Riding High

by Joss Wood

A galloping tale of love, inheritance, lies and scandal, all set against the backdrop of a stunning country estate in the beautiful English countryside.Eden Ennis is a stranger to high society. So when she turns up at the Elmsleigh House estate, determined to tell billionaire owner Troyden Castle that she is his niece, she is completely out of her depth.

Jed Harris is not only the star polo-player, he’s Troyden’s stepson. He’s also the only man she’s ever fainted at the sight of – or that could just be her allergy to horses.

Can Eden reveal her true identity and rein in the elusive Jed? In the game of love, sometimes the hardest match is the one for the heart…

Praise for Riding High:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'If you're looking for a fast-paced, feel-good escape with plenty of spark and sass, this one’s a perfect pick. Sweet, sexy, and just what I needed'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Riding High was such a sweet, feel-good read, and I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I did! It was my first Joss Wood book and now I totally get why people keep recommending her. Definitely a 4.5 star read for me'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I am obsessed – this was so fun! The FMC was so funny and I love her. This book was so great – I highly recommend'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'A captivating story of love, secrets and family drama set amidst the picturesque English countryside. This book blends romance and intrigue effortlessly'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'The perfect romcom with a dash of one of my favourite sports. The pacing was just right, the found family trope is done so well and the romance was simply gorgeous. Fun, flirty, and refreshing'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'Riding High was an absolutely fantastic read. I’m a sucker for a romance with a unique sports angle, and the polo plus English countryside estate vibe delivered'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh I loooved this! The polo/English castle vibe of this book was fantastic. Honestly might bump it to a 4.5 star!'

Perfect for fans of Jilly Cooper, and trope-led romances with a HEA

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2025

About the author

Joss Wood loves books and travelling— especially to the wild places of Southern Africa and, well, anywhere.

She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.


Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...

Reviews

[Ifi_me_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating 2.5/5 ⭐

As a huge fan of sports romances, I was genuinely excited to read something a bit different from the usual football/hockey tropes. A story with depth, a unique setting, and two characters searching for belonging? It had potential.

Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite work for me. Despite a promising premise and a few charmingly flirty scenes in the beginning, the pacing felt flat, and I struggled to stay engaged. The chapters were long, and while I usually don’t mind that, the story didn’t hold enough emotional tension or momentum to keep me invested.

The dual POVs and the third-person narration were well-handled, and I did appreciate Troyden’s character – his presence brought warmth and added something meaningful to both protagonists’ journeys. However, the chemistry between the leads felt underdeveloped, the story might’ve worked just as well (or better) as a spice-clean romance.

Both main characters had complex relationships with their families, which could have been a strong emotional anchor, but I found myself wanting more depth!


_ _ _ _ _

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange my honest opinion!

[Naii · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF (will most likely pick back up later)

The book's description, especially the line "a galloping tale of love, inheritance, and lies," initially drew me in. However, as I read, the plot seemed to try to incorporate those three elements, resulting in a tangled narration. Also it's no way I'm accepted to believe Jed (mmc) was 35, given his childish behavior.

I liked Eden, especially her internal struggle with acceptance and rejection, as well as the polo aspect of the story, which I wish had been explored more. The horse allergy was a great addition, highlighting how the MMC and side characters cared for and loved Eden.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I also loved troyden and his relationship with his step kids.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Uk, One More Chapter for the ARC!

My first ever Polo book and I kinda wished it would have focused a bit more on the sport. I didn't quite believe his instant lust for her (also Eden Ennis? That's a wild choice for a name). Also (SPOILER) why was there a ghost and a big money scam??
I would love to read a book about Troyden's life though!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

am I…..a horse girl???

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a cute and entertaining book. It’s very readable and there were some really fun aspects to it. I thought the main couple had good chemistry, though I thought the physical side of their relationship happened very suddenly, with very little build up. The book in general was a little rushed, though I thought the final drama was quite good and I enjoyed the angsty element of it.

The main issue I had in the book was some of the writing choices. There were way too many pop culture references and descriptions of characters that hinged on celebrities – it wasn’t necessary and it didn’t improve the writing at all. I also thought some of the book didn’t read as if it was set in the UK; the terminology wasn’t consistent (for example, referring to a mobile phone as a cell; the police officer character is just described as a ‘detective’ when referred to). It wasn’t constant, but it was jarring when it did happen, and I think a good edit could smooth that out.

