Goals & Holes

by Jem Wendel

On the field, ride hard. Off the field, play harder.

Simon
Working at a luxury Aspen resort sounds glamorous, right? Wrong. Around the world, one hot, sweaty kitchen is much like another. But this low-level temp job is especially bitter because I would be running my own restaurant by now—if my business “partner” hadn’t disappeared with all my money.

At least, with the resort hosting a big polo tournament, the athletic eye candy is something to behold. Especially the darkly gorgeous Argentinian horseman who ignites fantasies of a harmless, one-night hookup.

Andrés
One minute I’m living my best carefree playboy life. The next, I’m just another illegitimate son of a man whose will left me nothing but the need to find a job. Cold, snowy Aspen is a chilly contrast to an Argentine summer, but the resort’s cute-as-hell chef fires up my imagination—and my bed. Seems like the perfect distraction before I head for the UK and my new career.

Except one night turns into two, then three, then…a kiss that complicates everything.

Ready for a not-so-average sports MM romance? Goals & Holes is the first in a series set in the intense and exhilarating world of Polo. low-angst, cute-language-barrier, sweet-with-heat, insta-lust, holiday fling, found family. With horses! Best served with fresh carrots and a slushie (wine optional) to keep cool.

Meet the Blackwood Knights – they play fast and ride hard on and off the field!

Genres: M M Romance, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I couldn't really get into the writing style but after a while, the story took over and I was invested. A gorgeous, straight up, low angst love story. Such a feel good story. Christmas and all. I loved it and can't wait to get into this series.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, low-angst read about a polo player and a chef finding their HEA. I really enjoyed the premise, it's not every day that we get a sports romance where the sport is polo. I will happily read more about polo players.
I really enjoyed how things progressed and played out between Andrés and Simon. Their meeting was cute and I enjoyed their chemistry. I also really enjoyed them taking care of the horses. Their connection felt so genuine and natural and I was rooting for them from their first night.
I loved their sweet and swoony moments, but they also have some steamy moments which I enjoyed.

If you're looking for a different type of sports romance then pick this up. It's sweet, fun and low angst with all the horse caretaking and feesing you can take.

I received and ARC from Jem Wendel and these are my honest thoughts.

[A.E. Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all starts with a carrot and then it’s just insta-lust from there! And when insta-lust is done right, like in this case, I’m all for it.

This was short and sweet with just the right amount of engaging plot to balance out the steam 🥰🥰 as always, Jem’s writing is smooth and just flows. Andrés and Simon’s story was just what I needed inbetween the more angstier stuff, and I must say especially Andres was a delight. Kudos to the author for exploring a different sport than the usual ones in MM romance. As a pony mom I enjoyed reading about the polo stuff and the horses ❤️❤️ overall another enjoyable and heartwarming read from the talented Jem Wendel 🥰🥰

I suggest you give this one a try if you’re looking for a low-angst read with all the steam, banter, sexy accents, and swoon ❤️❤️❤️

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chukkas and Pukkas



Somehow I was expecting this sport of Polo and its participants to be overbearing and snobbish. What a delightful surprise it was to meet Andres, Gabriel, Linden and company to change my mind. All are gathered in Aspen for a tournament in the snow, a huge departure from the grass fields where it is usually played.

Andres was raised in Argentina to a life of wealth involving Polo on a huge scale. All of that changed drastically on the death of his beloved father. Thanks to old friend Gabriel, he is now working with him as Team Trainer for his stable of horses, with huge plans to expand in the future back home at Gabriel’s vast country Estate in the UK.

Simon is deputy Head Chef at the venue in Aspen where the Polo Tournament is taking place. He is caught off guard one night when a stranger walked through his kitchen as he cleared up for the night.
Surprised by Andres request, he later finds himself in the stables sweet talking to Chispa, Andres favourite horse, feeding him Julienne carrots. What started out as a speedy hookup in a stable leaves both guys smiling happily as they went on their separate ways afterwards.

Chispa loves his carrots so Andres keeps coming back to Simon’s kitchen for more, and more. Who knew, the way to a man’s heart was through his horse’s stomach. 😂❤️.

