Monday 18 January 2016

THE BREATHLESS LIST




with the Breathless team


Gasp! THE BREATHLESS LIST is  out!
Welcome back romance readers and writers! It's so good to see you here at the Breathless Blog for another year.

We spent the holidays hard at work coming up with an awesome line-up of blog posts and guest bloggers that we know you are going to love! (Ok, well...'hard at work' might be a bit of an untruth...it's never hard work when you love what you do!) To start the year off with a bang, we have The Breathless List!

We've all spent a year reading romances by Australian and New Zealand writers published in 2015 and we've picked our favourites to share with you. Whittling The List down to just 9 books was, and always is, one of the hardest things we do as a blog group, but it's something we're prepared to do in order to showcase our amazing Aussie and NZ romance writers!

So without further ado here is...

 
The Breathless List



Miranda's Pick: From Christmas to Forever? by Marion Lennox. (Yes, there is a ? in the title.)






Surprise! I picked a series Medical romance. The sort you stay away from? Rethink! Two doctors meet in Wombat Valley: the incoming locum, Pollyanna (love that name), escaping from her smothering parents for Christmas; and Hugo, who's supposed to escape to the beach with his orphaned niece. But it's not about escape, it's about them finding themselves and each other (siiigh) while surrounded by car crashes, snake bites, drunken revellers, and even avalanches. Those bits are jaw-dropping. I adored the country feel, the glittery Christmas parts and the lush romance. Marion Lennox writes with a sweet power punch.





Enisa’s Pick: Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry

WOW is how I’d describe award-winning author Bronwyn Parry’s Storm Clouds (published by Hachette Australia). I read and read, devouring the story’s mystery, danger and unexpected twists. The plot, interweaving the murder of a wife not seen in fourteen years with a deceptively-innocent alternative-lifestyle community, long-buried secrets finally revealed and a web of lies unravelling, intrigued me. The setting, the small NSW town of Goodabri and the nearby stark and rugged National Forest, filled me with cheer and yet chilled me. The main characters, National Parks rangers Erin Taylor and Simon Kennedy, and their slowly-blossoming romance, had me crying and smiling. A bonus was the strong cast of secondary characters adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Storm Clouds yanked at my emotions, and what a yank it was. One I will always remember. Bravo Bronwyn Parry. You write beautifully.


Dee’s Pick: Freaks Under Fire by Maree Anderson




I know what you're thinking, "Cyborgs, really?" Yes. Really. New Zealand romance author Maree Anderson makes it onto The Breathless List for creating a cyborg heroine that readers want to be! Freaks' heroine, Jay, is most definitely a cyborg. You know that from the beginning and you're reminded of it in her speech patterns and mannerisms, but still you fall in love with her. She's the woman we all want to be, if only we could. By the end of the book, you're hanging on for dear life, hoping beyond hope that she can prevail and live to love another day!

Sharon’s Pick: Bidding on Her Boss (The Hawke Brothers #2) by Rachel Bailey


Why would any intelligent, self-respecting woman bid for three dates with her boss when her employer has a no-fraternisation-outside-the-workplace policy? Faith Crawford’s motivation for spending all of her savings on this seemingly fruitless endeavour is the first of many intriguing surprises in store for the reader. 

The powerful attraction between Faith and her boss, Dylan Hawke is impossible to ignore, however both have equally compelling reasons why they should not pursue it. Their decision to approach the dates from a practical perspective is hopelessly flawed, and makes incredibly entertaining reading.

 I fell in love with Dylan and empathised with Faith throughout this book. The ending is rare, even for a novel published in 2015, and is highly gratifying.




Cassandra’s Pick: By the Sword by Alison Stuart

In this English Civil War story, widow Kate Ashley is contacted by her husband’s estranged family who wish to name her young son as heir to the family estate, Seven Ways. However, the estate is financially floundering due to taxes imposed on the family for being Royalists. Kate’s husband died fighting for the Parliamentarians but she has no love for either side.

When Kate meets the real heir to Seven Ways, the outlawed Jonathon Thornton, she is immediately taken by the man who has willingly given up his birth right to protect the family’s home. He has pledged himself to the young King Charles II, even knowing he is on the losing side. 

I loved this story for its tender moments, its battle scenes, and the way Stuart seamlessly weaves in the historical events of the time. The long periods where hero and heroine are kept apart didn’t bother me in the reading of it, so kudos to Alison for her wonderful writing style. If you love a good historical with sweet, passionate moments and plenty of danger you will enjoy this book.


Dana's Pick: Northern Heat by Helene Young





I felt the heat in Northern Heat! Australian Helene Young writes so perfectly that I actually felt the oppressive far north Queensland humidity. She's a true master at setting the scene and weaving it into the story. As both a cyclone and the villain bare down on Cooktown, I felt every lash of rain and every ounce of fear that Kristy and Conner were experiencing. At one stage I realised I was holding my breath!










