Polo Fever

by Katherine Reilly

She ran from the spotlight . . . straight into his stable.

As the assistant to one of fashion's most powerful designers, Ashley has always stayed out of frame - until her secret romance with the face of his latest menswear line, tennis star Chris Courtney, is exposed in a single, perfectly-timed paparazzi shot. In the space of a day, Ashley's career, reputation, and privacy are torn apart by the press.

With nowhere to turn, she escapes to the countryside to stay with family, hoping to disappear. But solace comes in an unexpected a quiet stable and a beautiful horse. That is, until she's caught trespassing by none other than international polo icon, tabloid regular, and infuriatingly charming Mateo.

Horses? Zero experience. Polo players? Definitely off-limits.

As Ashley's thrust into a world of high-stakes games and elite scandal, she finds herself at the centre of a yet another storm, one where passion and power collide, and her heart might just be the biggest risk of all.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 21, 2026

Reviews

[Gaby Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange of my honest review.

I didn’t expect to love this book so much!

I dived into this book knowing absolutely nothing about Polo and now I’m obsessively looking for the summer schedule! What a fun and sweet way to learn about a new sport. As a fan of sports romance I jumped at the chance to read what I could already tell from the blurb was going to be a sweet and easy read.

I absolutely ADORED the setting and the plot. As a romance reader I often struggle to find stories that stick to a plot and feel more than just a long conversation between the main characters but this one had a great and consistent story.

I loved how realistic the main characters were, you can see yourself in both Ash and Mateo at times, showing the deep, raw feelings humans experience both in their professional and personal lives.

Mateo was a complicated person, lots of baggage but good at heart. I enjoyed getting to see the layers of his character. He stayed true to himself and did what a lot of people tend to do: sacrifice his happiness for his career. It was inspiring to see him come to terms with his past issues and becoming a better version of himself on and off the field.

Ash was a phenomenal representation of a young adult trying to find her way in the world. It takes time and effort to find what your passion is and it’s so easy to get stuck in a job you don’t necessarily love but don’t hate enough to take the leap of finding a new one. She was strong, bold, stubborn and thankfully a smart woman who went through hell and learned from it. She put herself first and never looked back, a true queen.

They had good chemistry but I wished we got to see the early stages of their relationship. The side characters were also fun and a great addition to the story.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you’re a fan of sports romance, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!

[☽｡⋆ Naidah ₊˚ෆ]

She’s got a new one! Let’s go

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

If you’re looking for a different kind of sports romance then I recommend you give this book a try. It’s well written, the plot hits all the marks you expect it to and it’s a fun ride (pun only partially intended). I enjoyed learning a little more about polo, I used to ride so it was nice to read something set in that world, it made a nice change from the usual baseball/football/hockey teams. The romance is well paced and the chemistry and tension between Ash and Mateo was well developed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria P · Rating 3 out of 5]

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓛;𝓓𝓡 ✧˖°
A sweet, easy-to-read sports romance perfect for readers looking for a horse-filled escape, great spice that doesn't take away from the story, and an FMC who fights for what she deserves.

° ˖✧ 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
3.25 ⭐
3 🌶️

° ˖✧ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
"Yes, but there's no harm in leaning on people," says Mum, who has never leant on anyone her whole life.

"I can't... I can't do this anymore," he says in a strained, hoarse voice.
"Do what?"
"Be around you all the time and pretend like I don't want to kiss you."

"You give me spirit, Ash. You are my heart."

"I wanted you to have your moment."
"I want you to be a part of every moment."

° ˖✧ 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ✧˖°
Ashley’s secret romance destroys her career, sending her to the country, where a quiet stable - and a magnetic polo star - pull her into a world of elite drama, unexpected passion, and risks that could break her heart.

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
🏇 Sports Romance
🏢 Workplace Romance
💞 Mutual Pining
🌱 Fresh Start
🏘️ Small Town
🫶 Found Family
🎯 Training Arc

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
🙅‍♀️ She's the "Other Woman" for her Ex
‼️ Jealousy
💔 3rd Act Breakup

° ˖✧ 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
+ Lots of Horses and Polo Matches
+ Bond between Ash and a Wary Pony
+ Ash and Mateo's meet-cute
+ Balance of Sweet vs Spicy
+ Easy Read
+ Owner's Daughter Jules!