I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and hearts be stomped on but Jem Wendell has never done that to my heart in their previous books. Playboy Andres surprised me the most by breaking all his playboy rules and it was a joy to watch him as he did it. ❤️‍🔥🧨🌶️❤️.

I’m so looking forward to reading this series, (4 books so far) ‘Goals and Holes’ being book 1. The others also features characters in this one who get their own books. Hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 2 as the end of ‘Goals and Holes’ has set up such a super scenario of whatever follows.

Loved these two, Andres and Simon and highly recommend their story as an addition to your bookshelves.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

Simon is working as a chef in the ski resort of Aspen. It is a stop gap, to make enough money to return home to England. He wanted to open his own restaurant but after his business partner cheated him out of his savings, he has to start again.

Andrés plays for the polo team at the ski resort. He loves his horses and will do anything to keep them happy, especially his favourite horse, Chispa. He is in search of some treats for her, when he finds the kitchen at the restaurant where Simon works. Simon helps put Andrés with carrots, and in return gets the night of his life.
One night, no kissing, no cuddling and no repeats is Andrés mantra. Of course one night is not enough, and Andrés cannot get Simon out of his head.

Andrés has been offered a job by his friend Gabriel to play Polo in England. Leaving Aspen will be hard when he wants Simon. Simon is also England bound when his contract ends. Will they be meeting up again?

I have loved this first book in Jem Wendel’s Blackwood Knights series.
The writing flows well and the descriptions were in depth, especially when it came to the horses.
I love the chemistry between Simon and Andrés, and the spice was seriously hot.
I am so excited for the rest of this series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Seemon (Simon) and Andres. The insta-lust/draw to each other was fantastic and their chemistry was off the charts. Things heat up by chapter 2 and I am here for it! These two together are 🥵🥵🥵. I know nothing about Polo but after reading this I am seriously intrigued by it now. I love the small easter eggs of other characters from Jem’s other books, seeing how they all tie together makes my heart happy. I definitely cannot wait for book 2 in this series and to Leah more about Polo.

I received this book as an ARC and these are my honest opinions.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Jem and I'll definitely be going to her backlist! I loved the polo player x chef trope. It was high heat right away and Andres and Simon couldn't seem to get enough of each other. They really formed a connection beyond the physical but the spice was 🔥I liked that there wasn't too much of a conflict and they easily worked through it. This was the perfect start to the series and I'm excited for the rest of it.

Thanks for the ARC!