Marilyn's Pick: The Wildwood Sisters by Mandy Magro

Nine years ago, in response to a death threat following the disappearance and presumed murder of her beloved twin sister, young Renee Wildwood was forced to leave town without a word to anyone, including the boy she was madly in love with. When family circumstances force her to return to Opals Ridge, she’s determined to unravel the mystery surrounding her sister’s disappearance, despite the prospect that the murderer may still be lurking. Her return reunites her with her first love; Dylan Anderson is now an emotionally wounded single father with a financially struggling farm. They try to fight their still-strong feelings for one another, while the killer makes plans to destroy them both.

As if the gorgeous cover wasn’t enough to entice, this rural romantic suspense ticked all my boxes: well-developed characters, believable conflict, strong emotions and heart-in-the-mouth suspense. Well done Mandy!

 


Karen’s Pick: The Lake House by Kate Morton.
Reaching No. 1 on the Australian Best Seller List, it would be fair to say Kate Morton's The Lake House is another success story. Having won the book at a charity event I was a little overwhelmed by the size of it - it's a whopping 595 pages - but it's easy reading and the story enthrals from beginning to end. Both a mystery and a historical filled with secrets, family tragedy and forbidden love, it shifts between past and present until both are woven together perfectly to reveal the final grand twist.



Dana's Pick: My Dark Duke by Elyse Huntington



My Dark Duke is a refreshingly original Regency historical that flowed so seamlessly from the first page to the last that I hadn't realised I'd read the whole story in one sitting. I just kept turning page after page after page. Australian author Elyse Huntington has created a hero and a heroine who are perfectly matched, strong, independent, but so in need of one another. Lady Alethea is unique and refreshing and just what the Duke of Trent needs, even if she doesn't know it. If you've not read it, get it now.









We love to love...everything romance reading and writing, especially from our Aussie and Kiwi authors!

*If you're an Australian/New Zealander author with a 2016 book release, please email us at breathlessinthebush@gmail.com and let us know, but please don't offer us a free copy. As much as we'd love to accept, in order to remain bias free we won't.*


We love to laugh...with each other-always with love, and often!


We love to learn...what you think of our 2015 picks. Are they the best of the best? What Australian and New Zealand writers with 2015 romance releases did you love?

45 comments:

  1. My reading list has just grown! What fabulous picks, Breathless! Reading is so subjective, but it's always lovely to find books others have read and loved, and discover you love them too. Thanks for the suggestions, here's to a wonderful 2016, reading and writing romance!

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  2. Love seeing who the others picked. My TBR pile just grew too. Can't wait to hear who our readers thought was their favourite picks of last year.

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    1. Thank you so much, Cass. I am thrilled you enjoyed BY THE SWORD - it is still very much the 'book of my heart'.

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    2. Well I certainly had a lovely weekend reading it. I know I've loved a book when I do the contented sigh at the end. I am lucky too as I have the King's Man to read next and then of course there is Exile's Return.

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    3. You write great stories, Alison. I am looking forward to reading your latest release. It's on my tbr pile. I cheated and placed it near the top.

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    4. Excellent news, Enisa! I loved revisiting so many old friends while I was writing it!

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  3. What a great cross-section of Aussie and NZ authors. Well done to you all!

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  4. I've read most of these, but especially love Alison Stuart's By the Sword and Helene Young's Northern Heat. Kate Morton's book is one of my Xmas pressies and I'm looking forward to when it reaches the top of my TBR pile! Thanks for sharing some great reads!

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    1. Hi Susanne! Thanks so much for dropping by. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into Kate Morton's book, too. Love a good, long read.

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  5. What terrific picks. Now I have to add to my TBR pile. I can see it toppling very soon. Sigh...

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    1. Your TBR pile would kill you if it toppled onto you, Enisa!

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  6. Hi Ladies

    What a great list and I have read a lot of them and agree how wonderful they are and I already have some of the on the TBR pile but now I have a couple more to add :)

    I would add Barbara Hannay's The Secret Years to that list as well :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Hi Helen! How lovely to see you here. Knowing what a prolific reader you are, I'm not surprised you've read many of these.
      I greatly enjoyed The Secret Years too, but then I love all Barbara Hannay's books.

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    2. I just love Barbara's books too Helen. Thanks for the recommendation.

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    3. Me three for Barbara Hannay... Wonderful writer!

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    4. Hi Helen. Barbara's books are wonderful, I do agree.

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  7. It's fascinating to read about the books others have enjoyed. I've now found the titles of lots of books I'd like to read in the future.

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  8. I'm extremely honoured to be part of this wonderful list!! Thank you! 😊

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    1. Hi Mandy! Thanks so much for dropping by. I really enjoyed Renee and Dylan's story and am looking forward to the release of Bluegrass Bend in May.

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  9. As you all know, reading is so close to my heart, especially romance! So glad to kick the year off with all these marvellous suggestions.

