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Riding the Track
Herding cattle and drinking Australian beer aren’t pastimes that particularly appeal to an ‘indoor girl’ like Clara, but she’d be damned if she’d let her cheating ex-boyfriend have the vacation they were meant to share. So, to salvage some piece of her self-respect after a bad break-up, she finds herself riding a horse along the Oodnadatta Track for five days.
When Clara arrives, she can’t help but feel an intense attraction to Evelyn, the drover who guides their group through the immensely unique landscape between Coober Pedy and the Anna Creek Station. Clara’s never been one for a no-strings-attached fling, but cowgirl Evie becomes increasingly difficult to resist.
In combination with the exquisite outback, soulful horses, and overly cheerful tourists, Evie may just be exactly what Clara needs to escape her own pessimism.
When Clara arrives, she can’t help but feel an intense attraction to Evelyn, the drover who guides their group through the immensely unique landscape between Coober Pedy and the Anna Creek Station. Clara’s never been one for a no-strings-attached fling, but cowgirl Evie becomes increasingly difficult to resist.
In combination with the exquisite outback, soulful horses, and overly cheerful tourists, Evie may just be exactly what Clara needs to escape her own pessimism.
90 pages, ebook
First published May 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 25, 2018
3.5 Stars. When I realized that Ripley was a pen name for sci-fi author Rebecca Langham, I decided I wanted to read this. This was a cute but also steamy at times novella. While I did like Langham’s sci-fi novel better, comparing the two is like apples and oranges.
After being cheated on by her boyfriend, Clara decides to go on their planned vacation alone. The vacation is a trip to Australia riding horses on a cattle drive. While Clara is clearly out of her element, the attractive cowgirl Evie soon makes the trip worthwhile.
While I would put this in the romance category, it was more of a story of attraction then it was of love. This is a vacation fling with some heat. I thought Ripley wrote some fun characters that were easy for me to like. I do have to mention Clara is very sarcastic. This kind of character might not work for everyone. I must admit a few times I felt some of the inner dialogue was a little forced. However, overall the dialogue was witty and even funny and I liked the mouthy Clara.
A few other things to mention, I felt like the Australian setting was wonderful. I loved being in the Outback. I did feel the ending was a little abrupt, but I thought the story worked for a novella.
If you are looking for a fun read, with a little heat, in a great setting, than this novella may be a good choice. While I am looking forward to Langham writing more sci-fi, I would read more romance style stories under her Ripley name.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
After being cheated on by her boyfriend, Clara decides to go on their planned vacation alone. The vacation is a trip to Australia riding horses on a cattle drive. While Clara is clearly out of her element, the attractive cowgirl Evie soon makes the trip worthwhile.
While I would put this in the romance category, it was more of a story of attraction then it was of love. This is a vacation fling with some heat. I thought Ripley wrote some fun characters that were easy for me to like. I do have to mention Clara is very sarcastic. This kind of character might not work for everyone. I must admit a few times I felt some of the inner dialogue was a little forced. However, overall the dialogue was witty and even funny and I liked the mouthy Clara.
A few other things to mention, I felt like the Australian setting was wonderful. I loved being in the Outback. I did feel the ending was a little abrupt, but I thought the story worked for a novella.
If you are looking for a fun read, with a little heat, in a great setting, than this novella may be a good choice. While I am looking forward to Langham writing more sci-fi, I would read more romance style stories under her Ripley name.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
June 20, 2018
I do not have a good track record with F/F books, and Riding the Track unfortunately didn't break my losing streak.
Riding the Track is a cute, easy to read novella that is more of a hook up story than a true romance. If you are looking for deep feelings or a long-lasting relationship, you are barking up the wrong tree. Which sort of confused me, to be honest. The story isn't steamy enough for an erotica book (the sex scenes are mostly fade-to-black) and not romantic enough to be a swoony read. It is sort of in the middle of the two and not quite fitting into either.
I enjoyed some of the internal monologuing of Clara, our MC, but it got to be a little too much one-sided conversation and too little actual talking for my liking. Also, some of the phrasing is meant to sound funny or maybe sexy, but just came off as... strange.
Someone must have turned on a leaf blower in my stomach, because all of the moisture had been blown out of my gut. It'd gone south.
I know that was meant to sound erotic, but the biology major in me just read that as, well, diarrhea...
I liked the sexy cowgirl aspect of the story and the fact that we got a POC aboriginal MC, but I wanted more relationship development and some tweaks to the storytelling to feel satisfied.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Riding the Track is a cute, easy to read novella that is more of a hook up story than a true romance. If you are looking for deep feelings or a long-lasting relationship, you are barking up the wrong tree. Which sort of confused me, to be honest. The story isn't steamy enough for an erotica book (the sex scenes are mostly fade-to-black) and not romantic enough to be a swoony read. It is sort of in the middle of the two and not quite fitting into either.
I enjoyed some of the internal monologuing of Clara, our MC, but it got to be a little too much one-sided conversation and too little actual talking for my liking. Also, some of the phrasing is meant to sound funny or maybe sexy, but just came off as... strange.
Someone must have turned on a leaf blower in my stomach, because all of the moisture had been blown out of my gut. It'd gone south.
I know that was meant to sound erotic, but the biology major in me just read that as, well, diarrhea...