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goals and Holes by Jem Wendel is the first book in her Blackwood Knights series. It is the story of a down on his luck chef who meets a polo player and while they are both only looking for one night stands, they feel complete when they are together which leads them to find love. Simon is a chef from the UK. He had big plans to open his own restaurant where he would be the head chef and be able to design his own meals that he was sure would please the diners at his establishment. But it all fell to pieces when his business partner disappeared with all his money and left him with nothing, not even enough to get an airplane ticket back to England so he could start anew. A friend recommended him for a job as a sous chef at a resort in Aspen that would last 8 weeks and earn him enough money to go home. The resort is hosting a polo contest for a week which intrigues him because he doesn’t know anything about the sport, but he is too busy with his job to notice much more about it, until a handsome player comes into the kitchen looking for carrots to give his best horse for doing a good job on the field. Andres is from Argentina and had suffered the loss of his father 6 months ago. Unfortunately, he was an illegitimate child who was raised alongside his legitimate brother and although his father left him some horses, a breeding barn, and a small amount of money, he wasn’t welcome at his home any more. That meant he had to find a job. He had been riding horses and playing polo for most of his life so that is what he looked into and found a job with his friend, Gabriel, who also played on his team as well as was starting a new team as well as an equestrian center where Andres would be in charge of the polo side and could teach and coach players. Playing at the resort in Aspen was the halfway point of his trip to England and he would be there for a week. When he saw Simon in the kitchen and he gave him some carrots they took them to his horses and then he asked him if he wanted to go back to his room. Simon hadn’t been with anyone in a long time so he quickly agreed, thinking it would only be one time. Andres had 2 rules – no kissing and no seeing someone a second time so he was sure it would be too. They have a hot love scene which leads them to think about each other all the next day and this causes Andres to find him again and go back to his room for more fun. When Simon surreptitiously watches Andres play the next day, he finds the sport fascinating and brings carrots to him in the barn for the horses, especially for Chispa, Andres best horse. At this point they have broken all Andres’s rules and are falling fast for each other, but Andres is leaving for England the next day. He tells Simon about Gabriel needing a chef and others for the Center but Simon is adamant about finishing his contract in Aspen, and then going home and look for a job on his own. But both of them know that what they have isn’t over and that they will see each other again. When Simon returns to England, where he hasn’t been in 6 years since his parents died, he contacts his Aunt Lizzy who accepts him with open arms. He also discovers that they now live in a town that is 3 miles away from where Andres is. They contact each other, have some dates, and continue having hot love scenes, and say I love you. They don’t know what the future will bring but they want each other in it. Luckily that works out with Simon getting his dream job and Andres being able to be with him in all the ways that count. I really enjoyed this story. Simon is a strong-willed character who has taken his setbacks in stride and is working hard to make his way back to what he wants for his life. He is a good worker and is able to take care of his fellow workers in the kitchen as well as being kind to Andres and his horses. Andres was a playboy but that quickly changed with every encounter with Simon. He too was a hard worker and took good care of his horses and Simon. Gabriel and the other members of the team and investors were very important to the story as was Aunt Lizzy and her family as Simon wasn’t sure about the reception he would get from them but they freely gave him their love. I knew nothing about polo before reading this book and Ms. Wendel gave good descriptions of what happened during a match. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men in very different lines of work who meet by accident, throw away their rules because of their attraction, and are able to find love, all with cooking and polo in the background

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the longest time, all I knew about polo I learned from Jilly Cooper novels and Ralph Lauren commercials. I was captivated by the world of wealth, privilege, and men in tight white pants. So I was very excited when Jem Wendel announced her new series would revolve around that very sport.
Goals & Holes gives us a peek behind the curtain at the personalities of the Blackwood Knights.
The action begins one night in Aspen when a playboy polo player wanders into sous chef Simon’s kitchen looking for carrots for his horse. What follows is instant attraction and sizzling chemistry.
I loved both MCs. Simon, swindled by a business partner, working at a resort to earn enough to return home to the UK. And Andres, with his sexy smirk and hedonistic ways…
A five day fast burn is followed by a separation that becomes an immensely satisfying getting to know you when Andres heads to England and Simon finishes his contract.
There’s nicknames, wooing with secrets and sexting, and fun with buttercream. But I really appreciated how their initial physical attraction gave way to something profound. And how both MCs surprised me: Simon with his quiet strength and Andrés’ unexpected soulfulness.
Hookups to soulmates - I love it!
I also loved how polo was integrated into the story. Simon is a brilliant chef but knows nothing about the sport of kings. Jem lets us share in Simon’s awe and admiration as Andres slowly introduces him to his world (and horses).
And the writing! Horses “snorting dragon breath from the exhilaration of the run into the cold morning air.” Beautiful!
Plus there are lovely winks to Jem’s previous books (hello again Cole and Johan!)
A wonderful series starter - I can’t wait for book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling in love with your hookup… that was NOT supposed to happen. It did anyway… quickly, effortlessly… in the most beautiful way!

Andrés is a polo player from Argentina…he combines the sportive looks with a spanish accent and on top of that he is sweet and caring.

Simon is a chef - what’s the phrase? „The way through a man's heart goes through his stomach.“ Well that’s the last thing that interests Andrés. It’s the way Simon cares and thinks about Andrés horses that makes him swoon and gives him all the warm feelings inside.

Already during their first hookup they both notice that something is different to prior encounters and Andrés ignores all the rules he has to protect himself. They both need to see each other over and over again and they can’t get each other out of their minds. It was so lovely to see them fall in love so quickly… effortlessly… like it was ment to be… even I fell hard for both of them.

