I'm realizing that Erin Hahn is going to be a consistent slam dunk for me, and that thrills me to no end. Her use of language and storytelling just works in a way that makes you heave a happy sigh by the time you turn the last page.
This one deals with heavier topics like childhood illness and death, but with Hahn's trademark deft strokes. In the end, the story revolves around living, not dying. Living your dreams, finding your path, and falling in love along the way.

Erin Hahn has done it again. This book is filled with heart and empathy. Be prepared to laugh and cry. The love and friendship between the main two characters is everything one could hope for in love.

Fall in love with Winnie and Case.

When I learned I had the opportunity to read this, I dropped everything and read it in one night. I love Erin Hahn's writing so much.

In every single one of Erin Hahn's books I love both main characters and their relationship and I can fully get behind them. Winnie and Case are no exception. The depth of their emotions is palpable and drives the story so well. Winnie's love and care for her siblings and the tension between her responsibility to them (and genuine desire to make sure they are taken care of) and her own dreams was so well-written. Case likewise figuring out what he wants for himself, working through grief over Walker and the need to remember him, and at the same time needing to untangle himself from Walker was also really well done and compelling. I also adored the closeness of Winnie and Case's friendship and how that was built so strongly before either of them made any move romantically.

Every time Erin Hahn deviates from the traditional romance template it's away from something that annoys me in most romance books (e.g., third act breakup; "you betrayed me" and estrangement when a secret is revealed, especially if it relates to their relationship) and towards something I absolutely love, and she has never let me down. Also, I know zero (0) things about rodeo and maybe 2-5 things about horses if pressed, but this did not stop me from enjoying the book at all.

Well, it’s no surprise, Erin Hahn has written another amazing book! I swear, she never misses!

Anyway, Winnie and Case! Goddamn this was good! I instantly fell in love with them both. Case immediately captured my heart with all of his sadness and loneliness. He was just so hurt and trying with every ounce of him to feel again. I felt like I related so much to Winnie with having to measure up to something more than what you are. Having to put the boots on of a role that shouldn’t be yours.

The side characters made the book that much better. Garret was everything! So fricken cute.

Just another out of the park book by Erin Hahn, and kind of sad that her YA running is coming to an end, but her adults are just as amazing!

Erin Hahn had dubbed this book "Sad Rodeo" and it is the perfect way to describe Even If It Breaks Your Heart. I absolutely adored this book and Erin Hahn has such a wonderful way to write her YA characters and stories.

I loved Winnie and Case. I loved how sweet and wonderful this book was. While it's YA, it's the right balance of sweet romance, being 19, unsure of your path, finding yourself and the courage to pursue it. Case's best friend has died and left him a list of things to do after and he's at the reckless part of grief and unable to get back in the saddle in the rodeo circuit. Winnie works on Case's family ranch and is trying to keep her family together. When Case sees Winnie riding he first works on forming a friendship and then convincing her that she should chase after her dreams.

I loved this book so much. It was real and the emotions in the characters were there. I cried a few times while reading this and I loved how they were friends and then the friendship turned into something more and how they supported each other's dreams and were there for each other through the hard moments.

love love love!

A must-read when it comes out in 2024!

First book that hooked me enough to finish in one sitting! I really liked this book. Very brilliant characters you can’t help but root for withcute romance, both separately and to end up together! Would highly recommend if you’re looking for a amazing contemporary read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story grabs your heart like grabbing a bull by its horns. It's ride of growth for Case & Winnie who have to find who they are after living for others. I loved the trail traveled in thus and how it all played out. 5 solid gold belt buckles!!!

// "So that's not a thing. We're not a thing. Which is freeing, because it allows me to concentrate on being a good friend to her. Or, at least, to convince her to be my friend. Or convince her to want a friend in the first place, useless as I may seem. But if I'm ever presented with the option of being a friend who gets to kiss her, I absolutely volunteer."

Erin Hahn's sad rodeo book (Even If It Breaks Your Heart - coming out 02.06.2024) is perfection. I have been waiting for this one for forever & it was well worth the wait. Case Michaels' best friend Walker died and left him with a list of things to do after his death & one of them is befriend Winnie Sutton. Given that she does not seem to be interested in being his friend, things are bound to be interesting.

This book is beautiful. It's filled with grief & growing, lots of horses & cowboys, a boy & a girl who become friends and....well, you know how it goes. It is full of super hard moments but super sweet ones and Winnie & Cash are just the best. If you like rodeos, a swagger worthy boy & a girl who puts him in his place, horses or a heartbreaking but courageous look at grief, pick this one up next year. It is just amazing.

Huge thanks to Erin Hahn, Wednesday Books & Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.