Get off Your High Horse

Love Down Under #3

by Cynthia Terelst

Duty calls him to the throne. His heart calls him to her.

Frankie

I have no interest in rich, arrogant polo players—especially not ones who come with a royal title and a non-disclosure agreement.

Sebastian might be easy on the eyes and gentle with horses, but I’m not falling for the Crown Prince of Oleander.

I’ve been burned before. I’m not making that mistake again.

I’m counting down the days until my summer break… away from him.

But when my parents invite Sebastian to stay at our farm for the holidays, suddenly he’s everywhere—and ignoring my feelings is getting a whole lot harder.

But there’s no future with a man destined to rule another country.

Sebastian

Being royalty has never meant much to me. I’d rather ride horses, play polo, and stay as far from the palace as possible.

Especially now that I’ve met Frankie. She’s fierce, grounded, and impossible to ignore.

She sees past the title and the money—and straight through to the man I want to be.

But the pressure to leave Australia and take up my royal duties is mounting.

Now I have to decide: go back to the life I was born into, alone…
Or fight for the one I never knew I wanted—one with Frankie.

*This is a standalone romance with medium heat**

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

For not reading the first two books in this series beforehand, this was pretty cute. I might have to dive into them now when I find the time to do so.

[Tena Stetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two opposites collide will their differences ignite a spark? You betcha!
This was an entertaining and fun book. The author describes in detail the scenes, the characters and locations. I love the feeling of being immersed in the book feeling a part of the action and characters.
Frankie and Sebastian live totally different lives. Australian farm girl, Frankie’s preconceived opinions about Prince Sebastian set up several amusing situations I really enjoyed.
The prince’s kindness and love of horses forces her to take another look at him and her own prejudices. Sebastian never wanted the royal life, but pressure from his mother, the Queen, to return to his royal duties becomes an unbearable burden.
Frankie knew in her head that it would never work between them, but her heart had other ideas. It didn’t help when her parents invite him for a visit to the family farm.
Will Sebastian walk away from his royal duties for a chance with Frankie? What about the horse rescue? No spoilers here. These are questions to be answered when you buy the book. Which I highly recommend. Get Off Your High Horse. A great entertaining read!

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was a sweet romance with a little bit of family drama, annoying siblings, a bunch of horses and a hapily ever after. I really enjoyed this story.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animals and great characters in another Terelst novel!

Frankie McKenzie works for a company that supplies polo ponies for professional games. She likes horses better than people. Well, better than a couple of people, anyway. One is a rich jerk who doesn’t treat the ponies or the staff with respect. The other is a rich jerk who also happens to be a prince. They started off on bad terms when He tossed a non-disclosure agreement on her desk before they could work together. At least Prince Sebastian loves and appreciates both the horses and the game of kings in which he participates. And—unbeknownst to Frankie—he loves her, too. He can’t figure out why she won’t give him the time of day. He tries to be kind and attentive and respectful. Nothing he does seems to satisfy him. Adding to their strained relationship is the knowledge that Sebastian is in Australia on borrowed time. His family has been clamoring for years for him to return home and take up his royal duties. So… Will Frankie ever come to see Sebastian as a man and not just a prince? And will he ever find the love and home he longs for instead of the coldness of his homeland’s castles and his very own family who value duty over love?

Ms. Terelst has a great talent for combining wonderful characters with the personalities of animals and her obvious love of her country. This book is no exception to the rule. When Frankie’s family offers him the home he’s dreamed of and shares their land in their beautiful countryside, leaving is all the harder. The pull of horses, a dream he’s held of working with horses, and of course, Frankie forces Sebastian to examine what “duty” means. Really, really enjoyed this book! Recommended!

[Just Love books · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5⭐Rating~

They may be riding on the same turf but they come from two completely different worlds. Frankie is happy with the simple farm life, if she is being honest all she really needs is her horses to be happy. The very last thing she needed was to have to deal with a charming prince, but there is just something about Sebastian.

••

As the Prince of Oleander Sebastian is used to having anything and everything he wanted, and all he wants is to spend time with Frankie and the horses. But with his mother putting pressure on him to return home and take his rightful place in the throne, Sebastian is torn between what he always wanted and what he is supposed to do. But the question is will Sebastian finally get the home he has always wanted or will his Princely duty prove to be to much for Frankie to get over?

••

I absolutely loved reading Get Of Your High Horse. This book was simply brilliant. I have to say I loved the addition of the horses and that they were not just brushed over as staging but they had their own personalities. There was nothing not to love about Frankie, as for Sebastian who doesnt love a conflicted prince?

