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Boys of Summer #1
Nobody But Him
At the age of eighteen, Julia Jones left her hometown — the small beachside town of Middle Point — with a head full of grand plans. Plans for an exciting life in a town that didn’t involve a main street with one pub or a particular boy named Ryan Blackburn.
But after fifteen years and a lifetime later, Julia’s forced to put her career and big-city life on hold when she returns home to finalise her mother’s estate. Which is exactly where she runs smack-bang into the town’s hero, Ry. As in Ryan Blackburn.
The sensible thing to do? Stay the hell away from him and head back to Melbourne as fast as her stilettos can carry her! But instead, Julia finds his offer of a helping hand and a hot body too delicious to refuse.
Soon, Julia’s ignoring her better judgement and diving into an ‘I’ll think about it tomorrow’ fling with Ry. But what she doesn’t realise is that tomorrow has a way of sneaking up on you...and that saying goodbye to her home town — and to Ry — is so much harder the second time around.
But after fifteen years and a lifetime later, Julia’s forced to put her career and big-city life on hold when she returns home to finalise her mother’s estate. Which is exactly where she runs smack-bang into the town’s hero, Ry. As in Ryan Blackburn.
The sensible thing to do? Stay the hell away from him and head back to Melbourne as fast as her stilettos can carry her! But instead, Julia finds his offer of a helping hand and a hot body too delicious to refuse.
Soon, Julia’s ignoring her better judgement and diving into an ‘I’ll think about it tomorrow’ fling with Ry. But what she doesn’t realise is that tomorrow has a way of sneaking up on you...and that saying goodbye to her home town — and to Ry — is so much harder the second time around.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
18 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Purman
39 books429 followersVictoria Purman is an Australian bestselling author.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 17, 2016
With the passing of her mother Julia Jones returns to her childhood home in Middle Point. Julia knows she has to sell the house and although she has been away from the area for fifteen years she still feels a strong connection to the place.
The last person Julia ever imagined running into whilst helping out her friend Lizzie on a Saturday night at the local pub was Ryan Blackburn. Julia knows the best thing to do is to stay as far away from Ryan as possible, but it appears this may not be as easy as she thought. Can Julia get what she needs to get done and head back to Melbourne without getting involved with Ryan or will the history and the feelings they once had for one another return?
This is the first book I've read by Aussie author Victoria Purman and I must say I found it to be a delightful and a really enjoyable read. If you enjoy reading romance, then this one is definitely for you. Recommended
The last person Julia ever imagined running into whilst helping out her friend Lizzie on a Saturday night at the local pub was Ryan Blackburn. Julia knows the best thing to do is to stay as far away from Ryan as possible, but it appears this may not be as easy as she thought. Can Julia get what she needs to get done and head back to Melbourne without getting involved with Ryan or will the history and the feelings they once had for one another return?
This is the first book I've read by Aussie author Victoria Purman and I must say I found it to be a delightful and a really enjoyable read. If you enjoy reading romance, then this one is definitely for you. Recommended
April 27, 2017
Nobody But Him is the first book in the A Boys of Summer series by Victoria Purman. Nobody But Him is about Julia Jones who had dreams to leave the small coastal town of Middle Point to find her a better life. However, one summer age eighteen Julia fell in love with the twenty-year-old city boy Ryan Blackburn. Both Julia and Ryan had different ideas and dreams, so they part ways.
Julia fifteen years need to come home after her mother died and found out Ryan lives next door and owns the Pub. Readers will follow how Julia and Ryan rekindle their love.
Nobody But Him is lovely easy to read romance story highlighting that you can full fill your dreams without denying yourself of love. I enjoy the way Victoria Purman portrayed Ryan and Julia. Also, the way Victoria Purman intertwines Lizzie and Ryan's mum into the story. Readers of Nobody But Him will learn the importance of friendship.
I recommend this book.
Julia fifteen years need to come home after her mother died and found out Ryan lives next door and owns the Pub. Readers will follow how Julia and Ryan rekindle their love.
Nobody But Him is lovely easy to read romance story highlighting that you can full fill your dreams without denying yourself of love. I enjoy the way Victoria Purman portrayed Ryan and Julia. Also, the way Victoria Purman intertwines Lizzie and Ryan's mum into the story. Readers of Nobody But Him will learn the importance of friendship.
I recommend this book.
June 3, 2014
After a tumultuous few months with a gorgeous twenty-year-old by the name of Ryan Blackburn, Julia Jones decided to leave her home town of Middle Point, on the south coast not too far from South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide. She had plans for a big future; a career which would turn her into somebody – she knew if she stayed in Middle Point she would never amount to anything. So despite her longing for a future with Ryan, plus leaving her mother behind, she headed to the big smoke of Melbourne, Victoria.
Fifteen years later Julia had to return to her home town as her mother had passed away and she needed to settle her affairs, sell her childhood home and cut all ties to Middle Point forever. But things weren’t as easy as she thought they would be. The lingering memories of her beloved Mum were in the house everywhere – she just didn’t know if she could make the decision she needed to make. Plus her best friend Lizzie was a part of Middle Point – always had been, always would be.
When helping Lizzie out by waitressing in the local pub one Saturday night she was not amused by the constant heckling of a group of out-of-towners – suddenly she froze with shock. The deep, sexy voice she heard was familiar – was that Ryan Blackburn? What was he doing here in the pub, here in Middle Point?
And so began the torment as the air sizzled between the two of them every time Julia and Ryan happened to bump into each other. Her determination to stay away from Ryan, get the job done and get back to Melbourne didn’t seem to be working – everywhere she turned it seemed Ryan was there. What would happen to Julia? Would it be a repeat of the heartache of fifteen years ago?
I quite enjoyed this fluffy, chick-lit romance. It was predictable and clichéd in places but lightly entertaining. If you’re a lover of romance, I would highly recommend Nobody But Him by Aussie author Victoria Purman.
Fifteen years later Julia had to return to her home town as her mother had passed away and she needed to settle her affairs, sell her childhood home and cut all ties to Middle Point forever. But things weren’t as easy as she thought they would be. The lingering memories of her beloved Mum were in the house everywhere – she just didn’t know if she could make the decision she needed to make. Plus her best friend Lizzie was a part of Middle Point – always had been, always would be.
When helping Lizzie out by waitressing in the local pub one Saturday night she was not amused by the constant heckling of a group of out-of-towners – suddenly she froze with shock. The deep, sexy voice she heard was familiar – was that Ryan Blackburn? What was he doing here in the pub, here in Middle Point?
And so began the torment as the air sizzled between the two of them every time Julia and Ryan happened to bump into each other. Her determination to stay away from Ryan, get the job done and get back to Melbourne didn’t seem to be working – everywhere she turned it seemed Ryan was there. What would happen to Julia? Would it be a repeat of the heartache of fifteen years ago?
I quite enjoyed this fluffy, chick-lit romance. It was predictable and clichéd in places but lightly entertaining. If you’re a lover of romance, I would highly recommend Nobody But Him by Aussie author Victoria Purman.
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December 21, 2018Victoria's stories are filled with realistic characters that make you smile.
Julia is a small town girl who fled her past to build a new glam life in Melbourne.
Ry is the hotshot city boy who captured her heart one summer many years ago.
When the two reunite in the town that sparked their romance...a lovely romance unfolds.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
Julia is a small town girl who fled her past to build a new glam life in Melbourne.
Ry is the hotshot city boy who captured her heart one summer many years ago.
