I swore there was no bucking way I’d fall for a cowboy again…
I’ve stopped waiting for Mr. Right. After years of dating disasters, I’m done. I’m taking control of my future the only way I know how—through IVF. A baby on my own terms. No man required.
But then Jarrah strides into Diamond Firetail Farm. A former bull rider with broad shoulders, smouldering brown eyes, and a smirk that makes me want to slap him—or kiss him.
We clash. Constantly.
On the rodeo circuit they called him Jarrah “Hotlips” Larsen, because every buckle bunny thought he was irresistible. Which only convinces me he’s a player. The problem? He’s nothing like the man his reputation suggests—and that only makes him harder to resist.
When his teenage daughter needs help with schoolwork, Jarrah asks me. It’s supposed to be just tutoring. Nothing more. But late nights turn into stolen glances, stolen glances into stolen kisses, and suddenly I’m tangled up with the one man I swore I didn’t need.
Jarrah makes me feel seen in a way no one ever has, but how can I trust in a future with him when I’ve already chosen mine? Because letting him in means risking not just my heart—but the family I’ve fought so hard to create.
Cynthia Terelst is an emerging Australian author based in regional Queensland, where the sun shines 283 days a year. She is a Document Controls Manager by day and a writer by night. Cynthia’s mother introduced her to a lifelong love of reading, for which she will be forever grateful. With love for the written word instilled in her, she wrote her first picture book at the age of 8, about her lost cat, Fluffy.
Cynthia writes contemporary romance and has four books published in her Love Down Under series. She refers to her writing style as ‘heat with heart'. In her novels, she likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Her novels do not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
A warm, fast-paced romance about choice and second chances. Single-minded heroine Mia plans IVF to build her family alone—no cowboy required—until former bull rider Jarrah “Hotlips” Larsen arrives at her farm. What starts as friction and tutoring help turns into slow-burn chemistry, forcing her to choose between the life she mapped out and the love she never expected.
Relatable heroine, charming Australian farm setting, sweet family feels, low-drama but heartfelt Fans of fake/forced proximity, cowboys with soft sides, and independent leads
I really enjoyed reading No Bucking Way! This whole series is really good and it is very realistic of Australian life especially rural farm/studs. Both Fran and Jarrah were good characters. I’ll admit I had a little bit of trouble with Fran at first I just found her a bit mean to Jarrah. I did warm up to her the more I read and got to know her though. She’d obviously had some pretty hard things happen and you could tell how much the IVF meant to her and what she’d always wanted out of her life. The IVF journey Fran went through was very realistic and I really appreciated how sensitively Cynthia wrote it. Seeing Jarrah be so supportive and caring during the journey was so good to see. Jarrah was so incredible. He’d been through a lot and it had obviously affected the way he saw and thought of himself, which I found so sad because just like Fran, Grace and those on Diamond Firetail Farm I found him amazing. I loved seeing him really fight to be a good dad to Grace even when he was doubting himself. He confronted some things that really scared him because he knew it would ultimately help his little girl. I loved reading the relationship between Jarrah and Grace and how they were with each other. I also loved the relationship we saw develop between Fran and Grace. You could tell there was an attraction between Fran and Jarrah and we saw that progress as well as their relationship. I adored the scene where Fran stood up For Jarrah! I can’t wait for more of this series, i’ve loved it so far!
Another great addition to this wonderful series This is book 3 in the Diamond Firetail Farm series and as mentioned another great addition to this series. I love my time on this farm with all the drama that comes its way and now it’s Fran’s turn to find her path to happiness. She thinks the way is by shunning all men and saving to afford IVF so that she can have her own little family, No More Cowboys. Then in comes Jarrah, known as Hotlips to the rodeo circuit where he was a bull rider. Now working on the farm and housed right next door to Fran they get off to a rocky start. There is so much angst, banter plus off the charts chemistry between them, then add in some really funny moments and I was laughing out loud at times. Fran starts to see Jarrah in a different light over time, especially when he is with his teenage daughter Grace, who she ends up tutoring. Both have had bad relationships in the past but once they let their guards down they start to enjoy each others company. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers with some rather spicy moments. It also has some heavier elements mentioning dyslexia and the IVF system with care and compassion making some moments emotional. Overall I loved this story, the characters and all of the people on the farm and look forward to reading more in this series. Thank you Cynthia Terelst for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
I absolutely loved this book. From the first few chapters, I was completely invested in Fran and Jarrah's story and didn't want to put it down.
