Review summary: Rachael Johns has returned to Bunyip Bay, and number 5 in the series is sure to exceed reader expectations. A great addition to the series that will bring new fans to the Rachael Johns (and Bunyip Bay) fan club.

Star rating: 4.5/5

** Content warning: this book may trigger traumatic memories, cause anxiety or may upset some readers due to references of aircraft safety and gun violence.

Bunyip Bay is a small country town in regional Western Australia with a run of creating perfect couples in the last few years. However, romance is the last thing on the minds of agricultural pilot Henrietta Forward and publican Liam Castle. When Henrietta returns home for Christmas with a secret, her family’s pressure to find a man leads to her world colliding with Liam. A female companion, let alone a girlfriend from the local community isn’t what Liam wants for Christmas. Next thing Liam knows he’s in a fake relationship and is on a mission to convince the town the love is real. The magic that is Bunyip Bay brings these two together in a way neither thought possible. But can it last?

Henri is a complicated character, and her relationship with her family is something a lot of readers can relate to (pressure to settle down and start a family). She is a strong female character who works in a male-orientated profession; her strength is relatable and showcases one of the many things Johns does well – gives us strong female leads who are vulnerable, life-like and elicit empathy.

Liam, the publican, is a character that makes many minor appearances in books 1-4 in the series, and his story is intriguing. This mystery helps drive the plot, and it is a nice change in the plot to see the ‘farming’ component is the heroine. The exploration of Liam makes him one of my favourite Bunyip Bay males. Although his actions are frustrating at times, they only build your empathy and love for him.

The plot of this book sounds like a rom-com out of the 90s or early 2000s (which I consider some of the greatest films ever made, and part of the reason I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book).

Outback Secrets sees Johns take a different approach to the love scenes in this book than she previously has. I won’t give spoilers, but I did enjoy the change in writing, pace and style. This changed helped drive the chemistry between the main characters, wider plot development.

As a reader of the Bunyip Bay series, I enjoyed all of the insights into characters we’ve previously met to see how their stories have continued a few years on. For new readers they may find it confusing, however this is a risk when you don’t read a series in sequential order.

Overall, Johns takes us on a journey with two characters you fall in love with, and you find yourself hoping they realise what is in front of them. A charming book that is just as enjoyable when re-read.

The only negative I have for this book is that I’ve already read it (twice) and there has been no announcement about a sixth.

Thank you to NetGallery and Harlequinn Australia for the opportunity to review this book.

Enjoyed the story, interesting how bringing in depression and all its side effects can be dealt with, if the right circumstances prevail. Love Rex the character taking on the role of benefactor lot more to him than anyone sees. Both main characters have their traumas, I enjoyed watching them unfold to becoming a wonderful life together. Thanks for another great read.