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Only We Know
A rugged island. Two people. Family secrets.When Calla Maloney steps on the boat to Kangaroo Island, she's filled with dread. Part of it is simple seasickness but the other part is pure trepidation. She's not on a holiday but a to track down her estranged brother, who she hasn't seen since her family splintered two years before. Firefighter Sam Hunter left the island twenty years ago and has made a habit out of staying as far away as he can get. But when his father's illness forces him home, he finds himself playing bad cop to his dad and reluctant tour guide to a redhead with no sense of direction.As Sam and Calla dig deeper into their long-buried family secrets, they discover that no one is an island and that opening up their hearts to love again might be the most dangerous thing they will ever do.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
4 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Purman
39 books431 followersVictoria Purman is an Australian bestselling author.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 15, 2020
Calla Maloney’s trip to Kangaroo Island was purely to find her estranged brother, Jem. Calla struggled with seasickness during the boat trip, but once she stepped off the boat that sick feeling didn’t seem to ease.
Firefighter Sam Hunter is returning to his hometown of Kangaroo Island after leaving there twenty years ago. His father's health is deteriorating and it’s been suggested he move into care, but Sam is going to have a battle on his hands trying to convince his father, Charlie of going anywhere.
As Calla and Sam’s paths crossed they both felt a connection, but Calla only had one thing on her mind and that was to find her brother. There was no time for either of them to explore the feelings they had for each other or was there?
The majority of this story is set in Kangaroo Island a place I would actually like to visit one day. Aussie author Victoria Purman has written a beautiful story about family secrets, love and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Firefighter Sam Hunter is returning to his hometown of Kangaroo Island after leaving there twenty years ago. His father's health is deteriorating and it’s been suggested he move into care, but Sam is going to have a battle on his hands trying to convince his father, Charlie of going anywhere.
As Calla and Sam’s paths crossed they both felt a connection, but Calla only had one thing on her mind and that was to find her brother. There was no time for either of them to explore the feelings they had for each other or was there?
The majority of this story is set in Kangaroo Island a place I would actually like to visit one day. Aussie author Victoria Purman has written a beautiful story about family secrets, love and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
November 18, 2018
Calla Maloney’s sole purpose for visiting Kangaroo Island was to use the four days to find her brother Jem. Not since he’d stormed away from her and sister Rose two years before had they seen him – or even heard from him. It was the police who’d advised Calla that he was on Kangaroo Island. She was nervous, scared – and frustrated at the seasickness that was making her feel miserable.
Sam Hunter was a firefighter in Adelaide and loved his job, heartbreaking though it was at times. His father, Charlie, lived on Kangaroo Island at the family property, Roo’s Rest. But he was alone now and with Sam not often there, the island doctor was concerned that Charlie needed to move into care. But the stubborn old coot wouldn’t budge! Sam needed to change his mind, though he wasn’t sure how to do it.
When Calla and Sam bumped into one another – literally – there was an immediate connection between the two. But Calla had to focus on finding Jem; until she found him – if she found him – she couldn’t put her guilt aside. While Sam was dreading the usual argument he knew was coming with his father…
Only We Know by Aussie author Victoria Purman is a story of heartbreak and loss, of family secrets, broken hearts and guilt. Set mainly on Kangaroo Island, just across from the beautiful coastline of South Australia and Adelaide, I enjoyed the rugged setting, the strong characters and the intriguing storyline. I particularly liked Charlie and really wanted to give him a hug 😊 Highly recommended.
Sam Hunter was a firefighter in Adelaide and loved his job, heartbreaking though it was at times. His father, Charlie, lived on Kangaroo Island at the family property, Roo’s Rest. But he was alone now and with Sam not often there, the island doctor was concerned that Charlie needed to move into care. But the stubborn old coot wouldn’t budge! Sam needed to change his mind, though he wasn’t sure how to do it.
When Calla and Sam bumped into one another – literally – there was an immediate connection between the two. But Calla had to focus on finding Jem; until she found him – if she found him – she couldn’t put her guilt aside. While Sam was dreading the usual argument he knew was coming with his father…
Only We Know by Aussie author Victoria Purman is a story of heartbreak and loss, of family secrets, broken hearts and guilt. Set mainly on Kangaroo Island, just across from the beautiful coastline of South Australia and Adelaide, I enjoyed the rugged setting, the strong characters and the intriguing storyline. I particularly liked Charlie and really wanted to give him a hug 😊 Highly recommended.
December 26, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Calla Maloney sets off for Kangaroo Island, because she has heard reports that her brother is there. The last time Calla and her sister Rose saw Jeremy had been two years before. This is the only reporting of him since that dreadful time that fractured the family. To look for Jeremy means Calla has to cross the water to the Island and seasickness is a real issue for her. On the boat she meets firefighter Sam Hunter who has spent twenty years away from the island where he grew up. Now, his father’s illness has forced him back to deal with his issues. And he knows it will cause trouble. On the island Calla and Sam keep bumping into each other, literally. Will Calla be able to find her brother and reconcile with him? Will Sam be able to convince his father of what needs to happen? And will Calla or Sam, after hurts of past relationships, be able to open themselves up to love again?
The setting for this story is simply beautiful. Having been to Kangaroo Island a couple of years ago, it brought back a lot of lovely memories for me. Thankfully my crossing to the island and back, was a lot calmer than Calla’s initial crossing. I also liked the story and the pictures of life on the island. While I liked the two main characters and they both had a lot of good qualities, I did get tired of the liberal use of language from both Call and Sam. For me, the story would have been a lot better without it. I felt there was no need for it. Personal opinion, for what it’s worth. For me there is no romance as in telling a woman’ I want to f… you.’ How about, ‘I want to make love to you?’ That’s romantic!
The character I really did like was Charlie, Sam’s father. He is lovely and the love he still holds for his dead wife, Jean feels real and sweet. I liked Calla’s sister Rose too.
It was interesting given the bush fire situation in Australia at present to read about a fireman. He is one of the real heroes. Though I enjoyed the story, the misunderstandings and the playing out of family relationships the language stopped me enjoying it as much as I would have otherwise and so reduced my rating from what could have been a four and a half or five star read..
