Review: Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Dreams

Published: Harlequin October 2013

Status: Read on October 02, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the publisher}

My Thoughts:

Australian rural romance author Rachael Johns begins a new trilogy with her latest release, Outback Dreams. This novel, and the two to follow, will be linked by location, set in the small Western Australian town of Bunyip Bay, and will each feature two people finding love.

In Outback Dreams, Johns introduces Faith Forester and Daniel ‘Monty’ Montgomery. Best friends since childhood, neither is prepared when their feelings for each other begin to change. Faith is suddenly achingly aware of Daniel’s rippling six pack and Monty, despite being distracted by a new face in town, finds himself admiring the lean length of Faith’s tanned legs. Unwilling to risk their friendship both Faith and Monty ignore the growing heat between them, until they are faced with losing one another.

Faith’s and Monty’s journey from friends to lovers is the focal point of this novel offering a good balance of conflict, passion and sweet romance. John’s easily convinced me that I wanted to see this couple give in to their simmering mutual attraction and to realise that what they each wanted had been right in front of them all along.

Outback Dreams is about more than a simple romance though. In terms of character, Johns’ protagonists face personal challenges that they must work through, and have dreams they are working towards. This ensures they are well rounded, believable and easy to relate to.
In terms of the plot, Johns brings attention to issues such as grief, depression and most notably, Autism. I really liked that the author chose to explore the effect of the diagnosis of Monty’s younger brother, acknowledging the strain Will’s needs placed on Monty in particular. I have to mention though, that I thought Faith’s judgement of Monty’s resentments a little harsh. You can read more about why Johns decided to write about Autism in Outback dreams in her guest post published earlier today on Book’d Out.

An engaging and charming story of romance, family and community, Outback Dreams is a lovely read and sure to be another winner with her fans.