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Comforting books to read while you’re stuck at home due to Coronavirus

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Comforting books to read while you’re stuck at home due to Coronavirus

Let’s be honest, the world is a bit of a scary place at the moment, and with so much negative media, frightening news stories and depressing social media feeds, sometimes the best thing to do is switch off, and curl up under a blanket with a great romance book. Because what genre is better than romance at giving us those warm fuzzy feelings?

So, we have gathered together this bumper-list of fantastic, diverse, entertaining reads so you can indulge in some self-care with a great new book, there’s something for every reader here!

P.S each of these books should be available as e-books, print books available for delivery via Amazon, millsandboon.com.au, or Booktopia, and to borrow digitally on BorrowBox from your local library so you don’t have to leave your home to find great new reads.

Romantic comedies to giggle along with

The Worst Best Man

by Mia Sosa

The Worst Best Man

“A romantic comedy that’s fun and flirty, young and fresh.” – PopSugar

A wedding planner left at the altar Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials.

Marketing expert Max Hartley is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning-absolutely off-limits-ex-fiancée. And she loathes him.

Find it here

Fix Her Up

HOT & HAMMERED #1

by Tessa Bailey

Fix Her Up

Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there’s Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme-that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job-he agrees. What’s the harm It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her…

Find it here

The Right Swipe

Alisha Rai returns with the first book in her sizzling new Modern Love series, in which two rival dating app creators find themselves at odds in the boardroom but in sync in the bedroom.

Find it here

Lovestruck

by Bronwyn Sell

Cover image - Lovestruck

A clever, heartfelt romantic comedy about a charming family who live in the most romantic place on earth but can’t catch a break when it comes to love. For fans of Marian Keyes, Star-Crossed and Offspring.

Throw in some sharp-witted siblings, a bevy of naval officers and a meddlesome gran determined to see at least one of her descendants happily wed, and the scene is set for a perfect storm that will leave no heart unscathed…

Find it here

Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by [McQuiston, Casey]
What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

“I took this with me wherever I went and stole every second I had to read! Absorbing, hilarious, tender, sexy—this book had everything I crave. I’m jealous of all the readers out there who still get to experience Red, White & Royal Blue for the first time!” – Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners

Find it here

Thrillers that’ll make your heart race

48 Hour Lockdown

TACTICAL CRIME DIVISION #1

by Carla Cassidy

48 Hour Lockdown

The Tactical Crime Division — TCD — is a specialised unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases.

A school invasion turned lockdown in North Carolina is just an average assignment for the TCD unit. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is the teacher holed up with the students. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission — and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.

Find it here 

Bodyguard Boyfriend

BACHELOR BODYGUARDS #11

by Lisa Childs

Bodyguard Boyfriend

He can handle killers. But guarding a beautiful woman? He’s defenseless.

Tyce Jackson’s had some dangerous undercover assignments. But acting as Bella Holmes’s boyfriend is his riskiest yet. Because heiress Bella isn’t what he’d expected. And focusing on protecting her is proving to be a colossal challenge. Despite their mutual distrust, their seismic attraction is off the charts. But with killers watching Bella’s every move, Tyce must not lose his cool — or his heart.

Find it here

Close to the Truth

by Shona Husk

Close to the Truth

Is the truth worth dying for?

TV biologist, Jasmine Heydon, escaped Bitterwood once. She was 16 and run out of town by the cops for the crime of being born on the wrong side of the tracks. Ten years later, she’s changed a lot but Bitterwood hasn’t. The town’s only claim to fame is the legend of the River Man, a murderous creature who first killed a century ago. Back in town to film a show about the River Man, Jasmine plans to put the mystery to rest once and for all.

Find it here 

Threat of Exposure

TEXAS RANGER JUSTICE #5

by Lynette Eason

Threat of Exposure

Pages full of indecipherable codes are all that stand between DEA agent Brock Martin and drugs crossing the border. But if he wants to crack the case, he’ll have to work with Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez. Brock feels the case is way too dangerous for a female agent — especially one who refuses to admit she needs protection. Yet as they work together under the most dangerous threat of exposure, Brock discovers Gisella is stronger than she seems. And that his cowboy heart isn’t so tough, after all.

