Big Waves Down Under: A Steamy Rom-Com Novella

by Liz Fields, Jess Lynne

If you were left at the altar would you still go on your honeymoon?

Winston Roberts—the man I thought was my forever—stood beside me at the altar, leaned in, and whispered four words that shattered my world, “I can’t do this.” On New Year’s Eve, no less! He walked out, leaving me in a wave of heartbreak, and in a church full of stunned faces.

So what did I do? I boarded a plane—alone—destined for the other side of the world, determined to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon he’d planned.

But an Australian stranger, with a smile that could burn down the outback, keeps popping up everywhere I go. Will he be the magic elixir who rides a wave in and makes me forget what happened?

Does what happens down under stay Down Under?

Genres: Contemporary

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

Reviews

[Torr O · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book on Booksprout. i cannot wait to read more of about the sunny valley girls! frannie’s and bruce’s dialogue had me giggling and kicking my feet! this was such a great pick me up novella! i would recommend reading to others!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frannie and Bruce Making Waves . . .

Francine Pastells opened her eyes to see her maid of honor trying to bring her back to consciousness. Winston Roberts, her fiancé, had just told her he could not go through with this marriage, then turned and walked out of the church in front of everyone. Lila told her she had to get ready for her honeymoon! Her mom then told her she was coming home, resting, then getting on the plane to enjoy her honeymoon Down Under! Why waste a wonderful trip to Australia?

She boarded the plane, glad the first-class seat had a privacy divider, at least until a blond shaggy-haired man with a nice tan pulled it open to say he hated drinking alone. She dug out her AirPods to give him the hint she didn’t want to talk to anyone. Then she tried to pretend to read her book. So he introduced himself as Bruce and kept up his friendly chatter. Finally she pulled up her pillow and a blanket and he wished her sweet dreams. When she woke for breakfast, the slider opened again to Bruce’s smiling face. And finally they landed. The driver chatted through the entire trip to the resort. All of her activities were scheduled for her. But it’s still painful to be abandoned like that. She decides to choose the things on the itinerary that she might enjoy. Getting a picture of “hanging ten” on a surfboard will be her first act of revenge since lessons were Winston’s idea. She is ready to ride the waves… assuming she can find the Surf Shack! She hears a voice say, “G’Day, Frannie,” and almost falls over as Bruce walks out, shirtless and in red board shorts -- yes, very tan and sculpted with gorgeous muscles! And he happens to be her surf instructor!! Then he helps her zip up a wetsuit to protect her from the sun. Her last attempt was perfect and she told him she wished she had a picture. Luckily the resort happens to have a photographer who has been taking pics and will send them to her! When she looks them over, the photographer had even gotten one where she gave Bruce a hug! And yes, Winston saw her enjoying their honeymoon! But what kind of future can she now look forward to? Is there something she and Bruce are feeling for each other? Is he this friendly to everyone? Or will she have a choice to make when it’s time to return home?

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francine's ex left her at the altar. Actually waited until she walked down the aisle to tell her he couldn't marry her. What do you do when your whole life falls apart? You go on your Australian honeymoon, of course. Alone.
But she doesn't stay alone for long.
Her ex had planned the whole trip, from first class travel to the resort itinerary. He probably didn't plan for Francine to meet a guy on the plane who turned out to be the surfing instructor at the resort. Or for that guy to help her get out of her head and enjoy the amazing destination.
Frannie, as hot Aussie Bruce called her, felt a connection to him, but she had to go home in a few days. She would have to leave Bruce behind. But what if he decided he wasn't going to let her do that?
This started out sad, but was a sweet story about moving on and being open to something new and unexpected. When you experience the worst moment of your life, the only way to go is up. How far is up to you!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫

This is another recent SYKD download for me! After being left at the altar, Francine heads to Australia for her honeymoon on her own, meeting someone on the flight. This was a fun, quick read, and, like most books I read set in Australia, it makes me really excited to plan a trip there one day.

It was fun to be along for the ride on her week-long honeymoon. There were parts of this story that I think were unnecessary, particularly her ex-fiance reaching out to give her a reason why. It didn’t add anything inherently, not even really giving the character closure, and I don’t think the story needed that. That said, I like how casually the person she meets on the plane reappears after the flight.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to more from these authors. The setting was amazing, I felt like I was on vacation in Australia experiencing it with Frannie and I adored the chemistry between Frannie and Bruce(what a gorgeous guy) He was also so sweet. This book had everything Love and loss, an amazing hero, steamy perfection and a happy ending. Absolutely loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francine was just jilted at the altar but she went to their honeymoon in Australia . On the airplane next to her is a sexy Australian man but she is very socked to notice him . When she arrives at the hotel her surf instructor is Bruce the sexy airplane man . Will he make her happy and is he the right one for her ?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet short whirlwind romance!! Francine takes advantage of the honeymoon since her ex fiancee left her at the altar. On the plane, she meets the sweet surfer Bruce, and from then on their fates have been intertwined.
Their relationship is fun and intense: their tension is hot and the spice scenes are written really well!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[terra wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Waves Down Under was the perfect little weekend escape. I read it during a mani/pedi appt, and it did NOT disappoint! Loved the characters, the plot line, and the excitement of more Sunny Valley Girls that we’ll get to know! The ultimate vacation read, whether you’re actually heading out of town, or just taking a break from the day.

[Subaita Farhad · Rating 4 out of 5]

These book added Australia to my bucket list. The beacy vibes of Australia was immaculate . And surfing....... looks like i have another daring mission. The story was great more sweet and cute. I know it’s a novella but i wanted more of them exploring Australia and making more memories. Overall it was sweet and cute and great pallette cleanser.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and a novella. Must remember that when annoyed about holes in the story and characters lol. The FMC is a bit too flimsy IMO.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title:
* Big Waves Down Under
Author:
* Liz Fields
* Jess Lynne
Length:
* Novella
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Epilogue:
* Yes

Gettin’ Down To The Nitty-Gritty…
Genre & Tropes:
* Jilted Bride
* Rom-Com
* Australia Getaway
* MF
Triggers:
* Mature Themes
* 18+
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
*