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  10. By the Sword has a great cover--it's the piercing eyes that get me.

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    1. I love all my 'boys' ... they really capture the characters of my heroes!

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    2. Gorgeous boys, Georgia and Alison!

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  11. What a fabulous list! Thanks for putting it together, Team Breathless. (Call I call you Team Breathless?) There are some books there I haven't read, so I'm off to look them up now.

    And a bunch of thank yous for including Dylan and Faith's story - I had so much fun with them and I'm thrilled that they connected with readers. :)

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping by Rachel. The Team Breathless name works for me. We take our writing very seriously, but have so much fun and laughter interspersed with hard work at our meetings. Like you, I have purchased several books the other group members recommended. It is so handy to know which titles avid romance readers most enjoy.
      I loved Dylan and Faith's story. Faith's reasoning behind bidding at the auction had me cheering for her from the start. The unexpected and heart warming ending left me wishing I knew Dylan and Faith so I could congratulate them myself.

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    2. It was rather a lovely one, Rachel. Lots of sighs...

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  12. Dear Marion Lennox posted a comment which sort of got lost on the way to the blog. Thanks Marion! But, she said:

    'How wonderful to be included in such an awesome list. Thank you so much - and especially to Miranda for such a lovely review.
    We started our new year with the arrival of our first grand baby at 3am on January 1st (we were a bit too distracted to watch fireworks) followed by the arrival of a new puppy on January 6th. So even if Pollyanna's story is exciting I don't think it comes close to our New Year. Happy New Year to all, and once again, thank you.'

    Marion, your new year sounds so lovely, and congratulations on your new baby family member! Always a brilliant thing. But, do keep writing!

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  13. Oh my goodness, I am so honoured to have made this list, thank you, Breathless ladies! I am very happy to hear you enjoyed My Dark Duke. It has been a whirlwind of a ride for me since My Dark Duke was published. Last week I found out I was among the ARRA nominees for Favourite New Author, and now this! What an amazing start to 2016! Thank you all again.

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    1. Hi Elyse. So glad you dropped by. My Dark Duke is a well-deserved nomination to The Breathless List. Congratulations on all your recent achievements!

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    2. Loved reading it. Congrats, Elyse!

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    3. Thank YOU for My Dark Duke! It's truly a gem.

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    4. Hey, Elyse! I've added my review of My Dark Duke to Goodreads! I hope you get loads of new readers/fans from it!!

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  14. Thanks so much, ladies, for including Northern Heat on the list! And a very big thank you to Dana for the lovely review. Great to see one of my favourite books of the year, Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry, also on the list, along with Kate Moreton's Lake House and Alison Stuart's By the Sword. The rest are now on my TBR list! Happy reading in 2016!

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    1. Hi Helene! Thanks so much for dropping by. As soon as I saw the book trailer from Gab at Trailermade Production I knew I had to buy Northern Heat and it certainly lived up to expectations.
      You seem to be enjoying your new life at sea!

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    2. Hi Helene. Northern Heat is a well-deserved win for a very talented author.

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    3. TBR piles! LOL--It's only January and my pile is hip high! At least I've already read the books on The Breathless List...but I may just have to read a couple again--they are all that good!!

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    4. Hey, Helene! Just wanted you to know that I've added my review of Northern Heat to Goodreads. Hope you get heaps of new readers/fans from it!!

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  15. Ladies, I'm chuffed to bits and beyond to have one of my Young Adult stories included in this list; it means more to me than I can express to be honoured in such a way.

    Dee, thank you so much for taking a chance on my Freaks series. I'm utterly thrilled that you think so highly of a character that I created!

    And huge congratulations to all the authors on this list; I'm incredibly proud to be included amongst you.

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    1. Hi Maree! It's lovely to see you here. Dee is away at the moment but I have to tell you, she has definitely let us know how much she loves your Freaks' series. Congratulations on being selected among the 'best of the best' 2015 reads. :D

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    2. Squeeeee! Maree Anderson commented on my post!

      I only wish I'd come across the Freaks series sooner and then you would have been on the 2014 The Breathless List too!!

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    3. Hey, Maree! As an added 'thank you' for a brilliant book, I've added my review to Goodreads! Hope it garners a huge crowd of new fans for Freaks and for you!!

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  16. Such a wonderful list of books - and I'm somewhat breathless that Storm Clouds is included! Thank you so much, Enisa, for your enthusiastic words about my book. It's an honour to be included on this great list. I've read and loved Helene's Northern Heat, and Alison Stuart's By the Sword as well - and now I'm adding the other Breathless recommendations to my reading list. Thank you, ladies, all of you!

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    1. Hi Bronwyn. Thanks for stopping by. Storm Clouds is such a terrific book it deserves every accolade it gets. As do all of your books. Your writing has enthralled me from your first book, As Darkness Falls, and I know your next book will too. As I said in my review, you write beautifully.

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