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Tulip Farm #1
Remedy
At just 28, Peter is one of the youngest athletes ever to secure a spot on Team USA's Show Jumping roster for the Paris Summer Olympics. With the support a large, equestrian-centric family behind him Peter's a shoo-in to win individual gold—
—until a freak on-course accident badly injuries Peter and the talented mare he'd been riding. Dreams of success in Paris quickly coming apart, he holes up at the family complex, Tulip Farm, to rehab and re-assess. His parents and three siblings try to keep his spirits up, but it's hard to focus on the future when by night he's plagued by reoccurring headaches and by day he can barely walk without pain.
Reed Androku has recently chosen to follow their passion: holistic equine rehabilitation. Tulip Farm – an immaculate facility run by the famous McAuley-Griffin clan – seems the perfect place to chase that dream, and when the family unexpectedly opens up Barn A to boarders, Reed jumps at the opportunity. They'll happily take advantage of roomy stalls, heated arena, and state-of-the-art footing even if it means putting up with Peter Griffin, the family's youngest son and ex-Olympic hopeful.
Peter needs healing, and a reason to hope. Reed's got a knack for rehab and a soft-heart for hard cases, but they also have a dangerous secret. Fate throws Peter and Reed together, sparking a passion that could turn into something deeper, but first they must weather Peter's recovery, the McAuley-Griffin family's obsessive need to meddle, and Reed's violent past.
—until a freak on-course accident badly injuries Peter and the talented mare he'd been riding. Dreams of success in Paris quickly coming apart, he holes up at the family complex, Tulip Farm, to rehab and re-assess. His parents and three siblings try to keep his spirits up, but it's hard to focus on the future when by night he's plagued by reoccurring headaches and by day he can barely walk without pain.
Reed Androku has recently chosen to follow their passion: holistic equine rehabilitation. Tulip Farm – an immaculate facility run by the famous McAuley-Griffin clan – seems the perfect place to chase that dream, and when the family unexpectedly opens up Barn A to boarders, Reed jumps at the opportunity. They'll happily take advantage of roomy stalls, heated arena, and state-of-the-art footing even if it means putting up with Peter Griffin, the family's youngest son and ex-Olympic hopeful.
Peter needs healing, and a reason to hope. Reed's got a knack for rehab and a soft-heart for hard cases, but they also have a dangerous secret. Fate throws Peter and Reed together, sparking a passion that could turn into something deeper, but first they must weather Peter's recovery, the McAuley-Griffin family's obsessive need to meddle, and Reed's violent past.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2021
48 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Alex Hall
5 books71 followersSarah Remy/Alex Hall is a nonbinary, animal-loving, proud gamer Geek. Their work can be found in a variety of cool places, including HarperVoyager, EDGE and NineStar Press.
(Source: https://ninestarpress.com/authors/ale...)
(Source: https://ninestarpress.com/authors/ale...)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 28, 2021
5 Golden boy stars
A FANTASTIC HEALING STORY
Only a few pages in, I was hooked. Alex Hall made such an immersive opening. It was like I was there, in the event, smelling horses and feeling the excitement in the air. So, yeah! They got me since chapter one.
I had never read a novel about horse riding before, but as I'm a sucker for sport romance and like a good healing arc, so I jumped on this one when I read the blurb. I loved that it wasn't all about the competition and accident, but also about horse caring and training. We could see holistic horse medicine being used and how the new generation tried to change things in this traditional world. It was very interesting and helped feeling included and connecting with the characters, especially Reed and Kate.
The representation of the LGBTQ community was amazing. Reed was a rare gem that I wish we could see more often in literature. I saw the author is also non binary and it's great they could create a truthful character thanks to their own experience. Reed was such a sweetheart, but also hard to the core, when needed. I loved how driven and passionate they were - about their job AND their lover. Their background story was perfect. Very sad, but perfect in its content and depiction. I actually teared up when Reed opened their package with all the memorabilia. Despite everything that happened - and could still happen - to them, they were a ray of sunshine that pierced through Peter's darkness.
Peter was a rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes hurt characters can be frustrating and harsh, but not Peter. Okay, he wasn't the most agreeable person at the beginning, but he still wasn't an ass or trying to hurt others around him. I only felt for him and it made me smile tenderly when I saw him warming up to Reed. He accepted them as they were, even in their emotional particularities we discover later, and it was beautiful. His journey was bumpy, but he managed to get passed his nightmare and be reborn as a new person. Another very heartwarming element was how family was very important to him - and the McAuley-Griffin clan as a whole. Their dynamic evolved in a nice way and I loved getting to know the siblings.
As for the plot, it concentrated on Peter's healing, his relationship with Reed and how they both rebuild their life. But there was also a very compelling subplot I got super excited about. It quickened the pace in the second part of the book and compensated in a way, the (angsty) tension some people like in romances. It was simply amazing! There were also a few hints at how the next installments could go. The author throw a hint, now and then, when writing some scenes including the siblings and I'm already excited about it 🧡
I'm a posting this honest review after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A FANTASTIC HEALING STORY
Only a few pages in, I was hooked. Alex Hall made such an immersive opening. It was like I was there, in the event, smelling horses and feeling the excitement in the air. So, yeah! They got me since chapter one.
I had never read a novel about horse riding before, but as I'm a sucker for sport romance and like a good healing arc, so I jumped on this one when I read the blurb. I loved that it wasn't all about the competition and accident, but also about horse caring and training. We could see holistic horse medicine being used and how the new generation tried to change things in this traditional world. It was very interesting and helped feeling included and connecting with the characters, especially Reed and Kate.