Fran was such an easy character to root for. She's determined, resilient, and doing everything she can to build the life she wants for herself. And Jarrah? Beneath the cowboy charm and his reputation, he's incredibly caring and loyal. Watching him interact with his daughter Grace completely stole my heart.
One of my favorite things about this book was the relationship between Fran and Jarrah. The banter was fantastic, and I loved the way their connection developed over time. The chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional side of their relationship that really kept me turning the pages. They had both been through a lot, and seeing them slowly lower their walls and trust each other felt genuine and rewarding.
This story had a great balance of humor, heart, and romance. There were moments that made me smile, moments that pulled at my emotions, and plenty of scenes that had me cheering for these two to get their happily ever after.
If you love cowboys, strong characters, family dynamics, and a romance that gives you all the feels, this is definitely one to pick up. I finished it with a huge smile on my face and already miss these characters. An easy four-star read for me. ⭐🤠❤️
I absolutely loved Bucking Way by Cynthia Terelst! I was hooked from the very first chapter and honestly didn’t want it to end. Fran and Jarrah completely stole my heart. Their chemistry was everything, and I adored watching two people who had both been through so much slowly find their way to each other.
Fran was such a strong and relatable heroine. I loved how determined she was to create the future she wanted, and Jarrah? Swoon. Underneath all that rugged cowboy charm and his “Hotlips” reputation was the sweetest, most caring man. Seeing him with his daughter Grace melted my heart and made me love him even more.
The banter between Fran and Jarrah had me smiling constantly, and the slow build from enemies to something so beautiful felt natural and emotional. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh, a few that tugged at my heart, and so many that had me rooting for them with my whole heart.
This book had everything I love in a romance: a gorgeous cowboy, family feels, amazing chemistry, emotional depth, and characters I became completely invested in. I finished with the biggest smile on my face and already miss Fran and Jarrah. Such a wonderful read and an easy five stars from me!
Written in first-person, past tense, with alternating POV.
💉🐎💉🐎💉🐎
She’s off men and going through IVF—she’s been burned so badly before that she’s not really open to dating anymore.
He is a single dad who thinks himself worthless …
They end up living next door to one another and their chemistry is instantly off-the-charts, but she’s living in a world of denial.
💉🐎💉🐎💉🐎
From the very first page, I was laughing my butt off—Terelst always has great banter, but it’s off-the-charts in this one!
A hilarious meet-cute had me hooked: she hates him off the bat, and he suddenly LIVES to annoy her—I couldn’t get enough.
IVF representation. Nextdoor neighbors-to-lovers. Workplace romance. Single dad MMC. Broken heroine. Dyslexia representation. Set on a working ranch. Slow-burn romance. Beautiful ‘grand gesture’. Poor communication.
Each book in this series will take hold of you and never let go—I want to move onto this ranch, and have these nosy, meddling-but-well-meaning people as my own found family. If you need an escape, just get lost in the Diamond Firetail Farm books—any and/or all of them.
"I swore there was no bucking way I’d fall for a cowboy again…"
I've really enjoyed the Diamond Firetail Farm series, and No Bucking Way continued what I've come to love about Cynthia Terelst's writing—emotionally authentic characters, a strong rural Australian setting, and relationships that feel messy and real rather than perfect.
The romance took time to develop, which I appreciated. The characters had genuine baggage to work through, and their struggles felt believable. I found myself invested in their journey and rooting for them even when they made frustrating decisions.
Terelst does a good job of balancing emotional moments with lighter scenes, and the horse farm backdrop adds plenty of charm without overwhelming the story.
There were a few moments where I wanted the characters to communicate more directly. Still, the emotional payoff made it worth sticking with.
If you enjoy small-town romance, family dynamics, second chances, and stories with plenty of heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
It's another solid addition to the series, and I'm already looking forward to whatever comes next from Cynthia Terelst.
Fran is happy in her work at Diamond Firetail Farm, a horse stud farm. But she's always wanted to be a mother and her boyfriend left her after she miscarried their baby. The boyfriend was a bull rider. When a new farm hand, Jarrah, shows up at the farm, she isn't pleased to make his acquaintance - especially when she erroneously thinks he's locked his dog in his car.