In just a few days, they couldn’t imagine a life without one another.

I love this book - it’s the perfect combination of all the feelings and the spice. Mhhh all that scenes! Oh boy!!!
Whenever I’m baking now I’ll think about Simon… Mmh! Andrés whispering sweet nothings into Simon‘s ears - in Spanish! - caressing every surface inside and out…sign me up for that anytime!

It’s the start into a whole new series about our Polo players - the Blackwood knights - I can’t wait to find out who is next on the list to fall in love!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jovie Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a refreshing twist on sports romance and I enjoyed every word in this book. Polo is not something that has been featured in romance, thus, the experience with Andres and Simon was new and thrilling. The way they met was adorable, their bond formed instantly, and I loved the fact that their relationship was developing in a very easy manner. Their scenes with the horses served as a kind of warmer to their relationship and those scenes became some of my favorites.

Andres is attractive and self-assured, who enters the adult football world and attempts to find out what being an adult means. On the contrary, Simon is struggling to recreate his life lost future that he had in mind. The very fact that we see these two uniting when both of them were feeling shaky made the story so heartfelt. They were sweet, swoony and really supportive of one another yet they too had a few steamy moments which made their relationship even more true to existence.

The Aspen scenery was snowy, and the romance was comforted, and I enjoyed how their common fondness of horses formed some basis of something enduring. Although they had divergent backgrounds, the way they felt matched them so that I found myself supporting them throughout.

It is a great choice of a book to read as a low angst romance that is also cozy, entertaining, and slightly better than the typical sports clichés. Andres and Simon are cute in a couple, and I cannot wait to read more stories in this world.

arc review

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon & Andrés

This had a slower start than I would have imagined, especially since it jumps into the spice between characters very early. That said, I liked their instant connection and instant obsession with one another. Simon may have felt bad about pushing Andrés past his personal relationship boundaries, but Andrés didn't push back and had allowed their shift because of the pull he felt for Simon.

This is the first book I've read with a background around Polo, and is in fact only the second romance I've known with anything related to Polo in it (the other being Pretty Woman 😂). It was a great way to learn more about a sport that we should all be more knowledgeable about because... horses. I grew up with books/stories about horses, but everything I read was about horse racing and show jumping, and I think I would have loved young adventures learning about Polo if it had been available.

Goals & Holes was a fantastic read and a wonderful introduction to Jem Wendel's new Blackwood Knights series. I loved learning a new (to me) sport and sharing in the sweet romance between two men who clicked on a level neither of them immediately understood. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the series develops and what kind of Polo adventures we'll see next.

I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve always thought my name was boring, very plain, but the way he says it makes it sound alluring, like a rich blend of expensive chocolate.”

I have been looking forward to this book since Jem first hinted at writing the series. This is the first sports romance that I have read that is about Polo players. I have never seen a game but it sounds thrilling and I love animals so the horses draw me in right away. Now take handsome men and beautiful horses and magical sparks will take off! I was not disappointed.

There were so many wonderful moments in this story and I don’t want to ruin the fun for anyone if they are like me and like to be surprised along the way but I will say that I thought it was absolutely adorable when Simon meets the horses for the first time.

Great cast of characters set in a wonderful world that is closely linked to the beloved Larchdown Valley series. You do not have to read that series in order to enjoy this one but for those of us who already love that series you will notice some of the wonderful crossovers that are happening.

“The marks on my skin have faded but not the ones on my heart.”

Thank You Jem and team for the chance to read this ARC.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chef starting over after being screwed over by a buisness partner and a polo player starting his life over after tragedy strikes are meant to spend one hot, sweaty, unforgettable night together but it turns into two, three and more nights between the sheets and getting to know each other with one kiss changing the game for them both. Andrés and Simon go from a one night stand to a fling while Andrés is in town before he heads off to so much more than either expected. They weren't looking for love but love found them anyway and they can either push it away or they can fight for it. Neither choice is easy but even when they're apart they don't feel over. They just feel unfinished and inevitable. They felt what they had was worth staying for even when it was scary and the future held uncertainties because the future also had them at each other's side through it all. They made it work because they fell in love and they fit together so beautifully in every way. I devoured this book in one sitting and I don't regret it one bit. I can't wait to see what else Jem has in store for us and I'm definitely not done with the world of polo. Not even close especially after the beautiful, hot, touching story of Andrés and Simon.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT STARTED WITH A CARROT…🥕👨‍🍳 🏇💕

I am proud to be part of this amazing authors review team and will continue as long as I can!