The representation of the LGBTQ community was amazing. Reed was a rare gem that I wish we could see more often in literature. I saw the author is also non binary and it's great they could create a truthful character thanks to their own experience. Reed was such a sweetheart, but also hard to the core, when needed. I loved how driven and passionate they were - about their job AND their lover. Their background story was perfect. Very sad, but perfect in its content and depiction. I actually teared up when Reed opened their package with all the memorabilia. Despite everything that happened - and could still happen - to them, they were a ray of sunshine that pierced through Peter's darkness.
Peter was a rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes hurt characters can be frustrating and harsh, but not Peter. Okay, he wasn't the most agreeable person at the beginning, but he still wasn't an ass or trying to hurt others around him. I only felt for him and it made me smile tenderly when I saw him warming up to Reed. He accepted them as they were, even in their emotional particularities we discover later, and it was beautiful. His journey was bumpy, but he managed to get passed his nightmare and be reborn as a new person. Another very heartwarming element was how family was very important to him - and the McAuley-Griffin clan as a whole. Their dynamic evolved in a nice way and I loved getting to know the siblings.
As for the plot, it concentrated on Peter's healing, his relationship with Reed and how they both rebuild their life. But there was also a very compelling subplot I got super excited about. It quickened the pace in the second part of the book and compensated in a way, the (angsty) tension some people like in romances. It was simply amazing! There were also a few hints at how the next installments could go. The author throw a hint, now and then, when writing some scenes including the siblings and I'm already excited about it 🧡
I'm a posting this honest review after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2022
Overall, I would say this was fine. There were some better parts, and some not so good parts, and it was generally readable.
The better parts:
• I liked having a nonbinary MC in Reed - I’m not sure I’ve read a romance with someone using they/them pronouns, and I was happy to see that. I also liked them as a character.
• I loved the horse details. So much horse. Beautifully described, both as a background setting and as integral to the plot and characters.
• The family all had distinct personalities, and played off each other well in a believable family dynamic. I never like the “he’s just got a temper/can’t control it” excuse for the father, but it is a character trait that way. So I’ll be cranky but not because of the writing.
• The writing was generally solid.
The not so good parts:
• Peter Griffin. The MC is named Peter Griffin. I had to skip all the sex scenes because I can only imagine Family Guy and that’s just not my kink
• Also in the name category - there’s secondary characters named Bule Dotty and Jolene Dotty (14 year old girl). I just…is this a Cracker Barrel waiting list parody? Bule is also a buffalo wrangling insurance agent.
• Certain repetitiveness - Peter’s eyes are described as being like Lake Baikal at least ten times. This is about eight time too many. Reed is described as The Russian way too much as well. I get it, he’s Russian, move on.
•The weird plots - there was too much going on in my opinion. We have (1) Peters injury and him coming to terms with no longer competing, and facing a massive life change; (2) Reed and his mafia; and (3) evil abusive ex husband with sabotage. It’s a lot. It would have been better to pare this down, because it didn’t play well together. I personally would have liked more focus on Peter coming to terms with his injury/hurt-comfort with Reed/career changes etc because it was very sweet seeing Reed’s caretaking of everyone.
I didn’t really feel the romance by the end either, likely because the development of that was sidelined a bit by the dual mystery plots.
• The ending…It felt like everything was wrapped up very abruptly in about three pages, which was a bit frustrating. I guess it’s an ongoing series (along with the clumsily set up romances for the siblings) and was maybe implied there’s more Linden content to come? But it was still mostly wrapped up. It left the book and series in a weird spot of resolved, and yet not.
Overall, this was a decent book. I think it tried to do too much, and suffered for it.
Read this review and more on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
The better parts:
• I liked having a nonbinary MC in Reed - I’m not sure I’ve read a romance with someone using they/them pronouns, and I was happy to see that. I also liked them as a character.
• I loved the horse details. So much horse. Beautifully described, both as a background setting and as integral to the plot and characters.
• The family all had distinct personalities, and played off each other well in a believable family dynamic. I never like the “he’s just got a temper/can’t control it” excuse for the father, but it is a character trait that way. So I’ll be cranky but not because of the writing.
• The writing was generally solid.
The not so good parts:
• Peter Griffin. The MC is named Peter Griffin. I had to skip all the sex scenes because I can only imagine Family Guy and that’s just not my kink
• Also in the name category - there’s secondary characters named Bule Dotty and Jolene Dotty (14 year old girl). I just…is this a Cracker Barrel waiting list parody? Bule is also a buffalo wrangling insurance agent.
• Certain repetitiveness - Peter’s eyes are described as being like Lake Baikal at least ten times. This is about eight time too many. Reed is described as The Russian way too much as well. I get it, he’s Russian, move on.
•The weird plots - there was too much going on in my opinion. We have (1) Peters injury and him coming to terms with no longer competing, and facing a massive life change; (2) Reed and his mafia; and (3) evil abusive ex husband with sabotage. It’s a lot. It would have been better to pare this down, because it didn’t play well together. I personally would have liked more focus on Peter coming to terms with his injury/hurt-comfort with Reed/career changes etc because it was very sweet seeing Reed’s caretaking of everyone.
I didn’t really feel the romance by the end either, likely because the development of that was sidelined a bit by the dual mystery plots.
• The ending…It felt like everything was wrapped up very abruptly in about three pages, which was a bit frustrating. I guess it’s an ongoing series (along with the clumsily set up romances for the siblings) and was maybe implied there’s more Linden content to come? But it was still mostly wrapped up. It left the book and series in a weird spot of resolved, and yet not.
Overall, this was a decent book. I think it tried to do too much, and suffered for it.
