Review of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is an exhilarating romantic fantasy that sets a high standard for the genre. As the first book in the Empyrean series, it masterfully combines action, suspense, and romance in a richly developed world where dragon riders battle for survival. With an intricate plot and deeply engaging characters, this novel is an unforgettable journey from start to finish.

Format & Availability

Fourth Wing is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. For those looking for an immersive experience, the Graphic Audio edition is a standout. With its “movie for your mind” style—complete with sound effects, background music, and a full voice cast—it transforms the story into a vivid, cinematic adventure. The audiobook runs for just over 19 hours, adding an emotional depth that makes it a fantastic way to experience this tale.

Storyline & World-Building

Set in a militaristic society, Fourth Wing thrusts readers into the high-stakes world of dragon riders, where Violet Sorrengail, daughter of a renowned general, faces brutal trials to survive. Unlike many heroines in the fantasy genre, Violet’s character breaks the mold with her physical limitations, but it is her intelligence, resilience, and quick wit that drive her success. The narrative keeps you gripped as she navigates through life-threatening challenges, forging alliances and confronting her vulnerabilities along the way.

Yarros excels at creating a world rich in history and tension, with intricate political dynamics and societal structures. The presence of dragons only intensifies the stakes, adding layers of both danger and intrigue. Fans of unpredictable plots will appreciate that nothing is certain, and the novel’s many twists and turns leave readers constantly guessing about who will survive.

Characters & Relationships

At the heart of the novel is the electric chemistry between Violet and Xaden, a brooding, enigmatic figure with his own secrets. Xaden’s development as a character adds complexity to the narrative, making their evolving relationship one of the story’s highlights. The tension between them is skillfully built, keeping the reader invested not just in the romantic plotline but in their individual growth as well.

Violet’s internal strength, coupled with her vulnerability, makes her a relatable and compelling protagonist. Her character arc is deeply satisfying, as she evolves from a hesitant scholar into a fierce, strategic warrior. Xaden, on the other hand, embodies the classic antihero, but with enough depth and mystery to keep readers eagerly awaiting his next move.

Immersive Audiobook Experience

The Graphic Audio edition takes the emotional impact of the novel to another level. The full cast brings each character to life, while the sound effects and music amplify both the intimate moments and the high-stakes action scenes. Particularly in scenes involving Violet and Xaden, the voice actors deliver nuanced performances that deepen the reader’s connection to their relationship.

Final Thoughts

Fourth Wing offers a thrilling blend of romance, adventure, and dragon-riding that will leave readers breathless. Yarros’ ability to balance intense action with deep emotional resonance makes this novel a standout in the fantasy genre. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for an eagerly awaited sequel, ensuring that readers will be left hungry for more.

Whether you’re drawn to fantasy worlds filled with dragons, or you’re in it for the slow-burn romance, Fourth Wing delivers on every front. Highly recommended for fans of romantasy who crave a story that is as emotionally stirring as it is action-packed.

Romance Books Released This Week by Australian Authors

This week has brought us some exciting new releases from talented Australian romance authors, including some sizzling Mills & Boon titles. Whether you’re into contemporary, historical, or paranormal romance, these books offer something for every reader. Below are the latest releases, with details to help you pick your next read!

1. Title: Tempting Fate

Author: Brooke Turner
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 25, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Paperback
POV: Dual POV
Outline: Tempting Fate follows the journey of Clara, a workaholic lawyer who unexpectedly meets the charming and free-spirited musician, Sam. As Clara struggles with the balance between her career and personal life, she finds herself tempted by the possibility of a future with Sam, though their contrasting lifestyles create conflict. Will love prevail, or will fate have other plans? This heartfelt romance explores themes of sacrifice and personal growth.

2. Title: The Highlander’s Secret

Author: Emily Crosswell
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Audiobook
POV: Third-person
Outline: In the Scottish Highlands of the 18th century, Ailsa MacLeod finds herself betrothed to a powerful but cold clan leader, Lachlan Fraser. When a long-buried family secret is revealed, Ailsa’s loyalty to her clan is tested as she grapples with feelings for another. Filled with adventure, deception, and passion, The Highlander’s Secret is a captivating historical romance that will sweep you off your feet.

