July proved to be yet another abundant month on the reading front for romance. While collating this latest round up, I noted a good cross section of books within this wide ranging genre, from Mills & Boon titles, to rural romance, historical fiction with romantic elements and romantic suspense. Last month, across the field of romance, we collected 33 reviews, of 25 books, of 25 authors.

There was a clear winner in July for the most reviewed title. The Blue Rose, by Kate Forsyth, was reviewed four times during the month, via Nadia King, Shelleyrae of Book’d Out, Theresa Smith Writes and Tracey of Carpe Librum. Supporting these favourable reviews is an interview with the author of The Blue Rose, Kate Forsyth, conducted by Theresa Smith Writes.

Trailing not too far behind with the most reviews was Fiona McArthur with her brand new release, The Desert Midwife. I am currently reading this one and I am enjoying it very much. The Desert Midwife was covered by Shelleyrae of Book’d Out, Brenda and Helen Sibbritt.

Kerry McGinnis is an author that cropped up this month via her new romantic suspense release, The Roadhouse. Shelleyrae reviewed this title over on her blog, Book’d Out.

Karly Lane also made a welcome return in July, with her latest rural romance novel, Mr Right Now which came to my attention via a review by Sharon Hill.

Juanita Kees is back again, with a smashing new title, Fast Lane, which is book #2 in the Customs Garage series. This one was issued with five stars, thanks to Helen Sibbritt.

The Bindarra Creek series popped up in July, thanks to a new addition to these appealing small town rural romance tales. Helen Sibbritt explored Take Me Home (Bindarra Creek A Town Reborn) by Suzanne Gilchrist.

I haven’t heard of author Belinda Williams before, but I am tempted to check out her work thanks to reviews of two of her titles, Wild Heart and Heartstrings.  These reviews were kindly submitted to the challenge in July, by Amy from Lost in a Good Book.

Last week, I discovered the writing of indie author Rania Battany. Rania writes emotionally charged contemporary romance, with a strong slant towards life lit. Fleeting Moments, the second full length novel from Rania, was covered this month by Helen Sibbritt.

Finally, enduring romance series Mills and Boon made an appearance in July, in the form of a review of Melanie Milburne’s Penniless Virgin to Sicilian’s Bride.

Here is a quick snapshot of the romance titles that are repeat performers from previous round ups:

There is always a great reception for our older romance releases. This is what we read in this category during July:

  • Dark Child (the Awakening) by Adina West, published in 2013, reviewed by Eleni 
  • Barra Creek by Di Morrissey, published in 2003, reviewed by Mrs B’s Book Reviews
  • The Road to Hope by Rachael Johns, published in 2015, reviewed by Sharon Hill
  • Salvation (The Anomaly #4) by Anna Hackett, published in 2013, reviewed by Eleni
  • The Book Ninja by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, published in 2018, reviewed by Ashleigh of The Book Muse

That’s a wrap! Thank you for joining me for the July edition of romance. Until next time, happy reading and I look forward to bringing you more wonderful romance recommendations very soon!


About me: I am a mum of two young boys, an early childhood teacher, dressaholic, 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.