Favourite reads: May 2023

Welcome to our favourite reads for May. Each month some of ARRA’s members will tell you a little bit about one of the books they’ve recently read and loved.
These are not full reviews of the books, just honest opinions on why they enjoyed the book so much. Hopefully one of these will strike a chord with you.
So, we asked our members to tell us about some of their favourite reads for May …
Sit, Stay, Love by Amy Hutton (romantic comedy)
This book was so much fun, lots of LOL moments in between the tender scenes. I loved Sera’s animal rescue place and Toby the vet, clearly in love with Sera but going cautiously so he didn’t frighten her away. And I loved film star Ethan, who dazzled Sera and everyone else with his swoony smiles and Mr Nice Guy manners. Hilariously, the testosterone crackled and snapped when Toby and Ethan were together, and Sera couldn’t figure out why! Ha. Who’ll get the girl? [Malvina, NSW]
Lost for Words by Stephanie Butland (contemporary romance)
Set in a bookshop, it’s the story of Loveday Cardew, who is spiky, unconventional and prefers books to people—she doesn’t trust men and she certainly doesn’t trust love. The story has two strands: the ‘present day’ where we meet Loveday, Archie, her eccentric and charming boss, and some of the people who visit the bookshop, including two potential lovers. The second strand of the story is the past, specifically Loveday’s past, which is preventing her moving on in life. The resolution is both moving and satisfying. Highly recommended. [Anne, Vic]
Kookaburra Cottage by Maya Linnell (rural romance)
I am a big fan of Maya Linnell. Her stories are always so good, they have awesome and very easy-to-love characters; they are filled with emotions, they make you smile and just feel so good. This is another fabulous read. I loved meeting April and Connor and the setting is just perfect. There is a lot to love in this one, from the cooking lessons, to the cake-making disasters, the fun of the Penwarra, who doesn’t love a country show and of course the romance between Connor and April was fabulous. This is a warm and captivating story that I highly recommend. [Helen, NSW]
Playing it Tough by Amy Andrews (Sydney Smoke Rugby #8) (sports romance)
Rugby player Ronan is determined to clean up his rep as he wants a chance to play for the USA Olympic team. He needs emergency accommodation (no fault of his own) and crashes in his mother’s friend’s poolhouse. Orla is house-sitting at the main house, she decided to change her partying ways as well. Who knew that a life of celibacy could be so much fun? This one had me crying, laughing and sighing, so glad it was mostly the latter two! Loved it! [Linda, WA]
Happy Place by Emily Henry (contemporary romance)
This is the best book I’ve read this year. The entire book played like a movie in my mind and made me nostalgic for summer holidays I’ve never been on. What if your happy place is not actually a place? Harriet and Wyn are spending their summer vacation with their best friends, but they broke up a while ago and never told anyone. Now they’re stuck faking it. This is a different take on a fake relationship romance, as they come to terms with the changes in their lives. I loved this story—it was perfection. [Debbie, ACT]
Red Heir by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey (Adventures in Aguillon #1) (mm fantasy rom com)
My favourite read was the Adventures of Aguillon series. These three books are comedy fantasy romance, and they kept me smiling long after I’d finished. The first book, Red Heir, is a spicy romance. The second is a little sweeter although no less funny, while the third is all sweetness and fun (and no sex). The heat level is perfect for each pairing, and the entire series is respectfully written. I recommend these books if you’re looking for a light-hearted romance. They can be enjoyed as individual books, but they shine best when read in order. [Charlotte, ACT]