3. Title: Stardust Kisses

Author: Zara Quinn
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 28, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Hardcover
POV: First-person (single POV)
Outline: Astrid never believed in magic—until she meets enigmatic space explorer Orion on the verge of an intergalactic war. With Earth in danger, Astrid and Orion are forced to team up, but sparks fly in more ways than one. Stardust Kisses blends sci-fi adventure with a swoon-worthy romance, set in a universe where love might be the key to saving the world.

4. Title: Beneath the Outback Stars

Author: Lily Hart
Genre: Rural Romance
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Paperback
POV: Dual POV
Outline: Set in the rugged Australian outback, this rural romance follows the story of Grace, a city girl who moves to a remote cattle station after inheriting her uncle’s land. As she struggles to adapt to her new surroundings, she meets Jake, a local farm manager with a tragic past. Beneath the Outback Stars is a tender love story about healing, belonging, and the power of the Australian landscape to bring people together.

5. Title: Wicked Games

Author: Jasmine Harris
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: September 29, 2024
Available Formats: eBook
POV: Third-person
Outline: In this gripping romantic suspense, FBI agent Megan Daniels goes undercover to infiltrate a high-stakes gambling ring run by billionaire Simon Drake. As the stakes rise, so do their feelings for each other. But when Megan’s cover is blown, she must decide if she can trust Simon or if he’s been playing her all along. Wicked Games is a thrilling story of deception, danger, and love.

6. Title: Engaged to London’s Wild Prince (Mills & Boon Modern)

Author: Kali Anthony
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Paperback
POV: Dual POV
Outline: Heiress Flora is swept into a whirlwind of luxury when she becomes engaged to London’s most notorious prince, Sebastian. While their engagement begins as a convenient arrangement, the undeniable chemistry between them makes Flora question if Sebastian’s feelings might be real. This seductive Mills & Boon Modern romance is full of glamour, passion, and the intrigue of high society.

7. Title: Her Unexpected Baby (Mills & Boon Medical)

Author: Louisa George
Genre: Medical Romance
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Available Formats: eBook, Paperback
POV: Third-person
Outline: Dr. Charlotte McKenzie’s world is turned upside down when a one-night fling with the handsome Dr. Max Jacobs leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Now they must navigate the challenges of parenthood while grappling with their undeniable connection. Her Unexpected Baby is a heartfelt Mills & Boon Medical romance that explores love, family, and second chances.

Each of these books brings a unique twist to the romance genre, from heartwarming outback tales to passionate encounters in high society. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary, historical, or paranormal romance, or you enjoy the iconic charm of Mills & Boon, there’s a book here for everyone. Grab your favorite format and dive into these captivating love stories today!

Book Review: Deep Diving by Cate Ellink

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback, eBook
Total Pages: Approximately 232

Published: 26 August 2014

Publisher: Escape Publishing
Availability: Available through online retailers like Amazon and local bookstores.

Brief Outline of the Book
Deep Diving by Cate Ellink blends two exciting worlds—rugby league and romance—into a steamy, engaging narrative. The story is written in the first person, drawing readers into the protagonist’s perspective as she navigates an intense and thrilling love affair. With a backdrop of sports and the ocean, it’s a fun, sexy, and spicy love story.

In addition to the romance, the novel introduces the reader to the world of diving, making it not only a love story but also an educational experience. Cate Ellink balances passion with discovery, offering more than just romantic tension but also the opportunity to learn about a new sport.

Why It Stands Out
For fans of rugby league and romance, Deep Diving is a perfect fusion of both. The intimate scenes are tastefully written, with just the right amount of spice to leave you blushing. One of the things I love about romance novels is that they often teach you something new, and Deep Diving does exactly that with its diving elements.

If you’re looking for a fun, flirty, and passionate love story, this book has it all.

