Beyond the Paddock is a coming-of-age novel that weaves together street racing, foster care, and elite equestrian sport into a powerful story of brotherhood and transformation. Set against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of Inglewood and the tranquil horse farms of Kentucky, the book follows foster brothers Julian and Cameron Taylor, two Black teens navigating a world stacked against them. After a brush with the law, they are unexpectedly placed in the custody of their court-appointed attorney, Reign Brooks, and sent to rural Kentucky to live under the eye of her estranged father, a horse trainer embroiled in scandal. What begins as punishment slowly transforms into purpose, as the boys discover their unlikely talent in show jumping, ultimately rewriting the legacy of their upbringing.

What struck me most about Beyond the Paddock was how seamlessly Kimberly Ann Harrison blends grit and grace. Her writing is rich with texture. The dialogue pops, especially between the brothers. It’s fast, funny, and raw. The emotional tension never lets up, but it doesn’t feel heavy-handed. Harrison balances moments of fear and heartbreak with humor and hope, creating a rhythm that feels like real life. I appreciated the details of the world she built, from the foster system’s red tape to the unfamiliar traditions of equestrian sport; every element felt lived-in and personal.

What really got me, though, was the heart. This story isn’t just about fast cars and fancy horses. It’s about found family, second chances, and fighting like hell to stay together. Julian’s fierce protectiveness over his brother resonated with me. His desire to rise above and still cling to his roots is painfully relatable. And Cameron is a spark, sometimes reckless, always real. Watching him fall in love with horses, despite himself, made me feel like I was falling too. The arc they travel together is bumpy and full of bad decisions, but it’s never without love. Harrison makes you root for them, even when they’re messing up big time.

Beyond the Paddock is a story about rewriting the rules and reclaiming your place in a world that never expected much from you. It’s gripping and full of swagger, but it’s also soft where it counts. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s ever felt out of place, especially teens and young adults who crave stories where street smarts and heart collide. If you loved The Hate U Give or Friday Night Lights, this one’s for you.

Pages: 447 | ASIN : B0FBHCXKGQ