3.5 ★ This was giving chestnut springs but make it ya 🐎✨

Case and Winnie are going throooough it. Case is a rodeo star grieving the loss of his best friend and working through the crazy bucket list that Walker left for him. On that list? Befriend Winnie Sutton 👀 Winnie works with the horses at Case’s family ranch and is just trying to keep her head above water while playing parent to her two younger siblings. They are both ignoring their dreams for other people but, despite their many differences and constant head butting, make the sweetest support system for each other 🤌

I was pleasantly surprised by this. The romance was definitely slow burn and very tame but it still felt like a mature story. Both characters are dealing with A LOT and the portrayal of their struggles was really honest and level-headed. Nothing too dramatic (although I maybe would have liked a little more drama heh).

I do wish there were a few more scenes between Case and Winnie. Maybe it’s just because I’m in a slump and took wayyy too long to get through this, but it felt like a lot of internal monologuing and not a lot of action. But when they do finally get together??? The CUTEST.

ALSO random note/content warning: the vague covid mention caught me so off guard lol. Idk about y’all but I have a bit of a trauma response when it comes to the big c. So just know that that’s in there.

Overall a very cutesy but heartfelt lil rodeo rom. Or, as Erin Hahn herself describes it: sad cowboy romance.

If you like:
- rodeo & horses galore
- rich boy/poor girl
- grief and healing
- slow burn
- terrible parents
- she works for his family
- a cute 8-year-old genius
- no third act breakup
- rock music

Then you should definitely add this to your TBR for next February!! 🤠

Thank you to Erin Hahn, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early! This review reflects my honest thoughts.

uuuggghhh I loved this book. the drama, the cowboys, give me all the teen angst. I know nothing about the rodeo but I was on the edge of my seat. I loved Winnie and Case's relationship, especially how they helped each other grow. I was rooting for them the whole way.

Thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I was definitely not prepared for all the cowboy talk, but I liked this one!!

📖The Details:
Even if It Breaks Your Heart
By Erin Hahn

⏱️Quick Summary:
Case and Winnie come from very different backgrounds but have a few things in common - their love of life on the ranch, and a mutual friend, Walker. After Walker dies, Case struggles to find his way, but working alongside Winnie has them both starting to heal from their issues.

💁🏻‍♀️My Take:
This was cute! It also had some heavy themes - grief, family drama, teen drinking, etc. But it was basically an YA story about teens and their dreams of riding horses and rodeos (and a LOT of other terminology I did not understand). Overall, it leaves you rooting for the main characters and it definitely had a lot of sweet moments - between the MCs, family members, and friends.

Recommend for those that love a good YA 👍

Bull rider Case Michaels has recently lost his best friend, Walker, leaving him devastated and aimless. Walker left Case his bucket list to complete and made him promise to win a gold buckle at the NFR. But after a disastrous night trying to complete one of the bucket list items, Case doesn’t know how to move forward with the list, his career and his life. Then he runs into Winnie Sutton, an employee on his father’s ranch, a former classmate, and the last item on the bucket list. Walker wanted Case to be friends with Winnie and he sets out to make it happen, even though Winnie wants nothing to do with him. Winnie works hard to help support her family because of an absentee mother and checked out father. She cares for her two younger siblings while pushing aside her own needs and dreams of becoming a champion barrel racer. Busy Winnie has no time for Case and his rich boy shenanigans, but Case is persistent and wears Winnie down. The two form a deep friendship that has the potential for something more. Will they be able to sustain a relationship or will life deliver them another heartbreak?

Erin Hahn writes beautiful young adult stories. Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a breathtakingly gentle look at loss in its many forms-death, parental absence, and loss of dreams. Hahn deals with grief in a very realistic and sensitive way, showing how it changes and shapes us. The writing is smooth and soothing. The topics are hard but the angst is low-there is no big, bad drama. The characters were amazing and fully fleshed out. Case is charming, but so patient and kind. Winnie is a firecracker, determined and hardworking. They are both so sweet and caring. Careful with each other and understanding of each others feelings and hurts. Case and Winnie’s relationship was just so swoony and tender. A perfect story about finding your way in life. Heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy!

Erin Hahn has done it again, which I’m not surprised about since she has been an auto-buy author for me since her debut, YOU’D BE MINE.