When the two reunite in the town that sparked their romance...a lovely romance unfolds.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
November 22, 2015
Langsam aber sicher werd ich ein Fan von australischer ConRom ♥ :)
Middle Point ist eine dieser Küstenkleinstädte, in die die wohlhabenden Städter kommen, um den Sommer am Strand zu genießen und aus denen die Jugendlichen abwandern, um ihr Glück in der Großstadt zu versuchen. Auch Julia Jones ist eine von ihnen. Mit 18, kurz nach dem Unfalltod ihres Vaters, kehrt sie ihrer Heimatstadt den Rücken, um in Melbourne zu studieren und um insgeheim nicht so wie ihre Mutter zu enden. Mit ihrer Abreise bricht sie allerdings das Herz von Ryan „Ry“ Blackburn, einem Touristen aus Adelaide, mit dem sie mehr als nur eine Sommerliebe verbindet.
15 Jahre später kehrt Julia zum ersten Mal nach Middle Point zurück, um das Haus ihrer nun verstorbenen Mutter für den Verkauf vorzubereiten und somit alle Verbindungen zu ihrer Heimatstadt zu kappen. Doch das ist leichter gesagt als getan: überall gibt es Erinnerungen an ihre Mutter und ihre Kindheit; sie trifft ihre beste Freundin Lizzie wieder, die im Middle Point Pub arbeitet sowie Ry, der nun ein erfolgreicher Unternehmer ist und mittlerweile ein Haus in der Kleinstadt besitzt. Die Anziehung zwischen ihnen besteht auch nach 15 Jahren noch, doch Ry ist immer noch wütend über ihre Flucht. Trotz der Abmachung, sich aus dem Weg zu gehen, treffen die beiden immer wieder aufeinander. Doch auch diesmal kann und will Julia nicht bleiben und so scheint ein erneutes Aufleben ihrer Affäre eine wirklich schlechte Idee. Doch wer konnte sich jemals gegen die Liebe wehren?
Julia Jones hat die Stadt damals verlassen, weil sie wahrgenommen werden wollte. Hier in Middle Point, das im Sommer von den Städtern überrannt wurde, fühlte sie sich stets von den Urlaubern belächelt bzw. von oben herab behandelt. Um selbst etwas zu erreichen, geht sie daher an die Uni nach Melbourne. Doch so wie sie es sich vorgestellt hat, ist die erste Zeit dort nicht, denn anstelle von Spaß und vielen Freunden, arbeitete sie hart für ihren Erfolg. Jetzt hat sie allerdings einen tollen, wichtigen Beruf und sich ein schönes Leben in der Stadt aufgebaut. Sie hat daher nicht das geringste Bedürfnis, in ihre Heimatstadt zurückzukehren. Als sie wieder dort ist, muss sie sich allerdings eingestehen, dass nicht alle Erinnerungen schlecht sind und dass sie genau zu der Person geworden ist, die sie früher verabscheut hat. Julia muss darüber nachdenken, was sie wirklich will und ob dieses Leben nicht auch Ry inkludiert. Ich mochte Julia sehr gerne, vor allem weil sie sich im Laufe der Geschichte weiterentwickelt und sich nicht davor scheut, ihre Fehler und Vorurteile einzugestehen, auch wenn es manchmal nicht einfach ist. Sie ist ein sympathischer und liebenswerter Charakter.
Dasselbe gilt für Ry. Mit seinen 20 Jahren hat er Julia wirklich geliebt und war am Boden zerstört aber auch wütend darüber, dass sie ihn, ohne einen weiteren Blick zurück, verlassen hat. Daher fand ich ihr erstes überraschendes Aufeinandertreffen im Pub sehr unterhaltsam und konnte auch seine intuitive Reaktion nachvollziehen. Beide sind stur und voller Vorurteile. Allerdings ändert sich Rys Verhalten sofort, als er den wahren Grund für Julias Rückkehr erfährt. Auch diese Entwicklung fand ich sehr schön, denn sie zeigt, dass er - trotz allem, was in ihrer gemeinsamen Vergangenheit passiert ist – noch immer für sie da ist. Schnell wird beiden klar, dass die alten Gefühle und Missverständnisse noch existieren. Doch ihre beiden besten Freunde Dan und Lizzie machen den beiden subtil klar, dass sie für einander bestimmt sind. Und das sind sie meiner Meinung nach auch, denn die Anziehung zwischen den beiden kann man nicht leugnen.
Das Setting fand ich ebenfalls wunderschön: Eine Kleinstadt direkt am Meer. Sandstrand soweit das Auge reicht. Idyllisch. Doch die Autorin bringt auch die städtischen Probleme wie etwa diesen Kreislauf aus mangelnder Wirtschaft im Winter und den Zustrom der Touristen im Sommer, der die Wirtschaft wieder ankurbelt, sehr gut ein.
Teil 1 der „Boys of Summer“-Trilogie - „Nobody but Him“ - ist gleichzeitig auch Victoria Purmans Debütroman. Ebenso wie Tracey Alvarez schafft sie es, trotz der für Romanzen typischen Missverständnisse eine realitätsnahe, schöne Contemporary Romance zu schreiben, die für mich nie kitschig gewesen ist. Ich bin auf jeden Fall ein großer Fan von australischen Autorinnen geworden. Alles in allem ist „Nobody but Him“ eine leichte, angenehme Sommer-Romanze, die ich jedem gerne weiterempfehle. Ich habe mittlerweile mit Teil 2 – „Someone like You“ begonnen, der sich um Dan und Lizzie dreht.
Middle Point ist eine dieser Küstenkleinstädte, in die die wohlhabenden Städter kommen, um den Sommer am Strand zu genießen und aus denen die Jugendlichen abwandern, um ihr Glück in der Großstadt zu versuchen. Auch Julia Jones ist eine von ihnen. Mit 18, kurz nach dem Unfalltod ihres Vaters, kehrt sie ihrer Heimatstadt den Rücken, um in Melbourne zu studieren und um insgeheim nicht so wie ihre Mutter zu enden. Mit ihrer Abreise bricht sie allerdings das Herz von Ryan „Ry“ Blackburn, einem Touristen aus Adelaide, mit dem sie mehr als nur eine Sommerliebe verbindet.
15 Jahre später kehrt Julia zum ersten Mal nach Middle Point zurück, um das Haus ihrer nun verstorbenen Mutter für den Verkauf vorzubereiten und somit alle Verbindungen zu ihrer Heimatstadt zu kappen. Doch das ist leichter gesagt als getan: überall gibt es Erinnerungen an ihre Mutter und ihre Kindheit; sie trifft ihre beste Freundin Lizzie wieder, die im Middle Point Pub arbeitet sowie Ry, der nun ein erfolgreicher Unternehmer ist und mittlerweile ein Haus in der Kleinstadt besitzt. Die Anziehung zwischen ihnen besteht auch nach 15 Jahren noch, doch Ry ist immer noch wütend über ihre Flucht. Trotz der Abmachung, sich aus dem Weg zu gehen, treffen die beiden immer wieder aufeinander. Doch auch diesmal kann und will Julia nicht bleiben und so scheint ein erneutes Aufleben ihrer Affäre eine wirklich schlechte Idee. Doch wer konnte sich jemals gegen die Liebe wehren?
