Category Archives: Rachael Johns

January 20, 2022 · 12:02 am

Review: Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns
Bunyip Bay Series Book One
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 344 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Faith and Monty are both looking for love…but are they looking in the wrong direction?

Faith Forrester is at a crossroads. Single, thirty and living on a farm in a small Western Australian town, she’s sick of being treated like a servant by her brother and father. Ten years ago, her mother died of breast cancer, and Faith has been treading water ever since. She wants to prove to herself that she’s done something worthwhile with her life. And she wants to find a man…

For as long as he can remember, Daniel ‘Monty’ Montgomery has been Faith’s best friend. When he was ten, his parents sold the family property and moved to Perth and ever since, Monty’s dreamed of having his own farm. So for the last ten years, he’s been back on the land, working odd jobs and saving every dollar to put toward his dream. Now he finally has the deposit. But there’s still something missing…

So when Faith embarks on a mission to raise money for a charity close to her heart, and Monty’s dream property comes on the market, things seem like they are falling into place for them both. Until a drunken night out ends with them sleeping together. Suddenly, the best friends are faced with a new load of challenges…

Monty and Faith are both ready to find a life partner and settle down, but they didn’t expect love to be so close by.

Review:

Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns is an absolutely charming friends to lovers’ romance set within a close-knit community.

After attending an alumna meeting from her boarding school, Faith Forrester decides it is time to make changes in her life. She makes up a fake boyfriend based on her childhood best mate Daniel “Monty” Montgomery.  Faith also pledges to raise money for a charity of her choosing. She is shocked that naming Monty as her fake boyfriend starts a series of vivid dreams of him that are quite steamy. But one of the biggest changes she is ready to make begins at home. When her beloved mum passed away from cancer eight years earlier, Faith stepped in at their family farm and took on all of the household chores. She would much rather work in the fields with her brother Ryan and their father. Telling them she is fed up has a positive impact on Ryan but her already strained relationship with her dad rapidly deteriorates. Regardless, Faith continues with her plans to begin dating and throws herself into her planning her charity event. Will an unexpected trip with Monty alter their relationship beyond repair?

Monty’s lifelong dream to be a farmer on his family’s land came to an end when his family sold the farm to move to Perth during his childhood. His younger brother Will requires specialized care for autism that is only available in a larger city. Monty never lost sight of his goal and he put in long hours to save enough money for a farm. Now his goal is within reach, he turns his sights to his long-neglected love life while waiting for a property to come on the market. Will Monty’s dreams of a relationship and owning a farm come true?

Outback Dreams is a heartwarming romance with engaging characters. The various friendships are close but welcoming of newcomers. Faith is down to earth and rightfully frustrated by her dad’s refusal to allow her to work on the farm. She is low maintenance but now discovering the joys of female friendship and exploring her more feminine side. Monty is charming and helpful but he has a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to his childhood.  Monty and Faith have realistic reservations about a romance between them but their hesitancy threatens to derail their longstanding friendship. Despite a few missteps and lack of communication, Rachael Johns brings this heartfelt romance to a delightful conclusion. This first novel in the Bunyip Bay series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of this brilliant series.

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Filed under Bunyip Bay Series, Contemporary, Mira, Outback Dreams, Rachael Johns, Rated B+, Review, Romance

September 18, 2016 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Art of Keeping Secrets by Rachael Johns

Title: The Art of Keeping Secrets by Rachael Johns
Currently Available in Australia
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Imprint: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 450 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Little secrets grow up to be big lies…

They’ve been best friends since their sons started high school together, and Felicity, Emma and Neve share everything … or so they thought.

But Flick’s seemingly perfect marriage hides a shocking secret which, with one word, threatens to destroy her and her family’s happiness. Emma is in denial about a potential custody battle, her financial constraints, the exhaustion she can’t seem to shake off and the inappropriate feelings she has for her boss. And single mum Neve is harbouring a secret of her own; a secret that might forever damage her close-knit relationship with her son.

When the tight hold they have each kept on their secrets for years begins to slip, they must face the truth. Even if that truth has the power to hurt the ones they love, and each other.

Perhaps some secrets weren’t made to be kept.

Review:

The Art of Keeping Secrets by Rachael Johns is a delightful novel that explores the bonds of friendship between three best friends.

Emma McLouglin is a divorced mom of three, Caleb and twin daughters Laura and Louise, who has been financially struggling ever since her marriage ended.  Still hurt and bitter over her ex-husband leaving her for a woman half her age, she is exhausted from trying to juggling a full-time job with the demands of single parenthood.  Moody and short-tempered, are Emma’s sudden health issues stress-induced or are they a symptom of something much more serious?