This book is something special! EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART had me crying on the first page, which has never in my life happened before, but the grief was so real and evoked so much emotion and understanding from me. Case had my heart the entire time. I loved seeing him in all his flaws and it was a pleasure to watch him grow into the best version of himself, one that treats Winnie like absolute queen she is and is a dependable man who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Winnie is hands down one of the best YA girls ever. She loves her brother and sister so fiercely, always putting them before herself while yearning for a life of her own, one where she isn’t a mother to her own siblings.
Together, they were perfect, the best friends with the slowest burn until they became more and I loved every second of it. 5 stars! I love this book so freaking much!

Erin Hahn does it again! She never fails to write a great story that makes me want to laugh, cry, and hug the book all at the same time. When I see one of her books up for request, I don't even have to read the synopsis to know I'm going to love it. Her skill at creating characters you fall in love with rivals...well, everyone.

Both characters are working through their own issues and soon find they have each other to lean on. The romance felt raw and organic; I do love me slow-burn! Winnie has a responsibility to her family while putting her dreams on the back burner and Case's grief over losing his best friend affects his future in the rodeo circuit. Both find healing in each other and that's beautiful.

This is another winner from Erin Hahn!

I really enjoyed Case and Winnie's story. It was heartfelt and sweet. They bond through their struggles in life and recent events. I absolutely loved the dual pov and all the secondary characters felt just as important.

I would definitely recommend to a friend!

This author is hot or miss for me. I thought this book had great potential from the description but I'm really not into cowboys and rodeo, it turns out.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

This book was so wholesome and I loved getting a front row seat to Winnie and Case’s story! I really enjoyed how the author portrayed the grief in this book and how Case worked through it.

Winnie was picking up the pieces of her family with no help. She was used to doing things on her own and it was hard to accept help. Winnie showed a lot of growth throughout this book. I loved that she finally made herself a priority and enjoyed watching her pursue her passions.

Case was a mess. He had a lot of grief to work through and it was tough. The author did a great job with talking about the grief and blame. I enjoyed reading Case’s story and seeing how it unfolded. I also enjoyed watching him break out of his shell and look at the world around him.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and reading about Case and Winnie. The romance was there but didn’t overshadow what both of them were going through. I loved Winnie’a siblings and Queen Mab. It was just a really fun read!

Overview: Case has lost his best friend and, with that, some of his purpose. Walker was his partner in crime at the rodeo where they were two promising young bull riders. But when Walker passes due to his terminal illness, Case has to figure out how to face life alone. Winnie is holding the world together. After graduating high school early and getting a job on Case's family ranch to help support her family, she's burning out at 19 from all the responsibility. She's an undeniable talent on a horse, but what no one seems to understand is that Winnie doesn't have the same luxuries of choice others do. Eventually, though, Winnie will have to figure out what she'd do with her dreams if given the chance. When Winnie and Case's paths intersect, they immediately recognize they have plenty of lessons to learn from one another. Overall: 5

Characters: 5 Ugh. Case is my favorite kind of YA hero. He's sensitive and well versed emotionally. While he's a bull rider and has grown up on a ranch, he's not a stereotype, and he doesn't give into the expectations of how a "teenage boy" has to be convincingly written. Case is the kind of guy I want to hang out with. He's given a tough journey over the course of the book learning to build a life without his best friend in it, and he faces each lingering echo of grief with bravery. Part of that comes out in wanting to help others with an intensity because he doesn't know how to help himself. He's also given a lot to learn about privilege over the course of the novel as he's forced to look outside the bubble he's lived in.

Winnie is sassy and smart and self assured, a quintessential Erin Hahn heroine. She has barrel racing talent oozing out of her, and she has the confidence in her abilities. That's never a question. Winnie's hurtle to climb is giving herself permission to dream and finding the trust in others to get there. Having heaps of responsibility given to her in the form of essentially raising her younger siblings, she's always had a weight on her shoulders that would be strange to lose despite the burden. While I've never faced challenges or responsibilities as hefty as Winnie, I related to her journey of giving herself permission to make up lost time being a kid as an adult after taking life way too seriously. Learning to trust is hard, and it's a journey that takes an entire book to chip away at.

There's a rich world of characters surrounding Winnie and Case. Case's friend Pax steps in to support him from behind the scenes. Case also negotiates a somewhat tense relationship with his dad, eventually coming to understand him better by the end of the book, and he gets support from their housekeeper who raised him, Kerry. Winnie has her younger sibling, her moody teenager brother who has a good heart and her genius fourth grader sister who wants to live life by her side. There's also her father who Winnie has to care for like a third kid. And she gets support from her horse trainer in and out of the arena as well.