Julia Jones hat die Stadt damals verlassen, weil sie wahrgenommen werden wollte. Hier in Middle Point, das im Sommer von den Städtern überrannt wurde, fühlte sie sich stets von den Urlaubern belächelt bzw. von oben herab behandelt. Um selbst etwas zu erreichen, geht sie daher an die Uni nach Melbourne. Doch so wie sie es sich vorgestellt hat, ist die erste Zeit dort nicht, denn anstelle von Spaß und vielen Freunden, arbeitete sie hart für ihren Erfolg. Jetzt hat sie allerdings einen tollen, wichtigen Beruf und sich ein schönes Leben in der Stadt aufgebaut. Sie hat daher nicht das geringste Bedürfnis, in ihre Heimatstadt zurückzukehren. Als sie wieder dort ist, muss sie sich allerdings eingestehen, dass nicht alle Erinnerungen schlecht sind und dass sie genau zu der Person geworden ist, die sie früher verabscheut hat. Julia muss darüber nachdenken, was sie wirklich will und ob dieses Leben nicht auch Ry inkludiert. Ich mochte Julia sehr gerne, vor allem weil sie sich im Laufe der Geschichte weiterentwickelt und sich nicht davor scheut, ihre Fehler und Vorurteile einzugestehen, auch wenn es manchmal nicht einfach ist. Sie ist ein sympathischer und liebenswerter Charakter.
Dasselbe gilt für Ry. Mit seinen 20 Jahren hat er Julia wirklich geliebt und war am Boden zerstört aber auch wütend darüber, dass sie ihn, ohne einen weiteren Blick zurück, verlassen hat. Daher fand ich ihr erstes überraschendes Aufeinandertreffen im Pub sehr unterhaltsam und konnte auch seine intuitive Reaktion nachvollziehen. Beide sind stur und voller Vorurteile. Allerdings ändert sich Rys Verhalten sofort, als er den wahren Grund für Julias Rückkehr erfährt. Auch diese Entwicklung fand ich sehr schön, denn sie zeigt, dass er - trotz allem, was in ihrer gemeinsamen Vergangenheit passiert ist – noch immer für sie da ist. Schnell wird beiden klar, dass die alten Gefühle und Missverständnisse noch existieren. Doch ihre beiden besten Freunde Dan und Lizzie machen den beiden subtil klar, dass sie für einander bestimmt sind. Und das sind sie meiner Meinung nach auch, denn die Anziehung zwischen den beiden kann man nicht leugnen.
Das Setting fand ich ebenfalls wunderschön: Eine Kleinstadt direkt am Meer. Sandstrand soweit das Auge reicht. Idyllisch. Doch die Autorin bringt auch die städtischen Probleme wie etwa diesen Kreislauf aus mangelnder Wirtschaft im Winter und den Zustrom der Touristen im Sommer, der die Wirtschaft wieder ankurbelt, sehr gut ein.
Teil 1 der „Boys of Summer“-Trilogie - „Nobody but Him“ - ist gleichzeitig auch Victoria Purmans Debütroman. Ebenso wie Tracey Alvarez schafft sie es, trotz der für Romanzen typischen Missverständnisse eine realitätsnahe, schöne Contemporary Romance zu schreiben, die für mich nie kitschig gewesen ist. Ich bin auf jeden Fall ein großer Fan von australischen Autorinnen geworden. Alles in allem ist „Nobody but Him“ eine leichte, angenehme Sommer-Romanze, die ich jedem gerne weiterempfehle. Ich habe mittlerweile mit Teil 2 – „Someone like You“ begonnen, der sich um Dan und Lizzie dreht.
October 6, 2013
I first heard about this book at the Romance Writers of Australia conference earlier this year as Harlequin were running through some of their upcoming books. Nobody But Him was billed as a ‘coastal romance’ (immediately shortened to ‘co-ro’), a new subgenre to take on rural romance. I immediately scribbled down the details in my notebook (and tweeted, just in case) to check this one out. Luckily, a copy arrived shortly after at the local post office, being labelled as ‘2 big 4 postie’.
Yep Postie, you’re right. This book is way too big for ordinary delivery. This book is an impressive debut by Victoria Purman, not just in the coastal romance field, but in contemporary romance. It’s well written, clever, amusing and steamy. Plus it’s set on the gorgeous Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
The premise is simple enough – the protagonist Julia returns to the sleepy town of Middle Point to sell her deceased mother’s house. Julia left Middle Point as soon as she could, heading for Melbourne and never looking back. Now highly successful in Melbourne, she’s been called in to help her old friend Lizzie in the local pub. When Julia makes her appearance, she’s told to get out by the owner – Ryan, who turns out to be Julia’s teenage summer love. They didn’t part on the best of terms, but now Ry is a presence in town as a local developer and owner of the ‘ugliest’ house in town. Despite the years, things are still fiery between them – both inside and outside of the bedroom. Will Julia learn to accept that she can’t close the door completely on the past? Is Ry worthy of more than a fling?
I really enjoyed this book. Purman is not afraid to spice things up – there are some great argument scenes between Julia and Ry as well as some love scenes leaning more towards the spicy end of the scale. The language used by the characters is excellent – very realistic and the occasional swearing fits the scene more than just using the ‘f-word’ as an exclamation mark. Julia is a strong woman – some would say too headstrong –she knows what she wants and how to get there. But she’s also not afraid of admitting she’s wrong and apologising where necessary. Ry also has a few quirks to make him realistic but not a cliché – his impulsiveness, strong work ethic and determination to succeed in business. Plus from the descriptions, I can say reliably that he looks very fine in running gear.
Apart from the relationship between Julia and Ry, there are a number of other things going on in Middle Point. Julia’s friend Lizzie is funny and a good friend who knows when chocolate and coffee is required. I’d love to know more about Lizzie’s time in London and what made her return to Middle Point. There’s also a new housing development which ruffles quite a few feathers in town. Ry’s friend Dan also starts off on the wrong foot in town, trying to charm both Lizzie and Ry’s mother simultaneously. Is there a new relationship in the works?
Purman is also exceptionally true to the setting – she describes the Fleurieu Peninsula area in such detail that I almost feel like I’m there again (or want to take another trip soon). She makes it sound unique from other Australian coastal towns and her description of the local bakery is just delicious!
I’d love to see more of Purman’s work, especially set in the same area. Nobody But Him is an assured debut that is well worth the read for its interactions between characters and interesting plot.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Yep Postie, you’re right. This book is way too big for ordinary delivery. This book is an impressive debut by Victoria Purman, not just in the coastal romance field, but in contemporary romance. It’s well written, clever, amusing and steamy. Plus it’s set on the gorgeous Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
The premise is simple enough – the protagonist Julia returns to the sleepy town of Middle Point to sell her deceased mother’s house. Julia left Middle Point as soon as she could, heading for Melbourne and never looking back. Now highly successful in Melbourne, she’s been called in to help her old friend Lizzie in the local pub. When Julia makes her appearance, she’s told to get out by the owner – Ryan, who turns out to be Julia’s teenage summer love. They didn’t part on the best of terms, but now Ry is a presence in town as a local developer and owner of the ‘ugliest’ house in town. Despite the years, things are still fiery between them – both inside and outside of the bedroom. Will Julia learn to accept that she can’t close the door completely on the past? Is Ry worthy of more than a fling?
I really enjoyed this book. Purman is not afraid to spice things up – there are some great argument scenes between Julia and Ry as well as some love scenes leaning more towards the spicy end of the scale. The language used by the characters is excellent – very realistic and the occasional swearing fits the scene more than just using the ‘f-word’ as an exclamation mark. Julia is a strong woman – some would say too headstrong –she knows what she wants and how to get there. But she’s also not afraid of admitting she’s wrong and apologising where necessary. Ry also has a few quirks to make him realistic but not a cliché – his impulsiveness, strong work ethic and determination to succeed in business. Plus from the descriptions, I can say reliably that he looks very fine in running gear.
