Contention: Contention, Book 1

by Stephen Irwin

The Contention book series is based on the world of horse racing and will intoxicate listeners who love adventure, sport, crime, and mystery. It will even capture lovers of romance. Its a mixture of the TV series Dallas and Yellowstone .

Book one, Contention, introduces Logan Weston, a down-on-his-luck Australian racehorse trainer who can't seem to catch a break. Angus Masters, his arrogant training archrival born with a silver spoon in his mouth, has kicked Logan in the guts one too many times. First Angus took Logan's wife, and now he has stolen his prize horse out from under him. When Logan lays out Angus Masters cold with one punch, he is arrested and suspended from racing. His world is turned upside down. But when the Aussie underdog is offered a dream job in England by the Baker Racing empire, his life looks to be turning around....

The Contention book series follows Logan's rags-to-riches journey and captures the greatest moments on the racetrack between horse, rider, trainer, and owner. It delves into the dark criminal underworld of the racing industry and takes you on a roller-coaster ride of race fixing, extortion, drug dealing, and money laundering.

Finally, a book series written by a hands-on horseman with more than 40 years' experience in the Australian racing industry. Stephen Irwin captures the exhilaration, triumphs, and tragedies of horse racing in a book series that will captivate you from the very start.

Audible Audio

Published December 27, 2021

About the author

Born and bred into the thoroughbred industry basically from day one. I spent the last 38 years as a hands on horseman breeding, raising, preparing, pre-training thoroughbred horses. In that time I work for some of the very best breeding farms in Australia in every role. My passion was preparing thoroughbred yearlings ( 1 year old) for sale.
Growing up on the land I enjoyed so many adventures and many are relived in the Contention book series. For example the cattle work Logan does on the race horses my father did all the time. So many of the horseman side of things is based from what i learnt from my father and what I have also passed down to other horseman and women.

I now juggle manufacturing horse equipment, making sculptures and writing.
On the cover of Contention is a sculpture I made called 'Taking the Plunge" it won a major award and now sits at the front and center in a sculpture park in Mudgee NSW Australia. That's actually me in the middle and as well on the cover of book 5 Resilience as well.

In the 38 years I spent in the thick of the Sport Of Kings I rubbed shoulders unknowingly with some shady characters that's for sure. So the names have changed and the story somewhat but 'yeah' if you only knew some of the story behind the characters.

Enjoy the read, and feel free to reach out and touch base and also send me your reviews. Remember I write because I have too as this is more than just a passion to me, but I also write to help take you out of your head and entertain you.

All the best

Stephen Irwin

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely thrilling read from cover to cover. A thoroughly enjoyable and racy novel well worth
inclusion in any library. Looking forward to the sequel in due course

[Amber]

Throw the saddle on, mount up and start the ride! Contention gives you everything you could want in a book - mystery, fast horses, romance, drama and intrigue! I couldn’t wait for Stephen to get the second book published

[Kate Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story.
True to the Australian racing industry .
Great storyline (I listened to the audio) have bought book 2.
Very hard to put down.
Heroes, villains and lots of romance . Also wonderful to read a book by an author who knows horses.
Recommending to all my friends
Move over Jilly Cooper!

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a horse racing fan or even a fan of romance this book Is the book for you! Following the story of Logan is like watching the Melbourne Cup! You are on the edge of your seat right until the clock tower when the last of the stayers show their true ability and hopefully come out on top like Viewed did in the 2009 Cup.

[Karin Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved this book and all of the others following. The characters come alive, it’s got a bit of everything to keep you happy, great characters, sex, romance, cute dog and of course horses. I’m normally a fantasy reader but this had me hooked by the first chapter. One of the best stories I’ve read.
Highly recommend.

[Christel Jager · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a series of five. This book took me back to my days of riding trackwork, the characters were so relatable to me, they could have been from the Hastings track!! Loved it and can’t wait for the second book on audible

[Jennifer Moschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great read! The author is a knowledgeable horseman so there are no cringe worthy inaccuracies that you come across in some horse related stories. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series. Highly recommended for inclusion in anyone’s library.

[Pam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed reading the book Contention the first in the series by Stephen Irwin. Stephen brings his knowledge of the racing industry and blends it into an easy read, with fast moving story line and true life relatable characters it is very easy to get hooked to this series

[Clancey Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive the whole Contention series (5 books) for Christmas. I had them all read by New Years Day. I loved this book and as the series went on I could not put them down. If you love Dick Francis and Jilly Cooper then you will love this series by Stephen Irwin.

[nickomcgaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the 5th book of this series. It's very well written with a good balance within the story. The characters are really well developed and it's the type of series that keeps you coming back, especially if you're into horse racing. Looking forward to the 6th book.

[kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this book, I could not put it down. I can’t wait to finish the series. Definitely recommend to anyone.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As both a horse racing and reading fan this book is simply excellent. Received it as a present and was not able to put it down. Can not wait to read the rest of the series!!!!!! Brilliant!!!!!!!

[Sharmayne Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and enjoying the series!
Hard to put the book down when started!
Super story line and the 🔥parts are steamy!!

[Anita Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, captivating story line with great characters. Never dull from start to finish, plus - horses

[Roni Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I listened to the audio and listened all day. Great story line - I can’t wait for the others to be available on audio. I totally recommend reading or listening.

[Samantha Whetton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.
I don’t read a lot, but this book started me reading again. I have read it twice. And loved it. Didn’t want to stop.
Thank you Stephen for doing what you do.

[Colette Crothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very well written by a writer who knows the horse racing industry. Characters are all true to life right to the finish post. Cannot wait for book 2

[Olivia Telfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Only gave it 4 stars because they win just about every race as it’s too cliche with that

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Loved reading this book, full of action and suspense! Highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to reading to whole series