“On the field, ride hard. Off the field, play harder.”

The new series revolves around Polo players on horseback who find their perfect persons and we kick off with Andrés and the Chef that caught his eye and his heart- Simon or as he pronounces it I his sexy accent- See-monnn!

“I wondered if you had any . . . carrots?”

A hookup that started as a favour regarding a 🥕 for his horse Chispa- as a treat leads Argentinian playboy extraordinaire Andrés to his hearts desire even though he never knew he needed it!

Simon is a Chef at the Aspen resort till he can go back to the UK and this is where he finds himself, lonely, penniless and homeless until a hookup becomes more…

I loved them as hookups from instant lust that developed into such a deep connection in such a short span of time… it rivalled all their previous hookups!

Their story starts in Aspen and ends in the UK with a beautiful, sweet epilogue one year into the future.

Who is next for an off- side swing?… Owner Gabriel and his best friend Charley!

I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rounded up

This is a great start to a sports MM romance with a different sport than your usual football or hockey.
Jem really knows her horses and polo.

It's a case of very fast insta-lust with a hook up for one night moves into a short-term fling and when all rules are broken, into the start of a relationship when feelings come in.

The first half of the book is a story of the hook-up and fling and it does get hot and filthy. There is quite a lot packed into these couple of days where we see the background of these two men and their hopes for a future as both are at a crossroad they didn't planned.

I love the chemistry between Andres and Simon (or See-mon as Andres calls him, I actually hope for an audio version of this book just to hear him speak).
Both guys are nicely fleshed out, well written and extremely likeable. I love how Simon is careful and wants to do things right and how Andres is utterly terrified about his first real relationship and meeting Simon's family.

There is a small crossover with the author's Larchdown universe by seeing some of the previous characters popping up. And you may never look at buttercream the same way again.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a sports romance with a not commonly used one. I look forward to learning more about Polo, and I, too, am surprised it can be played in the snow (and I live in Canada!)

This new series is tied into the same world as the Larchdown Valley series. However, we start the romance in Aspen, just before the holidays.

Andres is starting life on his own, going Pro in Polo and helping Gabriel start an Equestrian Centre back in the UK. He’s a playboy from Argentina in Aspen for a tournament. And he’s completely taken aback by his attraction for the sous chef, Simon.

Simon’s dream has been stolen from him, so he’s taken the job at the Aspen resort to make enough money to return home to the UK. He doesn’t expect to want love when he finds himself at his lowest. Not even sure where he’ll lay his head when he gets back.

They come from different worlds, and yet they share much in common.

Together, they are hot, but they also share their tender underbellies. Along with a love for horses. And truly, they are completely adorable once they choose each other.

I’m looking forward to this whole series, and I’m pleased to see some old familiar faces.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polo kink unlocked! I never thought I’d enjoy reading a story about polo but Jem made it happen and I’m so here for it.

I absolutely loved Simon and Andres. I always get all fuzzy and happy when there’s a Latino as a main character. There’s just something special about reading something(even if it’s just a sentence) in your own language😁

Andres was quite the playboy who only wanted hookups until he met Simon. He knew Simon was different from all the other guys he had met. He knew Simon was the type of man you don’t let go of.

Simon’s dream was to own his own restaurant but those dreams were shattered when he was betrayed. With a broken dream and very little money, Simon did his best to keep afloat until he could find his way back home.

Hooking up with Andres wasn’t part of his plan but one that brought him the most joy. He never imagined that one hookup would turn into his own HEA.

I loved how Simon worked hard for his dream even when easier opportunities came along. He wanted to prove to himself that he could do it on his own and that’s something I respected him for.

