I am bringing you this latest round up of the Erotica, Romance and Romantic Suspense genres on a much anticipated long weekend here in Western Australia. I have been curling up to a few books this WA day long weekend, which of course includes the romance genre! I hope you too have been taking advantage of the cooler weather to enjoy a romance read for the challenge.

After a quiet April, May saw our romance readers pick up the pace again. This means I am again presented with many great book recommendations to add to my bulging tbr list. This past month we collected 38 reviews, of 30 books, from 31 authors.

The results of our latest romance round up show that the most reviewed titles this month are, Burning Fields by Alli Sinclair (4 reviews), Someone Like You by Karly Lane (3 reviews) and The Paris Seamstress (2 reviews).

Burning Fields, is a novel I have quite literally been shouting from the rooftops this past month about how brilliant this book and the writing of Alli Sinclair is. I had this to say about Burning Fields:

Romance is Sinclair’s forte and she nails it in this novel. I loved the mix of romance, secrets, past hindrances and family opposition that followed this couple. It wasn’t a standard pathway to love, but when it finally reached its destination, I was over the moon with the final result.

My response to Burning Fields was shared by a five star review from Brenda on Goodreads, Claire Holderness and Theresa Smith Writes.

Our second most popular book this past month is Karly Lane’s latest, Someone Like You, which was a big hit with reviewers in May. Michelle from Beauty & Lace had this to say about Karly Lane’s new novel:

I have always found Karly Lane novels to be a little quirky, contain more than a hint of humour and often draw inspiration from Australia’s history. In these respects, Someone Like You fits perfectly in the Karly Lane catalogue, but this one has something extra, something deeper and I was completely enthralled.

Similar glowing responses were reflected in reviews by Theresa Smith Writes and over on my own personal blog, Mrs B’s Book Reviews.

The third most reviewed book in the month of May was The Paris Seamstress, the latest dual time frame historical narrative with romantic elements, from WA author Natasha Lester. This one is high on my own personal reading wish list and I’m sure it will be on yours too after checking out these two glowing reviews from our readers. Seasoned romance reviewer Helen Sibbritt states:

I am left speechless and emotional after reading this awesome story WOW, this is the first Natasha Lester book I have read and I need to fix that because here is an author that you don’t want to miss, this is just so beautifully written, moving, emotional I loved it.

While Michelle from Beauty & Lace says:

The Paris Seamstress is a historical fiction with elements of romance but the dual generations offer a perfect opportunity to weave a thread of suspense through the narrative as well. The story unfolds slowly, with each piece revealing itself and causing a time-shift in the narrative.

Now it is time to shine a light on those books that garnered my attention this round up. With the celebrations of the grand royal wedding reaching fever pitch in May, I couldn’t help but be drawn to regular reviewer Helen Sibbritt’s review of The Irresistible Royal by Alyssa J. Montgomery.

Another valued contributor to the challenge Ashleigh, piqued my interest again this month with her positive review of The Upside of Over, by J.D. Barrett. I already have two of Barrett’s book on my shelves that I desperately want to get to one day soon. Ashleigh’s review confirmed my resolve to read this author’s work.

Another brand new release that romantic suspense fans will embrace quickly is Sarah Barrie’s latest, Blood Tree River. Be sure to check out Helen Sibbritt’s rave review of this one.

If you are on the lookout for a fresh contemporary romance author, why not investigate the work of Lauren K McKellar and her latest release, Honest Love. Cassandra Page gives this one a big thumbs up. Cassandra states:

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: contemporary romance usually isn’t my jam, but Lauren K. McKellar is a contemporary romance author who is an auto-buy author for me. Her stories have that perfect combination of epic-level feels and the slow evolution of a relationship that never seems contrived. I love them!

In the month of May we saw some fantastic romance novels featured in previous round ups covered again from our challenge enthusiasts. These included:

  • You Wish by Lia Weston reviewed by Cloggie
  • If I Tell You by Alicia Tuckerman reviewed by Calzean
  • Out of Reach by Kendall Talbot reviewed by Helen Sibbritt
  • Lovesome by Sally Seltmann reviewed by Cloggie
  • Three Gold Coins by Josephine Moon reviewed by Cloggie
  • A Place to Remember by Jenn J McLeod reviewed by Cloggie
  • Mothers’ Day by Fiona McArthur reviewed by Brenda
  • Water Under the Bridge by Lily Malone reviewed by Michelle from Beauty & Lace

It is always a pleasure to spotlight some non new release romance titles via reviews submitted to the challenge. This month figures were up in this category. We reviewed 6 books that were published prior to 2018. These included:

  • Heartbreak Homestead by Susanne Bellamy, reviewed by Brenda
  • Breaking the Drought by Lisa Ireland reviewed by Mrs B’s Book Reviews
  • These Broken Stars: Starbound #1 by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner reviewed by Kira Jessup
  • Bound for Eden by Tess LeSue reviewed by Eleni
  • Silver Clouds by Fleur McDonald reviewed by Brenda
  • Magical Redemption by Nicola E. Sheridan reviewed by Eleni

I am sure you will concur, there are so many varied romance reads to add to your pile this round up. Thank you romance readers, this is a great pick and mix selection!

It is time for me to sign off for another month and hopefully squeeze in one more book before the end of this lovely public holiday!  Thank you to all the passionate reviewers this month, your hard work is duly noted. Until next month, stay warm this winter with a sizzling romance read, or two!


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.