••

With relatable characters and a beautiful storyline this book will have you hooked right from the first chapter. Terelst has done a brilliant job with his romance, it is definitely one that I would recommend!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Terelst has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Her stories are so well-written and beautiful, I always finish with a good feeling and a smile on my face. This book was no different. Once I started, I couldn't stop! Frankie and Sebastian were both portrayed exceptionally well, both coming from very different lifestyles. I was glad to see Frankie's attitude toward Sebastian change and soften and also see Sebastian grow and his life change for the better. With a great set of characters and a emotionally charged, heartwarming story, this was an enjoyable story indeed! I would definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to watch how Frankie's attitude changed about Sebastian or the Crown Prince of Oleander. Frankie disliked him at first and later she really enjoyed his company.

I liked how Frankie's family lived on a farm and were very loving and full of laughter where as Sebastian's family lived in a castle. They were curt and not very affectionate towards each other.

It was interesting to see Sebastian's life change for the better and for his happiness, thanks to his brother and future sister-in-law. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Joanne Verikios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, laughs, tears and romance!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Get Off Your High Horse” by Cynthia Terelst is an engaging and entertaining novel that skilfully weaves together many elements.

Lovers of romantic fiction and lovers of horses will enjoy it very much. The cleverly crafted plot has all the twists and turns of an exciting game of polo, the horsemanship elements are seamlessly (and accurately) conveyed, and there are laughs, tears and tension that keep you turning the pages. I particularly liked the way the author tells the story through the eyes (and voices) of key protagonists.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of two completely opposite individuals, one a prince the other a farm girl with a passion for horses. These two are fun together and we see how sometimes when we judge people on what we think we are not always right. Can they work things out? This is sweet like hallmark but has steamier scenes and uses stronger vocabulary

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

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly immersive and was able to get into the storyline right away. This story catapulted me right into the story straight away from the very first page and stole my heart. The characters are relatable and the pacing was outstanding. Really wholesome read.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great storyline and it’s well written ad has a great flow throughout the pages. The Sebastian and Frankie’s characters are engaging and have chemistry and a strong connection.

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

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to think of this story at first. Frankie is not very nice to Sebastian and I wasn't sure why he would be so drawn to her but as the story progressed I was more and more drawn into and was rooting for these two, especially Sebastian by the end.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Sebastian & Frankie's book. It was an entertaining, fun read. Plus a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet read with absolutely great characters. The author did a great job of slowly developing real characters—I’d completely hang out with these people. I wonder if they’d adopt me, even.

Tereslt also drops the reader right into the polo world, something I know absolutely nothing about and still manages to make all extremely relatable and exciting. The wit had me laughing out loud at time and there’s some ‘richs to rags’ vibe, a super slow-burn romance, and even some seemingly crazy magpies.

I’ve come to love these books and am a little sad that I’ve not read them all but I know she’s got a new one coming soon so not really. :)

This author is better than most at painting the world so that you’re just there, it all makes sense, and her characters are the readers friends and family … at least for a little while when submerged in these books. I highly recommend any / all of them.

4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Off Your High Horse is book 3 in the Love Down Under series written by a new author for me, Cynthia Terelst. This is a stand alone, opposites attract sweet romance story. Frankie McKenzie, an Australian farm girl with passion for horses & Prince Sebastian, the Crown Prince of Oleander. The plot is set in Australia, around horses, Polo the sport of kings, amazing characters, lots of cute kids, family banter, royal families, beautiful scenery and lot of romance. They're from different worlds,
Can they work things out?Can he gave up his crown to be with her and go after his dream in Australia?
I highly recommend it!!

[Narci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that animals mean so much to these characters. Frankie McKenzie loves Horses much more than people especially the rich Prince she calls a jerk. Frankie soon realizes that she may have judged him too quickly, after he tossed the non-disclosure agreement on her. Prince Sebastian loves horses and playing Polo, is falling hard and fast for Frankie. Sebastian doesn’t know why Frankie is so Cold with him or give him a chance. Now his family has requested he return home and leave what he longs for behind. This is a story of misunderstandings, chances, seeing others for who they really are and not judging them for what they seem to reflect. It’s a cute, fun and sweet story.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute and super fun but I think it was too fast. I liked how it was shorter but it made everything that was happening seem unrealistic and too sped up. I feel like there was too much happening in too short of time and it either being 100 pages longer or some of the events cut out would have made it more believable.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó el libro, amé a Frankie, su familia y sobre todo a Sebas. Al igual que se me hizo muy lindo como su cuñada y hermano lo ayudaron a librarse de una vida que nunca quiso, ya que su casa siempre será en Australia con Frankie y sus tres hijas y dos hijos (quieren uno más para nivelar la balanza).

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read

Everything in this was nice give or take one snarly queen. A happy ever after read with characters who deserve it.

[Mrs MJH Compton-Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this story was a bit stupid and too far fetched sorry not for me.

[Heather Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

Can Frankie see past Sebastian's status and see the man he really is? A wonderfully written love story. Lots of family banter to add to the fun times in Australia.