Stable Mates

Tippermere #1

by Zara Stoneley

'A great treat for readers who love their books jam-packed with sexy men and horses.' Bestselling author Fiona Walker

Welcome to tranquil Tippermere, an idyllic village nestled deep in the Cheshire countryside. Home to lords and ladies, horsemen and farmers, and plenty of secrets and scandals…

Leaving a scumbag ex behind her, Lottie Brinkley has hotfooted it out of Spain and back home to the country in serious need of some flirtatious fun to soothe her aching heart.

Luckily for her she’s spoilt for choice with not one but three eligible bachelors offering a steamy romp in the hay! But faced with the attentions of roguish eventer Rory Steel, the smiling Irish eyes of hunky farrier Mick O’Neal, and mysterious newcomer Tom Strachan, how can she possibly choose?

When billionaire landowner Marcus James drops dead unexpectedly, his WAGish wife Amanda threatens to sell the heart of the village and sets her sights on Tom! It seems things are heating up for little Tippermere… both in and out of the saddle.

A hilarious, sexy rom com perfect for fans of Jilly Cooper!

Genres: Romance, Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2014

About the author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Reviews

[Anissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was in love with the cover and summary when I originally saw this on Netgalley. So what's a girl to do when she's turned down to read and review on Netgalley? She bloody damn pre-orders it and squees with glee when it downloads on debut day and gets to reading. Let me just say that this one had me at "Footballer's Wives". I loved that show and I still miss it so I was thrilled to get to take this trip to Cheshire with the tony horsey set and the over the top celebrities and wannabe strivers.

I did think the death of Marcus and how this put into motion all the chaos and angst of the Tippermereians over Folly Lake Manor and the wider equestrian centre took a little long to get going especially after the opening. I do get that there was quite a cast to introduce however so possibly that couldn't be helped. I liked Lottie but I honestly never bought Rory's love for her. There's charmingly aloof and then there's Rory. I didn't really root for Lottie to get her man so much as get over his wishy-washy nature. Still, I loved her interactions with her grandmother, Elizabeth and her fraught relationship with her father, Billy & uncle, Dom. Amanda was well done and I enjoyed Pip as well. I truly felt Stoneley was fabulous at describing the comedic chain reactions set off by people, dogs or horses, alike. It was very vivid in the telling and made me laugh throughout. I give nothing but kudos to all things related to "the wedding". It was perfect and everything you wonder about as you flip through Tatler. I was having Kyle/Chardonnay wedding flashbacks. There were plenty of sexy times throughout but I didn't think it was over done nor exceedingly spicy but it was fun. I do admit that I wasn't adoring any of the men as romantic options but they did serve their purposes well.

All in all, I'm very glad that I read this and I would read another by the author any time. Definitely recommended if you need something to read while travelling or on a weekend. It won't change your life but you'll have some fun.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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'Stable Mates' is a fast paced, eloquent slice of English life. The old money and traditions of the Cheshire set meet the new money and celebrity of wags of the soap and sports stars. Horses and dogs are an integral part of the Cheshire set and effortlessly compete with the wags for attention and money. A delightful romp peppered with humour, sadness, scandal and steamy sex.

The villages of Tippermere and Kitterly Heath are polar opposites whose residents both attract and repel the other. The characters are a clever mix of unique and stereotypical. They give the reader an insider point of view which is both amusing and sensitive. The animal characters are also fabulous and will be instantly recognisable to anyone whose life revolves round dogs and horses.

'Stable Mates' is an enticing mix of credible and pure fantasy and provides the essential element of all good stories escapism. There is so much scope with these characters and setting that I hope this is the first of many stories.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Zara Stoneley

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read- fun and romps in the horsey set of Cheshire. You feel you know the village and residents of Tippermere. Lottie is the main character- but you get to know the others so well you feel that you know them. Lots of old and new money mixing. Would love a follow up to this one.

Lottie is trying to decide whether to settle with her boyfriend or one of the other tasty men that catch her eye!
She writes so well about the animals in the book- great for animal lovers everywhere. They are characters of their own – really fleshing out the whole experience.