Calla Maloney sets off for Kangaroo Island, because she has heard reports that her brother is there. The last time Calla and her sister Rose saw Jeremy had been two years before. This is the only reporting of him since that dreadful time that fractured the family. To look for Jeremy means Calla has to cross the water to the Island and seasickness is a real issue for her. On the boat she meets firefighter Sam Hunter who has spent twenty years away from the island where he grew up. Now, his father’s illness has forced him back to deal with his issues. And he knows it will cause trouble. On the island Calla and Sam keep bumping into each other, literally. Will Calla be able to find her brother and reconcile with him? Will Sam be able to convince his father of what needs to happen? And will Calla or Sam, after hurts of past relationships, be able to open themselves up to love again?
The setting for this story is simply beautiful. Having been to Kangaroo Island a couple of years ago, it brought back a lot of lovely memories for me. Thankfully my crossing to the island and back, was a lot calmer than Calla’s initial crossing. I also liked the story and the pictures of life on the island. While I liked the two main characters and they both had a lot of good qualities, I did get tired of the liberal use of language from both Call and Sam. For me, the story would have been a lot better without it. I felt there was no need for it. Personal opinion, for what it’s worth. For me there is no romance as in telling a woman’ I want to f… you.’ How about, ‘I want to make love to you?’ That’s romantic!
The character I really did like was Charlie, Sam’s father. He is lovely and the love he still holds for his dead wife, Jean feels real and sweet. I liked Calla’s sister Rose too.
It was interesting given the bush fire situation in Australia at present to read about a fireman. He is one of the real heroes. Though I enjoyed the story, the misunderstandings and the playing out of family relationships the language stopped me enjoying it as much as I would have otherwise and so reduced my rating from what could have been a four and a half or five star read..
June 9, 2016
Opens: …Calla Maloney just wanted it to stop…
My Thoughts: Victoria Purman is one of a handful of authors who is on my ‘must grab every book she writes’ list, and she did not let me down with ONLY WE KNOW.
The story is set on Kangaroo Island which is off the South Australian Coast and a destination that is still on my wish list. There are two ways onto the island – small plane or ferry. ONLY WE KNOW opens on the ferry with Calla Maloney searching frantically for somewhere to hurl!!! Sam Hunter comes to her assistance and directs her outside where she can do so safely. There is instant awareness between the two, but each has come to the island for a purpose rather than a holiday. Sam comes from Kangaroo Island but is now working as a fireman back in Adelaide; his father lives alone on the family sheep farm and is in the early stages of dementia. Sam’s role is to persuade his father to give up the farm and go into care. Calla is an art teacher who has just come out of a heartbreaking relationship and has arrived to find her missing brother who disappeared the day their father was buried two years earlier; she received a tip indicates that he might be living here now.
Once they set foot on dry land they keep bumping into each other and they instantly both feel strongly attracted to each other, even though they both are recovering from disastrous relationships and are not looking for love. Being a love story you know that something has to bring them together so that they focus on each other – and the trigger in this case is a bad vehicle accident where Sam’s training as a fireman has him using the accident as an excuse to sleep over at Calla’s rental to make sure she is ok. Minds out of the gutter people – this scene is innocent. After this event the story takes off and the ‘love skirmish’ begins as they advance and retreat, attract and repel, and leave you on the edge of the seat wondering how on earth they are ever going to get together.
I was swept up into the story almost immediately and really bonded with the chocolate loving, wine appreciative Calla; she’s my type of girl. She has lost all confidence in herself and is running around keeping everyone else happy and not daring to be happy herself. Sam has his own problems, he has rejected the island but now he is seeing everything anew through Calla as she hones in on perspectives that he has never noticed. What was ‘same old same old’ is now new and fresh.
ONLY WE KNOW is about families and relationships, and how both can either break your heart or be the making of you; pull you down or support you. Both Sam and Calla have broken families and been badly hurt in relationships but they come to learn that you can make your own family to replace a broken one and create new, strong relationships to replace soul destroying ones. They just have to let go of the past and grab the future.
Kangaroo Island is a perfect setting for the deep emotions that unfold during the story – the wildness of hurt and the peacefulness of acceptance matches the wildness of the Island and the peacefulness of the scenery. All of the characters in the book come alive on the pages and are totally believable – even the minor ones – I came to care for Sam’s dad quite deeply as he reminded me of my dad in so many ways.
The descriptions of the scenery are vivid and the emotions just swirl around your own heart as you read. There is a Happy Ending – romances do – that’s why we love them. But it is a bumpy ride to get there – and tears will be shed, well I shed them anyway.
With thanks to Harlequin MIRA Australia and the author via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
My Thoughts: Victoria Purman is one of a handful of authors who is on my ‘must grab every book she writes’ list, and she did not let me down with ONLY WE KNOW.
The story is set on Kangaroo Island which is off the South Australian Coast and a destination that is still on my wish list. There are two ways onto the island – small plane or ferry. ONLY WE KNOW opens on the ferry with Calla Maloney searching frantically for somewhere to hurl!!! Sam Hunter comes to her assistance and directs her outside where she can do so safely. There is instant awareness between the two, but each has come to the island for a purpose rather than a holiday. Sam comes from Kangaroo Island but is now working as a fireman back in Adelaide; his father lives alone on the family sheep farm and is in the early stages of dementia. Sam’s role is to persuade his father to give up the farm and go into care. Calla is an art teacher who has just come out of a heartbreaking relationship and has arrived to find her missing brother who disappeared the day their father was buried two years earlier; she received a tip indicates that he might be living here now.
Once they set foot on dry land they keep bumping into each other and they instantly both feel strongly attracted to each other, even though they both are recovering from disastrous relationships and are not looking for love. Being a love story you know that something has to bring them together so that they focus on each other – and the trigger in this case is a bad vehicle accident where Sam’s training as a fireman has him using the accident as an excuse to sleep over at Calla’s rental to make sure she is ok. Minds out of the gutter people – this scene is innocent. After this event the story takes off and the ‘love skirmish’ begins as they advance and retreat, attract and repel, and leave you on the edge of the seat wondering how on earth they are ever going to get together.
I was swept up into the story almost immediately and really bonded with the chocolate loving, wine appreciative Calla; she’s my type of girl. She has lost all confidence in herself and is running around keeping everyone else happy and not daring to be happy herself. Sam has his own problems, he has rejected the island but now he is seeing everything anew through Calla as she hones in on perspectives that he has never noticed. What was ‘same old same old’ is now new and fresh.
