Hello lovelies and welcome back to Romancelandia, the land of rakes, royalty and rebels and where we’re still celebrating Mother’s Day. How do we do this? By indulging in a week-long reading marathon, of course.
Because if romance novels are good at one thing, it’s transporting the reader away, which is exactly what mums need – time away from the millions of things they’re always juggling. And what a better place than in the arms of a fictional partner in a fictional world, where everything’s going to be alright in the end?
There are certainly way worse ways to spend a few hours, right?
So come on down, I have an entire cocktail menu and foot massages and books! As per usual, there’s a selection of both Aussie and overseas authors and they’re all available via Booktopia in either print or digital, so just click on the covers if something takes your fancy.
Australian Romance Authors
Lying in Wait
by Diane Hester
Grieving widow Andy Vaughn has struggled to get back to the real world after her husband’s sudden death. But her son needs her, and when a terrifying encounter with a snake reveals unknown skills, the American expat feels alive for the first time in years. She’s going to leave behind her career as a science teacher and instead start training as a national park ranger with a specialty in snake handling.
But with two deaths and several close calls in only a matter of weeks, is the increased snake activity just an unusual spike? Or is something more sinister going on? New cop in town Dev certainly thinks something isn’t quite right, but nobody is going to believe the city cop with a chequered past. With growing suspicions that a serial killer might be out there using snakes as a weapon, Dev is going to need to find proof — and fast. Because the serial killer has a new victim in his sights, and she might just be the beautiful snake handler Dev is fast falling in love with.
Buy it here
Alien Seduction
by Melody Beckett
Has the galaxy’s biggest player met his match? Sub-Commander T’arq Qu’Ress has a reputation for having a lot of … fun. The flirtatious pilot might seem like the consummate party animal, but the truth is a little more dark. Krystal Storey is the ultimate nerd, and the exact opposite of social butterfly T’arq. She’s more interested in circuits and code than parties, and is terrified of flying.
When they are sent on a mission together, they have to face their worst fears … and their deepest desires. Will they survive to admit their love? Or will they meet their end before they even get started?
Buy it here
First and Forever
by Eve Dangerfield
Football player Sloan ‘Willow’ Williams has been looking for The One for years. He’s checked all the right places—and some of the wrong ones—and found sh*t all. But the moment he sees Eden Jade Cartwright, he knows she’s the girl for him. Unfortunately, her entourage won’t let him anywhere near her … Eden doesn’t want anything, aside from an international music career. She does, however, enjoy being worshipped, which the giant redhead seems inclined to do. But with a world tour beckoning, now isn’t the time for a boyfriend.
Willow has the perfect solution; a short, fake relationship that will boost Eden’s clout and scratch both their itches. Only he’s hoping the beautiful blonde will keep him around. And Eden’s praying she’ll be able to let him go …
Buy it here
International Romance Authors
A Hard Yes
by Sinclair Jayne Sawhney
Rohan Kapoor is the golden boy of Charlotte. As a newly minted cardiothoracic surgeon with several prestigious job offers, potential brides eagerly line up when his parents—pillars in their Indian American community—hire a matchmaker. But Rohan’s not looking for a bride, and then he takes a wrong turn, meeting a woman who changes the way he feels about everything. After years of traveling and painting commissioned murals, artist Solei Beals wants to plant roots now that she’s been hired as a high school art teacher. She meets Rohan at an art festival, and the attraction sizzles. During the festival of Holi, Solei admits she’s fallen in love with a man who’s made it clear he’s not free to commit beyond spring.
As summer teases, Rohan’s family obligations and expectations create a barrier Solei’s not sure he’s willing to breach. And if Rohan’s not willing to fight for her or the life he says he wants, why should she?
Buy it here
A New Mantra
by Sapna Srinivasan
When 30-year-old Seattle-based Indian housewife Mira Sood is blindsided by her husband’s extramarital affair, her three-year arranged marriage is shattered. Humiliated, heartbroken, near-broke, and facing the united dissension of her orthodox family, Mira is desperate to rebuild her life. She moves in with her rebel cousin, searches for any job that will take her, and impulsively signs up for a half-marathon race. There’s just one problem—Mira’s experience with running starts and ends with running to catch the bus.
With herself as her biggest critic and doubter, Mira commits to the race and is assisted by entrepreneur Andy Fitzgerald, a handsome, elite marathoner who helps her create a training schedule and personal goals. When the lines of friendship begin to blur, Mira realizes she’s facing an even bigger challenge.
Buy it here
A Duke For Diana
by Sabrina Jefferies
Self-made man Geoffrey Brookhouse has unexpectedly inherited the dukedom of Grenwood, but he’s hiding a secret that could ruin his family. With the Season approaching, Geoffrey is desperate to find his sister a respectable husband who can protect her if the worst should happen, but he needs help to orchestrate her debut.
Enter Lady Diana Harper, spirited fashion expert, party planner to the ton, and rather more than Geoffrey bargained for. Finding him overwhelmed by the social requirements, she begins transforming him into something he never thought he’d be: a presentable duke.
Buy it here
Amy’s Favourite of the Month
As an extra treat each month, I recommend one of my fave authors/reads to you and this month it’s the incomparable Beverly Jenkins!
Since her debut novel – Night Song – in 1994, Beverly (Ms Bev as she is affectionately known in Romancelandia) has been redefining the romance landscape. Straddling both historical and contemporary worlds, she has championed diverse, inclusive stories long before they were publishing buzz words. Intense, passionate and romantic, her books – rich in Black history and culture – have garnered many awards and accolades from prestigious publications, and made multiple best-seller lists.
With over 50 novels in her canon and legends like Shonda Rhimes and Julia Quinn singing her praises, I don’t think any more needs to be said other than do yourself a favour and pick up one of her books today. I’d like to suggest Wild Rain as a good place to start.
Banished by her grandfather at the age of eighteen, Spring Lee has survived scandal to claim her own little slice of Paradise, Wyoming. She’s proud of working her ranch alone and unwilling to share it with a stranger – especially one like Garrett McCray, who makes her second-guess her resolve to avoid men.
Garrett escaped slavery years ago and is now a reporter in Washington. He’s traveled west to interview Dr. Colton Lee for an article, yet it’s Lee’s fearless sister, Spring, who captures his interest. Clad in denim and buckskins instead of dresses, she’s the most fascinating woman he’s ever met. And he’s certain she also feels the connection that sizzles between them. But when a shadow from Spring’s past returns, all is on the line: her ranch, her safety and this wild, fierce love.
Buy it here
Alrighty, that’s it for this month. Watch out for June’s column and, in the meantime, happy reading!
About Amy
Amy Andrews is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling Aussie author who has written eighty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She’s sold three million books and been translated into over a dozen languages including manga. She has won three Ruby awards and is a triple RITA finalist.
In her other life, she was a paediatric intensive care nurse for twenty-one years. Amy lives near the sea with her husband of thirty years.
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