It was fine, but it wasn’t really for me. The writing style didn’t work for me, though I found it fairly entertaining and a quick read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Forced proximity, sports, class difference, grumpy/sunshine, animals.

Warnings: Allergic reaction, absent parent, grief, death of a parent (in past), mild violence.

Other: On-page sex, oral sex, fingering, semi-public sex, OM drama She goes on a date with an OM but it doesn’t go anywhere, the MMC is jealous though..

[rina dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a sports romance and was super excited to read something different from the normal hockey/f1 romances I tend to gravitate too and I love that this is focusing on polo as one of my all time loves are also horses.

Riding High was a bit of a mixed bag for me! I had a fun time but struggled with the insta-lust and cringed an awful lot at the spicy scenes but if you can get past that it's quite a charming story of two characters who are both searching for belonging and I loved the family dynamics within Elmsleigh House.
I adored Eden's uncle Troyden. He's a good egg all round, and tbh he made this book for me.

I also think having Eden fall in love with Jed, a Polo player whilst she's allergic to horses, offered a fun, different take on typical romance.

There's scandal galore in this one, and tbh I enjoyed this and Eden and Jed's backgrounds and their messy family history more than the romance.

Overall, this had great potential and fell slightly flat for me in some places, but I think if you're looking for an easy read that is a little different, then you might enjoy this one.

[er]

DNF

Unfortunately this was a dnf for me. I requested this because I read the author's previous book last year and I liked it, so I was curious about this new work. As an avid sports romance reader, I was also intrigued by reading about a new sport (Polo).

I couldn't really connect to the main characters and the story couldn't hold my attention, I repeatedly found myself distracted and in the end I decided to stop reading. I don't know if it was the pacing or if the story just wasn't for me.

Thank you anyway to Netgalley, One More Chapter UK and the author for giving me this opportunity!

[Clara Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I’m into polo now?!

This was a fun sports romance that was a new one for me - my first polo romance novel! I loved the chemistry here, and the horse allergy was actually so clever and worked really nicely alongside the underlying secret (no spoilers!) that was keeping them apart.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for this eARC!

[Oana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved eden character but i did not really enjoy that much her romantic relationship i don’t know for me it just felt like it was too hard to enjoy or to really like them together
I loved more toryden s character and his relationship with the children than this

