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!

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!

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.

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


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

I really enjoyed Polo Fever. The chemistry is strong, the tension is addictive, and the setting adds an extra edge to the romance. It kept me hooked from start to finish — a fun, spicy read that I flew through.

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.

A beautifully crafted tale of love and serendipity.

I loved the equestrian theme and found the storyline hit the spot again and again in so many different ways.

I didn’t want to put it down, and wouldn’t have if I didn’t need to sleep and work. Be great for a holiday read where you can get stuck in and not have life interrupt your reading.

I was totally invested in the two main characters. It was a slow burn which came to the boil and stayed there until a brief lull, building up to a satisfying ending.

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.

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 ❤️

Polo Fever is a stylish, indulgent read with plenty of drama, chemistry, and high-society tension. If you enjoy contemporary romances set in glamorous worlds with strong doses of scandal and swoon-worthy sports stars, this one will likely deliver. I enjoyed this book, but I did prefer Katherine Reilly’s other books Ride The Wave & Match Point

A really enjoyable sports romance!

Was great to read something polo related as isn’t a sports them I’d come across before! Pacing of the book was great and I enjoyed all the characters, will deffo keep an eye out for more books by this author

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.

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

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.

I loved the writing style, these books are so easy to read and I just devour them.

Chris and Ashley are really fun characters to follow along with.
I really want to go attempt riding a horse now.

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.

I loved how this book balances escapism with emotion. It has the charm of a glossy romantic world filled with high profile athletes and media drama, but at its heart it is about healing, self worth, and finding someone who sees you clearly when everything else feels out of control. By the end I was completely invested in Ashley’s journey and cheering for her happiness.

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.

I know zero about polo, only that its a rich person's sports so I was up for a fun breezy romance. I couldn't put this down.

Ashley and Matteo had a fantastic chemistry and I love the way Katherine Reilly builds on their connection as they open up to each other about their pasts. What I also really appreciate is seeing Ashley pick herself and dust herself off after being publicly shamed through no fault of her own. I appreciate a heroine who is kick arse at their job, or at learning how to be kick arse, so her individual journey was just as satisfying as the romance. She's hardworking and determined. Matteo was also a sweetheart, dealing with class snobbery while trying to be a polo champion. He also carries a lot of baggage trying to live up to his late mother's sacrifice for him.

A fun, escapist sports romance.

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!

A racy romance. When Ash discovers her boyfriend is married, she loses everything including her job and social media trolls have a field day insulting her. Se goes to stay in the countryside with her brother and is offered a job as a groom in a Polo stables. An insight into the privileged world of the game of Polo, and the hard life of a groom . She meets Matio, a polo player .Will this romance work out for her? Hard to put down, a very enjoyable read

Polo Fever by Katherine Reilly is a refreshing take on sports romance, swapping the usual arenas for the elegant, high stakes world of polo.

I really enjoyed how different this felt. The equestrian setting adds something new, and it was interesting to learn more about that world as the story unfolded. If you enjoy romances set around sport but want a change from the usual, this definitely delivers.

Ashley is easy to root for, especially as she escapes the chaos of public scrutiny and tries to rebuild her sense of self. The shift from city life to the countryside works well, giving the story a softer, more grounded feel at times.

The romance between Ashley and Mateo is well paced, with strong chemistry and just the right amount of tension. Their dynamic develops naturally, making it engaging and easy to invest in.

A fun, well written romance with a unique sporting backdrop and plenty of heart.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I went into this book knowing nothing about polo—now I’m fully intrigued and already looking up matches. It’s a sweet, engaging sports romance that manages to balance a solid plot with emotional depth, something that isn’t always easy in the genre.

The setting feels fresh, and the story never loses momentum. Both Ash and Mateo are written with a realism that makes them easy to connect with: he’s layered and burdened by his past, often putting his career before his own happiness, while she embodies that uncertain phase of figuring out your path, with strength and determination.

Their chemistry works well, even if I would’ve loved to see more of their early development. The side characters add a nice touch, making the story feel full without taking away from the main journey. Overall, a fun and heartfelt read.

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

"Polo Fever" was an exhilarating ride! The story of Ashley escaping a public scandal to find solace in the countryside is both heartwarming and exciting. Her encounter with charismatic polo player Mateo adds a thrilling twist to her journey of self-discovery. The chemistry between Ashley and Mateo is fiery and genuine.
Katherine Reilly brings the world of polo to life, making me appreciate the sport's intensity and elegance. The character development is spot-on as Ashley and Mateo evolve through their challenges. If you enjoy sports romance with a unique twist, "Polo Fever" is worth picking up.

This was such a fun, fast-paced escape: exactly the kind of romance you pick up when you want something light, addictive, and just a little bit glamorous.

We follow Ashley, a fashion assistant caught up in a paparazzi scandal with a famous tennis player, who promptly does what many of us would do in her situation: run away for a reset.

She flees to Sussex for sanctuary at her brother’s pub, and a quieter life which seems like the perfect antidote… until she’s swept up into the world of polo after catching the attention of Mateo.

From there, it’s horses, high society, and a whole new rhythm of life she never expected.

I love a sports romance, but polo was a new one for me—and that was part of the appeal. The sport isn’t just background detail; it’s woven directly into the story.

We learn alongside Ashley, which makes it feel immersive rather than overwhelming, and gives the book a refreshing edge.

Ashley is a great main character—funny, grounded, and quietly guarded in a way that feels believable.

She’s been hurt, she’s cautious, but still open enough that you root for her throughout. Mateo (who we glimpse in the prologue) brings that classic push-and-pull dynamic, and I really enjoyed how their relationship developed.

It’s not rushed, but not a slow burn either—just a steady, engaging progression with a touch of spice.

One of my favourite elements was the atmosphere. The story has a summery, escapist quality—open countryside, long days, and a slightly indulgent feel. It even struck a nostalgic note for me; the focus on horses and rural life added an extra layer of warmth.

That said, I did want a little more depth in places. Ashley’s transition from the fashion world into polo felt somewhat too smooth, and I would have liked to see more groundwork to make that shift feel fully earned.

There were also a few emotional threads, particularly relating to her past, that could have been developed further for a stronger sense of resolution.

Overall, though, this is an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re looking for something light, romantic, and escapist, it makes an ideal spring or summer pick.

Recommended for readers who enjoy sports romance, countryside settings, and stories centred on fresh starts.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘Polo Fever’ by Katherine Reilly follows Ash, a woman unjustly cast out from the world of high fashion, who unexpectedly rediscovers her childhood love of horses and finds herself drawn into the glamorous, passionate world of polo… and into the orbit of the intriguing Mateo.

Having loved ‘Match Point’ and ‘Ride The Wave’, I came to this sports romance with high hopes - and it might just be my favourite of Katherine Reilly’s yet! I adored Ash from the start; her strength and determination to carve out happiness on her own terms made her a compelling and deeply relatable protagonist. I was rooting for her throughout, and learning the intricacies of polo alongside her was an absolute joy.

Mateo was a fascinating love interest, and his backstory added real depth to his motivations… though I found myself wishing we had even more of his perspective to balance the story out. The chemistry between the two leads was phenomenal and the scenes in Paris were utterly dreamy!

Overall, this was an awesome 4.5 star read which I would definitely recommend to fans of Tessa Bailey or Lana Ferguson.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Aria & Aries via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.