I didn't have many expectations about Here for You. I just knew it was about barrel racing. I really liked the characters. Wil and Lacey had good backstories and were very relatable, as were the secondary characters. However, I thought the story itself fell flat. The author tried to push for strong female lead characters ,and she kind of did that but then the story was a bit....incomplete. Typical mean girl story. Deadbeat dad. It all just felt rushed and convenient.

But a fairly enjoyable read I suppose.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Many thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review “Here For You”.

Set amongst the demands of competitive horse barrel racing on the rodeo circuit, this is an interesting romantic story between horse breeder Wil and horse racer Lacey.

It’s not just a romantic story. Instead the backdrop is gritty, covering the impact of poverty, bereavement and post covid complexities that deals with the realities of their individual situations.

But the all-consuming romance between Wil and Lacey makes this a fast paced sapphic tale aided and abetted with delightful secondary characters (and some unsavoury ones), who contribute to the success of this multi-layered story. 4.5*

Set among the rodeo circuit in Texas, Here For You is a beautifully written sapphic tale of two young women. Lacey Bishop has had a hard life, homeless and alone, and has built up her career through hard work and sheer determination. Wiloree (Wil) Rivers and her father have built up their family ranch by training the best of the best. As Wil and Lacey get to know each other better, Wil's family business deals cause trouble. Will Wil decide to do what's best for her family business, or will she let her heart talk her into a bad business deal?

I loved watching these two falling in love. Lacey's tenacity is fierce, and the chemistry between the two as the plot unravels really had me rooting for them to somehow find a way to work things out. The addition of Brittney, Lacey's rodeo rival, was refreshing. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, but the epilog smoothed it out a little.

This is a wonderful story if you enjoy horses, sports romances, found family, or just sapphic love stories in general. Well written, relatable characters, and real drama. I really enjoyed this. Don't leave this one in the dust!

[Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

Lacey Bishop is a barrel racer who grew up poor but has made a name for herself in the circuit, but has issues steeming from her childhood.

Wil Rivers is a horse trainer who owns a ranch with her dad and is looking for her perfect match.

Lacey and Wil had circled each other for a few years before finally meeting and hitting it off. Wil is old-fashioned, and Lacey is only looking for a hookup.

They get together, and its explosive, but Lacey is terrified and doesn’t trust easily. Wil is patient and sweet and wants nothing more than to make her happy.

There's an arch nemesis that I wanted to punch and adorable horses that I could just kiss.

Well written and very descriptive. I learned a lot about the circuit that I didn't know before.

Overall, I would recommend it. The book didn’t disappoint.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Wil and Lacey notices each other from afar but never interact until now when Wil comments to Lacey she going to win barrel race. Wil is struggling to keep her and father Double R Ranch from going back into the red when the pandemic happened they lost a lot and also when her father fell ill and almost didn’t make it. Lacey been own her since she was a teen and is becoming a rising star in barrel racing that she lives off those earnings she doesn’t gets close to anyone because she doesn’t trust they will stay but she does have a few people in her corner that she let’s get close to her to a extent. She and Wil gets to know each other Wil is honest about what she wants and she gives Lacey an out if she doesn’t want the same thing but Lacey is willing to try. I enjoy this read but I was at one point wanted Wil to cut her losses with Lacey because the first sign of trouble she runs even though she knew this person had their own agenda of not wanting Wil with her and I understand why but it’s just seems a excuse because Wil has been upfront with her from the beginning.

I grew up attending the annual rodeos in my father’s small hometown. It was always a festive and family reunion activity. I read this book with those happy memories in my thoughts. Lacey Bishop is a competitive barrel racer in the top ten in the country. She’s been on her own since she was 16 and literally lives in a camper/horse trailer as she travels between rodeos. Wil Rivers is a horse trainer. She runs the Two Rivers Ranch with her father putting out some of the best horses in the country. Unfortunately the ranch is still trying to recover economically from the impact of coronavirus pandemic.

The attraction is instant between the two but some of the courting has to be done over the phone as Lacey continues the rodeo circuit. I liked seeing Lacey trying to trust in her new feelings. I enjoyed learning more about barrel racing although much of it I knew. I thought there was a missed opportunity to not make more of going of making it to Nationals because it is a main side plot. Overall I thought the story was nice and maybe simplistic, especially with the rushed ending. I thought it interesting that Leigh includes Covid in this plot as she did in her last book. (3.5 Stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

Once again D. Jackson Leigh delivers wonderful story. Lacey a rodeo barrel racer has to give her only horse a rest to recover from an injury which leaves Lacey without a ride.
Wil Rivers a horse trainer and co owner of a horse ranch with her father has a horse Lacey might like maybe even Lacey and Wil will like each other.
But there’s always someone that stands in the way, trying to break them up before they rally get together.
Ms. Leigh really writes great stories with characters you love from the beginning this is no exception.

Thank you #NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks #HereForYou fir this ARC

I have read quite a lot of D Jackson Leigh’s books. This one was a likeable story but I found it a bit bland. I felt there could have been a bit more on the barrel racing circuit and certainly the finals. This was pretty much glossed over. Some of her other stories had a bit more intrigue in them. A wee bit disappointing.

I have never outgrown my childhood love of horses and reading a queer book about them is a dream come true! I loved how much Lacey and Wil put into taking care of their horses and the blossoming romance between them. At times, the writing felt a little stilted and the dialogue sometimes came across unnaturally. But the characters' arcs were mostly believable and I liked how it all resolved.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the opportunity to read and review!

Leigh has done a wonderful job writing the emotion and chemistry in this lesbian rodeo romance. Wil and Lacey's relationship is magnetic, while keeping tension between them as they have to heal from their past hurts keeping them apart. I couldn't stop reading through the heart of this story!

