OUTBACK REUNION is the 6th book in the Bunyip Bay series and I’m already hoping there will be a 7th!

This is Gabi and Mark’s story. Mark is a Bunyip Bay boy, but he has been away for years playing first grade AFL (Aussie Rules Football) Now due to a major injury his career has ended, his wife has left him, and he’s returned home to the family farm to come to terms with how his life has changed. Gabi is a circus performer, trapeze artist for the main part, but like any circus performer she can turn a hand to anything. Since the tragic death of her abusive husband she is now a single mother to Luna, and also in line to take over the circus when her father-in-law retires.

When the circus arrives in town, Mark and Gabi bump into each other in the supermarket and immediately recognise each other. Eight years before, the two of them had met in a bar in Melbourne and had a magical one night stand. Gabi had left his apartment before he woke up and he had no idea where she lived or worked. At the time he was invested in his sports career and she was unhappily married but invested to make it work. Now that circumstances have changed they may have a second chance at finding love, can they make it this time? The circus is only in town for a week and though Gabi yearns to settle down in one place she can’t imagine how she could support herself and her daughter outside the circus. Mark knows he has to stay on the family farm so he can’t join the circus. So they agree to spend the week together before Gabi moves on.

This a beautiful romance as both Gabi and Mark try unsuccessfully to think of ways they can stay together at the end of the week. Little Luna is adorable and loves having a social life that doesn’t include working in the circus every night. The romance is worked out against a background of well-meaning friends and family who are both encouraging and opposing the relationship. Author, Rachael Johns also weaves some pertinent current issues into the story such as coercive control, domestic abuse, infidelity, guilt, and dealing with grief and depression.

Bunyip Bay worked its magic again, I loved catching up with familiar characters and seeing how they were after their HEA’s in previous books. OUTBACK REUNION was a great read, Rachael Johns has perfected the art of producing a perfect blend of romance, believable conflict, perfect miscommunication and a happy ever after which will melt the most romance reading resistant heart. She brings the outback community alive and makes excellent use of humour to break up potentially traumatic scenes

Really enjoyed this book alot I loved the found family aspect and the support systems I don't like Dante or Muriel I did find the party a little bit manipulative the only reason this got 4 stars and not 5 is that it took me a while to get invested

In Rachael Johns newest book ‘Outback reunion’ we return to Bunyip Bay, this time recently returned ex footballer Mark is the lead of the story along with circus performer Gabriela. The two have history and quite literally run into each other years later in the IGA in bunyip bay. Full of other characters from the Bunyip Bay series this book is just as well written and enjoyable as the previous books. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Stella, Adam and Heidi as we got to see how there little family has grown since ‘Outback ghost’. This book can be read as a stand-alone or out of sequence but it is more fun knowing the history of the characters in the town. Loved the subtle inclusion of a farmer wants a wife style of dating as Marks bad dream. I would love to read more about these characters and all the others jn the town.

EXCERPT: For one crazy moment, she contemplated staying right where she was, never going back to the circus. Maybe there could be something between she and Mark? Could she give up everything she'd ever known and risk a new life?
But then she glanced around Mark's bedroom, taking in his footy posters and barbell weights in the corner, remembering what he'd said about not really having time for dating, and she knew staying was an even worse idea than what she'd already done.
So, for the second time that night, she snuck out on someone sleeping.
Only this time she wasn't running away from her life, but back to it.

ABOUT 'OUTBACK REUNION': They spent one magical night together, but when he woke up she was gone ...

Eight years later, Gabriela Jimenez is hoping a couple of weeks in Bunyip Bay with the Grand Jimenez Family Circus will give her and Luna, her daughter, the chance to reconnect after the tragic death of Luna's father. The last thing Gabi expects is to run into the man she once knew. Mark Morgan is still as sweet and sexy as she remembers, but Gabi is harbouring guilt and dealing with the grief of her in-laws. She can't afford to let him get under her skin again.

After his successful career in AFL was cut short due to a crushing injury, Mark is struggling to readjust to small-town life and working the family farm. As if this isn't bad enough, his wife's betrayal means he may never be able to risk his heart to love again. Mark couldn't be less interested in the circus that has arrived in town ... until he discovers that the woman who vanished from his bed all those years ago without saying goodbye is part of it.

Will a chance meeting lead to something more?

MY THOUGHTS: I didn't expect to enjoy Outback Reunion as much as I did. It was a book that grew on me as I read and, as I raced towards the end, I was rooting for Mark and Gabriela, hoping that they could work things out and find their HEA.

This is the first book I have read in the Bunyip Bay series, but now I want to read more. I loved the characters in this friendly town and the glorious setting. The fact that this is #6 in the series caused me no problems at all. I assume that each book in the series focuses on a different set of characters.

Outback Reunion is a second chance romance where there are numerous obstacles in the way, preventing Mark and Gabi from making a life together. The circus is only in town for a week and Gabi and Mark agree that at the end of the week they will go their separate ways with no regrets. But during that week, feelings change and both dream of a different outcome to the one agreed upon.