Read this review and more on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
October 1, 2024
ALEX HALL HAS DONE THE IMPOSSIBLE! THEY WROTE A HORSE BOOK THAT I REALLY ENJOYED! I was just talking to my friend about how I thought that it was impossible for me to enjoy a book about horses because I usually find them cliché or not actually about horses. Literally one week later, this author happily proved me wrong!
Peter Griffin is a soon-to-be Olympic star in show jumping who suffers a bad fall and recovers on his family's farm. There he meets Reed Androku, a barn manager and holistic consultant. They work with horses together and their relationship goes from there.
Man I loved this book. I was so happy to see non-binary and bisexual representation within the horse world, which is not exactly the most diverse space. The characters were very fleshed out and felt like real people. The accident and recovery felt like a real journey. The horses acted like real horses. This book also avoided a lot of genre tropes and showed adults making mature decisions and trusting the intentions of others. Groundbreaking! But seriously, I was so happy to not have to have 100 pages devoted to a dumb misunderstanding or liar reveal. The book is also hilarious and I enjoyed the wit and snark.
This author clearly knows about horses and/or really did their research. This book is actually about horses. Remedy accurately shows training, injury, recovery, coaching, breeding, and competition in both show jumping and dressage. I was amazed by how the book was able to accurately portray so many parts of riding while not falling into normal clichés like being afraid to ride again, miraculous recoveries after should be debilitating experiences, winning a big competition despite the odds, etc. It's so difficult to balance all of these parts at all, let alone well, especially in showing professional riders and horse business owners. The author did an incredible job.
My one problem with the story is that I thought the external conflicts not related to horses seemed a little shoehorned in just for drama. I do enjoy drama, but I think this book would have been just as good without it and the drama was kind of unnecessary. I also wish that this book had a different cover and title font as it reminds me of a cliché horse book. I would have never thought to look at this book if my friend hadn't sent me the description! I think other people might feel the same and skip the book when they shouldn't! Remedy deserves a cover that separates it from the 500 other horse books that aren't nearly as good!
Overall, I really liked this book and recommend it if you have any interest in horses or are looking for a nice romance. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series! Thank you to Book Sirens for an advanced copy of this book!
CW: domestic violence, death of a partner
Peter Griffin is a soon-to-be Olympic star in show jumping who suffers a bad fall and recovers on his family's farm. There he meets Reed Androku, a barn manager and holistic consultant. They work with horses together and their relationship goes from there.
Man I loved this book. I was so happy to see non-binary and bisexual representation within the horse world, which is not exactly the most diverse space. The characters were very fleshed out and felt like real people. The accident and recovery felt like a real journey. The horses acted like real horses. This book also avoided a lot of genre tropes and showed adults making mature decisions and trusting the intentions of others. Groundbreaking! But seriously, I was so happy to not have to have 100 pages devoted to a dumb misunderstanding or liar reveal. The book is also hilarious and I enjoyed the wit and snark.
This author clearly knows about horses and/or really did their research. This book is actually about horses. Remedy accurately shows training, injury, recovery, coaching, breeding, and competition in both show jumping and dressage. I was amazed by how the book was able to accurately portray so many parts of riding while not falling into normal clichés like being afraid to ride again, miraculous recoveries after should be debilitating experiences, winning a big competition despite the odds, etc. It's so difficult to balance all of these parts at all, let alone well, especially in showing professional riders and horse business owners. The author did an incredible job.
My one problem with the story is that I thought the external conflicts not related to horses seemed a little shoehorned in just for drama. I do enjoy drama, but I think this book would have been just as good without it and the drama was kind of unnecessary. I also wish that this book had a different cover and title font as it reminds me of a cliché horse book. I would have never thought to look at this book if my friend hadn't sent me the description! I think other people might feel the same and skip the book when they shouldn't! Remedy deserves a cover that separates it from the 500 other horse books that aren't nearly as good!
Overall, I really liked this book and recommend it if you have any interest in horses or are looking for a nice romance. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series! Thank you to Book Sirens for an advanced copy of this book!
CW: domestic violence, death of a partner
December 22, 2022
Excellent representation of a nonbinary MC using them/they pronouns in a really comfortable way throughout the whole story. I see that the author is nonbinary themselves and appreciate this authentic view into Reed’s character. The author also seems to know their stuff about horses and equestrian which was nice. There is a few things going on with one minor storyline continuing into the next book and some buildup for future characters which sound interesting. I liked the family members in this one, they were all their own distinguishable characters and they seemed like a fun family to be part of, not an annoying meddling one. This was better than I expected and I’ll happily read book 2 when it comes out.
My kindle edition has a more enticing cover which is what got me to read this when it was suggested, if I’d seen the horse one I probably would have bypassed it.
My kindle edition has a more enticing cover which is what got me to read this when it was suggested, if I’d seen the horse one I probably would have bypassed it.
August 11, 2021
Loved it. Just the right mix of intrigue, snark, and sweetness.
Peter’s life was right on track. He had everything. He worked hard.
Reed worked hard, too. He worked and hoped against hope the bad guys wouldn’t find him.
Between the two of them, they find a way.
Great read!
Peter’s life was right on track. He had everything. He worked hard.
Reed worked hard, too. He worked and hoped against hope the bad guys wouldn’t find him.
Between the two of them, they find a way.
Great read!
September 23, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Remedy is the first in the Tulip Farm series and I loved almost every minute of it. Peter and Reed were strong characters and I was drawn into their romance from the start. But the book has an equally strong set of secondary characters and a vibrant sense of place. There are some mild pacing issues and the antagonists are somewhat predictable, but for the most part, Remedy was an exceptional read.
