Monday 12 January 2015

Favourite Aussie Romances from 2014

Welcome back, everyone! We’re starting the new year with a bang by celebrating some of the wonderful Aussie Romance reads of the last year, and offering a $10 Amazon voucher to one lucky commenter.

Each of us has nominated one (yes, dammit, just one!) fave Aussie Romance read from 2014 to review. Talk about making life difficult for ourselves. We've also invited along a couple of guest bloggers with their top picks.

Breathless in the Bush is an eclectic group so, as you’d expect, we've covered a whole range of sub-genres in our choices. Looking for the next book to add to your TBR pile? You've come to the right place. And with an Amazon voucher up for grabs, don’t forget to leave a comment!



Cassandra's Fave

Lick by Kylie Scott (published by St. Martin’s Griffin) is not in my usual favourite genre but I'm so glad I picked it up. The trope of waking up married in Vegas is well-worn but the author makes 'Lick' feel fresh and bright.

Straight-laced Evelyn Thomas is horrified to wake up seriously hung-over in a hotel room and married to a hunky stranger. She can’t remember a single thing about the night before or her new husband, rock star David Ferris.

I really enjoyed watching Eve and David work through their rocky relationship to find love, courage, and her memory. Thank you, Kylie for a most enjoyable read! I've already purchased the next two books, 'Lead' and 'Play', for my kindle.


Dee's Fave
My favourite romance of 2014 was Anna Campbell’s What a Duke Dares (published by Grand Central, Harper Collins, and Mills & Boon UK).

Ms. Campbell’s third book in the Sons of Sin series harks back to the wistfully poignant early romances that I read as a young woman in the nineteen-eighties! Spectacularly set in three locales, the snow-capped Italian alps, the storm-swept Mediterranean sea, and the almost pastoral beauty of London, Ms. Campbell takes us on a journey into the hearts and souls of Lord Sedgemoor and Miss Penelope Thorne. 'What a Duke Dares' made me believe in romance and ‘happily ever after.’

For an excerpt, visit Anna Campbell’s website at: http://www.annacampbell.info/dukedares.html .


Enisa's Fave
Remember the joyous days of childhood innocence when Grimm's tales swept you into wondrous, magical worlds? Weave in a paranormal atmosphere, twist with a touch of supernatural magic, and you have Nicole Hurley-Moore's 189-page ebook novella Black is the Colour, book one of the medieval fairytale series 'Tales of the Hearthfire'.

In this charming, delightful and sweetly-poignant tale of forbidden love, free-spirited and strong-willed upper-class Ciara loves blacksmith Oran for the kind, humble soul he is and bravely battles dark magic to break the witch's curse placed on him.

I rate 'Black is the Colour' five stars for grabbing at my heartstrings from page 1 and captivating me to the end. I eagerly await books two and three in the series.


Karen's Fave
I loved Anna Romer’s second novel, Lyrebird Hill (published by Simon & Schuster), even better than her first. It is a story about romance, forbidden love, endurance, hardship, family secrets, murder and mystery. These themes and more are present as we are taken from present day and back in time to 1898.

The writing tone is beautiful, sweet and seductive. The narrative is multi-faceted with the two parallel stories being expertly told in alternating chapters. The descriptions are lush, with the settings leaping from the pages in three-dimensional glory. You can hear the bush come alive, you can see the vibrant colours of the flora and fauna, you will smell the smoke of the camp fires and you too will wonder if you are catching glimpses of movement, shadows moving in the corner of your mind’s eye…this is mesmerising, evocative reading.

This is a wonderful enchanting and mysterious read that will engage all of your senses and have you totally captivated from beginning to end.


Marilyn's Fave
Barbara Hannay always delights with her wonderfully poignant storytelling and her latest, Moonlight Plains (published by Penguin Australia), continues the tradition. I love, love, love dual timeline novels and this one cleverly interweaves two love stories, set seventy years apart, in and around the beautiful outback Queensland homestead of the title.

