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Love Unleashed
When Bigambul woman Brynn Wallace leaves Brisbane to pursue her dreams in the Big Apple, she imagines herself landing a fabulous career at a New York City publishing house and acquiring shelves of Louboutin shoes, not working in a doggy daycare with a boss from hell and a wardrobe from her nightmares.
Yet good things are always possible in New York, especially when you believe in them hard enough. And Brynn has a collection of NYC Missions to set her on her challenges from her mother, whose death she is still getting over, to help Brynn rejoice in the city that never sleeps.
Brynn soon finds herself making meaningful friendships, engaging in flirty flings, and meeting the gorgeous Sienna, also known as dancer Scarlett Belle. And when she stumbles on a handsome, single dog-dad who just happens to be a literary editor, she decides that if she can convince him she’s more than just a dog-sitter, her dreams will finally come true. But Sienna has other plans, and as Brynn’s NY ride begins to stall, the city shows her just how full of surprises it is.
Yet good things are always possible in New York, especially when you believe in them hard enough. And Brynn has a collection of NYC Missions to set her on her challenges from her mother, whose death she is still getting over, to help Brynn rejoice in the city that never sleeps.
Brynn soon finds herself making meaningful friendships, engaging in flirty flings, and meeting the gorgeous Sienna, also known as dancer Scarlett Belle. And when she stumbles on a handsome, single dog-dad who just happens to be a literary editor, she decides that if she can convince him she’s more than just a dog-sitter, her dreams will finally come true. But Sienna has other plans, and as Brynn’s NY ride begins to stall, the city shows her just how full of surprises it is.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
18 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Saward
11 books41 followersMelanie Saward is a proud descendant of the Bigambul and Wakka Wakka peoples. She is a writer, editor, and university lecturer based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. She is the managing editor of Djed Press, and her writing has been published in Flock, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, New Australian Fiction 2022 and 2019. Her debut novel Burn will be published by Affirm Press in September 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 17, 2024
Love Unleashed is one of those books that will stick with you forever. It's about identity. Connection. Friendship. Confidence. Chasing your dreams. Family. Friends. Love.
Our superstar lead is Brynn Wallace, a proud Bigambul woman who is about to jump into the unknown. She has big hopes to score an internship at one of Manhattan's biggest publishing houses... but competition is fierce. Also, Manhattan is certainly different from Brynn's comfortable life in Brisbane, where she's supported and cherished by her Mob.
Still. Brynn manages to build a life in Manhattan whilst awaiting intern applications to open. All she wants is a 'New York magic moment', and oh boy, doesn't she get close a fair few times!
There's also a deeper reason for Brynn to immerse herself in New York life. Her beloved late Mum once walked the same streets and issued 'missions' for Brynn to complete during her stay.
Brynn certainly goes through an amazing transformation. She arrived in New York as a shy, insecure young woman, overwhelmed by the entire situation she's suddenly been thrown into. Expectations didn't exactly transpire into reality. Landing herself a temporary job at a doggy daycare and rooming with the sweet Corey only opened up doors. Falling in love wasn't on the cards, but when Brynn finds the One, it's the most cutest meet-cute/friends to lovers ever.
I absolutely adored this rom com. But not Doug, Lucas, Jacq, and Scott. They're exempt from my praises. Ugh. Everyone else I want to be friends with. Why can't book characters be real people?
Yay. Immediately propelled into my Books of 2024 List!!
5 🌟
Our superstar lead is Brynn Wallace, a proud Bigambul woman who is about to jump into the unknown. She has big hopes to score an internship at one of Manhattan's biggest publishing houses... but competition is fierce. Also, Manhattan is certainly different from Brynn's comfortable life in Brisbane, where she's supported and cherished by her Mob.
Still. Brynn manages to build a life in Manhattan whilst awaiting intern applications to open. All she wants is a 'New York magic moment', and oh boy, doesn't she get close a fair few times!
There's also a deeper reason for Brynn to immerse herself in New York life. Her beloved late Mum once walked the same streets and issued 'missions' for Brynn to complete during her stay.