But maybe it will work for some people

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I’d like to thank NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Joss Wood for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Eden arrives in the English countryside, she has one mission in mind: to feel out the billionaire uncle she never knew existed until a few months ago. But after fainting, discovering she’s allergic to horses, and waking up in the strong arms of Jed — the estate’s star polo player and, inconveniently, her uncle’s stepson — Eden finds herself thrown headfirst into the world of high society, a patchwork family like no other, and a whirlwind romance with the emotionally unavailable Jed.
But Eden didn’t come empty-handed. She’s carrying a secret big enough to shatter everything she’s just started to build. And when the truth comes out, she fears she’ll lose everything she’s only just begun to hold dear.
Riding High is a perfectly average summer countryside romance, generously seasoned with a “found family” vibe. Across its 329 pages, there’s not a single plot twist you won’t see coming — and sometimes, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There were parts I genuinely enjoyed: Eden’s freshly discovered horse allergy, the constant bickering between Troyden’s stepchildren, and classic rom-com shenanigans like accidentally destroying a medieval suit of armor.
That said, some character behaviors had me cringing. I found it difficult to believe Jed was supposed to be in his thirties when he acted like a moody teenager half the time. And Eden’s obsession with Korean culture, especially when she kept comparing a British man to her favorite Korean actor, felt a little out of place and rubbed me the wrong way.
What disappointed me most, though, was the execution of the romance between Eden and Jed. I can forgive the instant attraction trope — it’s a staple in romance for a reason — but their relationship lacked any real, valuable emotional progression. One moment they’re drooling over each other, the next they’re avoiding eye contact, and then suddenly they’re making out in some dramatic, out-of-nowhere scene that launches an entire summer fling. And when things finally heated up, most of the interesting spicy moments either faded to black or happened entirely off-page. It was a letdown that stripped away much of the tension the story had been building. Jed himself also felt frustratingly underdeveloped compared to Eden. While we follow her growth and inner conflict, Jed remains a handsome, broody prop with almost no insight into his backstory or motivations. I wish Wood had spent more time exploring his character — especially how he became so jaded about love in the first place.
It’s a very low-stakes story overall. Everyone’s rich, and every problem that arises can essentially be solved with a check signed by Troyden. No real consequences, no lasting tension. In the end, Riding High wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t anything special either. It might be someone else’s unforgettable summer romance — but for me, it’s a book I’ll have entirely forgotten by the time the season changes.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding High is a romance set on the estate of a British billionaire polo player. It involves family secrets, mismanagement of funds from a charitable foundation, and two characters with enough emotional baggage to fill an airplane.
Eden Ennis is a young lady who was emotionally neglected by her mother, who took in foster kids. Eden never knew her father and is surprised when she learns that her uncle is billionaire Troyden Castle. She gets a job with a charitable foundation which is primarily funded by Mr. Castle and works very hard for six years. Eventually she realizes that the couple who run the foundation are embezzling money, so she reports them to the authorities. While they investigate, she cannot discuss the situation and is unemployed. She decides to finally visit the Elmsleigh House estate that her uncle owns, hoping to get a glimpse of him in person. Unfortunately she sees her former employers, so she hides in the stable, where is discovered by a handsome man.
Jed Harris is one of Troyden Castle’s many former stepchildren, from his many failed marriages. While Troyden was a bad husband and ruthless businessman, he is a pushover to his kids and maintains strong relationships with all of them. Jed is a professional polo player and is participating in a preseason match for fun. When he’s in the stables, he spots a beautiful woman hiding in there. When she sees him, she sneezes and then immediately faints. Jed is suspicious of this woman, and his first loyalty is to Troyden, who all of the stepchildren are protective of.
Jed and Eden begin a relationship, but neither trusts the other because of past emotional hurts. Eden is afraid to reveal her true identity as Troyden’s niece, and then information leaks about the investigation into her former employer and the embezzled funds. Jed has to decide who he believes, and Eden has to let others in.
Riding High isn’t the lighthearted romantic comedy that I expected. There’s a lot of heavy subject matter, and both Jed and Eden have a lot of emotional baggage. The story is more character development with themes of self-love and family love than romantic love. The descriptions were so clear that it was like watching a movie, and the characters’ emotions were very authentic. I especially liked the camaraderie between Troyden’s many stepchildren. Overall I enjoyed Riding High , even if it wasn’t a lighthearted romp.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joss Wood’s Riding High delivers a tender and emotionally layered romance set against the backdrop of a posh English estate and the unexpected world of competitive polo.

At its heart is Eden Ennis, a young woman who has spent her life yearning for a family to call her own after being disowned by her mother.

When she discovers a living relative her wealthy, larger-than-life uncle Troyden, Eden takes a leap of faith and travels to his estate, hoping to find a place to belong.

What she finds is more than just a home - she discovers an eclectic, loving, and surprisingly welcoming family.

Wood nails the found family trope with warmth and grace.

Troyden is an instant highlight: a paternal figure who envelops Eden with affection and treats her like one of his own, which adds emotional heft to Eden’s journey from isolation to inclusion.

Their relationship is one of the novel’s most touching elements, providing a steady foundation as the romantic plot unfolds.

Enter Jed - Troyden’s grumpy, polo-playing grandson who is initially skeptical of Eden’s sudden appearance.

What starts as suspicion soon morphs into chemistry, and from there, into something deeper. Their meet-cute, complete with Eden’s horse allergy in the middle of a polo-obsessed household, is equal parts humorous and charming.

That said, the romance between Eden and Jed is where the novel occasionally falters.

While their dynamic promises plenty of emotional tension, much of their development is told rather than shown. The connection between them feels uneven at times - more built on narrative exposition than lived-in moments.

When Eden’s secret eventually comes to light, both her decision to keep it and Jed’s reaction feel emotionally grounded and believable. Still, their romance never quite reaches the heights it seems to aim for, missing some of the emotional spark needed to truly sell their love story.

Where the book truly shines is in its emotional undercurrent - this is a story about identity, trust, and belonging.

Jed, in particular, emerges as a standout character. Despite his initial gruffness, he proves himself to be deeply loyal, attentive, and refreshingly honest.

His unwavering support of Eden, especially when others doubt her, provides some of the novel’s most satisfying moments. His multiple apologies and emotionally charged declarations are well-earned and deeply heartfelt.