With thanks to Harper Impulse and Net Galley for a copy to review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this book. Zara Stoneley manages to create a fabulous array of characters set against a gorgeous horsey backdrop, yet at times the book seemed to drag a little. On the other hand, when the writing was at its best, it proved a delightful romp through the English countryside. The book redeemed itself towards the end and I particularly loved Lady Elizabeth who reminded me of the Dowager Duchess of Downton. This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys horses and steamy sex, preferably outdoors in the stable.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so yes, I had this book for over a year on my kindle and has just come round to read it. But as I am a part of a Blog Tour for Zara's next novel in the series tomorrow, I thought it is a great time to read "Stable Mates" as well. And oh my word, guys, why it took me so long to read it? This book is a girl's dreams come true - it has horses (I'm guessing that almost all the teenage girls in the world are horse freaks), it has brilliant characters, ah - dorable heroes, dogs, fun, spice and pepper and a funtastic (yes, FUNtastic) plot.

There were thousands of characters, and as much as I appreciate that there was a list at the beginning of the book to introduce all of them to us, it took me a lot of time to recognise who is who and how they are all connected. And it concentrated more on the characters I think than on the plot itself. Of course they were all brilliant, but eventually I started to miss the action. I really truly adored the story - telling and the book but eventually I found myself a little impatient, and no matter how entertaining the reading was, I couldn't wait for something to happen, for the story to focus on something, and not only telling about lives of people living on the yard. I was just not sure where it's heading and what is the main attraction, what is the point. Also, there were moments that I felt that something is missing, because the scenes ended so very abruptly, or I just had an overwhelming feeling that I skipped some lines, and I also often didn't know who is speaking, who is telling the lines.

Zara Stoneley has so incredibly brilliantly described this small and closed community, with all their likes and dislikes, sympathies and antipathies, money problem and gossips, gossips, gossips, oh gosh, those people knew all about each other and about what was happening even before it happened!

There were many characters in the book, and all of them were BRILLIANT. They have lived their own lives and I had a feeling that any second each of them is going to jump out of the pages and gallop through the fields behind my window. They are manipulative, they meddle everywhere, they have opinions on everything and yet they are the bunch of most colourful, loveable people ever! And Lottie was the main one. And I really can't express enough how much I liked her - she was incredibly laid - back and didn't take herself too seriously (if she did, she'd just go crazy), although I couldn't shake away this feeling that other people used her too much, and that she let Rory to do anything he wanted with her. But oh well, as long as she was happy, I'm happy too. She was funny and there was not a single bone of jealousy in her, she just wanted to please everybody but she was so lovable in this all, and I could really have such Lottie as my best friend. Nevertheless, there were moments that I felt really confused with her. She seemed to be in a happy relationship with the sex god Rory and yet, time and again she had made big eyes to other men. I mean, I haven't noticed any signs that the relationship between her and Rory is in crisis (although if it were me, not Lottie, it WOULD be in crisis), and so I really didn't understand why Lottie felt so attached to Mick for example. It was as if she really didn't know what she wanted.

The other female characters are so different to Lottie and each other, and it is great, because they add so much to the book, and it was wonderful to have so many different personalities in this story! Pip is Lottie's best friend and a journalist, and this is usually Pip who stirs and creates all the gossip, adding two and two and getting two hundred - Pip with a tongue sharper than a knife and never afraid of telling the truth. The recently widowed Amanda with her horse - phobia, who seemed so uptight but who was in fact so funny, with her perceiving the world and trying to overcome her angst for horses. Tiggy, oh so chaotic, but oh so lovely groom to Lottie's father, the footballer's wife Sam, and Tabatha, I could be Tabatha, to be honest, not because of the her Goth phase, but because of her living and breathing horses - when I was her age, of course. (When I was her age, I woke up thinking about horses, and went to bed thinking about horses, and oh my gosh, I've never told this to anybody, but there was also a big crush on the trainer! Not telling how it ended, oh no!). And last but not least Elisabeth, Lady of the Manor, who always wanted to know everything and who was the champion of organizing things in such a way that it was best for her, with an inseparable gin and tonic in a hand and two labradors around her, always bringing her dead animals as a gift.

All so different, and all the personalities and their differences captured in a brilliant, vivid, colourful way, it made a great joy to read about all of them.