° ˖✧ 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
- Got lost with technicalities of polo
- Characters often feel immature (reads as YA with spice)
- Ash is a bit too perfect
- Miscommunication
- Rushed Resolution

° ˖✧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ✧˖°
I was so excited to jump into a sweet romance set around horses, and it doesn't disappoint! Horses were mentioned regularly from the off, as well as a heavy polo influence matching the sports romance subgenre. I'll be honest, I knew nothing about polo going into this, and at the other side I definitely got lost in some parts of the matches described, however it was enjoyable to read about the games regardless.

Ash's struggle as she finds out she's actively been in an affair with a tennis player who's not leaving his wife is awful to read. You truly feel for her as the reader. She loses her job the next day and isolates herself at home until her mum comes to get her. The suggestion from her mum to go spend time with her brother felt a little heavy-handed but not the end of the world.

I loved reading about Ash's instant connection to Serafina, the wary chestnut horse belonging to the local polo team. It's such an innocent relationship where both could find solace in each other while escaping their realities. This is also where Ash first properly meets Mateo. Their interactions feel genuine and I could really sense their curiosity about one another.

I appreciated that the pair weren't exactly friends right off the bat, Mateo doesn't trust anyone without experience around the horses, and Ash thinks Mateo's just another rich, entitled prat. I enjoyed seeing those layers slowly peel away as the relationship developed. Though I do think Mateo's prologue at the beginning was unnecessary.

I also wasn't a big fan of the "mean girls" vibe of some of the ladies that followed the polo club. It felt immature and bratty, almost like a YA novel. I was also disappointed that Ash was a bit too perfect. Her most obvious "flaw" is that she's quite outspoken, however this doesn't ever really work against her. Mateo finds it attractive, the polo owners think it's entertaining. Even when it locks her into a fundraiser that would expose her weaknesses, it still works for her love of riding and horses.

There's also a lot of will they/won't they. Ash has clearly got trust issues after her last breakup, and Mateo has no idea what he wants. They both feel a bit immature here again, and there are several moments of miscommunication that delay their relationship. This is only encouraged by Mateo's rival Basilio - and it often feels like the characters are a bit flat as a result. When everything's finally resolved at the end, it's all quite rushed and inauthentic.

However, this read was an easy one to digest despite getting lost in the polo technicalities on occasion, and there were some really sweet (and spicy!) moments that stuck with me after finishing the book! Jules, the polo team owner's daughter was great to read about and I wish she'd had more of a presence in the book!

Thank you to Katherine Reilly and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mia fawnsandfairytales · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★ (but maybe a 3.75 stars, though it hurts me to give that rating because I adored this author's previous book 🥲)
~

I was super looking forward to read this, especially as this author's previous book Ride the Wave was one of my favourite romance reads of last year, but this one didn't quite hit the way I hoped it would.

I think there was a decent amount of emotional depth - which is what stood out most in Ride the Wave for me - but I still struggled to feel connected to the characters and the romance between them in this.

I just didn't feel anything from them. I didn't really understand what drew Ash and Mateo to each other, and the building of their relationship felt lacking.

I never grew to like the characters particularly much and I just didn't care for them together either.

I think this book could have benefitted from being dual pov because I felt like I didn't really know the mmc Mateo. I wanted to understand his actions better, especially the conflict that occurred in the third act which made me end up not really liking him.

* 𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 *

I wanted a deeper understanding of why he chose to party on a yacht when his girlfriend was suffering in a hotel room alone. It may have helped to redeem him a little for me to know exactly what was going through his head at the time.

Our fmc Ash forgave him after his explanation, but I needed a bit more to make his poor actions feel forgivable.

* 𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 *

I felt like Mateo's personality switched about a bit and I never got the clearest picture of his character.

He was sweet and wonderful in many scenes, then angry and reactive, to passionate and attentive during spice scenes, and then dismissive and self-absorbed. It was a lot to figure out.

There were also some scenes that read quite immature to me. The characters just weren't my favourite in this.

Despite my issues with characterisation, I enjoyed the plot of this book and was so impressed with the groom scenes and polo matches.