There are a lot of current issues touched upon in Outback Reunion - coercive control, domestic abuse, infidelity, guilt, grief and gaslighting amongst them.

Outback Reunion is slightly spicy but, although I don't particularly like open door scenes and I did skim a little, this felt like a part of the story and wasn't inserted as an obligatory sex scene.

My favorite character was definitely Luna, a kind, savvy and perceptive eight-year-old who has an amazing affinity with animals, particularly dogs. She sure shows Mark a thing or two!

I'll be reading more from this author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

#OutbackReunion #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Rachael Johns is an English teacher by trade, a mum 24/7, a Diet Coke addict, a cat lover and chronic arachnophobe. She rarely sleeps and never irons.
She's been writing since she was 17 when she broke up with her first boyfriend when she turned to writing as a form of therapy for her broken heart. It was enlightening to realise that with writing she could create whatever ending she liked.
Rachael lives in the Swan Valley with her hyperactive husband, three mostly-gorgeous heroes-in-training, two ravenous cats, a cantankerous bird and a very badly-behaved dog.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Outback Reunion by Rachael Johns for review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own personal opinions.

Outback Reunion by Rachael Johns is due for publication October 30, 2024.

Eight years ago, Gabriela Jimenez spent an unforgettable night with Mark Morgan in Melbourne. When she travels through Bunyip Bay with the Grand Jimenez Family Circus, with Luna, her daughter, she doesn’t expect to run into Mark, who is just as she remembered. However, Gabi is harbouring guilt and dealing with the grief of her in-laws, over the loss of their son and her husband. Determined to avoid things getting complicated with mark, she does her best to avoid him. Likewise, Mark is struggling with his return to the family farm, after his successful career in AFL was cut short due to an injury and his wife’s infidelity. Yet when he spends time with Gabi again, he realises that his heart isn’t closed off to romance, as he thought.
The romance between Gabi and Mark was so sweet to read. This romance was made all the more enjoyable from the interactions with Mark’s friends, who draw Gabi and Luna into their lives. I found the circus life quite well integrated into this storyline, revealing the challenges faced by Gabi and her struggle to escape its confines. An entertaining read.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It was wonderful being back in Bunyip Bay with so many old friends and new ones when the circus comes to town, this is a fabulous story come along and get to know Mark Morgan and Gabriela Jimenez and join them in a journey filled with lots of ups and downs, they had one very sensual night together eight years ago, never thinking they would meet up again but when they do the spark is still there.

Mark had moved on from that beautiful night together he concentrated on his AFL career and was doing exceptionally well, he put Gabriela behind him and married but never forgot Gabriela, but when an injury cuts short is footy career, his wife decided moving to Bunyip Bay and spending her life on a farm was not for her, and moved on with someone else, Mark was not in a good place when returning home, but the circus is in town and the one person he never thought to see again is here in Bunyip Bay.

Gabi has been with the circus forever and the owners have bought her up as their own since the death of her mother, living with Dante heir to the circus Gabi is now a mother to seven year old Luna and also a widow, the circus arrives in Bunyip Bay and Gabi is looking forward to having a sort of holiday while doing her high wire act, the last person she expects to see is the man she has never forgotten the man who showed her what making love was really like, but Gabi cannot get close to him there is so much going on in Gabi’s life.

This is a beautiful romance filled with emotion as Gabi and Mark get reacquainted with each other neither start out looking for a future together it can only be while the circus is in town but the more time they spend together the harder it is going to be to say goodbye, for Gabi Mark is such a caring, sexy and gorgeous guy but she has Luna and their future to think of and Mark is struggling with losing his career but he soon realizes that being with Gabi is what he needs can he convince her that being together is what they both need and want?

Rachael Johns has again taken me on a fabulous journey, she never disappoints and I loved this one, I do highly recommend this one, a must read story filled with fabulous characters and I do love Bunyip Bay.

My thanks to Harlequin HQ and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

I'm so thankful to have received an early copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it and sharing my honest review.

It was so easy to get lost in the small town of Bunyip Bay again. Being that this is book 6 in the Bunyip Bay series, I highly recommend the entire series, as much loved characters from previous books make appearances that are sure to make you smile.

Gabi and Mark have an incredible journey and watching it unfold on the pages of this book was very beautiful. Rachael Johns did an excellent job at setting the scene of circus life and what it that means for Gabi and her daughter Luna. She also wrote such beautiful character development, particularly with Gabi. Mark was such a great character to read about also.

This book (and series) is a very easy 5 star for me and I really encourage you to pick it up!

Thanks again, NetGalley, Harlequin Aus and Rachael Johns.

In typical Rachael Johns style she delivers another perfectly executed, warm, engaging rural romance. This Outback series is something to saviour and enjoy, I’m one reader that hopes it goes forever!

It was exciting returning to Bunyip Bay! In Outback Reunion eight years ago Gabi and Mark spent a steamy night together and haven't seen each other since. That is until Mark is home working on the family farm after a injury ended his AFL career and Gabi and her daughter Luna are in town performing in the circus. The chemistry between Mark and Gabi is undeniable and I got frustrated that they kept trying to fight it! Luna is adorable and the animals have a edge that is quirky especially loud mouth, he had me laughing more than once. A outback romance that is definitely worth the read!

