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Switcheroo
A lighthearted lesbian romance about shattering comfort zones and finding your place in the world where you least expect it.
New Yorker Hayley Reed is so over life, her crappy apartment, and her two jobs as a cook and bartender. When she wins a contest to swap lives with someone for a year, all expenses paid, she’s ecstatic. That is until she finds herself on a remote Australian cattle station with basic food, empty views, and an attractive butch station hand who clearly dislikes her.
Jenna Dwyer wouldn’t live anywhere except Ghost Gum Station. It’d be bliss except now she’s stuck mentoring a clueless American city slicker who’s the worst jillaroo ever to straddle a horse. But staying aloof from Hayley is difficult when she’s obviously trying so hard…and is just so annoyingly cute.
Under the long, endless skies and despite a simmering attraction, can two such opposite women ever find a way to connect?
New Yorker Hayley Reed is so over life, her crappy apartment, and her two jobs as a cook and bartender. When she wins a contest to swap lives with someone for a year, all expenses paid, she’s ecstatic. That is until she finds herself on a remote Australian cattle station with basic food, empty views, and an attractive butch station hand who clearly dislikes her.
Jenna Dwyer wouldn’t live anywhere except Ghost Gum Station. It’d be bliss except now she’s stuck mentoring a clueless American city slicker who’s the worst jillaroo ever to straddle a horse. But staying aloof from Hayley is difficult when she’s obviously trying so hard…and is just so annoyingly cute.
Under the long, endless skies and despite a simmering attraction, can two such opposite women ever find a way to connect?
298 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2024
103 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne Blue
94 books467 followersG’day and welcome. I’m Cheyenne Blue. I write big-hearted sapphic romance with strong women, mainly set in Australia.
My fifteenth romance, Sometimes We Fly is out April 2025. A closeted celebrity, a furious neighbour, and a whole lot of sexual tension charge this late-in-life coming-out lesbian romance set in rural Sydney.
I hope you enjoy all of my sapphic romances featuring strong women finding love.
You can find out more about me on my website cheyenneblue.com, Facebook or on Twitter @Iamcheyenneblue
My fifteenth romance, Sometimes We Fly is out April 2025. A closeted celebrity, a furious neighbour, and a whole lot of sexual tension charge this late-in-life coming-out lesbian romance set in rural Sydney.
I hope you enjoy all of my sapphic romances featuring strong women finding love.
You can find out more about me on my website cheyenneblue.com, Facebook or on Twitter @Iamcheyenneblue
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 20, 2024
When Hayley dared to respond to an ad asking for volunteers to switch her life with another person: job, home, environment, she thought it would be for something closer and known, but wow, her change practically took her to the antipodes. But Hayley never had anything easy in life so she didn't get discouraged by that little thing. Not because of its hot, dusty environment, nor because of the difference between her New York and the Australian outback, where she is going to have to spend the year of the contest. But the result will be worth it, financially she will be able to alleviate her burdens.
Hayley is a city girl, a cook by obligation, but she is good at it. When she arrives at the ranch, huge and isolated, without a phone signal, without a warm welcome, she must convince her companions there that she can fit in and be of value. The person who has to help her there is Jenna, a serious and hard-working girl, who doesn't believe much in Hayley's abilities. But isolated life there encourages unexpected personal bonds.
It's been an enjoyable journey, Hayley is an character easy to like and quickly makes us root for her. She's already had enough obstacles without deserving something good once and for all.
Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
Hayley is a city girl, a cook by obligation, but she is good at it. When she arrives at the ranch, huge and isolated, without a phone signal, without a warm welcome, she must convince her companions there that she can fit in and be of value. The person who has to help her there is Jenna, a serious and hard-working girl, who doesn't believe much in Hayley's abilities. But isolated life there encourages unexpected personal bonds.
It's been an enjoyable journey, Hayley is an character easy to like and quickly makes us root for her. She's already had enough obstacles without deserving something good once and for all.
Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
March 31, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Haley wins a competition from a New York newspaper to swap lives with another person for a year. Only she is not sent to a small village in the middle of the Rockies, as she had thought, but to Downunder. She is to spend a year working as a jillaroo on a cattle station in one of the driest and dustiest corners of Australia. There could hardly be a bigger difference to life in New York, even with two low-paid jobs and a mini flat.
Ghost Gum Station is Jenna's home, she can't imagine living anywhere else. The people here are like her family and she loves the vastness of the country and she appreciates and loves the hard work with and for the animals. She is a loyal and hard-working woman with her heart in the right place. But now she has to babysit a clumsy New Yorker and report as many embarrassments as possible to the newspaper.
Hayley is a sweetheart and totally easy to like. She actually turns out to be one of the most disastrous Jillaroos ever. There are some really hilarious situations - for those watching. But one thing Hayley isn't is a quitter. She has to put up with a lot and fight hard for her place and respect. But I was impressed by the way she does it.
The closer Jenna and Hayley get at work, and not just at work, the more Hayley learns to see the land through Jenna's eyes. Jenna's love of the land is palpable and infectious.
What I love most about Cheyenne Blue's stories is her vivid description of the surroundings, the Australian idiosyncrasies, the dialogue, including Aussie slang, and her subtle humor. Her Mc's are down-to-earth and likable women who make good and bad decisions and have dreams and desires. Of course, the MCs have to overcome a few hurdles, but the story is not overdramatized.