Brynn certainly goes through an amazing transformation. She arrived in New York as a shy, insecure young woman, overwhelmed by the entire situation she's suddenly been thrown into. Expectations didn't exactly transpire into reality. Landing herself a temporary job at a doggy daycare and rooming with the sweet Corey only opened up doors. Falling in love wasn't on the cards, but when Brynn finds the One, it's the most cutest meet-cute/friends to lovers ever.
I absolutely adored this rom com. But not Doug, Lucas, Jacq, and Scott. They're exempt from my praises. Ugh. Everyone else I want to be friends with. Why can't book characters be real people?
Yay. Immediately propelled into my Books of 2024 List!!
5 🌟
December 2, 2024
Love Unleashed is a heartfelt and layered story that takes readers on an emotional journey with Brynn Wallace, a Bigambul woman navigating life and love in New York City. I was intrigued by this book - an aboriginal woman moving to New York City. A few years ago I remember reading a book with a similar premise by Anita Heiss (Manhattan Dreaming ) and I loved it. Love Unleashed was very different though as it features a queer love story.
Brynn's dream is of moving to New York and landing a publishing internship. Instead, she ends up in the fast-paced, competitive city and ends up working at a doggy day care. Thankfully, she meets her quirky roommate Corey, and has "missions" left by her late mother to do in NYC.
The best part of this book was the way Brynn settles into her identity. With her experiences in NYC, transforms from a shy, unsure young woman into someone ready to chase her dreams and be herself.
I will admit, the depth within this book was unexpected, as well as the queer love story. I loved this book and definitely recommend if you love a romance with endearing characters and a big adventure.
Brynn's dream is of moving to New York and landing a publishing internship. Instead, she ends up in the fast-paced, competitive city and ends up working at a doggy day care. Thankfully, she meets her quirky roommate Corey, and has "missions" left by her late mother to do in NYC.
The best part of this book was the way Brynn settles into her identity. With her experiences in NYC, transforms from a shy, unsure young woman into someone ready to chase her dreams and be herself.
I will admit, the depth within this book was unexpected, as well as the queer love story. I loved this book and definitely recommend if you love a romance with endearing characters and a big adventure.
January 15, 2026
Was drawn in by the pretty pink cover and the cute dogs, stayed for the unexpected depths and charming characters. This was a really engaging and heartfelt story with many layers. Was also queerer than I anticipated which is always appreciated. A love letter to place, identity, family (blood and chosen), friendship, solidarity, and recognising magic moments. Overall a really fantastic book that I highly recommend!
September 16, 2025
I couldn’t resist picking up this book because I loved the cover. I honestly thought I was going to love this one, but I didn’t. That’s not to say I hated it either. There were parts of this book I enjoyed, and there were characters that I liked and some I didn’t much care for. Overall, it was an okay read, and I’m sure those who like romcoms will enjoy this one.
August 14, 2024
This started off so good!!! But then everything was so rushed at the end. I didn’t like sienna as a character. She made Bryn feel bad and like it was her fault that she was trying to figure herself out.
I felt it should’ve been the opposite sienna was the pushy one.
I felt like there was to many love interests and things got to rushed.
And I wanted more for the publishing world. I did like the dogs and all the bookish settings
I felt it should’ve been the opposite sienna was the pushy one.
I felt like there was to many love interests and things got to rushed.
And I wanted more for the publishing world. I did like the dogs and all the bookish settings
September 12, 2024
Enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to hear from Mel at our book club tonight.
My favourite line when Brynn was thinking about her Mum: But I don’t want her here in spirit, I want her here for real. I breathe deeply and let myself feel everything I let myself wish for Mum. To love her and need her even though she’s not here. Yep hit the nail on the head Mel.
My favourite line when Brynn was thinking about her Mum: But I don’t want her here in spirit, I want her here for real. I breathe deeply and let myself feel everything I let myself wish for Mum. To love her and need her even though she’s not here. Yep hit the nail on the head Mel.
December 31, 2024
Looking for a book to gift this Christmas? This is my pick!
It’s feel-good and heartfelt but absolutely packed full of substance with a beautiful depth to the characters and narrative.