Screen Adaptation: Lick by Kylie Scott

The Anticipation for Kylie Scott’s Lick on Passionflix

Fans of contemporary romance, rock stars, and wild love stories are buzzing with excitement as Passionflix gears up to release Lick, the first book in Kylie Scott’s wildly popular Stage Dive series. Passionflix, known for bringing romance novels to life on the screen, is taking on this fan-favorite series, with a potential release date set for December 2024. This announcement has sparked hope that the remaining three books—Play, Lead, and Deep—will also make it into production. As we look forward to this release, let’s dive into what makes Lick such a standout in the romance genre and what we can expect from its screen adaptation.

Lick – A Rock Star Romance with Heart

The story kicks off with an unforgettable premise: 21-year-old Evelyn Thomas wakes up in Las Vegas with a massive hangover, a tattoo, and a husband she doesn’t remember marrying—none other than David Ferris, the brooding lead guitarist of the world-famous rock band, Stage Dive.

Evelyn had gone to Vegas to celebrate her birthday, but waking up married to a rock star was not part of the plan. As she tries to piece together the events of that fateful night, she’s thrust into David’s high-octane world of fame, music, and all the complications that come with it. But what started as a reckless mistake begins to develop into something deeper as Evelyn and David grapple with their undeniable chemistry and the challenges of navigating a public life.

For first-time readers, Lick is not just about the glitz and glamour of the rock-star lifestyle. It’s a heartfelt story of two people trying to find themselves while discovering an unexpected connection in the middle of the chaos. The series as a whole explores friendship, love, and personal growth, with each member of the band finding their own love story in subsequent books.

What to Expect from Passionflix’s Lick

Passionflix has built a reputation for staying true to the spirit of the books they adapt, and Lick promises to be no different. Fans can expect an intense chemistry between Evelyn and David, complete with the emotional rollercoaster of their unexpected marriage and the drama of David’s life in the spotlight. If Passionflix remains faithful to Kylie Scott’s writing, we’re in for a fun and steamy romance with a raw, emotional edge.

Given the rich, character-driven plot, it’s likely the film will highlight the push and pull between Evelyn’s grounded nature and David’s chaotic rock-star world, while also bringing out the vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. Fans of the book will be eager to see how Passionflix captures key moments like Evelyn and David’s initial Vegas encounter, their awkward (but heartfelt) attempts to make sense of their marriage, and the slow burn of their relationship as it deepens.

Hope for the Entire Stage Dive Series on Screen

While Passionflix has yet to confirm whether the other Stage Dive books will be adapted, fans are already crossing their fingers. Each book in the series follows a different band member, offering a unique blend of humor, heart, and heat. If Lick becomes a hit with its anticipated December 2024 release, we might see the next three rock-star romances—each with its own unforgettable love story—get the Passionflix treatment.

Kylie Scott’s readers love the Stage Dive series for its relatable, well-rounded characters and sizzling romance, so there’s no doubt that a successful adaptation of Lick will have fans clamoring for more. Whether it’s Mal’s playful antics in Play, Jimmy’s redemption arc in Lead, or Ben’s quiet intensity in Deep, each book has the potential to shine on screen.

Final Thoughts

With Lick set to make its Passionflix debut in December 2024, fans of Kylie Scott and romance novels in general are in for a treat. This is more than just another rock-star romance—it’s a story about love, vulnerability, and finding your way in the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the Stage Dive universe, this adaptation is sure to be a rollercoaster ride worth watching.

Passionflix has a knack for bringing beloved romance novels to life, and if Lick lives up to the hype, we may be lucky enough to see all four Stage Dive novels come to the screen.

This weeks book releases.

Here’s a round-up of Australian romance books released this week, each offering unique love stories across different genres:

* The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Amanda Ashby

  • Release Date: September 17, 2024
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy
  • Format: Paperback, eBook
  • Synopsis: Amanda Dean’s love life has always been full of mishaps, but things take a hilarious turn when her dating world collides with a supernatural twist. Balancing between her chaotic love life and a supernatural secret, Amanda must navigate quirky romance situations that are both laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming.

* Can’t Help Falling in Love by Bethany Adams

  • Release Date: September 17, 2024
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Format: eBook
  • Synopsis: This touching romance follows two souls who seem destined to be apart but can’t help falling in love. Set in a small town, the characters wrestle with past wounds and current misunderstandings, finding that love has a way of overcoming the odds.

