3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed Her Outback Surprise and the community of Spring Downs. This is book2 in the Prickle Creek series about four cousins whose Grandparents own prickle Creek farm in outback New South Wales. They are called back to help on the farm whilst their Grandparents have a well earned holiday.

Liam and Angie’s story is a second chance romance trope. They had previously had a relationship in London breaking up when Angie had to return to Australia. Neither knew the other was in Spring Downs and when they found out they tried hard to avoid each other but fate and Cousin Lucy had other plans.

I absolutely loved Lucy, she was obviously settled in her life and she wanted the same for Liam. They were more like brother and sister than cousins and you could feel their closeness in their teasing and banter. Lucy immediately connected with Angie and I could plainly see that Lucy would remain her friend no matter the outcome with Liam.

‘I need to do something worthwhile. Go back to investigating and reporting social issues.’

Liam was a high flying reporter in London and full of his own self-importance, thinking work on the farm as a holiday break, not a career.

‘Man, I’ve been an insensitive jerk!’ – Liam

It took him a while to realise this and I think Angie was too easy on him.

This was a fun rural romance with plenty of anguish and misunderstandings as we follow Liam and Angie through some fun times together and also plenty of heartache. I think it took too long for Lucy to say ‘I’ve had enough’ and take off.

The book ends with an epilogue that reads like a teaser for the next book that will be about Jemima, Liam’s sister. She doesn’t feature in Liam & Angie’s story only returning to Prickle Creek Farm as the story closes.

Book 1 Her Outback Cowboy is Lucy’s story and I am going to be self indulgent and grab a copy and read it straight away.

Book Feature on my romance blog soon, as part of a series of features on review books I didn't have time to cover before the release date.

https://sonyaheaneyblog.com/

Her Outback Surprise is a well written book about second chances in love. I enjoyed the story and the setting. The author's writing style is very good. I recommend to those who enjoy a good romance.

Starts out slow but pick up throughout the story. Second chance love. Angie and Liam were in relationship until she had to return back home and he decided to stay. They end up meeting again and old feelings are rekindled but both are not confident in giving a relationship a second try. As they face their insecurities and challenges; they both make decisions that would affect their future.

A great addition to the Pickle Creek series! I love Liam and Angie's second chance romance. I loved that both Angie and Liam's POVs were provided--gave great insight to their characters. A sweet, slightly sexy read with great dialogue and an excellent story to keep me coming back for more in this series.

Just over a year and a half ago, Liam Smythe, let the woman he loved return home to Australia. Now though, he's home from London and helping to run the family farm, but never did he imagine he'd run into Angie again. Still, he's not about to let his second chance with her slip away, even if he is planning to return to the city to chase his next big story as a reporter. Will Liam be able to win Angie back, so they can have a second chance at forever after; or is her fear of Liam leaving her again too high for her to give him another chance?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about Liam and his cousins, because it seems none of them ever thought they'd head back to Prickle Creek. Yet, I've got to say that this book continues the series nicely with Liam determined to win back the woman he never should have let get away in the first place. Will Angie give Liam a second chance? However, it was from the moment where Angie and Liam come face-to-face for the first time in this story where things really got exciting, as both are surprised to see each other. Why is Liam back from London? Why has Angie moved to the small town where she works?

As for the dialogue, it was riveting and had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, as it was palpable they were happy together in the past, and going their separate ways wasn't what Angie wanted but she had no other choice than to leave. Moreover, the heroine really surprised with her abiity to resist the hero, even though it's clear she still loves him. I also liked her enthusiasm for her job and that she would do anything to help an animal in need, which is proven by what she does for Liam's dog. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was that she gave Liam another chance once she cleared the air about something he believed that wasn't true.

While the hero, he's done well for himself when it comes to his career and it's understandable why he would want to get back to chasing his next big story, because he's good at what he does, which is proven by what he does to help the townspeople with a problem. I also liked how determined the hero was to win the heroine over once he realized he can't let her go a second time. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is the close relationship he has with his family and that he would do anything for them, which is evident in the moment where his cousin convinces him to do something for her; something he has no idea of doing because he doesn't know the first thing about baking. Will he do his family proud when it comes to achieving something he never thought possible?