And oh my, Zara can really write hot men! She writes so vividly that I could easily picture all of them, sweating, smelling, wearing only jodhpurs and those abs... I wouldn't have anything against mucking stables with them.
Rory, broody but not necessarily moody, always cheerful but so scatterbrained, and sometimes I felt so desperate and exasperated with him, but they worked so good together with Lottie, it was a match made in heaven, really. There is also Mick, the sexy Irish farrier who always knows what to say to make Lottie feel better, and the horses as well, ex - model Tom and Lottie's uncle Dominic, they were all larger than life characters, so incredibly realistic and so incredible joy to read. One of my oldest riding - teacher told once that only pretty girls ride, but he was apparently wrong (not about the girls, of course :) ) - only hot men ride horses!

And so, by the end of the book I knew all the characters as well as my own friends and was sad to leave them in Tippermere (and so happy that I can dive straight into the second book and see what's going to happen with them!)

There is so much happening in this book! So much! There is not a single second flat, and no matter if it's troubles with horses, with men, with money, with friends, with animals - this book has you so hooked! Yes, I raced through it, telling myself that I'm going to read only one chapter more and then turn off the light, and so I've missed a little on my sleep, as this story was so addictive.

Zara Stoneley for sure knows what she writes about and that horses is a well - known world to her, no matter if she is writing about them in sport or just describing this normal life on the estate and living with those animals. There was so much love and empathy to the animals shining through the pages and I absolutely loved the way they were written.

The writing reminded me a little of Lucy Robinson's books, especially when it comes to the characters and the way they communicated with each other, through those brilliant, witty, warm and so full of heart dialogues, the way they talked with each other, and I truly, truly loved it!

There is everything that you could look for in a book: fun, humour, unexpected twists and turns and embarrassing situations, drama and romance and secrets and much, much more, so no matter what you're looking for - you're going to find it in this book. There are also all kind of characters, from ex - models through footballers and WAGs to all the eventers of course, and really the book tells the stories of all of them! How Zara kept this all on track - no idea, but hats off to her. She gives a brilliant insight into lives of this particular group of the society, of their traditions and likes, ekhm. If you are in need to read a funny story, but with an unexpected depth to it, don't hesitate and make it "Stable Mates".

Copy received from the author in exchange for a review.

[Amelia Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely nothing happened in this book. At all. Maybe to force you to read the other two just in case something does actually occur (I fear morbid curiosity will win and I’ll do just that). But yeah really rubbish. I need to get out of the habit of reading something crap after reading something good but heavy and just be okay with reading more than one emotionally evocative book in a row.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

So you should never judge a book by its cover but I LOVE the cover for Stable Mates. It also fits the book brilliantly and a great book it was too. Stable Mates is a fun read, a little saucy with lots of humour. Yet Zara puts so much more than that into this book – with feuds, romance, footballers and their wives and plenty of drama, this is non-stop entertainment and instead of just focusing on our main character Lottie’s life, we’re drawn into the stories of plenty of other characters too.

I have to admit that when I read the Residents of Tippermere list at the beginning of this book, I was a little apprehensive because there were a lot of characters and I am practically incapable of keeping up in books with so many characters. I understood with the setting that lots of characters added to the overall story but for me, there were a couple of characters I felt really didn’t need to be there. It took me a while before I could form opinions on or connect with some of the supporting characters. I did think that Zara did a good job at developing a lot of these characters though and building up some of the stereotypes and their traditions, and I know there’s more to come from the characters here so I’m looking forward to Zara’s next book.

The synopsis touches on some of the hunks featured in this book and I was definitely won over here! My favourites, because I couldn’t choose just one, were Rory and Mick. Rory was kind of clueless, a big flirt and a lot of fun. He brought a lot of the humour to the book but then he had a more serious, though not too serious, side too. As for Mick – well he was Irish so that appealed to me pretty much instantly anyway. He was charming and kept proving me wrong in some of my theories about him…

The writing of horses, and dogs, in this book definitely suggests that Zara knows a thing or two about the impact animals can have on normal, everyday life. I thought there were lots of traits to relate to and animals were just another strong addition to this entertaining novel. A lot of the themes in this book reminded me of the Tilly Bagshawe novels I love, with all the scandal and drama. I don’t think I’ve read another author who writes in that kind of style without finding negative comparisons but Zara Stoneley comes into her own – I loved her style of writing and as this story was building up to the end, it kept on getting better. Stable Mates is different to a lot of women’s fiction novels around at the moment and it was a really impressive read.


