Riding High by Joss Wood is pure escapist joy—think posh estates, swoony polo players, secret inheritances, and just the right dash of drama. Eden is totally out of her element when she shows up at Elmsleigh House claiming to be the long-lost niece of a billionaire, and I loved watching her navigate the world of high society. And Jed Harris? Swoon. He’s the broody, horse-riding, emotionally guarded stepson who definitely wasn’t ready for Eden—or her accidental charm. Their banter, the slow burn, the tension—so good!

Riding High by Joss Wood is a glamorous, emotionally layered romance set in the English countryside. Eden Ennis arrives at Elmsleigh House claiming family ties, only to clash—and spark—with polo star Jed Harris. Their chemistry sizzles amid secrets, trust issues, and family drama. Wood balances passion with heartfelt character growth, making the story both fun and meaningful. It’s a compelling escape filled with charm, heat, and high society intrigue.

Here's what I liked - it was a rich horse rider book but with Polo riders versus rodeo. I liked that there was a found family trope and some banter with enemies to lovers vibes. It was interesting that our main character found herself allergic to horses in a world surrounding the equestrian lifestyle.

The plot was decent but at times felt a little slower paced. There were also a few side stories that I would've liked to have either been cut out or told more in depth. I don't always love the miscommunication type trope in the 3rd act and this one felt a bit more like an over-reaction.

I'd say this is a 3.25-3.5 ⭐ read - some might love it more though!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Riding High by Joss Wood is a fun and engaging romance that delivers plenty of charm and heart. The story has a great mix of humor, chemistry, and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages.

The characters are lively and well-drawn, with believable flaws that made their connection feel genuine. The setting adds a nice backdrop that complements the story without overwhelming it.

While the plot is fairly straightforward, the author’s warm writing style and strong character dynamics make it an enjoyable read. It’s a perfect pick if you’re looking for a light yet satisfying romance.

A solid 4 stars from me!



❤️shaye.readss

As a huge fan of sports romances, I was genuinely excited to read something a bit different from the usual football/hockey tropes. A story with depth, a unique setting, and two characters searching for belonging? It had potential.

Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite work for me. Despite a promising premise and a few charmingly flirty scenes in the beginning, the pacing felt flat, and I struggled to stay engaged. The chapters were long, and while I usually don’t mind that, the story didn’t hold enough emotional tension or momentum to keep me invested.

The dual POVs and the third-person narration were well-handled, and I did appreciate Troyden’s character – his presence brought warmth and added something meaningful to both protagonists’ journeys. However, the chemistry between the leads felt underdeveloped, the story might’ve worked just as well as a spice clean romance.

Both main characters had complex relationships with their families, which could have been a strong emotional anchor, but I found myself wanting more depth!

Riding High by Joss Wood was a very enjoyable read. The author’s writing style was great—easy to follow and engaging—and their storytelling ability was impressive. The pacing of the plot was straightforward yet captivating. I really liked the characters and found myself invested in their journeys from early on in the book. The characters faced real-world issues, such as family problems and struggles to find one's place in the world, and the author handled these with great care.

While the book revolves around horses and the sport of polo, readers unfamiliar with either of these will find that it doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the story. I loved this book from start to finish and will definitely be looking out for more of Joss Wood's work.

Thank you to the publishers, author and Netgallery for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. Check out @brydzandherbooks for more bookish content and reviews.

Riding High is a romance set on the estate of a British billionaire polo player. It involves family secrets, mismanagement of funds from a charitable foundation, and two characters with enough emotional baggage to fill an airplane.
Eden Ennis is a young lady who was emotionally neglected by her mother, who took in foster kids. Eden never knew her father and is surprised when she learns that her uncle is billionaire Troyden Castle. She gets a job with a charitable foundation which is primarily funded by Mr. Castle and works very hard for six years. Eventually she realizes that the couple who run the foundation are embezzling money, so she reports them to the authorities. While they investigate, she cannot discuss the situation and is unemployed. She decides to finally visit the Elmsleigh House estate that her uncle owns, hoping to get a glimpse of him in person. Unfortunately she sees her former employers, so she hides in the stable, where is discovered by a handsome man.
Jed Harris is one of Troyden Castle’s many former stepchildren, from his many failed marriages. While Troyden was a bad husband and ruthless businessman, he is a pushover to his kids and maintains strong relationships with all of them. Jed is a professional polo player and is participating in a preseason match for fun. When he’s in the stables, he spots a beautiful woman hiding in there. When she sees him, she sneezes and then immediately faints. Jed is suspicious of this woman, and his first loyalty is to Troyden, who all of the stepchildren are protective of.
Jed and Eden begin a relationship, but neither trusts the other because of past emotional hurts. Eden is afraid to reveal her true identity as Troyden’s niece, and then information leaks about the investigation into her former employer and the embezzled funds. Jed has to decide who he believes, and Eden has to let others in.
Riding High isn’t the lighthearted romantic comedy that I expected. There’s a lot of heavy subject matter, and both Jed and Eden have a lot of emotional baggage. The story is more character development with themes of self-love and family love than romantic love. The descriptions were so clear that it was like watching a movie, and the characters’ emotions were very authentic. I especially liked the camaraderie between Troyden’s many stepchildren. Overall I enjoyed Riding High , even if it wasn’t a lighthearted romp.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Found family
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Slow burn
* Forced proximity

Thank you to NetGalley, Joss Wood, and One More Chapter for this eARC!