Apart from the relationship between Julia and Ry, there are a number of other things going on in Middle Point. Julia’s friend Lizzie is funny and a good friend who knows when chocolate and coffee is required. I’d love to know more about Lizzie’s time in London and what made her return to Middle Point. There’s also a new housing development which ruffles quite a few feathers in town. Ry’s friend Dan also starts off on the wrong foot in town, trying to charm both Lizzie and Ry’s mother simultaneously. Is there a new relationship in the works?
Purman is also exceptionally true to the setting – she describes the Fleurieu Peninsula area in such detail that I almost feel like I’m there again (or want to take another trip soon). She makes it sound unique from other Australian coastal towns and her description of the local bakery is just delicious!
I’d love to see more of Purman’s work, especially set in the same area. Nobody But Him is an assured debut that is well worth the read for its interactions between characters and interesting plot.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
October 10, 2013
As a beach bunny from way back the idea of coastal romance (as opposed to rural romance) has a lot of appeal and if Victoria Purman's debut novel, Nobody But Him, is an example of what we can expect from the genre, I am sure more will be added to my burgeoning reading list in short order.
This is the first book in Purman's The Boys of Summer trilogy, a sweet and sexy romance set in a small fictional town on the coastline of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
Julia Jones left Middle Point at eighteen and never looked back. Now thirty three, a successful career minded woman, she is forced to put her life in Melbourne on hold and return to deal with her mother's estate. The last person she expects to run into is Ryan Blackburn, the boy she loved and left behind.
Ry Blackburn is stunned to find Julia waitressing in his pub, it's been fifteen years since she broke his heart and though the hurt and anger at her desertion still lingers, so does his desire.
There is plenty of heat between this couple from the first moment they reconnect and though in the way of all romances there are misunderstandings and miscommunications, Julia and Ry's unresolved history gives the overwhelming attraction credibility. The romance is sweet, flavoured by the nostalgia of their teenage infatuation, but the intimate scenes sizzle.
The development of Julia's character rests on her reexamining the reasons she left Middle Point and recognising the flaws in her perception and I think Purman does this well. Julia is likeable and sympathetic, even with the giant chip on her shoulder. Ry is perhaps a more static character, needing only to admit that Julia is who he wants and be willing to fight for her.
The setting for Purman's series is wonderful, I grew up in a beachside suburb in Western Australia and now live in a small town just minutes away from the coast in New South Wales. I liked the way in which Purman brought attention to some of the issues coastal communities face, like the influx of tourists each summer, necessary for the economy but disruptive for the permanent residents, and the way in the character of the town changes as city dwellers replace humble homes with million dollar beach houses.
I really enjoyed Nobody But Him, it is an easy and engaging romance ideal for a summer's day reading. I'm looking forward to the next story from Victoria Purman - I'm guessing it will be Lizzie and Dan who will find love next.
October 2, 2013
NOBODY BUT HIM is a debut novel and the first of the ‘Boys of Summer’ trilogy; it is quite a feather in a debut authors cap to be signed up for 3 books before the first one even hits the shelves! It took me a chapter or two to settle into the story – but when I did I loved it. Set in a fictional town on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsular in South Australia I am familiar with area having holidayed there myself, although I was there for the wine rather than the surf!
In winter the small coastal towns are left to their own devices and the local businesses struggle to make ends meet until the summer comes around and there is an invasion of city dwellers getting away from it all. NOBODY BUT HIM brings to life this almost symbiotic relationship between the long term residents and the city folk. On the one hand the residents resent the influx of tourists, who take over the town for a few months each summer and then leave as suddenly as they arrive; on the other hand they need the money to survive. Julia left town because she felt that the summer visitors were looking down on her and the other permanent residents making her feel less than important, Julia wanted to be important too so left to go to university in Melbourne where she made a very good life for herself. Back in her home town she has every intention of just packing up and leaving forever, however she gradually comes to face the fact that she has turned into the very type of person she always despised, and that maybe not all the summer visitors are bad, and that maybe there can me a melding of the two factions. Maybe, just maybe she has been wrong about everything – including Ryan. Maybe now is the time to think seriously about what she really wants out of life.
I loved how Julia grew as a character, how she was willing to compromise and see another point of view. The same with Ryan, the story of how he went from being a summer surfie boy to a well-respected business man make interesting reading. When it came to each other though, both Julia and Ryan were stubborn and willing to believe the worst about each other. Gradually as the story unfolds along with some heart in mouth moments the two gradually realise that they are meant for each other. It took some doing but they were surrounded by some very good friends such as Dan and Lizzie – who I am hoping are going to appear in one of the next two book which I will be keeping an eye out for.
In winter the small coastal towns are left to their own devices and the local businesses struggle to make ends meet until the summer comes around and there is an invasion of city dwellers getting away from it all. NOBODY BUT HIM brings to life this almost symbiotic relationship between the long term residents and the city folk. On the one hand the residents resent the influx of tourists, who take over the town for a few months each summer and then leave as suddenly as they arrive; on the other hand they need the money to survive. Julia left town because she felt that the summer visitors were looking down on her and the other permanent residents making her feel less than important, Julia wanted to be important too so left to go to university in Melbourne where she made a very good life for herself. Back in her home town she has every intention of just packing up and leaving forever, however she gradually comes to face the fact that she has turned into the very type of person she always despised, and that maybe not all the summer visitors are bad, and that maybe there can me a melding of the two factions. Maybe, just maybe she has been wrong about everything – including Ryan. Maybe now is the time to think seriously about what she really wants out of life.
I loved how Julia grew as a character, how she was willing to compromise and see another point of view. The same with Ryan, the story of how he went from being a summer surfie boy to a well-respected business man make interesting reading. When it came to each other though, both Julia and Ryan were stubborn and willing to believe the worst about each other. Gradually as the story unfolds along with some heart in mouth moments the two gradually realise that they are meant for each other. It took some doing but they were surrounded by some very good friends such as Dan and Lizzie – who I am hoping are going to appear in one of the next two book which I will be keeping an eye out for.
November 25, 2013
In small towns of Australia, there are two types of people - people who come and go and those who decide to stay there for the rest of their lives and grow old happily living in the same place. For Julia Jones, she decided that she was destined for bigger and brighter things so when she turned eighteen- that was that and she high-tailed out of town leaving behind her mother and her at the time love Ryan Blackburn and never looked back. Now fifteen years later, Julia's mother has died which has forced Julia to return to her hometown and settle up her mother's estate and then her plans are to return back home to the big smoke. However as she spends more time here, she discovers a part of her life that she missed and maybe , just maybe this may be a place for her. Fate though as different options as it chucks in her past Ryan Blackburn. Now grown up , he tends to be the town's hero and bachelor of the year. Ryan though has a chip of his shoulder by the name of Julia Jones and when he spots her it brings in full force the anger he has towards her. Can Julia and Ryan avoid each other until everything is done and dusted or have they been given a second chance at romance and this time realise that they will never be happy without the other ?
Nobody but him is a rural romance chick lit and fans of Karly Lane, Tricia Stringer, Loretta Hill and Rachael Johns will enjoy.
Nobody but him is a rural romance chick lit and fans of Karly Lane, Tricia Stringer, Loretta Hill and Rachael Johns will enjoy.
January 12, 2015
I quite enjoyed this romance, but the book threw me for a loop with some of the plot twists, so I would have to say there were three or four times where I found the plot twist telegraphed, or so completely obvious. Watching the romance unfold was rather interesting, which sometimes led to "No, but that's not ... oh come on, don't be ...". I think I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, the setting was really vivid and made me feel like I was there! I love the fact that this is a small town romance set in Australia that is on the coast not in the bush. Will definately be reading the next books by this author.
