ABOUT THE BOOK
When my husband died, I was saddled with a lifetime of debt.
Enter Curtis, a brooding, no-nonsense American vet with a soft spot for horses. His proposal: marry him so he can stay in Australia and buy the business of his dreams. In return, he’ll make my financial woes disappear.
It seems like a good business transaction to me. It’s only a year of my life.
As we navigate life on the farm—from stubborn mares to nosy neighbours—I find he’s not so surly after all. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a man who knows how to mend more than just animals. He can rescue hearts as well.
The problem? His constant reminders that we’ll be free of each other in twelve months show his heart is not on the same track as mine.
At the end of twelve months, my debts will be gone, but my heart may not survive losing the man I never thought I’d fall for.
MY REVIEW
It’s a fake marriage. With real attraction.
If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn romance set in the rugged backdrop of Australia, this one’s for you. The story is about Curtis and Rachel, who enter into a unique marriage of convenience that plants the seeds for a deeper connection. But will their friendship withstand the test of attraction?
Curtis, an equine veterinarian and a bit of a horse whisperer, first comes across as cold, standoffish, and insecure. It’s clear he’s not the most social guy, but what stands out is the way Rachel manages to coax his feelings out of him. Having moved to Australia to get away from home in the U.S., he enjoys his work at a veterinary practice. When an opportunity arises to buy the business from his boss, Curtis realizes he needs a permanent visa. Enter Rachel, who agrees to marry him for a year while she cleans up her debt and helps him out.
Rachel, a horse midwife with a kind but feisty nature, is dealing with her late husband’s overwhelming gambling debt. The last thing she wants is to be swept up in romance when she’s busy paying off what feels like a mountain of guilt. Even though every lady in town seems to have a crush on Curtis, Rachel keeps him at arm’s length, fearing a relationship might distract her from her financial goals.
It’s fun to watch Curtis and Rachel’s friendship flourish unexpectedly into mutual attraction as they move in together and share a bed. Both characters have struggled with feeling unimportant and overlooked in their lives, but together, they start to see what they mean to one another. I loved how Curtis transforms from someone who feels insignificant to a man who finally feels included, all thanks to Rachel’s unwavering support. And Rachel, who unnecessarily sacrifices her happiness with her friends and family, begins to realize that she deserves love, too. It’s a tender journey that pulled at my heartstrings more than once.
Though this story has a number of heartfelt moments, such as Curtis finally confronting his father after years of ambivalence, it also features hilarious incidents, like the spider save, that will make any arachnophobe cringe. Ewww!!!!!
On another note, I did find the beginning a bit challenging. It felt like I was thrown into a confusing crowd of strangers right away, and I wish there had been a slower build-up to get to know the characters better. Also, while the town’s close-knit vibe is sweet, a little less interference in Curtis and Rachel’s budding romance might have been nice. Every well-meaning townsperson seemed to be in their business. Geez, leave them be!
Overall, Ms. Terelst’s novel is ultimately a charming tale about finding love in unexpected places. If you want a light, fun read that tugs at the heartstrings, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Ms. Terelst for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Diamond Firetail Farm Series
Back in the Saddle (2025)
Hitched for a Dream (2025)
No Bucking Way (2026)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cynthia Terelst is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery, and a whole lotta love. She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.
Follow Cynthia on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