Reading a book by Cheyenne always feels like visiting old friends in Australia and having a good time. A friend of mine lives in Melbourne and I was able to visit her three times and travel around parts of this huge, beautiful country. Enjoy this entertaining journey with Hayley and Jenna.
ARC received from Ylva Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Haley wins a competition from a New York newspaper to swap lives with another person for a year. Only she is not sent to a small village in the middle of the Rockies, as she had thought, but to Downunder. She is to spend a year working as a jillaroo on a cattle station in one of the driest and dustiest corners of Australia. There could hardly be a bigger difference to life in New York, even with two low-paid jobs and a mini flat.
Ghost Gum Station is Jenna's home, she can't imagine living anywhere else. The people here are like her family and she loves the vastness of the country and she appreciates and loves the hard work with and for the animals. She is a loyal and hard-working woman with her heart in the right place. But now she has to babysit a clumsy New Yorker and report as many embarrassments as possible to the newspaper.
Hayley is a sweetheart and totally easy to like. She actually turns out to be one of the most disastrous Jillaroos ever. There are some really hilarious situations - for those watching. But one thing Hayley isn't is a quitter. She has to put up with a lot and fight hard for her place and respect. But I was impressed by the way she does it.
The closer Jenna and Hayley get at work, and not just at work, the more Hayley learns to see the land through Jenna's eyes. Jenna's love of the land is palpable and infectious.
What I love most about Cheyenne Blue's stories is her vivid description of the surroundings, the Australian idiosyncrasies, the dialogue, including Aussie slang, and her subtle humor. Her Mc's are down-to-earth and likable women who make good and bad decisions and have dreams and desires. Of course, the MCs have to overcome a few hurdles, but the story is not overdramatized.
Reading a book by Cheyenne always feels like visiting old friends in Australia and having a good time. A friend of mine lives in Melbourne and I was able to visit her three times and travel around parts of this huge, beautiful country. Enjoy this entertaining journey with Hayley and Jenna.
ARC received from Ylva Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2024
Solid 4.25 stars for me. Loved the ranch:/station setting in Queensland.
This is a story about New Yorker Hayley Reed who enters a life swapping contest and wins. She is sent to Australia to a cattle station in Queensland. One of the team leaders there is Jenna Dwyer who’s extremely hard working and wants to become a station manager. . Jenna is very hard on Hayley and Hayley is struggling with the physical labor and loneliness. Eventually they reach an understanding and the rest is history as they say.
I’m becoming a huge Cheyanne Blue fan and plan on reading the rest of the books in her back catalog soon. I find her writing very familiar and it gives me warm hugs. I like her humor and her characters. The stories she writes about Australia make me want to visit there all the more.
Thanks to Ylva Publishing and to Net Galley for letting me read and enjoy the arc so much.
This is a story about New Yorker Hayley Reed who enters a life swapping contest and wins. She is sent to Australia to a cattle station in Queensland. One of the team leaders there is Jenna Dwyer who’s extremely hard working and wants to become a station manager. . Jenna is very hard on Hayley and Hayley is struggling with the physical labor and loneliness. Eventually they reach an understanding and the rest is history as they say.
I’m becoming a huge Cheyanne Blue fan and plan on reading the rest of the books in her back catalog soon. I find her writing very familiar and it gives me warm hugs. I like her humor and her characters. The stories she writes about Australia make me want to visit there all the more.
Thanks to Ylva Publishing and to Net Galley for letting me read and enjoy the arc so much.
March 30, 2024
The premise of this book is fun, a struggling New Yorker switches places with a jilleroo at and Australian Outback station because they both won a competition.
Let’s just say it isn’t all easy going in the Outback. I really enjoyed reading Hayley’s email’s to the magazine with updates on her life at the station. They tell a fun and good story, the struggles, the countless flies and endless red dirt. As someone who went to an Outback cattle station as “one of those backpackers” I can say a lot of it rings true. I really liked this escape from my life to the place I once was.
The romance isn’t my favourite part of the story, probably because I was so invested in reliving my own Outback experience. I’d say great job and a fun read with some excellent Aussie and (weird) American humour.
4.5 stars.
Let’s just say it isn’t all easy going in the Outback. I really enjoyed reading Hayley’s email’s to the magazine with updates on her life at the station. They tell a fun and good story, the struggles, the countless flies and endless red dirt. As someone who went to an Outback cattle station as “one of those backpackers” I can say a lot of it rings true. I really liked this escape from my life to the place I once was.
The romance isn’t my favourite part of the story, probably because I was so invested in reliving my own Outback experience. I’d say great job and a fun read with some excellent Aussie and (weird) American humour.
4.5 stars.
March 15, 2024
Cheyenne Blue is one of those authors you know you can count on to deliver a well-written, engrossing story and with Switcheroo she’s done it again. This is a deeply atmospheric book, and I enjoyed my journey to the sweltering deserts of Queensland, Australia almost as much as my journey with Hayley and Jenna.
That said, it’s not a perfect book. The initial chemistry between the two leads was a bit thin and the “New York slang” Hayley continuously spouted was a bit cringy. However, the relationship that built between the two women as well as Blue’s superb depiction of a harrowing event later in the story kept me hooked and I finished this fun little page- turner with a smile on my face!