One story is that of Kitty Martin, an Aussie girl who falls for Ed Langley, an American airman stationed in Townsville in 1942 (think 1940s movie-star good looks and charm); the second is that of Sally Piper, a young widow who falls in love with Kitty’s grandson, Luke Fairburn. (Who wouldn't? He’s gorgeous!) Throw in hidden letters and family secrets, and it's a book to lose yourself in.

'Moonlight Plains' is uplifting and it tugs at the heartstrings, it’s traumatic and it's bittersweet…it’s romance at its best. But then, isn't that what we've come to expect from Barbara?


Miranda's Fave
Darlings, it was lovely to find Stone Castles (publish by Macmillan) by Trish Morey in my Christmas stocking! Trish writes in her acknowledgements that this is the book of her heart, written after the deaths of her brother and father. How amazing to write this at such a difficult time.

Set in SA, it's also a love affair with the beautiful Yorke Peninsula; I so want to visit now! Even better, it's a second chance romance between Pip Martin, a NY hotshot bank analyst, and Luke Trenorden, the man she walked out on.

Tender, passionate, and honest, it really takes your breath away. Pip has huge flaws; she's been a broken woman. At times you doubt she'll ever find happiness... but Luke is right there, oh my.

Touching and definitely with heart. Thanks, Trish!


Guest Blogger Lynne B's Fave
A Scandalous Wager (published by Escape) by Cassandra Samuels tops the list of my favourite romances for 2014. I loved this book!

When the Black Raven procures the services of the drunken, dishevelled and down-on-his-luck Lord Bellamy, it is purely a business arrangement meant to benefit both parties. Lisbeth needs help to clear her name and prove she did not murder her abusive husband. Lord Bellamy desperately needs money and has undertaken a list of daring wagers.

There are no wimpy, spineless characters in this story. Indeed the gorgeous Oliver meets his match with the feisty and completely lovable Lisbeth.

Witty dialogue, engaging characters and a credible plot transport the reader to another place in time where one is reluctant to leave. Great page turner. Great read!


Guest Blogger Lyn C's Fave
Deadly Obsession (published by Simon & Schuster) is a great read that continues Detective Lexie Rogers’ story.

I love crime fiction (with a bit of romance thrown in, of course!) and what I enjoyed most about this sequel is the way Karen M. Davis brings together the very real personal and professional conflicts that arise when Lexie discovers someone close to her is the main suspect in a chilling murder.

Returning bouts of PTSD and a warning from Brad Sommers, her lover and police partner, that she’s getting in too deep add to the realism of the drama.

This book is a page-turner that will keep you guessing who the killer is right till the end.


Well, we hope our reviews have inspired you to go out and buy one (or maybe two, or three…or ALL) of our favourite Aussie romances of 2014. 

We love hearing from you! Was your favourite author among our selection? Which of our favourites do you nominate? Remember, by leaving a comment you’ll be in the running for a $10 Amazon voucher. We’ll announce the winner on next Monday’s blog (a guest post by Alli Sinclair, author of ‘Luna Tango’). Be sure to check back then when we'll share more of what makes us "Love to love, love to laugh, and love to learn!"  

111 comments:

  1. Ooh, I've read a few of these. The Anna Campbell, of course. What A Duke Dares was another fab read although her Christmas novella, Her Christmas Earl, which I read Christmas Eve, is now my favourite Anna C. I haven't read Lyrebird Hill yet, but it's on my reader and I really enjoyed Thornwood House. Lick was enormous fun - loved it! - and both Stone Castles and Moonlight Plains are on my to-be-read pile. Now I'll have to check out those others and make it bigger!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! You've read most of our 2014 Faves! And yes, I simply love everything Anna Campbell writes! Her latest is always my favourite! But I'll be honest Cathryn Hein; it was difficult only being allowed to choose one. Your French Prize was high on the favourite list too!

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much, Cathryn! By the way, LOVED your French Prize! Fabulous romp!

      Delete
    3. Dee, thanks so much for picking Duke. That really started my week with a smile. Delighted you enjoyed it - loved playing with the different settings. I had a picture of Winter through to spring in terms of the emotional journey but when I read your description, I thought, you know, it goes from jagged mountains to pastoral happiness (eventually!) too. Odd how those unconscious symbols arise, isn't it?