It’s a rom-com, but also a fish out of water story about identity, family and belonging. This is a story about a First Nations main character, a proud Bigambul woman and I was absolutely here for it.
The diversity! The representation on the page is abundant and adds true heart and authenticity to the story. The storytelling also incorporates themes like sexuality, culture, grief, abuse and trauma in many forms.
Melanie Saward gets it & her storytelling in this genre is truly skillful. LOVE UNLEASHED is far more than its romance tropes and I hope readers absolutely devour it.
Thanks the publisher for a gifted copy for review.
It’s feel-good and heartfelt but absolutely packed full of substance with a beautiful depth to the characters and narrative.
It’s a rom-com, but also a fish out of water story about identity, family and belonging. This is a story about a First Nations main character, a proud Bigambul woman and I was absolutely here for it.
The diversity! The representation on the page is abundant and adds true heart and authenticity to the story. The storytelling also incorporates themes like sexuality, culture, grief, abuse and trauma in many forms.
Melanie Saward gets it & her storytelling in this genre is truly skillful. LOVE UNLEASHED is far more than its romance tropes and I hope readers absolutely devour it.
Thanks the publisher for a gifted copy for review.
July 7, 2025
During NAIDOC Week, I’ve been diving into Indigenous stories by Indigenous authors—and this gem was a perfect pick. Melanie Saward, a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, brings us a warm-hearted, funny, and emotionally rich rom-com that sparkles with self-discovery and cultural pride.
Brynn Wallace leaves Brisbane with dreams of publishing stardom in New York, only to find herself wrangling dogs in a chaotic daycare and living out of a very un-glamorous suitcase. But through a series of heartfelt “NYC Missions” left by her late mum, Brynn begins to uncover the magic —one mission, one friendship, one flirtation at a time. 🌆🐶
This is a story about so many forms of love: love for dogs, for found family, for the women in our “Sistahood”, and—most importantly—for ourselves. Brynn’s journey is messy, sexy, empowering, and full of surprises. Through her, we see First Nations women portrayed with humour, passion, depth, and complexity—living their best lives, exploring sexuality, and healing from loss.
A vibrant, feel-good debut that’s as thoughtful as it is fun.
Brynn Wallace leaves Brisbane with dreams of publishing stardom in New York, only to find herself wrangling dogs in a chaotic daycare and living out of a very un-glamorous suitcase. But through a series of heartfelt “NYC Missions” left by her late mum, Brynn begins to uncover the magic —one mission, one friendship, one flirtation at a time. 🌆🐶
This is a story about so many forms of love: love for dogs, for found family, for the women in our “Sistahood”, and—most importantly—for ourselves. Brynn’s journey is messy, sexy, empowering, and full of surprises. Through her, we see First Nations women portrayed with humour, passion, depth, and complexity—living their best lives, exploring sexuality, and healing from loss.
A vibrant, feel-good debut that’s as thoughtful as it is fun.
August 30, 2024
I am so not a romance girly but I was totally obsessed with this book! The dating/romance was believable rather than predictable & corny. Love the female indigenous voices we get to hear in this book, I totally didn’t see the ending coming and also felt that it wasn’t a cliche. More of this pleeeeasse I can’t wait to read her next one!
September 1, 2024
Super cute vibes!!!! Felt like it wrapped up too quickly and easily at the end but loved!!!!
January 20, 2025
A more comfy rom com full of affirmations, believing in yourself (or having people help you to do so), healthy boundaries (and setting them), consent, and the problems People of Colour face. And of course friendship. Plus dogs.
April 22, 2025
Loved that this was set in NYC, as I could visualise it after just being there (especially reading on the plane flying out from JFK!) And I always love an Aussie author. This book was an easy and wholesome read.
April 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was really good, just at times felt a bit slow which is why it’s not a full 5.
This book was really good, just at times felt a bit slow which is why it’s not a full 5.
August 31, 2025
’As soon as we’re done, I hop in a cab —money be damned— and go straight to the vet surgery to tell Sienna the good news. As she holds me and twirls me in the waiting room, surrounded by dogs and humans, I’m sure I can feel the ancestors smiling at me. This is all going to work out. It has to.’
