Author: Helene Young
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: 27th May 2015
Pages: 368
Book Source: Penguin Aust & NetGalley
Synopsis: In steamy northern Queensland, Conor is living
under an assumed name and rebuilding his shattered life. Working at Cooktown's
youth centre has given him the chance to make a difference again, and a chance
to flirt with Dr Kristy Dark.
After
tragedy tore her family apart, Kristy fled to Cooktown with her feisty teenage
daughter, Abby. She hoped being part of the small community would help them
both heal, but Abby's sports coach is turning out to be a compelling
distraction.
When
a severe cyclone menaces the coast, threatening to destroy everything in its
path, tensions come to a head – and the weather is not the only danger in
Cooktown. Cut off from the world and with her life on the line, Kristy will
have to summon her courage and place her trust in Conor, or they'll both lose
someone they love.
My Thoughts:
Helene Young's novels are an addictive mix of
nail-biting tension and characters to emotionally invest in. Northern Heat is
no exception, I couldn't put it down, finishing in the wee hours ... the sleep
deprivation was totally worth it J
Northern Heat is definitely a stand-alone novel but
if you've read Safe Harbour you'll recognise Conor as the yachtsman
pulled from wild seas. I didn't pick up on that from the synopsis but I
was so happy to get more of Conor.
Kristy and Conor are two of my favourite
characters; scarred by tragedy but strong, passionate and resilient.
They're portrayed with depth and compassion and I was completely pulled in to
their lives, cheering them on. Whilst the attraction between Conor and
Kristy sparks immediately, I loved seeing their relationship play out naturally
over time.
Helene tackles the subject of domestic violence
with sensitivity, Kristy and Freya's story rang true for me and I read with my
stomach churning and my heart in my mouth. The vivid descriptions of our
Australian landscape show respect and appreciation of the harsh beauty and
diversity, the challenges faced in remote areas, the weather extremes, from
drought to devastating cyclones. Cyclone Kate bearing down on the
community of Cooktown heightened an already tense plot ... talk about building to a
crescendo.
It's no easy feat to advance a plot at a cracking
pace without sacrificing character development and authenticity. Helene Young finds the perfect
balance and makes it look effortless. A favourite read this year.
Recommend: In a heartbeat
I was very excited to have Helene Young as a guest on my blog yesterday. Don't forget to check out her wonderful guest post Winds of Change and enter the awesome giveaway!
this book sounds right up my alley -- I want to read it. Yet again, another review of yours which has sparked a book reading interest for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteaww that's great Deanna, I love being a book enabler lol. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did ... let me know!
DeleteI am definitely reading this one, as it could be read as a standalone I'll begin with it. I need a Y author for one of my challenges too!! Sounds wonderful - can't wait.
ReplyDeleteYay Kathryn, can't wait to see what you think! The 3 or 4 of Helene's books I've read so far have all been winners!
DeleteI need to read more AU books
ReplyDeleteYes you do B ... start with this one haha. I think you'd like it :)
DeleteIt must be good if it's a fav read!
ReplyDeleteYES ... all of Helene's books have been winners for me. Hope you get to try her work Mary.
DeleteThis sounds GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGet on it Julie, I know this is right up your alley :)
DeleteI heard Helene speak last year and she was great. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy her books - too much romance - but you're tempting me!
ReplyDeleteI honestly think you'd love it Deb, well balanced suspense/plot/romance. And didn't you just enjoy Victoria Purman's latest ... stepping outside your comfort zone lol
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