Overall, Ms. Seaton has penned another marvellous read for this story where the romance was on the sweet side; the chemistry was fantastic and had me determined to discover how things would turn out for this couple; and the ending had me enchanted by the hero's determination to show the heroine how much he wants her in his life. No way can he let Angie get away a second time. The first time was hard enough, even if he didn't realize it at the time. However, it was the epilogue that has me intrigued for the next book of this series. What is Jemima up to and what's she looking to do? I would recommend Her Outback Surprise by Annie Seaton, if you enjoy second chance romances or books by authors Amy Andrews, Sean D. Young, LE Rico and Rebecca Brooks.

Recently I read and really enjoyed Annie Seaton’s Porter Sisters trilogy so I jumped at the chance to read this one when it was offered to me. I didn’t realise at the time but it’s actually the second of a quartet revolving around four cousins who are “called home” by their grandparents to help take care of the family farm. In the first book, which I haven’t read, the cousins come to an agreement that Liam will stay on and take care of the farm whilst their grandparents enjoy a well deserved holiday. This book begins in London where Angie is leaving to come back to Australia after her visa has run out. She and Liam have been in a relationship for about two years and she wants him to come with her but Liam is far too busy with his job to consider such a thing. Then we skip to recap Liam being called home and cover the decision to stay on, which is probably done more in depth in the first book but was definitely more than enough for me to catch up on what is happening. Fast forward to Liam having been on the farm for a while and he discovers a puppy on his farm. It doesn’t belong to him and appears to have an injured leg, so he takes the dog to a vet in town. Expecting the same vet he’s always known as having the practice, Liam is surprised when he realises that the vet is Angie. And Angie is equally stunned when she realises that her former partner has returned to Australia, something that he wouldn’t do with her.

I found this a really relaxing and enjoyable read. I liked the setting although I did find that Liam seemed to have a lot of free time on his hands for someone who seemed to be almost singlehandedly running a farm! But the small town community feel was definitely there and I found the vet practice to be a fun and interesting setting too. A large portion of the conflict in the book revolves around the fact that Liam believes that Angie is dating someone and in order to protect her heart, it’s a misconception that she doesn’t correct. However the two of them have a very difficult time staying away from each other. They seem to be attempting to do the just friends things but both of them are still very invested. Angie doesn’t want to get involved again because she feels this is a stop gap for Liam, a brief period before he chases his career again and heads for a big city. Angie doesn’t want to be left behind – breaking up with Liam the first time was very painful for her and very difficult and she doesn’t want to have to go through that all over again. And so for a while she allows Liam to continue thinking that she has some vague boyfriend living somewhere else. She knows that she does need to tell him the truth eventually but I sort of didn’t blame Angie for not bothering to correct Liam in a way. She wanted him to return to Australia with her but Liam was too caught up in his career however he did drop that when his grandparents recalled him to the family farm. But to Angie, some year later finds Liam back in Australia – he’d been back for quite a while and hadn’t let her know (presumably because he believed her with someone else).

Liam is a bit pushy for someone who believes that Angie is dating someone else, probably seriously. He’s always trying something – definitely the sort of guy who doesn’t let a chance go by! If Angie had of actually been dating someone I would’ve found it off-putting but she knows she isn’t. Liam does come across as quite torn, despite his taking chances. He frequently muses to himself about her boyfriend but he can’t seem to help himself when it comes to her. Their coming back together is sweet and low key, rather than sizzling hot romance. They do fit well together though and both of them have moved on and changed from what they were in London. For Angie, who doesn’t have a family, she’s come to realise that she could be an accepted part of a big and loving one as Liam’s cousin has definitely taken her under her wing and wants to include her in events and celebrations. And Liam makes a change from big shot city career guy to a slower pace and a reorder of his priorities and what he wants out of his life. When he realises that he could lose Angie all over again, he’s spurred into action.

I liked this – a very nice rural read to escape into for an afternoon. I’ll be looking to finish the series for sure.

7/10

What a sweet second chance romance!

Liam and Angie were together for several years and broke up when she left London and headed back to Australia. She wanted Liam to come with her, but he stayed working. Their breakup broke both their hearts.

There was LOTS of intentional miscommunication and just plain them not saying what they were thinking and feeling. Also, it felt like they rehashed everything in their heads a lot. If some of that had been cut out I'd have been a little happier ;) But overall, a sweet, easy read with a great cast of characters.

*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this with me*

**I received a copy of Her Outback Surprise from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

What do you do when your heart is broken because the man you love decided to stay and pursue the next big story line and you had to go back to Australia? You pick up the pieces and start a new life in the Outback town of Prickle Creek.

