Beach Romance – Small Town Fiction

Two hearts. A second chance. Everything on the line…

Ryan “West” Westlake belongs on the island. It’s in his blood and who he is. Nobody can deny that. When Piper Harland walked out of his life years ago, West let her go. He’d never stand in the way of a woman and her dreams. But now that she’s back, their past smacks him right in the face. With tempers flared and desires heightened, West just might realise what he lost so long ago.

Piper would do anything for her brother—even if means going back to Stewart Island—the one place she swore she’d never go again. As a member of the elite New Zealand Police Dive Team, Piper is forced to return to her hometown. When she confronts the demons of her past, old feelings of grief, pain, and a lost love come flooding back. Without drowning, can Piper wade through the pain of her past and find a future with the one who shattered her heart?

IN TOO DEEP is the first story in Tracey Alvarez’s best-selling Stewart Island books set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances with a touch of comedy, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone.

Rocky Romance by Monique Hall, Monique Mulligan, Teena Raffa, Louise Loder, Karen Weaver and Mike Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s not hard to understand why this anthology of short stories has been a popular stocking filler this Christmas. Well-presented, well-edited and well-written by both experienced and debut authors, this was a very pleasant holiday read. Set along the Rockingham coastline in Western Australia, this book is not only a collection of wonderful romance stories but also a peek into the beautiful coastal area and the abundant wildlife that call it home. Enjoy the sunrises and sunsets and the taste of love, all while watching the penguins, dolphins and whales at play. Life doesn’t get any better than that.
A Healing Hand by debut author, Monique Hall is a beautiful story of survival, commitment and love through the trials of a life-threatening illness. Expertly handled and sweetly written, Miss Hall has the perfect voice for Young Adult Romance.
Next came The Point of Love written by Monique Mulligan. I’m a lover of penguins so this story was spot on as it featured the battle to save the endangered penguin sanctuary at Point Peron and brought to life history in the area I never knew existed. Another debut author, Miss Mulligan delivered a sweet and heartfelt romance.
Perhaps Love by Teena Raffa came as no surprise as yet another expertly written love story. Teena is a well known children’s author whose books I unashamedly adore. Her romances do not disappoint with their sweet, innocent touch and the magic of emotions she weaves around her characters. Full of fun, this one had me smiling all the way through to a satisfying end.
Love on the Rocks by Louisa Loder put a quirky spin on rediscovering love in a tired marriage and finding the alternative to a divorce to make it work. This was my first introduction to this author and I wasn’t disappointed. A cleverly put together story.
Written in present tense, The Whale Whisperer by Karen Weaver diverted from the path of traditional romance writing to take the reader on a different journey. Cara arrives in Australia after fleeing Ireland and a failed relationship. She’s not looking for love at all, but who can resist the romance of the beach and the lure of an Australian accent? Not this girl!
Last, but certainly not least, is the story written by Mike Murphy, Under the Rotunda. This was probably the most touching of all the stories in the book. Two lonely people in their twilight years, on the beach in the rain, seek refuge together under the canopy of the rotunda. A lovely story that proves you’re never too old for love or the companionship of a close friend.
Rocky Romance is a read I’d highly recommend. The stories are short and entertaining, and each author brings their own unique voice to coastal delights of Rockingham.

Thanks to Serenity Press for my review copy.

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