      Delete
    4. Hi Cathryn! Thanks for stopping by. Like Dee, I greatly enjoyed The French Prize. So damn hard when you can only choose one fave for the year.

      Delete
    5. Great to see you here, Anna! But certainly no surprise with--was it 5 ARRA nominations?? Huge congratulations on that!

      Delete
    6. Marilyn, absolutely stoked with the ARRA noms. Thanks for the congrats!

      Delete
    7. I agree with Cathryn and Dee, Anna Campbell is always a great read - and Her Christmas Earl was a lovely Christmassy novella. Cathryn, I've just downloaded your French Prize. Can't wait to read it!

      Delete
    8. Hi Cathryn - I hope you enjoy Stone Castles when you get to it. I'm waiting for a break in the (writing) traffic so I can get stuck into The French Prize!

      Delete
    9. Hi Cathryn. Lovely that you visited here. Your 'The French Prize' really enthralled me and was amongst my faves for the year. Wish I could choose more than one, but there you have it.

      Delete
    10. Hi Anna. Great to see you here. I love the way you write. You always succeed in grabbing my emotions and hanging on them to the very end! Congratulations on your ARRA nominations.

      Delete
    11. Aww, thanks, Malvina and Enisa! I"m thrilled pink with the ARRA noms, as you can imagine!

      Delete
  2. Squeeee!!! We're back for 2014 and what a way to start--with a re-cap of our 2014 romance favourites! Looking forward to hearing what you think. Remember to nominate your favourite from amongst our list and you could be in the running for that $10 Amazon voucher!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So many greats to choose from but I know you'll all agree...Anna Campbell's What a Duke Dares was pretty hot! A gorgeous hero with an amazing heroine and a fantastic story to go with it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna Campbell never fails to please, Dee, but Barbara Hannay's Moonlight Plains was also a wonderful read from last year. 2 gorgeous heroes, 2 worthy heroines, and 2 amazing love stories in one book - hard to beat. :)

      Delete
    2. Wow, Marilyn. I'm thrilled that you loved Moonlight Plains. Thank you.

      Delete
    3. Alright, alright...after checking the blog I'll go get a copy of Moonlight Plains! How can I not? It sounds amazing!

      Delete
  4. Dee, lovely piece on Duke - and I love everybody else's selections. Some great stories there. I think my fave Aussie romance of the year was Vanessa Barneveld's YA debut, THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE. A beautiful story with a bit of ghostly woo-woo thrown in. I do like ghostly woo-woo. Out of the books listed, I read and loved Lick (like Cassandra, it's not my usual genre). Beautifully written and lovely characters and romantic as well as sexy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't read Vanessa Barneveld's book, Anna, but on your recommendation (and the reviews I just read) I've just added it to my TBR pile. Thanks for that. I loved Kylie Scott's Lick, too, and for much the same reasons as you and Cassandra--likeable characters and a sexy romantic read. :)

      Delete
    2. I'm very much into woo-woo, Anna Campbell, so Vanessa Barneveld's debut book is one I'll definitely add to my reading list. I love it when I come across new fabulous authors. Thank you.

      Delete
    3. Hey, girls, bet you love This is Your Afterlife. I found it funny and moving and very wise. YA isn't my usual genre but this one's a gem.

      Delete
    4. Don't want to be left out...so, I'm starting a list...of the books recommended here that I need to buy and Vanessa Barneveld's This is Your Afterlife is now on it! Thanks for the heads up Anna Campbell!

      Delete
    5. Oh, my! Anna, thank you very much for mentioning THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE as one of your faves — I'm in heaven! :) Thank you, Marilyn, Enisa and Dee for adding the book to your reading lists! I so hope you enjoy it.

      If I can say so here, Anna's books are always at the top of my fave lists, and for 2014 I'd like to add Kandy Shepherd's THE SUMMER THEY NEVER FORGOT. That's another great ARRA finalist. So many great books by Aussie authors!

      Delete
    6. Hi Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to reading your book. :)

      Delete
    7. Great! Another one to add to the list--Kandy Shepherd's The Summer They Never Forgot! Thanks Vanessa Barneveld! I'm looking forward to a long over-seas plane flight to read all these fabulous books!