I can’t wait for the next book. It’s always so fun to start reading a new series 😁

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like others I know nothing about polo, except it is for the wealthy and it involves horses. Simon has taken the chef job in Aspen as a way to get the money to return back to the UK, he does not expect a handsome Argentinian polo player to walk into his kitchen.
Andrés and Simon were likeable characters. Starting out as a simple hook-up, soon becomes more and whilst it was insta-lust was not rushed. The passion between them was scorching and they were good together. Andrés whilst having a habit of putting his feet in it, when it came to Simon and his feelings, did not have a bad bone in his body and I loved how independent Simon was, used to doing things on his own, stuck to his guns.
I knew polo was a fast paced sport, but with detailed scenes, following the game one hit at a time, added to the excitement of the match and I felt that I did learn something about the sport.
The move to the UK had me smiling at some of Andrés comments about the country and his thoughts on trying traditional food. With a whole cast of characters I am eager to see who will have their story told.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goals & Holes
By Jem Wendel

I have never read a book about Polo before or a Jem Wendel book before, so this is a great opportunity for me to start a new series by a new author.

I really enjoyed reading about a new sport. I liked the descriptions of the horses and the barns, so that my imagination was able to fill in some blanks. The characters Simin and Andres were adorable. Andres so sure of himself and his rules. Simon so independent and hardworking. Each man so sure that one night was enough until ot wasn’t. I loved Simon’s independence and wanting to find a job on his own. I also adored how readily Andres was able to fall for Simon. There are a lot of s3xy times in their story. There is travel from the US to the UK. As someone who is not well travelled, I love the descriptions of Blackwood Heath, Monkswood Hall, and even the weather. My overall sentiment is give it try and see if you look forward to more polo romance in the future!

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, let me just say—I had never read a polo romance before, so this book took my polo virginity 🤭😂 And oh my God, it was so good!

It had funny moments, a few heart-tugging ones, some spicy scenes, and just the right amount of everything.
There wasn’t really any heavy drama—just a tiny bit—and the guys communicated so well with each other, which is rare in most books, and honestly, that’s one of the things I absolutely loved.

It’s true that after this book I’ll never be able to look at buttercream the same way again, but hey, if that’s my biggest problem in life, I’ll survive 🤭😅

This book was fantastic—if you’re looking for something light, romantic, and low on angst, just a fun MM romance to relax with, I totally recommend it ;)

Huge thanks @jemwendelbooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! 💛

[Spice Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ ARC Review

I love an MM sports book and it’s good to see this isn’t one of the usual sports we typically get. And there is a bit of polo playing in here too, it’s not just a character’s job, there’s descriptions and events, which was also good to see.

Simon and Andres hit it off physically straight away, there’s no mucking around, they’re right into it. It’s the feelings stuff and making it work that they need to figure out.

This is a sweet, low angst, cute love story but there’s still a stack of spice to go with it. It does get quite filthy!

I did at times feel a little removed from the story - especially in the first third of the book - like I hadn’t had time to connect fully with the characters. But about 30% in I settled more into it and it’s an adorable love story.

I love the title of this book, and the others to come. Looking forward to the next.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goals & Holes is a wonderfully sexy, frothy, feel-good start to a new sports romance series, and I was hooked from the moment Simon and Andrés locked eyes across that Aspen resort. The spark between them is instant—fiery, irresistible, and absolutely delicious. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their supposed one-night fling immediately spirals into something neither of them can walk away from is pure romance magic.

Simon’s dry humour and bruised pride pair beautifully with Andrés’s charm, warmth, and slightly chaotic energy. The language-barrier moments add just the right sprinkle of sweetness, and the heat? Let’s just say the kitchen isn’t the only thing sizzling. Even better, the polo world—something I knew next to nothing about—feels fresh, exciting, and completely accessible, making the setting as engaging as the romance itself.

With playful nods to characters from Jem’s wider universe and a found-family vibe woven through the pages, this story left me smiling, fanning myself, and already eager for book two. A fun, fast, and fabulously steamy read.

