A warm welcome and it is my pleasure to provide you with an overview of the June 2020 results for the category of romance from our talented set of Australian women writers. My sincere thanks to everyone who linked across reviews to the romance genre to keep this category thriving!
23 reviews of 17 books, of 16 authors came in for romance in the month of June.
Contemporary Romance
The Cake Maker’s Wish by Josephine Moon (2 Reviews, 1 Author Feature)
I always look forward to a new release from Josephine Moon. As a pioneer of the sub-genre Food Lit, it goes without saying that her stories are delicious – and they generally make you hungry! This latest release is about a cake maker and it was all just so beautiful and delectable. I do love cake though, so this aspect of the story was always going to be a winner for me.
When Grace Went Away by Meredith Appleyard (1 Review)
Told from the perspectives of Grace and her mother, Sarah, one woman is faced with making decisions about her future, while the other is looking to reconcile her past. This is an emotional, layered story that explores a wide variety of issues including the process of grief, family dysfunction, addiction, illness, and long distance romance, as well as challenges related to farming, FIFO, career ambition, and small communities.
New Adult Romance
Echoes of You by Margaret McHeyzer (1 Review)
Echoes of the Heart is not an easy read, and because of that, this book isn’t going to appeal to everyone. It is, however, a powerful book; full of emotion, pain, suffering, and glimpses of hope. It’s a book about family, trust and the decisions we make. It’s a book you need to EXPERIENCE to understand its value, heart and soul. For that reason, I can’t really talk in detail about the narrative itself. Except to say, do your self a favour and read this book!
Small Town Romance
The Game of Love by Libby M Iriks (1 Review)
This was a really lovely second-chance romance novella by local West Australian author Libby M Iriks. Set in Rockingham a coastal suburb just south of Perth, Libby uses the local activities and environment to help her characters come together.
Rural Romance
The Stockman’s Secret by Mandy Magro (2 Reviews)
The Stockman’s Secret by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a rural romance set in the fictional Queensland town of Little Heart, where the heat and humidity set the tone for most days. Juliette and her horse Warrior, along with her little dog Brute were a great team, while Joel and his newly acquired horse, Dynamite were slowly becoming friends. Family, loyalty, love and secrets sets the scene for The Stockman’s Secret which I recommend.
Bottlebrush Creek by Maya Linnell (2 Reviews, 1 Interview)
Bottlebrush Creek is a rural fiction filled with heart, humour and no shortage of tension. I loved the characters, the setting was enviable and the renovation project was enough to make me glad that we are tackling our home improvements one small job at a time.
Romantic Suspense
Deadman’s Track by Sarah Barrie (2 Reviews)
There’s a lot going on in this book with a splash of romance and an accompanying slow and steady build of suspense that explodes towards the end of the book, as the plot threads all come together in a creepy and terrifying conclusion. Sarah Barrie’s love of the outdoors and the Tasmanian wilderness shines through in her evocative writing, and the reader can feel the wild beauty of the places she visits in her books.
Blazing Fear by Leisl Leighton (1 Review)
I really enjoy the friendships and family connections that this series contains and the way everyone is there to help when needed. There is definitely something to be said for small-town communities. There is plenty of suspense in this novel and while I thought I knew who one of the bad guys was, I wasn’t completely sure until the end.
Another great read in this series and I really hope there is more to come in this series.
Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur (1 Review)
Fast paced, action packed, and full of interesting characters and circumstances –Â a witch and her human witch familiar have a secretive background; a werewolf reservation where magic is banned and witches are mistrusted; a missing girl; wild magic; and darkness bent on revenge. There’s a hint of romance but going from the starting point of the characters, I’m not surprised it didn’t go further than it did.
Steampunk Romance
Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster (1 Review)
A well paced story full of intrigue, adventure and romance. A great debut book.
Past Pleasure
The Upside of Over by J.D. Barrett
A modern comedy and life affirming tale of love, sex, relationships, careers and self-care defines The Upside of Over by J.D. Barrett. This novel will be of interest to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels.
That brings our jubilant June round up to a close. Happy romance reading until next month, Mrs B.
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.
Great wrap up 🙂