Love Child: An Australian Romance

by Vikki Mount

Jessie couldn't believe it! She had finally tracked down the baby girl taken from her thirteen years before. Now, nothing and no one would keep her away from her child . . . not even the oh-so-good-looking and sexy adoptive father, widower and horse stud farmer, Marc Wilson.

Jessie travels from the US to Australia, infiltrating the Wilson household in the guise of a housekeeper. She is determined to reconnect with the daughter she lost—now a sullen teen named Caity, who seems intent on making her life a living hell.

As time passes, Jessie becomes trapped within a complex web of deception. To further complicate matters, what she didn't expect was to develop feelings for Marc. She yearns to reveal the truth about being Caity's mother, but the fear of losing her child forever holds her back, casting a shadow over her every move . . .

Genres: Romance

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2024

Reviews

[Wendy Hart]

An engaging and emotional read. The protagonist, Jessie, searches long and hard for the daughter she gave up for adoption many years before. She finds her daughter when she leaves the United States and takes up a position at a horse breeding property in outback Australia. She finds not only her daughter but the girl's handsome, widowed father. Of course, one thing leads to another.
But, the novel does not have the expected "Mills and Boon" ending. Through many twists and turns, it speaks of motherhood, love, loss and fresh beginning. The narrative is descriptive and vivid, and the characters are realistic. I recommend this book.

[Anusha Hansaria]

Love Child is a beautifully written romance novel that will leave you shedding happy tears as you reach the end. Happy endings are what we all crave for, don't we? Be it in a novel or our own lives. I love the way the author has captured all the emotions of each of the characters, and the flow of the story is so smooth as the story unfolds. It is an interesting and fast-paced read 📚

[Anita Kirk]

sizzling

Love Child by Vicki Mount pulled at my strings, I like a bit of romance in a book.
I enjoy books that leave me feeling breathless when I have read them, this stood out for me.
I love people reuniting together, it makes it nice.
This sizzling book kept me on the edge of my seat, I wanted to read more instead of putting it down, housework always interrupts my free time and work.
Good read.

[Sheila Fowler]

WOW! This book grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go. You feel for each character on this journey. The way Jessie has been lost for many years without her daughter. Or how Marc has been trying to keep his family together ever since his wife Lisa died. Then there is Caity. She rebels, but it's not out of spite. She just wants her family back.
The slow dance of romance between Marc and Jessie was beautifully written. I loved their inner conflict. And Jessie's lies were piling up. This book was so well-written, it felt like I was transported to Australia with the writer.

[Vanessa Edwards]

A tale of redemption, love and separation

I rarely read romance so didn’t really know what to expect, but found that I was quickly drawn into the narrative. The MC, Jessie, is engaging and empathetic and the reader identifies easily with her quest to track down her long-lost biological daughter Caity. Her search takes her from the US to Australia, where she assumes the role of housekeeper to get to know Caity and her adoptive father Marc before she reveals who she is. This being a romance (with the L word in the title), it’s no surprise (and no spoiler) that she falls for the sexy Marc. So far, so romance, and we know it will end well, but there’s more to the story than cookie-cutter genre. Gradually the traumatic story of how Jessie came to give up her baby for adoption comes to light, as do the reasons for her troubled relationship with her mother, and ultimately the resolution is satisfying if not unexpected. The book is slow in parts — perhaps the description is pasted on a bit thick at times — but was still an enjoyable read.

[Rocco Spanò]

A must read book
It is an emotional and enganging book. I liked how the story dealed with complicated family  development with care. The romance evolved naturally and added warmth without darkening   the deeper themes. I liked the Australian setting because It Is very interesting.

[Adeela Phala]

A good read 👌

This story captivates from the very first page, opening with an intriguing moment that sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead. Through a letter received via email, we are introduced to the protagonist's past—a tale of profound loss, not once but twice. Despite the heartbreak, the story unfolds with a sense of resilience as the protagonist embarks on a journey to Australia to rekindle a bond thought to be lost forever.

The narrative is beautifully woven, with characters that feel achingly real and emotions so vividly described that you feel as if you are walking beside them. Every interaction, every tear, and every smile pulls you deeper into their world. The setting comes alive, and the story becomes an immersive experience, making you feel like a silent observer, watching the characters pass by and evolve.

