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Love Down Under #5
A Bird in the Hand
Love wasn’t on the itinerary… and neither was falling for each other.
Makayla
I agreed to this Western Australia tour for the beaches, sunsets, and maybe a little personal growth.
I did not agree to the sleazy tour guide, the foul-mouthed cockatoo, or sharing a hotel room with Tyler Dawson—Mr. Confident Smile and walking distraction.
He’s charming, annoyingly handsome, and far too good at making me blush. And thanks to a booking “error,” I’m stuck with him in my space… and possibly in my heart if I’m not careful.
Tyler
This trip was supposed to be about relaxation, not rooming with the grumpiest—and, unfortunately, most gorgeous—woman on the bus. Makayla thinks I’m trouble. (She’s not entirely wrong.)
But between shared beds, star-lit challenges, and a growing habit of making each other laugh when we shouldn’t, we’re starting to look suspiciously like a couple.
I told myself I didn’t want complicated. Now I’m starting to think complicated might be exactly what I need.
One cheeky bird.
One very small bed.
One holiday romance we never saw coming.
*This is a standalone romance with medium heat**
Makayla
I agreed to this Western Australia tour for the beaches, sunsets, and maybe a little personal growth.
I did not agree to the sleazy tour guide, the foul-mouthed cockatoo, or sharing a hotel room with Tyler Dawson—Mr. Confident Smile and walking distraction.
He’s charming, annoyingly handsome, and far too good at making me blush. And thanks to a booking “error,” I’m stuck with him in my space… and possibly in my heart if I’m not careful.
Tyler
This trip was supposed to be about relaxation, not rooming with the grumpiest—and, unfortunately, most gorgeous—woman on the bus. Makayla thinks I’m trouble. (She’s not entirely wrong.)
But between shared beds, star-lit challenges, and a growing habit of making each other laugh when we shouldn’t, we’re starting to look suspiciously like a couple.
I told myself I didn’t want complicated. Now I’m starting to think complicated might be exactly what I need.
One cheeky bird.
One very small bed.
One holiday romance we never saw coming.
*This is a standalone romance with medium heat**
- GenresContemporary
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
16 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Terelst
24 books764 followersCynthia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 28, 2022
This was a fun, fast read that is easy to get swept up in. There were a few grammar errors and I disliked the bus driver and the cockatoo (which was advertised to be funny in the blurb and he was one of my least favorite parts).
The romance was well-written for the most part, especially considering the trauma both characters had undergone previously. I actually liked the male lead in this more than the female lead solely because of the disagreement between them near the end of the book and how it was handled between each character. Makayla's issues were the most recent, but I still think she was too hasty in getting upset with Tyler and her almost immediate jealousy and willingness to look for Tyler's faults/comparisons to her ex was not the best. In that situation, she was acting like the character in a romance book who was with the male lead before he broke up with her for the female lead.
There were a few other moments that were very clearly unrealistic, but the one bed/one room trope had to happen somehow. Not a bad read, but a little forgettable.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
The romance was well-written for the most part, especially considering the trauma both characters had undergone previously. I actually liked the male lead in this more than the female lead solely because of the disagreement between them near the end of the book and how it was handled between each character. Makayla's issues were the most recent, but I still think she was too hasty in getting upset with Tyler and her almost immediate jealousy and willingness to look for Tyler's faults/comparisons to her ex was not the best. In that situation, she was acting like the character in a romance book who was with the male lead before he broke up with her for the female lead.
There were a few other moments that were very clearly unrealistic, but the one bed/one room trope had to happen somehow. Not a bad read, but a little forgettable.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 28, 2022
Prisoners of their pasts…
Makayla has been stuck in relationship-purgatory ever since her ten-year relationship ended. Her friends decide a bus tour up the west coast of Australia is just what she needs to move on and it doesn’t hurt that the tour includes three hot men to make Makayla forget her ex.
Tyler and his mates are looking forward to a fun-filled bus tour for a change of pace. The three beautiful single women included on the tour only add to his mates fun but Tyler has no intention of having a holiday romance.
Cynthia Terelst does a beautiful job of incorporating the lovely Australian countryside and some of the country’s history into her writing. It adds a good personal feeling. The characters were relatable and their interactions made the story believable.
Makayla has been stuck in relationship-purgatory ever since her ten-year relationship ended. Her friends decide a bus tour up the west coast of Australia is just what she needs to move on and it doesn’t hurt that the tour includes three hot men to make Makayla forget her ex.
Tyler and his mates are looking forward to a fun-filled bus tour for a change of pace. The three beautiful single women included on the tour only add to his mates fun but Tyler has no intention of having a holiday romance.