The plot to Remedy is generally strong and this is rounded out by an engaging secondary cast. From Peter’s siblings and parents to his therapist, the author has built a strong, compelling community of people invested not just in Peter and Reed, but in the farm and the work it does. It also helped to flesh out the world for future books in the series. The bad guys here are pretty one note thugs, their actions telegraphed and not particularly clever. There isn’t a complete resolution to the story and presumably this will be picked up in the next book, but it gave the ending something of an abrupt feel.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Remedy is the first in the Tulip Farm series and I loved almost every minute of it. Peter and Reed were strong characters and I was drawn into their romance from the start. But the book has an equally strong set of secondary characters and a vibrant sense of place. There are some mild pacing issues and the antagonists are somewhat predictable, but for the most part, Remedy was an exceptional read.
The plot to Remedy is generally strong and this is rounded out by an engaging secondary cast. From Peter’s siblings and parents to his therapist, the author has built a strong, compelling community of people invested not just in Peter and Reed, but in the farm and the work it does. It also helped to flesh out the world for future books in the series. The bad guys here are pretty one note thugs, their actions telegraphed and not particularly clever. There isn’t a complete resolution to the story and presumably this will be picked up in the next book, but it gave the ending something of an abrupt feel.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 30, 2021
A very well-written book that features a non-binary person, using pronouns they and them. I was interested to see how this worked in writing, and it was surprisingly smooth. "Remedy" is a M/M romance with intrigue and mystery trailing both main characters. Peter is a champion horse jumper until a career-ending fall, the cause of which is suspicious. Reed is the horse-whisperer who rehabs Peter's horse, Annie. He ran from Russia after his boyfriend was killed. These two end up rehabbing each other. There are many other family members who surely have their own stories to tell. This is romance, mystery, and family love in one sweet package. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2021
Good to see representation from across the LGBTQ spectrum. A well written drama, that had both adventure and drama, and a mystery thrown in to the mix. The development of Peter and Reed's relationship, was slow, but was exactly right for the pace of the story. Well written , but I've got to admit it was a little wordy for my liking. I felt the author could've got to the point much more quickly than they did. I admit to skipping a few pages here and there. My problem, but I didn't like how Reed was often referred to as the Russian. It put my back up for some reason. OK start to the series though.
March 3, 2022
As an equestrian, I was drawn to this book because it seemed to have such a familiarity with the subject matter, and on that account, this book did fine. However, I DNF at around 65% of the way through. When the characters got together very quickly with very little build-up, I wasn't sure what the rest of the book was supposed to be about. I just didn't feel much romantic tension or drama or anything that was supposed to carry the rest of the book forward. I wanted to finish it, but I didn't find either character particularly interesting. May just be me.
The weirdest part of this book was all the British lingo, and it yanked me out of the story every time. I'm to understand this book was supposed to be set in Connecticut. I understand that the family is Irish, but Reed never mentioned being in the UK, and yet they use the same British lingo. My theory is that this book was written to be set in the UK and then was just changed to the US for... some reason? Because there is no excuse for the number of British words used in this book otherwise. At one point they say "tenner", and even if you grow up in Ireland, if you live in the US, literally no one uses "tenner" to say "ten bucks", unless you are FRESH off the boat. And the BBC was on in the hospital, which I GUESS is possible, but the TV channels would much more likely be CNN or NBC. I have no idea how these things made it past editing. That's what I mean when I say it was bizarre. All the attention to detail paid on the horse farm, but none to the country of origin it was set in.
The writing itself was good, and the author is capable. I hope they continue writing. This story just wasn't for me. (and next time, if setting a book in the U.S., maybe get an American editor. :p)
The weirdest part of this book was all the British lingo, and it yanked me out of the story every time. I'm to understand this book was supposed to be set in Connecticut. I understand that the family is Irish, but Reed never mentioned being in the UK, and yet they use the same British lingo. My theory is that this book was written to be set in the UK and then was just changed to the US for... some reason? Because there is no excuse for the number of British words used in this book otherwise. At one point they say "tenner", and even if you grow up in Ireland, if you live in the US, literally no one uses "tenner" to say "ten bucks", unless you are FRESH off the boat. And the BBC was on in the hospital, which I GUESS is possible, but the TV channels would much more likely be CNN or NBC. I have no idea how these things made it past editing. That's what I mean when I say it was bizarre. All the attention to detail paid on the horse farm, but none to the country of origin it was set in.
The writing itself was good, and the author is capable. I hope they continue writing. This story just wasn't for me. (and next time, if setting a book in the U.S., maybe get an American editor. :p)
October 13, 2021
Hmm, mixed feelings about this one.
Loved the nonbinary representation and adoration for horses throughout the book. Hall captured a true love for animals; they aren't just a gimmick for getting the romantic leads together. They really get into their horse riding and racing too. I actually learned something from reading their passages about them.
Peter and Reed feel distinct from one another that their interactions bounce well. Delightfully one of those cases where I could follow their voices, even without the courtesy section breaks. They swear and repeat themselves far beyond my personal preferences. Given their ages and their overall demeanor, I suppose it's close to reality. Unfortunately, Peter Griffin brings up too many mental associations with Family Guy in my head, so there were times when I had to backpedal. Especially during the many sex scenes.
Pacing is a conflicting matter for me in Remedy. There are times where Hall jumps straight to the heart. Other times it feels like their intimate knowledge about a subject takes over, and we're treated to lengthy research dumps. Or we're given a character's thoughts and their description of what they believe in a narrative sense back-to-back. They're often rather similar, to the point I wondered why they were both included. A jumping pace falls, backs up, cruises, then leaps. More editing maybe?