I liked the sexy cowgirl aspect of the story and the fact that we got a POC aboriginal MC, but I wanted more relationship development and some tweaks to the storytelling to feel satisfied.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 21, 2018
4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's told in first person and completely from Clara's point of view, and oh wow, what a wonderful narrator. I loved her voice - loved it! That's not to say everyone will, different strokes and all that.
The setting was another huge plus. I love books set in the land/s down under (Australia and New Zealand) and they're not alway easy to find.
Another winning factor of this story for me was how well it represented a bisexual character. For anyone worried, there's no MF action in this story. There's a hint of heat between the leading ladies, but it fades to black. (Pouts)
I knocked half a star off for the premature ending. I wanted more! More, more, more. But that's a good thing, right?
Copy provided by the publisher, NineStar Press, via NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's told in first person and completely from Clara's point of view, and oh wow, what a wonderful narrator. I loved her voice - loved it! That's not to say everyone will, different strokes and all that.
The setting was another huge plus. I love books set in the land/s down under (Australia and New Zealand) and they're not alway easy to find.
Another winning factor of this story for me was how well it represented a bisexual character. For anyone worried, there's no MF action in this story. There's a hint of heat between the leading ladies, but it fades to black. (Pouts)
I knocked half a star off for the premature ending. I wanted more! More, more, more. But that's a good thing, right?
Copy provided by the publisher, NineStar Press, via NetGalley.
May 15, 2018
Review of 'Riding the track' by Kara Ripley.
Kara Ripley is the pseudonym of Rebecca Langham, the author of sci-fi novel 'Beneath the surface'. 'Riding the track' is a novella set in South Australia where Clara Adler heads from California on a horse riding vacation. The problem is that the holiday was planned by her cheating ex boyfriend and Clara hasn't ridden a horse in years and isn't too keen on camping trips. To say that she's thrown out of her comfort zone is an understatement but the amazing landscape, her friendly trip companions and an enigmatic sexy cowgirl will change her holiday experience completely.
This is an enjoyable road-trip book by Ms. Ripley. Written in first person from Clara's point of view, the reader sees the beautiful and wild landscape through her eyes. The author's depictions of the scenery are vivid as well as the close contact with the animals and nature. The dialogues are well written, with sarcasm, humour and wittiness. Clara talks to all different kinds of people, including the reader, and we can slowly witness her transformation from annoyance to enjoyment. The chemistry between the main characters is hot as the South Australian weather though I think that the book ends a bit abruptly and might disappoint some readers. Maybe the author is planning on writing a sequel or otherwise this novella might have benefited from a few more chapters. Despite this, it's a really entertaining and light read.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a beautiful setting. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Kara Ripley is the pseudonym of Rebecca Langham, the author of sci-fi novel 'Beneath the surface'. 'Riding the track' is a novella set in South Australia where Clara Adler heads from California on a horse riding vacation. The problem is that the holiday was planned by her cheating ex boyfriend and Clara hasn't ridden a horse in years and isn't too keen on camping trips. To say that she's thrown out of her comfort zone is an understatement but the amazing landscape, her friendly trip companions and an enigmatic sexy cowgirl will change her holiday experience completely.
This is an enjoyable road-trip book by Ms. Ripley. Written in first person from Clara's point of view, the reader sees the beautiful and wild landscape through her eyes. The author's depictions of the scenery are vivid as well as the close contact with the animals and nature. The dialogues are well written, with sarcasm, humour and wittiness. Clara talks to all different kinds of people, including the reader, and we can slowly witness her transformation from annoyance to enjoyment. The chemistry between the main characters is hot as the South Australian weather though I think that the book ends a bit abruptly and might disappoint some readers. Maybe the author is planning on writing a sequel or otherwise this novella might have benefited from a few more chapters. Despite this, it's a really entertaining and light read.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a beautiful setting. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
December 4, 2022
"Riding the Track" … ARC which was offered to me by the author (Kara Ripley is a pen name of the sci-fi author Rebecca Langham) in exchange for an honest review.
As a huge (lesfic) reader and a beta reader for several (lesfic) authors, I’m used to romance stories of all kind. Even if it’s said in the end that the main characters could see each other again, this novella looks like more than a hook up story than a true romance to me. And, sincerely, hook up stories are NOT what I prefer, at all (I’m a pure romantic at heart …). I would have preferred a real romance and a novel rather than a novella. => Think all the characters (both main and secondary ones) deserve to be better known so, if they could be described, it’d be great. Think I’m not the only one who think that it’d be interesting to have more infos about Evie’s aboriginal side and stuff like that …
Maybe all this could be just the beginning of the story and be developped to become (soon ???) a novel … I’d love to read it !!! But … In such a case, the seduction part & the development of the true relashionship (not just the holiday fling) must be re-worked like the sex scenes … For now they are just that ,sex-scenes (and, sadly, mostly fade-to-black) they need become love scenes so, to be more detailed and really more romantic and here is a start : making love in the middle of nowhere & under the Milky Way … WOW .. now that’s romantic !!! 😉 ). Since Clara need to go out of her comfort zone, why wouldn’t she stay (or return after some a couple of new hectic moments in California) in Australia to begin a new life ??