      Delete
    8. Hi Vanessa. Lovely to see you here. I love books involving things paranormal so I'm very much looking forward to immersing myself in your book.

      Delete
  5. I've only read Lick by Kylie Scott and LOVED IT, but I'm definitely add some of the others to my TBR :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Thanks for dropping by. Like you, I loved Lick, too. My fave genre is rural/outback romance (alá Barbara Hannay, Rachael Johns, Mandy Magro, and SO many other great Aussie writers) but it's great to broaden experience by reading other genres.

      Delete
    2. Hey, The Last Chapter (LOVE the monicker)! Kylie Scott's books are all fabulous! I must admit that I hadn't read any of her books until Lick...and then I order her whole backlist--and soooooo happy that I did! Awesome, awesome writer!

      Delete
    3. You won't regret it The Last Chapter.

      Delete
    4. Lick is in my TBR pile. It now has to jump a few spots so I get to it quicker!

      Delete
  6. There are some great reads there and I have read Anna Campbell's, Cassandra Samuel's and Trish Morey's and I loved everyone of them I have Barbara Hannay's and Kylie Scott's on my kindle to read and I have no idea how you only picked one each Ladies that must have been really hard I would add Ella Carey's Paris Time Capsule to the list as one this one is so good.

    Have Fun
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Helen! Great to see you here! You being such an avid reader, it doesn't surprise me that you've read (or are about to read) most of the books from our faves shortlist. And you're right--it was damn hard to pick just one to review. Thanks for the recommendation of Ella Carey's Paris Time Capsule. I'll definitely check it out.

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much Helen, I love your review of Stone Castles, so happy you loved it! x

      Delete
    3. I like anything Paris, so Ella Carey goes onto my TBR. Sigh. Too many books, so little time...

      Delete
    4. Another one to add to the MUST BUY pile! Thank you Helen!

      Delete
  7. Ha, am having trouble posting - let's see if it's three times lucky -

    Thrilled to bits this morn to see Stone Castles featured on your Best of 2014 list and alongside some of my favourite authors! Thanks so much to BitB and to Miranda for such lovely comments. Stone Castles was a real book of the heart for me, so it's lovely to see it touching readers' hearts all around Australia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At last! And doh, third time lucky. Between wordpress and a forgotten google password and blogspot, (not to mention a kitchen getting pulled out tomorrow) someone's getting a tad stressed :-/

      Delete
    2. Trish, I'm so glad you Shared Stone Castles with us; it's such a lovely and honest book. And yes, *what* a line-up of wonderful Aussie authors! :)

      Delete
    3. Thanks so much for persisting, Trish. Lovely to see you here. I've not yet read Stone Castles but with such wonderful recommendations (and the fact it's a book of the heart, which always drags me in) I'll make sure I get to it soon.

      Delete
    4. Great that you visited us, Trish Morey. Gee, such a lovely review about Stone Castles, this book just has to be in my TBR pile.

      Delete
    5. Thanks Enisa, it's a pleasure to be here - and a real thrill to be on the list!

      Delete
    6. Oh, Trish! Thank you for persisting! I'm so excited that you did and you're here now!
      I have Stone Castles in my TBR pile...I'm going overseas this week and intend to read it on the plane.
      Good luck with the renovations!

      Delete
    7. Ooh, thanks to you too, Marilyn, and happy trails, Dee! Have a great trip.

      Delete
  8. Well, my response didn't make it either, Trish, so I'm trying again. Marilyn, thank you so much for your lovely review of Moonlight Plains and for being such a champion for my books. I'm feeling quite breathless here in the bush. :) I'm thrilled to be listed in such a great line up. A wonderful blog with lots of reading ideas I need to chase up. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adored Moonlight Plains, Barbara, but you already know that :))

      Delete
    2. Hi Barbara! So glad you persisted.
      When you enjoy a book as much as I did Moonlight Plains, it's easy to be a champion for it. You are definitely the go-to girl for outback romance. :)

      Delete
    3. Hi Barbara. Lovely to see you here. Oh, so many rural romances to choose from. So many fabulous authors. I have to read Moonlight Plains now that Marilyn's written such a glowing review.

