Outback Bride

by Louise Reynolds

Legal star Lara Burke has worked hard to escape her country past and is finally on the way to being made a partner at her city law firm. At the worst possible time, her former flame Jake Forester arrives, bringing tragic news from home.

Forced to return to her family property, Jindaburra, Lara must confront her past at the home she loved and lost. But big-sky country and bittersweet memories are not all that await her at Jindaburra.

As Lara's past and present collide, old passions are rekindled and new connections are formed. And as her visit comes to an end, how will Lara choose between the city life she's grown to love, and the life she left behind?

Genres: Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2013

About the author

Louise Reynolds is an author of contemporary romantic fiction. Born in Sydney, she spent her childhood frolicking on beaches before moving to Melbourne at age 10. After one look at Melbourne beaches she got a library card and started to read. It was a logical step to take her love of romance novels to the next stage and tell her own stories.

By day, she works in the commercial lighting industry, lighting anything from bridges to five star hotels. By night, she's working her way through a United Nations of fictional heroes.

After a lifetime of kissing frogs one finally turned into a prince and she lives with her partner in Melbourne's inner north. She loves live jazz, cooking complicated meals that totally destroy the kitchen, and dining out. She has embraced Melbourne by wearing far too much black.

Reviews

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTBACK ROMANCE by author Louise Renolds is a Destiny Romance release for August 2013.

Lara Burke had run away from her family homestead and made a name for herself in the big city. She was about to be made a partner in a prestigious law firm. But why gad she run in the first place?

Then Jake Forester came looking for her bringing her bad news. She had to go back to the outback, but would she remain there?

Would the lure of her big city life take precedence over the family life she craved? What about the secrets in her past?

OUTBACK BRIDE is a fact paced, well written romance. Louise Reynolds brought to live strong characters with snappy dialogue, and tender, sweet and exciting moments which will keep a reader riveted from the first page.

Highly recommended.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is my first time I have read this Australian author and I will certainly be going back and reading her first book as well as any she writes from here on in.

The Outback Bride is novel about love, loss and finding yourself again after going off track for a while. Lara and Jake grew up together in the Aussie outback and thought that they had it all worked out, but sometimes events and family obligations can throw a spanner in the works and when Lara suffers a great loss, her world continues to crumble so much that the only option left open for her to follow her dream, is to leave her beloved homestead and head to the city.
Jake was a part of that dream but his controlling father has other plans and Jake is soon thrust into a life he is not comfortable with and a life he doesn't want.

When tragic circumstances throw them back together, Lara finds that she may have left the country years ago but the country has never really left her. But she has a career now, a big city solicitor, a woman with a clear cut future, and no room in her heart for the one person that left her all those years ago.

"she didn't need him to fight her battles. The only time she's really needed him, he'd failed her. And she certainly wasn't going to give him another chance."

Jake has come long way in the last 10 years, forging a career for himself, getting back to his roots and is now thrust into a situation that he never saw coming. Lara stirs up all the old emotions that he thought he had buried long ago and he is driven to find out if the spark is still there.

What will Lara do when it comes time to return to the city?
Are the feelings still there?
Is it realistic for them to try to recapture the past?

I really loved so much about this novel. The fact that is was set in my home town really enabled me to picture where the author was describing and the brilliant descriptions of the outback brought the vivid colours and scenes to life. The Australian references and the turn of phrase that are so distinctly Australian really brought a smile to my face and a sense of familiarity that thrust me right in to the story. The characters were so easy to connect to and I was able to feel their emotions, the sadness, the excitement, the happiness, the regret and the love. The author so eloquently described the feelings Lara had when she was 'home', I found myself picturing the river, the homestead, the dusty red earth and the comfort that it brought Lara.

Sparse saltbush and mallee peppered the red earth beneath a sky so breathtakingly blue it was burned into her soul.

So now to what I liked about the characters. Well, Jake was just so deliciously Aussie male, with his boyish charm, his muscular physique and his romantic nature, he was so swoon-worthy. Without spoiling the story, lets just say he melted my heart in many places in this book.

Lara was the perfect mix of a strong, confident, self assured, down-to-earth woman, who also showed her compassionate, nurturing side and I thoroughly enjoyed her journey. I also really loved the interactions between the characters, the tension, the emotions, the familiar banter had me laughing and then tugging at my heartstrings.

Overall this was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.

copy kindly provided by Netgalley and the publisher

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has dreams and most of us manage to find the courage and know how to push on till those dreams come true. But it is of course not always everything you want, and when we get there it is sometimes too late to go back. You have no choice but to live your dream and forget about what you've lost on the way to get to your dream.