January 11, 2014
First 5 star of the year!!!
Loved, loved, loved it!
Loved, loved, loved it!
November 4, 2013
Julia left her hometown – a small town called Middle Point on the coast of South Australia – for Melbourne and university when she was just eighteen. She had big plans to become something, to lead an exciting life and none of those could come to fruition in Middle Point.
Fifteen years later and Julia is back in Middle Point. She’s been forced to take some time out of her high flying crisis management consultant job and head back to her hometown to sort through her mother’s house and her belongings and finally decide what to do. Her mother died 12 months ago but Julia has been putting this off. She knows that if she sells the house, she’s cutting her ties to Middle Point forever. And now that she’s back there, now that she’s seeing it all again through fresh adult eyes, she’s not sure that she’s ready for that.
It doesn’t help that she’s run into Ryan Blackburn. Ry and Julia had a thing all those years ago, before she left the town and left him. Now Ry is the owner of the local pub and a land developer and he also happens to be living in the house next door to Julia’s. Julia should finish up what she’s doing as quickly as possible and head straight back to Melbourne, especially when Ryan seems hostile…and very unavailable. But it’s a small town and the more they see each other, the more the attraction from so long ago begins to heat up again between them.
Falling into bed with Ryan is delicious but all of the old problems are still there. Julia still doesn’t want to settle down in Middle Point – she loves her job and her busy life in Melbourne. And Ry is about to embark on a big project, something that has Julia questioning their connection and if she knows him at all. However she’s about to discover that walking away from Ry and Middle Point isn’t going to be as easy second time around.
Nobody But Him is Victoria Purman’s first novel and the first in her trilogy to be set in Middle Point, a town on the coast of South Australia based loosely around those on the Fleurieu Peninsula. In this one, Julia has returned to her hometown in order to pack up her childhood home after the death of her mother some 12 months ago. Most of the houses along the beachfront have been sold, torn down and rebuilt as monstrosities but Julia’s mother hung onto theirs. It’s decorated in 70s style kitsch and Julia has to decide if she sells it and lets go of her life here finally or chooses just to rent it out. Despite the fact that this choice should’ve been easy for her, given how swiftly she left all those years ago, she finds herself torn as to what to do about the house.
Julia also finds that her summer teenage fling Ryan Blackburn is a permanent fixture in Middle Point, having purchased the local pub. Although he also runs a development business and has offices in the city, Ry spends a lot of time in Middle Point which means the two of them are forced into seeing each other and discover that the old attraction is still simmering away. Years ago Ry begged Julia not to leave but to his view, she got in her car and drove off without looking back. It’s fair to say that at first, he still harbours quite a lot of resentment towards Julia for leaving him, especially as after she did so, he made a few mistakes. Their first few encounters are a bit awkward but when Ry offers to help Julia with fixing up the house, a truce of sorts appears…and then more.
I really like the whole ‘returning home’ story line, especially in a romance novel and especially where there’s a teenage love involved. However I really wish that in this book, we’d been treated to more of Julia and Ryan from 15 years ago. Purnman does a great job exploring the chemistry that still lingers in the present day, building it up again but I’d have loved a better snapshot from their time long ago, to really see the connection they established. I’d have liked a bit more about Julia leaving too – some of those scenes could’ve really added a more emotional punch to the novel and given the reader a bit of a better understanding about how, 15 years down the track, they were both still so affected by each other.
I really enjoyed the setting in this novel – I haven’t been to South Australia, nor have I read too many books set there, especially out of Adelaide so it was a good opportunity to get to know another part of the country. Middle Point was going through a bit of a change, where a lot of the older houses were being bought up and redeveloped by wealthy people from the city but it still maintained its small town feel and close knit community. That is evidenced by how much people care about the new development and want to make sure it will respect the community and not overdevelop it. It made me want to visit this stretch of the coastline!
The secondary characters in this novel were very enjoyable as well and I found myself really liking Julia’s best friend Lizzie, who also manages the pub for Ry. She’s the heroine in the next novel so I’m definitely looking forward to reading her story.
Nobody But Him is a very enjoyable read and a great way to kick off a trilogy because it has me excited to return to the area and get to know a couple of characters a lot better. Thankfully the wait for book #2 isn’t too long!
Fifteen years later and Julia is back in Middle Point. She’s been forced to take some time out of her high flying crisis management consultant job and head back to her hometown to sort through her mother’s house and her belongings and finally decide what to do. Her mother died 12 months ago but Julia has been putting this off. She knows that if she sells the house, she’s cutting her ties to Middle Point forever. And now that she’s back there, now that she’s seeing it all again through fresh adult eyes, she’s not sure that she’s ready for that.
It doesn’t help that she’s run into Ryan Blackburn. Ry and Julia had a thing all those years ago, before she left the town and left him. Now Ry is the owner of the local pub and a land developer and he also happens to be living in the house next door to Julia’s. Julia should finish up what she’s doing as quickly as possible and head straight back to Melbourne, especially when Ryan seems hostile…and very unavailable. But it’s a small town and the more they see each other, the more the attraction from so long ago begins to heat up again between them.
Falling into bed with Ryan is delicious but all of the old problems are still there. Julia still doesn’t want to settle down in Middle Point – she loves her job and her busy life in Melbourne. And Ry is about to embark on a big project, something that has Julia questioning their connection and if she knows him at all. However she’s about to discover that walking away from Ry and Middle Point isn’t going to be as easy second time around.
Nobody But Him is Victoria Purman’s first novel and the first in her trilogy to be set in Middle Point, a town on the coast of South Australia based loosely around those on the Fleurieu Peninsula. In this one, Julia has returned to her hometown in order to pack up her childhood home after the death of her mother some 12 months ago. Most of the houses along the beachfront have been sold, torn down and rebuilt as monstrosities but Julia’s mother hung onto theirs. It’s decorated in 70s style kitsch and Julia has to decide if she sells it and lets go of her life here finally or chooses just to rent it out. Despite the fact that this choice should’ve been easy for her, given how swiftly she left all those years ago, she finds herself torn as to what to do about the house.
Julia also finds that her summer teenage fling Ryan Blackburn is a permanent fixture in Middle Point, having purchased the local pub. Although he also runs a development business and has offices in the city, Ry spends a lot of time in Middle Point which means the two of them are forced into seeing each other and discover that the old attraction is still simmering away. Years ago Ry begged Julia not to leave but to his view, she got in her car and drove off without looking back. It’s fair to say that at first, he still harbours quite a lot of resentment towards Julia for leaving him, especially as after she did so, he made a few mistakes. Their first few encounters are a bit awkward but when Ry offers to help Julia with fixing up the house, a truce of sorts appears…and then more.
I really like the whole ‘returning home’ story line, especially in a romance novel and especially where there’s a teenage love involved. However I really wish that in this book, we’d been treated to more of Julia and Ryan from 15 years ago. Purnman does a great job exploring the chemistry that still lingers in the present day, building it up again but I’d have loved a better snapshot from their time long ago, to really see the connection they established. I’d have liked a bit more about Julia leaving too – some of those scenes could’ve really added a more emotional punch to the novel and given the reader a bit of a better understanding about how, 15 years down the track, they were both still so affected by each other.
I really enjoyed the setting in this novel – I haven’t been to South Australia, nor have I read too many books set there, especially out of Adelaide so it was a good opportunity to get to know another part of the country. Middle Point was going through a bit of a change, where a lot of the older houses were being bought up and redeveloped by wealthy people from the city but it still maintained its small town feel and close knit community. That is evidenced by how much people care about the new development and want to make sure it will respect the community and not overdevelop it. It made me want to visit this stretch of the coastline!