Their first kiss is so fiery and steamy! He couldn’t deny her anymore and I LOVED that he initiated it so suddenly (even if it was brutally ended 🤦🏻‍♀️). They’re passionate and lustful at first, but as the story progresses, so does their connection. They both have emotional trauma and while it causes tension for them, it also brings them closer as they understand each other better. It helps them open up and eventually trust each other and the feelings they have for one another. His declaration was perfect and I absolutely swooned! 🥰

I teared up with Eden as she described her feelings of never being first for someone. Troyden especially made me so happy because he truly cared about her, even with years of not knowing her. That kind of unconditional care was very sweet and I enjoyed the found family Eden finds at Elmsleigh. ❤️

this book was a brilliant read. The plot was emotional. Eden was struggling to find her place in the world, she just wanted to be seen. I loved the meeting between Jed and Eden, it was so well written. I enjoyed the development of the relationships between the different characters. the ending was so enjoyable and i loved the found family vibes of this book.

A charming dive into polo, family secrets, and unexpected romance—this was a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

When Eden’s long-lost uncle unexpectedly brings her into his world of country estates and polo tournaments, she’s thrust into a life she never imagined—complete with a houseful of complicated step-siblings and one particularly brooding (and undeniably attractive) man. A chance allergic reaction gives her the perfect entry point—only to be mistaken as yet another one of his father’s younger girlfriends.

What follows is a slow-burn romance filled with tension, wit, and emotional depth. Eden is hiding a past that threatens her newfound family ties, and he’s sworn off anything resembling a relationship—but the chemistry between them simmers throughout.

I especially loved the mix of humour and heart, the vivid country setting, and the warm, chaotic dynamic of the step-siblings. This story would translate beautifully to a TV series—equal parts romantic, heartfelt, and addictive.

A wonderful escape with just the right amount of drama and charm.

Dnfed at 42%
I had really high hopes for this and thought it'd be right up my street but I could just never really connect with the plot nor the characters

Eh, just okay for me.

I really liked the idea of a book involving polo - what an interesting spin on things - but this doesn't have much in the way of the sport. I found Jed to be annoyingly immature, especially for a man in his 30s. A distraction to the more interesting Eden.

This was super fun and quick -and a little messy- with a cast of very likeable characters. I loved the dynamic of Troyden's family; their interactions with each other were so wholesome and sweet. I think the MCs had good chemistry, but the jump between being interested each other to acting on that attraction was abrupt. It felt kind of out of place and random, like going from 1 to 1000 in the blink of an eye, and it left me wishing there was a more natural build up to it. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Had to dnf this as couldn't really get into it but might come back to it at a later date
I tried several times to pick this book up but it just wasnt for me.

4.25 ⭐️ Riding High by: Joss Wood is Publishing July 18, 2025 with HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

I enjoyed Troyden and the family dynamic was very entertaining. I appreciate a story where everyone stands out in their own way. It was interesting to see some of the polo world and charities. It has some mystery in a sense but you can easily guess where it’s owing to lead. Our leading lady is definitely an over thinking likely caused by childhood whereas the male lead is more cautious and judgmental from his. I like the glimpses of past to how they tie into the present. Everyone has a journey in life and we only see snippets along the way on our own. Only when you have deeper connections do you see more of the day to day. Some moments did seem more drawn out and just thrown in. The last few chapters will take your emotions on world win. Other than some unnecessary parts as a whole it was enjoyable and I was happy to read it.

Warning explicit sexual descriptions, grief, and childhood trauma.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC copy allowing me shares my honest thoughts.

This was a fun read and also my first polo read which was something totally different. The romance was really fun and I loved the family aspect. This book definitely kept me engaged and I really enjoyed it.

This was a fun read, enjoyed the polo aspect as something different. The insta lust aspect was a bit much but I did grow to like the characters! Easy, cute read.

Really fun while the romance was really fun I loved the family relationships. They were so sweet and kept me so engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC for an honest review.
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
I LOVED this book! From the characters, to the storyline, to the chemistry and friendship between the characters, and you can't forget the grumpy x sunshine trope, this book was a grand slam!
I felt that I understood and related to Eden (FMC). Her backstory crushed me and I love that she was able to get the ending that she deserved.
And Jed...AhWoOoOoOgGgAaA!!! Nothing makes me more happy than reading about a moody, brooding man. Jed's constant battle throughout the book of not feeling like he deserves love or that it comes with conditions is something that I feel most of us can relate to as a human experience at least once in our lives.
I can't wait for this book to come out as I will be purchasing it just so that I can have a copy lol.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't connect to any of the characters, as I felt the relationship(s) were superficial and didn't have enough depth. To add to the list, I didn't like the writing style of the author which got even worse when I noticed how long the chapters were. These aspects altoghether made me drag my reading experience.

DNF at 18%.