Cynthia Terelst does a beautiful job of incorporating the lovely Australian countryside and some of the country’s history into her writing. It adds a good personal feeling. The characters were relatable and their interactions made the story believable.
October 13, 2022
A steamy fast read I really enjoyed.
A Bird in the Hand is the story of two broken people. She yearns for the past. He wants a better future. And both need to learn to love the present if they are to have a future together.
Relatable characters with well flowing dynamic, an absolutely beautiful setting that makes you practically see the Australian countryside and a well written romance between two characters that need to deal with after effects of past trauma. Which was, in turn, very well written too.
Steamy smut and quite a bit of fun, especially due to a certain fouled mouthed cockatoo, are also something you should expect within these pages. And I personally loved both.
All in all, a well written, sweet, steamy and fun read.
A Bird in the Hand is the story of two broken people. She yearns for the past. He wants a better future. And both need to learn to love the present if they are to have a future together.
Relatable characters with well flowing dynamic, an absolutely beautiful setting that makes you practically see the Australian countryside and a well written romance between two characters that need to deal with after effects of past trauma. Which was, in turn, very well written too.
Steamy smut and quite a bit of fun, especially due to a certain fouled mouthed cockatoo, are also something you should expect within these pages. And I personally loved both.
All in all, a well written, sweet, steamy and fun read.
March 7, 2022
The fifth book in the Love Down Under series. Makayla and Tyler's story is well written with a good storyline. I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA with all their ups and downs. I recieved a copy through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing.
February 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I have never been to Australia and after reading this I felt like I had been at each ot their destinations. Everything felt so real. I have not read any other of the books from this series but they are now on my list. There were a lot of parts where I thought I new what was going to happen and was wrong (I love my predictions being wrong most of the time). This kept the book interesting. I found myself taking longer to leave my kids room at bedtime so I could get one more chapter in before going back to do other things.
February 1, 2022
Steamy only adds to the story!
I admit, this book is hotter than the rest of the Love Down Under books, but it absolutely adds to the story.
Once upon a time, three girlfriends decide to take a adventure trip to the western side of Australia. Two of the girls are carefree and want only to make their pal, Makayla, forget the very long-term relationship just ended. She had invested years of her life with a man who used her but didn’t value her.
It so happens, the tour also includes three mates in search of adventure, in part to relieve the stress one of them, Tyler, had for a multimillion dollar deal about to go down.
Makayla is shy, unsure of herself. Tyler takes an immediate liking to her. She feels something for him, also. That he invites her into the conversation and seems to actually listen to her is nice. But because they have the same last name, the tour company has placed them in the same hotel room. That sets the tone—they’re virtually together for the entire tour. If they should end up more than liking each other how does an insecure woman trust—much less love—a man who lives hours away in a different city?
I have enjoyed all of the Love Down Under books, but this one might be my favorite. Naturally, the writing is so good—Ms. Terelst knows what she’s doing. But her characters are very real. While three guys traveling in the same tour as three girls might seem a bit more than a coincidence, she uses the events and the secondary characters to make the event seamless and real. I truly enjoyed A Bird in the Hand and recommend it if you like romance a little sweet and a little steamy.
I admit, this book is hotter than the rest of the Love Down Under books, but it absolutely adds to the story.
Once upon a time, three girlfriends decide to take a adventure trip to the western side of Australia. Two of the girls are carefree and want only to make their pal, Makayla, forget the very long-term relationship just ended. She had invested years of her life with a man who used her but didn’t value her.
It so happens, the tour also includes three mates in search of adventure, in part to relieve the stress one of them, Tyler, had for a multimillion dollar deal about to go down.
Makayla is shy, unsure of herself. Tyler takes an immediate liking to her. She feels something for him, also. That he invites her into the conversation and seems to actually listen to her is nice. But because they have the same last name, the tour company has placed them in the same hotel room. That sets the tone—they’re virtually together for the entire tour. If they should end up more than liking each other how does an insecure woman trust—much less love—a man who lives hours away in a different city?
I have enjoyed all of the Love Down Under books, but this one might be my favorite. Naturally, the writing is so good—Ms. Terelst knows what she’s doing. But her characters are very real. While three guys traveling in the same tour as three girls might seem a bit more than a coincidence, she uses the events and the secondary characters to make the event seamless and real. I truly enjoyed A Bird in the Hand and recommend it if you like romance a little sweet and a little steamy.
February 2, 2022
This is the first book that I've read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a story about 3 girlfriends who take a vacation bus trip to help Makayla get over her recent breakup with her long time boyfriend/fiancé.