ONLY WE KNOW is about families and relationships, and how both can either break your heart or be the making of you; pull you down or support you. Both Sam and Calla have broken families and been badly hurt in relationships but they come to learn that you can make your own family to replace a broken one and create new, strong relationships to replace soul destroying ones. They just have to let go of the past and grab the future.
Kangaroo Island is a perfect setting for the deep emotions that unfold during the story – the wildness of hurt and the peacefulness of acceptance matches the wildness of the Island and the peacefulness of the scenery. All of the characters in the book come alive on the pages and are totally believable – even the minor ones – I came to care for Sam’s dad quite deeply as he reminded me of my dad in so many ways.
The descriptions of the scenery are vivid and the emotions just swirl around your own heart as you read. There is a Happy Ending – romances do – that’s why we love them. But it is a bumpy ride to get there – and tears will be shed, well I shed them anyway.
With thanks to Harlequin MIRA Australia and the author via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
April 10, 2015
The full review will come in the next few days, but I have to say that I freaking loved this book. The wild, uniquely Australian scenery, the deep emotions and drama, and the vivid, real characters all came together so beautifully. Never been to SA, let alone KI, but boy, I want to now.
4.5
4.5
August 21, 2015
Calla Maloney boards a boat to Kangaroo Island in a search for her missing brother. The trip starts of with a number of disasters wherby she is thrown into the path of the gorgeous, heroic fireman Sam Hunter. He's on the island to convince his father it's time to give up the farm but finds himself pulled along by the force that is the gorgeous red-headed Calla. Family secrets begin to unravel and they're drawn closer and closer together. Neither one of them wants to open themselves up to a world of hurt that they see coming, but can they hold off forever?
Another fabulous love story by Victoria Purman. I stayed up late reading 'one more chapter' and woke up early to finish it off. Calla and Sam are both great characters, although I found myself a little frustrated with Calla at times. Sam is everything a good hero should be. The setting of KI is fantastic. A place I'll get to one day. Great read.
Another fabulous love story by Victoria Purman. I stayed up late reading 'one more chapter' and woke up early to finish it off. Calla and Sam are both great characters, although I found myself a little frustrated with Calla at times. Sam is everything a good hero should be. The setting of KI is fantastic. A place I'll get to one day. Great read.
January 10, 2016
This is the first book I have read for Victoria Purnam and I really REALLY enjoyed Only We Know.
From the first chapter Calla resonated and the first introduction to Sam was unexpected but real.
I found throughout the story the plot was realistic and the events that happened seemed to have a perfect flow on effect.
Both Calla and Sam both have their secrets and wishes for the future and the story did this in such a believable way, it didn't feel 'expected' at all.
The a-ha moments were spot on.
Don't want to give too much away but will be reading more books by this author.
April 21, 2015
Only We Know by Victoria Purman had characters with simmering attraction. Sam and Calla have their share of dramas in the story and the tie in with Charlie, Jem and the many characters of Kangaroo Island was a good twist in the story.
3.5 stars
*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
3.5 stars
*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
September 7, 2015
Another enjoyable read by Victoria Purman helped by having been to the places mentioned. Lovely to have an author writing about SA. A few typos which was a bit off-putting
July 27, 2015
My daughter has borrowed my Kindle and I bet she is reading this too! Victoria Purman does it again. She is such a good writer! And seriously impressive that she took the cover photo too.
April 27, 2017
3.5 ster
May 17, 2015
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set on Australia’s Kangaroo Island, but in retrospect it’s a gorgeous place to set a book. A ferry ride away from South Australia’s coast, it’s a wild, rugged and beautiful place. The perfect place to set a story about love, loss, family and letting go, which is what Only We Know is about. Victoria Purman proves once again that she’s a talented writer with a particular flair for making settings a character in the story. I haven’t been to Kangaroo Island (only the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis), but now I definitely want to check it out. It sounds idyllic, curled up in front of a log fire while watching a beautiful sunset…
That’s kind of what Calla, the main character had in mind when she imagined herself on the island. Hell, she’d even bought her paints along in the hope she would start painting again. But Calla had a deeper reason for wanting to go to Kangaroo Island, as she had heard that her brother was there, who disappeared from her life two years ago. Calla hoped to give Jem something that was his, whether Jem thought it belonged to him or not. The one thing Calla forgot was that she gets dreadfully seasick. A chance meeting with a stranger on the ferry and then again in the supermarket leads Calla to Sam, a firefighter with a family secret of his own. Sam’s dad is getting old and forgetful and can’t live on the family farm much longer. But will he move? No, he’s dreadfully stubborn and this is Sam’s last chance to get him to leave the family home. Then he will sell and return to Adelaide.
Both the characters think that their respective missions on the island will be easy, but of course they aren’t. The story is full of dramatic events balanced with some lighter moments of Calla and Sam fancying the pants off each other but being too shy to say or do anything. Calla is damaged from a long term relationship with a married man, while Sam carries an injury with haunting memories. Plus both have family baggage, but sometimes the perspective of an outsider helps to settle things. All the characters jump to life off the page and are fully fleshed out, from the lady manning the craft shop to Jessie, Jem’s partner. It’s a story that gets into your head quickly and stays there. Purman treats her characters with a tender touch – every action is thought out and everyone gets their happy ending, even if they had an exceptionally bumpy road to get there. What I really liked too was that Calla and Sam became friends before falling in love. I found that refreshing, rather than the sex first, then friendship and love. I think their friendship demonstrated that the couple could rely on each other 100% in any situation.
Victoria Purman’s writing gets better and better with every book (it was pretty fine to start with, don’t get me wrong). But Only We Know just reaches out to you and pulls you into Calla and Sam’s world from the start. It’s easy to read and easy to forget the time when you read her books. I thought I’d miss the characters from the Boys of Summer trilogy, but I didn’t at all because Sam and Calla (and Charlie, and Jem) are all engaging enough to accept them.
I also adored the cover of Only We Know, I think it’s perfect. Victoria Purman took the background picture herself (so you know it’s really Kangaroo Island) and Calla is just how I imagined her. My only disappointment was that by reading the eBook I didn’t get to look at the gorgeous cover! If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the beauty of South Australia while being engrossed in a great story, read Victoria Purman.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the eARC. I love Victoria Purman's books so much I'd be happy to pay for them, so this is a bonus!