But she finds out that he's good with dogs, has a young daughter, and darn it all, his quarters are right next to hers. Even her dog loves Jarrah. As she gets to know him, she likes him more and more. She's still going to continue with her plans for an IVD pregnancy because she's been saving up for it for quite a long while. And the baby will be hers.
This book gives the reader some insight as to how a stud farm works. It's also funny, I chuckled and perhaps even snorted more than once. It's a great story, has spicy scenes, family drama, and a slow burn romance.
Thanks to the author for an early copy of the e-book.
4/5...This was a sweet, emotionally engaging cowboy romance with plenty of chemistry, heart, and family-centered moments. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the heroine and Jarrah, especially how their relationship developed from mutual irritation into genuine connection. Jarrah was easy to love—beneath his rodeo reputation, he was caring, patient, and devoted to his daughter, which added depth to his character. The IVF storyline gave the romance higher emotional stakes and made the heroine's journey feel realistic and relatable. I appreciated how the book explored her desire for independence while also showing the vulnerability that comes with opening your heart to someone new. The interactions with Jarrah's daughter were another highlight and helped create a strong sense of family throughout the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story continues the Firetail Farm series, where it seems everyone is trying to set others up..
Fran is strong-willed, and fiercely protective. Jarrah - beneath that cowboy charm and his wild reputation is a sweet, patient, and devoted single dad. He is dyslexic and is trying to be the best dad he can be. Their banter is funny, I love how they tried to wind each other up at every opportunity. Fran was a littel mean to Jarrah when he first arrives but the slow-burn chemistry between them builds naturally.
The Diamond Firetail Farm crew makes for a great found family—they are massively nosy, meddling, yet incredibly supportive. Isabelle continues her role as everyone's favourite little matchmaker.
💜 Small-town ranch romance 💜 Enemies to lovers 💜 Next-door neighbours / Forced proximity 💜 Single dad MMC (twelve-year-old daughter) 💜 IVF & medical representation 💜 Dyslexia representation 💜 Found family & close-knit community 💜 Workplace romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance story. Both main characters, Fran and Jarrah, took me a a little bit to warm up to them. I ended up loving them, especially enjoying their witty quips to each other. Jarrah's preteen daughter Grace was a gem and stole a few scenes, as did their two dogs. The rodeo scene was great - no spoilers here.
I thought the story was original. I appreciated the way the author treated the very serious decision of undertaking IVF treatments and having to live with dyslexia. The ranch sounded terrific, I am ready to visit to meet the wonderful people there. I had not read the previous books in the serious beforehand but it wasn't a problem. There are some spicy sex scenes and cursing but neither was excessive.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a fun read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
Jarrah and Fran had an awkward start to their friendship, but soon sparks are flying between these neighbours. Jarrah is a single dad and Fran is planning on bec omimg a mum via IVF. Both have dificulties and sadnesses to overcome and as they find support and affection in each o9ther they grow close. With Jarrahs daughter Grace growing close to Fran things seem to be on the up and up but life has a way of interfering.
I really liked the interplay between the main characters and their friends, families and pets. They way they worked on things together was great to read and left me with a great feeling. I am now heading back to read the earlier books in this series. Thanks Cynthia for an enjoyable visit to Firetail Farm.
No Bucking Way by Cynthia Terelst a heartfelt small-town romance that delivered a charming country life, emotional depth, and a romance worth rooting for. Set against the beautiful backdrop of rural Australia, the story combines the warmth of a close-knit community with the excitement and tension of falling in love when the odds seem stacked against the main characters. One of the book's biggest strengths was its atmosphere. Diamond Firetail Farm feels like a place readers want to visit, filled with quirky townsfolk, family bonds, and enough drama to keep the pages turning. Overall, No Bucking Way is a satisfying addition to the Diamond Firetail Farm series, with a charming, feel-good cowboy romance with memorable characters and plenty of heart.