✨3.75 stars✨
This book is a part of my Name Challenge TBR. I chose Love Unleashed by Melanie Saward for the letter L.
Originally, I had bought A Good Kind Of Trouble which she co-wrote alongside fellow author/Bachelorette/youth worker, Brooke Blurton. But when I stumbled upon this in a street library a few months ago and saw it was written by the same person, I just knew that it had to come back home with me.
From the cover alone, I assumed it was going to be a typical romcom.
The book follows Brynn, an Aboriginal woman, who wants to pursue her dreams of working in the New York publishing industry after breaking things off with her ex boyfriend, Scott. While there she makes new friends, falls in love, and waits for her own ‘New York magic’ moment. All while working at a doggy daycare centre.
If you’re looking for a modern day early 2000s romcom with themes of coming of age… it’s this one! I can’t tell you how many songs I’ve added to my own playlist from listening to romcom soundtracks.
The representation here is great. It covers everything from grief, racism, figuring out identity, queerness (I kind of had a feeling this would be a theme) and some others I can’t name off the top of my head.
What falls flat for me is… I felt like part of the main storyline was started and it was good but then it ended so abruptly and when we get to the reason why, it became confusing 🫤
I’ll give one slightly but not too spoily example. For example, anything to do with Scott (who gives me MASSIVE Jack Dunkley vibes, IYKYK) or her ex-best friend, Jacq. You’re telling me that your best friend stuck up for a man who treated you like garbage on fire but you guys just end things via an email? 🤔
The romance aspect… while it definitely read as a romcom, I struggled in the beginning to find a romantic connection with the person she ends up with at the end of the book. I do understand, however, we needed to have a couple of awkward moments for them to come together.
But I also found it annoying that Saward had just thrown in a random “date” between Brynn and a coworker who we don’t really see throughout the story.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that gave me my romcom fix ✨🌻
✨3.75 stars✨
This book is a part of my Name Challenge TBR. I chose Love Unleashed by Melanie Saward for the letter L.
Originally, I had bought A Good Kind Of Trouble which she co-wrote alongside fellow author/Bachelorette/youth worker, Brooke Blurton. But when I stumbled upon this in a street library a few months ago and saw it was written by the same person, I just knew that it had to come back home with me.
From the cover alone, I assumed it was going to be a typical romcom.
The book follows Brynn, an Aboriginal woman, who wants to pursue her dreams of working in the New York publishing industry after breaking things off with her ex boyfriend, Scott. While there she makes new friends, falls in love, and waits for her own ‘New York magic’ moment. All while working at a doggy daycare centre.
If you’re looking for a modern day early 2000s romcom with themes of coming of age… it’s this one! I can’t tell you how many songs I’ve added to my own playlist from listening to romcom soundtracks.
The representation here is great. It covers everything from grief, racism, figuring out identity, queerness (I kind of had a feeling this would be a theme) and some others I can’t name off the top of my head.
What falls flat for me is… I felt like part of the main storyline was started and it was good but then it ended so abruptly and when we get to the reason why, it became confusing 🫤
I’ll give one slightly but not too spoily example. For example, anything to do with Scott (who gives me MASSIVE Jack Dunkley vibes, IYKYK) or her ex-best friend, Jacq. You’re telling me that your best friend stuck up for a man who treated you like garbage on fire but you guys just end things via an email? 🤔
The romance aspect… while it definitely read as a romcom, I struggled in the beginning to find a romantic connection with the person she ends up with at the end of the book. I do understand, however, we needed to have a couple of awkward moments for them to come together.
But I also found it annoying that Saward had just thrown in a random “date” between Brynn and a coworker who we don’t really see throughout the story.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that gave me my romcom fix ✨🌻
May 18, 2025
A big brown bi girl from Brisbane??
𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘶𝘴?
I’ve never related to a FMC more 💗 Brynn is such a refreshingly real character, and one I had so much in common with.
Love Unleashed was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. It was heartwarming, upsetting at times, and had themes of found family, community and self-identity.