The polo setting, while unique, feels a bit underutilised. It adds a luxurious, fresh backdrop to the story but doesn’t quite become an integral part of the narrative. A bit more immersion in the sport could have elevated the uniqueness of the setting.

Riding High is a charming, emotionally resonant read that succeeds in delivering a heartfelt story of finding love and family in the most unexpected of places.

While the romance could have used more on-the-page development and the pacing tightened, the themes of belonging, second chances, and emotional healing more than make up for it.

With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book packed full of characters and storylines with a punchy romance in its centre. It is about twice the length of a Harlequin/Mills & Boon, so more satisfying – something you can settle down with over a couple of evenings rather than a few hours. I like this author, so this was always going to be a treat for me as I like her emotionally grown-up characters and in particular the way male leads are written (she always describes their physical mannerisms in ways which bring them to life for me).

Whilst there is more book than usual, I do not think there is more romance than usual: the romance has the same impact, space and substance as the usual shorter forms and that the additional space is made up of more complicated plotlines; a wider, more richly developed cast of other characters and a sense of space. This was not to the book’s detriment but is for note.

So, about the romance. Despite more plot lines and the characters very much being a product of their complicated backgrounds, this is a largely trope-free story (much my favourite) and is about 2 folk meeting, working through their issues and getting an HEA. The emotional jeopardy comes for Eden (out-of-work charity worker) in over-coming the scars of an emotionally neglected life and for Jed (Polo player) in overcoming his need to constantly prove his worth. I thought Jed was the more emotionally developed of the two, but there is much to like and believe in about both.

There is quite a bit else going on in this book beside the romance – a gaggle of Jed’s family and their relationships to Eden and each other; several plot lines to follow (some touted in the synopsis, some not, but no spoilers here) and there is the whole posh England in summer background & vibe. I thought the latter would annoy me, but honestly it did not, because the characters were too much fun, largely stereotypes, but warm and entertaining. It is no spoiler to mention the ‘allergy to horses’ storyline; aside from being a fairly clunky plot device, I do not think this contributed to the overall story, but the author does explain she has personal experience of this and so wanted to write about it.

This is a grown-up romance written with lots of contemporary references; it is largely trope free and delivers an emotionally affecting story; it is served alongside several dollops of storylines and fun characters. I enjoyed it very much.

I read an advance copy of this book.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding High
by Joss Wood

I have read several books by Joss Wood over the last few months, and I must say I really enjoy them. Each story offers a delightful escape with vibrant characters that truly shine throughout the story. The latest addition, "Riding High," is a lighthearted romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a sprawling British estate owned by a charming billionaire, intertwining the thrills of polo with a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.

Eden Ennis has always felt like a bit of a loner. Growing up in an emotionally neglected household, where her mother’s treatment of her was the same as that of the foster children she would take in, differences left deep scars. Eden yearns for a family that embraces her, providing the warmth and love she has always sought. Driven by a desire to connect with her roots, she embarks on a quest to find her uncle Troyden, someone she has only learned about through a surprising DNA test that revealed familial ties she never knew existed. To her astonishment, she discovers that he uncle had a very close bond with his stepchildren, who have formed a tight-knit family despite their unconventional circumstances.

Jed Harris, a ruggedly handsome man with a complicated past, is one of Troyden Castle’s many former stepchildren, a product of his uncle's numerous marriages. When Eden first encounters him at the estate, her nerves get the best of her; she sneezes unexpectedly and immediately faints, causing quite the stir. Jed, known for his loyalty to his uncle and his protective nature over the family dynamic, is initially suspicious of this new arrival. He questions her intentions and wonders what role this mysterious woman will play in the already intricate tapestry of their lives.

As the story unfolds, the chemistry between Eden and Jed ignites, blending humour, tension, and the exploration of what it truly means to feel loved and accepted in a family. With themes of belonging and the complexities of relationships, "Riding High" promises an engaging read that will keep readers laughing and rooting for these characters as they navigate the highs and lows of love and family.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a fun time with this one. I liked Eden generally as a character, and I thought the development of the relationship between her and Jed was done well, once I’d gotten past the initial insta-lust which sadly didn’t feel believable compared to a lot of other aspects of their relationship which did. However, for me this wasn’t the best, or even core, relationship within the story. The thing that I liked most about this book was the found family element. Getting to know the backstory of Troyden and his stepchildren, and seeing how Eden was brought into the fold was a real highlight. The wider family was a delight – a mix of characters but they all felt real and it was fun piecing together how their personalities and strengths combined into such a strong family unit.