For now, though, this short story is a pleasant reading nonetheless… I liked a lot the description of the landscapes (now I have even more the desire to go to Australia …) & the humor which is there from the beginning. Some puns & Clara’s statements are really great !!
Oh … BTW, I wanted to thank "Kara" for this interesting discovery about the Australian country music. As a huge fan of US country music I confess that the Aussie sound is good & I’ll definitely do some research about it … 😊
As a huge (lesfic) reader and a beta reader for several (lesfic) authors, I’m used to romance stories of all kind. Even if it’s said in the end that the main characters could see each other again, this novella looks like more than a hook up story than a true romance to me. And, sincerely, hook up stories are NOT what I prefer, at all (I’m a pure romantic at heart …). I would have preferred a real romance and a novel rather than a novella. => Think all the characters (both main and secondary ones) deserve to be better known so, if they could be described, it’d be great. Think I’m not the only one who think that it’d be interesting to have more infos about Evie’s aboriginal side and stuff like that …
Maybe all this could be just the beginning of the story and be developped to become (soon ???) a novel … I’d love to read it !!! But … In such a case, the seduction part & the development of the true relashionship (not just the holiday fling) must be re-worked like the sex scenes … For now they are just that ,sex-scenes (and, sadly, mostly fade-to-black) they need become love scenes so, to be more detailed and really more romantic and here is a start : making love in the middle of nowhere & under the Milky Way … WOW .. now that’s romantic !!! 😉 ). Since Clara need to go out of her comfort zone, why wouldn’t she stay (or return after some a couple of new hectic moments in California) in Australia to begin a new life ??
For now, though, this short story is a pleasant reading nonetheless… I liked a lot the description of the landscapes (now I have even more the desire to go to Australia …) & the humor which is there from the beginning. Some puns & Clara’s statements are really great !!
Oh … BTW, I wanted to thank "Kara" for this interesting discovery about the Australian country music. As a huge fan of US country music I confess that the Aussie sound is good & I’ll definitely do some research about it … 😊
May 24, 2018
Clara embarks on a dream vacation her ex-boyfriend wanted them to share, a cattle drive up the Oodnadatta Track on horseback. When she discovered he had cheated on her Clara decides to make the trip alone, denying him the chance to fulfill his dream. She may not have been on a horse since childhood but how hard can it be? Cue this fish out of water tale with a backdrop of gorgeous rugged scenery, and a gorgeous drover named Evie.
The author packs a lot into a few short chapters. In addition to the beautiful backdrop and the experience of dude cowboy cattle drives we get an angry city girl coming to terms with the end of one relationship and the early days of another. I was impressed with how Clara’s bisexuality was portrayed. There is nothing tentative about her attraction to Evie. There was the usual “college experience” and the wonder of soft lips when they share their first kiss but mostly she was just attracted to who she was attracted to. It was refreshing.
An entertaining tale and effective sales pitch for anyone thinking of trying their hand at South Australia adventures with hopes of meeting the drover of their dreams.
ARC received from Nine Star Press via NetGalley for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
The author packs a lot into a few short chapters. In addition to the beautiful backdrop and the experience of dude cowboy cattle drives we get an angry city girl coming to terms with the end of one relationship and the early days of another. I was impressed with how Clara’s bisexuality was portrayed. There is nothing tentative about her attraction to Evie. There was the usual “college experience” and the wonder of soft lips when they share their first kiss but mostly she was just attracted to who she was attracted to. It was refreshing.
An entertaining tale and effective sales pitch for anyone thinking of trying their hand at South Australia adventures with hopes of meeting the drover of their dreams.
ARC received from Nine Star Press via NetGalley for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
June 19, 2018
I really wished this was longer because it was really good. The story is told from Clara's POV who is super snarky because of an awful breakup. That however is exactly why this book cracked me up several times because her thoughts are hilarious, especially when around a hot Jillaroo (cowgirl).
Set in Australia the author paints a picture so beautiful that it's making me feel some serious wanderlust. Unfortunately it only has a 28,600 word count. Even though the ending wasn't my cup of tea I understand why the author choose this option. I do secretly hope that she might be planning a possible full length sequel because I really liked the way she created the fantastic chemistry and tension between Clara and Evie.
After reading this book I'm left to ponder the following: 🤔
If lestration is lesbian frustration, does that mean bistration is bisexual frustration? Am asking for a friend.
Set in Australia the author paints a picture so beautiful that it's making me feel some serious wanderlust. Unfortunately it only has a 28,600 word count. Even though the ending wasn't my cup of tea I understand why the author choose this option. I do secretly hope that she might be planning a possible full length sequel because I really liked the way she created the fantastic chemistry and tension between Clara and Evie.
After reading this book I'm left to ponder the following: 🤔
If lestration is lesbian frustration, does that mean bistration is bisexual frustration? Am asking for a friend.
September 13, 2020
A quite short novella. It's very much a holiday infatuation, at least in my mind. Since the two don't really get to know eachother on any deeper level. Though, don't get me wrong it's not all sex - it actually takes them til the end for that to even happen and even then it's not explicit.
It's mainly about the journey Clara is taking on this trip and opening herself up to possibilities and the Australia Outback and it's charms, including the gorgeous Jillaroo, Evie.