Brynn is a Bigambul woman who leaves Brissy to pursue her dream publishing job in NYC 🗽✨ Brynn’s mother passed away and left her with a list of “missions” to complete on her NYC journey. Whilst in New York, we see her connection to country, her grief, and her personal growth - as she gradually discovers who she is while away from her home.
I truly loved this book so much!! 🥹 It was full of true friends, healthy boundaries, and so so so many dogs!! 😍🐾
If you haven’t already read this book, I highly recommend picking up a copy - especially if you’re a brissy gal like myself 🐨💛
𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘶𝘴?
I’ve never related to a FMC more 💗 Brynn is such a refreshingly real character, and one I had so much in common with.
Love Unleashed was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. It was heartwarming, upsetting at times, and had themes of found family, community and self-identity.
Brynn is a Bigambul woman who leaves Brissy to pursue her dream publishing job in NYC 🗽✨ Brynn’s mother passed away and left her with a list of “missions” to complete on her NYC journey. Whilst in New York, we see her connection to country, her grief, and her personal growth - as she gradually discovers who she is while away from her home.
I truly loved this book so much!! 🥹 It was full of true friends, healthy boundaries, and so so so many dogs!! 😍🐾
If you haven’t already read this book, I highly recommend picking up a copy - especially if you’re a brissy gal like myself 🐨💛
November 2, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a sweet read, and I liked how comforting the writing felt. I also really liked the characters and how real and lifelike they felt.
But it was also a bit wordy and overly descriptive at times, for things that probably didn't need describing/ I understand it's about setting the scene, but sometimes it was...over-set? There were also way too many very specific pop culture references for my liking. Things like mentioning "Yellowface by R.F. Kuang", and "Booktok" - I don't know, it just kept taking me out of the story. I also wasn't a huge fan of the pacing.
Overall though I did enjoy it. It was a cute romcom, and I appreciated the representation - we need more indigenous romances!
(This is maybe a nitpicky thing, and not on the author at all, but for a traditionally published book - by Penguin no less - there were a LOT of typos, words put the wrong way around, etc. Hypothetical example: "the to car" instead of "to the car". I had to switch to the audiobook halfway through because my library book was due, and that did help with the grammar issue.)
This was a sweet read, and I liked how comforting the writing felt. I also really liked the characters and how real and lifelike they felt.
But it was also a bit wordy and overly descriptive at times, for things that probably didn't need describing/ I understand it's about setting the scene, but sometimes it was...over-set? There were also way too many very specific pop culture references for my liking. Things like mentioning "Yellowface by R.F. Kuang", and "Booktok" - I don't know, it just kept taking me out of the story. I also wasn't a huge fan of the pacing.
Overall though I did enjoy it. It was a cute romcom, and I appreciated the representation - we need more indigenous romances!
(This is maybe a nitpicky thing, and not on the author at all, but for a traditionally published book - by Penguin no less - there were a LOT of typos, words put the wrong way around, etc. Hypothetical example: "the to car" instead of "to the car". I had to switch to the audiobook halfway through because my library book was due, and that did help with the grammar issue.)
October 7, 2024
Content warnings: fat shaming and fat phobic comments/remarks, past toxic romantic relationship and also friendship relationship, parent who died of cancer, alcohol, cancer mentions, racism, depictions of grief, sexuality discovery.
Rep: Brynn (MC) is cis, Bigambul, and bisexual. Side POC characters, side gay character.
This was an utter delight!
I loved reading Brynn's adventures in New York, and how it was her dream to do the tasks her mum set her there.
The friendships she made were my favourite parts of this book. The romances were cute, and one in particular was swoon worthy.
I was so happy with the ending of the book, too. It was just beautifully done.
Rep: Brynn (MC) is cis, Bigambul, and bisexual. Side POC characters, side gay character.
This was an utter delight!
I loved reading Brynn's adventures in New York, and how it was her dream to do the tasks her mum set her there.
The friendships she made were my favourite parts of this book. The romances were cute, and one in particular was swoon worthy.
I was so happy with the ending of the book, too. It was just beautifully done.
August 15, 2024
Love Unleashed is Melanie Saward’s rom-com debut and after loving her powerful 2023 novel, Burn, I was intrigued to check out this new direction.
Brynn Wallace is a proud Bigambul woman ready to pursue her dreams in New York City. Focused on landing a coveted internship at literary journal The Paris Review and armed with a collection of NYC Missions set by her mother, whose death Brynn is still coming to terms with, she didn’t see herself working in a doggy daycare with a nightmare of a boss. However, there is something magical about the Big Apple, where good things happen as long as you believe, so when things start to turn around, you never know where it could lead.
Love Unleashed was a sweet and warmhearted romance which gave me all the feels. Brynn is so loveable and kind hearted, that I could not help but be cheering her on to achieve her dreams. Despite a few hurdles and some hilarious moments too, you just know that this is going to be a joyful and uplifting story.
One of the highlights for me was the friends that Brynn makes, including her housemate Corey. The love and support and just general cheerleading Corey provides is beautiful and absolutely what you need when trying to settle into a new city. I also loved that both of these women maintained a connection to their ancestors, even when far away from home. Such a blissful and inclusive story and one that you will not be able to stop reading.
Melanie has written a wonderfully engaging and heartwarming novel with a delightful main character and so many cute puppies too. I cannot wait to see her have all the success with this fabulous new book.
Brynn Wallace is a proud Bigambul woman ready to pursue her dreams in New York City. Focused on landing a coveted internship at literary journal The Paris Review and armed with a collection of NYC Missions set by her mother, whose death Brynn is still coming to terms with, she didn’t see herself working in a doggy daycare with a nightmare of a boss. However, there is something magical about the Big Apple, where good things happen as long as you believe, so when things start to turn around, you never know where it could lead.
Love Unleashed was a sweet and warmhearted romance which gave me all the feels. Brynn is so loveable and kind hearted, that I could not help but be cheering her on to achieve her dreams. Despite a few hurdles and some hilarious moments too, you just know that this is going to be a joyful and uplifting story.
One of the highlights for me was the friends that Brynn makes, including her housemate Corey. The love and support and just general cheerleading Corey provides is beautiful and absolutely what you need when trying to settle into a new city. I also loved that both of these women maintained a connection to their ancestors, even when far away from home. Such a blissful and inclusive story and one that you will not be able to stop reading.
Melanie has written a wonderfully engaging and heartwarming novel with a delightful main character and so many cute puppies too. I cannot wait to see her have all the success with this fabulous new book.
December 4, 2024
When I picked up this book, I was drawn to the cute cover immediately- I was imagining a cute and basic romcom, one that would probably make me cringe at times. But no, this is not your average romcom… this book about grief, identity, family (& how you make your own) and explores sexuality in a lovely way.
Brynn is a proud Bigambul woman who moves to NYC after the death of her mother. Her mum had lived there as a young woman and had a strong connection to the city. Her mother leaves her ‘missions’ to complete in NYC, which is enjoyable to read. I felt an instant connection to Brynn as i could relate to the grief journey she is on after losing her mum and best friend.
I adored the ensemble characters and how Brynn discovers family is not always blood. I would love to go for a drink with Corey and Sienna 🥂
I really enjoyed how this book ended, everything was tied up in a nice little bow 🎀
Brynn is a proud Bigambul woman who moves to NYC after the death of her mother. Her mum had lived there as a young woman and had a strong connection to the city. Her mother leaves her ‘missions’ to complete in NYC, which is enjoyable to read. I felt an instant connection to Brynn as i could relate to the grief journey she is on after losing her mum and best friend.
I adored the ensemble characters and how Brynn discovers family is not always blood. I would love to go for a drink with Corey and Sienna 🥂
I really enjoyed how this book ended, everything was tied up in a nice little bow 🎀
Read
August 13, 2024It took me a minute to figure out who the romantic lead actually was in this romance novel and that’s no shade at all on the book, I’m just super straight. I suspect queer readers will clock it much sooner than I did and I love that. I’ve heard Saward say she is just the second Indigenous author to write a traditionally published romance novel (after Anita Heiss). I loved the First Nations content in this from language to perspective on the publishing industry to tiddas chat to ‘the apartment that intergenerational trauma built’. This is a book about chasing your dreams while also recognising that they may end up looking differently to how you thought they would. And hopefully they will include dogs. Thanks to @dbinks for the photo. I listened to this on audio through @librofm narrated brilliantly by Tamala Shelton.