I was hesitant to pick up Outback Reunion since I hadn’t read the other books in the Bunyip Bay series. However, I heard it could be enjoyed as a standalone, so I decided to give it a try—and I’m so glad I did! While I hadn’t read the previous books, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this one. I loved getting to know the characters of Bunyip Bay, and I’ve now purchased books 1-5 to dive deeper into the series!

The story follows Mark, a former AFL star, and Gabi, a circus performer and the daughter-in-law of the circus owner. Eight years ago, they shared a passionate night together when Gabi sneaked out of the circus in Melbourne and into a bar where she met Mark. But Gabi disappeared on him that night, and life moved on… until the circus lands in Bunyip Bay and the two cross paths again.

I really enjoyed the way Mark and Gabi’s relationship evolved. Gabi’s daughter Luna was such a fun and lively character, and I loved getting a peek into the world of circus life. This was such a heartwarming, feel-good story.

I love Rachael Johns. Her writing style just flows. I've read several of her books but none of the Bunyip Bay series. I had hoped to read them before I got to this book but know it also works as a standalone novel. I didn't feel that I missed out on anything by not having read the previous books (but will certainly get to them asap)!

I read this book over one afternoon/evening/early morning as I just couldn't tear myself away from it.
Gabi is such a wonderful, real woman and Mark sounds like every girls dream man.

I'll try not to reveal any spoilers but I love how the people of Bunyip Bay look out for each other, even if it does get a bit much at times with everyone knowing your business!

The details of life in a circus were very interesting, with glimpses into life on the road, setting up, rehearsing etc. I think everyone dreams of running away and joining the circus at some stage in their life.

The issues dealt with in the novel around domestic violence were totally relevant and very well handled. It is unfortunately too prevalent these days so it's great to see these wonderful characters standing up for what's right and calling it out.

Congratulations Rachael on another fantastic book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for giving me this book for an honest review. I’ve read a lot of Rachael’s books and have loved all of them and once again this book was great. Book 6 set in Bunyip Bay with former footballer Mark and circus performer Gabriela, the girl Mark thought he’d never see again after a hot night together 8 years earlier.

Mark moved back to his childhood town of Bunyip Bay after the early ending of his football career and had settled back into life on the farm when Gabriela turns up with the circus she’s grown up with and they quite literally bump into each other outside the local IGA.

The main characters are so likeable and it was like watching their story and lives develop while sitting on the outskirts. Such great characters and another wonderful book by Rachael Johns.

It was such a delight to return to Bunyip Bay for Mark & Gabi’s story. They both seemed such genuinely nice people and their story was heartfelt. I love how the characters from earlier books in this series made an appearance. I now know so much more about life in the circus than I ever thought I would!

Rachael Johns you’ve done it again! Another fantastic book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved returning to Bunyip Bay and this is the sixth book in the popular series and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Eight years ago Gabriela Jimenez and Mark Morgan spent one steamy night together in Melbourne and they haven’t seen each other since and the situation is about to change.

After ten years of being an AFL football player, Mark’s career has come to an end with another injury and he’s been delisted and moves back to the family property. He’s struggling to adjust to being a farmer again and even though this was always his retirement plan. Gabi is an aerial performer in the Grand Jimenez Family Circus, a widow and has a daughter Luna and their busy setting up the circus in Bunyip Bay.

Mark and Gabi bump into each other and it’s bound to happen in a small town and with one supermarket! They discover they’re still attracted to each other and the chemistry is intense, but he’s in the middle of a divorce and Gabi’s parents-in-law own the travelling circus and it's her daughter's inheritance. Bunyip Bay is a quaint place, sure it has a few busy bodies and a bush telegraph, but it's charming and has lovely community spirit and people and a beautiful beach.

I received a copy of Outback Reunion by Rachael Johns from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The narrative is full of interesting information about how a circus is set up, run and operated, and it looks at what happens to AFL players when they finish playing footy and struggles they face. I love well written and realistic Australian fiction, highlighting the Aussie way of life and I’m a huge football fan.

I really liked Mark and Gabi’s characters and you will to and nothing beats sitting back and reading about two people trying to ignore the sparks flying between them and chemistry and waiting for them to get their act together. Five stars from me and I highly recommend Outback Reunion and Rachael Johns previous book Outback Secrets, and she’s certainly one of Australia’s bestselling fiction authors and most consistent and the funniest and once again Ms. Johns nailed it.

2.5⭐️

Empezó mal, pero esperaba que mejorarse, cosa que no pasó.


Gabriela y Mark se conocieron, se gustaron y tuvieron sexo, parecía el comienzo de un instalove, sino fuera porque ella ya tenía novio y no pensaba dejarlo.


Creo que mi mayor problema fue que Gabi trabajaba en un circo, no pensaba salirse a pesar de que no le encantaba y no le importaba que su hija repetiría su historia de que no le quedara de otra que trabajar ahí.


Hay temas delicados que no siento que se le diera el trato e importancia que merecian: violencia doméstica y violación.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.