I'm also not sure I felt that "one big" moment either, where sex turns into making love. Even by the last third of the book, it still felt mainly driven by infatuation, kinks, and lust. Maybe the rest of the series will help fan their feelings out?
Regarding the ending act, it felt abrupt. Rather than a cliffhanger, it was more a sharp drop. Even for a first book in a series. A few more paragraphs might have cushioned it for me.
Remedy is a promising start to a new series. I'm looking forward to the next installment if it has more of Annie. She was sometimes awesome.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved the nonbinary representation and adoration for horses throughout the book. Hall captured a true love for animals; they aren't just a gimmick for getting the romantic leads together. They really get into their horse riding and racing too. I actually learned something from reading their passages about them.
Peter and Reed feel distinct from one another that their interactions bounce well. Delightfully one of those cases where I could follow their voices, even without the courtesy section breaks. They swear and repeat themselves far beyond my personal preferences. Given their ages and their overall demeanor, I suppose it's close to reality. Unfortunately, Peter Griffin brings up too many mental associations with Family Guy in my head, so there were times when I had to backpedal. Especially during the many sex scenes.
Pacing is a conflicting matter for me in Remedy. There are times where Hall jumps straight to the heart. Other times it feels like their intimate knowledge about a subject takes over, and we're treated to lengthy research dumps. Or we're given a character's thoughts and their description of what they believe in a narrative sense back-to-back. They're often rather similar, to the point I wondered why they were both included. A jumping pace falls, backs up, cruises, then leaps. More editing maybe?
I'm also not sure I felt that "one big" moment either, where sex turns into making love. Even by the last third of the book, it still felt mainly driven by infatuation, kinks, and lust. Maybe the rest of the series will help fan their feelings out?
Regarding the ending act, it felt abrupt. Rather than a cliffhanger, it was more a sharp drop. Even for a first book in a series. A few more paragraphs might have cushioned it for me.
Remedy is a promising start to a new series. I'm looking forward to the next installment if it has more of Annie. She was sometimes awesome.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2021
Peter Griffin has made it on to the Olympic Show Jumping Team but tragedy strikes when he has a bad fall and his career is likely over. He recuperates on his family's farm where he meets the family's new barn manager, Reed Androku. As they work together, they become close and cannot deny their attraction.
While I was initially a little apprehensive about this book given the cover and the title, I am so glad I requested it and received an ARC because it totally surprised me! As much as I love horses, I often have issues with "horse books" because they aren't realistic.
This book was honestly a delight! It was so nice to read a horse book that actually understood horses - everything that was discussed was accurate without falling into normal tropes that are typically in these books.
The main thing that I loved was the representation and how integrated it was into the story without having a "coming out" narrative. Don't get me wrong, I think those narratives are super important, but it is also so refreshing to read books where the characters are out and dating and it's very normalized! Reed's pronouns are they/them and while there are instances of people using the wrong pronouns, most of the other characters don't have an issue using their correct pronouns. Although their identity is so important, it's integrated into the story and not the sole focus.
I truly look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I was initially a little apprehensive about this book given the cover and the title, I am so glad I requested it and received an ARC because it totally surprised me! As much as I love horses, I often have issues with "horse books" because they aren't realistic.
This book was honestly a delight! It was so nice to read a horse book that actually understood horses - everything that was discussed was accurate without falling into normal tropes that are typically in these books.
The main thing that I loved was the representation and how integrated it was into the story without having a "coming out" narrative. Don't get me wrong, I think those narratives are super important, but it is also so refreshing to read books where the characters are out and dating and it's very normalized! Reed's pronouns are they/them and while there are instances of people using the wrong pronouns, most of the other characters don't have an issue using their correct pronouns. Although their identity is so important, it's integrated into the story and not the sole focus.
I truly look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2021
Rating: ★★★★
Content Warnings: injury detail, prior domestic abuse, homophobic violence and murder (past)
Yes, that’s correct - I’m giving a four-star review to a book with a horse silhouette on the cover. We’re both shocked right now, but I promise if you just read the book you’ll understand exactly why-
Remedy is the first installment in the Tulip Farm queer romance series. Our first couple is Reed (they/them), a non-binary Russian barn manager, and Peter, a bisexual Golden Boy of horse show jumping and son of the McAuley-Griffin family who’s been badly injured during a recent competition.
Honestly, I adored Remedy. I swear I didn’t think I would like it so much, but the queer representation is excellent, and I think I may actually like horses now. Reed, out nonbinary main character, is well-written with their pronouns being written in and it’s no big deal at all. They’re well-respected in their field, confident, and visibly queer (despite being misgendered by several characters) and they stand up for themselves in all of that. I just *love* Reed as a character. I’m not cool enough for them, but we’d be friends if they’d have me. And then there’s Peter, our ex-Olympic-hopeful who is recovering at his family’s farm and meets Reed. He doesn’t bat an eye at Reed’s pronouns and dislikes them until he doesn’t.
The development of Reed and Peter’s relationship felt very natural. It’s somewhat of an enemies-to-lovers, but once the two start to acknowledge their attraction to each other things take off between the two. They flirt, they’re explicitly intimate, they communicate maturely and get to know each other, they heal. We witness the development of their relationship alongside a realistic and inspiring story that genuinely revolves around horses. On top of that, the supporting cast is all fantastic and very distinct - you can already see hints of the relationships to come later on in the series.
The funny thing is that I picked this up because I’m bad with names and thought I recognized the author, but I’ve never read anything from them before. Remedy was really well done. I plan to read more from this author, and if a sweet and spicy queer romance with more to the plot than just the romance sounds like something you’d be into, I say you should too.
