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Alex and Alexander #0
Runaway Alex
Horse racing isn’t for nice girls like Alex. She’s been told again and again: stick to horse shows, stick to riding lessons, stick to the relative safety of the suburban equestrian center where she has been a working student since grade school.
But Alex can’t shake the conviction that the Thoroughbred life is her destiny.
When her unstable trainer cuts her off from horses, Alex finally has to obey her instinct to run away from the safe version of life. She heads to Ocala, where horse racing is king, with no plan and no leads on jobs. When she meets handsome, successful racehorse trainer Alexander White, she feels an instant connection with him. Could this be her dream come true?
Falling for Alexander and learning to stay on young racehorses all at once: that’s risky business. But it’s a risk Alex is willing to take — until a storm of emotion threatens to founder her new life. Nothing at Alexander’s gorgeous Thoroughbred farm is as simple as it seems, and she’s not the only one lining up for Alexander’s affection — or his horses.
How many times will Alex obey her urge to run away when things get too real? And what happens to her dreams if she can’t stay the course?
But Alex can’t shake the conviction that the Thoroughbred life is her destiny.
When her unstable trainer cuts her off from horses, Alex finally has to obey her instinct to run away from the safe version of life. She heads to Ocala, where horse racing is king, with no plan and no leads on jobs. When she meets handsome, successful racehorse trainer Alexander White, she feels an instant connection with him. Could this be her dream come true?
Falling for Alexander and learning to stay on young racehorses all at once: that’s risky business. But it’s a risk Alex is willing to take — until a storm of emotion threatens to founder her new life. Nothing at Alexander’s gorgeous Thoroughbred farm is as simple as it seems, and she’s not the only one lining up for Alexander’s affection — or his horses.
How many times will Alex obey her urge to run away when things get too real? And what happens to her dreams if she can’t stay the course?
- GenresHorses
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
169 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Keller Reinert
53 books541 followersNatalie Keller Reinert is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Eventing series and Briar Hill Farm series. Drawing on her professional experience in three-day eventing, working with Thoroughbred racehorses and mounted patrol horses, therapeutic riding, and many other equine pursuits, Natalie brings her love of equestrian life into each of her titles. She also cohosts the award-winning equestrian humor podcast Adulting With Horses.
Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.
Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.
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December 22, 2020The book that explains everything - yes, the prequel to the Alex & Alexander series is here! I'm so excited to share this backstory, filled with adventure, self-discovery, and romance, with readers. Thank you to everyone who asked for this story!
December 19, 2020
This prequel to the five-book Alex and Alexander series is a delight, exactly what you’d expect from Natalie Reinert. If you are a horse lover and haven’t discovered her books, now’s the time! The author juggles four series devoted to different equestrian disciplines and never fails to deliver a great read seated in a firm knowledge of horses, horse sports, and horse people.
I discovered Alex and Alexander when the series began in 2011—and I’ve been missing these two wonderful characters since 2015, when Turning for Home was published. I’m sure I’m not the only reader who’s been waiting—and who yearned for the backstory on how this unlikely pair got together.
Runaway Alex answers that question—and so much more. Alex is a 21-year-old living at home and stuck in a rut at the stable where she keeps the horses fed and exercised for the owner, who shows up drunk, if at all. Alex has schooled many former racehorses for the showring, only to have them sold out from under her. She knows her work at the stable is a dead end but hasn’t the courage to make a change to what she really wants to do—work with Thoroughbreds that are still racing.
When the stable owner bans her in a fit of pique, Alex makes her move, “running away” from home to Ocala, where she lands a job as a rider at a training farm. Her “education” by the training barn foreman in working with race horses is heart-in-throat scary at times—and complicated by sudden love interests.
Having been through the transition from jumping saddle to exercise saddle and all that goes with riding hot-blooded Thoroughbreds, I can vouch for the accuracy of the atmosphere and the action the author creates. It makes for an exciting read—and is an eye-opener for any reader thinking about becoming a racetracker.