Single mum Genevieve “Neve” Taylor is extremely close to her seventeen year old son, Will, but she is not expecting his sudden questions about his (never in the picture) father. She is dismayed to discover he has been already begun searching for him and she panics when she realizes he is not going to be dissuaded from finding him.  Suddenly questioning a long ago decision, Neve is terrified how Will is going to react once she confesses the truth about a long held, closely-guarded secret about his dad.

Felicity “Flick” Bell’s seemingly perfect marriage is the envy of her friends and her husband Seb is well liked by both Neve and Emma.  More than just husband and wife, she and Seb are best friends who share everything with each other. However, cracks begin to appear in their marriage when Seb makes a shocking announcement that could shatter their happy family.  Betrayed and hurt, Flick is uncertain about whether or not she can live with Seb’s sudden decision and she is forced to rethink everything she knows about the man she loves.

With the chapters alternating between each of the women’s perspectives, readers are privy to their innermost thoughts as they try to worth through their individual problems. Although quite close, they have not confessed their darkest secrets to each other but when they are forced to confront these issues, they naturally turn to one another for support.  Neve’s disclosure is quite shocking and while Flick is understanding, Emma’s reactions surprises her friends.  Flick’s revelation is explosive and although both Neve and Emma are absolutely stunned, they are supportive but they also express concern over their friend’s decision.  While Emma has tried to keep an issue with her health to herself, both Flick and Neve have been concerned about her for quite some time and when they make an impromptu trip to New York, they are even more worried.  With each of the women facing life-altering issues, their rock-solid friendship is occasionally tested yet ultimately strengthened as they help one another through unexpected crises.

An engaging story with a realistic plot, multi-layered characters and compelling secrets, The Art of Keeping Secrets is an emotional novel that is quite captivating.  While mostly focusing on Neve, Emma and Flick’s secrets, there is also the tiniest hint of a romantic element that is quite understated.  This latest release from Rachael Johns is a beautiful story of friendship that is sure to resonate with readers of contemporary women’s fiction.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin Australia, Mira, Rachael Johns, Rated B+, Review, The Art of Keeping Secrets, Women's Fiction

January 7, 2013 · 3:59 am

Review: Stand In Star by Rachael Johns

Title: Stand In Star by Rachael Johns
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Word Count: 72,000
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

As an anthropologist, Holly McCartney is more comfortable in a museum than shopping on Rodeo Drive. She isn’t prepared for the media frenzy on her arrival in L.A. to accept a posthumous acting award for her late sister…or for her sister’s gorgeous friend Nate Devlin to come to her rescue. Though he resents her for some reason, she can’t fight their irresistible chemistry—especially when the paparazzi force her to stay at his mansion.

Photographer Nate only agrees to help Holly survive Hollywood for her sister’s sake, but she soon gets under his skin in a way no other woman has. The more time he spends with her, the more his attraction grows and he finds himself opening up to her in ways he never expected. But will ghosts of the past stand in the way of their perfect Hollywood ending?

72,000 words

The Review:

Rachael Johns’ Stand In Star is a sweet contemporary romance between a naive anthropologist and a jaded celebrity photographer. Holly McCartney is unprepared for the media frenzy surrounding her arrival in Hollywood, but luckily for her, Daisy’s close friend, Nate Devlin, rescues her and offers her a place to stay. Holly’s trip proves to be a healing journey as she comes to terms with the betrayal that caused their long standing estrangement.

Holly and Nate are beautifully developed characters that are both haunted by events from their past. Holly is fighting the insecurities caused by Daisy’s betrayal and her feelings of being overshadowed by her beautiful and successful sister. Devlin’s dysfunctional childhood is the driving force behind his success and the reason he keeps his emotions tightly in check.

Nate is very protective of those he loves and this protectiveness is both his best and worst trait. His best because he will do anything for those he cares about. His worst because his fear of failing them causes him to keep an emotional distance. Nate’s life is very compartmentalized and he steers clear of commitment.

Nate and Holly clash right from their very first meeting. Holly is instantly attracted to Nate, but he makes no effort to hide his animosity towards her. Nate is attracted to Holly as well, but as Daisy’s friend, he blames Holly for the estrangement between the two sisters. Both bring their preconceived ideas about the other to the relationship and it was such a delight watching them really get to know one another. Both characters allow painful events to distort their perception of the way they see themselves and I like how their viewpoints evolve along with their relationship.