I received a free copy of this book. This review is voluntary and reflects my unbiased opinion. I ended up buying my own copy for some reason. I liked it, so it's fine!
Content Warnings: injury detail, prior domestic abuse, homophobic violence and murder (past)
Yes, that’s correct - I’m giving a four-star review to a book with a horse silhouette on the cover. We’re both shocked right now, but I promise if you just read the book you’ll understand exactly why-
Remedy is the first installment in the Tulip Farm queer romance series. Our first couple is Reed (they/them), a non-binary Russian barn manager, and Peter, a bisexual Golden Boy of horse show jumping and son of the McAuley-Griffin family who’s been badly injured during a recent competition.
Honestly, I adored Remedy. I swear I didn’t think I would like it so much, but the queer representation is excellent, and I think I may actually like horses now. Reed, out nonbinary main character, is well-written with their pronouns being written in and it’s no big deal at all. They’re well-respected in their field, confident, and visibly queer (despite being misgendered by several characters) and they stand up for themselves in all of that. I just *love* Reed as a character. I’m not cool enough for them, but we’d be friends if they’d have me. And then there’s Peter, our ex-Olympic-hopeful who is recovering at his family’s farm and meets Reed. He doesn’t bat an eye at Reed’s pronouns and dislikes them until he doesn’t.
The development of Reed and Peter’s relationship felt very natural. It’s somewhat of an enemies-to-lovers, but once the two start to acknowledge their attraction to each other things take off between the two. They flirt, they’re explicitly intimate, they communicate maturely and get to know each other, they heal. We witness the development of their relationship alongside a realistic and inspiring story that genuinely revolves around horses. On top of that, the supporting cast is all fantastic and very distinct - you can already see hints of the relationships to come later on in the series.
The funny thing is that I picked this up because I’m bad with names and thought I recognized the author, but I’ve never read anything from them before. Remedy was really well done. I plan to read more from this author, and if a sweet and spicy queer romance with more to the plot than just the romance sounds like something you’d be into, I say you should too.
September 1, 2021
This is a great start to a new series with diverse characters and a wonderful storyline. Remedy is well written, sweet, emotional, funny, gritty, has a few surprising twists, I love the dynamic within Peter's family, the horses are amazing and I really enjoyed this story. Reed has a true affinity for horses and I love that they take a holistic approach for their care and training. Peter has a lot to deal with as he comes to terms with his new reality as he recovers from a horrible riding accident. They are exactly what the other needs and I like how their relationship develops. I wish that Reed had shared their secrets with Peter at the beginning of their relationship as it would have given Peter a chance to protect them from their past. They both have a lot to deal with but I love how supportive and caring they are with each other. The author did an excellent job of portraying the horse world and I love that they included the good and bad that is found at this elite level of equestrian events. The secondary characters add a lot to this story, the ending is great and I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 4, 2021
I was never particularly into horses, but I will admit to occasionally enjoying watching show jumping at the Olympics and the like. So while only a small part of the story actually takes place within the world of equestrian competition, the mention thereof in the premise was enough to get my attention and prompt me to request an ARC - a decision I don't regret in the slightest.
Reed is a wonderful character I loved from the start (though is it too much to ask that a Russian character be given a believable Russian name, or that we at least get a tiny little mention of them having chosen this very non-Russian one by themselves if that's what the author absolutely wants to go with?), and while it took some time for Peter to grow on me, I really enjoyed their romance which developed at a realistic pace and steered clear of too much manufactured drama. There's a bit of suspense to go with the romance to keep things interesting as well as a good cast of secondary characters already hinting at possibilities for future books in the series. I'm definitely looking forward to spending some more time on Tulip Farm with the McAuley-Griffin family.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
Reed is a wonderful character I loved from the start (though is it too much to ask that a Russian character be given a believable Russian name, or that we at least get a tiny little mention of them having chosen this very non-Russian one by themselves if that's what the author absolutely wants to go with?), and while it took some time for Peter to grow on me, I really enjoyed their romance which developed at a realistic pace and steered clear of too much manufactured drama. There's a bit of suspense to go with the romance to keep things interesting as well as a good cast of secondary characters already hinting at possibilities for future books in the series. I'm definitely looking forward to spending some more time on Tulip Farm with the McAuley-Griffin family.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 3, 2021
I don’t have an exhaustive knowledge of horses, but I know enough to recognize that either deep familiarity or careful research (or both!) went into the way equestrian life is represented here, and it made for an immersive setting. Peter and Reed’s relationship is rewarding to watch develop: they’re both, in their own ways, really dedicated, caring people who bring out the best in each other. Reed in particular is easy to fall for— there’s something about them that’s just impossible not to like. Points also for kind, competent characters who approach challenges in mature ways— there aren’t any cliched, easy to avoid misunderstandings or misapprehensions. That’s not to say that there aren’t challenges: there are— Peter’s recovery and Reed’s past (vague because spoilers are the worst), among others, but they’re not too much for the protagonists to overcome.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2021
I was drawn to Remedy because of the cover and setting. While this was my first time reading the author’s work, I can promise I’ll be looking for more. I loved the setting of Tulip Farm, was intrigued by all the secondary characters, and really enjoyed the variety of moments with the horses, their care, and training.
Peter and Reed make for an interesting pairing. I enjoyed the slow, steady build of their relationship. I also liked how the author progressed a predominantly physical relationship into a deeper, emotional connection. Above all, I appreciated the inclusion of a non-binary main character. Reed’s identity was so easy and accepted by most of the farm staff and the McAuley-Griffen family. While that may be an admirable fantasy in today’s world (certainly within the horse world), I also enjoyed that the story didn’t get hung up on those elements, but rather demanded acceptance. The simplicity of the inclusion made a powerful statement.
