Welcome to another edition of My Favourite Reads, where I share the books I’ve loved over the past month and encourage you to share yours.

April was a fabulous month with the release of The Grazier’s Son. There were events and radio interviews and blogs and Q&As and the fabulous Newcastle Book Boyfriend Author Signing. All of which was an absolute blast, but a bit tiring.

I’m amazed I read as many books as I did—seven, which was not a bad tally considering.

They were wonderful too and ranged from horror to young adult sword and sorcery, crime and, of course, romance.

What was my favourite? Read on!

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The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Where to start with this book? It was completely bonkers in the most wonderful way. There’s romance, fantasy, small-town drama, enemies to lovers, humour and snappy banter, musings on life and death, kind of zombie things, gods…

Amazing stuff. Just amazing. Every character was fantastic – so vibrant and alive and likeable. Mercy was a delight and Hart was completely swoon-worthy, and their romance was perfect. As for the ending… I was sobbing into tissues.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is brilliant. Still bonkers, but brilliant. Go read.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank comes out in July. Cannot wait!

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The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates

Oh, I love a good horror and Australian author Darcy Coates has yet to let me down. Not only does she create excellent characters, she also puts them in wonderfully sticky positions.

The Carrow Haunt centres around Carrow House, a notoriously haunted house on an isolated cliff far from help. Remy is a graphic designer who runs ghost tours for extra money and because she finds the house’s history interesting. When one of her tour guests proposes a two-week stay so he and a team of guests can “enjoy” the house more closely, Remy is reluctant but agrees.

Naturally, things go very, very wrong.

The Carrow Haunt was genuinely nail-biting in places, with a dramatic and satisfying ending. I loved Remy’s strength. She was a brilliant character. But there were plenty of other interesting players too. And then, of course, there were the ghosts.

Fun!!

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Mrs Hudson and the Malabar Rose by Martin Davies

This is the second book in the Mrs Hudson series, and it was a beauty. I’ve now read three (I read Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary, book 6, out of order) and am becoming a major fan of Flottie, Mrs Hudson, Scraggs and the gang, especially how Mrs Hudson shows up Sherlock Holmes without him even realising.

Mrs Hudson and the Malabar Rose is also set at Christmas, and the city is abuzz with not only the seasonal spirit but the pending arrival of a fabled ruby. The enormous gem is to be on display at the same time a famous magician is to perform. A magician whose performances across the continent seem to coincide with the disappearance of other famous jewels.

Sherlock is part of the protection scheme, but unknown to him, Mrs Hudson is also in on the game.

I have Mrs Hudson and the Lazarus Testament already on my e-reader and look forward to another adventure.

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Dark Days by Leonie Rogers

I read Amethyst Pledge, book one in The Albatar Chronicles, last month and loved it (my thoughts here), and immediately snapped up book two. It did not disappoint.

Dark Days finds the gorgone threat increasing and the Lady’s warriors preparing for war. Meanwhile, a battle-scarred and weary Kazari must further her training and do her best to conquer her fears.

Poor Kazari. She’s so brave and clever and constantly confronted with danger—physical and emotional—and yet her belief in the Lady holds her true. But Dark Days sees her facing her toughest fight yet and this time the wounds will be deep.

I am so looking forward to book three. Leonie (who I had a fabulous conversation with at Muswellbrook Library a few weeks ago) assures me it’s on its way. Not to put too much pressure on, Leonie, but if you could hurry up?

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Dark Waters by Katherine Arden

Dark Waters is book three in Arden’s Small Spaces quartet. I don’t care that this series is for children, it’s clever and terrifically written, has excellent characters and themes, and is just plain page-turnery. (You’ll find my thoughts on books one and two here.)

The Smiling Man is back in the game and promising another bout against Brian, Coco and Ollie. The trio is on full alert. But surely a boat trip on Lake Champlain will be fine?

Er… no.

When their boat is shipwrecked on an island that shouldn’t exist, and the survivors are stalked by a monster on both land and sea, Brian, Coco and Ollie realise it’s game on.

Much creepiness and high stakes and sacrifices for love ensues. Fantastic. I look forward to seeing what action the friends take in book four, Empty Smiles.

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Marrying Her Outback Enemy by Michelle Douglas

Ahh, I do love a Michelle Douglas read. Her heroes are a joy.

Rose Waverly has put her heart and soul into Garrison Downs. She’s not about to let it go because of some stupid clause in her father’s will that dictates all the daughters must marry within a certain timeframe or the station becomes forfeit to historic arch enemies, The Garrisons. If that means marrying Lincoln Garrison, Rose will do it. As long as it’s on paper only.

Lincoln… what a hunk of a man. I’d marry him too, and I wouldn’t need a station at risk to do it. Lucky Rose, is all I can say. She’s a terrific heroine too—strong and brave and determined not to let her sisters down. The attraction between these two sizzles from the beginning. Paper marriage? Yeah, let’s see you maintain that, Lincoln and Rose!

Marrying Her Outback Enemy is a gorgeous romance, with lovable characters, a cool outback setting, a bit of a mystery, and a swoony romance. Highly recommended.

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The Chasm by Bronwyn Hall

The Chasm is my first Bronwyn Hall and it won’t be my last. This was a cracking read that had so many things I love – interesting characters, a fantastic setting, plenty of pace and drama, a budding romance, and horses and dogs.

Andy, the heroine, was likeable from the get-go (the book is told from her point of view). She’s a skilled and compassionate locum vet, but it’s very clear she has secrets. Dark secrets related to the nearby town of Stonefield.

Andy’s very aware her presence in the district could ignite danger, but her vet friend needs a helping hand and she’s always loved the place. It’s in her bones.

For a while it seems like her short tenure will be fine. Until it isn’t.

Highly recommended.

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What have you read lately that’s tickled your fancy? I’d love to hear so share away!

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