*Book gifted for honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given a free arc of this novel in exchange for a review as part of a blog tour: http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.com/2...*

I've read a fair few books for blog tours over the past year, and this is definitely up there as one of the best! I live in a close-knit rural community myself, and although North Yorkshire is decidely less glamorous than Cheshire I could relate to many of the characters, especially Lottie. Wherever life takes you you inevitably find yourself drawn back home to the people that you love, and Lottie fits right back into village life as if she has never been away. This is really her story, and throughout the course of the novel she finds out who she really is and what she truly wants for herself.

All of the female characters in this novel are distinctly different. Aside from Lottie we have Pip the journalist who makes it her mission to keep up with - and create - village gossip, Amanda - recently widowed and horse-phobic, Sam the footballer's wife who has just moved in nearby, and Tiggy - the scruffy but well-meaning groom to Lottie's father Billy.

Then of course we have the men. From Mick the silver-tongued Irish farrier to Tom the male- model turned single-father there really is someone for everyone's taste. My favourite though was Rory, the adorable eventer. I was as besotted with him as Lottie is by the end of the book!

Keeping an eye them all is Lottie's grandmother Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe - a brilliant character. Gin-and-tonic in hand she single handedly manages Tippermere and it's residents without them even realising. Her stiff-upper lip exterior coupled with her fierce loyalty for her family and friends make her a formiddable force, yet one that is adored by all who know her.

I'm a sucker for animal characters too, and this novel has plenty! The horses and hounds and their quirky personalities all made me enjoy the book even more.

By the end of the novel you know the characters so well that you feel as if they are your friends, and I was a little sad to say goodbye, especially to Rory and Lottie. I would love a follow up book, or even a short story, just to give us an update on what happened to them next.

5/5 stars: Fun, flirty and a little bit filthy, Stable Mates is a tale told with real humour and heart.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stable Mates is one of those books that has you telling yourself that you will read one more chapter before switching the light out and going to sleep. And then, suddenly you find its 2am and you can't put the book down! Its sexy, its funny, its romantic and its a great old romp!

In Stable Mates, Zara Stoneley has created an interesting, complex and at times funny group of characters in the horsey world. More than once were they picking straw out of their hair! I found the men to be sexy in their own individual ways, even the ones I don't think I was supposed to find sexy! I was particularly enamoured by Mick and Rory! Phwoarrrrr!!! There was quite a bit of flirty goings on between characters which lead to a lot of unresolved sexual tension (and more often than not, resolved!) There were a host of supporting characters who each added their own unique charm to the story. The horse world it seems is not for the faint hearted or the shy and retiring types!

Throughout the book I could feel Lottie's exasperation at Rory and so wished for a good outcome for the couple. Rory was a bit of a rogue but a loveable one at that. Poor Lottie did have her work cut out though with so many gorgeous men on the scene all vying for her attention. Between Rory, Tom the model and Mick the sexy Irish farrier she had such a difficult time! I could live in a place like Tippermere!

Apart from all the furtive glances, quick gropes in the hay shed and horsey goings on, there is a really great story running throughout the book. There's mystery, romance and some unexpected twists. I loved this book. If you are a fan of Jilly Cooper then this book will definitely appeal to you. I think this is another one of those great books that would make an excellent movie! Move over Mr Grey, the Tippermere boys are in town! Highly recommended.

[Jo Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank author Zara Stoneley and Harper Impulse for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When I saw this cover I was dying to read this book and I was so happy when Zara tweeted asking for reviewers, I couldn’t wait to review.

Although there are a lot of characters in the book, each is given a brief outline at the beginning so you already feel that you know them as they come up in the story. I also loved the fact the book was based in Cheshire, no too far from where I live, even though the village of Tippermere is fictional I would love to read more books set here.