This is not just a story; it is a celebration of the human spirit, the power of love, and the importance of family. It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope can prevail, and connections can be restored. A must-read for anyone who cherishes stories of redemption and emotional depth, this book is a triumph that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Happy reading.😊

[Anne Brown]

A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Secrets, and Second Chances

This book is a poignant tale that deftly weaves together themes of motherhood, identity, and reconciliation. When Jessie travels from the U.S. to Australia under the guise of a housekeeper, her mission is clear: reconnect with the daughter she lost thirteen years ago. Yet, from the moment she steps onto Marc Wilson’s sprawling horse stud farm, her carefully laid plans begin to unravel.

Mount draws readers into the emotional push and pull Jessie experiences—torn between wanting to reveal the truth and fearing she’ll lose her daughter forever. As she navigates Caitlin’s teenage angst and her growing affection for the widowed Marc, Jessie finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that becomes increasingly difficult to escape.

The Australian setting enhances the sense of both distance and possibility, giving the novel a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. With its relatable characters, heartfelt dilemmas, and a steady undercurrent of hope, Love Child: An Australian Romance offers a deeply satisfying exploration of family bonds and the power of unconditional love.

[ReadingIsFun]

Jessie and Marc felt like my next-door neighbours. I really like them!

I really enjoyed this story! It reminded me of those classic Harlequin Mills & Boon novels, bringing back wonderful memories (I used to read them a while ago). The romance was sizzling without relying on crude language, which I truly appreciated because I didn't have to cringe while reading it. The story also included some heartfelt moments, diving into issues like adoption and loss, along with a sweet instant attraction. The chemistry between Jessie and Marc felt genuine, like fireflies buzzing around a fire as they tried to keep things professional. And can we talk about that chicken roasting scene? It was both cute and hilarious! The ending was absolutely beautiful. Their connection was so moving, making me smile. I’m so glad I read this story!

[Tracey Morait]

The premise of Love Child is very simple: Jessie, a young, unmarried mother, gives up her baby daughter for adoption following a traumatic tragedy and years later, with the help of a private detective, traces Caity's whereabouts to Australia. Jessie sets off from the United States, away from her life as a famous model, to pose as a housekeeper to her daughter's adoptive family home in order to get to know her child.

That simplicity is about to become complicated, however, when Jessie is faced with the moving reality of her quest: Caity is a wilful thirteen-year-old, a spoilt little madam, whose widowed, adoptive father Marc indulges in every way. except when it comes to manners and respect: when that line is crossed, Marc takes no prisoners and Caity feels the full weight of his authority. Every housekeeper Marc has employed has fallen foul of Caity's antics and left. Jessie struggles to make friends with the girl and the only thing that's keeping her going is her increasing attraction to Marc, to the extent where her reasons for staying in Australia and close to her daughter become blurred.

The entire story is told from Jessie's point of view, but the feelings of the other characters are displayed by their words and actions. One notable comparison with Caity's torrid relationship with Jessie is mirrored somewhat by Jessie's with her own mother: estranged, although in entirely different ways. Marc is portrayed as a hunky, fit, irresistible man of thirty-eight. whose feelings for his adoptive daughter are protective and he will do all he can to keep her safe.

I enjoyed the book immensely: a simple story complicated with the differing personalities and the needs and wants of its characters, which made it the compelling read it is. I will recommend it to a friend of mine, who loves any books with an Australian theme.

[Linda Sanchez]

A Tender and Messy Second Chance at Motherhood

This story hooks you on page one with a premise that is equal parts heartbreaking and bold. Jessie has crossed oceans, lied her way into a stranger’s home, and risked everything for one thing only to be close to the daughter who was taken from her thirteen years ago. The emotional stakes never dip. Watching her attempt to mother a hostile teenager while pretending to be only the help is tense, painful, and strangely hopeful all at once.