That said, it’s not a perfect book. The initial chemistry between the two leads was a bit thin and the “New York slang” Hayley continuously spouted was a bit cringy. However, the relationship that built between the two women as well as Blue’s superb depiction of a harrowing event later in the story kept me hooked and I finished this fun little page- turner with a smile on my face!
June 26, 2024
Hayley is the proverbial fish out of water when she wins a contest to switch lives with another person for a year. Being born and raised in New York City gives Hayley absolutely no skills to be working on a remote Australian cattle ranch. Thank goodness for Jenna, an experienced station hand tasked to taking Hayley under her wing.
Switcheroo is an amusing read from start to finish. Hayley’s ineptitude is sweet yet funny especially as she takes it on the chin good heartedly. Blue brings the vastness and dusty beauty of the Outback to life through Jenna’s love of station life. I easily lost myself into the story.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Switcheroo is an amusing read from start to finish. Hayley’s ineptitude is sweet yet funny especially as she takes it on the chin good heartedly. Blue brings the vastness and dusty beauty of the Outback to life through Jenna’s love of station life. I easily lost myself into the story.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2024
Ever thought it would be fun to switch places with someone? This story has Hayley Reed (29) winning the chance to switch lives with another person for a year as part of a story for an online magazine. She doesn’t get to know where she will be going but with all expenses paid it will be a way to take a break from her two jobs and small NYC city apartment. It will also give her money to put towards her future dream of owning her own food truck. To her surprise she ends up on a remote cattle station in Australia working as a jillaroo (cowgirl). There she meets Jenna Dwyer who loves Ghost Gum Station who hopes of being the ranch manager one day. She gets paid by the magazine to report on Hayley and also to make sure life isn’t easy.
Where this really shines is in the descriptions of the land and rustic beauty of Australia. The fish out of water scenes are to be expected. And I was glad there wasn’t sexist hazing. I love the Australian slang that is used frequently in the story. Hayley often uses NYC speech that feels dated, such as Word. I haven’t heard that term in years. I liked the characters but wish there had been more of a build up of the attraction before they jumped into a benefits situation. Even with my small criticisms I enjoyed the story overall. Hayley’s can do, never giving up nature made me want a HEA for her and Jenna.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Where this really shines is in the descriptions of the land and rustic beauty of Australia. The fish out of water scenes are to be expected. And I was glad there wasn’t sexist hazing. I love the Australian slang that is used frequently in the story. Hayley often uses NYC speech that feels dated, such as Word. I haven’t heard that term in years. I liked the characters but wish there had been more of a build up of the attraction before they jumped into a benefits situation. Even with my small criticisms I enjoyed the story overall. Hayley’s can do, never giving up nature made me want a HEA for her and Jenna.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
July 4, 2024
4 Stars
The first 50% I was feeling unsure about the story. I am biased because the setting was the Australian outback and obviously I love my own and I wanted to give it all the chance it deserves. However, it felt plain and just run-of-the-mill contemporary romance, where it has all the necessary factors for it to be a story but nothing that elevates it. And then the tension started building after the 50% mark. The character’s self-discovery was what saved the story for me. Her inner transformation was sublime.
The first 50% I was feeling unsure about the story. I am biased because the setting was the Australian outback and obviously I love my own and I wanted to give it all the chance it deserves. However, it felt plain and just run-of-the-mill contemporary romance, where it has all the necessary factors for it to be a story but nothing that elevates it. And then the tension started building after the 50% mark. The character’s self-discovery was what saved the story for me. Her inner transformation was sublime.
May 6, 2024
Cheyenne Blue's Switcheroo transports readers to the vivid landscapes of Queensland, Australia, weaving a tale of romance between Hayley, a New Yorker, and Jenna, a local who embodies the spirit of the outback. The novel excels in creating a rich, atmospheric setting that captures the beauty and ruggedness of the desert. Despite some clichéd dialogue and the initially weak chemistry between the protagonists, the story develops into a rewarding exploration of their relationship, marked by a significant, gripping event that keeps the pages turning.
While the narrative offers a compelling look at Jenna's profound connection to her environment, Hayley's character brings a contrasting city vibe that is both refreshing and at times jarring due to the outdated or misplaced slang. Blue's portrayal of Hayley's struggle to fit into the rural setting is nuanced, highlighting her personal growth and genuine interactions with the station's community. However, the use of New York slang occasionally disrupts the story's flow, pulling the reader out of the immersive experience.
Overall, Switcheroo is another great read from Blue. This is a book for those who enjoy romance novels that celebrate scenic settings and character-driven narratives. The story’s heart lies in its setting and the detailed depiction of the characters’ lives, offering a picturesque escape to the Australian outback with a side of romance. While the relationship between Hayley and Jenna may lack some sparks, their journey towards understanding and acceptance provides a satisfying, slow-burn romance that is an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
While the narrative offers a compelling look at Jenna's profound connection to her environment, Hayley's character brings a contrasting city vibe that is both refreshing and at times jarring due to the outdated or misplaced slang. Blue's portrayal of Hayley's struggle to fit into the rural setting is nuanced, highlighting her personal growth and genuine interactions with the station's community. However, the use of New York slang occasionally disrupts the story's flow, pulling the reader out of the immersive experience.