The secondary characters in this novel were very enjoyable as well and I found myself really liking Julia’s best friend Lizzie, who also manages the pub for Ry. She’s the heroine in the next novel so I’m definitely looking forward to reading her story.
Nobody But Him is a very enjoyable read and a great way to kick off a trilogy because it has me excited to return to the area and get to know a couple of characters a lot better. Thankfully the wait for book #2 isn’t too long!
September 30, 2013
Debut and the first in the Boys of Summer trilogy, Nobody But Him is filled with heartache, regrets and love. Victoria Purman had a fabulous story to tell of a small town girl with only one dream and that is to run away. I loved Ry, the gorgeous successful businessman with such loyalty and passion. Julia is a typical female and only wants to hear what suits her.
Julia Jones is 33 years old and has returned home to Middle Point on the coast of South Australia. Her Mother died a year ago and she has decided it is time to organise her Mother’s things and make a decision on the childhood house. Growing up in Middle Point had been great until her Father died in a tragic car accident and that’s when everything got turned upside down. Her Mother grieved a lot and Julia had to be strong to support her Mother. That was the summer she met Ryan Blackburn.
Ryan Blackburn (Ry) didn’t want for anything. He is an only child and his Father’s successful business allowed the family to holiday during the summer in Middle Point. The summer he met Julia changed him forever. Falling in love and having fun with Julia was the best thing in his life, until she broke his heart.
Julia was eighteen, had big plans and nothing or no one will stand in her way. She needed to leave Middle Point and headed for Melbourne to become successful and prove herself. Driving away from Ry and never looking back, Julia figured she would never see Ry again.
Fifteen years after they last saw each other and Julia is helping her best friend, Lizzie at the local pub waitressing. Serving a table of snotty city slickers, Julia had to keep her tongue in check. The man among the party returned and when Julia looked at him, BAM, it was Ry. Ry was angry and told Julia to leave that she was not welcome in the pub ever again to work or relax.
Living in the small town, Ry and Julia seemed to keep running into each other. It appears they were meant to deal with the circumstances of their teenage romance. Julia walks into her Mother’s house and discovers that Ry lives next door. She had no idea that Ry would live in the ugliest house in Middle Point.
Ry finds out the reason for Julia’s return and feels terrible for her loss. Losing his Father five years ago, Ry knows how she feels. Deciding to put the past aside, Ry helps Julia get the house ready for sale. Painting the living room together and spending the day hard at work, one thing led to another and their attraction overruled everything else. Discovering each other again felt like they were destined to be together.
Ry headed to Adelaide for work and this gave Julia time to ruminate about everything that is going on. She has to deal with her grief for her Mother, the thought of being with Ry again, her life back in Melbourne and all of her memories from the past. Can Julia move forward and be with Ry? What about Melbourne?
Ry has organised the biggest development of his life and it’s in Middle Point. Julia is horrified that he would want to build 500 houses and destroy the small town quality. This is another nail in the coffin for Julia, believing he doesn’t really love this town and is only thinking about money.
After a terrible accident, Julia realises what she is meant to do and where she belongs. She recognises that family doesn’t necessarily mean blood family, but the people around you that love you.
Will Julia go back to Melbourne? Will she break Ry’s heart again? What was she running from fifteen years ago? Will she really sell the house that holds all her memories?
Watch Julia discover what is really important in life and how she goes about changing it. Find out what Ry’s life has been like for the past fifteen years and how he has changed into the considerate, mind-blowingly handsome developer. I always love reading Australian novels and this is no exception. Set in South Australia is something new to me and I loved it. I am excited this will be a trilogy and cannot wait for book two, Dan and Lizzie’s progression.
Julia Jones is 33 years old and has returned home to Middle Point on the coast of South Australia. Her Mother died a year ago and she has decided it is time to organise her Mother’s things and make a decision on the childhood house. Growing up in Middle Point had been great until her Father died in a tragic car accident and that’s when everything got turned upside down. Her Mother grieved a lot and Julia had to be strong to support her Mother. That was the summer she met Ryan Blackburn.
Ryan Blackburn (Ry) didn’t want for anything. He is an only child and his Father’s successful business allowed the family to holiday during the summer in Middle Point. The summer he met Julia changed him forever. Falling in love and having fun with Julia was the best thing in his life, until she broke his heart.
Julia was eighteen, had big plans and nothing or no one will stand in her way. She needed to leave Middle Point and headed for Melbourne to become successful and prove herself. Driving away from Ry and never looking back, Julia figured she would never see Ry again.
Fifteen years after they last saw each other and Julia is helping her best friend, Lizzie at the local pub waitressing. Serving a table of snotty city slickers, Julia had to keep her tongue in check. The man among the party returned and when Julia looked at him, BAM, it was Ry. Ry was angry and told Julia to leave that she was not welcome in the pub ever again to work or relax.
Living in the small town, Ry and Julia seemed to keep running into each other. It appears they were meant to deal with the circumstances of their teenage romance. Julia walks into her Mother’s house and discovers that Ry lives next door. She had no idea that Ry would live in the ugliest house in Middle Point.
Ry finds out the reason for Julia’s return and feels terrible for her loss. Losing his Father five years ago, Ry knows how she feels. Deciding to put the past aside, Ry helps Julia get the house ready for sale. Painting the living room together and spending the day hard at work, one thing led to another and their attraction overruled everything else. Discovering each other again felt like they were destined to be together.
Ry headed to Adelaide for work and this gave Julia time to ruminate about everything that is going on. She has to deal with her grief for her Mother, the thought of being with Ry again, her life back in Melbourne and all of her memories from the past. Can Julia move forward and be with Ry? What about Melbourne?
Ry has organised the biggest development of his life and it’s in Middle Point. Julia is horrified that he would want to build 500 houses and destroy the small town quality. This is another nail in the coffin for Julia, believing he doesn’t really love this town and is only thinking about money.
After a terrible accident, Julia realises what she is meant to do and where she belongs. She recognises that family doesn’t necessarily mean blood family, but the people around you that love you.
Will Julia go back to Melbourne? Will she break Ry’s heart again? What was she running from fifteen years ago? Will she really sell the house that holds all her memories?
Watch Julia discover what is really important in life and how she goes about changing it. Find out what Ry’s life has been like for the past fifteen years and how he has changed into the considerate, mind-blowingly handsome developer. I always love reading Australian novels and this is no exception. Set in South Australia is something new to me and I loved it. I am excited this will be a trilogy and cannot wait for book two, Dan and Lizzie’s progression.
December 5, 2013
I’m a city girl through and through. I was born and grew up metropolitan cities. There would be days though when I love the thought of a Seachange. We love the beach and would happily live by the beach. Then again, I can’t really picture that particular type of life. For me, it’s a Dream; the city is my home. I am surrounded by my friends and family.
The main appeal of this romance is the encounter with your first love once again. Don’t we all have that little bit of wonder in us, how did her turn out to be? Will there still be an attraction? Can we still hit it off? Even if, your heart was broken it was first over. The possibility of a second chance –not only for love, but for life.
Julia Jones ran away many years ago and still is running. Even the encounter with her first love wasn’t quite enough to convince her to stop until something happened which made her face what it is she’s running from and to realise what ‘home’ really means for her.
It’s confession time and I have to admit of having flicked through the ending about midway through the novel. I was determined to be good and go to bed on time and I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to sleep without knowing what’s going to happen sooooo… I took a peek :p In turn, this made me totally impatient in reading the second half of the novel even after knowing the ending! I was impatient to find out when “that” moment will hit Julia, to read “that” moment they’d finally sit down and talked like sensible people, to finally close the novel with “that” feeling of satisfaction and contentment.