There’s an underlying message, too, about mustering the courage to abandon your comfort zone and take control of your life. As Alex discovers, it can be a bumpy ride, but it’s not without rewards.
For readers who start the series with Runaway Alex, I envy you all the great reading ahead. This book made me want to re-read the whole series—and I just might!
I discovered Alex and Alexander when the series began in 2011—and I’ve been missing these two wonderful characters since 2015, when Turning for Home was published. I’m sure I’m not the only reader who’s been waiting—and who yearned for the backstory on how this unlikely pair got together.
Runaway Alex answers that question—and so much more. Alex is a 21-year-old living at home and stuck in a rut at the stable where she keeps the horses fed and exercised for the owner, who shows up drunk, if at all. Alex has schooled many former racehorses for the showring, only to have them sold out from under her. She knows her work at the stable is a dead end but hasn’t the courage to make a change to what she really wants to do—work with Thoroughbreds that are still racing.
When the stable owner bans her in a fit of pique, Alex makes her move, “running away” from home to Ocala, where she lands a job as a rider at a training farm. Her “education” by the training barn foreman in working with race horses is heart-in-throat scary at times—and complicated by sudden love interests.
Having been through the transition from jumping saddle to exercise saddle and all that goes with riding hot-blooded Thoroughbreds, I can vouch for the accuracy of the atmosphere and the action the author creates. It makes for an exciting read—and is an eye-opener for any reader thinking about becoming a racetracker.
There’s an underlying message, too, about mustering the courage to abandon your comfort zone and take control of your life. As Alex discovers, it can be a bumpy ride, but it’s not without rewards.
For readers who start the series with Runaway Alex, I envy you all the great reading ahead. This book made me want to re-read the whole series—and I just might!
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December 5, 2024Rating: 4.5
Highlights:
⭐️I’m a horse girl at heart, so I’m always excited to find equestrian reads and that this one had romance too? Totally worth picking up!
⭐️Natalie Keller Reinert knows horses, that shines through on every page in such a nicely authentic way.
⭐️As someone who has worked in the industry, I appreciated that Natalie didn’t shy away from the uglier and more gritty side of horses.
⭐️Also the location totally made this book for me. I was lucky enough to spend a month in Reddick with my beloved gelding in my early 20s and I felt like I was revisiting my very favorite place; all the way down to the Horse & The Hound!
⭐️Alex and Alexander’s romance was really nicely woven into this book and I was totally invested in it.
You can’t go wrong with horses and romance!
Highlights:
⭐️I’m a horse girl at heart, so I’m always excited to find equestrian reads and that this one had romance too? Totally worth picking up!
⭐️Natalie Keller Reinert knows horses, that shines through on every page in such a nicely authentic way.
⭐️As someone who has worked in the industry, I appreciated that Natalie didn’t shy away from the uglier and more gritty side of horses.
⭐️Also the location totally made this book for me. I was lucky enough to spend a month in Reddick with my beloved gelding in my early 20s and I felt like I was revisiting my very favorite place; all the way down to the Horse & The Hound!
⭐️Alex and Alexander’s romance was really nicely woven into this book and I was totally invested in it.
You can’t go wrong with horses and romance!
February 15, 2021
Within only a few chapters of Runaway Alex I found myself nodding in recognition of the fact that you're not a true horsewoman if someone hasn't threatened you off of her property with a shotgun. Or if you haven't snuck back to a property you were kicked off and waited in a car outside, just to make sure a beloved horse was being taken care of properly.
As well as all of these shocks of recognition, however, the reader is also drawn into a world that for many "horse show girls" will be very foreign, the world of racing. The fact that at the beginning of this prequel Alex is very much of a newbie to it all makes this book like traveling to a foreign horse country but with a familiar guide. There are beautiful passages describing living in crappy digs to follow your passions, and the strange, transient people you meet in the horse world who seem to have no concern about things normal people attach great significance. Like not living paycheck to paycheck or having more possessions than can fit in your car. As long as there are horses to gallop, whisky, and a bed, who cares?