Find it here

Cry of the Firebird

by T.M. Clark

Cry of the Firebird

In the badlands of Africa, a resourceful doctor fights to save her patients’ lives. Australian thriller writer T.M. Clark returns with a vivid, action-packed adventure in the tradition of Wilbur Smith.

Find it here

Just a little bit sexy…

by Jackie Ashenden

Sexy Beast

Everett Calhoun was born bad — but only he can make her feel so good.

Maintaining tight control — in business and in the bedroom — keeps my darkness in check. But I’d never let my girl-next-door best friend see the beast in me. Until Freya asks for a sexual favour…she’s prepared to strip naked before me and let me take what I need. But will dominating the submissive redhead cost me my closest friend…or make me beg for something more?

Find it here 

A Cowboy For All Seasons

by Caitlin CrewsMaisey YatesNicole HelmJackie Ashenden

A Cowboy For All Seasons/Spring/Summer

Discover the power of family in this uplifting quartet by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates, USA TODAY bestselling author Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm and Jackie Ashenden.

The four cousins will have to confront secrets from the past, deal with old wounds they’d rather hide, and tangle with their hardheaded cowboys before they can find love, healing and the true meaning of family

Sin City Seduction

by Margot Radcliffe

Sin City Seduction

She can handle the heat. But can she handle him?

Food critic Parker Jones is certain that the most delicious thing in this Las Vegas barbeque joint is the restaurant’s smoking-hot owner. And sexy restaurateur Hugh Matteson might prove too delicious to resist. But neither of them can afford for this to get serious. Besides, when you’re cooking with a fire this hot, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets burned…

Find it here

Shadow And Ice

GODS OF WAR #1

by Gena Showalter

Shadow And Ice

The New York Times bestselling author who brought you the Lords Of The Underworld, introduces a scorching new paranormal romance series… GODS OF WAR. The epic saga begins with book one, Shadow And Ice

Find it here

All Fired Up

ROAD TO LOVE #3

by Lori Foster

All Fired Up

He’s tantalising trouble she can’t resist…

Charlotte Parrish has always wanted a certain kind of man: someone responsible, settled, boring. Bad boys need not apply. But when her car leaves her stranded and a mysterious stranger with brooding eyes and a protective streak comes to her rescue, she can’t deny how drawn she is to him. In town searching for family he’s never met, Mitch is everything she never thought she wanted – and suddenly everything she craves.

Find it here 

Heartfelt, uplifting reads

by Robyn Carr

Virgin River

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees an ad looking for a new local nurse she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving-the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she’s made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby abandoned on a front porch changes her plans…and former marine Jack Sheridan cements them into place.

Find it here

Up on Horseshoe Hill

by Penelope Janu

Up on Horseshoe Hill

An infuriatingly attractive geneticist and wild animal vet, Finn Blackwood 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 …

Find it here

Last Bridge Before Home

THE CHALK HILL SERIES #3

by Lily Malone

Last Bridge Before Home

For Jaydah Tully, the country town of Chalk Hill has never felt like home. Home is a place to feel loved. Home is a place to feel safe. Jaydah’s home life is dark in ways the close-knit community could never imagine.

Jaydah knows that the man she loves has never understood her need for secrets. Brix is a Honeychurch, she’s a Tully – her family are Chalk Hill’s black sheep. It’s better for everyone if Brix stays away. But underneath her tough exterior, Jaydah is drowning. She has one chance to change everything. Is she brave enough to take the risk and let Brix in? Or will her father keep them apart forever?

Find it here

Finding the Road Home

HEARTS OF OKLAHOMA #0

by Tina Radcliffe

Finding the Road Home

Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position – but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

Find it here

If I Never Met You

by Mhairi McFarlane

Cover image - If I Never Met You

Laurie and Jamie have the perfect office romance
(They set the rules via email)

Everyone can see they’re head over heels
(They staged the photos)

This must be true love
(They’re faking it)

But this fauxmance is about to get complicated. You can’t break your heart in a fake relationship – can you?