I loved that it’s set at an Aussie beachside town including the good ol’ pub. It touches slightly on what life is like at a small town, the good and the bad, though of course, mostly in how it affects the main characters. I very much liked that Ry took the first mature step and I loved the way all was resolved.
This was totally a feel-good sort of story to fulfil my romantic craving. As with all romance novels I read, I also got frustrated with how the plot twists and turns but that’s what romance fiction is all about –the sparks, the tension, the epiphany, and HEA. Nobody But Him is the first instalment of Victoria Purman’s Boys of Summer series and I look forward to her next instalment with great anticipation.
My thanks to Harlequin Books Australia for the ARC copy of book
The main appeal of this romance is the encounter with your first love once again. Don’t we all have that little bit of wonder in us, how did her turn out to be? Will there still be an attraction? Can we still hit it off? Even if, your heart was broken it was first over. The possibility of a second chance –not only for love, but for life.
Julia Jones ran away many years ago and still is running. Even the encounter with her first love wasn’t quite enough to convince her to stop until something happened which made her face what it is she’s running from and to realise what ‘home’ really means for her.
It’s confession time and I have to admit of having flicked through the ending about midway through the novel. I was determined to be good and go to bed on time and I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to sleep without knowing what’s going to happen sooooo… I took a peek :p In turn, this made me totally impatient in reading the second half of the novel even after knowing the ending! I was impatient to find out when “that” moment will hit Julia, to read “that” moment they’d finally sit down and talked like sensible people, to finally close the novel with “that” feeling of satisfaction and contentment.
I loved that it’s set at an Aussie beachside town including the good ol’ pub. It touches slightly on what life is like at a small town, the good and the bad, though of course, mostly in how it affects the main characters. I very much liked that Ry took the first mature step and I loved the way all was resolved.
This was totally a feel-good sort of story to fulfil my romantic craving. As with all romance novels I read, I also got frustrated with how the plot twists and turns but that’s what romance fiction is all about –the sparks, the tension, the epiphany, and HEA. Nobody But Him is the first instalment of Victoria Purman’s Boys of Summer series and I look forward to her next instalment with great anticipation.
My thanks to Harlequin Books Australia for the ARC copy of book
November 5, 2013
I loved, loved, loved the setting, the small fictional beachside town of Middle Point on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. And you don't need to have been to know, Victoria Purman's descriptions are so vivid, you can feel the sea breeze as you take in the stunning view, taste the salt, smell the coast. It's a Sea Change without leaving your loungeroom.
Julia Jones is back in Middle Point to settle her mother's estate and running into her old love Ry Blackburn, plays havoc with her head and heart. Sizzling chemistry mixed with nostalgia, hurt, regret and mistrust, what a melting pot of unresolved history.
Despite Julia having a chip on her shoulder that made me want to give her a good slap, I enjoyed her growth over the course of the book, she wasn't afraid to take an honest look at herself, her perceptions and prejudices and make decisions on what was really important in life. Both Ry and Julia felt very real to me and Victoria Purman sure knows how to turn up the heat, those steamy sex scenes weren't a hardship to read ... nope, not at all.
Nor does the author skimp on minor characters or friendships (I loved Lizzie's humour and loyalty) or the challenges facing residents in a small coastal town, their survival dependent on the influx of holiday season tourists. Kudos to Victoria Purman for a debut novel that feels like a breath of fresh air.
What more could you want?... sand, sea, surf, good love, good friends and good wine. *Sigh* ... idyllic.
Up next in the Boys of Summer trilogy, Dan & Lizzie, I like them already and can't wait to watch their story unfold.
Cover: gorgeous!
Julia Jones is back in Middle Point to settle her mother's estate and running into her old love Ry Blackburn, plays havoc with her head and heart. Sizzling chemistry mixed with nostalgia, hurt, regret and mistrust, what a melting pot of unresolved history.
Despite Julia having a chip on her shoulder that made me want to give her a good slap, I enjoyed her growth over the course of the book, she wasn't afraid to take an honest look at herself, her perceptions and prejudices and make decisions on what was really important in life. Both Ry and Julia felt very real to me and Victoria Purman sure knows how to turn up the heat, those steamy sex scenes weren't a hardship to read ... nope, not at all.
Nor does the author skimp on minor characters or friendships (I loved Lizzie's humour and loyalty) or the challenges facing residents in a small coastal town, their survival dependent on the influx of holiday season tourists. Kudos to Victoria Purman for a debut novel that feels like a breath of fresh air.
What more could you want?... sand, sea, surf, good love, good friends and good wine. *Sigh* ... idyllic.
Up next in the Boys of Summer trilogy, Dan & Lizzie, I like them already and can't wait to watch their story unfold.
Cover: gorgeous!
April 10, 2014
First let me say I rarely read a romantic novel so when I was given this book I was surprised and put it aside for a quite awhile but looking for something light hearted to read thought I would give it a go.
I can't believe this is Victoria Purman's first book, it is just so very well written. It only took a couple of chapters until I was fully engrossed in the story, possibly reminding me of my long lost first love who knows? but I could connect to JJ very easily and being from a reasonably small town where there is seasonal workers and visitors I found it easy to read and quite frankly delightful.
JJ and Ryan resonate in so many people I know, two totally believable characters who could live just down the street from you. I think it would give 50 shades of grey a run for its money but with much more tasteful romantic love scenes.
As I said I rarely read romantic books but I would actually go out and buy the other two books in this series as they are seriously a great read when you don't need anything too heavy and easy to get into. well done on your first book, I look forward to the next Victoria
I can't believe this is Victoria Purman's first book, it is just so very well written. It only took a couple of chapters until I was fully engrossed in the story, possibly reminding me of my long lost first love who knows? but I could connect to JJ very easily and being from a reasonably small town where there is seasonal workers and visitors I found it easy to read and quite frankly delightful.
JJ and Ryan resonate in so many people I know, two totally believable characters who could live just down the street from you. I think it would give 50 shades of grey a run for its money but with much more tasteful romantic love scenes.
As I said I rarely read romantic books but I would actually go out and buy the other two books in this series as they are seriously a great read when you don't need anything too heavy and easy to get into. well done on your first book, I look forward to the next Victoria
September 3, 2015
I won this book in a giveaway by the Author on facebook. I haven't read any of Author Victoria's books, so I was looking forward to reading it.Thanks to Victoria for posting the book to me.
I love reading Australian novels and enjoyed this book also.Set in a coastal town in South Australia,the story is about Julia Jones .A sexy and witty romantic story.
Julia left her hometown at the age of eighteen.She returns to her home town after fifteen years.She returns to settle her Mother's estate.She never expects to bump into her old flame, Ryan Blackburn.He owns half of the town.There is lot of tension between the pair.Ryan still doesn't know for what reason Julia left him heart broken.Second chance in love does not always work.Both Ryan and Julia get involved again.I liked Lizzie Julia's best friend.
I love stories set in small town settings.Julia has mixed thoughts as to whether to stay on in her hometown or whether to return to her city job and life ? Will she break Ryan's heart again?You'll know the answer once you read this book.Very interesting book, just keeps you hooked till the end to know what Julia decides.Looking forward to read the next book in the series.
I love reading Australian novels and enjoyed this book also.Set in a coastal town in South Australia,the story is about Julia Jones .A sexy and witty romantic story.