The book is based around Lottie or Charlotte, who is an endearing character. The character I loved (apart from all the hot men) was Lottlie’s grandmother Elizabeth; she was the typical scheming matriarch. There are also loads of other female characters that you either like or aren’t too sure about but Zara brings this all together brilliantly.

Now to my favourite part the hot men in this book, gosh there were so many to choose from, from Mick, Rory, Tom, Billy, Dominic, David and not forgetting Marcus, who, I wouldn’t say was hot, but his death caused so much trouble. Not forgetting the wonderful animals that Zara uses to enhance the story.

There is scheming, secrets and drama in the pages of this book and I loved them all, Zara’s writing reminded me of Jilly Cooper whose books I grew up with. Stable Mates is up there with Riders and Rivals. If you loved these books then you will love this one, I hesitate to say it’s a ‘bonk buster’ but it certainly is a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to JB for letting me take part in this blog tour. I am not big into horses but I thought that this sounded like a fun romantic read so I was excited to to be part of the tour. I also really loved the cover.

Charlotte or Lottie as she likes to be know is a fun and wild character. She's always doing things just for the hell of it and even more so if it will impress Rory. There is a queue of men wanting her but she's just not interested. I don't think she quite realises how pretty she is either.

Rory is well by all accounts hot. He is also however like all men a numpty. Yes he thought Lottie was hot and he enjoyed the time they spent together but he did not realise that she was in love with him.

There was a great array of characters in this book and I liked everyone of them. Even Elizabeth as interfering as she was. I was really dying to know what all the secrecy was and what she was cooking up.

This book had all the perfect elements of a really great love story, a likeable couple, lots of humour and some fantastic side characters . For me the only thing that made it a 41/2* and not a 5 was that sometimes the inner monologues made me forget what the conversations had been about in the first place.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story with some hidden extras.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Impulse for sending me this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Stable Mates” is the perfect mix of horsey shenanigans, Cheshire glamour and flirty fun. Set in the villages of Tippermere and Kitterley Heath we meet an eclectic bunch of characters ranging from down to earth Lottie Brinkley, posh Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe , Goth teenager Tabatha Strachan and Sam the stereotypical footballers wife. I loved all of these characters and although the main focus was on Lottie the other characters were all brought to life so well I felt like I was one of the Tippermere residents also.
Lottie was my favourite character, she’s like so many women enjoying the fun with hunky boyfriend Rory but deep down wondering if he is the one for keeps or if the she would be better with charming Mick the farrier or sexy newcomer Tom. I so wanted Rory to just admit to Lottie how he felt as all she wants is her forever man, just like her mother had with her father.
The book is full of little mysteries which all add up to a brilliant read where you just want to find out what is going to happen next. I really liked how little pieces of information were given so we could slowly unravel all the mysteries in the characters histories.
Fans of Fiona Walker and Jo Carnegie’s Churchminister series will love this book as it has the same mix of wonderful characters and frivolous fun, along with an interesting plot. I laughed all the way through this book and really hope she writes a follow up as I’d love to read more about these characters. I rate this book 5/5

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then a book comes along that reminds you why you love reading so much. For me, Stable Mates is one of those books.

From the second I saw the cover, I fell in love. Call it a moment of divine recognition but I just knew this book was for me. Being a huge fan of Fiona Walker and Jilly Cooper, I immediately realised the parallels and, with a contented sigh, let myself sink straight into the story.

Zara Stoneley gives the book an air of rumpy pumpy fun, as the randy cast fall in and out of bed with each other and the gossipy residents fill their days with speculation and whispered secrets as old and new money collide. Of course, the men are hunky sportsmen types and the women beautiful, but the star of the show is the formidable Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe.

Guzzling G&Ts like they’re going out of fashion, Lady Elizabeth is as manipulative as she is loveable. Having a shady hand in most of the goings-on in the villages, she is spectacular as chief mischief-maker, whilst displaying a cantankerous old-fashioned views façade.

Together the whole book is a delightful romp stuffed with fun, frolics and romance. Definitely a read to get you involved and put a smile on your face.

review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Shona Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Stoneley novel and I've heard nothing but great things about it, so when I was offered the chance to review it I jumped at the chance (despite my very busy reading schedule). I will be honest this was a bit of a slow burner for me, the first few chapters interested me, but they didn't have me itching to read more.... but by the time I'd hit chapter 4 I was chomping at the bit if I couldn't get some reading time in.