Angie Edmonds worked very hard to become a veterinarian and when the local vet retires, she buys his practice. Little does she know that the man who broke her heart also lives in Prickle Creek

Liam Smythe was a reporter with a London newspaper but with the internet quickly closing the newspapers he wonders how long he'll have a job. When his Gran called and asked him to come home he didn't hesitate to return to Prickle Creek not knowing that he lost love with Angie has come back. He regrets putting his career first and letting Angie get away. So when a injured puppy shows up at the farm he decides to take it into town to see the vet. Will Angie be able to guard her heart this time when Lucy decides to play matchmaker for both her cousin Liam and Angie?

There are some funny moments when Lucy convinces both Liam and Angie to help out with the local fair but it'd Willow the puppy that has the cute duty of getting these two adults together again.

This is a great book; this is the second book in the Prickle Creek Series written by Annie Seaton. Angie Edmonds is content with life in her small town. Being alone doesn’t bother her. Really. Until Liam Smythe, the man who broke her heart, shows up at her vet clinic with an injured puppy. Unfortunately, he's just as irresistible as she remembers. When Liam returns to help run the family farm, his enjoyment of the slow life in Spring Downs surprises him. After all, he’s used to the thrill of chasing the next big story. Running into the girl he's never been able to forget is unexpected, and he’s shocked to learn she’s getting married--to someone who's not him. She’s off-limits, but Liam can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous vet and what could have been. But convincing her he’s changed will be harder than finding a needle in a haystack. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

*3 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, but at the same time parts of the storyline seemed to drag on. Angie and Liam keep circling around each other but it takes them so long to get down to the truth of how they both feel.

I liked Lucy as a secondary character and the town fair and the way it all worked was very typical of Aussie outback/rural places and character.

I just felt like it took a bit too long to get to the heart of things between Liam and Angie. They were both bullheaded and I don't know, it just took too long.

I did enjoy the story particularly the last 20% though, and I wouldn't say no to reading more of the series. I just didn't enjoy this as much as other books I have read, but I did enjoy it to a degree.

A nice read from author Annie Seaton. Angie and Liam were likeable from the start and the story was attention grabbing. This is the second book in the Pickle Creek series.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

This is a delightful second chance romance featuring a couple who lived together in London for almost two years before her lack of a work visa necessitated her returning to Australia whilst he remained in London and let her go. Neither fought for their relationship and neither thought to tell the other that they loved them. Liam has returned to run the farm of his grandparents and is enjoying the change of pace. When he takes an injured dog in to the vet, he never expected the vet to be his ex, Angie Edmonds. They still find each other irresistible but with so many misunderstandings between them can they ever be honest with each other and give their love a chance?

This is a lovely story, even though the couple could have done with talking to each other years ago to save them both so much heartache! That actually makes this second chance for them so much more emotional and the story an enjoyable read as they both fight their fears of rejection and finally give their love a chance. There are lots of twists and turns on the way and even a car chase before things can be resolved. It is an emotional, sweet story and a great addition to the series. I’m looking forward to reading future stories in this series.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Her Outback Surprise by Annie Seaton
A Prickle Creek Novel #2

Liam Smythe has been working his grandparents’ farm for ten months when he takes an abandoned puppy to the veterinarian’s office only to find out that Angie Edwards is the person in charge. The two cohabited in England for two years before she had to return to Australia when her visa expired. Liam let her go because he wanted to make a name for himself in journalism. His assumption is that she has moved on and is with another man and she does not disabuse him of the notion. So, for most of the book there is a wanting but not acting and if acting feeling guilty. Angie fears losing Liam to journalism again and Liam thinks he has blown his chance…until a few things come together and the two are given a second chance at a HEA.

This was an okay second chance at love genre romance in which I wondered at times what the two saw in one another…but…by the end of the book I was hoping they would figure out a way to be together and am now ready to find out who Jemima and Sebastian will end up when their stories are told.

Background – the first paragraph from my review for the first book in the series: Four phone calls are made to cousins requesting they return to Prickle Creek. Two men and two women who have found their way into the world and have successful jobs are called back to see their grandfather in hospital. The four are faced with a huge decision presented by their grandmother and my guess is that there will be four books in this series that will star Lucy Bellamy (first), Sebastian “Seb” Richardson, Jemima Smythe and her brother Liam. All have fond memories of time spent with their families on their grandparents’ ranch. All lost their mothers at the same time. All have ties to their ancestral land. But, are those ties strong enough to draw them from their jobs and lives and take on the responsibilities of country life on a large tract of land? That is the first question.


Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Review by Rose for Love Romance Books Blog

I was given this book for an honest review...
I give this book 4 Stars

This book was a cute story and I love how it started off kind of glum with Angie leaving her love, Liam, behind in London. I liked how they met up again by pure accident. However neither of them wanted to get involved with anyone for the fear of being hurt and left alone again. They play the hand that is dealt and try to stay away. However, a cake needed cannot make itself. But the question is, is the secret formula ( and a little help from a cousin) enough for them to put the past behind them? You will have to read it to find out, you may also be a little surprised ;)
This book was a very smooth read. The time line was fantastic and there was no jumping around ( which is fantastic!)

Fist thing that comes to mind is CUTE. This book made me cry and to be honest I don't know why I was crying in the first place.

This is a second chance story full of misunderstanding, lack of faith, mixed signal or not seeing what is right in front of you.

Angie and Liam spent almost two years together in London before she had to return to Australia. What I find it sad that in that two years neither of them had said (the dreaded) 3 little word – I LOVE YOU and they gathered the courage to do that when they almost lost each other again. Too be honest I wanted to smack them both a bit – but then I remembered me at 25 (Angie’s age) and think; OK remember me at that age?!OK we’re good :)

After reading this story I feel the need to tell my husband that I love him more often :)

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

Angie Edmonds and Liam Smythe had a wonderful life together. Well at least Angie thought so. Yet when her visa ran out and she had to leave London and return to Australia Liam chose his job over her. A year later he unexpectedly shows up in her vet clinic looking as good in his farm cloths as he did in his business suits. Liam quickly realized what a mistake he made letting Angie walk away from him but when he tried to track her down he found out she had already moved on with someone else. So why is his heart racing seeing her again??

This was a truly fun read and I loved watching Angie and Liam dance around each other. Very well written with great characters. I think this is a book everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.

This book was a fun read about two people who loved each other but had never admitted it. Liam let Angie walk away from them when her visa expired and she had to return to Australia. He felt his career was more important and stayed in London.

Fast forward a year and they are both in Australia but don't know that they are living so close to each other. There is a bunch of misunderstandings and neither one wants to tell the other their feelings. I was kind of annoyed with Angie that she let Liam keep thinking that she had a boyfriend and had moved on. But I also agreed with her when she tried to keep Liam from getting to close - he had already broke her heart and she didn't want to go through that again. I could also understand her hurt that Liam didn't feel like following her when she had to leave but when his Gran called, he moved.

So many cute parts to the story - Liam finding a little puppy that really didn't have a "job" on the farm, and Liam trying to bake the cake was just too funny! I liked that Liam seemed to have matured since the split with Angie, as he sounded kind of selfish when they lived together. He also realized that his career was no as important as Angie and It was great that he followed her when she ran and proposed!!

I loved that she found such a great friend in Lucy and that Lucy and Garth were a big part of the story. I had not read the first book but am now curious about Lucy and Garth's story! It was a great epilogue that sets the next cousin up for the following book.

It's an interesting contemporary romance novel. I enjoyed reading it. All the characters are good too. Although the ending was kind of anti-climatic but overall it's a good read. Anyone who enjoys a good second chance contemporary romance will surely like this book.

Every once in a while, you just need that perfectly sweet romance with amazing characters and heartfelt emotions. Her Outback Surpries gave that and so much more.

Angie and Liam were in love when Angie’s work visa ran out sending her back to Australia and Liam didn’t offer to follow. Liam was fighting for his career and decided to remain behind.

Liam is called back to the family ranch to help his grandparents and cousins. When he runs across a wounded puppy he takes it to the local vet for care only to discover that his lost love, Angie, has purchased his hometown veterinary practice.

Liam thinks Angie is happy and has a boyfriend while Angie thinks Liam didn’t ever feel enough to keep her when she had to return home.

If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be sweet. It’s the kind of book that left a smile on my face that special feeling that sometimes the HEA is just a page turn away.

I received this ARC copy of Her Outback Surprise from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Bliss. This is my honest and voluntary review. Her Outback Surprise is set for publication October 9, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Annie Seaton
Series: Pickle Creek
Sequence in Series: 2
Print Length: 187 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Publication Date: October 9, 2017
Genre: Romantic Comedy

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Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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