I really felt the characters' passion for the sport and the horses, as well as the thrill, exhilaration, and adrenaline running through them during the matches.

Those scenes were written so well and I felt so invested!

Unfortunately most of the other aspects of this book were a let down for me, but I'm happy the polo element shined in this as I usually find I crave more of the actual sport itself in sports romances.

*thank you very much to aria & aries and netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

[rosana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pole Fever was my second book by Katherine Reilly, Ride The Wave being the first, and I was really excited to read this new book, but perhaps I had too high expectations.

I didn't know much about pole, I had a visual image, but I didn't know the rules or anything like that. The book takes the reader through all the stages and we get to understand what happens behind the scenes to make sure the games run smoothly for the team.

The MMC, Mateo, plays on a polo team and his love for the sport is enormous, he has been playing since he was young and is now trying to win the championship. On the other hand, we have the FMC, Ashley, who is spending some time with her brother after a scandal. The chemistry between Mateo and Ashley was built up gradually, which I liked, because it didn't seem like a meaningless relationship, where they are together just for the sake of it, but I think something was missing and I can't put my finger on it.

Even though Ashley feels insecure about trying to get into another relationship after what happened with her last one, I can't understand what the real problem is here. She worked in fashion, where everything comes down to appearance, and there's a conversation where she explains that even she wore a “mask” because that was the only way to survive in that professional environment. She falls in love with someone, fine. She gets her heart broken, alright. So why is she so afraid when someone is honest with her? When Mateo says that his work and his passion are important? Of course, it would take good organisation for the relationship to continue, but I think she gave too much importance to this unnecessarily.

I also felt that too many characters were introduced at once or too close to each other, so at a certain point I confused them all, even though I figured out who was who by the end of the book. The pace and writing were good. Perhaps I had too high expectations and that was a shame, as I feel it influenced my reading experience.

[Abby | WriteWatchWork · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Katherine Reilly book, and thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the ARC. I really enjoyed this novel; I read it across two days in two sittings.

It is quite fast-paced, easy to read, and a fun romance. It follows Ashley, a fashion assistant, as she’s involved in a paparazzi scandal with a famous tennis player. Looking to escape reality for a bit, she heads to Sussex to stay with her brother and help run his pub. Only whilst there, Ashley’s captivated by the local horses and, after being spotted by Mateo, she fast becomes involved in the world of polo and friends with the wealthy.

I love a sports romance, but I’ve never read one about polo before, so this was actually quite an interesting read, getting to learn more about polo and horses throughout the book. The sport does feature heavily in this book, which I liked because it directly relates to the characters and the plot; it isn’t just a subplot mentioned once or twice.

Ashley was a great FMC. The prologue is in Mateo’s POV, but the rest of the novel is from Ashley’s and I found that she was relatable, funny, and a good narrator. She’s kind, hard-working, and scared to let herself open up only to be hurt again.

But Mateo manages to change her mind.

I liked the progression of their relationship; it wasn’t too fast, but it wasn’t a slow-burn either. It built up chapter by chapter and we could see the push and the pull between the two characters.

I also enjoyed the side characters, such as Sam and Eric, all of whom had a good dynamic with the protagonists and impacted the plot, too.

The only thing I would say that I would’ve liked to have seen more of is the scandal surrounding Ashley and Mateo's relationship in the polo world. Other than Basilio and Mateo’s dislike, there wasn’t much that threatened Ashley and Mateo’s relationship. I would have liked to have seen a bit more danger surrounding it, like will they get caught by the paparazzi, and not just Ashley’s hesitance from her previous experience.

That being said, I did enjoy Polo Fever by Katherine Reilly.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo grew up thinking that winning was everything and Ashley really rocks his reality and puts a lot of things in perspective. Is winning everything if you have no one to share it with? really summed up Mateo and Ashley’s relationship for me and l loved the contrast of Ashley enjoying a slower life and a new career vs Mateo not knowing to do with himself when he slowed down and the way this propelled both of them to some well needed self discovery.