I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hook-up to more romance, featuring Simon and Andres, and is book one in the Blackwood Knights series.

Simon takes a temp job in Aspen and falls into a steamy fling with Andrés, a newly jobless Argentinian polo player. Their one-night hookup quickly becomes more - and a single kiss changes everything.

This is a sweet, low-angst romance that goes down easy. I loved watching both Simon and Andrés fall hard for each other, turning a simple fling into something real and irresistible. I think this is my first polo sports romance. Looking forward to more of this series.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Hook-up to more
Polo player x Chef
Freckles
Christmas time
Secret holiday fling
Spicy times
Cum play
Biting & marking
Phone sex
Buttercream as lube
Dates
Both fall hard
Pet names: cutie & honey
HEA

[anna_79_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a MM book with a story that involves horses in some way :D As a horse girlie this makes me so happy. Even if you're not a horse girlie you'll enjoy this book though. There's so much more to it than the involvement of horses.

Seemon (Simon) and Andrés had so much chemistry right from the start. Definitely a insta-lust, one night stand growing to be something more. Love that it's low angst and such a sweet story. I read it in one sitting. So nice to read a book where the characters talk to each other and easily work through the conflict.

I loved the spice and how adorable they both are. Of course I absolutely loved seeing Simon falling for Andrés favorite horse as well :D

Thank you for the arc. My review is honest and voluntary.

[Jkirstyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horses and romance couldn’t ask for more plus polo makes it a dream read. Andres and Simon are the sweetest. Simon works as a chef in a luxury resort in Aspen after his dream of owning his own restaurant is dashed thanks to his business partner runs off with all his money. The resort is holding a polo tournament and Andres a player from Argentina meets Simon and what was supposed to be a one night hookup turns into more. This was a really fun read full of spice and sweetness. The chemistry between Simon and Andres is great. First book in the Blackwood knights series. Can’t wait for more! I love horses and polo so this was a must read and I’m so glad I got the chance to ARC read excited for the next book in the series

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody hell this was a high heat fast paced ride into the world of polo. It was awesome to see an author go into a new to me sport and felt like I got an understanding of what it takes to be at top form to be a part of this particular sport. The chemistry of these two is in another level, where it is no surprise neither can give the either up and dive into the world of long distance with the hope of more when they are able to reunite. It was fun to see their connection grow with time outside of the heat of the bedroom that they had from the start in spades. I cannot wait to see where Jem takes this series from here. They have made me a fan of a sport that I never was interested into prior to reading.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved that this book series is going to feature professional polo! What a great chance of pace! Andrés and Simon meet pretty quickly and hookup pretty quickly too! It's clear that while they have chemistry, they also have a connection because Andrés continues to seek out Simon, despite his personal rules about hookups. I love how they bond over the horses - so cute. Both MCs have undergone a recent significant change in their personal circumstances but maybe it's kismet! Overall, this is a sweet, spicy, low angst read and just lovely to read.

What to Expect:
*Chef MC + Polo Player MC
*MC from UK + MC from Argentina (native Spanish speaker)
*insta-lust
*lots of steam!!
*no kissing, no cuddling, no repeats" rule
*horses!
*carrots!
*changed circumstances for both MCs

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read a story set in the Polo world. This was my first Jem Wendel book and I liked the writing style. I also liked the characters and the story. Hook-up to lovers, but with a forced separation lent it a little more authenticity. Simon was a strong character, he'd been dealt a bad hand, but didn't let it get him down and was strong enough to want things he'd earned, rather than have them handed to him. Andres was a sweetie and they fit well together. My only gripe, and I can't believe I'm saying this, is I'd have liked a little more story and a little less of the steamy bedroom
scenes. 3.75*

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️This was entertaining and a nice low angst romance, I enjoyed it. There was maybe more polo talk than I personally need, but an interesting change from the typical hockey and football romances. I liked the couple, it took a bit to see their connection, as the early hookups felt a bit perfunctory to me. The chemistry definitely picked up as they get to know each other better, and Simon and Andres are easy to like. The writing is engaging and the spice is plentiful.