I’ve read a lot of books set in the equestrian world, but none specifically related to polo, and it was nice to get a few details scattered into the story. That being said, I really would have liked more on this aspect. With Eden’s horse allergy (not a spoiler) it felt very much like the equestrian elements were relegated to plot point – Eden’s reaction to horses was needed to show the care the family had for her by the changes they made to accommodate her, and polo was needed for a big event at the end of the book. It kind of felt like the polo was inconsequential outside of this which was a real shame. For instance, there were stirrings of the bond between man and horse in the references to Rey – Jed’s favourite polo pony – but we never really got beyond surface level with this, and given how strong the human relationships were, I would have really liked to have seen how human-animal relationships were portrayed.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read to curl up with. There were definitely some elements that didn’t quite work for me but it was a sweet, fun time and I’d read more in this world.

With thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ahead of publication.

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Eden Ennis longs for a family who makes her feel loved and included. When her mother disowned her in order to become a nun, she felt incredibly alone in the world. Having discovered that she has a living relative, she makes her way to his estate to determine if he would accept her into the family fold. She doesn’t have to wait long as Troyden, her wealthy uncle, immediately envelops her into his eclectic family of step children. Though excited to be welcomed into the family, Eden has a secret she’s not ready to share. When Troyden’s grumpy grandson, Jed, meets her for the first time, he’s suspicious of her motives. But as the summer goes on, they quickly start to develop feelings for each other. What will happen when Eden’s secret comes out?

There’s a lot to like about Ms. Wood’s novel. I really loved the found family trope (it’s one of my favorites), and it was lovely to see Eden warmly welcomed into the family. I thought it was funny that Polo was an important part of the family’s life and that Eden was allergic to horses. It made for a humorous meet cute. I loved Eden’s relationship with Troyden, it was lovely to see the warm, fatherly affection he had for her and the way he showed her she was an important part of the family.

I did think the story lost its pacing in the middle, and felt myself losing interest. I also think the relationship between Jed and Eden was a lot of telling and less showing. I didn’t quite feel the connection between them. The reason for Eden keeping her secret is very reasonable and made sense. I would even say that Jed’s reaction when it came out also made sense. And yet, there was something missing for me. I just didn’t really buy into the love they had for each other.

While an original idea to set the story with polo as a back drop, it wasn’t quite memorable.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Joss Wood book, and I’m already hooked! Riding High was an absolutely fantastic read. I’m a sucker for a romance with a unique sports angle, and the polo + English countryside estate vibe delivered a fresh and charming backdrop that felt luxe without being over the top.

Now let’s talk about Jed. Sweet, solid, squishy Jed. I loved him. He might have claimed this was all “just for fun”, but from the moment he met Eden, his actions said otherwise. He never once doubted her when it really counted, even when the Bancrofts tried to cast suspicion. His constant support, the way he kept an eye on her, and that love confession? Pure gold. Jed’s multiple apologies, his promise to put Eden and their relationship first, and his protective nature were all so deeply satisfying. His declaration to his family, and his “she’s moving in” moment, were perfect.

I also appreciated the emotional layering. Sure, this had humor, heat, and some fun twists (a ghost? a scam?), but at its core, this story is about finding your place, your person, and choosing love, even when it's messy or unexpected.

If I had one wish, it would be for just a bit more focus on the polo aspect. But honestly, Eden and Jed had me in their grip, so I can’t complain much. Their chemistry was believable, the tension was addictive, and their happily ever after felt truly earned.

✨ Verdict: This might technically be a 4 star read, but my heart is bumping it to a 4.5. I loved these two. Jed + Eden = perfection. 💕

Thank you to NetGalley, Joss Wood, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

[Michelle Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cosy sports romance involving gorgeous polo players, wealth, found family, acceptance, secrets, and belonging.

Eden, the female protagonist, after spending much of her life seeking acceptance, manages to trace her paternal uncle, Troyden, who happens to also be fabulously wealthy, as in billionaire wealthy.

Troyden, having been married and divorced five times, has a blended family of step-children. One of them is the male protagonist, a very sexy and successful polo player, Jed.

The two protagonists are immediately attracted to one another but will do their best to fight the appeal.