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
That’s kind of what Calla, the main character had in mind when she imagined herself on the island. Hell, she’d even bought her paints along in the hope she would start painting again. But Calla had a deeper reason for wanting to go to Kangaroo Island, as she had heard that her brother was there, who disappeared from her life two years ago. Calla hoped to give Jem something that was his, whether Jem thought it belonged to him or not. The one thing Calla forgot was that she gets dreadfully seasick. A chance meeting with a stranger on the ferry and then again in the supermarket leads Calla to Sam, a firefighter with a family secret of his own. Sam’s dad is getting old and forgetful and can’t live on the family farm much longer. But will he move? No, he’s dreadfully stubborn and this is Sam’s last chance to get him to leave the family home. Then he will sell and return to Adelaide.
Both the characters think that their respective missions on the island will be easy, but of course they aren’t. The story is full of dramatic events balanced with some lighter moments of Calla and Sam fancying the pants off each other but being too shy to say or do anything. Calla is damaged from a long term relationship with a married man, while Sam carries an injury with haunting memories. Plus both have family baggage, but sometimes the perspective of an outsider helps to settle things. All the characters jump to life off the page and are fully fleshed out, from the lady manning the craft shop to Jessie, Jem’s partner. It’s a story that gets into your head quickly and stays there. Purman treats her characters with a tender touch – every action is thought out and everyone gets their happy ending, even if they had an exceptionally bumpy road to get there. What I really liked too was that Calla and Sam became friends before falling in love. I found that refreshing, rather than the sex first, then friendship and love. I think their friendship demonstrated that the couple could rely on each other 100% in any situation.
Victoria Purman’s writing gets better and better with every book (it was pretty fine to start with, don’t get me wrong). But Only We Know just reaches out to you and pulls you into Calla and Sam’s world from the start. It’s easy to read and easy to forget the time when you read her books. I thought I’d miss the characters from the Boys of Summer trilogy, but I didn’t at all because Sam and Calla (and Charlie, and Jem) are all engaging enough to accept them.
I also adored the cover of Only We Know, I think it’s perfect. Victoria Purman took the background picture herself (so you know it’s really Kangaroo Island) and Calla is just how I imagined her. My only disappointment was that by reading the eBook I didn’t get to look at the gorgeous cover! If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the beauty of South Australia while being engrossed in a great story, read Victoria Purman.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the eARC. I love Victoria Purman's books so much I'd be happy to pay for them, so this is a bonus!
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
April 3, 2018
Book #23 for #AWW2015.
I am now hankering for just a little travel over the sea.....
Only We Know is the latest Victoria Purman novel, also set in South Australia, and leaving me itching to travel. Much of this latest offering is set on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. I have lived in South Australia for almost half of my life and have never been to KI, never really felt the need.... until now. Yet again Purman has painted a vivid and enchanting picture of a local place that has me itching to go and see it with my own eyes.
The cover image is gorgeous green grass right up to the sea, and it is an actual photo of Kangaroo Island taken by none other than Purman herself. I think there is quite a bit of Purman in this one, she obviously love Kangaroo Island and I sense a deep appreciation of wine and chocolate in her personality traits also because lead character Calla must have inherited them from somewhere.
I was rapidly swept up in the story of Only We Know and quite early on I could see where things were going and had quite a clear idea of how the story would end - and I wasn't disappointed. Having said that I was still enraptured by the unfolding of the story as the characters got to know each other and themselves.
Calla Maloney has embarked on a mission to mend the cracks, well they're actually more like chasms, in her family. She is an art teacher in Adelaide and has made the most of school holidays to take an impromptu trip to Kangaroo Island searching for her long lost brother. He disappeared from the lives of Calla and her sister Rose two years ago and they have heard nothing from him since.
The ferry ride to KI has Calla feeling decidedly green, part of it seasickness and part of it nerves about where this journey will lead her. In the two years since she has seen her brother she has managed to make a mess of her life so this is the first step in a pilgrimage for Calla to simplify her life. The weather is dismal and the crossing is choppy so when Calla finds herself about to lose her lunch she heads off in search of a way out of the cabin and onto the ferry deck, which is when the handsome helpful stranger points her in the right direction.
Sam Hunter is the handsome stranger, one time resident of KI now an Adelaide firefighter. He is heading back to the island to try and convince his dad it's time to leave the family farm and move into a retirement home but it is an uphill battle that has been raging for over a year. Charlie is starting to lose his memory and is becoming a real worry for his family, never sure where they will find him or how lucid he will be.
Calla and Sam run into one another a few times and when she literally runs into him, writing off her car, he takes on the role of tour guide after staying close to keep an eye on her the first night to rule out concussion.
Sam has been gone from the island for a long time and he takes it's beauty very much for granted, these are the views he grew up with and he saw them every day. He begins to see them through new ones when he shows Calla the sights because she sees them with such a fresh perspective having never visited the island before.
These characters have both had it tough, for very different reasons they have both shut down their hearts and sworn off relationships. They seem to have quite a lot in common though in very different ways. There are secrets buried in both of their family pasts and they both find themselves on the island to deal with family drama.
The remainder of the review will be available at Beauty and Lace.
I am now hankering for just a little travel over the sea.....
Only We Know is the latest Victoria Purman novel, also set in South Australia, and leaving me itching to travel. Much of this latest offering is set on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. I have lived in South Australia for almost half of my life and have never been to KI, never really felt the need.... until now. Yet again Purman has painted a vivid and enchanting picture of a local place that has me itching to go and see it with my own eyes.
The cover image is gorgeous green grass right up to the sea, and it is an actual photo of Kangaroo Island taken by none other than Purman herself. I think there is quite a bit of Purman in this one, she obviously love Kangaroo Island and I sense a deep appreciation of wine and chocolate in her personality traits also because lead character Calla must have inherited them from somewhere.
I was rapidly swept up in the story of Only We Know and quite early on I could see where things were going and had quite a clear idea of how the story would end - and I wasn't disappointed. Having said that I was still enraptured by the unfolding of the story as the characters got to know each other and themselves.
Calla Maloney has embarked on a mission to mend the cracks, well they're actually more like chasms, in her family. She is an art teacher in Adelaide and has made the most of school holidays to take an impromptu trip to Kangaroo Island searching for her long lost brother. He disappeared from the lives of Calla and her sister Rose two years ago and they have heard nothing from him since.