It's all told from the perspective of the sarcastic Clara, who did have some hilarious inner monologues at times. But it would have been good to get to know Evie more and her story and background. I can't help but feel she comes off as a bit of a player. Despite her protests she's only done this 'one other time'.
As it stands the novel ends leaving me a bit cold, simply because I am a romantic and want that happily ever after, and spiritual connection - not just a vacation fling.
If you're into the Australian outback you'll appreciate the descriptions on the Oodnadatta trail as they are droving cattle and camping out in tiny townships learning to be stockmen and women.
It's mainly about the journey Clara is taking on this trip and opening herself up to possibilities and the Australia Outback and it's charms, including the gorgeous Jillaroo, Evie.
It's all told from the perspective of the sarcastic Clara, who did have some hilarious inner monologues at times. But it would have been good to get to know Evie more and her story and background. I can't help but feel she comes off as a bit of a player. Despite her protests she's only done this 'one other time'.
As it stands the novel ends leaving me a bit cold, simply because I am a romantic and want that happily ever after, and spiritual connection - not just a vacation fling.
If you're into the Australian outback you'll appreciate the descriptions on the Oodnadatta trail as they are droving cattle and camping out in tiny townships learning to be stockmen and women.
May 24, 2018
Clara is grumpy. Angry at herself for still thinking about her cheating ex-boyfriend and irritated that she’s in the Australian Outback do a five-day horseback cattle drive to spite him because it was his dream trip. In spite of her all-round reluctance, Evie, the leader of her group, is hard to dislike with her easy smile, cute butt and high cheekbones.
I loved the descriptions of the area and the translations of uniquely Australian words. Clara is the kind of character I’m often drawn to and her engagement with the tour group and Evie was a lot of fun. There are some really sexy moments even though there is nothing particularly explicit.
This is an enjoyable, short read. Kara Ripley is the romance-writing alter ego of sci-fi author Rebecca Langhan whose novel Beneath the Surface is now on my reading list.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
I loved the descriptions of the area and the translations of uniquely Australian words. Clara is the kind of character I’m often drawn to and her engagement with the tour group and Evie was a lot of fun. There are some really sexy moments even though there is nothing particularly explicit.
This is an enjoyable, short read. Kara Ripley is the romance-writing alter ego of sci-fi author Rebecca Langhan whose novel Beneath the Surface is now on my reading list.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
May 25, 2018
I wanted something short and fun to read, so I picked this one up. When Clara discovers that her boyfriend's cheating on her, she kicks his butt to the curb and goes on the trip they had planned together-- five days in the Australian outback, riding horses and herding cattle. Her group guide is Evie, a beautiful "jillaroo" (cowgirl) with Aboriginal ancestry. I'm not in a position to say if the Aboriginal representation was good, but it was there, which I appreciated.
Let me start with the things I really enjoyed. One was Clara. The story's written entirely in Clara's point of view. It's also written in first person, which I sometimes have a hard time getting into. Here, I had no problem, and a lot of that was due to Clara's voice. She's bitter and snarky, and I loved it. It works because she just got out of a relationship that ended very poorly, and I think Ripley did a good job conveying that her bitterness toward her fellow travelers (especially Michael and Louise, that lovely couple) was less about them and more about her own unhappiness. She also makes great progress in terms of her mood throughout the trip, which was nice to read.
I also loved the descriptions of Australia. I'm an outdoorsy person (although I don't spend as much time in it as I'd like), so I loved reading about a gorgeous place I've never been to. A few favorite moments:
"Before I crawled into my tent, I took a moment to gaze at the sky. The constellations were all different, everything was out of place, but the stars were so thick and lustrous that I was, for a few seconds, overwhelmed at their grandeur, their beauty. No pollution. No buildings. Nothing between me and the galaxy."
and:
"The land kept going and going, a great sleeping serpent of ochre rock, sand, and dust." So, yeah, some great writing about nature that made me want to go on a hike, even though I am far away from Australia.
My biggest complaint is, as some other reviews have mentioned, the ending. Even for a short book, the ending is abrupt. I was slightly disappointed, too, that the Happily For Now wouldn't last very long at all. Maybe that's just the romantic in me.
A couple minor things I noted and felt could have been changed. One of the characters rides a horse named Gypsy, and at one point, Clara claims a little cow will be her "spirit guide" for the trip. It doesn't seem like "spirit guide" has the same cultural significance as "spirit animal," but it still gave me pause.
Overall, this was a wonderful quick read! I'd definitely read more from Ripley, and I'll have to check out her books under Rebecca Langham.
Thanks to NetGalley, NineStar Press, and Kara Ripley for the e-copy.
Let me start with the things I really enjoyed. One was Clara. The story's written entirely in Clara's point of view. It's also written in first person, which I sometimes have a hard time getting into. Here, I had no problem, and a lot of that was due to Clara's voice. She's bitter and snarky, and I loved it. It works because she just got out of a relationship that ended very poorly, and I think Ripley did a good job conveying that her bitterness toward her fellow travelers (especially Michael and Louise, that lovely couple) was less about them and more about her own unhappiness. She also makes great progress in terms of her mood throughout the trip, which was nice to read.
I also loved the descriptions of Australia. I'm an outdoorsy person (although I don't spend as much time in it as I'd like), so I loved reading about a gorgeous place I've never been to. A few favorite moments:
"Before I crawled into my tent, I took a moment to gaze at the sky. The constellations were all different, everything was out of place, but the stars were so thick and lustrous that I was, for a few seconds, overwhelmed at their grandeur, their beauty. No pollution. No buildings. Nothing between me and the galaxy."
and:
"The land kept going and going, a great sleeping serpent of ochre rock, sand, and dust." So, yeah, some great writing about nature that made me want to go on a hike, even though I am far away from Australia.
My biggest complaint is, as some other reviews have mentioned, the ending. Even for a short book, the ending is abrupt. I was slightly disappointed, too, that the Happily For Now wouldn't last very long at all. Maybe that's just the romantic in me.
A couple minor things I noted and felt could have been changed. One of the characters rides a horse named Gypsy, and at one point, Clara claims a little cow will be her "spirit guide" for the trip. It doesn't seem like "spirit guide" has the same cultural significance as "spirit animal," but it still gave me pause.
Overall, this was a wonderful quick read! I'd definitely read more from Ripley, and I'll have to check out her books under Rebecca Langham.
Thanks to NetGalley, NineStar Press, and Kara Ripley for the e-copy.
June 22, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This novella is as light as a feather and a fun frolic with a holiday affair and a horse named Bonnie. It’s charming, it’s cute, and I enjoyed that Clara, for all she’s just ended things with her boyfriend, isn’t sulking or despairing or even giving the guy she just kicked to the curb another thought. No, she’s too busy re-learning things about herself and having fun to bother thinking about him. She’s snarky, emotionally mature, and very smitten with the dark-haired Evie with her quick smiles, Australian accent, and ready flirtations.
Clara has known from a young age that she liked both boys and girls, but she’s had relationships with men since she was 19, which makes her hesitant and unsure when she realizes that not only is Evie flirting with her, but she is more than willing to flirt right back. Not that Clara’s all that good at flirting or at picking up Evie’s signals, at first. I think the horse caught on faster than Clara did.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This novella is as light as a feather and a fun frolic with a holiday affair and a horse named Bonnie. It’s charming, it’s cute, and I enjoyed that Clara, for all she’s just ended things with her boyfriend, isn’t sulking or despairing or even giving the guy she just kicked to the curb another thought. No, she’s too busy re-learning things about herself and having fun to bother thinking about him. She’s snarky, emotionally mature, and very smitten with the dark-haired Evie with her quick smiles, Australian accent, and ready flirtations.
Clara has known from a young age that she liked both boys and girls, but she’s had relationships with men since she was 19, which makes her hesitant and unsure when she realizes that not only is Evie flirting with her, but she is more than willing to flirt right back. Not that Clara’s all that good at flirting or at picking up Evie’s signals, at first. I think the horse caught on faster than Clara did.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
June 4, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This is short, sweet, and just what you need for a fun summer read.
This is a generally drama-free story about a self-proclaimed “indoor girl” who heads out on her own for a riding vacation in the gorgeous Australian outback just to spite her cheating ex. She starts out sweaty, frustrated with chipper vacationers, and definitely not looking to have fun—but she soon finds that cowgirl (or “jillaroo,” as they’re called) Evie is bright enough to make her stop wallowing.
As a total indoor girl myself, I cracked up at some of poor Clara’s mishaps trying to get control of her horse or escape a huge spider. She’s braver than me, though—I definitely expected more deadly wildlife to make an appearance throughout the story. This is a good example of how Australia is beautiful and welcoming, not just full of killer animals like we see on TV.
If you’re in search of a summer vacation story with high tension and plot drama, this one isn’t for you. There’s no worrying about “will this last?”, no former partners coming back to stir things up. It ends a little abruptly, but we’re left feeling good about Clara and Evie’s relationship.
This is a good, tight little story. The pacing and progression was very smooth and I read it very quickly. In so few words, we get a great feel for the setting and for how Clara has to adapt to her new surroundings. It isn’t a super steamy read, but the building sexual tension and flirting between Clara and Evie is enough to make you smile. It’s also a nice example of positive bisexual representation. There are no intrusive or unnecessary M/F sex scenes like get in a lot of F/F romance with bisexual characters, Clara’s bisexuality is acknowledged with no drama, and her nervousness about being with a woman for the first time in many years is easy to relate to.
Definitely recommended for a light summer read outside in the sun!
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This is short, sweet, and just what you need for a fun summer read.
This is a generally drama-free story about a self-proclaimed “indoor girl” who heads out on her own for a riding vacation in the gorgeous Australian outback just to spite her cheating ex. She starts out sweaty, frustrated with chipper vacationers, and definitely not looking to have fun—but she soon finds that cowgirl (or “jillaroo,” as they’re called) Evie is bright enough to make her stop wallowing.
As a total indoor girl myself, I cracked up at some of poor Clara’s mishaps trying to get control of her horse or escape a huge spider. She’s braver than me, though—I definitely expected more deadly wildlife to make an appearance throughout the story. This is a good example of how Australia is beautiful and welcoming, not just full of killer animals like we see on TV.
If you’re in search of a summer vacation story with high tension and plot drama, this one isn’t for you. There’s no worrying about “will this last?”, no former partners coming back to stir things up. It ends a little abruptly, but we’re left feeling good about Clara and Evie’s relationship.