Overall, Switcheroo is another great read from Blue. This is a book for those who enjoy romance novels that celebrate scenic settings and character-driven narratives. The story’s heart lies in its setting and the detailed depiction of the characters’ lives, offering a picturesque escape to the Australian outback with a side of romance. While the relationship between Hayley and Jenna may lack some sparks, their journey towards understanding and acceptance provides a satisfying, slow-burn romance that is an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
Hayley is 29 years old and has never ventured outside the five boroughs of New York City. She applies for a "life swap" programme run by a magazine, in which she and another participant will trade homes and jobs for a year. The magazine will pay their living expenses in exchange for the rights to publish their adventures.
Hayley, with dreams of an idyllic year in an American country town, is in for a surprise. The programme has a different plan for her-she's about to embark on a life-changing adventure on a remote cattle station in Queensland, Australia.
Jenna loves her life on Ghost Gum Station. She has a good relationship with her employers and co-workers, and her goal in life is to be the next Manager of the property. She is less than thrilled when she is assigned as mentor to Hayley, who has none of the experience and skills expected of even a new employee.
Switcheroo is a classic fish-out-of-water tale. We follow Hayley as she discovers how ill-equipped she is for the role she has taken on. It is also a medium-burn romance between Hayley and Jenna as they slowly progress from an employee/supervisor relationship to friends-with-benefits and beyond...
Hayley and Jenna are both strong, likeable women. Their co-workers on the station embody Australian rural clichés in a fun and endearing way, and Hayley's misadventures make for highly enjoyable reading.
Hayley, with dreams of an idyllic year in an American country town, is in for a surprise. The programme has a different plan for her-she's about to embark on a life-changing adventure on a remote cattle station in Queensland, Australia.
Jenna loves her life on Ghost Gum Station. She has a good relationship with her employers and co-workers, and her goal in life is to be the next Manager of the property. She is less than thrilled when she is assigned as mentor to Hayley, who has none of the experience and skills expected of even a new employee.
Switcheroo is a classic fish-out-of-water tale. We follow Hayley as she discovers how ill-equipped she is for the role she has taken on. It is also a medium-burn romance between Hayley and Jenna as they slowly progress from an employee/supervisor relationship to friends-with-benefits and beyond...
Hayley and Jenna are both strong, likeable women. Their co-workers on the station embody Australian rural clichés in a fun and endearing way, and Hayley's misadventures make for highly enjoyable reading.
July 27, 2025
I’m still undecided about Cheyenne Blue as an author for me, but I was drawn to the premise: a New Yorker (Haley) decides on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to swap her life for someone else’s for a year. She’s working two low-paying jobs in NYC, so why not? If she succeeds, she gets a good experience and a boost to her bank account. That is until she finds out where she’s going: Queensland, Australia—the literal middle of nowhere.
Read this book for the Australian Outback setting. Blue’s descriptions of this part of the world will make anyone want to spend time there. Read this is you like cowgirls or a Western setting.
I’m not sure the romance works, though. I don’t think Blue showed me Haley and Jenna’s growing attraction enough—even at that physical level, which is what actually starts the romance. I didn’t buy it? And since this is primarily a romance, the story mostly fails at that level. I didn’t see any chemistry. I thought Haley had better chemistry with Jools.
But if you go into this book focussing on Haley—her adjustment, her growth, her finding herself—then this is a solid story.
3 stars because this was billed as a romance and I think it failed it that respect.
One ore thing I have to point out… I know Blue is Australian. I know Blue had American readers helping her with the American slang but it was still so bad. A couple of examples:
- “Word! If you want to see everything life can offer—and all in one week—then go to New York.”
- “Yo, what’s good with you? When are you gonna tell me what go you shook?”
Read this book for the Australian Outback setting. Blue’s descriptions of this part of the world will make anyone want to spend time there. Read this is you like cowgirls or a Western setting.
I’m not sure the romance works, though. I don’t think Blue showed me Haley and Jenna’s growing attraction enough—even at that physical level, which is what actually starts the romance. I didn’t buy it? And since this is primarily a romance, the story mostly fails at that level. I didn’t see any chemistry. I thought Haley had better chemistry with Jools.
But if you go into this book focussing on Haley—her adjustment, her growth, her finding herself—then this is a solid story.
3 stars because this was billed as a romance and I think it failed it that respect.
One ore thing I have to point out… I know Blue is Australian. I know Blue had American readers helping her with the American slang but it was still so bad. A couple of examples:
- “Word! If you want to see everything life can offer—and all in one week—then go to New York.”
- “Yo, what’s good with you? When are you gonna tell me what go you shook?”
April 13, 2024
Nah. Yeah. I enjoyed this. It had all the feels. Great storyline, believable characters, true-to-life descriptions of the vast Outback, and a ride off into the heart-stoppingly beautiful Aussie sunset. Home is where the heart is. What more could you ask for?
November 20, 2024
This was a sweet read, a real slow burn romance that evolved from a friends-with-benefits type of situation. New Yorker Hayley signs up for an adventure of a lifetime and "switches lives" with another woman for a year, only to end up on a remote cattle station in Australia, where she meets the strong and down-to-earth Jenna. They connect as friends and develop a sexual relationship as both are aware that Hayley will be leaving in a year and there would be no future for them. This is actually one of the rare books I've read where there is more sex than typical romance, but it's still apparent that Hayley and Jenna deeply care about one another. I especially loved the depiction of the single queer space in the small town closest to the station and the community there. The scenery in the whole book was lovely as well, it appears I am a sucker for romance in beautiful landscapes and nature.