Plot: 5 What I really love about the plot of this novel is that it subverts regular romance expectations. Every place I thought it'd take a predictable and slightly irksome turn, it stayed the course and did its own thing. While Goodreads calls it a romance and Winnie and Case's love story does play a significant role, I don't see this as the actual genre. Their romance isn't the point to me. It's a part of the larger development. And the tension and plot points of the novel honor that perspective. This is a book about navigating grief. It's a book about learning to depend on a community you've never had before and understanding that your dreams are as valid as everyone else's. I like that Case and Winnie were allowed to just develop their connection as a healthy, safe, supportive refuge.

Writing: 5 If you've read my blog for a while, you know that Erin Hahn is an author that I love, particularly when it comes to YA. I'm definitely sad that this is the end of her YA run for now, but it feels incredibly full circle though. She shines the most when writing about worlds encapsulated in country songs, and this book has me thinking a lot about You'd Be Mine. This book warmed my heart. I loved the rodeo setting and the message and the execution. While the topics are heavy, this isn't a sad read. There's so much hope and love and laughter woven in between that it leaves you with that classic YA sense of hope. It never goes dark. And, much like my experience with the first time I downloaded Erin's debut book off NetGalley on a whim, I devoured this book in a day, not wanting to let go of the story. Fantastic characters, great sense of world building, funny banter, and a solid heart – what's not to love?

Also, it's a little wild to reflect on time through these books. I was reading up to the eighteen year old characters when You'd Be Mine came out, and now I'm a year older than Winnie is in the book reading and living right along with her.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one,. The title and cover art caught my eye. I'm so glad I gave it a read. It was really enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

You ever read a book that makes you feel like you're in it?? That's what this book does for me. Erin Hahn is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I have just LOVED what she's been writing recently.

Winnie, dearest darling, Winnie. The oldest daughter/oldest child angel that you are. God, her situation SUCKED, but she was so resilient and resourceful and strong. She did what she had to, at the sacrifice of what she wanted, to take care of her siblings when her mother ran out and her father was unreliable. I relate to her so much, even though my situation wasn't near as extreme. I loved watching her learn to rely on others and accept help. I loved watching her bloom into who she became. I just love her.

Case made me wanna BAWL this whole book. His relationship with Walker, while most of it wasn't even really on page, was so real and tender and JUST UGH. I loved that story with the two of them and how Case had to learn to live his life for himself. It was gut-wrenching and healing and sweet at all once. And he was just fricking funny. I laughed out loud multiple times at some of the stuff this guy said. And his love and respect and care for Winnie had me SWOONING.

Anyways, READ THIS BOOK!! READ ALL HER BOOKS!!!! ✨️✨️

Even If It Breaks Your Heart is a sweet teenage romance more appropriate for older teens and young adults due to language and some adult situations. Case Michaels is struggling with his best friend, Walker’s death. Spending his time trying to do things on the bucket list Walker left him, Chase keeps getting into sticky situations. The last item on the list is to be friends with Winnie Sutton. Winnie trains horses on the Michaels’ ranch and is responsible for her younger siblings. Graduating early, Winnie went straight to work to help her absentee father buy food and pay bills. Both are struggling with their place in life and their friendship may be their saving Grace. Sweet and at times sad, Winnie and Chase win over the reader and leave you cheering for them both in a heart warming HEA that ends way too soon. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

There's a reason why Erin Hahn referred to this book as the "sad rodeo" book. It's so deep and touching! I found myself welling up in empathy for the characters several times. What a fantastic view of what loss and grief and healing and repair can look like. And what a setting!

Thanks for letting me get to know Winnie, Case, and their families!

Erin Hahn is one of my auto-buy authors. I will read anything she writes, so when I saw this title available on NetGalley, I had to snag it up!

Even If It Breaks Your Heart takes place on a ranch and follows the POVs of Chase (who lives there) and Winnie (who works there). Chase is grieving the death of his best friend, Walker, who left him a bucket list of sorts. One of those items is to befriend Winnie. Since he hasn't been able to keep up with his bull riding without Walker, Chase is determined to follow his best friend's list.

Winnie graduated early from high school in order to get a job so that she could take over caring for her family. She has a 14-year-old brother who is determined to not go to school, a 10-year-old genius of a sister, and a dad who works the night shift and relies on Winnie to be the parent.

When Chase and Winnie begin to form a friendship, the paths they are on start to go in a different direction... hopefully for the better.