Julia left her hometown at the age of eighteen.She returns to her home town after fifteen years.She returns to settle her Mother's estate.She never expects to bump into her old flame, Ryan Blackburn.He owns half of the town.There is lot of tension between the pair.Ryan still doesn't know for what reason Julia left him heart broken.Second chance in love does not always work.Both Ryan and Julia get involved again.I liked Lizzie Julia's best friend.
I love stories set in small town settings.Julia has mixed thoughts as to whether to stay on in her hometown or whether to return to her city job and life ? Will she break Ryan's heart again?You'll know the answer once you read this book.Very interesting book, just keeps you hooked till the end to know what Julia decides.Looking forward to read the next book in the series.
March 5, 2014
The majority of my reading these days is on my Kindle. Its for this reason that I'm a little slow in getting to read Nobody But Him. A good friend loaned me her paperback copy a few months ago and it has been sitting on my bedside table waiting for me to pick it up. Once I picked it up I found it hard to put down.
I loved the feel of the little coastal town of Middle Point and Victoria Purman made me feel like I was there. A few recent books I've read that were set in Australia, still had a very American feel to them so I was pleasantly surprised that this book did not. There were a few references to 'arse' rather than 'ass'!
I will admit that Julia did get on my nerves a little, particularly at the mid point in the book. I felt like she needed a good slap around the ears. Ry was an absolute sweetheart and I wouldn't have blamed him if he had decided to give up on Julia.
I really enjoyed Nobody But Him and would highly recommend it to readers. I am now looking forward to getting my hands on the second instalment, Dan and Lizzie's story.
I loved the feel of the little coastal town of Middle Point and Victoria Purman made me feel like I was there. A few recent books I've read that were set in Australia, still had a very American feel to them so I was pleasantly surprised that this book did not. There were a few references to 'arse' rather than 'ass'!
I will admit that Julia did get on my nerves a little, particularly at the mid point in the book. I felt like she needed a good slap around the ears. Ry was an absolute sweetheart and I wouldn't have blamed him if he had decided to give up on Julia.
I really enjoyed Nobody But Him and would highly recommend it to readers. I am now looking forward to getting my hands on the second instalment, Dan and Lizzie's story.
March 18, 2016
This book is about a young woman who grew up in beach town of middle point who had plans of leading an exciting life. Her name is Julia Jones. Fifteen years before she left her then Boyfriend Ryan Blackburn to move Melbourne to go University and ends up living there. She returns back a year after her mother's death to settle her mother's estate. But finds out the Ryan owns the local pub and the next to her mother's house.
Her best friend Lizzie works at the pub. Ryan and Julia find that the attraction that was there before is still there. Ryan has taken over his father's company after his death. Tragedy strikes when his best first is hurt in car accident. Julia supports Ryan during time and organizes things for him. Soon it is time for Julia to go back to her old life but realizes she can live without Ryan. She takes steps to be with him without him knowing. In the end they find love.
A great book I enjoyed it could not put down I have come to like reading books based in Australia.
Her best friend Lizzie works at the pub. Ryan and Julia find that the attraction that was there before is still there. Ryan has taken over his father's company after his death. Tragedy strikes when his best first is hurt in car accident. Julia supports Ryan during time and organizes things for him. Soon it is time for Julia to go back to her old life but realizes she can live without Ryan. She takes steps to be with him without him knowing. In the end they find love.
A great book I enjoyed it could not put down I have come to like reading books based in Australia.
September 27, 2013
Nobody But Him is the first of the Boys of Summer Trilogy and Purman’s debut, quite an achievement I think to be signed for a trilogy straight up – Kudos to you Victoria and I can not wait for the next two. Can I just say that I know who I want the second one to centre on…
This book is set in a fictional town on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, an hour or so from my place, so I was very interested in the location. Many of the places mentioned along the coast are familiar to me, of course Adelaide is featured as well and it’s always exciting to read about places close to home. Especially when they are as pretty as the coastline along the Fleurieu Peninsula – Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Goolwa. Reading Nobody But Him really made me want to get in the car and take a trip to the beach, it will certainly be on the cards one day soon.
To read the entire review, head over to Beauty and Lace: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
This book is set in a fictional town on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, an hour or so from my place, so I was very interested in the location. Many of the places mentioned along the coast are familiar to me, of course Adelaide is featured as well and it’s always exciting to read about places close to home. Especially when they are as pretty as the coastline along the Fleurieu Peninsula – Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Goolwa. Reading Nobody But Him really made me want to get in the car and take a trip to the beach, it will certainly be on the cards one day soon.
To read the entire review, head over to Beauty and Lace: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
January 19, 2015
First book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed the characters and the setting of Middle Point. I've been to the Victor Harbour area many times as a kid. The only negative I had about the book was the way Melbourne was portrayed, especially in the first half of the book. I just felt that for people who've never been there before would get the wrong impression of just how much of a beautiful city it really is. Why else has it won the most liveable city in the world numerous times? It's not always a cold and dreary place. Yes, in winter maybe, but what city isn't? They do actually get summers and hot ones too, and are surrounded by some of the most amazing beaches in the world. The weather in Melbourne really isn't that bad. We're not the only city that gets rain. Being a Victorian myself, I love Melbourne :) In saying that, I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 24, 2014
Loved this book - finally a storyline & location I can relate to. I never realised how disconnected I was when reading about locations in America, until I read this book. It made me nostalgic for a little coastal town I used to go to every summer with my family - I actually pictured myself sitting on the beach watching the sunset, smelling the salt air & wishing for some romance.... sigh.... back when it was all so much easier & simple.
Anyway thoroughly recommend & I have also finished the second book in the series & although I didn't think I would like the characters as much - I did!!
Anyway thoroughly recommend & I have also finished the second book in the series & although I didn't think I would like the characters as much - I did!!
October 16, 2014
Totally immersing myself in this book, I could feel Julia's indecision and feelings of loss as to what she should do with her life. She just couldn't pass up on a man like Ry, I mean he does melt the panties and keep you wanting more....
It was amazing to see how two different perspectives on a situation and actually communicating with the people we love can change and grow a relationship. Victoria Purman's writing had me turning the pages quicker than my iPad can keep up - I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all who love, love.
It was amazing to see how two different perspectives on a situation and actually communicating with the people we love can change and grow a relationship. Victoria Purman's writing had me turning the pages quicker than my iPad can keep up - I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all who love, love.
November 1, 2013
A fantastic debut novel by Victoria Purman. Ahhhh the summer beach romance - the setting doesn't get much better than that. Ry and Julia were great likeable and strong characters who both suffered loss and had things to prove to themselves. Julia in particular has spent her life running from the "small town girl" image that she labelled herself with.
I'm looking forward to Dan & Lizzie's story in the next "Boys of Summer" trilogy book :)
I'm looking forward to Dan & Lizzie's story in the next "Boys of Summer" trilogy book :)
January 24, 2014
I haven't read a good adult romance like this for ages. I wish Ryan Blackburn lived next door to me! What a sweetheart. There was so much about this story I enjoyed. The australian flavour, the beach setting, the summer/first love sentiment that stays with you. Not to mention all those wines I have written down and need to try now. Then as if that's not enough I find out I can read about Lizzie and Dan! Loved the book, loved the characters, loved Purman's writing.
January 2, 2015
Loved it! It was a pleasure to get to know Ry and Julie. Not to give too much of the story away, at first I felt Ry a bit arrogant and Julie a sad and lonely girl. Life can be a surprise though! Can't wait to start Book 2, "Someone Like You"
November 8, 2013
Loved it, can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 14, 2013
Loved it! JJ and Ry are gorgeous. Especially awesome to see a coastal romance set so close to home.
Looking forward to more...
Looking forward to more...
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December 26, 2013A well written book & great beach read!
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