If you like level-headed romance that slowly builds up to trust and a grand gesture, this book is for you.
4.5 stars for me.
Rep: bisexual mc/ lesbian mc
If you like level-headed romance that slowly builds up to trust and a grand gesture, this book is for you.
4.5 stars for me.
Rep: bisexual mc/ lesbian mc
April 17, 2024
3,5 - 4 ⭐️
April 11, 2024
Enjoyable read
This was a fun read. I loved the chemistry between all the characters. It's not an original story by any means but it was well written and the enjoyable.
My one gripe is the "yah, naw" that was used when the americans spoke...um...maybe it's me buy I don't speak like that...but then again I'm just one person.
This was a fun read. I loved the chemistry between all the characters. It's not an original story by any means but it was well written and the enjoyable.
My one gripe is the "yah, naw" that was used when the americans spoke...um...maybe it's me buy I don't speak like that...but then again I'm just one person.
November 24, 2025
This is a sweet romance where Hayley, a short-order cook/ bartender from New York wins a chance to switch lives with someone for 1 year. She ended up in the Australian Outback being a jillaroo or ranch hand. She struggles at first to adjust to life vastly different from her own. But along the way, made friendships and eventually a chance for romance. While the premise is not novel, the Australian setting lends itself to added enjoyment of the novel.
April 27, 2024
OK: let’s be honest: I really love Cheyenne Blue, a real star writer and this latest book doesn’t disappoint. Love the concept - life swap, from US to Australia outback. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2024
One word: Excelent. The beauty of the Outback of Australia written if you where there. So vibrant.
Great characters, Great story of a life swap.
Great characters, Great story of a life swap.
March 18, 2024
Bustling New York City or the vast Australian Outback?
Reading the blurb I was pretty sure that Cheyenne Blue‘s newest would hit the spot. What can go wrong when a NYCity-slicker is planted into the middle of dusty, deserted, dry Australian Outback - possibly everything and fun will be had, right?
I was not entirely wrong but Switcheroo delivers more, so much more: Yes, there is quite the struggle for Hayley to fit in, she really tries but nothing had her prepared for the stark experience awaiting her and the author doesn‘t gloss over it. No instant love for the Outback. At the same time we slowly see through the eyes of Hayley the unveiling of its beauty and the book becomes at times an ode to a way of living, with quite a few poetic passages where we see the stark beauty of the red arid landscape and its beautiful skies. I really relished those passages.
The people we meet are hard-working, there is comraderie and they are honest and direct with a distinct Australian flavor — I really liked that a lot: dry humor, Aussie slang and all.
The developing romance between Kenna, the jilaroo/farmhand, and Hayley is well-done although the way to happiness takes the scenic road.
I very much enjoyed the read - Cheyenne Blue does deliver again a great read.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
Reading the blurb I was pretty sure that Cheyenne Blue‘s newest would hit the spot. What can go wrong when a NYCity-slicker is planted into the middle of dusty, deserted, dry Australian Outback - possibly everything and fun will be had, right?
I was not entirely wrong but Switcheroo delivers more, so much more: Yes, there is quite the struggle for Hayley to fit in, she really tries but nothing had her prepared for the stark experience awaiting her and the author doesn‘t gloss over it. No instant love for the Outback. At the same time we slowly see through the eyes of Hayley the unveiling of its beauty and the book becomes at times an ode to a way of living, with quite a few poetic passages where we see the stark beauty of the red arid landscape and its beautiful skies. I really relished those passages.
The people we meet are hard-working, there is comraderie and they are honest and direct with a distinct Australian flavor — I really liked that a lot: dry humor, Aussie slang and all.
The developing romance between Kenna, the jilaroo/farmhand, and Hayley is well-done although the way to happiness takes the scenic road.
I very much enjoyed the read - Cheyenne Blue does deliver again a great read.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
The adventure of a lifetime!
Hayley gets the opportunity of a lifetime to swap her life with someone else for a year. Finding herself working as a jillaroo on a cattle station in Australia, things couldn’t be more different than the New York life she left behind. Jenna has never left the cattle station and she’s not enjoying having to show Hayley the ropes but Hayley is just too cute for her to resist.
Loved every second of this! It was such an amazing chance for Hayley to really make the most of her life, and it gave Jenna an opportunity to experience something outside of her comfort zone too. Hayley had so much to learn, I admired how she just embraced everything and gave it her best shot, even if it came with bumps and difficulty. She and Jenna had a connection but it was completely laced with a tension you just knew wouldn’t remain, even if Jenna was stubborn and adamant Hayley wasn’t that important to her.
It was a romance that came with lessons about perhaps stopping once in a while and thinking about what really makes you happy. Simplicity is definitely one of the keys to that, as Hayley soon discovered. Being a jillaroo in Australia didn’t come naturally to her, but she eventually found her place and was able to use strengths to start really loving what her life had become and the family she was building out there. Her relationship with Jenna was slow burn and very strained at times to begin with, but they had a great connection when they both let down their defenses and started working together and got to know one another better.