In the new Louise Reynolds read this is the case for both Lara and Jake. They both set out to find their dreams leaving behind each other and also life as they knew it. Lara because deceit had taken it's toll and Jake because he wanted to make something of himself, but tragedy strikes and brings their roads together again. Lara has her biggest dream within her grasp and Jake has his standing right in front of him, now all Jake needs to do is convince Lara to stay and forget about her dream but having left her behind before means that this time getting her to stay in his arms will be the ultimate test of faith.

The characters of Lara and Jake were both very nicely written by the author and I adored that the author let this read be a couple reuniting story! I loved that Lara pushed so hard for her dreams , what really got me was her doing so with the "I need to get away from here " element it showed her as a real character to me, most of us prefer to run away from our problems instead of facing them head-on. I adored how the author slowly lets Lara find her way back home and to what is important in life.

The character of Jake was oh-so-very-yummy-kiss-me-now-and-don't-you stop material. I loved that the author let him try to be a worthy person and make something of himself. I have heard many stories of men that left behind the woman of their dreams because of this and of that but never have I ever heard of them going back or trying to get a second chance, they simply let it go and moved on, dealing with feelings of emptiness for the rest of their lives. Jake doing the right thing so to speak really got to my heart and I could not get enough of him!

The backdrop settings were vivid and very well incorporated by the author. I loved the dialogue, it was emotional, passionate and insightful. I am taking a way a message of we all need to work hard to achieve our dreams but when the dream is within your grasp take a minute to stop and think about what you might be leaving behind, for another chance might not come around, be certain it is what you want and not just you running away or after something you can live without.

I recommend this read for any romance fan, it was a quick and easy read sweet and sensual and had a very nice emotional tear jerker ending!

5/5 star review
" He wants her back , but she is holding onto the past"

[Shirley Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When every dream you ever had has been battered into the dust, what do you do? Pick up the pieces and build a new life like Lara did.

Disillusioned by the betrayals around her, Lara Burke shook off the dusty red dirt of Jinbaburra and Sturts Crossing, and fled to Melbourne to construct a new life. Now ten years later, matured, sexy, and successful, she has reluctantly returned. But her brother's death is not the only unexpected revelation she finds, and each new discovery brings its own complications. Can she shake off the dust for a second time or has fate given her a another chance at forgotten dreams?

Lured by the bright lights of Sydney and hungry for the anticipated approval of his father, Jake left Sturts Crossing and Lara behind ten years ago to make his fortune. But after six years he realized he had only replaced a neglected childhood with an empty shell of high powered meetings, glamorous girlfriends, and shady deals. Disgusted with the path he had taken, he returned to Sturts Crossing and his own acquired property,Tambero. Only one thing would make his dream complete...Lara. But could he repair the damage he had done so long ago or was he destined to lose her forever?

They had each taken different paths in life: hers-forced on her, his-dangled in front of him. Now they have a chance to regain dreams they thought long ago lost. Will they take it?

Which has the tighter pull for her- a city life with law partnership or country life with Jake and a family?

Can he recapture the dreams of a family with Lara or is it just another illusion?

I tremendously enjoyed this book. Well developed characters with an interesting plot provided several hours of reading enjoyment. I found myself laughing, smiling,sympathizing, and crying throughout the story. I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romantic read.

Highly recommended! Excellent read!

5/5 stars Can you really go back and recapture the past?

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere in her past Louise Reynolds must have obtained a thorough grounding in psychology, because she has the knack of creating believable characters operating in a range of interesting settings. In this book, hero Jake and heroine Lara come across as genuine, likeable people, with genuine issues and struggles, and dialogue that rings true. I have operated in both the worlds described in this book and I found Louise's depiction of them very convincing. The book was a page-turner for me. Well done, Louise

[Nancy Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara Burke should be on top of the world right about now. She just had a verdict overturned and is on the fast track to becoming partner at the law firm she works for. She has accomplished her dream after leaving her home of Jindaburra. When she finishes her press conference she comes face to face with the one man she never could forget Jake Forester.

Jake Forester left Lara Burke behind at Jindaburra, when she needed him the most. He sought a life with his billionaire father. But after reaching for the things he thought he wanted he realized he left the best part of his life behind. He returned to New South Wales three years ago and purchased a cattle station next to Jindaburra.

Lara expected stares and whispering from the small town of Sturts Crossing, after leaving so fast ten years ago, what she didn’t expect was to find little Jessie, a niece she knew nothing about. I loved that the author threw a twist to the story line of Jessie. One would expect Lara to be left to raise her niece but Mike and Fiona left guardianship to Jake. And he took the role on brilliantly.

If ever there were two people who deserved that second chance at love with each other it is the characters of Jake and Lara. Both were in my humble opinion to young, and needed those life experiences to realize what matters most in life. I also enjoyed the way the author gave Lara the time to figure out what she really wanted and needed. I just melted at the breakfast that Jake made for Lara. It is those little aaahhh moments that just warm the heart!