The ferry ride to KI has Calla feeling decidedly green, part of it seasickness and part of it nerves about where this journey will lead her. In the two years since she has seen her brother she has managed to make a mess of her life so this is the first step in a pilgrimage for Calla to simplify her life. The weather is dismal and the crossing is choppy so when Calla finds herself about to lose her lunch she heads off in search of a way out of the cabin and onto the ferry deck, which is when the handsome helpful stranger points her in the right direction.
Sam Hunter is the handsome stranger, one time resident of KI now an Adelaide firefighter. He is heading back to the island to try and convince his dad it's time to leave the family farm and move into a retirement home but it is an uphill battle that has been raging for over a year. Charlie is starting to lose his memory and is becoming a real worry for his family, never sure where they will find him or how lucid he will be.
Calla and Sam run into one another a few times and when she literally runs into him, writing off her car, he takes on the role of tour guide after staying close to keep an eye on her the first night to rule out concussion.
Sam has been gone from the island for a long time and he takes it's beauty very much for granted, these are the views he grew up with and he saw them every day. He begins to see them through new ones when he shows Calla the sights because she sees them with such a fresh perspective having never visited the island before.
These characters have both had it tough, for very different reasons they have both shut down their hearts and sworn off relationships. They seem to have quite a lot in common though in very different ways. There are secrets buried in both of their family pasts and they both find themselves on the island to deal with family drama.
The remainder of the review will be available at Beauty and Lace.
Read
December 24, 2015Another Great book by Victoria Purman loved it. This one was the story of Calla Maloney and her search for her brother Jem who left two years before after the death of their father and learning that he was not his father when Calla and their Sister Rose found the will. Jem had hurt Calla by accident that day as well.
Calla learns that he is living on Kangaroo Island so she heads over there on the boat from Adelaide. While on the boat she becomes seasick Sam Hunter notices her he thinks she a tourist. He moves her over to the side where she sick.
Calla leaves her Jacket on the boat and Sam finds it puts in his car hoping to find her. They bump into each other at the local supermarket where Sam returns her Jacket.
Calla hits into the back of Sam's truck as has pull over to help people in a Accident that have been hurt seriously as Sam is firefighter back home in Adelaide. Sam looks after Calla after this as he thinks she has concussion.
Sam takes her to the cabin she is rent it hear he learns of her reason for being on the island about her search for her brother. Sam tells of the reason he is back home to Kangaroo Island his father is losing his memory and can not stay on the farm as his dads doctor and Aunt have rung him their concerns.
Sam takes Calla Roo's Rest his dad's farm to meet his father Charlie. Sam then takes her to see for her car at garage where it was towed it was a ride so Sam helps Calla with search for her as they find a painting of his dad that Jem haf painted in local antique store. When show Sam's cousins Ben who runs the local pub tells them he lives with their cousin Jessie and their baby girl.
Sam goes with Calla to visit them, Jem is at work and Jessie is home with their baby Ella when they arrive. Jessie calls Jem who now call himself Jeremy who comes home and is not pleased to see them. Calla tells him of her putting her life on hold for two years looking for him and to give him his share of the sale of the house. Jem does want the cheque or have anything to with his two sisters
They head back to Penshaw where the cabin is. While Ben calls Sam to tell him his dad is at the pub who ia looking for his who had died years ago.
He tells Ben they on their way, Sam tries to calm his father down but it does work but when Calla tries he lichens she caring and patient with him. He tells to make sure Sam keeps the farm as he wants him to have it as security in case he hurt again in fire accident while fighting a fire.
After a few days to been together and falling for each other Calla gets a call from her sister's husband to say she needs to get back as her sister Rose is having their baby. Sam arranges for her to fly back and will bring her things back in week.
Sam ends talking to his dad and learns of his wishes so he arranges with his Aunt to visit him every day and he rings him as well when he returns to work in Adelaide.Calla meanwhile is fixing her house painting it Sam returns her luggage and tells her of his dad what he is doing. for his dad. Sam dad dies they return together for the burial of his dad on Kangaroo Island.
Calla brother is there they talk and make amends of the past. Sam take Calla back to the farm and tells her of hos plans for the farm and his love for the red head woman he met on the boat to Kangaroo Island Calla. A fantastic can not wait to read Hold on to me.
Calla learns that he is living on Kangaroo Island so she heads over there on the boat from Adelaide. While on the boat she becomes seasick Sam Hunter notices her he thinks she a tourist. He moves her over to the side where she sick.
Calla leaves her Jacket on the boat and Sam finds it puts in his car hoping to find her. They bump into each other at the local supermarket where Sam returns her Jacket.
Calla hits into the back of Sam's truck as has pull over to help people in a Accident that have been hurt seriously as Sam is firefighter back home in Adelaide. Sam looks after Calla after this as he thinks she has concussion.
Sam takes her to the cabin she is rent it hear he learns of her reason for being on the island about her search for her brother. Sam tells of the reason he is back home to Kangaroo Island his father is losing his memory and can not stay on the farm as his dads doctor and Aunt have rung him their concerns.
Sam takes Calla Roo's Rest his dad's farm to meet his father Charlie. Sam then takes her to see for her car at garage where it was towed it was a ride so Sam helps Calla with search for her as they find a painting of his dad that Jem haf painted in local antique store. When show Sam's cousins Ben who runs the local pub tells them he lives with their cousin Jessie and their baby girl.
Sam goes with Calla to visit them, Jem is at work and Jessie is home with their baby Ella when they arrive. Jessie calls Jem who now call himself Jeremy who comes home and is not pleased to see them. Calla tells him of her putting her life on hold for two years looking for him and to give him his share of the sale of the house. Jem does want the cheque or have anything to with his two sisters
They head back to Penshaw where the cabin is. While Ben calls Sam to tell him his dad is at the pub who ia looking for his who had died years ago.
He tells Ben they on their way, Sam tries to calm his father down but it does work but when Calla tries he lichens she caring and patient with him. He tells to make sure Sam keeps the farm as he wants him to have it as security in case he hurt again in fire accident while fighting a fire.
After a few days to been together and falling for each other Calla gets a call from her sister's husband to say she needs to get back as her sister Rose is having their baby. Sam arranges for her to fly back and will bring her things back in week.
