Welcome to another monthly round up, where we celebrate the work of Australian women writers in the Erotica, Romance and Romantic Suspense genre. March proved to be a busy month for our diligent romance readers. We received 45 reviews, of 29 books from 26 authors. I would like to extend my continued thanks to all the challenge participants that contributed romance reviews. I look forward to your reviews each month.

In romance news, congratulations to authors Amy Andrews, Avril Tremayne and Marion Lennox who have all made the finals of the Romance Writers of America coveted RITA awards, which was announced on March 21st. To receive a RITA is a big deal, it is one of the highest awards in romance fiction, as it recognises achievements made in published romance novels and novellas. Good luck to all these talented writers!

Amy Andrews, who has been nominated for the category of short contemporary romance with ‘A Christmas Miracle’ and in the same category for ‘Troy’ (American Extreme Bullrider Tour #5) features in our March round up. One of our challenge participants, Claire Holderness reviewed Fair Game by Andrews and says:

I enjoyed the characters, the sex scenes and romance were fun and hot, a quick read, but a good one.

 

Onto our most popular and reviewed romance titles for this month. Perth writers are doing us proud again. Anthea Hodgson, a WA country girl and a relative newcomer to the rural romance genre, received three positive reviews for her second novel, The Cowgirl, which released last month. I rated The Cowgirl on my own blog, Mrs B’s Book Reviews five full stars, along with Claire Holderness. Theresa Smith also had plenty of praise for The Cowgirl. I am sure this is all the confirmation you need to check this one out, if you haven’t already!

Vanessa Carnevale’s The Memories That Make Us, continues to be a popular choice for our romance readers. In March, this book received another three glowing reviews. If you are still not convinced, it is time to read reviews submitted by Nicole, Michelle of Beauty and Lace and Theresa Smith.

Another popular book choice from last month, Water Under The Bridge, by Lily Malone, continues to rack up some brilliant reviews. I rated this book very highly on my own blog Mrs B’s Book Reviews, along with Claire Holderness.

Cathryn Hein, a permanent fixture on the rural romance circuit and an author I featured back in our January round up, with her latest novel The Country Girl, also continues to receive great reviews. The Country Girl was reviewed to positive accord in March by Nicole and Veronica.

Nothing pleases me more than to see an author who holds a special place in my heart, the very talented and humble Jenn J Mcleod, who is again receiving affirmative reviews for her new novel, A Place To Remember. Michelle from Beauty and Lace’s review praised master storyteller Mcleod, while Claire Holderness backed up Michelle’s thoughts, rating this book five stars. I’m so glad I finally have my hands on a copy, now to find the all important time to read this much loved novel!

WA authors dazzled our romance readers this month. Jennie Jones, another Perth based writer, collected two reviews for her brand new release, A Place With Heart. After reading reviews by Brenda and Claire Holderness,  I wanted to rush out to the nearest bookstore to purchase a copy!

It was a thrill to see Claire Boston, a local writer, feature in this month’s round up. Two of Claire Boston’s books, What Goes on Tour and Under the Covers were reviewed in March by Claire Holderness.

March proved to be the month for a handful of new releases with romance elements. One of the highlights of this month was the release of Three Gold Coins by Josephine Moon, Australia’s queen of foodie fiction’s much awaited fourth novel. Theresa Smith had this to say:

The relationships are rich within Three Gold Coins and they are built upon the structures of loyalty, love, and unwavering devotion. It’s not always easy to stand by your loved ones at the lowest of points, but Josephine highlights just how many ways it’s worth it when you do. Lara was a brave heroine, a woman to admire greatly, and I loved her personal story, even if some of it broke my heart along the way. I admire Josephine for not shying away from the dark and ugly side of Lara’s story. It’s not something everyone might like to read, but it’s something everyone should read.

Another new release that falls into the romance genre, which has been quickly gathering great reception is You Wish, by Lia Weston. Both Theresa Smith and myself found a strong connection to this novel. Over at my blog, Mrs B’s Book Reviews, I stated:

I found You Wish to be a real genre bender, which was simply refreshing. It contains some comedic elements, some futuristic/fantasy based concepts, magical ‘fairy godmother’ like whimsy, a little intrigue and even a touch of sentiment with the romance elements included. With such a fresh and very topical concept driving this novel, it is with confidence that I recommend You Wish to readers far and wide.

Another new and very contemporary romance release that I admit got me on the stunning cover and title alone, is Sunni Overend’s, The Rules of Backyard Croquet. According to Carolyn Scott:

This was a quick and easy light romance.

I know that is exactly what I am looking for when I select my romance novels! The Rules of Backyard Croquet seems to be a winner on the romance front.

I am going to conclude this month’s jam packed romance round up with a final shout out to Maddison Michaels, who has made a splash with her debut  historical romance, The Devilish Duke. Be sure to look up reviews of this Victorian England based sensual mystery by Helen Sibbritt and Claire Holderness. 

There were just so many recommended romance reads this month that it pains me not to be able to showcase them all! We are very much spoilt for choice in the romance department. If you wish to investigate more novels from our extensive romance list of books reviewed, I encourage you to use our handy search function on the website.

That’s all from me this month, enjoy those romance novels and keep the reviews flowing!


About me: I am a mum of two young boys, an early childhood teacher, dressaholic, second hand book stall owner, book reviewer and self confessed book geek. In 2016, I turned my passion for reading into my own blog, Mrs B’s Book Reviews. I blog daily and love nothing more than to showcase books by our talented crop of Australian women writers, especially rural romance, along with a number of other genres. Check my reviews out at the following sites, Mrs B’s Book Reviews, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Twitter.