Review: Love Theoretically

Title: Love Theoretically

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Publisher: 13th June 2023 by Little, Brown Book Group UK

Pages: 368 pages

Genre: romance, contemporary, women’s fiction

Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

My Thoughts

Ali Hazelwood is back again! Yes, the queen of STEM romance is releasing her third book and it’s another sure-fire winner! I will admit that I have not read her previous two: I ventured into Love Hypothesis and did not get very far before putting it aside. Third time lucky I guess as I just had to see what all the fuss was about and I am sure glad I did. With the most likable characters and a fave trope of mine - enemies to lovers - I was hooked from the very beginning. 

“Bold of you to assume that the real me is my best hand.” That stupid, crooked half smile is back. “Foolish of you to think it isn’t.”

Yup! I adored this book and smashed through it ever so quickly, breathing in the fresh air of fun and laughter! Elsie is one of the most endearing main characters I have read in a long time and Jack ticks all the boxes and then some for leading men. 

‘It’s complicated, being a woman in STEM. Even more so when you’re young and unproven. And even more so when you have a semipathological need to get along with others.’

This is quite an academic book (yes, I know it’s STEM) but I was pleasantly surprised with revelations about the life of an academic. There is much covered but I was never bored or confused, in fact, quite the opposite - I found it riveting - the experimentalist versus theoretical physicists. Even though I know next to nothing about physics, it was interesting to learn of the dynamics of working in research programs and the jobs you have to take to hopefully end up where you want to be. Being a female in this field would also bring its own challenges and Ali covered all of this extremely well. 

‘I’ve seen you play half a dozen different roles for half a dozen different situations, switching personalities like you’re channel surfing, and I still have no idea who you are.’

Elsie is a people pleaser and this is all about her journey to learn to be honest. The fact that Jack is there and wanting to support her on this journey makes the story so engaging. Elsie needed a support crew as she undervalues herself in so many ways. Undoubtedly the chemistry is off the charts but for me, ultimately, it was Elsie’s journey that I found the most engaging and satisfying. Her struggles and questions could be any one of us and that made her so relatable. 

Love, Theoretically is a book I didn't want to put down. Laughing at everything from the Bill Nye to Twilight references, feeling for Elsie and her diabetes, cringing at family dynamics, working out how to make ends meet - it all comes together for a highly recommended read. 

“When’s the last time you had someone in your life you could be completely honest with, Elsie?”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Snowy Mountains Cattleman

Title: Snowy Mountains Cattleman

Author: Alissa Callen

Publisher: 2nd February 2022 by Harlequin Australian, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 334 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A woman's journey of self-discovery meets Bundilla's small-town charm and an intriguing post-WWII mystery in this captivating romance from bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.

The greatest risk of all is love ...

Interior stylist Grace Davenport has come to the mountains for solitude and a place to heal after her parents' death. Returning to their beloved town of Bundilla, she plans to restore a local bluestone mansion in honour of their memory. She'll just be there for the summer, until she figures out her next step.

Rowan Parker never used to think twice about taking risks until his love for a woman blinded him to all common sense. Now, between his cattle farm in the high country and his work as a stonemason, there's no room in his life for further mistakes. But when he meets the beautiful but reserved new owner of the historic mansion he's been hired to rebuild, he realises his best laid plans have run amuck.

Together, Grace and Rowan work to bring the mansion back to life. But when they uncover a hidden trove of post-WWII secrets about the house's former inhabitants, their quest to find answers draws them ever closer. And just when the stone rubble around them begins to resemble a home, a landslide threatens all that Rowan and Grace have rebuilt. With their futures as unstable as the mountainside, each must fight for what they really want, even if it means losing everything...

My Thoughts

There's something for everyone in Alissa’s latest offering, Snowy Mountains Cattlemen. When you are looking for that light and loveable read, look no further especially if you like a few more ingredients than the prerequisite romance. Alissa brings all the small town feels of a picturesque countryside along with a mystery surrounding an old homestead renovation. 

