familiar routines and her love for horses. But as changes begin to unfold around her, Abbie's world is no longer as set in stone as she once thought.

    Carson Daniels is a horse farrier whose sole focus is on his job. But when he arrives at the Linley's barn, he gets more than he bargained for. The owner's daughter, beautiful as she may be, becomes an unexpected distraction for Carson, even if she's the only good thing about Florida.

    It would never work. She has a boyfriend. And he’s leaving.

“You’ve ruined me, you know that?” he murmurs against my ear.

    Make Your Move is a heartfelt small-town love story that's perfect for a summer read. It's beautifully written and full of emotions. This book had all the great tropes, a captivating story, enjoyable and well-developed characters, the right amount of drama, and a sweet tension and chemistry between the main characters.

    From the moment Carson enters the picture, there's an instant spark between him and Abbie. Carson's contrast to Seth reminds Abbie of the qualities she values in a partner, showing her that worth isn't determined by money. Abbie's character is relatable, and her internal thoughts guide us to understand her desires and motivations. The witty and flirtatious banter between Abbie and Carson made the pages fly by and put a smile on my face. Garvin skillfully portrays their conflict resolution, even if it may be unrealistic for college freshmen, allowing me to enjoy their playful and wise exchanges. They create space for each other to make mistakes, grow, and embrace vulnerability, nurturing their sweet connection and discovering the true meaning of love. I appreciate how the author took their time to build trust and develop a genuine relationship between the two characters. The gradual progression was worth the wait, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole.

    Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.