There was a whole cast of characters really making this story special, and I enjoyed it so much! Hopefully Hayley and Jenna will be in future stories, as exciting things await!
Hayley gets the opportunity of a lifetime to swap her life with someone else for a year. Finding herself working as a jillaroo on a cattle station in Australia, things couldn’t be more different than the New York life she left behind. Jenna has never left the cattle station and she’s not enjoying having to show Hayley the ropes but Hayley is just too cute for her to resist.
Loved every second of this! It was such an amazing chance for Hayley to really make the most of her life, and it gave Jenna an opportunity to experience something outside of her comfort zone too. Hayley had so much to learn, I admired how she just embraced everything and gave it her best shot, even if it came with bumps and difficulty. She and Jenna had a connection but it was completely laced with a tension you just knew wouldn’t remain, even if Jenna was stubborn and adamant Hayley wasn’t that important to her.
It was a romance that came with lessons about perhaps stopping once in a while and thinking about what really makes you happy. Simplicity is definitely one of the keys to that, as Hayley soon discovered. Being a jillaroo in Australia didn’t come naturally to her, but she eventually found her place and was able to use strengths to start really loving what her life had become and the family she was building out there. Her relationship with Jenna was slow burn and very strained at times to begin with, but they had a great connection when they both let down their defenses and started working together and got to know one another better.
There was a whole cast of characters really making this story special, and I enjoyed it so much! Hopefully Hayley and Jenna will be in future stories, as exciting things await!
March 19, 2024
I've been eagerly awaiting the newest Cheyenne Blue book and dove right in once I got my hands on the ARC.
You can read the blurb to find out all the details so I'm going to jump right into what I loved and a little of what didn't quite work for me.
I think the biggest thing I loved was the country. The clear love letter Cheyenne Blue writes to the outback. She made me want to pack up and move. In another life, I could have been Jenna and been completely happy. I'm from the American mid-west and absolutely live for my time in the forests and near lakes and rivers and streams. But I also lived in Arizona and loved the desert. The outdoors is where I want to spend my time - even though I now spend way too much time indoors...
Jenna and her love of the land was my number one favorite part of the book. I did connect with Hayley, too. Ms. Blue did a great job of capturing her awkwardness and insecurity and desire to work hard. The way she related to the others at the station felt genuine and I enjoyed being a fly on the wall (along with loads of other flies, apparently.)
There were a couple of things that kept Switcheroo from being a 5-star book for me. One is small but it kept pulling me out of the story. Hayley's NY slang... Word, wack, and hip are slang we used in the 90s and are among those my 19 year-old son teases me for saying. Maybe they've made a resurgence in NY though. The use of "yeah, nah" and "nah, yeah" didn't feel right in more serious conversations. And I have no idea what "dead ass" means. I couldn't figure it out from context. I totally get using slang to help cement her character as a NYC woman but in some of the scenes, it held me back from connecting and staying in the story.
The other thing that I had trouble with was feeling the chemistry between Jenna and Hayley. I loved them both and I wanted them together but I just never felt that sexual connection between them.
I still definitely recommend Switcheroo. It reminded me a lot of Susan X. Meagher's Almost Heaven. Meagher made me fall in love with the land and people of West Virginia just as much as Blue made me fall in love with Queensland outback and Ghost Gum Station. The fish-out-of-water trope was well done in both books, too, come to think of it...
Switcheroo is another win for Cheyenne Blue in my book. A big thanks to her, Ylva, and NetGalley for the ARC. I appreciate it!
You can read the blurb to find out all the details so I'm going to jump right into what I loved and a little of what didn't quite work for me.
I think the biggest thing I loved was the country. The clear love letter Cheyenne Blue writes to the outback. She made me want to pack up and move. In another life, I could have been Jenna and been completely happy. I'm from the American mid-west and absolutely live for my time in the forests and near lakes and rivers and streams. But I also lived in Arizona and loved the desert. The outdoors is where I want to spend my time - even though I now spend way too much time indoors...
Jenna and her love of the land was my number one favorite part of the book. I did connect with Hayley, too. Ms. Blue did a great job of capturing her awkwardness and insecurity and desire to work hard. The way she related to the others at the station felt genuine and I enjoyed being a fly on the wall (along with loads of other flies, apparently.)
There were a couple of things that kept Switcheroo from being a 5-star book for me. One is small but it kept pulling me out of the story. Hayley's NY slang... Word, wack, and hip are slang we used in the 90s and are among those my 19 year-old son teases me for saying. Maybe they've made a resurgence in NY though. The use of "yeah, nah" and "nah, yeah" didn't feel right in more serious conversations. And I have no idea what "dead ass" means. I couldn't figure it out from context. I totally get using slang to help cement her character as a NYC woman but in some of the scenes, it held me back from connecting and staying in the story.
The other thing that I had trouble with was feeling the chemistry between Jenna and Hayley. I loved them both and I wanted them together but I just never felt that sexual connection between them.
I still definitely recommend Switcheroo. It reminded me a lot of Susan X. Meagher's Almost Heaven. Meagher made me fall in love with the land and people of West Virginia just as much as Blue made me fall in love with Queensland outback and Ghost Gum Station. The fish-out-of-water trope was well done in both books, too, come to think of it...