On the first night at the hotel, the ladies meet up with three male friends who are also staying at the hotel and planning to take the same bus trip. Tyler takes an immediate interest in Makayla. Tyler has never had a long term romantic relationship, even though he's in his thirties. Makayla has sworn off men - at least in the short term.
Circumstances on the trip push Makayla and Tyler together, even though neither is looking for a relationship and they have different lives, habits, and far-apart cities of residence.
When the vacation ends, they must part. Will the relationship end?
I absolutely loved both of the main characters and the story telling. I really wanted them to find a way to be happy, no matter their differences.
The book has some explicit sexy scenes and for that reason I recommend this book for mature audiences. I'm looking forward to reading much more by this author.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
On the first night at the hotel, the ladies meet up with three male friends who are also staying at the hotel and planning to take the same bus trip. Tyler takes an immediate interest in Makayla. Tyler has never had a long term romantic relationship, even though he's in his thirties. Makayla has sworn off men - at least in the short term.
Circumstances on the trip push Makayla and Tyler together, even though neither is looking for a relationship and they have different lives, habits, and far-apart cities of residence.
When the vacation ends, they must part. Will the relationship end?
I absolutely loved both of the main characters and the story telling. I really wanted them to find a way to be happy, no matter their differences.
The book has some explicit sexy scenes and for that reason I recommend this book for mature audiences. I'm looking forward to reading much more by this author.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
February 12, 2022
Wonderful romance storyline.
February 6, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was not disappointed!!
It put my through a range of emotions. It held me in place flipping pages with the tiny bit of mystery, large servings of sass, equal portion of steam and a boat load of laughter.
Also the last line had me howling lol
I look forward to reading more from this author!
It put my through a range of emotions. It held me in place flipping pages with the tiny bit of mystery, large servings of sass, equal portion of steam and a boat load of laughter.
Also the last line had me howling lol
I look forward to reading more from this author!
February 6, 2022
Holiday romance amongst insecurities
Makayla recently ended a ten-year relationship that shook her confidence, and her two friends go on a bus trip across Australia with her. There is a guy, Tyler, with the same last name as Makayla, and due to some admin misunderstanding the tour organizers took them for a married couple and assigned them to the same bedroom, with one bed. Now, this seems totally fixable, like the kind of mistake that any tour organizers would profusely apologize for, before getting her an extra bed so she could share with her friends. But this is not what this tour company does, because of some excuses, and because otherwise there wouldn't be a book. Tyler and Makayla are also paired for all the tour activities, and they fall in love or lust.
When the two-week tour ends they both want to continue their relationship but they live in different cities and can only do long distance. He's never had a long term relationship because something that happened with his twin sister upset him, and Makayla wonders if he's unable to do commitment. However, in the end it turns out to be Makayla who is unable to do commitment and runs at the first sign of her own insecurities. Her ex was a piece of work so she gets mad jealous because Tyler has a job. She diagnoses Tyler as a narcissist when he doesn't call her one day, thinks he'll never put her first, and basically dumps him for having a female assistant. She says she cares about female representation in various workplaces but show her one female working with Tyler and she loses her mind. A bit of a red flag there, Tyler!
The writing style was OK but I liked the hero a lot more than the heroine. Steam level: The people in other tents can hear them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Makayla recently ended a ten-year relationship that shook her confidence, and her two friends go on a bus trip across Australia with her. There is a guy, Tyler, with the same last name as Makayla, and due to some admin misunderstanding the tour organizers took them for a married couple and assigned them to the same bedroom, with one bed. Now, this seems totally fixable, like the kind of mistake that any tour organizers would profusely apologize for, before getting her an extra bed so she could share with her friends. But this is not what this tour company does, because of some excuses, and because otherwise there wouldn't be a book. Tyler and Makayla are also paired for all the tour activities, and they fall in love or lust.
When the two-week tour ends they both want to continue their relationship but they live in different cities and can only do long distance. He's never had a long term relationship because something that happened with his twin sister upset him, and Makayla wonders if he's unable to do commitment. However, in the end it turns out to be Makayla who is unable to do commitment and runs at the first sign of her own insecurities. Her ex was a piece of work so she gets mad jealous because Tyler has a job. She diagnoses Tyler as a narcissist when he doesn't call her one day, thinks he'll never put her first, and basically dumps him for having a female assistant. She says she cares about female representation in various workplaces but show her one female working with Tyler and she loses her mind. A bit of a red flag there, Tyler!