Find it here

Contemporary sagas

The Lawson Sisters

by Janet Gover

The Lawson Sisters

A heartfelt and compelling story of family, secrets and second chances, set in the heart of the beautiful Hunter Valley of NSW, from an award-winning new voice in Australian fiction.

‘With the scent of eucalyptus on the air, estranged sisters and a homestead echoing past regrets and missed chances, The Lawson Sisters has everything you want in an Aussie romance.’ – Fiona Lowe, bestselling Australian author

Find it here 

One Summer Between Friends

by Trish Morey

One Summer Between Friends

Australian author Trish Morey returns with a compelling and moving story about broken friendships and the rocky road of forgiveness. This summer, can these women overcome the pain of the past and find their way back to the friendship they once had?

Coming home was never going to be easy …

Find it here

Red Dust Rebel

by Eva Scott

Red Dust Rebel

In the small town of Elliot’s Crossing, things are never really in the past …A small-town romance about overcoming prejudice, second chances and setting the past free.

Find it here

The Boundary Fence

A WOODLEA NOVEL #7

by Alissa Callen

The Boundary Fence (A Woodlea Novel, #7)

A warm-hearted and touching story about recovering after trauma, love and community. A new Woodlea rural romance by bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.

Healing doesn’t just take time, it takes courage…

Find it here

The Cliff House

by RaeAnne Thayne

The Cliff House

After their mother’s death, Daisy and Beatriz Davenport found a home with their aunt Stella in the beautiful town of Cape Sanctuary. They never knew what Stella sacrificed to ensure they had everything. Now, with Daisy and Bea grown, it’s time for Stella to reveal a secret that will change their family forever.

Travel back in time with something historical…

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach

by Pam Jenoff

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach

Young Adelia Monteforte begins the summer of 1941 aboard a crowded ship bound for America, utterly alone yet free of Fascist Italy. Whisked away to the seaside by her well-meaning aunt and uncle, she slowly begins to adapt to her new life. That summer, she basks in the noisy affection of the boisterous Irish-Catholic boys next door, and although she adores all four of the Connally brothers, it’s the eldest, Charlie, she pines for. But all hopes for a future together are throttled by the creep of war and a tragedy that hits much closer to home.

Find it here

The Widow of Ballarat

THE WIDOW OF BALLARAT #2

by Darry Fraser

The Widow of Ballarat

1854, Ballarat, Victoria When Nell Amberton’s husband is shot dead by a bushranger, there are few who grieve his passing, and Nell least of all. How could she miss the monster who had abused her from the day they wed – the man who had already killed his innocent first wife? But his death triggers a chain of events that seem to revolve around the handsome bushranger who murdered him – a man to whom Nell, against her better judgement, is drawn.

Find it here

Heart Of The Cross

by Emily Madden

Heart Of The Cross

When her grandmother dies and leaves Brianna Hart a secret apartment in Kings Cross, Brie wonders what else Rosie was keeping from her. As Brie chases the truth of Rosie’s past she uncovers an incredible story of passion, violence, love and tragedy. Is the Hart family’s legacy of loss inescapable, or has Rosie gifted her granddaughter with a future of hope?

Find it here

Awakening the Duchess

by Eva Shepherd

Awakening the Duchess

A marriage of convenience…and unexpected desires.

If Oliver Huntsbury, Duke of Somerfeld, hadn’t burst into Arabella van Haven’s backstage dressing room, her father would not have been able to blackmail them into marriage. His wealth has finally secured her a titled husband! Arabella is determined to be a wife in name only, their marriage unconsummated. But once they’re alone together, she knows this experienced, seductive, charming man could undermine her resolve so easily…

Find it here

by Beverly Jenkins

Rebel

Valinda Lacy’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life-and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

Find it here

Must reads