This is a good, tight little story. The pacing and progression was very smooth and I read it very quickly. In so few words, we get a great feel for the setting and for how Clara has to adapt to her new surroundings. It isn’t a super steamy read, but the building sexual tension and flirting between Clara and Evie is enough to make you smile. It’s also a nice example of positive bisexual representation. There are no intrusive or unnecessary M/F sex scenes like get in a lot of F/F romance with bisexual characters, Clara’s bisexuality is acknowledged with no drama, and her nervousness about being with a woman for the first time in many years is easy to relate to.
Definitely recommended for a light summer read outside in the sun!
June 2, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This a great novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the main character Clara. She had an amazing sarcastic streak that made her such a loveable and relatable person. Along with Evie they make a cute couple and hope Kara will explore more with these characters in future works because their dynamic works so well.
It’s a sweet insight into Clara’s feelings and discovering how she feels about Evie throughout the story.
There is a great humour in this story, with a few heart stopping moments, (one in particular with a spider) but it was so funny when looking back in hindsight.
I would highly recommend this novella. An easy, enjoyable read that was well written and just perfect to fill a day with a little happiness!
This a great novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the main character Clara. She had an amazing sarcastic streak that made her such a loveable and relatable person. Along with Evie they make a cute couple and hope Kara will explore more with these characters in future works because their dynamic works so well.
It’s a sweet insight into Clara’s feelings and discovering how she feels about Evie throughout the story.
There is a great humour in this story, with a few heart stopping moments, (one in particular with a spider) but it was so funny when looking back in hindsight.
I would highly recommend this novella. An easy, enjoyable read that was well written and just perfect to fill a day with a little happiness!
March 31, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 16, 2018
The narrator Clara has gone alone on vacation to Australia after discovering her boyfriend cheated on her. It takes her awhile to get over her grumpiness, and we do get a lot of it. Fortunately, her inner voice is amusing. She’s immediately attracted to Evie, the drover assigned to her small group of tourists. Evie is just as attracted, and the scenes between them are very enjoyable. This book is different than usual romances. I felt like it was the gradual reawakening or even blossoming of Clara. There is some romantic tension as well as Clara’s doubts about whether pursuing anything with Evie is a good idea. I liked where Ripley ended it, but I can’t say more than that without giving things away. I appreciated its hopefulness.
September 23, 2018
3.25 stars
I bought this book because I stumbled into the author's tweet who wonder whether or not she should write more sex scenes because most of the low-rating reviews mentioned the fade-to-black sex scenes. Well, guess what, low steam/little-to-none/fade-to-black sex scenes IS my thing! I tend to give lower rating for stories with abundant sex scenes than the other way around. So I'm curious with this; plus it's F/F and I want to add more F/F in my reading experience.
Well, I *know* going in that this will be a vacation fling, so I am happy that it doesn't end with something like "I love you and happily ever after". It fits with the situation. Maybe the two women will progress into something more further down the road, but I'm satisfied with where they are right now. I also love the description of Australian outback, alongside the food and the slangs. I so need to read more Australian-setting books.
And YES, KUDOS for the flirts and NOT sex-on-page scenes *dancing happily*. FLIRTS TRUMPS LUST (and any physical action to fulfill the lust) in my book.
Unfortunately, the flirts go on a little bit too long, and I feel like I'm spending a lot of time in Clara's mind. After a while, it gets boring. It'll be nice to read more interaction between the two women. Maybe more conversation ... more connecting ... more something that can be a promise for continuing the relationship after the vacation is over.
Still, it's a decent read :)
I bought this book because I stumbled into the author's tweet who wonder whether or not she should write more sex scenes because most of the low-rating reviews mentioned the fade-to-black sex scenes. Well, guess what, low steam/little-to-none/fade-to-black sex scenes IS my thing! I tend to give lower rating for stories with abundant sex scenes than the other way around. So I'm curious with this; plus it's F/F and I want to add more F/F in my reading experience.
Well, I *know* going in that this will be a vacation fling, so I am happy that it doesn't end with something like "I love you and happily ever after". It fits with the situation. Maybe the two women will progress into something more further down the road, but I'm satisfied with where they are right now. I also love the description of Australian outback, alongside the food and the slangs. I so need to read more Australian-setting books.
And YES, KUDOS for the flirts and NOT sex-on-page scenes *dancing happily*. FLIRTS TRUMPS LUST (and any physical action to fulfill the lust) in my book.
Unfortunately, the flirts go on a little bit too long, and I feel like I'm spending a lot of time in Clara's mind. After a while, it gets boring. It'll be nice to read more interaction between the two women. Maybe more conversation ... more connecting ... more something that can be a promise for continuing the relationship after the vacation is over.
Still, it's a decent read :)
May 26, 2018
Clara was just dumped by her boyfriend, and she decides to go on their joint vacation to the outback by herself. She isn't in a good mood, and she is not wanting to enjoy herself, but she finds that it was good to get away. While there, she meets Evie, the tour guide, and they end up flirting and eventually get together.
It was an interesting story hearing a lot of details about riding the track and working with cattle. It only really took place over one week of Clara's vacation, and there is no hint of even an HFN. It really does focus on being a vacation hook up with not much hope that there is anything to come of their relationship. The scenes where the women were together were hot, until it all faded to black and unfortunately we never really got any explicit scenes.