Sam ends talking to his dad and learns of his wishes so he arranges with his Aunt to visit him every day and he rings him as well when he returns to work in Adelaide.Calla meanwhile is fixing her house painting it Sam returns her luggage and tells her of his dad what he is doing. for his dad. Sam dad dies they return together for the burial of his dad on Kangaroo Island.
Calla brother is there they talk and make amends of the past. Sam take Calla back to the farm and tells her of hos plans for the farm and his love for the red head woman he met on the boat to Kangaroo Island Calla. A fantastic can not wait to read Hold on to me.
January 20, 2016
*4.5 stars
Only We Know cements author Victoria Purman’s place as the queen of Australian coastal romance. Purman’s novels are characterised by beautiful coastal settings, combined with complicated romances. Only We Know is set on the rugged coast of Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia. Calla Maloney is Purman’s chief protagonist, we meet Calla as she is making the journey to Kangaroo Island to settle some unfinished family matters. She also hopes to solve her brother’s disappearance over two years ago. On the ferry, Calla is thrown into the path of the handsome firefighter Sam Hunter, who tries to give her some tips to combat the seasickness she feels on the ferry. This is not the last time Calla will see Sam Hunter, as shortly after arriving on the mainland, Calla’s car is involved in a collision with Sam’s car. The accident sets in motion a connection that Calla and Sam cannot avoid, not matter how hard they try. They become part of one another’s lives on the island as Sam assists Calla in her search for her brother. While Calla helps Sam come to terms with his ailing Father’s illness.
It is easy to class Only We Know as a just a romance book, but I found it offered the reader so much more. From the stunning and unique setting that just wiles you to make the journey over to Kangaroo Island, there are also some deeper themes at the heart of the novel. Sam’s Father provides Purman with the opportunity to explore dementia and loss of independence. While Calla’s family issues give ground to explore the complex nature of fractured family relationships. Of course romance is at the core of Only We Know. Calla and Sam’s relationship fraught with a good balance of emotions, complications, commitment issues and heat. What makes Only We know and Purman’s other novels stand out, is her ability to express emotions and her character’s actions naturally with her use of authentic dialogue. I really enjoyed overseeing the development of Calla and Sam’s relationship through Purman’s device of a split first person narrative. It helped the reader feel a deeper connection to the characters, so much so that I didn’t want to let them let at the close of the novel.
Only We Know is another stellar novel from an author I have come to love, Victoria Purman. With the stunning and unforgettable backdrop of Kangaroo Island, combined with a consuming romance and family secrets, Only We Know should be at the top of any readers list.
Only We Know cements author Victoria Purman’s place as the queen of Australian coastal romance. Purman’s novels are characterised by beautiful coastal settings, combined with complicated romances. Only We Know is set on the rugged coast of Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia. Calla Maloney is Purman’s chief protagonist, we meet Calla as she is making the journey to Kangaroo Island to settle some unfinished family matters. She also hopes to solve her brother’s disappearance over two years ago. On the ferry, Calla is thrown into the path of the handsome firefighter Sam Hunter, who tries to give her some tips to combat the seasickness she feels on the ferry. This is not the last time Calla will see Sam Hunter, as shortly after arriving on the mainland, Calla’s car is involved in a collision with Sam’s car. The accident sets in motion a connection that Calla and Sam cannot avoid, not matter how hard they try. They become part of one another’s lives on the island as Sam assists Calla in her search for her brother. While Calla helps Sam come to terms with his ailing Father’s illness.
It is easy to class Only We Know as a just a romance book, but I found it offered the reader so much more. From the stunning and unique setting that just wiles you to make the journey over to Kangaroo Island, there are also some deeper themes at the heart of the novel. Sam’s Father provides Purman with the opportunity to explore dementia and loss of independence. While Calla’s family issues give ground to explore the complex nature of fractured family relationships. Of course romance is at the core of Only We Know. Calla and Sam’s relationship fraught with a good balance of emotions, complications, commitment issues and heat. What makes Only We know and Purman’s other novels stand out, is her ability to express emotions and her character’s actions naturally with her use of authentic dialogue. I really enjoyed overseeing the development of Calla and Sam’s relationship through Purman’s device of a split first person narrative. It helped the reader feel a deeper connection to the characters, so much so that I didn’t want to let them let at the close of the novel.
Only We Know is another stellar novel from an author I have come to love, Victoria Purman. With the stunning and unforgettable backdrop of Kangaroo Island, combined with a consuming romance and family secrets, Only We Know should be at the top of any readers list.
May 6, 2015
Only We Know by Victoria Purman is set on the south coast of Australia, mainly on Kangaroo Island and a little in Adelaide. Victoria Purman books give me a real hankering to visit the south of Australia, she paints with words the beauty of such a rugged place.
Calla is on her way to visit Kangaroo Island to try and find her brother, when she meets Sam. It isn't in ideal circumstances, but something sparks between them and their journey towards each other begins. Calla has been searching for her brother for over two years, there family has been broken apart by secrets and heart ache.
Sam has his own secrets and like Calla he has also experienced a relationship gone bad. Neither of them are really ready for anything deep again. Yet Sam is kind, thoughtful and compassionate. Well mostly, until he has to deal with his father Charlie, who seems to be deteriorating into really poor health. Can Calla help Sam see Charlie through different eyes?
I really enjoyed this beautifully written story. The two main characters - both wounded - but working there way towards wholeness. I was fully engaged by their stories and liked the fact that we were given both Sam and Calla's point of view. The minor characters added a delightful blend to the mix and highlighted the importance of family and friends.
Another wonderful book from this author. I really love her south Australian settings, excellent writing and gentle exploration into characters' lives.
Calla is on her way to visit Kangaroo Island to try and find her brother, when she meets Sam. It isn't in ideal circumstances, but something sparks between them and their journey towards each other begins. Calla has been searching for her brother for over two years, there family has been broken apart by secrets and heart ache.
Sam has his own secrets and like Calla he has also experienced a relationship gone bad. Neither of them are really ready for anything deep again. Yet Sam is kind, thoughtful and compassionate. Well mostly, until he has to deal with his father Charlie, who seems to be deteriorating into really poor health. Can Calla help Sam see Charlie through different eyes?