This is such a light and lovely feel good book to read. The characters in the fictional Bundilla are regular folk you would more than likely meet and mix with on your travels. The leads - Grace and Rowan - having both lost their parents, share their journeys when dealing with grief. As Grace tries to realise her parents’ dream to purchase and renovate the run-down Crookwell Park homestead she employs cattleman and pastime stone mason, Rowan. I love how their romance swam along as they wavered and weaved in their healing journeys. 

Snowy Mountains Cattlemen is the second in the Bundilla series but can definitely be read as a standalone. As always, the experience would be that much richer when familiar faces appear, but I had not read book one. I would certainly love to return to this heartwarming community with promised future instalments in this lovely series. The added bonus of a somewhat derelict homestead slowly revealing its hidden secrets from the past brought not only a joint project for Grace and Rowan to work on together but also added another layer to the story. 

A country girl herself, Alissa brings real authenticity to the locale, capturing the genuine charm of the community. Snowy Mountains Cattlemen is an engaging tale with all the small town antics, a homestead mystery and well matched romantic leads that helped make this a delightful escapism. 

‘Today had been the first step in reshaping the landscape of her new life. When the days shortened and the mountain weather cooled, she needed to have found a way through her grief for she had nowhere left to go.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Meet Me in Bendigo

 

Title: Meet Me in Bendigo

Author: Eva Scott

Publisher: 28th July 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Small-town Australia meets You've Got Mail in this rural romantic comedy about online dating, second chances, and following your heart.

Small-town sweetheart Annalisa Cappelli has returned to Wongilly to take over her family's hardware store while she heals from a tragic loss. The business was hit hard by the pandemic, and now a Carpenter's Warehouse hardware superstore is opening in the district. There's no way Annalisa is going to let two hundred years of history go down the drain, but she's going to need to fight to keep her family's legacy alive.

The one simple thing in her life is her no names, no complications, easy-breezy online relationship with GardenerGuy94. For now, their online flirtation is the only kind of romance Annalisa needs. Until she meets Ed Carpenter. Sexy as hell, he'd be the perfect man ... if he wasn't trying to destroy her business.

Ed Carpenter is in Wongilly to offer the owner of a small hardware store a payout to pave the way for his family's next superstore. What he doesn't expect is for the owner to be the woman he's been talking to online. Annalisa is beautiful and passionate, and he's sure she's the one for him. But how can he reveal the truth without losing her?

My Thoughts

Looking for a feel good read? Think an Aussie version of You’ve Got Mail might fit the bill? Then look no further than, Meet Me In Bendigo by Eva Scott. This is such a fun, light rom-com that will have you grinning from ear to ear as you follow along with Annalisa and Ed’s journey. Yes, you know how it ends but it is that journey that matters as you wait with baited breath to see how the truth will be revealed. 

‘Ed didn’t know how he was going to walk the tightrope between what he believed in and what he had to do, but he was willing to try. He had to get back to the man he used to be. Even if that meant bending a few rules.’

Another factor I really loved about this book was the secondary characters and small town vibe. I simply adored old Joe and his mates (they almost steal the show) with their witty barbs and comments. Her best friend Mel is also another winner. There are events throughout (apart from the obvious will they, won’t they) that made me smile - cleaning up after the kids party, the trip to protest in the minibus and the picnics in the field of flowers. 

For over a hundred years Cappellis had kept this store going in one form or another. They’d faced all sorts of hardships, from rebellion on the goldfields to war and recession. What advice would they give her? What would they make of the coronavirus and online shopping? Surely they’d have some useful wisdom to impart?’

The above events brought light to the story that was in fact filled with history past and present in the making. The inclusion of the newspaper articles spread throughout were an added bonus and really gave depth to both the story of the family and the history of the store. In the present, the impact of the current pandemic is delicately woven throughout and without being a focus, assists in providing the light and shade of the tale. 

‘I guess I miss me,’ he said so softly that Annalisa wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. ‘You miss you?’ ‘I feel a very long way from who I was before the pandemic started.’

I was totally in the mood for this Australian twist on the classic tale/movie of enemies to lovers. So if a light, fun filled romcom set in a rural Aussie town telling the tale of following your heart, being brave and moving on is what you are after, look no further.