Switcheroo is another win for Cheyenne Blue in my book. A big thanks to her, Ylva, and NetGalley for the ARC. I appreciate it!
March 19, 2024
Cheyenne Blue brings us another book with a very unique plot, touched with her subtle sense of humor. Add a slow-burn romance and the result was one that tugged at my heart strings.
Hayley Reed was a twenty-nine-year-old native New Yorker, working two jobs, as a bartender in one and a short-order cook in the other, working to pay off her student loans. She participated in New York Monday’s magazine contest to be chosen to completely trade positions with someone somewhere, anywhere, switching jobs, places they lived, salaries, etc. She had fantasies of being relocated to a posh ski resort, but what she got was one-year as a jillaroo at Ghost Gum, an outback cattle station in Queensland, Australia.
Jenna Dwyer was a country girl from the Outback who worked as a station hand at Ghost Gum, and was there to teach Hayley the ropes. They were bunk mates, along with another station hand, Jools. In fact, all the characters at Ghost Gum were interesting and provided some interesting additions to the story.
It was such an eye-opener how the author so realistically made me feel the experience of living in the Outback. What Hayley found was, “dust, dust, and more dust, straggly trees, wire fences, and skinny cattle, and a so-called city that took ten minutes to cross.” There was also the Aussie bushfly, numerous snakes and deadly creatures to watch out for. We experienced Hayley’s life throughout her days, weeks and months, with the reality being similar to groundhog day over and over.
The days were long, the work was hard and the food left a lot to be desired—kangaroo tail stew, roasted goanna—but what made it all worth it was finding love. Cheyenne writes a lovely romance with yearnings and steamy love scenes. This one didn’t disappoint.
I really enjoyed my trip to the Outback with the descriptions so well written that I don’t feel the need to actually go there because I feel that I’ve already been there, done that, haha.
My thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Hayley Reed was a twenty-nine-year-old native New Yorker, working two jobs, as a bartender in one and a short-order cook in the other, working to pay off her student loans. She participated in New York Monday’s magazine contest to be chosen to completely trade positions with someone somewhere, anywhere, switching jobs, places they lived, salaries, etc. She had fantasies of being relocated to a posh ski resort, but what she got was one-year as a jillaroo at Ghost Gum, an outback cattle station in Queensland, Australia.
Jenna Dwyer was a country girl from the Outback who worked as a station hand at Ghost Gum, and was there to teach Hayley the ropes. They were bunk mates, along with another station hand, Jools. In fact, all the characters at Ghost Gum were interesting and provided some interesting additions to the story.
It was such an eye-opener how the author so realistically made me feel the experience of living in the Outback. What Hayley found was, “dust, dust, and more dust, straggly trees, wire fences, and skinny cattle, and a so-called city that took ten minutes to cross.” There was also the Aussie bushfly, numerous snakes and deadly creatures to watch out for. We experienced Hayley’s life throughout her days, weeks and months, with the reality being similar to groundhog day over and over.
The days were long, the work was hard and the food left a lot to be desired—kangaroo tail stew, roasted goanna—but what made it all worth it was finding love. Cheyenne writes a lovely romance with yearnings and steamy love scenes. This one didn’t disappoint.
I really enjoyed my trip to the Outback with the descriptions so well written that I don’t feel the need to actually go there because I feel that I’ve already been there, done that, haha.
My thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 13, 2024
4.5 stars, a sweet, pretty low angst romance with some self-discovery and the Australia outback.
April 5, 2024
I love Cheyenne Blue's books! This one is a wonderful, fun story of a New Yorker, Hayley winning a contest and being sent to a "ranch" in the Outback. Becoming a jillaroo. The women who's to guide her in her job is Jenna. This is a love story of the outback and of Hayley with it and Jenna. But what happens when she has to go back to NY? I adore this book! Definitely 5 stars!
January 9, 2025
It was ok. This is very much a sapphic hallmark tale complete with a city girl moving to the country in an unbelievable way. If you’re into hallmark movies, then this is a tale for you. A very low angst, low interest, “fish out of water” story. It’s a happy ending but the characters, their connection and the story itself is just not deep or gripping.
April 30, 2024
I reviewed this for The Lesbian review and loved it. It’s so sweet and made me want to move to outback Australia 🥰
April 16, 2024
Is it just me, or is Cheyene Blue getting better with each book she writes? Switcheroo delves into Outback Australian as deep as you can go, and reading along as a city girl from the USA is converted to the lifestyle is addictive.
Hayley, New York born and bred wins the opportunity to do a life swap with an Aussie jillaroo. She’s disappointed to learn that she is heading to a cattle station and struggles from the get-go. Making friends seems impossible, and her new ‘BFF’ Jenna doesn’t seem interested in helping her ease into things, instead throwing her straight into the deep end.
Jenna is at home on the station, and her ambition is to run the place one day. It makes romance near impossible, but there is something about Hayley that has her heart racing. Finding out if the two can find common ground is a challenge, but one that is full of country antics, authentic side characters, and nights of conversation under the stars.