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I love all things Cynthia Terelst, and this does not disappoint; this is part of The Diamond Firetail Farm series. Fran is the administration manager of the Diamond Firetail Ranch. Jarrah Larsen is a new employee on the ranch, a ranch hand. He is a former bull rider, and won the last championship. He will be living next door to Fran, and her dog Lucy. When Fran comes home from work, she can't find Lucy! She finds her next door with Jarrah, and his dog Willy (who names their dog Willy?) Fran does not have a good history with bull riders. She wants to be a Mom, and is going through the IVF journey. Jarrah is dyslexic, and we learn about that. Does Jarrah continue to steal Fran's dog? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Cynthia Terelst!!!
NO BUCKING WAY kept me on my toes. I loved every minute of it, too. Funny, touching, heartbreaking, shocking, redeeming, sweet, and oh so steamy. Cynthia Tereist certainly delivers a well written love story, with thoroughly fleshed characters that continue to be lovable & long-term likable, and the world of Diamond Firetail Farm is crystal clear. *** Recommended ***
MMC: ✨Jarrah FMC: ✨Fran HEA/Cliffhanger: ✨HEA Series: ✨ Book 3: Diamond Firetail Farm series Tropes: 👉small town ranch romance 👉close proximity 👉workplace romance 👉personal growth - MCs 👉found family Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑 💥18+ 💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open🚪sex 💥profanity 💥violence
I went into this not knowing it was the third book in a series. But despite not knowing everyone's back stories I was still able to keep up and follow along. I actually want to go back and read the first two books in the series now. This book had me laughing from page one. A dog humping a steering wheel, what a way to start a story! Fran's journey and struggles were emotional but damn was she fierce!! And sweet Jarrah was just a great single day ... swoon... The banter amongst the characters was so witty and entertaining. I really enjoyed the camaraderie between everyone. But I think it's a safe bet on Willy and Lucy being the best characters in the book. The spotlight and accuracy of important and series issues like IVF and dyslexia was so incredibly well written.
Another trip to Diamond Firetail Farm. Fiery but fragile Fran has decided to start her family through IVF after a less than stellar relationship with her bull-riding ex. However, a steering wheel humping dog and his single dad owner end up joining her journey in the most unexpected way. This was an enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns along the way. Following Fran and Jarrah as they navigate their feelings while dealing with past experiences and family dynamics was filled with a full range of emotions. The Diamond Firetail Farm family are a great bunch and it is wonderful seeing what they are all up to, especially young Isabelle, everyone’s favorite matchmaker! Worth the read, alone or with all the books in the series.
No Bucking Way is the new book in the Diamond Firetail Farm series. Fran has had it with men, after a horrible breakup she has decided that men are not worth it. If she wants to start a family she will be doing it on her own using IVF. Jarrah Larsen is a former rodeo cowboy working at the farm. He and his daughter are at the farm ready to start a new life. Fran has a sour taste for rodeo guys due to her past. Jarrah and his daughter are now Fran’s neighbor and she is finding that maybe not all rodeo guys are the same. Jarrah has arrived at the farm with a reputation and as Fran gets to know him she discovers that maybe his reputation isn’t the real man. She also finds herself liking Jarrahs daughter Grace. It is fun watching two prickly folks find their way to each other!
It starts with enemies (at least on one side) to more. This ranch romance has a sweet feel with emotional healing, and a created/found family for this single dad who moves with his daughter for a new beginning. Fran, the ranch administrator was a little hard to like at times with her attitude towards Jarrah, but I adored her relationship with Grace. It made the conflict towards the end even more devastating. I love the created family/found famioly aspect in this - not just between Jarrah, Grace and Fran, but with the whole group of characters… They’re nosy, supportive and just such wonderful characters.
Fran cannot believe her neighbor at the ranch is a pretty boy bull rider. His daughter is sweet, and Fran has to admit Jarrah is a good dad, but he's insufferable, annoying, and he stole her dog.
Jarrah needs the income from this job and the house that comes with it. He retired from bull riding to be a full-time father to his pre-teen daughter, Grace. His flame-haired neighbor is fun to tease, but she is also the ranch admin. He has no idea why she dislikes him so much. It isn't his fault that her dog likes his yard better.
Anyone who likes cowboy romances is going to enjoy this book. The characters are well developed and relatable. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
This book was such a good read. It had a little bit of everything. It was full of humor and romance and drama and tension. I was really invested in the connection between Fran and Jarrah. Their first interaction wasn’t exactly a meet cute but it was memorable. I really connected to both of our MCs. They are relatable and genuine feeling. The banter they have was on point and had me giggling at multiple instances. The way Jarrah doesn’t hesitate to do anything for his daughter was so endearing. I also really appreciated the way dyslexia and IVF were treated during the story. It felt so respectful and well done. In the end this book left me feeling content and satisfied. And gave me a conclusion that put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. It was perfect for them.