The writing style was OK but I liked the hero a lot more than the heroine. Steam level: The people in other tents can hear them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2022
The story is sincere and sweet, following two people that are learning how to fall in love. How to trust. How to move forward with their whole selves. Coming from a committed, yet emotionally manipulative ten year relationship Mak is just starting to find her voice. While Tyler is learning to open his whole heart for the first time ever. As he deals with emotional baggage from his twin sisters medical trauma and the emotional manipulation their mother subjected him to.
Their path to happily ever after is quick, steamy and unfortunately bumpy but ultimately endearing.
My biggest complaint is the irritating and slightly unnecessary additions of Franks sexual harassment, “Cock Monster”, and the tour company booking snafu.
Some steamy scenes 🌶🌶
HEA
forced proximity
One bed
Quick read
3.5 stars round up to 4 for this review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
** 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 **
Their path to happily ever after is quick, steamy and unfortunately bumpy but ultimately endearing.
My biggest complaint is the irritating and slightly unnecessary additions of Franks sexual harassment, “Cock Monster”, and the tour company booking snafu.
Some steamy scenes 🌶🌶
HEA
forced proximity
One bed
Quick read
3.5 stars round up to 4 for this review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
** 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 **
January 24, 2023
Makayla's friends decide to take her on a trip since her boyfriend of ten years broke up with her, she never thought she'd find her true love. Tyler and his friends decide to go on an adventure, he's not interested in relationships until he meets Makayla. Neither Makayla nor Tyler realized they would find their 'One' on this adventure, however their insecurities, fears and real life will test their bond. I love that Makayla and Tyler both had an instant attraction; their chemistry was sweet, and banter is adorable. I love that Tyler accepts Makayla for who she is and helps her overcome her fears. I love that Makayla is able to grow and embraces her voice. This is a cute story of two opposites full of their own drama and issues who find true love and forever changing their destiny. I do agree with them that Cocky monster started out funny but was a bit too much towards the end. I love that the story touched on equality and segregation of jobs.
February 15, 2022
It definitely took me a few chapters to get into this story, but once I did, I was vested until the end. The chemistry between Makayla and Tyler was clearly a frenemy type of energy.
Makayla and her deep seated insecurities getting stuck sharing a room while on a holiday tour with easy going, yet guarded, Tyler it was clear they would develop feelings.
Both Tyler and Makayla had to deal with issues and previous trauma. Then the forced proximity encouraged them to learn something about each other. But as in any good romance, there had to be some breaking point to cause the couple to drift apart via a misunderstanding. I loved how the author brought them back together while mixing in Makayla’s emotionally abusive ex and Mak and Tyler having their happy ending along with their best friends.
Makayla and her deep seated insecurities getting stuck sharing a room while on a holiday tour with easy going, yet guarded, Tyler it was clear they would develop feelings.
Both Tyler and Makayla had to deal with issues and previous trauma. Then the forced proximity encouraged them to learn something about each other. But as in any good romance, there had to be some breaking point to cause the couple to drift apart via a misunderstanding. I loved how the author brought them back together while mixing in Makayla’s emotionally abusive ex and Mak and Tyler having their happy ending along with their best friends.
March 6, 2022
An out of the ordinary love story
The characters are great. The story is good and realistic. Female characters are stronger and less inhibited than the male in the beginning. (They say it takes a good woman…) However, the men were good listeners in the very beginning, which was very refreshing.
Need to read the next book
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The characters are great. The story is good and realistic. Female characters are stronger and less inhibited than the male in the beginning. (They say it takes a good woman…) However, the men were good listeners in the very beginning, which was very refreshing.
Need to read the next book
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 4, 2022
Too easy
This was not one of my favorite books. I enjoy trying new authors books out, but this one did not interest me. I hate giving low marks, but no real surprises, twists or turns at all. Characters just too si!ple, but someone else may differ.
This was not one of my favorite books. I enjoy trying new authors books out, but this one did not interest me. I hate giving low marks, but no real surprises, twists or turns at all. Characters just too si!ple, but someone else may differ.
August 14, 2022
Tyler & Makayla’s story was an emotional roller coaster. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 18, 2022
This was a humorous story of three guys and three girls who went on a W.A. Adventure Tours trip. They were from Sydney and Melbourne. There was a funny bus driver and his bad-mouthed cockatoo.I enjoyed the characters of Makayla and Tyler. It was interesting to learn that Makayla had insecurities because Mitchell, whom she had been with for ten years, had broken up with her six months ago. I also enjoyed Tyler because he had commitment issues. It was fun watching them get thrown together on the tour because they had the same last name. It made for some fun, awkward moments that I enjoyed reading. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews