On the Down Low

by Renae Black

'Warm-hearted and authentic ... this debut will take you to the heart of the outback.' - bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen

It's hard to hide love in the outback ...


Hallie Harris has gone as far away as possible to escape the city and the humiliating revelations of her last relationship. Love is the last thing on her mind when she arrives at Karilga, a remote cattle station in outback Queensland, to take on the post of teacher to eight lively children. That is, until she locks eyes on aerial mustering pilot Ryan Walker. But how could a highly skilled pilot who lives and breathes the land ever fall for this hot-mess city girl?

Quiet and reserved, Ryan's used to chasing down wayward cattle and flying his helicopter in the dangerous dead man's zone. But when it comes to the beautiful girl from the city, he's out of his element. When country larrikin and Ryan's best mate, Jackson, pursues the new teacher first, Ryan buries his head ... and his feelings ... in the red dirt. What's the point when Jackson always gets the girl?

But the spark between Hallie and Ryan can't be ignored. In the small tightknit community of Karilga Station, can they keep their feelings on the down low? Or will everything the outback has to throw at them destroy any chance of building a home together?

Genres: Romance

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie Harris gets as far away from the city as possible, after she discovers her boyfriend is cheating and not just on her. Hallie want's a complete change, she travels to Western Queensland and Karilga, a remote cattle station, and to be a teacher. Her boss Marcus Brady explains the rules, no going anywhere without telling anyone and always take water with you, everyone has extra chores and including the children, and things like doing dishes and helping with cattle mustering.

Ryan Walker is one of two helicopter pilots employed at the station, he’s twenty eight, single and his room is next door to Hallie’s in the bunkhouse. Ryan is reserved and a little shy, he’s used to chasing down rouge cattle hiding amongst scrub and flying his black heli low and in the dangerous dead man's zone. When it comes to a gorgeous city girl, he feels like he doesn’t have a chance and especially when Jackson his friend and the boss’s son has her in his sights. Jackson is a smooth talking ladies man and not that Hallie’s falling for his pickup lines. Hallie has her hands full controlling the two eldest boys, they are behind in their learning, she tries everything she can to get them interested in school, finish their assignments and not be a victim of one of their pranks.

Hallie is scared of heights, Ryan offers to take her for an early morning ride in his heli and she agrees, that's when I knew she trusted him and there was certainly a lot of chemistry between the two main characters and it was simmering away and unfortunately the dusty road to love isn’t always easy in the outback.

I enjoyed On the Down Low by Renae Back, it was really interesting reading about living and working on a remote Australian cattle station, how everyone contributes and it’s a tight night community. The skill in mustering cattle by helicopter is amazing, I actually Googled it and like most Aussie girls I wanted to be a jillaroo when I grew up. Five stars from me and I can’t wait to read Ms. Black’s new book Red Dirt Home and it’s due to be released on the 6th of March 2024.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fabulous debut story, set in the outback of Australia, it made me feel like I was on the huge cattle station, Karilga in Queensland and I loved getting to know Ryan and Hallie and the fabulous people who live and work there, come along for a fabulous journey to a beautiful HEA.

Hallie Harris, musician and teacher decides it is time to get as far away from the city as she can when she discovers what her boyfriend Clarke has been hiding, she finds an advertisement for a teacher at a remote cattle station and applies and is soon flying to the outback, even though flying is not her favourite past time. She is not looking for love but when she arrives and meets helicopter pilot and cowboy Ryan Walker well her heart does speed up, but Hallie is determined to enjoy her teacher position and get to know the kids and put the past behind her.

Ryan Walker is quiet and he loves his job mustering cattle in his helicopter he has worked at Karilga and is very popular member of the team, he is best friends with Jackson son of the owner, but when the new teacher arrives Ryan feels a pull like never before, but so does Jackson and Jackson is determined to win Hallie will Ryan sit back and allow Jackson to win or will he push for what he really wants.

It doesn’t take long before Ryan and Hallie give into their feelings but they must keep it on the quiet for the time being, there are things happening at the station that will put a spanner in the works between them, will they be able to overcome them and find the love and happiness that they truly deserve?

This is a wonderful story, so well written, MS Black has described living on an outback cattle station so well and the characters are strong and so easy to make friends with, both Ryan and Hallie had a vulnerability about them but they were strong and open about their pasts and their future even if it took a bit for them to realise it, I do highly recommend this one and am looking forward to MS Black’ next book.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

[Bea Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t my normal read. I went into this worried I wouldn’t overly like it. However I genuinely couldn’t put this down. I read for hours straight with this one and it was wonderful. Not only are the main characters easy to attach to even the side characters are. The sense of community on the property is so clear throughout the book and it was so heartwarming. I think this book really transports you to living on a remote property and the community, hard work, good times and tough times are all well executed in the book. I’m excited for the next book!!