Marc is written with enough depth to avoid the easy villain role. He is a devoted father still grieving a wife and still trying to raise a girl caught between anger and abandonment. His prickly chemistry with Jessie is believable and slow to burn, which gives the romance room to grow inside all the secrecy and guilt. Caity is not easy to love, but she feels honest, which matters in a story built on loss.

What makes the book work is how it forces you to sit with questions that have no clean answers. Is deception justified when the motive is a mother’s love? Can truth heal when truth also destroys? The plot holds you in that tension without melodrama, and the Australian ranch setting gives the story a grounded backdrop to breathe in.

If you like emotional romance with moral gray space, high stakes family drama, and a payoff built on earned vulnerability, this one delivers.

[Ryan]

This steamy romance is a sexy take on Mrs. Doubtfire.

As a teenage mother, Jessie was coerced into giving her baby up for adoption. Years later, she tracks her kid from California to Australia and pretends to be a housekeeper so she can spend time with her child before it’s too late. And it is late. By the time she finds her daughter, Caitlin is a teenager herself, and an unruly one. The sexy part arrives in the form of Caitlin’s adoptive father…

Marc is extremely patient with Jessie’s klutzy, nosy behaviour, and for good reason. Caitlin is so unruly that he cannot keep a housekeeper for very long. Jessie might be his last hope.

This was well written for the most part. The random tense changes were a little annoying, and could have been fixed with better editing. Fortunately, they were few and far between. At times, the dialogue sounded like it came from an old Hollywood movie, yes it did, my darling. I put this down to an Australian author trying to get her characters to sound American. A little distracting, but it didn’t ruin the book. And on the plus side, her Australian characters actually sounded authentically Australian!

If you like Colleen Hoover’s stuff, you’ll love this Australian romance.

[Kelly Miller]

“Love Child: An Australian Romance” by Vikki Mount, tells the story of Jessie, who travels to an Australian horse farm to meet the 13-year-old daughter she had given up for adoption under unusual circumstances. The private detective who assisted Jessie provides a devious way to get close to her daughter: the father needs a housekeeper, and Jessie applies for the job. Jessie finds her daughter, Caitlin, to be a combative, angry teen, bent on driving her away, as the teen had done to the previous housekeepers. Caitlin’s adoptive father, Marc, is a kind, attractive man who is overwhelmed with the task of being a single parent to a troubled, disobedient young lady; he lost his wife 3 years before to cancer. Jessie becomes attached to both Caitlin and Marc, yet how will she tell them who she really is without losing their trust? This is an engaging romance with realistic dialogue and compelling characters!

[Crystal Mary Lindsey]

Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive....
A great interesting and complex story. I loved it all. I cannot imagine the heart ache at losing the man you love and then to have such a complete Post Partem deep depression that you forget who you are, the death of your beloved plus birth of your child.
This story captures the heart of how people react in different situations where they can no longer relate to what is occurring all around them.
Caroline, the mother of Jess, would have gone through her own suffering over what happened her teenaged daughter.
She did what she felt best at the time and in the long run it all worked out with the reuniting in Australia after many years past.
I love different stories, and this one was just that. Don’t miss this story it is heartfelt and a great read.
As a fellow Ozzie, I commend the author for an interesting and wonderful read. Well done.

[Olivia Troy]

beautifully written

What a heartfelt and beautifully written story! Love Child pulled me in from the very first chapter with its emotional depth, strong characters, and that unmistakable Aussie warmth woven through every page. Vikki Mount has such a natural gift for storytelling—her writing feels effortless yet vivid, bringing both the setting and the emotions to life.

I fell completely in love with the characters—their flaws, their strength, and the way they navigate love, identity, and second chances. The romance felt real, not rushed or overly polished, but deeply human and full of heart. By the end, I was smiling through tears, grateful for the journey this book took me on.

If you love stories that balance emotion, resilience, and the power of love set against the beauty of Australia, this one’s an absolute must-read. Vikki Mount is officially on my auto-buy list.