I also really liked the portrayal of Peter. I enjoy dynamic characters with tangible flaws, so I really liked that the author showed Peter’s struggles with his injuries, rehabilitation, and future. Not only did these insights make his successes easier to celebrate, but they made it easy to empathize with him and his reactions to seemingly little changes. As a couple, Peter and Reed were wonderfully supportive of each other. I enjoyed their physical chemistry and their easy connection, but I especially appreciated how well they worked together with the horses- it was a wonderful partnership in every sense.
I love discovering new authors who wow me and I was definitely impressed by Alex Hall. Remedy offered some of everything—great characters, a unique setting, suspense, action, and wonderful chemistry. I’d definitely recommend Remedy and will be eagerly awaiting my next trip back to Tulip Farm.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Peter and Reed make for an interesting pairing. I enjoyed the slow, steady build of their relationship. I also liked how the author progressed a predominantly physical relationship into a deeper, emotional connection. Above all, I appreciated the inclusion of a non-binary main character. Reed’s identity was so easy and accepted by most of the farm staff and the McAuley-Griffen family. While that may be an admirable fantasy in today’s world (certainly within the horse world), I also enjoyed that the story didn’t get hung up on those elements, but rather demanded acceptance. The simplicity of the inclusion made a powerful statement.
I also really liked the portrayal of Peter. I enjoy dynamic characters with tangible flaws, so I really liked that the author showed Peter’s struggles with his injuries, rehabilitation, and future. Not only did these insights make his successes easier to celebrate, but they made it easy to empathize with him and his reactions to seemingly little changes. As a couple, Peter and Reed were wonderfully supportive of each other. I enjoyed their physical chemistry and their easy connection, but I especially appreciated how well they worked together with the horses- it was a wonderful partnership in every sense.
I love discovering new authors who wow me and I was definitely impressed by Alex Hall. Remedy offered some of everything—great characters, a unique setting, suspense, action, and wonderful chemistry. I’d definitely recommend Remedy and will be eagerly awaiting my next trip back to Tulip Farm.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 23, 2021
A good but bad start as Peter's world of the Olympics crashes with his horse goes down on a jump.
Reed's was working at Tullip farm and hearing Peter was arriving back home. The book was set in Ireland's country with Peter's family worked a horse farm. Told with both pov's and with Reed's secret crush for Peter, but now Peter in for a rough recovery time. Includes non- binary Russian MC, baggage in Reed's past of an attack for someone he cared for, sexy scenes and more.
The Tulip Farm had a few of fashioned ideas how to do things still. but Reed had his holistic teachings he wouldn't back down from even from Senior..
A Beautiful story told of horse and rider recovering from the accident with help from Reed. I even learnt a few of Russian traditions I didn't know. Danger comes to the Farm which has everyone on edge til they catch the bay guy. This a slow romance for Reed and Peter.
A first time read for this author with this book which I enjoyed reading.
Reed's was working at Tullip farm and hearing Peter was arriving back home. The book was set in Ireland's country with Peter's family worked a horse farm. Told with both pov's and with Reed's secret crush for Peter, but now Peter in for a rough recovery time. Includes non- binary Russian MC, baggage in Reed's past of an attack for someone he cared for, sexy scenes and more.
The Tulip Farm had a few of fashioned ideas how to do things still. but Reed had his holistic teachings he wouldn't back down from even from Senior..
A Beautiful story told of horse and rider recovering from the accident with help from Reed. I even learnt a few of Russian traditions I didn't know. Danger comes to the Farm which has everyone on edge til they catch the bay guy. This a slow romance for Reed and Peter.
A first time read for this author with this book which I enjoyed reading.
December 16, 2021
I loved Remedy. It's the first book in the Tulip Farm series. I loved Reed, Peter, and Peter's family. The author did a brilliant job researching what goes on at a jumping barn, when they are at a competition, what goes into rehabbing a performance horse, and that in the horse world, in an accident, the horse's health comes before the rider's health. An overlying plot seems to be carried on into the next book concerning Peter's sister's ex-husband, and I eagerly await the next book in the series when it comes out to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2021
The characters of Peter and Reed are wonderfully drawn and the development of their relationship is well paced and totally believable given their backgrounds. While I loved the characters, what will bring me back to read this book again is all the details about the horse world it contains. From show jumping, to equine rehab (and human rehab as well) the author takes you into the everyday world of horses and those who love them. I learned so much here and can't wait for the series to continue to learn more.
May 22, 2022
4.5 stars
Very enjoyable. There’s enough around horse culture to satisfy the remnants of my pre-teen obsession with horses and horse stories but not enough to overwhelm a less familiar reader. I enjoyed Reed as a non-binary character and the (mostly) unquestioned, unremarked acceptance of them and the various gay/bi/lesbian children in the family. Dialogue and character interactions flowed organically in the narrative. The touch of suspense was quite welcome. I look forward to future volumes.
Very enjoyable. There’s enough around horse culture to satisfy the remnants of my pre-teen obsession with horses and horse stories but not enough to overwhelm a less familiar reader. I enjoyed Reed as a non-binary character and the (mostly) unquestioned, unremarked acceptance of them and the various gay/bi/lesbian children in the family. Dialogue and character interactions flowed organically in the narrative. The touch of suspense was quite welcome. I look forward to future volumes.
January 23, 2022
I loved all of the characters in this book. Each is unique all the way to the parents.
I loved the main setting of Tulip Farms. The descriptions are so clear I could visualize it perfectly.