Meanwhile, amid the splendour and luxury that goes hand-in-hand with the world of polo, there are secrets fighting to remain hidden. Secrets that could tear apart the happiness and family alike.

I really enjoyed Joss Woods' Riding High, and this was my first sports romance. The plot, characters, setting, and dialogue flowed seamlessly, with no one element dominating the others. The characters were believable, witty, intelligent, and easy to relate to. There was a strong focus on family and belonging, and understanding and accepting the role you hold within it.

While the writing flowed for the most part, I did feel the use of compound structures within sentences was excessive and could be distracting at times.
I also would have preferred the change in POV to have been marked by a new chapter, headed with whose POV it was being told from.

All in all, this was a lovely, cosy read, with a HEA. I would love to see romance for Mick, Troyden, and Henry. Could there be a series here?

Either way, I'll be seeking out more of Joss Woods books.

[Payton Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first polo book and I gotta say, this author really did make the sport seem fast-paced and peaked my attention when the polo scene started the book, which is rare when I know nothing about this sport at all. Jed is a top player, who works for his step-dad’s team, and their relationship is just so fun, and protective. When Eden starts asking around about Jed’s step-dad, he gets super protective and basically calls her out, until they both realize she is allergic to horses and passes out.

After that, slowly and surely, as Eden recovers she meets all of her uncle’s family, and finds out they are all his step children, and he just overall really never met a child and didn’t love them. This book is so big on found family, and Jed and his siblings really show this to another level. I don’t think I’ve read a book in a while that did found family as good as this one, because you’d never know these people aren’t related by blood, they are a family in every sense of the word. They then take in Eden, who has no family left, after growing up in the system, and being ghosted by her foster mother, she really connects with this family of misfits, and I loved it so much.

Jed and Eden have chemistry that comes out in heat and anger at first, and slowly turns into more as they spend time together and Eden sees how charming and lovable Jed is, especially when he takes time to really protect her from her horse allergy, and when he opens up about his family! This book was so good, and I enjoyed reading it!

[charmette.books · Rating 2 out of 5]

The publisher summary of Riding High sounded very interesting, but the story never really drew me in. Eden is isolated from her family, and wants to meet her uncle Troyden, who is very rich and powerful. She heads to a polo match at his estate to scout the territory. While there, she has an allergy attack, meets a handsome if enigmatic polo player, and gets to know her uncle and the rest of the family.

This is a romance, but the characters lack chemistry and I didn’t feel their connection. Jed falls instantly in love with Eden, but their love story didn’t really work for me. The relationship progression throughout the book was uneven and didn’t always make sense: for example, they would ignore each other followed by a love scene.

I had a hard time getting invested in any of the characters. Eden’s search for her family was well-intentioned, but her fixation on Korean culture was annoying. Jed was selfish and immature, with mood swings typical of an adolescent, not a 35 year old successful athlete. The rest of the characters and the plot fell flat for me. The plot was too predictable, with little depth.

The pacing felt slow to me, and the writing style overall didn’t click with me. There were too many pop culture references, and the events of the story didn’t always make sense. I hoped for a sports romance full of flirty banter, chemistry, and polo matches, but the book fell short.

Thank you to Joss Wood, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

This was a fun, light-hearted romance that would make a fantastic read when you're on holiday. The stakes are low, and the romance is pretty high!

Eden wants to connect with her genetic uncle, Troyden Castle, after a series of troubles. She has no idea who her dad is, and a troublesome relationship with her mum over the years has meant she's desperate for a family. There's also a little problem in that she worked for some of his close friends, and now the police are involved with them. Either way, she connects with Troyden at a polo event on his grounds, where she also interacts with Jed, the handsome star polo player who is also Troyden's stepson.

The sparks fly immediately with them both, but he's convinced she's hiding something, and she's trying to avoid getting too entangled with him. There's also the fact that he's a polo player, and she turns out to be seriously allergic to horses.

The characters here were all fun and enjoyable, even if the plot felt a little unrealistic at times. But I enjoyed it enough to ignore those bits. Mick was funny and incredibly endearing, and Troyden was happy to get to know his new niece. Jed is wary and moody, but eventually comes around.

The only issues I have are that it felt like the insta-love was a little too much, and they were also perpetually horny. Other than that, a fun read!