I really couldn’t put this book down. There is something about a mutual attraction that isn’t acted on straight away that keeps me turning the pages. I can never wait to see how the story plays out. And this one is worth the wait. The happily ever after comes with a little angst, but a lot of sapphic sweetness and sexy times. Make sure you check it out.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review
Hayley, New York born and bred wins the opportunity to do a life swap with an Aussie jillaroo. She’s disappointed to learn that she is heading to a cattle station and struggles from the get-go. Making friends seems impossible, and her new ‘BFF’ Jenna doesn’t seem interested in helping her ease into things, instead throwing her straight into the deep end.
Jenna is at home on the station, and her ambition is to run the place one day. It makes romance near impossible, but there is something about Hayley that has her heart racing. Finding out if the two can find common ground is a challenge, but one that is full of country antics, authentic side characters, and nights of conversation under the stars.
I really couldn’t put this book down. There is something about a mutual attraction that isn’t acted on straight away that keeps me turning the pages. I can never wait to see how the story plays out. And this one is worth the wait. The happily ever after comes with a little angst, but a lot of sapphic sweetness and sexy times. Make sure you check it out.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review
March 17, 2024
Extra heat in the Outback
The premise of Switcheroo is a cool take on life swapping set away from the glamor and glitz parts of NYC and big city Australia. Cheyenne Blue once again makes Australia a character in the story - in this case the Outback - and highlights its extensive beauty and danger; the flies, the 'roos, the clear skies and heat. Main characters Hayley and Jenna are down to earth, realistic and relatable in their goals and dreams, the obstacles in the way. There is drama and a bit of angst but it's good beach (or wintertime) reading and while it may not inspire you to book a leisure trip to the Outback, if anything it'll give you a fuller picture of that part of Australia and give you a greater appreciation of the lives of ranchers who provide the food you consume, their challenges especially in a harsh climate like the Outback. There is plenty of humor as well, both American and Aussie. And animals lovers will find several critters to latch on to.
I had a fair idea of how the story would go in terms of the overall trajectory before I got too far in to the book, but it was still a page turner to see how it all unfolded and what happened along the way. There's some steamy scenes and lots of food although foodies might not appreciate the meals served in order to fill hungry bellies after a full day of hard manual labor. NYC is not put on a pedestal here as it often is in fiction; Hayley works two jobs and has a heavy load of student debt to pay off and so she and her best friend aren't out seeing the tourist sights or living the high life by any means. Lovers of Aussie slang will appreciate the abundance of it in the story; most of it is easily deciphered in the context where it's used. The ending is sweet although if a follow up story is ever done to check in on these characters in the future I'd happily read it. If you want a romance story set in an atypical place for lesfic and with characters who have jobs involving manual labor and working with their hands, rather than boardrooms and the like, give this one a read. And if you've read some of Cheyenne Blue's earlier books there's mention and possibly a cameo appearance by someone from a certain series she wrote; I hope author Blue continues to put Easter eggs like this into her books as they're a fun bonus for readers who recognize them for what they are.
I had been hoping and waiting for a comeuppance for one of the characters that never happened but that's a minor issue and personal preference in a book that otherwise keeps you entertained and turning pages to see what happens next.
I recommend this and all of the author's stories to date for armchair travelling to various places in Australia and feel good romances with interesting characters.
The premise of Switcheroo is a cool take on life swapping set away from the glamor and glitz parts of NYC and big city Australia. Cheyenne Blue once again makes Australia a character in the story - in this case the Outback - and highlights its extensive beauty and danger; the flies, the 'roos, the clear skies and heat. Main characters Hayley and Jenna are down to earth, realistic and relatable in their goals and dreams, the obstacles in the way. There is drama and a bit of angst but it's good beach (or wintertime) reading and while it may not inspire you to book a leisure trip to the Outback, if anything it'll give you a fuller picture of that part of Australia and give you a greater appreciation of the lives of ranchers who provide the food you consume, their challenges especially in a harsh climate like the Outback. There is plenty of humor as well, both American and Aussie. And animals lovers will find several critters to latch on to.
I had a fair idea of how the story would go in terms of the overall trajectory before I got too far in to the book, but it was still a page turner to see how it all unfolded and what happened along the way. There's some steamy scenes and lots of food although foodies might not appreciate the meals served in order to fill hungry bellies after a full day of hard manual labor. NYC is not put on a pedestal here as it often is in fiction; Hayley works two jobs and has a heavy load of student debt to pay off and so she and her best friend aren't out seeing the tourist sights or living the high life by any means. Lovers of Aussie slang will appreciate the abundance of it in the story; most of it is easily deciphered in the context where it's used. The ending is sweet although if a follow up story is ever done to check in on these characters in the future I'd happily read it. If you want a romance story set in an atypical place for lesfic and with characters who have jobs involving manual labor and working with their hands, rather than boardrooms and the like, give this one a read. And if you've read some of Cheyenne Blue's earlier books there's mention and possibly a cameo appearance by someone from a certain series she wrote; I hope author Blue continues to put Easter eggs like this into her books as they're a fun bonus for readers who recognize them for what they are.
I had been hoping and waiting for a comeuppance for one of the characters that never happened but that's a minor issue and personal preference in a book that otherwise keeps you entertained and turning pages to see what happens next.
I recommend this and all of the author's stories to date for armchair travelling to various places in Australia and feel good romances with interesting characters.
June 8, 2024
I wasn’t expecting much from this, but it was actually really nicely written, an interesting and well executed idea with good plot and characters. I would recommend and will read more from this author.
April 13, 2024
3.5 Stars
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