January 19, 2026
Content warnings: death of a parent (in the past), toxic relationship (in the past), body shaming, toxic friendship, cancer, gaslighting, cheating, fatphobia
I've been seeing this book around bookish spaces since it came out but the cover has always put me off for some reason? Like, there's no way I would have known that the protagonist is a) Aboriginal, b) plus sized and c) bisexual based on that cover. Anyway, she is! And that's great!!
I would have liked the final romance to be more front and centre than it was - it felt sliiiiiightly crammed in in the last 20% of the book for me - but I understand why, in the aftermath of the relationship that she's left behind in Australia, it's important for Brynn to have the romantic subplots that she has in the course of the story.
Ultimately, I think I'd probably class this more as contemporary than romance, but I had a lovely time regardless and will definitely be looking out for more works by Saward in the future.
I've been seeing this book around bookish spaces since it came out but the cover has always put me off for some reason? Like, there's no way I would have known that the protagonist is a) Aboriginal, b) plus sized and c) bisexual based on that cover. Anyway, she is! And that's great!!
I would have liked the final romance to be more front and centre than it was - it felt sliiiiiightly crammed in in the last 20% of the book for me - but I understand why, in the aftermath of the relationship that she's left behind in Australia, it's important for Brynn to have the romantic subplots that she has in the course of the story.
Ultimately, I think I'd probably class this more as contemporary than romance, but I had a lovely time regardless and will definitely be looking out for more works by Saward in the future.
September 9, 2024
Love Unleashed has a bright, eye appealing cover, an interesting blurb and in the pages is a heartwarming, engaging and emotional tale that will fill the heart with sunshine.
Bigambul woman Brynn escapes the Aussie busy life for the hustle and bustle of New York.
Hoping to pursue her ambition of a career in publishing, life has different ideas.
Surviving the big city is not as easy for Brynn as she hoped.
Getting over the death of her mother, making friends, finding somewhere to live, romance and getting that dream job is all on the list but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.
A job in doggy day care is just the beginning of her new journey.
Maybe NY has some surprises after all……
A romcom debut filled with laughs, love, joy and packs an emotional punch.
There’s so much to love about this wonderful book.
It gives fun and flirty feels and lots of emotions.
A plot of bliss, charm and humour, a fab cast and a lovely narrative.
I was so invested in the lead character, lots of sass, smarts and spunk and her journey throughout the book was very captivating.
A definite contender for romantic book of the year.
Bigambul woman Brynn escapes the Aussie busy life for the hustle and bustle of New York.
Hoping to pursue her ambition of a career in publishing, life has different ideas.
Surviving the big city is not as easy for Brynn as she hoped.
Getting over the death of her mother, making friends, finding somewhere to live, romance and getting that dream job is all on the list but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.
A job in doggy day care is just the beginning of her new journey.
Maybe NY has some surprises after all……
A romcom debut filled with laughs, love, joy and packs an emotional punch.
There’s so much to love about this wonderful book.
It gives fun and flirty feels and lots of emotions.
A plot of bliss, charm and humour, a fab cast and a lovely narrative.
I was so invested in the lead character, lots of sass, smarts and spunk and her journey throughout the book was very captivating.
A definite contender for romantic book of the year.
April 17, 2025
Love Unleashed is a beautifully chaotic book about a headstrong and sometimes messy woman who fights for what she wants and makes a lot of mistakes, but always comes back to herself, with a blend of New York City magic and New York City pizza-rat reality.
So much of this was relatable to me, from moving from Qld to NYC to the work in publishing, both of which are wonderful things that also punch you in the face more than you expect them to. Melanie highlights all of this really well but without the book feeling depressing - despite all that Brynn has gone through (and goes through), her optimism and hope, plus some super cute romance, makes this book feel as pink and bubble-gum-like as the cover.