[James Azinheira]

Love Child: An Australian Romance is a deeply emotional story about a mother’s love, loss, and rediscovery. This is the second book I’ve read by Vikki Mount, and once again, I’m impressed by how real and heartfelt her writing feels.
While the central theme of a love born under circumstances shadowed by deception is a familiar one, Mount captures the emotions vividly. Her writing draws you into the characters’ inner struggles, making you feel their heartbreak, conflict, and hope as if they were your own. Even knowing that painful revelations are bound to surface, you can’t help but anxiously await the moment when understanding and forgiveness might prevail.
The pacing is smooth, and the prose is free of unnecessary fluff, yet it still tugs at your heartstrings. I highly recommend this book for the emotional ride it offers.

[Eve Loves Books]

Love Child leans into emotional complexity rather than easy romance, and that’s where its strength lies. The story explores complicated relationships, unresolved wounds, and the long shadows cast by past choices, all set against a distinctly Australian backdrop that adds realism and texture to the narrative.

The characters feel raw and imperfect in ways that ring true, especially in how they react under pressure and navigate responsibility, love, and regret. While there were moments where the pacing felt uneven and the transitions a bit abrupt, the emotional core remains strong. This is not a glossy or escapist romance—it’s heavier, more reflective, and grounded in consequence. Readers who appreciate relationship-driven stories with emotional depth and aren’t looking for something overly tidy or idealized will likely find this one resonant.

[Ann Birdgenaw]

Love Child, an Australian Romance is a sweet emotional story about a woman who loses parental rights to her newborn baby after a terrible car crash leaves her with amnesia and her husband dead. The baby is put up for adoption without her cognitive permission. She spends the next 13 years searching for her daughter and finally tracks her to Australia . Unfortunately, instead of asking to meet her daughter and the adoptive family, like a normal biological parent, she applies for the job of housekeeper the family is looking for, hoping to get to know her daughter and winning her love. This feels a lot like 'gaslighting' especially with all the lies involved. I found it cringeworthy to say the least. Especially when the father is a widower and both he and his daughter are vulnerable. Of course, the web of lies threatens to ruin everything.

[Marie Van-Doorn]

The author has created a vivid emotional journey sparked by the inner struggles of the three main characters, and the intensity of their individual pain from their own past trauma is tangible and real. Right from the first page I could feel Jessies inner turmoil, Marcs gentle but aloof nature and the sting of Caitys rebellion borne from the pain of losing everything precious in her life. Such was the authenticity of all the characters. The chemistry between Jessie and Marc is unmistakably tense and charged with magnetic forces that the reader feels deeply invested in and the tension created by the fear of her secret being exposed adds a tangible depth to the story. This is much more than a romance. It's a captivating read about love, loss, fear, struggles and unexpected connections.

[Antonio Chirico]

A somewhat atypical romance, this isn't your typical love story. The romance here is rooted in a deeply felt social theme: adoption and the heartbreak that abandoning a daughter creates in the human soul. Jessie finds her lost daughter by locating her adoptive family. She sets out to find her and insinuates herself into the family, falling in love with the widowed adoptive father. In some ways, this novel reminded me of an Italian film by director and actor Francesco Nuti called "Tutta colpa del paradiso," with the difference that in that film, it's the biological father who sets out to find his son and falls in love with the adoptive mother. Like the film, this book, at times, made me cry. Five stars!

[JM Saner]

Love Child by Vikki Mount is a fast-paced and intriguing romance set in modern-day Australia. This love triangle takes a different path than most and offers much more than a traditional romance. Hoping to reconnect with a child she gave up for adoption at birth—now a teenager—Jessie, a high-society Californian, travels to the Australian Outback and takes a position as a housekeeper. This story is filled with humor, heartbreak, forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings. Surprising at times, entertaining throughout, and just a little spicy, the novel focuses primarily on forgiveness and the enduring power of love. A touching story about family, second chances, and the connections that continue to shape our lives no matter how much time has passed. Forgiveness, family, romance, and unbreakable bonds.

[Ollie Kayuro]

Vikki Mount's Love Child is an emotional Australian novel about a mother who finally reunites with her daughter after many years apart.

The author reveals the inner worlds of three characters: Jessie, the mother; Mark Wilson, a widowed farmer; and the girl Caity, who must come to terms with the truth about her past. The story explores how grief and hope can coexist, and how people can find the strength to believe in themselves and start anew.