* My Vampire Plus One by CJ Abbott

  • Release Date: September 17, 2024
  • Genre: Paranormal Romance
  • Format: Paperback, eBook
  • Synopsis: In this paranormal love story, a vampire and his human date attend a high-profile gala, only to face old enemies, making their relationship increasingly dangerous. Their unlikely romance must survive both supernatural and personal threats.

* All Too Well by Gemma King

  • Release Date: September 18, 2024
  • Genre: New Adult Romance
  • Format: eBook, Audiobook
  • Synopsis: A poignant tale of first love and heartbreak, All Too Well captures the emotions of youth and the consequences of unresolved feelings. When past lovers are reunited, they must navigate old wounds and find closure or rekindle what was lost.

These new releases cater to a wide range of romance lovers, from lighthearted comedy to intense supernatural encounters.

A Night With Bonnie Torbet

Celebrating Her Debut Novel: Lanterns

It was an incredible evening at the Tea Tree Gully library as debut author Bonnie Torbet introduced her novel Lanterns to a large, enthusiastic crowd. The turnout was particularly impressive for a first-time author, with a diverse audience of both mature and younger women—and even six men, which was a lovely surprise to see!

A Local Author with a Big Dream
Bonnie, a Tea Tree Gully local, captivated the room with her story of persistence and passion. Lanterns wasn’t just a book; it was the culmination of a journey that began in 2012. After writing a first draft that spanned 500 pages, Bonnie set the manuscript aside. It wasn’t until 2019, when her husband Joe found it and encouraged her to revisit the story, that the project gained momentum.

In 2020, Bonnie submitted her manuscript to Writers SA for assessment. The positive feedback she received was a turning point, but the road to publication was still long. After facing 1.5 years of rejections, her perseverance finally paid off when the book was approved for publication.

An Eye-Catching Cover and a Personal Connection
Attendees couldn’t help but comment on the stunning cover of Lanterns. Bonnie’s pride in the visual representation of her work was clear, and it matched the beauty of the story inside. Throughout the night, she emphasized the personal nature of her writing process, explaining that if you’re too embarrassed for someone to read your work, it probably isn’t any good.

Her love for storytelling started young. At just 14 years old, Bonnie read The Pact by Jodi Picoult—her first book for pure enjoyment. That early experience sparked her lifelong passion for literature and laid the foundation for her own writing.

Highlights from Lanterns
Bonnie shared that her favourite scene in Lanterns is the ending. Without giving too much away, she hinted that it holds a special significance for both the characters and her as the author. The emotional depth and resolution make it a memorable conclusion to a story close to her heart.

The energy in the room was palpable, and it was clear that Bonnie’s story resonated with everyone present. The crowd, made up of supportive and kind individuals, reflected the warmth of the author herself.

The Future for Bonnie Torbet
As the night wrapped up, it became clear that this is just the beginning for Bonnie. With the success of Lanterns, many in the audience are eager to see what she’ll write next. Her determination, combined with her genuine love for storytelling, is sure to lead to more captivating novels in the future.

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up Lanterns yet, now’s the time to dive into the pages of a story crafted by a truly talented and local author.

Book Review: Lanterns by Bonnie Torbet

Bonnie Torbet’s Lanterns is a heartfelt and captivating debut that weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set against a backdrop of beautifully described landscapes, the novel takes readers on an emotional journey that explores the complexities of human relationships and the strength it takes to navigate life’s unexpected turns.

Torbet’s writing shines through her character development, with each protagonist feeling authentic and relatable. The story’s pacing keeps you engaged, with a gradual build-up to a memorable and poignant ending—Torbet’s favorite scene in the book, and it’s easy to see why.

One of the most striking elements of Lanterns is its ability to evoke emotion. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or reflecting on your own life experiences, this novel resonates deeply. It’s a story about vulnerability, resilience, and finding light in the darkest of times.

Overall, Lanterns is a promising debut that will appeal to fans of romance and women’s fiction alike. Bonnie Torbet is an author to watch, and Lanterns is a book that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page.