[Brooke Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harpercollions UK for letting me read this as an arc. I’m going to be honest I don’t know how this is getting published by a top 5 publishing company. It’s not even formatted correctly. Which is very annoying and takes way to long to get used too. As well everything is so random like one minute he opening a door for her and then they are making out on said door as his family is behind the door and neither are drunk. The characters are very unreliable and are also stupid. For example the FMC has an allergy to horses but she continues to be around the stables and people that ride horses all day. She “falls in love” with a polo player. I don’t for one second believe that once this book ends they won’t divorce or breakup again. Also the FMC dosent follow police orders like she is told to do meaning she should be in jail. Also this book has very little to do with polo. No explanations on anything polo related the author just assumes you know. Don’t get me started on the love bombing happening between these two. You’ve known each other for 2 months have been hooking up for maybe 1 month and you make your relationship official by saying I love you. It’s very unrealistic. The parts that are good are very clearly meant to be put in social media as marketing strategy and no effort was put into anything but those parts. Overall this wasn’t good and I wish I could get my time back from reading this.

[Mandy Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eden has always been a bit of a loner. She goes to her try to find a familial connection with her Uncle at his estate and to watch her first Polo Match. It's there she meets Jedson, a polo player.
Jedson is a Polo player who ends up getting Eden help for an allergic reaction. He is also her uncle's ex-step son.
Turns out that her uncle (Tryoden), still has very close relationships with all his children and they all reside on the estate like a big compound. So Eden is thrown into a big happy family.
I loved that we got a book about Polo! This was my first intro to the Polo world.
I will admit, it felt a little bit off putting to me with the Eden/Jed relationship. There was definitely chemistry and tension though between them.
The family dynamics were so unique in this book and I think it has great potential to be a higher rated book, but I do feel it needs a bit of work.
The plot felt a bit disjointed and unorganized. So I feel like the plot needs some structure work.
The characters need further development. They aren't bad, I just think we need a little more.
It is a quick read. Certainly a great summer read.
With a little bit of work, has great potential.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Happy Reading!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling in love when you least expect it!
I feel for Eden as she builds the courage to visit her uncle finally at a polo match whom she never met as missing having family after her mother vowed her life to the church. Add to that her place of work is in turmoil with her discovery of their mismanagement and Eden is feeling out of sorts. When a kind gentleman chats with her at the polo match to give her the lowdown of the game, she feels welcomed and especially spying #3 who lights up all her nether bits. When she sees her former bosses, she heads to the stables to hide and discovers Jed, aka #3. All seems like it is going well, until her sneezing and eye tearing goes through the roof and she passes out. She wakes up to Mick, Jed’s step-sister doctoring her allergic reaction to horses. Yet Jed’s suspicion that Eden is there to become the next date for his uncle who is attracted to young women and treats her poorly. I love Jed’s comeuppance when he discovers Eden true relationship to his stepfather. When things between the two escalate, Eden worries what the impact of turning her former bosses in to the police will have on Jed and her newfound family. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and expect to fell the pull at your heartstrings for how perfectly imperfect Jed and Eden are together!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilariously brilliant rom-com set in the English countryside.
I loved Eden and my heart broke for how she had suffered and never been accepted.
When she ends up in Elmsleigh Castle,the Castle estate belonging to her uncle Troyden Castle,she doesn't tell him who she is,because she does not want to be rejected again.
She attends her first polo match and is instantly attracted to Jed,star player and Troyden's stepson.She ends up fainting at his feet.
Jed adores Troyden and will do anything to protect him.He thinks Eden is after his money.He wants Eden and the chemistry between them is instant,but he cannot get distracted by that.
As soon as Eden meets the family,they all welcome her with open arms.Eden is jeeping a secret and she knows when it comes out,they will all turn their backs on her,especially Jed.
Eden and Jed give into their attraction for each other,but it is temporary as Jed does not do relationships.
Thsy get to their happily ever after,but there are lots of laugh out loud moments,family banter,love,found family,secrets,tears,heartbreak,
swoony moments,steam and romance along the way.
Enjoyed every single minute of this book from the not so meet cute to the happily ever after and cannot wait to read more by Joss.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75


Eden busca respuestas sobre su origen familiar tras descubrir que Troyden Castle, un millonario aficionado al polo, podría ser su tío. Su experiencia se complica cuando sufre una reacción alérgica severa a los caballos, lo que la pone en contacto directo con Jed Harris, jugador estrella del equipo de polo y uno de los hijastros de Troyden.