I recommend this to all fans of romance. Especially those with a western theme.

Favorite lines:
‘Let me tell you how I see it-‘
He gave a mirthless laugh. ’Can’t see that I can stop you. You’re on a roll.’

5/5 stars

I received a copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not read a lot of rural romance but I will in future! I LOVED Outback Bride. Lara Burke, having turned her back on her dusty past is now a successful solicitor living in Melbourne. But her past comes back with a vengeance when an old beau turns up, summoning her back to Jindaburra where she grew up. A sprawling cattle station, Jindaburra once was a place of hopes and dreams. Now it represents betrayal, despair and the loss of dreams.
Lara's character is cleverly written. At times she appears cold but we know why; its a front to hide a warm, vulnerable woman hiding from her past. She is a complex character, superbly revealed in a uniquely Australian setting. Jake, her old beau, is also more than what he seems. I loved his gentleness, particularly with little Jessie, an adorable little girl left orphaned by the death of Lara's brother. Yet he is capable of standing his ground and for what he believes in.
Louise is such a lovely writer, and this is her second book! She is definitely an author I will buy again and again.

[Emmie Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, touching, funny and fascinating book about a city girl who's really a country girl at heart.

I found so much to like about Lara, and there were a few scenes that had me tearing up in response to her passion and heart. The sparks between her and Jake fly, and I loved the gently sweet relationship she soon develops with her niece.

I also learned a lot about what it's like to run a large property in the outback -- fascinating details that I'd never before heard of.

The perfect book for a Sunday afternoon curled up with a glass of wine.

I am lucky enough to be critique partners with Louise, so I got to see some of this book as it was growing, but it was an absolute pleasure to sit and read it from start to finish.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lara Burke is a high profile lawyer in the big city. She has just won a really big case when Jake Forester approaches her. Lara is very surprised when he states, "You need to come home. You're needed at Jindaburra." It was the last thing she thought would ever happen.

"I haven't been back. My mother died before I left and my father died nine year ago so there was only my brother left."

Lara, was summoned home because her brother and his wife were killed in a plane crash. They had a small daughter and Lara and Jake are the guardian's of her. Together, Lara and Jake, must work together to raise a little girl and run the ranch known as Jindaburra, of which they each own half.

This entire book is Australian. The author, the language, the location, everything. I was able to follow things pretty well. I had a bit of a chuckle when the character is described as "sweltered in thirty-eight degree heat." Must be Celsius. I can't pretend that I knew every word that was used in the book. But I got the point.

The author used tension in the book to keep the reader guessing if things would work out. Lara really struggled with coming to terms with her past. Jake had already gone through that sort of trial. Jake knew what he wanted out of his life and he was an example of how to make the best out of your circumstances.

Lara wasn't a timid character. I found her choices to be strange. The author could have done a bit better explaining her fear or rational. There wasn't much depth to her job or life in Sydney. Although this wasn't the point of the book, it would have been nice to feel more from this side of the character.

Overall, this is a cuter ytpe romance novel. Not very long, but deep enough. There are two instances of the F word. Not too nasty, one scene...almost fade to black...that could be easily skipped over. I found the Austrilian aspects interesting...fun. The cover didn't seem to match the book as I thought it would. While I can clearly see the girl is in the country, this book didn't concentrate on a western lifestyle and horses, cows, etc., weren't really a part of the story. There is a nice epilogue.

Content: some strong language.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life abounds with possibilities, and one of those is the chance to rediscover that which has been lost to you. This is what Lara and Jack in Outback Bride are given - a second chance to rediscover love and their true selves.

Right from the start, the shared history and electric connection between Lara and Jack is evident. Louise Reynolds has done a fantastic job of balancing this chemistry and attraction that draws them together with the past events that drove them both from Sturts Crossing. Too often in reunion/second chance romances, the reasons for absence and separation feel a little flimsy and could easily be solved with a a few simple words.

The issues that existed for Lara and Jack would have never been solved so easily, and I love that Louise has given their separation real validity and power.

Returning to somewhere that is tainted with such painful memories is never an easy thing to accomplish. You can really sense this past warring with Lara's rediscovery of her love for the land and the home she'd long denied herself. My heart ached for Lara and how she was treated by those who should have loved her unconditionally. It was lovely to see that she didn't allow this less-than-stellar experience blind her completely from experiencing the world - she could have easily abandoned Jessie to the care of others, but her compassion and love shines through.

Jack's life of privilege and wealth was not one filled with happiness. The life he has chosen is also difficult, but it's so much more fulfilling. I love that he was brave enough to tell his eminently powerful father that he wanted no part of it. He has that great blend of Aussie blokeyness and a caring, romantic nature. He sounds pretty hot, too.