      Delete
    4. I have always enjoyed Barbara's books. Happy sigh.

      Delete
    5. Thanks everyone. Enisa, I hope you enjoy MP.

      Delete
  9. Hi everyone. Thank you so much Lynne B for your lovely review of A Scandalous Wager. I am so glad you loved it. Well, I have to say it is a wonderful round up of books on this list. Surely, something for everyone. I am so glad all the other authors reviewed here have popped in to share their thoughts on other books they have also loved last year. I have quite a few of the books above on my shelves and it reminds me of just how good our Aussie authors are.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! We have some of the best romance authors in the world (universe even...and I'm not given to hyperbole)!

      Talk about awesome Cassandra Samuels... with your Favourite New Romance Author ARRA nomination! Well done you!

      Delete
    2. Thank you Dee. I am still on cloud nine about it.

      Delete
    3. I am a bit slow lately with reading but loving A Scandalous Wager so far!

      Delete
    4. Thank you Anonymous. I am so happy you are loving it.

      Delete
    5. I read historicals as a teenager then romantic suspense came along and historicals were let go. Then a Loretta Chase novel was recommended and of course I loved it so historical was a genre I had to re-pursue. Very glad I did. So many wonderful historical authors, among them Anna Campbell and Cassandra Samuels, both fabulous writers as shown by their ARRA nominations. Congrats to both of you.

      Delete
  10. It must feel fantastic to be listed among them, Cassandra.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does Marilyn. To be nominated with so many other amazing authors really is a privilege.

      Delete
  11. Let's just jot down a quick tally...
    Five out of our eight favourites (by Anna Campbell, Kylie Scott, Barbara Hannay, Cassandra Samuels, and Trish Morey) made it into the ARRA nominations in eight categories! Well done! Better than 'well done'...AWESOME!!! Looking forward to reading your 2015 releases. If any of you authors on our fave list can, list your next release here (title and release date) and we'll make sure that we do a social media shout out when the time comes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee, my next full lengther is A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT which is out 28th April. I had a Christmas novella out recently HER CHRISTMAS EARL which was fun to write. Thanks for the shout-out.

      Delete
    2. Awesome! I have diarised A Scoundrel by Moonlight and will make sure to social media about it...and of course buy myself a copy!

      Her Christmas Earl was one of my Christmas reads and because I missed it the year before I purchased The Winter Wife too! And yes...I loved them and highly recommend them to all!

      Delete
    3. Oh, how lovely, Dee. Thanks so much for picking both of them up. Did you see there's a free collection as well with one of mine? A Grosvenor Square Christmas.

      Delete
    4. No I didn't see that! I will check it out though! Thank you!

      Delete
    5. My pleasure. I want you to have the whole set, LOL!

      Delete
    6. I've read both Anna's Christmas titles (AGSC and HCE) and they really are fantastic.

      Delete
    7. Dee, my next Penguin won't be out till September -- I'm still writing it :) -- but it's called The Secret Years and it's another contemporary/historical combo.

      Delete
    8. No worries Barbara! I'll put it in my diary now and I'll check back around August to get a specific release date! Looking forward to September now because of The Secret Years...I love contemporary/historical combos!

      Delete
    9. Thanks Dee! My next release is a Harlequin M&B Sexy called Captive of Kadar - out in May. It's the third of my Desert Brothers series and is set in Istanbul and Turkey. One of my favourite countries in the world and I think, my favourite city :)

      Delete
    10. We had a sensational holiday in Turkey a couple of years back. Istanbul is such an exciting place! Look forward to reading Captive of Kadar, Trish.

      Delete
    11. Cool Trish! I've diarised it for May. One of the places I'd like to travel to is Turkey...oh, the sights I could see! Someday. For now, I'll be happy reading your Turkish-set next release Captive a Kadar.

