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~ Review 95 - Saddles & Scandals by @ambyislove ~

Book Information
Title: Saddles & Scandals

Author: ambyislove
Genre: Romance (MATURE 18+)
Chapters: 8

Reviewed by Sharon_nthelse

Plot Development: A Fresh Start with Room to Grow

From the get-go, the story throws you right into Valentina's nightmare: being dumped at a summer camp, far from her creature comforts, and then poof, she's stuck sharing a cottage with three guys. The initial setup is classic "fish out of water" meets "enemies-to-lovers" (or at least, highly annoyed-to-maybe-lovers), but it moves at a really good clip. We quickly go from the disastrous room assignment to a hilariously awkward bathroom encounter, then into her attempts to escape, and finally, a bonfire and a daring horse ride.

The pacing feels just right for this kind of story – it's brisk without feeling rushed, keeping me engaged and wanting to know what mishap Valentina will stumble into next. The conflicts are mostly character-driven right now, which is smart, and I'm curious to see how the "camp volunteer" aspect blends with the romance and comedy as things progress. It's not reinventing the wheel in terms of its core premise, but the execution makes "Saddles & Scandals" feel fresh.

Character Depth: Quirky, Relatable, and Intriguing

This is where the novel really shines for me.

Valentina is an absolute gem. She's not your typical sweet, naive protagonist. Her sarcasm, her internal dramatics ("murder-y vibes," "creepy thirst-trapped Jane Austen protagonist"), and her attachment to her Sanrio plushies and skincare make her incredibly unique and, surprisingly, very relatable in her exasperation. I particularly loved her internal monologue about not wanting to "shrink herself down for other people" – it hints at a deeper vulnerability and a journey of self-acceptance that I'm eager to see unfold. She's flawed, funny, and I'm totally rooting for her.

Tristan is shaping up to be that mysterious, brooding bad boy we all secretly love. He's initially rude and intimidating, but there are these small moments – like his "unfiltered" laugh or his almost-compliments – that peel back layers and make you wonder what's really going on with him. The tension between him and Valentina is palpable, and their snarky banter is definitely a highlight.

Theo and Max round out the trio perfectly. Theo is the loud, goofy one who's always stirring the pot, providing much-needed comedic relief. Max, on the other hand, seems like the more grounded "mom-friend" of the group, a nice balance to Theo's chaos. Their individual personalities already feel distinct, and their dynamic with Valentina is a big part of the fun.

Writing Style: Witty, Vivid, and Easy to Devour

The author has a fantastic handle on voice and tone. Valentina's first-person narration is consistently strong, pulling you into her head with all her sarcastic observations and dramatic flair. The dialogue is sharp, realistic, and genuinely funny – I found myself chuckling out loud multiple times. The banter, especially between Valentina and Tristan, is spot-on and drives their chemistry.

I also appreciated the little sensory details – the "honey-thick humidity," the distinct "reeking of weed, testosterone, and Axe body spray" (hilarious description!), and the smell of pine and horse sweat. These small touches really bring the camp setting to life. The use of contemporary references (like "Euphoria era" and "Deadpool") feels natural and adds to the novel's modern vibe.

Originality: Fresh Spin on Familiar Tropes

While the core concept of "girl meets boys at camp" isn't groundbreaking, "Saddles & Scandals" injects enough personality and unique elements to make it feel fresh. Valentina's very specific brand of humor and her privileged but relatable anxieties elevate her beyond a generic YA heroine. The distinct personalities of the male leads, especially the "unholy trinity" description, create a memorable dynamic. The "Teen Girl Yeeted by Horse" line was a stroke of genius – exactly the kind of unexpected, darkly humorous detail that sets this story apart. It's taking familiar ingredients and whipping them into something surprisingly delightful.

Grammar: Polished and Professional

From what I've read, the grammar is solid. There aren't any glaring errors that pull you out of the story, which is always a good sign. The sentences are well-structured, and the flow is smooth, allowing the author's voice and the characters' dialogue to shine through without distraction. It's clear that care has been taken in the editing process.

Emotional Impact: Laughter, Awkwardness, and a Hint of Fluttering Hearts

This novel primarily delivers on the humor front. I found myself laughing a lot at Valentina's internal thoughts and her interactions with the boys. The awkwardness of her situation is also very well-conveyed, making you cringe and empathize with her.

Beyond the comedy, there's a definite undercurrent of developing attraction and tension, especially between Valentina and Tristan. Those little moments, like his "Good girl" comment (even if meant for the horse!), create a genuine emotional flutter. There's also a sense of newfound freedom and recklessness during the horse ride, adding another layer of emotional experience for the reader. It's a fun, lighthearted read that still manages to connect on an emotional level.

Overall Coherence: A Solid Foundation

Everything feels connected and consistent. The characters stay true to their established personalities, and the plot progresses logically even through the more chaotic scenes. The shift in Valentina's attitude, from complete disdain to a hint of grudging acceptance, feels organic. The world of the camp, even with its oddities like Carl the crocheting receptionist, feels established and believable within the story's tone. I didn't feel lost or confused at any point, which speaks to the author's ability to maintain a clear narrative.

Final Thoughts (So Far)

"Saddles & Scandals" has captured my attention with its vibrant protagonist, witty dialogue, and genuinely funny situations. It's a promising start to what feels like will be a very entertaining and charming contemporary YA romance. I'm excited to see where Valentina's camp adventure takes her next!