The road to happiness is still not entirely smooth, dotted with potholes and roadblocks, however you never lose the sense of hope and renewal.

As a side note, I am really glad that Jessie (Lara's niece), the catalyst for her rediscovery of Jindaburra, was not written as simply a plot advancement device. I love that it is left to the reader to imagine her five-year-old voice - thankfully Louise has refrained from over-using sickly-sweet kiddie speak.

If you like rural romance with a dash of city, and love seeing people fall in love all over again, this is definitely for you. It's perfect for a summer afternoon's reading.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Note: I was provided with an advance reader copy by Destiny Romance, an imprint of Penguin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leisl Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Louise Reynold's first novel, Her Italian Aristocrat, but I enjoyed this one more, which kind of surprised me because I am rather partial to romances set in Italy. But I do like a rural romance too, and this one slotted into that genre with warm assurity.
I really enjoyed the tropes used in this novel - the return home due to a death in the family; an unexpected reunion; an unexpected will. Tropes can make a novel predictable and ho-hum, but I felt in Outback Bride, they felt more like an old friend I was really happy to see again. They were used with warmth and understanding that made them fresh and true for the hero and heroine of Outback Bride. Not to mention it was clear that the author has a true love and understanding of what it means to live on an expansive property in the outback of Australia.
I really felt the love Lara Burke has for Jindaburra and the hurt that never went away when she was made to feel like she could never have a part of it and her torn feelings over now being handed it after she'd built a life and a career for herself elsewhere just made me keep turning the pages.
The passion between Lara and her old flame, Jake, was palpable and even though you know that in this kind of romance novel there has to be a happy ever after, or at least a happy for now, there were times I wondered how on earth they would ever find a way of coming together.
But Louise Reynolds is a clever romance writer and she managed the HEA with that lovely 'aahh' moment at the end. All in all, a very enjoyable read. I look forward to Louise's next novel.

[Mariel Hoss · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ARC from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Lara left her outback paradise when she realized her father was never going to let a girl run his ranch…leaving it to her uncaring brother instead…fast forward and Lara is a successful lawyer in the city…her carefree brother and his wife are dead leaving her partial custody of a 5 year old niece…who gets the other half? A former flame…once a high flying city slicker now turned outback rancher. Complications abound…most notable is that flames dad is trying to buy her outback property in order to mine it. What now?
I admit I wasn’t particularly sympathetic to either protagonist. They seemed to be lost in the past and all the hurts that came with it though Jake seemed to be at a better starting point than Lara. I just could not get into it no matter how much I tried and had to keep putting it down to give me a little distance and maybe a little better perspective. Everyone that revolved around these two seemed too one-dimensional…brought in to emphasize a point with no real thought to personalities and/or motivations.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely afternoon I just spent with Louise Reynold's book, Outback Bride. She is a new to me author, but I would definitely read more of her work. This novel brings together City and Country in the most engaging fashion. It's a second chance romance where the lead couple is a lot alike, unlike the usual "opposites attract" pairing. They are an easy to like, easy to cheer for, well drawn couple, and you will have no trouble becoming emotionally involved in their journey to happily ever after - and you won't be disappointed along the way. Well paced, well written, good dialogue (even if the author's Australian roots are showing), strong characters, beautiful setting and a strong storyline. What more could you ask for?
*I was lucky enough to request and receive a copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Sasha Cottman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Outback Bride. Having lived in both the city and the bush I was struck by how well Louise Reynolds was able to recreate my memories. Jake, Lara and Jessie are all well written characters. Jessie, the young girl was not a whining brat, I truly felt for her and the loss she had suffered. I immediately identified with a 5 year old who wears boots and fairy wings, my own daughter doing the same when she was that age. Lara was the girl who came to realise that you can take the girl out of the country, but not the country out of the girl. As for Jake, he was warm, hunky and ... oh you get the idea. This was a fun read, and had me chuckling while I read about the lizard race. So tuck yourself up on the couch with a glass of wine and enjoy

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I really enjoyed Outback Bride.

I love second chance romances so this book was perfect for me.

This was my first book by Louise Reynolds and I'll be reading more of her work in the future.
I enjoyed her writing style, her characters were believable and likeable. For me this is a big plus on how much I enjoy a book, if I can connect with them then it makes reading so much more enjoyable.

I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romantic read.

Thank you NetGalley and Destiny Romance for the ARC.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the tissues ready! This is a lovely story about two people who so need each other, but have baggage to be sorted first. And a little orphan girl who holds them together, so they can't run away from each other. I read it in one sitting and emptied a box of tissues before they got their happy ever after moment. Sigh. Perfect.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances are good if we take up the opportunity. Will requests can be a surprise or unexpected which can also change lives. Relationships that are torn need time to heal n love can grow where hope has been planted. Liked the story with Australian flavour.