[Willow Trost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in LOVE with Hallie and Ryan. I loved the twists and turns of the book and cannot wait to read Red Dirt Home! I couldn’t think of any other books for a whole day until because ALL I could think about was this book!

[Jason Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Down Low is a fantastic debut novel by Renae Black. She takes the reader along on a journey to the outback and provides the opportunity to explore the lives of the farmers out west.
I must admit that on more than one occasion I felt like knocking Hallie and Ryan's heads together after a string of miscommunications and flight mode activations. The fact the book elicited such a reaction is a credit to the author. The characters were well-written and even those who played smaller parts still retained their own personalities and stories on the farm.
I also enjoyed the twist in the latter part of the book (shh no spoilers) and the regular appearances by my new favourite side character, Barnabus.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it deserves all five stars!
I paid full price on Amazon and read it on my Kindle.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

GAH…I hate this. I want to give On Down Low a higher rating, but I just can’t justify it. And the reason why is starting with the general synopsis (which is the general storyline for hundreds of other books).

When Hallie discovers her boyfriend of a year and a half is already married AND expecting a baby, she flees the big city for a teaching job in a remote part of Australia. Once on the ranch, she meets helicopter pilot Ryan, along with owner’s son Jackson, and quickly finds the life she never knew she needed as part of the found family who lives on the ranch.

There were some good things about this book. The dialogue is great and sprinkled with enough humor to keep things fun. The author also did a great job with descriptions about the land and the ranch. I love when I’m able to see a book location in my head when I’m reading about someplace I’ve never been.

But all those descriptions came at a cost. This is not a story that moves along at a quick pace, nor does it grab you and pull you in.

However, my greatest issue was the constant one step forward, two steps back with the hero and heroine’s relationship. I’m all for a shy, reluctant hero, but when push comes to shove you have to talk. Hallie and Ryan would flirt, then have a miscommunication and one of them would get mad.. Kiss, have another miscommunication, and the other one would get hurt. Spend the night together, miscommunicate…or not talk at all…and make incorrect assumptions. And we ALL know what happens when you assume things.

This could have been a sweet story but I ended up being too frustrated with characters who wouldn’t talk, constantly assumed the worst, and created way more drama for themselves than was necessary. At this point in my reading journey I don’t have the patience for characters who are adults but behave like teenagers.

That being said, I think this was a solid debut book and I’d definitely be interested in reading more from this author - especially if she takes us back to Karilga Station.

* thank you to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

On The Down Low by Renae Black

This book reminded me of Mils and Boon stories that I read decades ago – the ones that took place in the Australian Outback made a huge impression and this book took me back to some of those wonderful stories. Ms. Black has a way with words that paints a picture of the landscape and people that have chosen this barren but beautiful place to live and someday, I hope to visit.

The story was well written, the plot well planned, the characters well fleshed out, and the story believable – and predictable but in being predictable it was also comfortable. Hallie was likable, a good teacher, invested in her job, friendly, had a backstory that impacted her choices, and finally seemed to come into her own. Ryan was quiet, observant, a skilled helicopter pilot, lost his parents early, hard worker, and a good friend. The trouble that Hallie and Ryan had getting together were primarily based on assumptions made and the reaction of not talking rather than openly communicating to clear the air. And, though frustrating for them, and for me, many times communication is not as easy as we might want it to be.

The people on the station were supportive, open, giving, worked as a team, and there for one another. The heir apparent, Jackson, seemed entitled and selfish at times but might have been immature and under pressure from his father – he would be a good person for another book if the author decided to make this into a series. Another person that would do well in a book of her own – or with Jackson – is Ryan’s friend, Paige.

The story was filled with challenges that Hallie had to face were both personal and professional. I liked her. I was glad that Ryan came through for Hallie and himself by the end of the story.

I think that what I liked most about this book was feeling as if I were on the cattle station with Hallie and learning right along with her as she settled in. I see that this author has potential and believe her story telling will only improve over time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Sarah Carper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

As someone who dreams of traveling to Australia one day, I was very excited to be transported to the outback while reading this book. Renae Black's descriptions helped me feel as though I was really there and a part of the story. One thing I didn't feel was the characters being Australian. I had hoped for more authentic sounding Australian talk than I saw.

I also really enjoyed the roles of the main characters - teacher and helicopter pilot. While I can't say that either of these characters really stood out to me too much, I felt they worked well in the story and I liked the romance between them.

Overall, this story felt like an average read. There were aspects I really enjoyed, but mostly, I felt this was a pretty predictable story like most other romance novels, with the addition of a few certain elements. I felt the author's writing was really nice, though, and I look forward to see what she writes next!