Stand In Star by Rachael Johns is a character driven novel that is full of emotion. Holly and Nate are quite appealing and their flaws and imperfections are realistic and easy to relate to. An absolutely delightful love story that fans of contemporary romance are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Rachael Johns, Rated B, Review, Romance, Stand In Star

May 22, 2012 · 3:57 am

Jilted by Rachael Johns

Title: Jilted by Rachael Johns
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 349 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

After more than ten years away, Australian soap star Ellie Hughes returns to the small country town of Hope Junction, determined to remain anonymous while caring for her injured godmother, Matilda.

But word spreads fast in the tight-knit community. It isn’t long before the people of Hope are gossiping about the real reason for Ellie’s visit and why she broke the heart of golden boy Flynn Quartermaine all those years ago.

Soon Ellie and Flynn are thrown back together again, forced to deal with the unresolved emotions between them. For Ellie is not the only one with secrets. Flynn has his own demons to battle, and Matilda is hiding something from her much-loved goddaughter.

When all is uncovered, can the ill-fated lovers overcome the wounds of their past? Or is Flynn destined to be jilted again?

The Review:

Rachael Johns’ Jilted is an emotional story about love and forgiveness. Ten years ago, Ellie Hughes left Flynn Quartermaine at the altar and fled the small town of Hope Junction. Returning to Hope to nurse her godmother Matilda, Ellie comes face to face with the man whose heart she broke all those years ago.

Ellie Hughes is a flawed yet very sympathetic character. Abandoned by her parents, Ellie’s childhood was painful, but with Matilda and Flynn’s love, she found a measure of peace and acceptance. Until a tragic event drove her to flee from Hope Junction and Flynn. Her return to Hope is complicated by the derision of the townspeople and her former friends, but her love and loyalty to Matilda keep her firmly by Matilda’s side as she recovers from a broken ankle.

Flynn Quartermaine was absolutely devastated when Ellie jilted him on their wedding day. Mired in heartache, it took an unexpected loss to bring him out of his self-imposed exile. He shares a close relationship with his mother and sister. Although he is bitter and resentful of Ellie for her abandonment of him, he is a kind and compassionate man who finds it easy to forgive Ellie. It is his friendship that calms the town’s anger towards Ellie.

Ellie’s godmother Matilda is a delightfully eccentric but lovable character. Her relationship with Ellie is quite touching and her love for Ellie is unconditional. Her storyline is emotional and integral to the novel’s plot.

Told in third person from both Ellie and Flynn’s perspectives, the reader is well aware of the emotions they are both experiencing. But the secrets of Ellie’s past are slowly revealed and the outcome of her future with Flynn is far from certain. They share an uneasy friendship with their relationship slowly evolving over the course of the novel.

Jilted by Rachael Johns is magnificently written with engaging characters and a realistic storyline. Readers of contemporary romances will love this heartwarming and sometimes tear inducing novel.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin Australia, Jilted, Mira, Rachael Johns, Rated B, Romance

December 19, 2011 · 3:55 am

One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns

Title: One Perfect Night by Rachel Johns
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 58,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Peppa Grant’s fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she’s also heard that he’s aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company’s annual party…but he’s also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family’s holiday get-together, she agrees.

Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron’s only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way—or will he give love a second chance?

58,000 words

The Review:

One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns is a delightfully romantic and sweetly sexy story. Will Peppa Grant and Cameron McCormac’s one night of pleasure turn into a lasting relationship?

Ms. Johns’ fabulous character development makes One Perfect Night a stand out read. Both Peppa and Grant are wounded souls with painful pasts. And yet they perfectly complement one another.

Peppa is a fun character to get to know. She is sexy and sweet, and her caring personality leaps off the pages. On the other hand, Cameron has suffered serious losses in his life and his character is a little darker than Peppa’s.

The plot and various relationships are also well-developed. The interactions with Cameron’s family are humorous and heartfelt. I love how they accept Peppa’s rather quirky appearance at their Christmas Eve dinner and welcome her into the family.

Peppa and Cameron’s relationship is a joy to watch unfold. They take the time to get to know one another and their dates consist of romantic dinners, fun adventures and quiet evenings at home. While neither Cameron nor Peppa is looking for a romantic entanglement, they are unable to resist the passion that simmers between them.

One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns is an engaging novel with a superb cast of characters. It is an emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave with you with a smile as Peppa and Cameron find their happily ever after. The epilogue is the absolute perfect ending for this wonderful feelgood romance.

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Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, One Perfect Night, Rachael Johns, Rated B, Romance