      Delete
    12. Ooh, wow, Trish Morey. I'm travelling overseas this year for a long awaited family reunion (30 years) and to relax after it (by relax I mean shop and explore and shop some more :) )I'm spending a few days in Istanbul (first visit there) and Dubai (second visit as I loved it the first time). From your glowing words I know I'm going to enjoy Istanbul. And how great is it that my travel time (May) coincides with the release of your Turkey-set next release. Definitely reading that one on the plane!

      Delete
    13. Marilyn, I love Istanbul, more so than Paris. The atmosphere, the sea, the sounds, the food, and I suspect I may be more than a little in love with Izmir tiles :)

      Dee, you must go to Turkey! And meanwhile, Captive of Kadar will give you a little taste of adventure.

      Enisa, you are in for such a treat! You will have a fabulous time in Istanbul, there is so much to see and do, and how serendipitous that my hero and heroine will be in Istanbul the same time you are! Have a fantastic trip and an awesome family reunion. You've waited a long time for this one.

      Delete
  12. Just started Nicole Hurley-Moore's Black is the Colour...and am immediately drawn in! Great pick Enisa!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicole is a fabulous writer you will love it.

      Delete
    2. Guys, you're making me cry. Thanks so much Enisa for such a lovely review and for the all kind words. I loved 'What a Duke Dares' and I have to admit I'm totally fixated on Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series. I really enjoyed 'Lick' but I think 'Play' is my favourite. Cassandra, A Scandalous Wager is at the top of my TBR pile. xx

      Delete
    3. Nicole, Enisa wrote a longer review but I sadly had to cut part of it in order to keep to the word count. (Please don't take offence, I had to cut quite a few--we really LOVE our book choices). But...her passion for Black is the Colour flowed from start to finish and she convinced many of us to bring Black is the Colour to the top of our TBR piles! I know I'm enjoying it!

      Delete
    4. I'm a sucker for fairy tales, Nicole, and discovering your stories was an emotional 'aaah' moment for me. I just love how you can write in that wonderful fairy tale style but with added twists. Great!

      Delete
    5. Thanks, Nicole, and congratulations!

      Delete
  13. Okay 3rd time lucky to publish a comment :)
    Bit unfair to have to choose as I've read most of the books above and will add the others to my *Books to check-out* List
    I loved What a Duke Dares - being a fanatical Historical reader and lover of Anna Campbell's work.
    I really enjoyed Lick as it was totally different to what I thought I would enjoy -
    And Mystery Romance is a speciality as well - Loved Deadly Obsession
    Thank ladies - great job here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you kept trying Marianne. Lick is the surprise hit of the year for me. It's a testament to Kylie's great writing that readers like you and me, Marianne, who normally don't read books about rock stars but totally loved it anyway.

      I'm totally with you on Anna Campbell seeing as I am a Historical nut too. Anne Gracie is also and auto buy for me.

      Don't you think that Karen M Davis's books are just getting better and better? I think it is that insider knowledge that just makes it all the more real.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for that compliment Cassie and I'm very glad you enjoyed Deadly Obsession Marianne. It sounds like you a very keen reader. There are so many good books out there and not enough time to read them. I had an email from a lady who read my books recently telling me she never reads Aussie authors and was glad she took a chance on my books. I couldn't believe it. Why wouldn't readers invest in Aussie authors. We have so many great one's. Sadly, since then I have been told a lot by people that they don't read Aussie authors. I think we need to change that!

      Delete
    3. Karen I must say that crime isn't my usual sub-genre but you changed my mind. I loved Deadly Obsession AND Sinister Intent!

      It's a shame that there is a country bias but I've known this for a while. For my (little) part I send rural Australia and Oz and NZ set paranormal romances to my family in the States to spread the love! I've found that many don't get our Aussie titles or know of our authors but the word is spreading. If you love a particular Aussie author or Australian set book make sure you social media about it--let the world know. It's the best way to keep that writer writing books you love!

      Delete
    4. I've loved romantic suspense ever since the genre arrived in Australia so of course I read Karen Davis. Great plots, equally great characters by a terrific Aussie author.