This was super cute, light and fluffy, and just what I needed to read during a stressful work week. I have no experience with ranches, bull riding, or cattle racing (other than some other books I've read), but I will still able to understand what was happening. There was only one aspect that took me out of the story; Winnie and Chase decide to learn French for Walker's list. I know absolutely no French, so their conversations and jokes in French were lost on me and slowed me down.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for allowing me access to this early copy!

*This review will be posted to Goodreads as well as a video review on TikTok closer to publication date**

What a book! Be prepared for tissues y’all because this one is a doozy.



Case Michaels is a teenage rodeo star struggling to make it through each day after the death of his best friend, Walker. But before his death, Walker put together a bucket list of things he didn’t get to do that he wanted Case to complete. Slowly but surely, Case starts trying to work his way through each experience in an attempt to start living again (albeit without Walker). Winnie Sutton is also struggling to survive as one of the primary breadwinners in her family (and secret aspiring barrel racer). When Winnie and Case finally cross paths (over a year after working for his family’s ranch), the two quickly clash with one another (and not in a good way). Slowly, the two form a tentative friendship that has them learning more about each other (and themselves) than they ever thought possible.



I really loved Erin Hahn’s adult books and can safely say that I love her YA books as well. This book was so emotional and full of teenage angst (perfect for a YA book). The growth of Winnie and Case’s characters was evident throughout the book. I also felt like we got to know each of the horses that Case and Winnie interacted with. Overall, I really enjoyed the book!



Many thanks to Wednesday books and NetGalley for the ARC!

"Even If It Breaks Your Heart" by Erin Hahn sounds like a heartwarming and emotionally charged romance that explores themes of loss, courage, and self-discovery.

The novel's premise, with Case Michaels trying to fulfill a list of goals left behind by his late best friend, Walker, is immediately intriguing. The grief and sense of responsibility that Case feels add depth to his character, and the promise of a transformative journey as he follows Walker's list holds great promise for the story.

Winnie Sutton's character, with her determination to keep her family together and her passion for riding, complements Case's journey beautifully. The contrast between their backgrounds and personalities suggests that their interactions will be both compelling and emotionally charged. Winnie's desire to pursue her own dreams while shouldering familial responsibilities is a relatable and admirable aspect of her character.

The setting of a ranch and the world of rodeo competitions add a unique and evocative backdrop to the story. Readers who enjoy stories set in rural or Western environments are likely to find this aspect of the book appealing.

Erin Hahn's ability to weave together themes of friendship, romance, and personal growth is a hallmark of her writing, and "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" appears to be no exception. The book's exploration of pursuing one's dreams and finding love in unexpected places will likely resonate with readers who appreciate heartfelt and emotionally rich coming-of-age stories.

Overall, this novel seems poised to be a captivating and emotionally charged romance that explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of love. Erin Hahn's storytelling prowess and the relatable characters make this book one to watch for readers who enjoy contemporary YA romance with depth and heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This YA has a good balance of light fun and realistic/heavy topics like grief, and the latter also helps it to be a relatable and worthy read even for someone long past their teen years.

Erin Hahn always does a masterful job catching the teen perspective so well. Case is such a great typical teenage boy that I know many will relate to and in YA we absolutely need that more and more. Winnie's situation with her family and having to take control as the mom of the family is one that unfortunately we see way too much and too often. All in all, I think this story is one that teens will relate to. It's light without being too flippant but captures the right amount of grief, hardship and pulling yourself up despite the odds to capture your dreams.

Erin Hahn's "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" is an absolute treasure . I'm utterly captivated by this book, which weaves together horses, country music, cowboy boots, and rodeos all set against the backdrop of a slow-burning, heart-melting romance.

The emotional depth in this story is simply outstanding. Erin Hahn crafts a brilliantly poignant young adult romance that delves into the themes of growing up, chasing your dreams, dealing with love and loss, and finding the strength to move forward after tragedy strikes. The narrative starts with a heart-wrenching death and evolves into a tale filled with hope, resilience, and the power of self-discovery.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, this book is the perfect companion for fall. It captures the essence of the season, making it the ideal time to immerse yourself in the world of Case Michaels and Winnie Sutton. Their journey is both heart-buckling and heartwarming, and it's guaranteed to leave you with a warm feeling long after you've turned the last page.

If you love Young Adult Contemporary Romance that's beautifully written, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable characters, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" is an absolute must-read. Erin Hahn has created a literary masterpiece that you won't want to miss. Fall in love with this book this autumn!