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with a real, driving storyline. But it still takes the time to explore Alex's feelings about what's going on around her. Alex is determined and single-minded, yet intensely reflective about her surroundings, which is what makes this horse racing series such a joy, since many male-dominated books set in the racing world solely focus upon the externals.
As well as all of these shocks of recognition, however, the reader is also drawn into a world that for many "horse show girls" will be very foreign, the world of racing. The fact that at the beginning of this prequel Alex is very much of a newbie to it all makes this book like traveling to a foreign horse country but with a familiar guide. There are beautiful passages describing living in crappy digs to follow your passions, and the strange, transient people you meet in the horse world who seem to have no concern about things normal people attach great significance. Like not living paycheck to paycheck or having more possessions than can fit in your car. As long as there are horses to gallop, whisky, and a bed, who cares?
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with a real, driving storyline. But it still takes the time to explore Alex's feelings about what's going on around her. Alex is determined and single-minded, yet intensely reflective about her surroundings, which is what makes this horse racing series such a joy, since many male-dominated books set in the racing world solely focus upon the externals.
June 26, 2022
Runaway Alex was my introduction to author Natalie Keller Reinert so first, let me address the horses! This book was a feast for a horse-lover who hasn't had a ton of first-hand experience and has no racetrack-world knowledge. I love all things horses so I luxuriated in the equine aspects of this novel, reading and often re-reading passages that described the Thoroughbred racing world and the horses themselves. In fact, I wouldn't have minded even more human-horse relationship development, but I realize she's writing for non-horse-lovers too.
Alex is a realistic, enjoyable character: loyal almost to a fault, hard-working, funny. Her leap of faith as she follows her dream is something anyone can relate to in some form.
I did think the romance between Alex and Alexander took off a tad too quickly - I would have liked a few more scenes to see their relationship develop and to get to know Alexander more. The author may have sensed this because she has Alex address the fast and fairy-tale like nature of their romance a few times, in a reasonably realistic way for general fiction and a thoroughly appropriate way for romance fiction.
Bottom line: I'm glad I came across this book, and I will read more of her novels for my horse fix!
Alex is a realistic, enjoyable character: loyal almost to a fault, hard-working, funny. Her leap of faith as she follows her dream is something anyone can relate to in some form.
I did think the romance between Alex and Alexander took off a tad too quickly - I would have liked a few more scenes to see their relationship develop and to get to know Alexander more. The author may have sensed this because she has Alex address the fast and fairy-tale like nature of their romance a few times, in a reasonably realistic way for general fiction and a thoroughly appropriate way for romance fiction.
Bottom line: I'm glad I came across this book, and I will read more of her novels for my horse fix!
December 23, 2020
**ARC for honest review
I've always loved Alex but I always felt her background was a bit lacking but the addition of this book to the series has really rounded that out. It's a great start to an already fantastic series! It gives you much more insight into who Alex is as a person, how she got there, and her viewpoints. After reading this book I plan on going back and rereading the entire series from a slightly different view of Alex.
Natalie is by far one of my favorite equestrian writers. Her grasp of the true equestrian and horse racing worlds make her books enjoyable and her injection of reality makes them more relatable. As a equestrian myself it's something I've come to appreciate. As always Her ability to really put you in the shoes of the character makes them feel extremely real and this book is no exception. Watching Alex bloom into the woman she is really makes this book important to the entire series. Not only that but it delivers the very important message that moving outside of your comfort zone is where you grow the most.
I've always loved Alex but I always felt her background was a bit lacking but the addition of this book to the series has really rounded that out. It's a great start to an already fantastic series! It gives you much more insight into who Alex is as a person, how she got there, and her viewpoints. After reading this book I plan on going back and rereading the entire series from a slightly different view of Alex.
Natalie is by far one of my favorite equestrian writers. Her grasp of the true equestrian and horse racing worlds make her books enjoyable and her injection of reality makes them more relatable. As a equestrian myself it's something I've come to appreciate. As always Her ability to really put you in the shoes of the character makes them feel extremely real and this book is no exception. Watching Alex bloom into the woman she is really makes this book important to the entire series. Not only that but it delivers the very important message that moving outside of your comfort zone is where you grow the most.
