Taking the Reins is the second book in the Hearts & Horse Trials series and follows on with groom Elsa, who we originally met in Just a Groom, and her on/off relationship with up and coming eventer Frederick. Things get even more heated in this book as there's new characters introduced to drive a further wedge between the two, and as things improve for Elsa and Sophia's careers, Frederick's appears to be going down the swanny.

I enjoyed the second book in this series for the most part, and I genuinely really enjoy seeing Elsa go about her daily life as a groom, and her life in the show arena with Sophia. I liked how many shows were a part of this book, and I loved the strengthening friendship between Elsa, Ava and Sophia. It's always great to see strong representations of female friendships in books and all the girls really supported each other no matter what!

Frederick definitely became a bit annoying in this book. He was very hot and cold, and I didn't like that Elsa seemed happy to just be led on by him - no matter how good-looking he is.Some of his actions didn't make much sense in comparison to the type of guy he seemed in the first book. In Taking the Reins, he appeared to be very defeatist and allowed everyone to walk all over him instead of just standing up for himself. The end of this one frustrated me quite a bit, as I honestly just can't seem to understand how he allowed it to happy and the character I met in the first book wouldn't have allowed it.

I hope the read Frederick comes back soon in the third book, and is ready to sweep Elsa off her feet again. But I'm looking forward to more time with Timber Bear, Drop Kick, Nobby and all the horsey lovelies from this series in the next book.