      Delete
    5. You are right Cassandra some books are automatic buys :)
      I also spread the *Aussie Writer Love* overseas to relatives and friends. And I agree Dee, I think they just don't know us by name ... because Australian Authors are definitely up with the best - across all the genres - but that's just MY OPINION ;)

      Delete
  14. I agree about that inside knowledge re. Karen's books, Cassandra. The realism is what makes them a great read for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marilyn, I appreciate your compliment also and I'm glad the authenticity shines through, which was my aim but not always easy to do. Funny looking back on things; Year ago I would never have thought my police career would help me write a book. My mother always told me I should write a book one day and I used to laugh... I don't have your patience I would say... How things change...

      Delete
    2. For those that may not know...Karen's mum is the late Lynne Wilding, a truly amazing and inspirational Australian romance author!

      Personally, I think Lynne would be smiling Karen! You're successful (and she was right)!

      Delete
    3. Wow, Lynne Wilding was one awesome writer, and a very generous one too. I remember my first ever romance workshop in Canberra in the early 90's and Lynne came down from Sydney. I'd just received my first rejection and it was inspirational to hear Lynne talk. Fabulous that you are taking in her footsteps Karen. She would justifiably be very proud!

      Delete
  15. TO THOSE EXPERIENCING TECH ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO POST A COMMENT:
    Sooooo sorry! We are aware of the issues and are doing our (untechnical) best to fix things. Until we're able to rectify the issues, please keep trying, your thoughts are valuable to us! It does seem from comments made that the 'third' time is truly the charm.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just had to add that, wow, there's a great selection of romance novels in a variety of genres here. Wonderful choices, and...ah...those I haven't read yet I now have to read. Boy, oh boy, my bookshelves will overflow even more than they already are. But, hey, I love books.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'd love to share some other books I've loved reading last year. An Unsuitable Match by Sasha Cottman, Lord Somerton's Heir by Alison Stuart, Lady Beaucamp's Proposal by Amy Rose Bennet and A Baron in her Bed by Maggi Anderson. I am about to start Tyburn by Jessica Cale and Four Times a Virgin (isn't that an intriguing title?) by Suzi Love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sasha Cottman, Alison Stuart, Amy Rose Bennet, Maggi Anderson, and the indomitable Suzi Love--all amazing Aussie romance authors! A few of them made it pretty high on my Best of 2014 list!

      One of my other favourites from last year, a contemporary-historical mix, was (is) Luna Tango by Alli Sinclair. Luna Tango has been nominated for several ARRAs and a few other awards like the best travel romance of 2014! If you've not read it, do it now. I believe she has a new book coming out soon...Flamenco Fire.

      Delete
  18. I would just like to thank Lyn C for doing such a positive review of Deadly Obsession. There is certainly a few there that I will have to put on the reading list.

    ReplyDelete
  19. If you're looking for more opportunity to vote on your favourite Australian authors, head over to Booktopia and nominate as many of your favourites as you'd like! http://blog.booktopia.com.au/2015/01/12/australias-favourite-author-the-final-vote/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh I didn't know we could add another to this impressive list!
    I just finished reading Gather the Bones by Alison Stuart. Absolutely loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ooh, if we're adding more books, we mustn't forget the awesome Kelly Hunter! She's a fave author of mine, an autobuy. If you haven't discovered her, then do try her 2014 releases Sympathy for the Devil and What a Bride Wants. Fabulous reads! And not just my opinion. She's a multi-award winner and well-deserved of those awards she is, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen! Love Kelly Hunter's work. Every bit of it.

      Delete
  22. Another great read by Aussie author Kaye Dobbie is Colours of Gold. It is set in both present day and back in the late 1800's. Lots of Romance readers would like this book.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey, Karen, thanks for recommending Kaye Dobbie. I was so intrigued by the sound of Colours of Gold I just googled Kaye. Fascinated by the blurb of the book. I'm definitely getting this one. Not only that, I also learned that Kaye Dobbie also writes historical romances as Sara Bennett! Talented author, yay!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you everyone for all the great reads you have nominated. Just another 40 or so to read.
    And they all sound great. Keep up the good work. Love the blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, and thanks for dropping by. Yep, the 'fave read' tallies just keep coming. Don't you love it! So many fabulous Aussie authors out there...

      Delete

We love getting comments. Why not leave one?!