Mount raises profound questions about parenthood, the impact of trauma on families, and the healing power of love, imperfect as it may be. Set against the vast, sunlit landscapes of rural Australia, Love Child is a real and deeply human story.

[James Adair Fisher]

What an amazing story! This well-written story will stay with you long after you set your Kindle down or whatever device you choose to read it with! Vikki Mount has crafted a beautiful, heartwarming story that keeps your attention from the outset. Her characters are well-imagined and truly come to life. The lovely female protagonist, out of pure love for the daughter she never thought she would ever find, has gotten herself into a real dilemma. Is her deception justified? I think you'll respond with a resounding YES, when you come to the end of this fabulous story, full of emotion, desire, and unabashed love. It will definitely bring tears of joy to your eyes as it did for me.

[William Word]

Love Child: An Australian Romance by Vikki Mount is an emotionally moving story of motherhood, secrets, and second chances. Jessie travels from the United States to Australia posing as a housekeeper to reconnect with the daughter she gave up for adoption. Living on a horse stud run by widower Marc Wilson, Jessie grows close to both him and her angry teenage daughter, Caitlin. As attachments deepen, Jessie struggles with whether to reveal the truth and risk losing everything. Set against a vivid Australian backdrop, the novel blends heartfelt drama with gentle romance, delivering a poignant, hopeful story about love, family, and redemption.

[Anita S. Phoenix]

A heartfelt and emotional rollercoaster that captures the struggles of love, loss, and redemption. Jessie’s determination to reconnect with her long-lost daughter is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The complex dynamic between Jessie, Caitlin, and Marc creates a compelling web of secrets and emotional tension. The Australian setting adds a unique charm, while the budding romance between Jessie and Marc beautifully complicates her journey. A poignant tale of resilience and the sacrifices a mother makes for love, this book is both touching and utterly engaging.

[R.F. Whong]

Intriguing story

Intriguing plot. Spanning from the US to Australia, a determined mother named Jessie embarks on a mission to reunite with her long-lost daughter, Caitlin. Going to great lengths, she even assumes the identity of a housekeeper to reconnect with her.

I shouldn't give away too much of the story.

If I may, I'd like to make a suggestion. Occasionally, the lengthy narratives slow down the pacing quite a bit. The author may consider avoiding lengthy descriptions to maintain the story's momentum.

[Tom Leverett]

I liked the characters of the story: the daughter is a classic teen brat; the father is handsome and muscular, mostly good-hearted but a little suspicious. And he should be, because she's lying to him about who she is. It makes me wonder if a mother and daughter wouldn't just recognize the degree that they are similar, but maybe not; they are after all a half world away from where they started. I liked how it was a tight story - everyone had good motives, but it was all tangled. And of course it worked out but I didn't need to tell you that.

[Leah Miller]

I enjoyed this book very much. From the very first page, you can feel Jessie’s desperation and determination. Thirteen years of longing for the daughter who was taken from her, and finally, the opportunity to make things right. This isn’t just a story about a mother’s love; it’s also a complex, messy, and deeply human tale about unexpected connections. It’s one of those stories that really hooks you. Equal parts tender, tense, and impossible to put down. If you love emotional drama, tangled relationships, and romance with genuine heart, this book delivers all of that.

[Tenkara Smart]

‘Love Child: An Australian Romance’ is a delightful read. When Jessie leaves Southern California to find her long-lost daughter in Queensland, Australia, she never expects her relationship with her estranged daughter and her adoptive father to unfold in the way it does. This book is a quick and entertaining read, and I enjoyed turning each page to discover how Jessie’s deceit and choices would ultimately play out. If you’re looking for a wholesome romance that will transport you to beautiful rural Queensland and a story that will touch your heart, this book is for you.

[M.J. Evans]

Romance readers will love this story. It is set in Australia, though the world building was minimal, you do get a touch of the outback with some of the vocabulary. The strength of the story is in the character development. While the plot is unique, regarding a young woman's search for the daughter who had been given up for adoption, the author does a good job of filling each page with emotion that the reader can relate to. The character's reactions to the events that transpire are believable. There is one sex scene that is a bit graphic. I loved the theme of redemption and forgiveness.