I liked how parallels were drawn between australian Aboriginal people and Native American people's experiences. The alliance between Brynn and Corey, due to their shared experiences, created a beautiful sister-like friendship I haven't seen in fiction before (despite the lovely romances, this was my favourite relationship in the book). Brynn's connection to home as well as NYC, the tug between the two, was written beautifully. One thing I love about Melanie's writing is the way she talks about being Aboriginal, stunningly weaving culture into stories you wouldn't often see this perspective in - like an NYC romcom! This book feels unique and special, while having enough simplicity and familiarity that the writing is like a warm hug.
There were a few times Brynn came across as a bit entitled to me, somewhat expecting to always be the exception to the rule and getting angry when she wasn't, which was sometimes irritating, but I also appreciated this flaw and how she wasn't passive. I felt her wins and losses, and definitely teared up once or twice.
Overall, a beautiful but easy book that left me with a hopeful, bubbly feeling :)
So much of this was relatable to me, from moving from Qld to NYC to the work in publishing, both of which are wonderful things that also punch you in the face more than you expect them to. Melanie highlights all of this really well but without the book feeling depressing - despite all that Brynn has gone through (and goes through), her optimism and hope, plus some super cute romance, makes this book feel as pink and bubble-gum-like as the cover.
I liked how parallels were drawn between australian Aboriginal people and Native American people's experiences. The alliance between Brynn and Corey, due to their shared experiences, created a beautiful sister-like friendship I haven't seen in fiction before (despite the lovely romances, this was my favourite relationship in the book). Brynn's connection to home as well as NYC, the tug between the two, was written beautifully. One thing I love about Melanie's writing is the way she talks about being Aboriginal, stunningly weaving culture into stories you wouldn't often see this perspective in - like an NYC romcom! This book feels unique and special, while having enough simplicity and familiarity that the writing is like a warm hug.
There were a few times Brynn came across as a bit entitled to me, somewhat expecting to always be the exception to the rule and getting angry when she wasn't, which was sometimes irritating, but I also appreciated this flaw and how she wasn't passive. I felt her wins and losses, and definitely teared up once or twice.
Overall, a beautiful but easy book that left me with a hopeful, bubbly feeling :)
June 29, 2025
4.25
Didn’t think I would like this book as much as I did
Firstly a part of the story was set in Brisbane which was exciting to read about. This book has made me want to explore New York again. I really loved the writing and thought the plot was really unique and I haven’t read anything like it
I read the whole book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it
Didn’t think I would like this book as much as I did
Firstly a part of the story was set in Brisbane which was exciting to read about. This book has made me want to explore New York again. I really loved the writing and thought the plot was really unique and I haven’t read anything like it
I read the whole book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it
February 11, 2025
It was beautiful and really interesting as it didn't follow the normal structure for a romance. In a way it read more as a memoir that I know was inspired by lived experiences.
In that way it was incredible, but it also messed with my perception of what a romance novel was.
It kept all of the mundane working life in the city bits and fluff that usual stories wouldn't include. In that way it felt more authentic to real life but I would have loved to read more around Sienna and their love for each other further.
In that way it was incredible, but it also messed with my perception of what a romance novel was.
It kept all of the mundane working life in the city bits and fluff that usual stories wouldn't include. In that way it felt more authentic to real life but I would have loved to read more around Sienna and their love for each other further.
February 18, 2025
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this! I’d call it an adult coming-of-age story, and finding out it was based on a true story made it even better. As someone going through what I call "adult puberty," this hit at the right time—I defs need more recs like this.
November 29, 2024
4 stars but Australian
I felt personally attacked about tucking in my shirt haha
I felt personally attacked about tucking in my shirt haha
January 2, 2025
Listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed it. Loved the mix of culture, adventure and romance. LOTS of Aussie/ First Nations references, mostly based in NYC. Great read.
December 14, 2024
fat aboriginal bi joy ✨ unfortunately i'm not the target audience for this kind of book, but i'm so glad for its place in the world and hope to see more.
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