The one thing keeping me from 5 stars is that this book seemed to have some issues with pacing at the beginning and at the end. If HERE FOR YOU were a sandwich, it'd have a glorious filing with mediocre bread.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Perhaps it is because I have never been a fan of the love at first sight trope, but when Wil makes such a grand gesture by setting up a moonlight picnic for the first date and both of them are contemplating love by day 2, children and marriage by day 3, it seems a bit much.

Leigh is able to pull it back after that though, and we are able to watch Wil and Lacey fall in love through the middle of the book.

But the pacing issue returns in the end, wrapping up in just a few short pages after chapters and chapters of building tension.

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this exciting book

well i have learnt quite a bit about horses and rodeos and barrel racing after reading this book, i feel cheated that it wasnt a thing in my childhood....

lacey bishop and her horse are competing in the barrel races but she needs to place as high as she can and enters as many competitions to keep herself and her horse fed

wil rivers and her ranch train and raise horses but with covid very nearly shutting down everything she has a fight on her hands to keep the ranch going, she needs to sell horses quickly

but wil and lacey are about to meet and things could change

really enjoyed this book will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors books

Despite not knowing anything about horses or rodeos, I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of depicting the rodeo scene and what it takes for someone self-made to make their way up. The horses’ characters really shone through and I found myself rooting for them and hoping they find good homes. The two leads had great chemistry. Lacey’s insecurities and reactions to certain events seemed a little over the top at times but I was glad to see she managed to overcome them in the end. Overall this is an engaging romance even if you’re not a horse person.

Lacey us a barrel rider who has pulled herself up from an intensely bad childhood. Wil had a great childhood, although she has lost her Mom since then. And, she and her Dad own a ranch together.

The two women meet and get closer on the rodeo circuit, but, Wil is trying to save her ranch, and Lacey is trying to win it all with almost no support.

So, the question is, can they both get over/away with their issues. Especially when the outside world keeps throwing them curve balls.

It was a fun lesbians and horses book. And that's not surprising since it's a D. Jackson Leigh.

D. Jackson Leigh's "Here For You" is a captivating and heartwarming tale that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the competitive world of barrel racing. From the very first page, Leigh's exceptional storytelling skills transport you to the vibrant and thrilling rodeo arena, where dreams are chased and obstacles are overcome.

One of the standout features of this novel is Leigh's remarkable ability to paint vivid pictures with words. The setting comes alive through her detailed descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of horse racing. The thundering hooves, the smell of dust, and the exhilarating energy of the barrel races leap off the page, making it easy to visualize the intense competition and feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Beyond the enthralling setting, Leigh masterfully crafts complex and relatable characters who face real obstacles. Lacey Bishop, the determined and resilient barrel racer, embodies the strength of the human spirit as she navigates her way from homelessness and poverty to the brink of realizing her dreams. Her unwavering determination and passion for barrel racing make her a truly inspiring protagonist.

Equally compelling is Wil Rivers, the horse trainer striving to save her family's ranch in the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Leigh skillfully explores the challenges faced by the Double R Ranch and the weight of financial pressures, adding a layer of realism to the narrative. The author seamlessly weaves in the effects of real-life issues surrounding the pandemic, allowing the characters to grow and evolve in the face of adversity.

The relationships in "Here For You" are beautifully developed, capturing the intricacies of human connection. The chemistry between Lacey and Wil is palpable, and their journey is filled with emotional depth and tender moments. Leigh delicately navigates their blossoming romance, infusing the story with heart and vulnerability.

What sets this book apart is the way it tackles the themes of trust, sacrifice, and resilience. As Lacey discovers Wil's plan to sell the prized mare, their futures become intertwined, and the tension rises. Leigh skillfully portrays the characters' struggles, showing their growth as they learn to trust each other and face their fears head-on.

Overall, "Here For You" is an absolutely fantastic read that deserves every bit of praise. D. Jackson Leigh's storytelling prowess, combined with the descriptive setting that brings the world of barrel racing to life, make for an enthralling experience. The author's ability to delve into real-life issues and depict characters overcoming obstacles adds depth and relatability to the story. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating romance filled with passion, resilience, and triumph.

It is recurring that this author writes stories with horses in them, in this case the horses compete in barrel races, cattle roping and activities that complete the rodeo shows. I'm not an expert so, as she does in the prologue, excuse me if I screw up. Not being protagonists in themselves, the horses do have an important part in the story.

The protagonists are Lacey and Wil. Lacey is a competitor in barrel racing, she comes from a very humble social class, she never met her father since he left without knowing that he had gotten her mother pregnant. She, it can be said, is an orphan and has no other family than her horse. Wil is the only daughter of the owner of the Double R Ranch, she does not compete in general, but sometimes she does to show the horses that are trained on her ranch, to sell them to the rich ranchers and oilmen who attend the events. Her reputation and that of her father are excellent, but the covid has left the ranch in a difficult economic situation, which she is trying to overcome with various difficulties.

Lacey and Wil hit it off right away, despite their differences. They see each other often as Lacey competes in all the events and Wil needs to show off his horses. So they, although with doubts, decide to carry on with their relationship. Wil has other priorities initially and Lacey is very insecure about letting herself be loved. And to these doubts and insecurities are added the machinations of a rich and spoiled girl, Brittney, who always wants to get away with it. She wants it all for herself, even if it is at the cost of others. And she wants Wil for a secret relationship while in public she is the perfect heiress that she is going to marry the husband of convenience that her family imposes on her.

All this has given for a quite entertaining story. Some parts are technical language but they are not difficult to follow and understand. My only complaint is that the detailed account ended abruptly and too quickly. The story is concluded, but in a rather undetailed and rushed manner. That was a shame, really. But not to detract from my overall opinion, which has been very positive.