‘I spent far too many years in the service of other people’s dreams. I don’t want you to end up the same way. Live for yourself for a change.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Vet from Snowy River

Title: The Vet from Snowy River

Author: Stella Quinn

Publisher: 2nd June 2021 by Harlequin/HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 408 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but well-meaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country ... A fresh and funny rural romance, perfect for readers of Alissa Callen and Rachael Johns.

Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...

And thanks to her ex-boyfriend- she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...

Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with his killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?

My Thoughts

There is always that feel good sensation of reading a satisfying romance. It fills a place in our hearts. This is a wonderful debut and fulfills that sensation. 

There is much I enjoyed about this tale. I like that both the lead characters had backstories that succeeded in adding more depth to the story. There was Josh returning to his hometown and the issues concerning the veterinary practice; and, Vera with the reasons why she was escaping city living. I enjoyed the story behind the building restoration and as for the baking … well be prepared to salivate for all the yummies on offer. 

I loved that the secondary characters had a real depth to them. Graeme was a real stand out for me … so much in fact, that he achieved almost a whole star rating just for his contribution alone! Coming a close second was Josh’s daughter Poppy - I really enjoyed her character arc and loved to see the journey she was on. Even the animals, especially dear Jane Doe, really added that extra something to this tale. 

The issue I had was concerned the ‘Insta-love’ - it all happened too quickly. The relationship needed time to develop and I just found Josh to be too committed too early. I also felt that there were some loose threads all tied together very quickly and needed a bit more fleshing out eg. the issues surrounding the veterinary business. I am also still at a loss as to why Hannah was so closed up on her own personal life. Perhaps that is a future story? 

Overall, this provided some good escapism with solid backstories for both the main leads. The sense of community was rich and inviting - the cafe is certainly a place I would love to visit - if for no other reason than the food alone! I am with Vera, I would love to escape to a quiet rural spot with the view of a mountain, something yummy to eat and drink, with a cat purring in my lap!

‘She didn’t want coffee in some grey, city bistro. She wanted mountain air. She wanted a quiet moment in the chair by her window with a fat grey cat on her lap. She wanted to go home.’ 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Something to Talk About

Title: Something to Talk About (Rose Hill, #2)

Author: Rachael Johns

Publisher: 20th April 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fiction, contemporary, women’s fiction, romance

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Dairy farmer Tabitha Cooper-Jones has a heart of gold, yet she's the eternal bridesmaid. Everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges over the years, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe, she's adored by her family and is an integral part of her hometown - there's just one thing missing from her life. But the last thing Tab wants is a man - or worse, love - to stop her achieving her dream.

In town for a temporary teaching contract, Fergus McWilliams thinks the small community of Walsh will be the perfect place to stay under the radar but he couldn't be more wrong. Suddenly, the kids' cricket team coached by Ferg is inundated with female supporters - single female supporters - and that's only the beginning.

The only woman who doesn't seem to have her sights set on Ferg is Tabitha. Despite a disastrous first meeting and a visit from a past love, circumstances keep throwing them together. Neither can deny the sparks between them, but can friendship even be possible for these two strong-willed people?

My Thoughts

Something to Talk About is the second book in the Rose Hill Series by Aussie author Rachael Johns. I read and enjoyed Talk of the Town so I was eager to return to familiar places and faces. That being said, while this book is listed as a sequel it can very easily be read as a standalone should you not have read the first book. Whilst my reading was enhanced through previous knowledge, Rachael does a good job of providing just the right amount of background details for new readers to feel comfortable with their knowledge of relationships.

This is the story of Tabitha and it was wonderful to see her claim her own space and time in the spotlight. Her entry is fun, emotional and heartwarming as she is quite the character - literally. She has much going on inclusive of her past, the present and exciting upcoming future events. Her love interest here of Fergus certainly sizzles (literally with lots of physical interactions) with the usual ups and downs, misunderstandings and confrontations. You know where the story is going and how it will end up, so it’s all about the journey and this is an emotionally charged one, much like Tabitha herself. 

A definite plus of these books is how well Rachael captures life in a rural community - events and residents together - providing a snippet of the everyday. With everything from the weekly ‘Stitch and Bitch’ sessions to the committee for the upcoming Show, the reader gets a real feel for life in a small farming community. Rachael also touches upon some heartfelt themes - cancer, living with a disability and care for the elderly. The incident with Mrs Lord particularly resonated with me and I thought Rachael did a good job on all these sensitive issues. 

All up, it was enjoyable to return to the local town and with a solid story about love and overcoming its many obstacles. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Good Woman of Renmark

Title: The Good Woman of Renmark

Author: Darry Fraser

Publisher: 18th November  2019 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 352 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Adventure, romance and history combine in this thrilling 19th century journey through the South Australian bush and along the mighty Murray River in the company of a determined heroine.

1895, Renmark, South Australia

Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.

Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.

The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...

My Thoughts

Darry Fraser is one of the many current Australian historical fiction writers who keep producing great stories. She has a strong focus on SE Australia and once again provides great tales from along the Murray River.  Much like the ‘Mighty Murray’, the story flows well with lots of twists and turns.

What I found most enjoyable about this tale was a window into the social norms of the day. Maggie, a strong leading lady, is representative of all women of that era who had no rights and no vote and were at the forefront in the call for change. Resourceful and prepared to stand her ground, Maggie refused to curtail to male chauvinism - and there are a few men who tried their overbearing best. The river is almost a character in itself as it provides details of the hardships to be had in trying to eke out an existence. 

‘If Maggie did indeed live to an old age, how would she keep herself unless she had married and had a stipend from her husband’s estate? But then marriage would inevitably bring children … Her plan seemed not so tight now. How did a woman survive if she was too old or infirm to work?’

I would have appreciated a bit more depth to some episodes and a little less in others. At times Maggie’s repetitive independent mantra wore thin. Alternatively, the romance with Sam was a little superficial and I was left wanting. Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark is another worthy tale that provides quality escapism to a time of growth and change in Australia’s history. 

“ ... think if we had greater control of our lives financially, and with more education, it would suit us well. We would not be subject to as much poverty.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Up on Horseshoe Hill

Title: Up on Horseshoe Hill

Author: Penelope Janu

Publisher: 18th November 2019 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, cultural, Australia

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Jemima Kincaid loves her home, her horses and her job as a farrier. Life has not been kind to her, but Jemima is happy in the close-knit rural community of Horseshoe Hill, which rallied around in her hour of need. Even so, she is fiercely independent and will never rely on anyone again.

Particularly a man like Finn Blackwood.

An infuriatingly attractive geneticist and wild animal vet, Finn threatens not only the serenity of Jemima's present, but that of the future she has so carefully mapped out. But as their paths continue to cross, she finds her attraction to Finn impossible to counter, even as the trauma of her past threatens to undo her. Finn is fascinated by Jemima's solitary nature and unique vulnerabilities but Jemima knows all about loss and how to avoid it. Don't let anyone get close in the first place ...

As the past begins to cast long shadows, Jemima and Finn discover that a kiss can bring worlds together-or tear them apart. Will they finally face their fears and find love on Horseshoe Hill?

My Thoughts

I was positively anticipating my first Penelope Janu book as she is so highly regarded. I was not disappointed. There is much to engage the reader with this well written, multi dimensional tale of love and loss, mystery and suspense and two strong leading characters.

With much on offer, this really is more than your standard rural romance. Of course, there is a great romance with a wonderful leading man. Yet the twist of having one with dyslexia and the other with anaphylaxis makes for a unique union. There is also a mystery running throughout which is engaging. I also appreciated Penelope’s understanding of dealing with long term grief. It was refreshing to have an author present true to life challenges for a character that has undergone such tragic loses. It does not simply go away. There is small town rural living and the whole community that comes with that which is always fun to read. A special aspect of this particular story is one for animal lovers. With the two leading characters having particular roles - a farrier (loved learning about that) and a geneticist/vet who specialises in wild animals - it makes for wonderful reading for animal lovers. Add into the mix a few trips with engagements at the  Dubbo Western Plains Zoo (giraffes and rhinos) and there is much to entice the reader. 

Horseshoe Hill is a novel that I would recommend for animal lovers, for rural romance lovers and for those seeking an engaging read. 

‘Is refusing to tell the truth as bad as telling lies? It can’t be, can it?’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.