Spur of the Moment by Juliana Smith: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

“This might just be my favorite summer yet at Willow Creek. Lottie doesn’t know it, but I’m determined to make it her favorite too.”

Seventeen-year-old Lottie Turner was born to ride bulls.

Rodeos, big dreams, dusty boots—bull-riding was her whole life. Until the accident. Until the diagnosis that changed everything: epilepsy. Now her doctor and her family have grounded her for good. No bulls. No danger. No freedom.

Then Walker—her former best friend, first crush, and the boy who once knew every piece of her—returns to town for the summer. Walker’s supposed to be chasing stars with NASA, not mucking stalls, even if he really does want dirt, sweat, and saddles. He wants Lottie Turner and all of her wildness.

When Lottie makes a summer bucket list to find herself again, Walker’s the first to volunteer to do it with her. One item at a time, they tumble back into laughter, heat, and everything they left unsaid.

But as the sparks between them reignite, Lottie has to face the hardest truth of all: some risks can break you, but others are worth taking anyway.

The Author

Juliana Smith grew up in an Alabama small town and still calls it home―along with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and an ever-growing collection of unfinished stories to come. She writes sweet, feel-good romance full of charm, laughter, and just the right amount of yearning. When she’s not falling in love with her fictional characters, she’s probably in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru or deep-diving into Star Wars theory podcasts. Juliana believes in happily ever afters, second chances, and that life is better when you’re laughing (preferably with a Diet Dr Pepper in hand).

Book Review

I don't typically tend to reach for YA romance, but I've loved Juliana Smith's adult books, and I love a good cowboy romance, so knew I had to give this one a chance. And I'm so glad that I did. Honestly, aside from the mentions of Lottie about to begin her senior year of high school, I would probably not have realized quite how young these characters actually were, as they seemed quite mature for their intended age. I'd find myself forgetting that fact until it was mentioned again. As an adult, I think that helped me enjoy their story more, but it was still appropriate for the intended audience as well. (I would personally say upper YA, ages 16+ or so.) Lottie and Walker had a really great dynamic between them that I couldn't help but enjoy. The banter was great right from the start, and I loved how he supported her with her epilepsy... wanting to support her, without hindering her independence. With cowboys, a swoon worthy romance and all the summer vibes, this one was a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed! 

Spur of the Moment is a closed-door romance with kisses only and some minor language.


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/48aSgUP