As per usual I really loved the way Katherine Reilly wrote her fmc and mmc, Mateo and Ashley are flawed but written so genuinely that their character development is paced ✨perfectly✨. Another fun aspect was an uncommon sport; I LOVED that Ashley was a groom and Mateo was a polo player. I grew up with horses, so it was such a nostalgic time for me anytime there was a horse scene, and I just generally enjoyed that the sport was thoroughly explained well (I felt like I experienced a polo match and it didn’t feel like information overload).

There was a third act breakup ( I am a third act breakup hater) and although it’s usually something that would give me the ick, it really did not feel like it was unnecessary and did enhance Mateo and Ashley’s character development in a genuine way that didn’t put me off.

Katherine Reilly is an auto buy author for me, I read her book ‘ride the wave’ and LOVED it and this book is a testament to her writing because I always thought polo was boring but now, I might be a fan? Do I need to watch a match? Maybe.

If you enjoy sports romance but want to step away from some of the more oversaturated sports, I think you should give ‘polo fever’ (and ‘ride the wave’ because it’s also so good) a chance.

A massive thank you to Aria, NetGalley and Katherine Reilly for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Next Chapter Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READ
★★★.5 stars

This was a lighthearted, fun read. Katherine Reilly is a new author to me, and I can’t say I’ve thought much about polo being centre stage for a sports romance but I really enjoyed Ash & Mateo’s story. I also love that this was set in England !!

Ash is a fashion assistant who has had her life turned upside down when her secret relationship with a married tennis star is outed. To get away from it all, she moves to the countryside where she meets our MMC, Mateo, a professional polo player who brings her into the elite world of the sport.

I enjoyed the pacing of this book, I felt like we were experiencing everything alongside Ash. I would have loved to see more of Mateo’s POV - we saw his POV as a younger kid in the prologue but it would’ve been great to process his side of things too, especially as things got tougher for him towards the end of the book.

I think while they were together, it was very cute, and generally supportive of each other - there were incredibly sweet moments, like when Mateo was teaching Ash to ride, the day off in Paris they spent together and the general in between moments of conversation. I would have loved to see some more details about the smaller moments, like how they spent time together; it would have helped make their connection stronger.

I do wish there wasn’t a third act break-up, because it could have very easily been solved by a simple conversation. I sympathise that Mateo felt really stuck in the expectations he set himself because of his Mum’s sacrifice. This is one of those scenes I felt could have helped me understand Mateo’s character a bit better.

Overall a good read, would absolutely love to pick up another Katherine Reilly book

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this ARC.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb--
As the assistant to one of fashion's most powerful designers, Ashley has always stayed out of frame - until her secret romance with the face of his latest menswear line, tennis star Chris Courtney, is exposed in a single, perfectly-timed paparazzi shot. In the space of a day, Ashley's career, reputation, and privacy are torn apart by the press.
With nowhere to turn, she escapes to the countryside to stay with family, hoping to disappear. But solace comes in an unexpected a quiet stable and a beautiful horse. That is, until she's caught trespassing by none other than international polo icon, tabloid regular, and infuriatingly charming Mateo.
Horses? Zero experience. Polo players? Definitely off-limits.
As Ashley's thrust into a world of high-stakes games and elite scandal, she finds herself at the centre of a yet another storm, one where passion and power collide, and her heart might just be the biggest risk of all.
🩵 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Polo Fever certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was cute, fluffy and easy to follow with a great cast of characters and good pacing. I loved Ashley's character and I wanted her to have the happy ending that she deserved. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author Katherine Reilly and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley , the author and the publisher for providing me with this earc in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Polo Fever was a solid 3-star read for me. As my first book by Katherine Reilly, I went in with no expectations, which made the experience feel fresh and easygoing.

I usually gravitate toward sports romances centered around hockey or football, so this was my first time reading one focused on polo. That aspect really stood out—I learned a lot about the polo world, and the insight into the sport added a unique and interesting layer to the story.

The book follows Ash, who escapes to her brother’s small-town home after a series of setbacks—a broken heart, a lost job, and a scandal. There, she’s introduced to the world of polo and meets Mateo, a professional player. Their relationship develops gradually, with a steady progression from strangers to something more meaningful.

While I appreciated the slow-burn dynamic and the overall cozy, small-town vibe, I found myself missing a stronger emotional spark between the main characters. Their connection felt sweet, but it never quite reached a level that fully pulled me in.