December 26, 2020
Writing three books in one year is impressive. But writing three terrific, well-written, incredibly developed books in one year is even more impressive. Natalie Keller Reinert’s books have never disappointed me and Runaway Alex is no exception.
Alex is a determined young woman who isn’t satisfied with her life retraining Thoroughbreds for the show ring and just knows, deep down, that she belongs on the racetrack. The book follows Alex’s journey to the racetrack. The transition isn’t perfectly smooth, especially when her boss, Alexander White, is thrown in the mix.
The book was fascinating, and I kept coming back for more. The descriptions of both farm and track life that Natalie provides are detailed enough to interest any horse fanatic, but can also be enjoyed by more casual fans. This book is the perfect reason to start (or restart) the Alex and Alexander series and I cannot recommend it enough.
Alex is a determined young woman who isn’t satisfied with her life retraining Thoroughbreds for the show ring and just knows, deep down, that she belongs on the racetrack. The book follows Alex’s journey to the racetrack. The transition isn’t perfectly smooth, especially when her boss, Alexander White, is thrown in the mix.
The book was fascinating, and I kept coming back for more. The descriptions of both farm and track life that Natalie provides are detailed enough to interest any horse fanatic, but can also be enjoyed by more casual fans. This book is the perfect reason to start (or restart) the Alex and Alexander series and I cannot recommend it enough.
March 7, 2024
Love this author, love her series (esp the eventing series). It’s been ages since I read this series, so decided to reread, and I haven’t read Runaway Alex before. It’s probably the best book in the series, as her writing has really developed more since the series was originally published. But I feel like Alexander is almost a different character than he is in the other books, and in my head I just kept jumping back and forth to the character in this book and how he’s been developed in the other books, and I just didn’t buy the differences. But, good storyline, and I love the glimpse into the start.
December 21, 2020
Lovely Prequel
I always felt like I was missing some inside joke in the Alex and Alexander series. There’s a history there that’s never fully addressed, though the series is complete and wonderful as is.
Runaway Alex answers all of the questions I didn’t realize I had! This book solidifies the relationship between Alex and Alexander and shows how Alex earned her place at the farm. As always NKRs writing is spot on with the details and completely immerses you in the story. I can practically feel the Florida humidity as I read.
I always felt like I was missing some inside joke in the Alex and Alexander series. There’s a history there that’s never fully addressed, though the series is complete and wonderful as is.
Runaway Alex answers all of the questions I didn’t realize I had! This book solidifies the relationship between Alex and Alexander and shows how Alex earned her place at the farm. As always NKRs writing is spot on with the details and completely immerses you in the story. I can practically feel the Florida humidity as I read.
September 8, 2021
An enjoyable read. Alex is determined to follow her dream despite her parents continued opposition and threats to make her pay rent or move out. Alex is certainly committed as she works for Diane who is becoming increasingly unreliable and dangerous with the horses. A teacher supports Alex's desire for change and helps her clarify what it is she really wants. An inspiration. Timing is everything and Alex literally bumps into Alexander and life unfolds in fabulously unexpected ways. A good story.
October 8, 2021
I’m in love. This book was SPOT ON racetrack accurate! It’s like the author spent half a lifetime on the track. Much like the main character, I left home and family to chase the racetrack dream and so much of what Alex faced was exactly what I experienced. It was incredible.
Throw in some love, a jilted X, and swoony horses and you have Runaway Alex.
The only thing that seemed inaccurate was the lack of injuries to a new exercise rider 🤣😅. We all got hurt on the reg lol.
I highly recommend this book- especially if you love a good, accurate horse story.
Throw in some love, a jilted X, and swoony horses and you have Runaway Alex.
The only thing that seemed inaccurate was the lack of injuries to a new exercise rider 🤣😅. We all got hurt on the reg lol.
I highly recommend this book- especially if you love a good, accurate horse story.