I really enjoyed this beautifully written story. The two main characters - both wounded - but working there way towards wholeness. I was fully engaged by their stories and liked the fact that we were given both Sam and Calla's point of view. The minor characters added a delightful blend to the mix and highlighted the importance of family and friends.
Another wonderful book from this author. I really love her south Australian settings, excellent writing and gentle exploration into characters' lives.
April 30, 2015
Teacher Calla Maloney travels to Kangaroo Island (off South Australia) when she discovers evidence that her brother (missing for several years) was last seen there. She's throwing up over the side of the ferry from the mainland when she first meets Sam Hunter.
Sam and Calla 'bump' into each other several times—finally literally—and Sam finds himself offering to help Calla search for her brother.
Calla and firefighter Sam could easily be city girl / country boy cliches but they both come across as likeable and complex characters.
There is no great plot arc, but the book isn't formulaic or predictable.
The real strength of the novel is Purman's writing. It is SO accessible.
Some writers just have a skill to draw you in and wrap you in their world before you've even realised, and Purman—most definitely—offers that here.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
4-4.5 stars
Sam and Calla 'bump' into each other several times—finally literally—and Sam finds himself offering to help Calla search for her brother.
Calla and firefighter Sam could easily be city girl / country boy cliches but they both come across as likeable and complex characters.
There is no great plot arc, but the book isn't formulaic or predictable.
The real strength of the novel is Purman's writing. It is SO accessible.
Some writers just have a skill to draw you in and wrap you in their world before you've even realised, and Purman—most definitely—offers that here.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
4-4.5 stars
January 8, 2016
Having spent a period reading heavy and grim fiction, I decided to give myself a break and pick up a book I got during the Adelaide Pitch Festival, written by my group's mentor, Victoria Purman. I was not disappointed. I found this book deviated enough from the formulaic romance to keep me interested throughout. The insight into the characters is superb, far beyond the usual offering for the genre. The setting is nicely crafted, a beautiful backdrop for the tale and the ending was satisfying without being saccharine. Now I see why Victoria is so well regarded, she brings freshness to the oldest story in history: boy meets girl.
June 8, 2015
Another fantastic read from local author, Victoria Purman who sets her stories around my amazing home state and describes our beautiful coastlines in South Australia, areas I frequent regularly :)
Love the characters strength and emotions and how their journey evolves, this I have found with all her novels and brings realness to the stories and wanting us, her readers, to take away from her books.
Love the characters strength and emotions and how their journey evolves, this I have found with all her novels and brings realness to the stories and wanting us, her readers, to take away from her books.
August 26, 2015
Essentially this is Sam and Calla's romance story, however delving deeper the issues of dementia, independence, family and loss really shine through. The struggles of dementia really brought a tear to my eye.
May 23, 2015
I loved the characters in this book especially hot Sam! Down to earth, emotional, easy to read book. Loved the relationship between Sam and his Dad too.
September 11, 2015
A very enjoyable book, full of family histories, love, passion.. It made me smile and it made me cry too.
October 15, 2016
you will not be let down reading this book another great story
March 17, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When Calla Maloney steps on the boat to Kangaroo Island, she’s filled with dread. Part of it is simple seasickness but the other part is pure trepidation. She’s not on a holiday but a mission: to track down her estranged brother, who she hasn’t seen since her family splintered two years before.
Firefighter Sam Hunter left the island twenty years ago and has made a habit out of staying as far away as he can get. But when his father’s illness forces him home, he finds himself playing bad cop to his dad and reluctant tour guide to a redhead with no sense of direction.
As Sam and Calla dig deeper into their long-buried family secrets, they discover that no one is an island and that opening up their hearts to love again might be the most dangerous thing they will ever do.
*4.5 stars*
From the descriptions of Kangaroo Island to the complex nature of family relationships, this book is far more than just another "rural romance" novel.
There is one thing that really makes Victoria Purman stand out in the ever-growing ranks of Australian writers is her attention to detail, especially when describing the environment in which the story takes place. Even to most Australians, Kangaroo Island is a bit of an unknown - so to get such a brilliant picture of the location all the way through made getting involved in this story all the more easy. (The end of that sentence doesn't make sense but, well, I know what it means!)
And speaking of the story, let's talk about that. As I said at the start, this is more than just your run-of-the-mill romance novel. Through different characters in the story, Purman is able to shine a light on issues such as family tragedy and dementia, as well as really focusing on the nature of relationships - commitment, emotions, trust etc. There is the usual to-ing and fro-ing between Sam and Calla as they play the "will they, won't they?" game. That was about the only thing that weakened my opinion of the book...
As for the MC's - they were both so identifiable. I am sure all of us can identify with one of the aspects of their characters. We have all been through some tragedy or disappointment in our lives. There are flaws in both Calla and Sam, and the author uses those "weaknesses" to connect with her readers. I really did like Sam. I identified with his feelings of never returning "home" and could sense his discomfort for quite a bit of the story.
All in all, this is one of the best Australian novels I have read for some time. Do yourself a favour and give this one a go. You won't regret it!
Paul
ARH
When Calla Maloney steps on the boat to Kangaroo Island, she’s filled with dread. Part of it is simple seasickness but the other part is pure trepidation. She’s not on a holiday but a mission: to track down her estranged brother, who she hasn’t seen since her family splintered two years before.
Firefighter Sam Hunter left the island twenty years ago and has made a habit out of staying as far away as he can get. But when his father’s illness forces him home, he finds himself playing bad cop to his dad and reluctant tour guide to a redhead with no sense of direction.
As Sam and Calla dig deeper into their long-buried family secrets, they discover that no one is an island and that opening up their hearts to love again might be the most dangerous thing they will ever do.
*4.5 stars*
From the descriptions of Kangaroo Island to the complex nature of family relationships, this book is far more than just another "rural romance" novel.
There is one thing that really makes Victoria Purman stand out in the ever-growing ranks of Australian writers is her attention to detail, especially when describing the environment in which the story takes place. Even to most Australians, Kangaroo Island is a bit of an unknown - so to get such a brilliant picture of the location all the way through made getting involved in this story all the more easy. (The end of that sentence doesn't make sense but, well, I know what it means!)