There is lots of action from the beginning with Peter’s accident, all through the book and the end was really nail biting.
The romance the perfect amount to blend the plots and story.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I loved the main setting of Tulip Farms. The descriptions are so clear I could visualize it perfectly.
There is lots of action from the beginning with Peter’s accident, all through the book and the end was really nail biting.
The romance the perfect amount to blend the plots and story.
I am looking forward to the next book.
September 12, 2021
I thought this story between Peter and Reed was well written. Their relationship is rewarding to watch develop, they are both caring and dedicated who brought out the best in each other. I definitely learned a lot more about horses. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
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July 25, 2022I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amazing cast of characters (both main and secondary). But my favorite part was how vivid the setting was! I truly felt like the story was happening around me. It's the best feeling of all to experience such immersive writing.
Alex Hall is a gem.
Amazing cast of characters (both main and secondary). But my favorite part was how vivid the setting was! I truly felt like the story was happening around me. It's the best feeling of all to experience such immersive writing.
Alex Hall is a gem.
April 4, 2022
made my equestrian heart sing
This book is definitely going to be a favorite. It hits all the notes with a steamy sweet love story and a great equestrian story also. I could feel the thrill of competition, hear the sounds of mornings at the barn and felt the love building. Great book! Can’t wait for the next one
This book is definitely going to be a favorite. It hits all the notes with a steamy sweet love story and a great equestrian story also. I could feel the thrill of competition, hear the sounds of mornings at the barn and felt the love building. Great book! Can’t wait for the next one
July 14, 2023
REMEDY is the first book in the Tulip Farm series and we're getting ready for the Olympics. Or rather, Peter is, with his horse, Annie. Only something goes wrong and Annie ends up falling on Peter, smashing his leg and his Olympic hopes at the same time. He goes home to Tulip Farm to recover and meets Reed in the process. Reed is good at their job but occasionally butts heads with Senior. That means they aren't scared to do it to Peter.
This is a slow-burn, fast-paced, mystery romance, all bundled up together. Reed has their own past they are running from, plus Katie has an ex to worry about. You are left guessing over which one it is causing the trouble. I enjoyed the interactions between Reed and Peter, plus his family.
There was some horse terminology in here that I didn't understand (not being a horse rider, let alone a competitor) but it didn't have a negative impact on my enjoyment of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and seeing the relationship build between Reed and Peter. I look forward to returning to Tulip Farm and seeing what happens next. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 8, 2021
This is a slow-burn, fast-paced, mystery romance, all bundled up together. Reed has their own past they are running from, plus Katie has an ex to worry about. You are left guessing over which one it is causing the trouble. I enjoyed the interactions between Reed and Peter, plus his family.
There was some horse terminology in here that I didn't understand (not being a horse rider, let alone a competitor) but it didn't have a negative impact on my enjoyment of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and seeing the relationship build between Reed and Peter. I look forward to returning to Tulip Farm and seeing what happens next. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 8, 2021
December 2, 2024
I got Remedy (Tulip Farm #1) by Alex Hall from BookSirens for a fair and honest Review
Remedy by Alex Hall is the first book in his Tulip farm series, and his a gay romance story, set in the world of horses.
What I really liked about this romance was the two main characters, firstly we have the ambitious show jumper Peter with an active sex life on the circuit. with dreams of going to the Paris Olympics. That is until an eventful ride at an event.
Then there is Reed a Russian who follows his passion in holistic equine rehabilitation, with a past he wants to keep secret because being gay in Russia can be clangours especially when your connected to the Russian Mafia.
What I Liked about the romance between the two of them was the way that the connection built up over the novel with each other heeling from the past both emotionally and one physically.
With each step of their healing bringing them closer together, in such away that is engaging for me as a reader and yet does not feel over the top.
Even the side plot to the story were the equestrian centre is attacked slightly over the top it does not distract from the romance, making Remedy (Tulip Farm #1) by Alex Hall a gay sporting romance well worth reading.
Remedy by Alex Hall is the first book in his Tulip farm series, and his a gay romance story, set in the world of horses.
What I really liked about this romance was the two main characters, firstly we have the ambitious show jumper Peter with an active sex life on the circuit. with dreams of going to the Paris Olympics. That is until an eventful ride at an event.
Then there is Reed a Russian who follows his passion in holistic equine rehabilitation, with a past he wants to keep secret because being gay in Russia can be clangours especially when your connected to the Russian Mafia.
What I Liked about the romance between the two of them was the way that the connection built up over the novel with each other heeling from the past both emotionally and one physically.
With each step of their healing bringing them closer together, in such away that is engaging for me as a reader and yet does not feel over the top.
Even the side plot to the story were the equestrian centre is attacked slightly over the top it does not distract from the romance, making Remedy (Tulip Farm #1) by Alex Hall a gay sporting romance well worth reading.
January 29, 2022
I was so happy to see non-binary and bisexual representation within the horse world, something I’d not previously read in books. The characters were very fleshed out and felt real. This was a well written story. The development of Peter and Reed’s relationship, was slow, but was right for the pace of the story and felt natural.
Although, I will admit it was a little wordy at times and there were parts that dragged slightly for me, and the book felt longer than what it was because of it. I felt the author could’ve got to the point a little quicker than they did. It was nice to read a horse book that actually understood horses and felt realistic.
I received a copy of this title for review consideration. All opinions in my review are my own. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Although, I will admit it was a little wordy at times and there were parts that dragged slightly for me, and the book felt longer than what it was because of it. I felt the author could’ve got to the point a little quicker than they did. It was nice to read a horse book that actually understood horses and felt realistic.
I received a copy of this title for review consideration. All opinions in my review are my own. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
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