It was a good story, but it fell a little short in my romance desires. 3.5 stars.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by IndiGo Marketing & Design
It was an interesting story hearing a lot of details about riding the track and working with cattle. It only really took place over one week of Clara's vacation, and there is no hint of even an HFN. It really does focus on being a vacation hook up with not much hope that there is anything to come of their relationship. The scenes where the women were together were hot, until it all faded to black and unfortunately we never really got any explicit scenes.
It was a good story, but it fell a little short in my romance desires. 3.5 stars.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by IndiGo Marketing & Design
November 2, 2018
This story was way too short. I very much enjoyed it and wished it continued longer. I knew it was a short story when I read it but I want more. The descriptions of the Australian scenery were vivid. It was a sweet story with a slow build. One of the main characters identified as bisexual. I hope there would be a sequel to this because I very much enjoyed reading it. It was a quick and easy read. I've never read any of this author's writing before but I will be looking for more in the future. I highly recommend this book.
June 2, 2018
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Net Galley and Nine Star press and am so grateful!
this story about a love jilted Clara who goes on an adventure in the down under in Australia and the Drover/ tour guide/ Jillaroo / cowgirl that she meets while there! this book was so sweet and funny and just real! Clara's inner monoluoge was refreshingly truthful and hilarious and I Love it! the romance between the smart and sassy city girl and the cowgirl was slow burning and sweet until it wasn't then it was intense and sexy and beautiful! It was also so wonderful to learn about Australian culture! All in all this book was a great , funny, sweet read and I loved it!!
this story about a love jilted Clara who goes on an adventure in the down under in Australia and the Drover/ tour guide/ Jillaroo / cowgirl that she meets while there! this book was so sweet and funny and just real! Clara's inner monoluoge was refreshingly truthful and hilarious and I Love it! the romance between the smart and sassy city girl and the cowgirl was slow burning and sweet until it wasn't then it was intense and sexy and beautiful! It was also so wonderful to learn about Australian culture! All in all this book was a great , funny, sweet read and I loved it!!
September 12, 2018
Ripley (also know as Rebecca Langham) has written a enjoyable and believable novella. The setting is a beautiful potrayal of the Australian outback. (which is beautiful in its own way). The romances is more of a 'summer fling'. Overall the book is well written, received an ARC for a honest review 100%, would buy.
September 16, 2018
After being cheated on by her boyfriend, Clara decides to take the vacation that had originally been booked as a couples’ vacation in Australia. She goes entirely out of comfort zone for a cattle drive, outback adventure. She’s a bit bitter upon first arriving to the area. She isn’t the biggest fan of the overly positive couple she’s in a group with, but the attraction to their group leader, Evie, is instantaneous.
I was excited to find out that Kara Ripley is a pen name for Sci-Fi author Rebecca Langham. I really enjoyed the length and detail she put in to her characters and settings. This is her first foray into contemporary romance. It was a good starting point for her.
I loved how sarcastic Clara was. She wasn’t just okay with her boyfriend cheating on her. And she wasn’t magically okay with being interested in a woman after so many years, and knowing that she’d be leaving so soon. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to get your groove back.
Clara and Evie do have a lot chemistry when they’re near each other. Then when they finally do give in to their attraction, it’s delicious. It drove me a little nuts that it shifted into a fade to black scene. What was written was excellently done.
This was a quick and easy escape from my day. I was looking for more when I was finished though. There was build-up but it wasn’t enough towards the end. Don’t get me wrong, I liked reading this. It just felt like there should have been more.
All in all, this was a good start to jump into contemporary romance. I do look forward to future books put out under both names, Ripley and Langham.
I was excited to find out that Kara Ripley is a pen name for Sci-Fi author Rebecca Langham. I really enjoyed the length and detail she put in to her characters and settings. This is her first foray into contemporary romance. It was a good starting point for her.
I loved how sarcastic Clara was. She wasn’t just okay with her boyfriend cheating on her. And she wasn’t magically okay with being interested in a woman after so many years, and knowing that she’d be leaving so soon. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to get your groove back.
Clara and Evie do have a lot chemistry when they’re near each other. Then when they finally do give in to their attraction, it’s delicious. It drove me a little nuts that it shifted into a fade to black scene. What was written was excellently done.
This was a quick and easy escape from my day. I was looking for more when I was finished though. There was build-up but it wasn’t enough towards the end. Don’t get me wrong, I liked reading this. It just felt like there should have been more.
All in all, this was a good start to jump into contemporary romance. I do look forward to future books put out under both names, Ripley and Langham.
September 24, 2019
3.5 stars. This was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. Sometimes it's nice to break up my reading schedule with a novella, and this one didn't disappoint. I don't normally enjoy anything written in first person, but I think this was done well. Would recommend.
May 21, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Rebecca Langham writing under a pen name. I was disappointed that the book was short but I got a taste of the author’s work, which I am happy about.
It is written in First Person from Clara’s POV. It has a good story line and the characters are likeable. I felt a slight connection with the pair (Clara & Evie). Didn’t like Evie to begin with but she grow on me by the end of the book. The ending felt like it was a little rushed, perhaps an extra chapter or two would have made the story more complete. But all said and done, I liked the story and looking forward to reading more from this author.