Overall, it’s a light, easy read with an interesting sports backdrop. While enjoyable in the moment, it’s not a story that will linger with me for long

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a super cute and fast-paced read! I knew absolutely nothing about polo before going into this book, and it was such a fun setting! I think reading sports romance is such a great and entertaining way to learn about a new sport.

I loved Ash as our main character, particularly in the last half of the book! Her character development was deeply satisfying and ultimately kept me reading and engaged. Mateo was really sweet too, and I think his struggles around his career as an athlete were insightfully written!

However, I wish there were more scenes between Ash and Mateo earlier on in their relationship. Ash would mention that they would spend time together, but then we would never actually see that play out. For example, she mentions that they go to an art gallery, while they are there, they take turns lecturing each other on the art, which they know absolutely nothing about. That sounds so fun, sweet, and funny! I wanted to be there with them and experience it! Because of this, I found their chemistry to fall a little flat at times, as I didn’t quite understand what they were bonding over. It felt like being on the outside of an in-joke. Because of this, Mateo and Ash lacked a bit of emotional spark, which affected their chemistry.

Overall, I really did like this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced, kinda spicy, sports romance 🐎

[Charlotte ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katherine Reilly and Aria for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 ⭐️

I’m not usually a sports romance type of gal - but after enjoying Katherine’s previous book ‘Ride the Wave’ so much, I just had to read this. Boy was I glad I did! Another brilliant and original piece of drama, romance and spice.

I definitely didn’t know anything about polo and Katherine did a really good job of making sure that readers had some background without it overtaking the story. I loved the premise of Ash finding her way as a young woman. It did take a while to pick up and I enjoyed the second half much more as things heated up both on and off the polo field!

Mateo was a very well rounded man with an intriguing back story and I really enjoyed Ashley’s character growth throughout, remaining true to her heart and morals. The whole Paris section was written beautifully.

It was a quick, entertaining read that kept me engaged. If you’re a fan of sports romance then this is for you! It’s refreshing to see a different type of sport represented and screams easy going, spring romance.

[☆Laura☆]

Ashley siempre ha sido la persona que sostiene el caos desde las sombras. Acostumbrada a resolver crisis ajenas, su vida da un giro inesperado cuando un escándalo público la deja sin trabajo y la convierte en el blanco de la opinión pública. Buscando desaparecer del ruido y recomponer lo que queda de su autoestima, acepta refugiarse lejos de la ciudad, en un entorno dominado por el polo, tradiciones marcadas y personajes que no se impresionan por la fama ni los titulares. Allí conoce a Mateo, un jugador con un pasado exigente y una disciplina forjada a base de sacrificios, cuya vida gira alrededor del deporte y el control. El choque de dos mundos tan distintos despierta tensiones, atracción y heridas que ninguno esperaba enfrentar. Mientras ambos lidian con expectativas externas y decisiones que pueden cambiar su futuro, deberán decidir si es posible confiar de nuevo y apostar por algo real cuando todo parece estar en contra.

__

Falto que Mateo se redimiera.

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

[mila_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever heard of polo? Be honest… because I hadn’t either—until I picked up Polo Fever by Katherine Reilly. And now? I’m completely obsessed. I genuinely want to go watch a match right now!

This book is the perfect escape—one of those stories that pulls you out of reality and drops you straight into a world that’s both competitive and exhilarating. One of my favourite things was how the author introduces polo to us through the FMC, so we’re learning everything alongside her. It made the whole experience feel immersive and exciting, especially as a total newbie to the sport.

It even brought back a wave of nostalgia for me, reminding me of the days when I had the joy of owning horses 🥹🐎—which made the story hit even deeper.

The pacing is fast, the romance has a definite kick of spice (just the right amount if you ask me), and it’s such an easy, addictive read. If you love horses, sports romance, or just want something fun and light—this is a perfect spring/summer pick.

I’ll definitely be reading more from this author, and I cannot wait for more people to meet Mateo and Ash!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being such a sweet, quick, and fun read. Polo is not a sport I knew much about, but like other unexpected sports romances I’ve enjoyed, it was a pleasant surprise and added something fresh to the genre.

