Welcome to our favourite reads for August. 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 August …
Codename Charming by Lucy Parker (Palace Insiders #2) (contemporary romance)
This book is set behind the scenes in the household of a royal princess—the newly married goth Princess Rosie, and her commoner husband, the lovely but accident-prone Johnny. The heroine, Pet (Petunia), is Johnny’s PA, and when paparazzi start suggesting she’s having an affair with Johnny, the princess asks her and gruff royal bodyguard Matthias to distract the press by pretending to have an affair of their own. It’s a fun ride, and Lucy Parker’s writing is sharp and funny and fresh. Recommended. [Anne, Vic]
Happy Place by Emily Henry (contemporary romance)
Do yourself a favour and read this book. It will make you laugh, cry and marvel at Emily Henry’s writing skills and psychological perception. It is both a harrowing but ultimately wonderfully satisfying romance and a celebration of friendship. There are no villains and no ‘too stupid to live’ moments, just people with baggage who are sometimes their own worst enemies. It is also an exploration of how friendships grow and change and need work and adjustments, just like romantic relationships. [Deb, NSW]
Codename Charming by Lucy Parker (Palace Insiders #2) (contemporary romance)
Petunia De Vere met the hulking Matthias, bodyguard to a princess’ fiance, in Battle Royal, the first book in this series. The second book is Petunia and Matthias’s story. Matthias is a man of few words, whereas Pet never stops talking, organising, working out Plan B, C or D (etc). Matthias does tall, strong and intimidating to the max. Pet’s short and feminine; they’re pretty much opposites. But honestly, this is such a fun read. It’s full of slap-stick situations (the parrot one, for example), and oodles of one-liners that made me laugh, yet it also dives emotionally deep. A fabulous Beauty and the Beast romance. [Malvina, NSW]
Mine to Love by Natasha Madison (Southern Wedding #4) (contemporary romance)
Prestley asked Bennett for a favour when she was 18; from that moment on she was his. He just didn’t know how he could keep her. Twelve years later, their affair secret (or so they thought) has the consequence of a baby. The baby certainly puts a spanner in the works for Prestley and her sister, but also their mother and brother Travis (Bennett’s best friend). Prestley that is holding back, afraid that because of the wedding disasters in her family, hers would be next. Prestley was such a great character! [Linda, WA]
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (contemporary romance)
Sally Milz is a writer for The Night Owls , a late-night comedy show. Noah Brewster is a singer who is guest hosting the show. According to societal norms, as explained by Sally, they shouldn’t be a couple, and she spends a lot of time believing that. But Noah doesn’t really believe the rule. This story is a fascinating look behind the scenes at a comedy show, crossing over into a pandemic romance, with a good dose of social awkwardness. The banter between Sally and Noah was excellent and the ending was very satisfying. I really enjoyed this story. [Debbie, ACT]
As The River Rises by Fiona McArthur (contemporary romance)
Oh, I loved this one and yes there were tears from me and lots of cheers as these people worked together. Seeing Hannah come through a couple of dangerous spots with the help of Jude had me smiling—what a hero. I do highly recommend this one, it is an awesome story, and those who have read The Farmer’s Friend will love being back in Featherwood. Fiona McArthur has written another page-turner filled with emotion and love. This is one not to be missed. [Helen, NSW]
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