There is a bit of a family tree/character map with a brief bio at the beginning to introduce you to the cast list, and I did feel a little intimidated by the cast list and wondered if I would remember them all. I didn't need to be worried because every character, no matter how big or small their role in this book, is fully fleshed out and stands out in your mind.

This was a fun book to read, there was a touch of mystery... what is Elizabeth up to? Some sexual tension .. OMG where can I get my very own Mick? And so many funny bits I had my husband asking if I was reading a comedy. If this is the standard of writing I can expect from a Stoneley novel then count me a fan and point me in the right direction of the rest of her work.

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...

I think that the cover of this book fits perfectly with the story: romance, saucy encounters, glamour and, especially, horses. And after living for a while in a ranch in the USA where everyone lived and breathed for horses, I was really looking forward to read this novel. One thing for sure, Zara Stoneley knows what she is talking about, you could feel her love for these animals and it was very interesting to learn all about events, competitions and riding in general.

I have to admit though that I was a bit overwhelmed at the begining with the quantity of characters having a role in this story. I'm crap with nouns and it took me a while to understand who was who and what was going on, but once I got more into the story, I enjoyed it. There were some really lovely characters, like the know-it-all Elisabeth, this old lady that subtly controled everyone like puppets, or the gorgeous Irish man.

Let me assure you, this book is packed with so much drama, romance, betrayals, secrets and twists that you will definitely not get bored reading it!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard about Stable Mates I wasn't a hundred percent sure whether this book is the right choice for me. I am not a huge horse fan and have never attended a horse race or horse show. I was slightly worried that I wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the storyline if there was too much horse terminology. However, this novel focuses so much more on its fantastic characters and uses the horse racing environment as a brilliant backdrop. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed being transported into a world full of stereotypes, glitz, glamour, drama and intrigues.

I quickly fell in love with the fictional town of Tippermere and its inhabitants. After a few chapters, I well and truly felt part of their little community and couldn't wait to find out the fates that awaited all of the different characters. The reader gets introduced to a relatively big character cast in the beginning of the book (which I really liked), but I thought that not all of these people were necessarily needed to tell the story (unless there will be a sequel in which these will feature a lot more).

Stable Mates is a fun and quirky bonk buster that makes for an entertaining read.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stable Mates is a hot romance or bonkbuster and not a book for those who like their romances sweet. Written in a style similar to Jilly Cooper it may not be for some readers, while others will thoroughly enjoy this romp around the Cheshire countryside involving death, disaster, passion and feuds.

Rory Steel is a sexy three-day eventer and owner of a small horse yard in Tippermere. Billy Blinkley is a former superstar show-jumper with a reputation as a womaniser. Amanda James is a grieving widow and now owner of Folly Lake Equestrian Centre, while Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe resides over all the proceedings with a meddling and mischievous skill.

Through lots of confusion and twists Lottie, Billy's daughter is searching for reasons why she loves the place and is desperate not to see it sold off and her father left homeless. Should she keep forever chasing the hopeless Rory or should she look for love and stability elsewhere? Perhaps Mick the Irish Farrier has the answers or perhaps Tom the supermodel?

This was a fun read and very suitable as a holiday or beach read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stable Mates is a delightful romp through the English countryside, with manor houses, a huge host of characters and a lot of horses.

There are a lot of different characters and threads of stories in this book, and most of the time I could keep track, but I didn't really feel like I knew most of the characters that well by the end of the story.

I loved the story between Rory and Lottie, and reading about all the sexy jockeys and farriers. There is large amount of manipulation happening mainly caused by Elizabeth, Lottie's grandmother, who is trying to shake up the town of Tippermere, while knowing exactly what the outcomes will be. She seems to be the only person who isn't surprised by anything, and there are a fair few surprises in this story.

Although would have loved to have seen more about the jockeys competing, but then again if you want a book with that level of detail, Jilly Cooper's are better for you.