That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth in Ashley’s journey. Her transition from the fashion world into polo felt a little too easy, and I wish we had seen more groundwork to make those shifts feel earned. I also would have loved a stronger sense of her connection to the countryside or horses prior to being there to make that part of her story feel more natural.

There were also a few moments that I wish had come full circle, particularly with her past, to give the story a bit more emotional payoff.

Overall though, this was a light, escapist read that delivered exactly what I needed. The romance was sweet, with just the right amount of tension and yearning, and it made for a really enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for honest review. Thank you!

[isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

having loved her previous book, ride the wave, I was so excited for this but it disappointed me big time.

I didn’t care for the characters until near 70% mark - I felt was ‘okay so..?’ which is a crime with a romance book. when i eventually did feel something it was annoyance, then immense dislike for matteo. he was inconsiderate, self absorbed and a doucheeee. the fmc deserved better!! there’s no way I could recommend this as a romance because he was so crap as a love interest I’m sorry 😭😭 I was so unconvinced by their romance and I actually shipped her with his rival 💀

her story arc was going so nicely until the end where it was very matteo focused and it stopped being about her?? the epilogue being all about him? yeah I hated that.

having said this, the polo element was great and I liked learning about a sport I wasn’t familiar with, Katherine Reilly does a lot of research with her sports and it shows!! but I really struggled with this. I think I’ll definitely try her next book for me because I have enjoyed her previous work

[spectacles_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find yourself a man who says...

Nothing you ever ask if me is too much because you aren't too much


I love a Sports Romance and "Polo Fever" was a refreshing break from the ones usually depicted. Not only was polo player Matteo a thoroughly engaging MMC, but just imagining his Argentinian accent and prowess on a horse was delightful.

The balance between exploring Matteo's story whilst also being in FMC Ashley's POV was perfect. I loved her journey from a fall from grace into figuring out was she wanted for herself and from Matteo. As someone who knew very little about polo going into the book, I felt like the sport and its stakes were well communicated and I found it very entertaining.

This is my third novel I've read by Katherine Rielly and I'm certain I'll continue to read her work.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries/Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this title.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

[Leni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

After majorly enjoying Ride The Wave, I was very curious to read more from Katherine Reilly. And if it's once again a sports romance, I"m SO down. As expected Polo Fever was a fun and easy read that totally distracted me from the real world. I didn't know the first thing about polo, but it turned out to be a fun world to discover. The writing was very fluent, which made the time go by insanely quickly and the romance was definitely believable, if not a little 'too good to be true' at some points. In terms of spice, I'd say it wasn't too much and pretty well written, but the only thing that bothered me was the third act breakup. I'm never a big fan of those, as it often results in a rushed ending. Nonetheless, Polo Fever was an amazing read and I'd definitely recommend!

[Amy Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did thoroughly enjoy this one however felt that my lack or knowledge around Polo and lack of interest in the fashion industry meant I didn't connect to the story and the characters as much as other books.

I enjoyed the relationship build up between Ashley and Mateo and felt it was a happy mix of slow burn without dragging on. By the end I was loving their chemistry and dynamic!

I also enjoyed how it felt kind of small town-y however there were perhaps a few too many characters bought in which at times felt confusing for m personally.

I would recommend this one and look forward to other books by Katherine in the future
A massive thank you to Katherine Reilly and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

[Danielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having loved both of Katherine Reilly’s previous books, I had high hopes for Polo Fever, and it did not disappoint!!

After running away to the countryside and finding solace in a gorgeous chestnut mare during a walk, Ash discovered that trespassing isn’t always bad (in the fictional world); it can lead to your dream job and a new chance at love.

I went into this book with no knowledge of Polo, but I loved the insight!

Tropes:
🏇🏽 Sports Romance
🐎 Witty Banter
🏇🏽 Polo Romance
🐎 Spicy 🌶️


Thank you Aria & Aries & NETGalley for the E-ARC!

[Guia✨ (of_booksandplants) · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆ 3 stars

This was a fast-paced, easy read that I flew through. It didn’t take itself too seriously, which made it a fun romance to pick up when I wanted something light.

Nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable for what it is, a quick, escapist read with romance, drama, and just enough tension to keep things moving.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Reilly, and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley & Mateo
Sports Romance
Polo Player
Small town-ish

Ashley has a bad experience, finding herself thrust into the spotlight for something that wasn't her fault, so she runs off to the country... only to find herself involved in the world of polo, and Mateo!

This one is quite fast paced and does introduce a lot of other characters, which I found a bit confusing.

Overall I enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to exploring more books from this author ❤️

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the author and netgalley for this arc!

Mysterious and broody Mateo has his sights set on polo and nothing else. Or so he thinks.

Ash is thrust into the spotlight after a scandal forces her out to the country and into his stable.

Their dynamic is electric, lovable side characters as well as lovable horse side characters.

definitely worth the read if your looking for a quick read on a easy afternoon.

[Lea Niven-Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a no pressure, easy to read romance? I've got your back with Polo Fever! You know what's coming, but it's enjoyable none the less!

🩵 Sports Romance - Polo
🐴 Horses
⭐️ Celebrity Affair
🌳 Country Vibes

Ashley is a successful, probably overworked,, fashion assistant. The plans fall apart when she's not there, but she never expected her world to fall apart when her relationship is splashed all over the tabloids as a scandalous affair! Running from the spotlight, Ash finds herself staying with her brother in the countryside, and certainly finds more than horses in a field. What will she do? Will she run from the past towards the future, or find herself stuck in the mud?

Mateo. He's charming, charismatic, dedicated...and did I mention drop dead gorgeous? When he see's Ashley across the field bonding with an unmanageable horse he could not have imagined the rollercoaster of emotions that he would begin to feel. He's dedicated to his craft, he has a deep love for her family and the horses he has grown up with, but can be take a step back and see what's in front of him, or will he stay trapped in his vision for success?

I really enjoyed this story. I was looking for something easy to read with no intense world building. This hit the spot. A cute wee story to add to your TBR when you need a refresher.

[larasbookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite KR book yet! I grew up with horses so love any kind of equestrian world, and this was my first horsey sports romance and it was perfect! Ash and Mateo were so cute together and the spicy scenes were excellent

[Agnes Hina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️- this book was cute, surprisingly informative, and honestly has me curious about getting into Polo. I think it’s a great read for the summertime and I really enjoyed it. It’s not groundbreaking but a nice contemporary read if you just wanna pick up a book this summer.

[Molly]

21st May 2026

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars / 2 Spice

How is it that Katherine Reilly is fast becoming one of my auto-buy, drop-everything-and-read authors?

I did not believe I would feel addicted to a sport I have never even watched — and yet Polo Fever had me completely invested. Fast-paced, tension-filled, charming, and ridiculously easy to devour, this book proves you don’t need to know the sport to fall in love with the game.

Ashley finds herself at the centre of a scandal that sends her retreating to the countryside, confidence shaken and reputation bruised. Seeking refuge with her brother, she takes on a temporary role as a groom for a polo team. Like Ashley, I had zero prior knowledge of polo — but a deep appreciation for horses — and learning the sport alongside her made the journey feel immersive and authentic. What begins as an escape slowly turns into something more as she finds purpose, independence, and unexpected feelings for one of the team’s star players, Mateo.

The tension between Ashley and Mateo was beautifully done. It simmered rather than exploded, and the chemistry felt natural and earned. Mateo was communicative, thoughtful, and genuinely kind — refreshing for a sports romance — while still being flawed and human. Watching both characters grow individually and together made their relationship feel grounded and believable.

The countryside setting added warmth and charm, and the emotional beats landed without unnecessary drama. Everything felt realistic enough that I could easily place myself there with them.

My only critique is that I would have loved to see more tension surrounding Ashley and Mateo within the polo community — perhaps a little more scandal or rivalry from those orbiting the team. I also found myself wishing for a stronger sense of closure with Chris Courtney. I wanted Ashley to have her full-circle, mic-drop moment. Maybe I’m just petty — but I stand by it.

Overall, I immensely enjoyed this novel and will absolutely continue reading Katherine Reilly. I’m already planning on buying the paperback as a trophy for my shelves.

Tropes:
Sports Romance (Polo)
Small Town
Workplace Romance
Fresh Start
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Scandal / Reputation Fallout
Healing & Self-Discovery


Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emmie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this.
Full review to come.