[Surille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close to 3.5. I enjoyed learning how the station was run and the slice of life aspect..I think I preferred that more over the constant miscommunication between Hallie and Ryan. They both were too foolish. I also preferred Hallie when she wasn't so stuck dwelling on own issues and relationship insecurities. I liked her confidence when she was teaching or working on vehicles. And why couldn't she and Paige get to know each other better so that Hallie wouldn't get so jealous. Those ladies needed to communicate as well. Plus I had an initial impression that Ryan was going to be more of a plain or average looking guy....I kind of thought that would have been more interesting and believable (esp if he compares himself to outgoing conventionally handsome Jackson).
Well the first 50% I was really invested in the story, but after 60%, I was speed reading. The drama became predictable and too frustrating. Maybe this would have been better as just life in the outback story with Hallie/Ryan's personal growth, and the romance being less prominent.

[LucíaMontero · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐

I decided to read this book on NetGalley.

Tropes:
- Secret relationship
- Hero
- If you touch her, I'll kill you
- MMC has golden retriever energy
- Miscommunication

TW (it's mention): parent loss, alcoholism, infidelity.

This book explores the relationship between Ryan, a proper cowboy, and Hallie, a city girl.

I really liked the bonding between them. Hallie has some trust issues because her ex boyfriend "cheated" on her and Ryan is so quiet that the start of their relationship is a little bit complicated.

The side characters are great. I'd love to hear anything else from Jackson (I think he would be a perfect main character).

I didn't like the conflict. There's three problems through the book: Clarke, Hallie's ex boyfriend, Paige, Ryan's best friend, and Ryan's insecurities. All of these can be grouped into miscommunication and insecurities. And they are solved so quickly.

The book is so short but it's a relaxing and fun read!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Renae Black. The descriptions of the outback and workings of a cattle station were interesting and really brought the story to life for me.

The characters are relatable even if their lack of communication was frustrating. Hallie has had a lot of rejection in her life, so is wary to trust. Ryan has always avoided conflict and makes sure to put everyone else's needs before his own. They eventually muddle through and open the communication channels between them but not without drama first.

The storyline has been done before, but it is done well here so if you enjoy rural romance stories, then you should enjoy this too.

I'd really enjoy another book set on the same station to see Jackson's future - and then possibly one for Paige.

I received an ecopy of this book from NetGalley in return for my review.

[Sharon Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Morning Everyone ......so I have found a new author her name is Renae Black and the first book I read was On The Down Low the story is set in the wonderful outback of Australia of course ....this fabulous story is about Hallie Harris who is escaping the city and her last relationship Love is not what she is looking for as she takes the post of a teacher to eight children who live in the remote cattle station in outback Queensland called Karilga ..........wonderful book the way Renae has described this station and everyone who lives and works there of course there is a lot more to this story .......so do yourselves a favour and enjoy....😀

[Bonnie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out really strong for me, and then the last 50-60% of this book was just two immature people in their late 20s who don’t communicate with each other and the whole plot was based around miscommunication which I can’t stand. Also, I really hate when the author has an otherwise intelligent woman run off and do something reckless and often life endangering which is what happened at the end of this. So, 5 stars for the first part of the book and no stars for the remainder.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallie runs from a City because of a broken heart to a remote cattle station. The story is interesting with all of the findings about how the station works. Both Hallie and Ryan are interesting, it is just a bit frustrating to see how Hallie reacts to Ryan's friends, and that they at first don't communicate or talk things out.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

[Tripip · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't really get into this book. While the descriptions of the outback and the working farm were interesting, I didn't feel the attraction between Hallie and Ryan. Their relationship seemed tepid. I felt there was more emotion between Hallie and the twin boys she was tutoring.

I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

[Clare Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel was not only a fascinating foray into the workings of an outback cattle station, full of a cast of believable characters, it was a slow burn beautiful love story between Hallie and Ryan who both had weathered their share of heartbreak and still managed to find their way to each other. I loved it and am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Victoria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance. As a debut author, Renae has captured the heart of the outback with two very strong, determined, but broken characters who find solace and growth within their surrounds and the struggles they have with each other. It's a heart-warming, inspiring story.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. While I wish I could rate this book higher, sadly I can't. I might just be jaded, but this was a simple paint by numbers romance with nothing new about the plot, when things took place, and what caused them. The climax was satisfying, but the resolution was back to predictable.

[Julia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

on the down low

A great story of how love can evolve, along with a great insight to life on a large outback station, and how it is run by a small community of family and workers

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great read from an Aussie Author!!:)

[Dianne Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read. I found it predictable at times but still enjoyed it.. Looking forward to her next book.