Jed es el hijo ilegítimo de un duque fallecido, ha sido criado por Troyden y vive dividido entre su pasión por el polo y su talento oculto como artesano de muebles. Es un hombre reservado, leal y protector, que no confía fácilmente, pero que no puede evitar sentirse atraído por la curiosa, vulnerable y decidida Eden.

A lo largo de la novela, ambos deben enfrentarse no solo a su atracción mutua, sino a heridas emocionales profundas. Eden busca pertenecer, encontrar una familia o al menos entender su historia; Jed, por el contrario, teme abrirse y ser herido. El desarrollo de su relación es natural, a veces tenso, pero emocionalmente resonante. La novela no se limita al romance, sino que profundiza en la identidad, el poder del pasado y la necesidad humana de conexión.



Espero que todos los hermanastros tengan sus libros.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

[Pheobe Harper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rated this book 2.5 stars.

I struggled a bit with this book and it put me in a bit of a slump, and it wasn’t the writing or the plot that did this. I feel it was the chapter length. Pretty much every chapter was 20 minutes long, there were no quick chapters which helped bring the story along, and nothing I could squeeze in while eating my breakfast before work. Shockingly I quite enjoyed the 3rd person Pov in this, it was written in a way I still very much enjoyed the book. It still gave the characters thoughts and feelings in a way that I very much enjoy from first person pov. I’m not a fan of 3rd person books but I would recommend this to anyone who also isn’t.
As an equestrian myself I really enjoyed the equestrian side of this story. There’s not loads, but it’s nice to have a little glimpse. Towards the end of the book where they say I love you to each other, kind of shocked me a little. I didn’t feel like there was enough interaction actually between them for them to get to this stage, it must’ve been a lot ‘behind the scenes’ of the book. Overall I did enjoy this book, and it’s great for a palate cleanser or when you’re wanting something easy between books.

I was kinding gifted this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Riding High was exactly what I expected from Joss Wood, whose stories I’ve enjoyed for some time now. A couple to enjoy, situations both heartbreaking and hilarious, and a story to easily get caught up in.

Eden has come to this English estate (castle) with the intent of checking out her uncle in the hopes that he can tell her more about her father. She knows he’s rich and powerful, but it’s information that she’s after, not his money. Well, tell that to her uncle’s former stepson, Jed, who immediately suspects Eden is only after money. One unknown horse dander allergy will have Eden fainting at Jed’s feet… and begin a story full of laughter, secrets, and an eventual happy ending.

I had such a good time with Eden and Jed, and if you love a well-written romance full of emotions and laughter, and some misunderstandings before that happily ever after ending can come true, then you’d enjoy Riding High by Joss Wood.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden Ennis has always felt alone her whole life. Now at Elmsleigh House estate to watch her first polo match and try to make a connection with her uncle Troyden Castle, who doesn't know her at all, Eden is awestruck by Jedson Harris a polo player. While striking up a conversation with an elderly man, Eden is getting all kinds of pointers on the game. During a break Eden decides to roam the property and ends up in the stables with Jed. When Eden has an allergic reaction from horse dander Jed gets his step sister Mick, who is alos the local doctor to take care of Eden. Troyden, Eden finds out is still has a close relationship with his four step children all from his different marriages. The kids (now adults) still live on his property and they are all one big happy family. Jed knows that he has feeling for Eden but doesn't have time for a relationship. Eden is keeping a huge secret and when it finally comes out the Castle clan will turn their backs on her. This was a quick read that was cute and steammy. Iwould like to thank both NetGalley and One More Chapter for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a nice read: Eden wants to meet her uncle Troyden, who's very rich and powerful. She heads to a polo match at his estate to "analyze" the territory. While there, she has an allergy attack, meets a handsome and enigmatic polo player, and gets to know her uncle and the rest of the family.

I liked this book, especially the family dynamics between the siblings while accepting Eden into the family. My issue with the story is that the main characters lack chemistry; I really tried to connect with them as a couple but I couldn’t. Individually, they have their pros and cons and are very likeable. As a couple? I didn't see it.

I love Joss Woods books and I really think she's a great storyteller. That said, this book is a bit flat. The polo scenes were nice and I surprisingly liked them. As a sports fan, I'm not very fond with polo but I found it interesting in this story. Also, the book has coherent scenes and transitions. The only flaw is the main characters as a couple, that's all.

ARC given by Joss Wood via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for your trust.