And speaking of the story, let's talk about that. As I said at the start, this is more than just your run-of-the-mill romance novel. Through different characters in the story, Purman is able to shine a light on issues such as family tragedy and dementia, as well as really focusing on the nature of relationships - commitment, emotions, trust etc. There is the usual to-ing and fro-ing between Sam and Calla as they play the "will they, won't they?" game. That was about the only thing that weakened my opinion of the book...
As for the MC's - they were both so identifiable. I am sure all of us can identify with one of the aspects of their characters. We have all been through some tragedy or disappointment in our lives. There are flaws in both Calla and Sam, and the author uses those "weaknesses" to connect with her readers. I really did like Sam. I identified with his feelings of never returning "home" and could sense his discomfort for quite a bit of the story.
All in all, this is one of the best Australian novels I have read for some time. Do yourself a favour and give this one a go. You won't regret it!
Paul
ARH
October 7, 2025
#187 in 2025
🌶
Calla goes to Kangaroo Island to find her estranged brother
Sam is going to talk to his father about his declining health and living on the farm
After running into each other, literally 3 times
Sam stays with Calla and finds out how easy they get along and how they put each other at ease.
Sam falls quickly for Calla
🌶
Calla goes to Kangaroo Island to find her estranged brother
Sam is going to talk to his father about his declining health and living on the farm
After running into each other, literally 3 times
Sam stays with Calla and finds out how easy they get along and how they put each other at ease.
Sam falls quickly for Calla
July 13, 2018
Loved it!
February 20, 2025
Bookclub choice..... .Rural romance, girl needing something, meets boy reluctant hero, instant chemistry, fall out, fall in, happily ever after. Not for me
November 17, 2025
Most enjoyable.
The characters were quite real.
As an amateur artist I could really relate to Calla. The book makes me want to visit Kangaroo Island.
The characters were quite real.
As an amateur artist I could really relate to Calla. The book makes me want to visit Kangaroo Island.
December 23, 2025
4 ⭐️s
A charming and inviting read.
The Kangaroo Island setting was so vivid, I felt like I was there! I can’t wait to experience the magic of Kangaroo Island in person.
A charming and inviting read.
The Kangaroo Island setting was so vivid, I felt like I was there! I can’t wait to experience the magic of Kangaroo Island in person.
December 19, 2015
“The place felt like a miracle. The air was so crisp and clean that breathing it in made Calla giddy…..to her left, the spindly branches of a gum tree growing on the side of the track reached towards her like an old lady’s arms, the scrubby leaves gathering in clumps and moving slightly back and forth in the breeze, like a slow dance. In the distance was dense scrub, olive green against the bright damp grass. A sliver of aqua sky was visible between the dramatic rolling clouds of white and pale purple”
Only We Know is the sixth novel by Australian author, Victoria Purman. Calla Maloney hates travelling by sea, so why is she on the boat to Kangaroo Island? Her sister Rose may think it’s a wild goose chase, but finding younger brother Jem, who disappeared from their lives two years ago, is enough incentive for Calla to brave the waves. Although it doesn’t stop her seasickness, or temper her embarrassment at being man-handled onto the deck by a gorgeous, but obviously arrogant male. Another male is definitely what she doesn’t need in her life!
Sam Hunter escaped Kangaroo Island twenty years ago, but is having to visit more regularly than he would like to since his widower dad, Charlie, seems to be coping less and less well. Sam is a firefighter and his first responder instinct kicks in when the pretty green-eyed redhead seems to be in distress. But before he can even get to see Charlie, he has several rather too-close encounters with Calla, and finds himself playing the hero, and, when chance drops a clue to Jem’s whereabouts in their laps, insisting that Calla follow it up.
While this is essentially a romance, Purman also touches on important issues: dementia and loss of independence, the real meaning of family, grief, denial and the importance of really listening to each other. Purman’s plot is convincing and her characters are appealing. Calla’s observations about Sam, in particular: “There was something inherently true about the man, something that he’d shown her every day since they met, which couldn’t be undone with a a few terse words” and “Having Sam Hunter in love with you would be like winning the man lottery” and “You’re a firefighter with some kind of professional-hero complex who goes around butting in to everyone’s business and trying to rescue people” ensure that female readers will be falling in love with this hero.
Purman gives her characters very natural dialogue, and this includes liberal use of a certain expletive that, whilst quite realistic, may offend some readers. The cover shows a beautiful view of Antechamber Bay on the island. Purman’s descriptions of Kangaroo Island are wonderfully evocative and will surely increase tourism to this beautiful destination. This is a very enjoyable read. With thanks to GoodReads First Reads program for this copy to read and review.
Only We Know is the sixth novel by Australian author, Victoria Purman. Calla Maloney hates travelling by sea, so why is she on the boat to Kangaroo Island? Her sister Rose may think it’s a wild goose chase, but finding younger brother Jem, who disappeared from their lives two years ago, is enough incentive for Calla to brave the waves. Although it doesn’t stop her seasickness, or temper her embarrassment at being man-handled onto the deck by a gorgeous, but obviously arrogant male. Another male is definitely what she doesn’t need in her life!
Sam Hunter escaped Kangaroo Island twenty years ago, but is having to visit more regularly than he would like to since his widower dad, Charlie, seems to be coping less and less well. Sam is a firefighter and his first responder instinct kicks in when the pretty green-eyed redhead seems to be in distress. But before he can even get to see Charlie, he has several rather too-close encounters with Calla, and finds himself playing the hero, and, when chance drops a clue to Jem’s whereabouts in their laps, insisting that Calla follow it up.
While this is essentially a romance, Purman also touches on important issues: dementia and loss of independence, the real meaning of family, grief, denial and the importance of really listening to each other. Purman’s plot is convincing and her characters are appealing. Calla’s observations about Sam, in particular: “There was something inherently true about the man, something that he’d shown her every day since they met, which couldn’t be undone with a a few terse words” and “Having Sam Hunter in love with you would be like winning the man lottery” and “You’re a firefighter with some kind of professional-hero complex who goes around butting in to everyone’s business and trying to rescue people” ensure that female readers will be falling in love with this hero.
Purman gives her characters very natural dialogue, and this includes liberal use of a certain expletive that, whilst quite realistic, may offend some readers. The cover shows a beautiful view of Antechamber Bay on the island. Purman’s descriptions of Kangaroo Island are wonderfully evocative and will surely increase tourism to this beautiful destination. This is a very enjoyable read. With thanks to GoodReads First Reads program for this copy to read and review.
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