Stick and Ball

by Kiki Astor

Ashley Miller finally managed to leave behind her horse farm in Montana to escape her violent, controlling husband, and took a Greyhound bus to Montecito, California, home of West Coast old money, movie stars, and other celebrities, and even some English royals. But Ashley, though she is an experienced horsewoman who proves to be an asset in her new job at the polo club, is a naive country girl when it comes to other things. She's definitely not equipped for the kind of games people play in this wealthy upper class enclave, and she finds herself very much a fish out of water.

Soon, Ashley meets Prince Charming at the Montecito polo club. But since he’s a hot to trot Argentine polo champion who is by all accounts a player—in both senses of the word—and Ashley has just escaped a toxic relationship, could she be blamed for deciding to play it safe with another guy, one who seems like a real gentleman? Too bad the gentleman is an actual prince. Too bad he’s married. Too bad Ashley doesn’t realize that—until it’s too late.

This fun, romantic romp of a book has been hailed as a highly entertaining story. If you love royals behaving badly, love triangles, billionaires and millionaires galore, romantic suspense, slow burn romances, high society high jinks, equestrian details, hot contemporary romance told from a strong woman's point of view, and immersing yourself in elegant settings, Stick and Ball is the steamy, feel-good romance novel you will listen to in a single sitting.

Audible Audio

Published September 20, 2023

Reviews

[Samantha Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty suspenseful and I enjoyed the premise and most of the characters. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the way the prince's wife was portrayed. We all know who it was based on and she already gets so much hate...

[Georgia Tromans]

One of the most nuts things i have ever read. Turned into prince harry fanfic then harry and megan slander!! Gagged me tho

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of spousal abuse was extremely accurate, and could definitely be disturbing to some. I wish there would have been less focus abuse back story and more romance. Fun and imaginative plot involving Prince Harry. Will definitely keep my eye out for more Kiki Astor, this just was a difficult subject matter. 3 1/2 stars.

[Kelly Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick and Ball is a page turner with some drama, some light-heartedness, and great visual descriptions that bring you into the world of Montecito, CA.

The description of Ashley's abusive relationship and how she tore herself away from it felt realistic and was heartbreaking to read. It helped to set the stage for how urgent Ashley felt about finding a job and making a new life for herself while not calling attention to herself.

Unlike many romance stories, I didn't feel I knew exactly what was going to happen with Ashley and who she was going to fall in love it. This story was creative and kept my attention.

Overall, I enjoyed this quick read. It would be a perfect length to read while waiting at the airport and on a flight.

[Sally Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up because the cover made me laugh, and boy, am I happy I did. This is a spicy, fun, entertaining read with lots of romantic suspense and simmering tension. Exactly what I needed as a pick-me up. I felt like I was transported to the glamorous polo fields of Montecito and to a high-society world where the main character is a charming fish out of water who more than holds her own. Is Kiki Astor the next Jackie Collins? All I can say is, this is the perfect beach, poolside, or fireside read, and I hope this author publishes something else soon!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally galloped through this steamy romp of a book! So much fun to read with a compelling protagonist who is sure to have you cheering from the stands. Transport yourself to the rarified climes of Montecito lifestyle and an adventure you won’t regret. Kiki Astor serves up an irresistible feast of Royal misbehavior, hot polo players, glittering insight into the social lives of the .01%, and a satisfying comeuppance to the bad guys. I loved every page of this suspenseful and provocative romance!

[Anna Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found it well-written and with good use of past perfect (yes, English teacher here). I enjoyed the realistic take on abuse and that it just makes you continue with the story. The spice starts a bit later in the book.

I did have one major issue - that was Prince Harry, this part was more like a fan-fiction. This made me cringe at times and wish the character had at least a different name/different wife situation.

I will certainly read more books from Auntie Kiki, was a good find on booktok.

[Seitenblick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed Stick and Ball by Kiki Esser, particularly because of the engaging writing style and the core storyline. The narrative flows easily, and the vivid descriptions made it a pleasure to read.

However, I sometimes felt the story lacked a clear sense of tension, which made it harder to stay fully immersed.

I also struggled to truly connect with the protagonist, Ashley. While her traumatic background initially elicited empathy, her sudden transformation in Santa Barbara – where her focus shifts to flirts, trendy outfits, and having a nice flat – felt too abrupt and not entirely believable. This contrast made parts of the story feel a bit superficial and even somewhat trashy.

One unexpected element is the appearance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While this scene might frustrate some readers or seem out of place, I personally didn’t mind it. I’m not particularly invested in the British royal family, so I found it more amusing than distracting.

Overall, Stick and Ball is an entertaining read an I want to give the Autor another try.

[Atharva Deepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by just saying Kiki Astor is an AMAZING author, the way she canvasses her scenes to build suspense leaves me in admiration of her talents. I discovered her through her TikTok channel, but I can only say she discovered in me a passion I myself did not know existed, the digestion of steamy fiction!! Stick and ball is only a prime example of this and you must read it, dear and fellow reader.

[L A New · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s important for me, that a book catches my interest asap. Stick and Ball got my interest immediately and kept it throughout. I’m an avid reader and I haven’t found a book this intriguing in years! I can’t wait for the next book Auntie Kiki. Xoxoxo

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a fun book

Having grown up in Santa Barbara, I love all the references to that great city in this book. And such a great story that has gorgeous men, beautiful settings, redemption and the truth about a duchess!

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

for an author who's allegedly a disinherited rich person or whatever, this book is written like shit lol. it reads like rushed fanfic. you can tell the author is not from an educated background (at least not the kind who disinherits people lol)

[Anato]

DNF

[Read · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lord, where to begin. If you want a mindless, thoughtless, less-than-academic read here you go. This book has so many things wrong with it. Starting with the punctuation and grammar. Soooo many errors. There is an entire page where the printing got screwed up and it’s just a 3/4 page of empty space. And the plot? Cringe. “Oh no I’m 34 years old and was isolated for 6 years and I have no idea about anything at all that ever happened in the last 50 years including how to save a contact in a phone”. The main character is very much so a pick me girl. Such a stupid plot, she’s running from her crazy abusive husband and what does she do? Call her family multiple times from the same traceable lines even though he has connections to the police? Talks about where she’s going on the bus? Doesn’t even leave town to get on a bus? Keeps her married last name and opens a bank account with the same name and social security number??? The prince harry stand in was just weird. The writing sucked, the plot sucked, the banker was so cringe.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun read

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really cheeky and fun. Without giving away the plot, I’m surprised Kiki was able to write it without getting sued! A perfect summer read.