Overall I enjoyed this story a lot, finding it funny and entertaining.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** ARC provided via NetGalley by HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse in exchange for an honest review***

This book was fantastically fun to read. It was a perfect mix of glamour, shenanigans and quirky fun! The story is set in two villages where we meet all sorts of characters ranging from the down to earth, the posh, the goth and the celebrities!! LOL The main focus of course on Lottie, our down to earth girl! The book is full of little mysteries which all add up to a brilliant read where you just want to find out what is going to happen next. I really liked how little pieces of information were given so we could slowly unravel all the mysteries in the characters histories.
This was really an unexpected FUN read that should not be missed by anyone. I would say I laughed at almost every page! Nicely done Ms Stoneley!

[Jane Linfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Zara Stoneley's books, and as soon as I saw the pre-release promotional posts for Stable Mates I was hooked. With Stable Mates we have a whole new Zara, as this book is longer than her previous stories, and more of a bonkbuster, which suited me fine. It's a fab story with a great cast. Lottie is a lovely lead, there are some seriously hot guys to lust after, the action is fast, and the writing is funny, which makes for a delicious read. Zara knows her horsey stuff, but this story is about so much more than just the horses. Watch out Tilly Bagshawe and Fiona Walker, there's a new girl in the arena, and Zara just cantered off with the First place red rosette and the Best in Show trophy. I enjoyed this so much I actually want to move to Tippermere. Now I can't wait for Zara's next Tippermere book.

[Katarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the cover and the synopsis. I was so excited to be approved for a preview copy.

I was expecting a Jilly Cooper or Tilly Bagshawe type book. Racy, breezy, snarky and fun.

While this book has all those elements, it doesn't quite fulfil the promise. There are some quirky characters, there are some great plot elements, there are some hilariously awesome scenes. But in between it drags and made me skim many pages.

The book definitely has great potential, and I would read more by this author.

[Coffee-crafts&books · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was given this book for a honest review i loved the book thanks to jb johnson for letting me join you as part of the blog tour. i loved the cover of the book thats why i signed up for this

i think rory was interesting as women loved him but he wasnt interested in anyone but charlotte which this storyline was very interesting
i loved all the characters they all had interesting parts and elizabeth story with the secrecy and that was good and i teresting into finding what she was up to.

this book was a 5 star review from me and i would recommend this to anyone who loves love story

[Jules Billett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest review for Net Galley.
I have to say I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one. The first couple of pages made me think it was going to be very rude indeed! However as I read on there was a good storyline to it.
I love horses, the countryside and a good old romance, so I loved this book.
My favourite character of the book was Elizabeth, who was the main characters Grandmother, she was very cunning and kept everyone on their toes.
Lottie the main character was brilliant, she attracted all the local men and was sometimes completely unaware of her charms.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fact that this book is set in the Good old English countryside. This is a book that has raunchy parts in it but what more could you ask for as all the characters seem to be falling in and out of bed with each other. I knew when I saw the cover that this book would be for me as it seems fun and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. I will be reading more of Zara's books and I would recommend her.

[Julie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stable Mates is a book set in the countryside of Cheshire. The many characters, both human & animal are a mixture of fun, frivolity & friendliness.
There is a family feud which unravels with the help of a few of the characters. This is a fast paced, raunchy book with both humour & seriousness.

I was lucky enough to be sent Stable Mates as an ARC by Zara Stoneley

[Mandy Baggot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fun and sexy read set in the fictional Tippermere! You will be rooting for Lottie and her choice of hot steeds and falling a little bit in love with all of the characters. Definitely reminded me of up-to-date Jilly Cooper with laughs a plenty and lots of steamy moments too! Highly recommended!

[Linda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only in the countryside can you find a good down to earth family feud. It almost seemed like maybe the animals were in on it too. It’s very fast paced and you've got to pay attention to the many characters. Very upbeat and yes hold on to your saddle you're in for a wild ride

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in stages. Not because I couldn't get into it, quite the opposite. I wanted it to last a bit longer to prolong my enjoyment. I could so see this book being made into a TV series. Perfect for a Friday night treat!

[Alison Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! I loved this romp from the quaint tradition of English landowners through WAG life. A must if you enjoy a hearty and heart-felt bonkbuster saga a la Queen Jilly Cooper.