Fran has sworn off bull riders. After a miscarriage and bad breakup, she has decided to do things on her own. She wants to have a baby and is willing to try IVF to start her own family. She suddenly finds herself face to face with Jarrah, the former bull rider that is now her neighbor. She has to work with him and live next door to him. Throw in his soon to be teenage daughter and his dog Willie and you have a match made in heaven….maybe! Is Fran willing to let herself love again? Is Jarrah the man that can turn her heart around. And then there is Grace. Is she willing to let Fran in? Will they finally find a HEA? One click and read to find out!! I highly recommend this sweet book!
No Bucking Way is the 3rd book in the Diamond Firetail Farm. This was my first book in the series, and I'll be going back and reading book one and two.
This book is about Jarrah and Fran and is told from both of their points of view. Fran has had some hardships with cowboys in the past so when Jarrah shows up she does not take him being there well. She is about to embark on an IVF journey to have her own happy ending.
Jarrah is now taking care of his daughter for the first time on his own. His parents used to always be there, but decided to travel. When his daughter starts struggling with school Jarrah knows he can't help with his disability, and ends up getting help from Fran.
The more they spend time together the more feelings start to develop between the two. What happens when Jarrah's family comes back to town? What happens when someone from Fran's past comes to the forefront? What happens with the IVF? Will Jarrah and Fran get their happy ending? Or will to many other factors rip them apart for good?
I enjoyed this book, and am excited to go back and read the first two books.
After being burned by a relationship with a rodeo rider, Fran decides to try for a baby via IVF while working at Diamond Firetail Farm. So when former bull rider Jarrah and his daughter arrive at the farm and live in a cottage by hers, she is determined not to get involved. In fact, they spend most of their time in conflict. However, tutoring his daughter slowly softens Fran's attitude, and their relationship has a chance. The way the other staff and their interactions are portrayed is well done, with elements of humour, vulnerability, trust and drama. A good read! I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.
Tell me why this instant love gave me the ick. I rate the book 4 stars because it's really well written, the banter is funny and I do like the characters and their depth.
But the fact that they spent 0 time together outside of her telling him she wanted nothing to do with him and then BOOM love confessions? That didn't hit the mark for me.
But I would def continue reading from this author, i'm considering going back and reading the first 2 books in the series because the characters were great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Just when Fran thought she had her life figured out, Jarrah and Grace arrived on the farm. A new season for Jarrah, raising his daughter on his own, he was not expecting the connection he felt with Fran. But how will he feel when learning of Fran's plan to have a baby on her own, will he accept it? And how will Grace feel to share her dad with someone else, even if someone she likes? Their story is one of trust, learning to trust your own instincts as well as other people, of leaving yourself vulnerable in order to find your place with others.
Horse ranch romance This was an easy, relatable and entertaining story. Fran’s strength, future planning and guarded heart were just waiting for a bighearted flirt like Jasper and his daughter Grace to bring her out of her shell. I loved how realistic their interactions were, the dogs were hilarious and Grace, on the cusp of teenage angst, really made for a believable story. The family vibe of the farm was beautiful, I loved how everyone stepped up or stepped in, depending on what was needed. They were all truly there for each other. This was sweet, steamy and full of feeling.
What a great treasure it is to be able to read one of Cynthia's books. This is one of her best. She writes such realistic characters with their flaws and their real-life dramas. This is a cowboy romance. Maeve has given up on men, especially the bull riders. She has decided to have and raise a baby on her own. And then Jarrah moves in next door, a ex bull rider with a 12-year-old daughter and sends her for a loop. This is a thoroughly entertaining read.
Really enjoyed everything about this contemporary Rom/Com - great banter, pre-teen angst, dogs and horses - ticked all the fun boxes for me. At it's centre, though, it contained real feelings, real problems - real life. All this worked well together to become an engaging tale with characters I came to care about. Cynthia Terelst grabs you right at the start and doesn't let you go until the very satisfying last page. Highly recommend!