4 STARS
This is the first book I have read by this author. Rebecca Langham writing under a pen name. I was disappointed that the book was short but I got a taste of the author’s work, which I am happy about.
It is written in First Person from Clara’s POV. It has a good story line and the characters are likeable. I felt a slight connection with the pair (Clara & Evie). Didn’t like Evie to begin with but she grow on me by the end of the book. The ending felt like it was a little rushed, perhaps an extra chapter or two would have made the story more complete. But all said and done, I liked the story and looking forward to reading more from this author.
4 STARS
May 25, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Riding The Track is a great light and easy read filled with humour and romance. The story is told from the main character, Clara, point of view. I didn’t actually like this point of view, or Clara herself, at the start of the book. I found the narrative was too descriptive and lost its flow. Even with this in mind, I’m glad I decided to stick with it and carry on reading. The location/setting of the book was beautifully described by Ripley and you could really appreciate the wildlife and community shown. After the first few chapters, I grew to like Clara and I loved the relationship between her and Evie. It was nice to see an honest and realistic representation of a causal relationship between two women that also considered Clara’s previous relationship.
I have given this book 3 stars. This is because I found the ending was too abrupt for me and felt a bit unfinished, there needed to be a few more chapters or at least an epilogue of where they were after. Even though I enjoyed the story while I read it, afterwards it became sort of forgettable but I guess that is expected with a short story.
Overall I would recommend this book for a short pick-me-up read with a dash of romance.
Riding The Track is a great light and easy read filled with humour and romance. The story is told from the main character, Clara, point of view. I didn’t actually like this point of view, or Clara herself, at the start of the book. I found the narrative was too descriptive and lost its flow. Even with this in mind, I’m glad I decided to stick with it and carry on reading. The location/setting of the book was beautifully described by Ripley and you could really appreciate the wildlife and community shown. After the first few chapters, I grew to like Clara and I loved the relationship between her and Evie. It was nice to see an honest and realistic representation of a causal relationship between two women that also considered Clara’s previous relationship.
I have given this book 3 stars. This is because I found the ending was too abrupt for me and felt a bit unfinished, there needed to be a few more chapters or at least an epilogue of where they were after. Even though I enjoyed the story while I read it, afterwards it became sort of forgettable but I guess that is expected with a short story.
Overall I would recommend this book for a short pick-me-up read with a dash of romance.
May 26, 2018
This is going to be a fairly short review, as Riding the Track is a fairly short book!
As it contains two of my favourite things - queer women, and horses - it was an obvious choice for me. Clara, dumped by her cheating ex-boyfriend, finds herself in Australia with little experience of riding horses, and pretty quickly finds herself attracted to cowgirl Evie. They have good chemistry right from the start, with Evie's laidback, optimistic personality providing a great foil for Clara's breakup-fuelled pessimism. The Australian setting is also lovely, giving Clara something else to concentrate on other than her heartbreak.
There were a few elements I didn't enjoy so much, however. I didn't feel any great connection to Evie as a character. I appreciate that, as the story is from Clara's POV and she doesn't know much about Evie, it could be hard to develop Evie's character, but I did feel that lack of development. I was also a little frustrated with the story's ending. It felt quite abrupt, and like there should've been at least a couple of further chapters.
Overall, this is a sweet and sexy novella, taking to heart the idea that the best way to get over one person is to get under somebody else! If you're into queer women, horses, and Australia, this book will be right up your street.
As it contains two of my favourite things - queer women, and horses - it was an obvious choice for me. Clara, dumped by her cheating ex-boyfriend, finds herself in Australia with little experience of riding horses, and pretty quickly finds herself attracted to cowgirl Evie. They have good chemistry right from the start, with Evie's laidback, optimistic personality providing a great foil for Clara's breakup-fuelled pessimism. The Australian setting is also lovely, giving Clara something else to concentrate on other than her heartbreak.
There were a few elements I didn't enjoy so much, however. I didn't feel any great connection to Evie as a character. I appreciate that, as the story is from Clara's POV and she doesn't know much about Evie, it could be hard to develop Evie's character, but I did feel that lack of development. I was also a little frustrated with the story's ending. It felt quite abrupt, and like there should've been at least a couple of further chapters.
Overall, this is a sweet and sexy novella, taking to heart the idea that the best way to get over one person is to get under somebody else! If you're into queer women, horses, and Australia, this book will be right up your street.
May 24, 2018
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Nine Star Press for an honest review.
Main characters are Clara and Evelyn. Set in the Australian outback during a dude cattle drive, the scenes are beautifully written and interaction between characters is crisp and witty. A nicely built storyline until the end which seemed abrupt. Anyone who likes (lesfic) romance, horses and the outdoors should enjoy this quick read.
3.5 stars
Main characters are Clara and Evelyn. Set in the Australian outback during a dude cattle drive, the scenes are beautifully written and interaction between characters is crisp and witty. A nicely built storyline until the end which seemed abrupt. Anyone who likes (lesfic) romance, horses and the outdoors should enjoy this quick read.
3.5 stars
July 25, 2018
I adored this book so much and loved the characters so much. The way that Clara is honest about her bisexuality and her feelings towards Evie are discussed great. I wanted to know what happened next after the holiday ended and its a shame it wasn't included. A great book and a fantastic romance by Ripley!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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