June 5, 2022
I read “The Head and Not the Heart” first and was put off by the writing style though I finished the book. “Runaway Alex” came up free on Bookbub so I thought I’d give the author another try. It was so much better than “The Head and Not the Heart” that it felt like a different author. Looking at the publishing dates, it looks like “Runaway Alex” was written much later and I felt the book flowed much better. I’m going to read the rest of the series now.
December 22, 2020
If you like horses and racing you will enjoy this book. There are wonderful characters, both equine and human, lots of horse action, some romance, and a lot of the everyday work involved in all aspects of horse care.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading Runaway Alex. I really admired Alex because she had the guts to follow her dreams, and didn't let anything or anyone get in her way. Her dream was always to race thoroughbreds. When she met Alexander she knew she was on her way towards her dream. She never expected to fall in love with him though. I'm glad I decided to read this book, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 23, 2022
If you want a horsey love triangle and a rush of a 20 something making it on her own then Runaway Alex is a must read! Natalie Keller Reinert has an amazing way of writing relatable and knowledgeable horse stories. She should be every horse girls favorite author! I am excited to read the next in this Racehorse world series!
January 10, 2022
I liked the horse parts of this book, the romance not nearly so much, and the plot was a little fantastic with a 21 year old young woman "knowing" enough after 4 months of riding as an exercise rider for a racing stable to make decisions on when to race a horse.
February 11, 2022
Great story.
Enjoyed the relatively clean story. There's references to sleeping together but no descriptive activity. The strong female character is expressed with an openness for relationship. I recommend this story for the older young adult reader.
Enjoyed the relatively clean story. There's references to sleeping together but no descriptive activity. The strong female character is expressed with an openness for relationship. I recommend this story for the older young adult reader.
July 20, 2023
This was an intense read about race horses. There is a clean romance that drags on and on. Same with the horse that seems unlikely to win anything. Lots of drama between owner and former co-partner. Making this a rather over long read, with something wrong at the end.
January 8, 2024
The plot moves along well and the characters are well written for the most part. My only quibble was Alexander. He’s willing to marry someone so quickly after meeting them? Does he not realize if it doesn’t work out he’ll lose everything he just fought so hard to get back?
December 29, 2020
I got to read it in progress through Patreon, and really loved seeing the writing process. The final result was a good reintroduction to the world of Alex and Alexander for this familiar reader, and I enjoyed seeing the younger characters figuring out their relationship.
January 19, 2021
5 stars
I have waited a long time for Alex's back story and Runaway Alex did not disappoint! Great characters, storyline and so many wonderful unique horses. Bravo!!!
I have waited a long time for Alex's back story and Runaway Alex did not disappoint! Great characters, storyline and so many wonderful unique horses. Bravo!!!
March 15, 2021
Loved it!
I never realized I was missing the backstory of Alex and Alexander until I found myself immersed in this book. Well done Natalie!
I never realized I was missing the backstory of Alex and Alexander until I found myself immersed in this book. Well done Natalie!
October 24, 2021
A really enjoyable read
Loved it. Learnt quite a bit about American racing - many differences to Australian! And the characters were great. A wonderful introduction to this series.
Loved it. Learnt quite a bit about American racing - many differences to Australian! And the characters were great. A wonderful introduction to this series.
February 9, 2022
I love this author and once again this did not disappoint me. the story flowed and the characters were well formed. Very good read and interesting to me as a non racehorse person.
March 5, 2022
A good book and storyline, loved the characters as well, loved the lead female as she was full of determination and willing to get stuck into things
July 11, 2022
Loved it. Already starting on the next one in the series
February 4, 2023
Goos start to a series
I was intrigued about the racing aspect of this book. While I have watched horse races, the behind the scenes was new.
I was intrigued about the racing aspect of this book. While I have watched horse races, the behind the scenes was new.
January 9, 2024
Brilliant,
I wasn't sure i,d continue to read this but i did and loved the story great read to be sure
I wasn't sure i,d continue to read this but i did and loved the story great read to be sure
May 25, 2022
It was alright. Didn't have as much action as I was hoping for though XD
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews