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Jacaranda #2
Jillaroo from Jacaranda
Falling in love was never part of her plan ... A captivating contemporary romance about new beginnings and risking it all, from bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro.
What happens when fate sends you just the right person, at just the wrong time ...?
Rose Jones is twenty-two, and has followed in her mother Molly's footsteps working with horses as a champion barrel racer. Hard on the heels of being dumped by her fiance comes Rose's determination to chart her own path in life from now on. But meeting handsome bull rider Ty Parker wasn't part of the plan.
After bonding at the Jones's family Christmas, Rose accepts Ty's offer of a quaint country cottage on his outback station as a bolthole to focus on her writing work and sorting through her feelings. Here among the beauty of the bush landscape she finds surprising adventure and friendships, but is taking a risk on love worth the gamble of breaking her heart all over again if it all goes wrong?
Bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro returns with a standalone rural romance, set in the world of Mandy's novel Jacaranda.
What happens when fate sends you just the right person, at just the wrong time ...?
Rose Jones is twenty-two, and has followed in her mother Molly's footsteps working with horses as a champion barrel racer. Hard on the heels of being dumped by her fiance comes Rose's determination to chart her own path in life from now on. But meeting handsome bull rider Ty Parker wasn't part of the plan.
After bonding at the Jones's family Christmas, Rose accepts Ty's offer of a quaint country cottage on his outback station as a bolthole to focus on her writing work and sorting through her feelings. Here among the beauty of the bush landscape she finds surprising adventure and friendships, but is taking a risk on love worth the gamble of breaking her heart all over again if it all goes wrong?
Bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro returns with a standalone rural romance, set in the world of Mandy's novel Jacaranda.
307 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2022
13 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books334 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 2, 2022
Rose Jones was a country girl through and through, living with her family on Jacaranda in Queensland. She was grieving, along with the family, as they'd just buried her great grandmother, and they'd all miss her dreadfully. Rose and her horse Buck, the horse which had been her best friend for a long time, competed often, plus she taught others to ride at her riding school. But her engagement to Finlay was on shaky grounds and she wasn't overly surprised when he dumped her. She was upset though and knew she needed a break.
When Rose was at the rodeo, competing with Buck, she met Ty Parker who was a bull rider. Ty was a good looking man but Rose needed to heal and another man wasn't in her plan. But after Ty spent Christmas day with Rose and her family, then invited her to his station in northern Queensland for a month, where she'd stay in a small cottage, do editing on her book, as well as heal, she agreed to go. The beauty of the countryside, the sunsets, and the tranquility all helped her, but she knew her feelings for Ty needed to be pushed away...
Jillaroo at Jacaranda by Aussie author Mandy Magro tells the story of twenty-two-year-old Rose, with her whole life ahead of her, taking chances, new beginnings and risks. Rose is a feisty, competent young woman, determined to live her life the way she wants to, while Ty is a stubborn ex-military man, with demons of his own. Recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Rose was at the rodeo, competing with Buck, she met Ty Parker who was a bull rider. Ty was a good looking man but Rose needed to heal and another man wasn't in her plan. But after Ty spent Christmas day with Rose and her family, then invited her to his station in northern Queensland for a month, where she'd stay in a small cottage, do editing on her book, as well as heal, she agreed to go. The beauty of the countryside, the sunsets, and the tranquility all helped her, but she knew her feelings for Ty needed to be pushed away...
Jillaroo at Jacaranda by Aussie author Mandy Magro tells the story of twenty-two-year-old Rose, with her whole life ahead of her, taking chances, new beginnings and risks. Rose is a feisty, competent young woman, determined to live her life the way she wants to, while Ty is a stubborn ex-military man, with demons of his own. Recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2023
Firstly let me congratulate Mandy Magro on her 20th book, woohoo and it is another beautiful rural romance, that I thoroughly enjoyed, the setting gorgeous the hero and heroine both vulnerable and it was never going to be easy to get to their HEA but I loved Rose and Ty, come along and meet them.
Rose Jones is a champion barrel rider she gets her love of horses from her mother and is loving what she does writing books on barrel racing, teaching kids to ride and she is happily engaged, well she thought she was until he ended it, this throws Rose into a bit of a spin about her life and meeting handsome bull rider Ty Parker is maybe just what she needs.
Ty Parker has been through a tough time, a returned soldier, getting divorced and taken to the cleaners by his ex is putting a lot of pressure on him and his property near Townsville he is determined to keep it and riding bulls helps him in many ways. When he meets beautiful Rose Jones at the Christmas Eve Rodeo and has a drink with her maybe his live will change when he is invited to Jacaranda Farm for Christmas lunch with her family.
An invitation for Rose to spend four weeks at Ty’s Wildstone Station sounds perfect for Rose to unwind and get her life back on track but being close to Ty is good and bad for Rose the connection between them grows everyday but can Ty convince Rose that being together is what they both need and want. A beautiful romance and a beautiful setting, fabulous characters and a story that I do highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin for my copy to read and review.
Rose Jones is a champion barrel rider she gets her love of horses from her mother and is loving what she does writing books on barrel racing, teaching kids to ride and she is happily engaged, well she thought she was until he ended it, this throws Rose into a bit of a spin about her life and meeting handsome bull rider Ty Parker is maybe just what she needs.
Ty Parker has been through a tough time, a returned soldier, getting divorced and taken to the cleaners by his ex is putting a lot of pressure on him and his property near Townsville he is determined to keep it and riding bulls helps him in many ways. When he meets beautiful Rose Jones at the Christmas Eve Rodeo and has a drink with her maybe his live will change when he is invited to Jacaranda Farm for Christmas lunch with her family.
An invitation for Rose to spend four weeks at Ty’s Wildstone Station sounds perfect for Rose to unwind and get her life back on track but being close to Ty is good and bad for Rose the connection between them grows everyday but can Ty convince Rose that being together is what they both need and want. A beautiful romance and a beautiful setting, fabulous characters and a story that I do highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin for my copy to read and review.
January 3, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I must raise a glass and congratulate Australian country romance queen Mandy Magro on her twentieth release. This is a big achievement for a rural romance author. In this latest tale, Mandy Magro returns to her roots as she resurrects elements of her classic second novel, Jacaranda. I remember how much I loved the cover of Jacaranda and it’s one of the books that got me hooked on the rural fiction genre. Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a story of love, trauma, the will to survive and healing.
A story of fate, chance acquaintances, adversity, friendship and blossoming romance, Jillaroo from Jacaranda is heroine Rose Jones’ journey. This twenty-something is following her mother’s passion for horses by working as a barrel racer. Nursing a broken heart after her recent split with her fiancé, Rose is fixed on living her life according to her own rules. But this all goes by the wayside when she crosses paths with a charming bull rider, who becomes very hard to resist. Rose and Ty develop a strong and lasting connection over a getaway during the festive period. Ty then offers Rose a lifeline, a little house on his rural station, where she can heal from her heartbreak. As the land begins to mend her broken heart, Rose finds both friendship and eventually love at this soul nourishing bush base. But is Rose willing to take a chance on love again, especially if it means that she might get her heart broken yet again?
I can’t believe Jillaroo from Jacaranda is much loved Australian author Mandy Magro’s twentieth release. It only seems like yesterday that I started my Mandy Magro journey thanks to books such as Jacaranda, which is the inspiration for this new title. Jillaroo from Jacaranda can easily be read as an independent release from Jacaranda. There are only a few walks on moments with some characters that featured in Magro’s second novel.
I really liked the link between Rose and her mother, who featured in Jacaranda. Rose is a full-bodied character, who displays finesse, fire, grit and determination. There is also a vulnerable side to Rose and we witness her emotional downfall in the wake of her split from her fiancé. Rose becomes quite protective and guarded following this relationship breakdown. Magro zones in on the appropriate feelings and thought processes involved following this separation, which I valued. When Rose meets Ty, her world view seems to shift, but she is still wary of taking a chance on love again. So begins a slow burn style relationship, as tentative steps are made towards friendship, a connection and then eventually a passionate romance. Ty was a great hero and his brave spirit as a champion bull rider came across clearly on the pages of Jillaroo from Jacaranda. With issues of PTSD, personal survival and healing incorporated in this one, readers are in for a consuming rural themed story.
The land is always a key feature in Mandy Magro’s books and Jillaroo from Jacaranda is set to a spectacular Aussie landscape. Those who want to learn more about barrel racing and the rodeo circuit will find this latest Mandy Magro title an enlightening read. While horse lovers and those with a thirst for the outback way of life will find plenty on offer in this latest Magro release. There are high and lows in from Jillaroo from Jacaranda, but the road to true love country style is not meant to be easy! A staple summer read, I recommend Jillaroo from Jacaranda.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
I must raise a glass and congratulate Australian country romance queen Mandy Magro on her twentieth release. This is a big achievement for a rural romance author. In this latest tale, Mandy Magro returns to her roots as she resurrects elements of her classic second novel, Jacaranda. I remember how much I loved the cover of Jacaranda and it’s one of the books that got me hooked on the rural fiction genre. Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a story of love, trauma, the will to survive and healing.
A story of fate, chance acquaintances, adversity, friendship and blossoming romance, Jillaroo from Jacaranda is heroine Rose Jones’ journey. This twenty-something is following her mother’s passion for horses by working as a barrel racer. Nursing a broken heart after her recent split with her fiancé, Rose is fixed on living her life according to her own rules. But this all goes by the wayside when she crosses paths with a charming bull rider, who becomes very hard to resist. Rose and Ty develop a strong and lasting connection over a getaway during the festive period. Ty then offers Rose a lifeline, a little house on his rural station, where she can heal from her heartbreak. As the land begins to mend her broken heart, Rose finds both friendship and eventually love at this soul nourishing bush base. But is Rose willing to take a chance on love again, especially if it means that she might get her heart broken yet again?
I can’t believe Jillaroo from Jacaranda is much loved Australian author Mandy Magro’s twentieth release. It only seems like yesterday that I started my Mandy Magro journey thanks to books such as Jacaranda, which is the inspiration for this new title. Jillaroo from Jacaranda can easily be read as an independent release from Jacaranda. There are only a few walks on moments with some characters that featured in Magro’s second novel.
I really liked the link between Rose and her mother, who featured in Jacaranda. Rose is a full-bodied character, who displays finesse, fire, grit and determination. There is also a vulnerable side to Rose and we witness her emotional downfall in the wake of her split from her fiancé. Rose becomes quite protective and guarded following this relationship breakdown. Magro zones in on the appropriate feelings and thought processes involved following this separation, which I valued. When Rose meets Ty, her world view seems to shift, but she is still wary of taking a chance on love again. So begins a slow burn style relationship, as tentative steps are made towards friendship, a connection and then eventually a passionate romance. Ty was a great hero and his brave spirit as a champion bull rider came across clearly on the pages of Jillaroo from Jacaranda. With issues of PTSD, personal survival and healing incorporated in this one, readers are in for a consuming rural themed story.
The land is always a key feature in Mandy Magro’s books and Jillaroo from Jacaranda is set to a spectacular Aussie landscape. Those who want to learn more about barrel racing and the rodeo circuit will find this latest Mandy Magro title an enlightening read. While horse lovers and those with a thirst for the outback way of life will find plenty on offer in this latest Magro release. There are high and lows in from Jillaroo from Jacaranda, but the road to true love country style is not meant to be easy! A staple summer read, I recommend Jillaroo from Jacaranda.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
September 5, 2023
More reviews at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a delightful slow-burn romance read.
Whilst trying to come to terms with her beloved great-grandmother's death Rose's fiance breaks up with her. Rose is heartbroken but could see they had different ideas of what their future would be.
Moving back home to Jacaranda Farm Rose decides to concentrate on her writing and her riding school business to give herself time to heal. A chance meeting with bull-rider Ty Parker gives her the opportunity to stay on his cattle station to write and reflect.
I loved Ty and Rose's banter, it was fun and flirty. Their slow-burn romance came across as natural. Ty had demons of his own and an ex-wife to deal with so neither of them were after a relationship.
I did feel like I had missed something whilst I was reading as there was no backstory and I had a lot of unanswered questions as I hadn't read Jacaranda, which was the first story about the Jones family.
I did find Rose flighty, saying one thing and doing another. This story was a bit too mushy for me and I would have preferred the prologue to be left off because it contradicted everything Rose believed in.
Overall I enjoyed the story and Magro's descriptions of bull-riding and life in rural Australia. I am planning to read the first book, Jacaranda, and have some of my questions answered. I think then I will find Jillaroo from Jacaranda will be a lot more enjoyable.
*I received my copy from the publisher
Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a delightful slow-burn romance read.
Whilst trying to come to terms with her beloved great-grandmother's death Rose's fiance breaks up with her. Rose is heartbroken but could see they had different ideas of what their future would be.
Moving back home to Jacaranda Farm Rose decides to concentrate on her writing and her riding school business to give herself time to heal. A chance meeting with bull-rider Ty Parker gives her the opportunity to stay on his cattle station to write and reflect.
I loved Ty and Rose's banter, it was fun and flirty. Their slow-burn romance came across as natural. Ty had demons of his own and an ex-wife to deal with so neither of them were after a relationship.
I did feel like I had missed something whilst I was reading as there was no backstory and I had a lot of unanswered questions as I hadn't read Jacaranda, which was the first story about the Jones family.
I did find Rose flighty, saying one thing and doing another. This story was a bit too mushy for me and I would have preferred the prologue to be left off because it contradicted everything Rose believed in.
Overall I enjoyed the story and Magro's descriptions of bull-riding and life in rural Australia. I am planning to read the first book, Jacaranda, and have some of my questions answered. I think then I will find Jillaroo from Jacaranda will be a lot more enjoyable.
*I received my copy from the publisher
January 7, 2023
Happy 20th novel release to the Queen of Aussie rural romance!
My first ever Mandy Magro book was Jacaranda, so I've been eagerly anticipating this follow up for quite a while now! It was awesome catching up with some familiar characters and introduced to brand new ones.
After breaking up with her fiancee, jillaroo Rose Jones is in need of recuperation and reflection. When new friend Ty Parker invites her to spend a month on his station, it's an easy decision. Despite only just meeting, Rose and the handsome cowboy had instantly clicked.
Ty is struggling with his own issues. After serving in Afghanistan where he lost his father, Ty is haunted by regular nightmares. His ex wife is also a pain in the neck, demanding money that is hard to come by. So when Rose arrives, it's a breath of fresh air for the both of them.
It doesn't take them too long to realise that their feelings for each other isn't strictly platonic. However, due to mixed emotions and hesitance from both ends they agree to be 'just friends'. Enter Leah, Ty's little sister who's main source of entertainment is to play matchmaker!
Strong and respectful cross-sex friendships are my jam and theirs is perfect. Even with the endless teasing and slooooowwww burn I had to endure! AHHHH THE FRUSTRATION! All forgiven though Mandy ☺️
My first 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read of 2023!
My first ever Mandy Magro book was Jacaranda, so I've been eagerly anticipating this follow up for quite a while now! It was awesome catching up with some familiar characters and introduced to brand new ones.
After breaking up with her fiancee, jillaroo Rose Jones is in need of recuperation and reflection. When new friend Ty Parker invites her to spend a month on his station, it's an easy decision. Despite only just meeting, Rose and the handsome cowboy had instantly clicked.
Ty is struggling with his own issues. After serving in Afghanistan where he lost his father, Ty is haunted by regular nightmares. His ex wife is also a pain in the neck, demanding money that is hard to come by. So when Rose arrives, it's a breath of fresh air for the both of them.
It doesn't take them too long to realise that their feelings for each other isn't strictly platonic. However, due to mixed emotions and hesitance from both ends they agree to be 'just friends'. Enter Leah, Ty's little sister who's main source of entertainment is to play matchmaker!
Strong and respectful cross-sex friendships are my jam and theirs is perfect. Even with the endless teasing and slooooowwww burn I had to endure! AHHHH THE FRUSTRATION! All forgiven though Mandy ☺️
My first 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read of 2023!
October 7, 2022
I'm a huge Mandy Magro fan so I was really excited to receive an arc of this book. As usual, she builds a love story centred around characters that you can't help but cheer on. Rose was so determined not to get involved with another man after being dumped by her fiance and Ty wasn't keen to let anyone know about his nightmares and PTSD, after serving overseas. Both had their own stubbornness but you just know Mandy is going to give us a HEA - something else I always love about her books! My only gripe on this one is that the book describes Rose as having jet black hair.....umm....look at the cover!! If you can get over the picture thing and enjoy a solid rural Aussie romance, I definitely recommend this gem.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 8, 2023
Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a beautiful story about two people hurt by love and finding love again by Mandy Magro. Rose Jones thought her life was moving in the correct direction with the man she loved, but she was wrong. At a local rodeo, Rose Jones meets champion bull rider Ty Parker, who realise that Rose Jones is hurting after her fiance broke off the engagement and offered Rose time away at his property. The readers of Jillaroo from Jacaranda will continue to follow Rose Jones and Ty Parker to discover what happens.
Jillaroo from Jacaranda continues my love affair with Mandy Magro books. I love Mandy Magro's writing style and how she portrays her characters, which always engages me with the story from the first page. I love Mandy Magro's portrait of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Jillaroo from Jacaranda is well-written and researched. I like Mandy Magro's description of the settings of Jillaroo from Jacaranda, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Jillaroo from Jacaranda will learn about some health problems that professional bull riders can suffer. Also, the readers of Jillaroo will understand the work involved in running a property on their own.
I recommend this book.
Jillaroo from Jacaranda continues my love affair with Mandy Magro books. I love Mandy Magro's writing style and how she portrays her characters, which always engages me with the story from the first page. I love Mandy Magro's portrait of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Jillaroo from Jacaranda is well-written and researched. I like Mandy Magro's description of the settings of Jillaroo from Jacaranda, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Jillaroo from Jacaranda will learn about some health problems that professional bull riders can suffer. Also, the readers of Jillaroo will understand the work involved in running a property on their own.
I recommend this book.
December 9, 2022
Australian contemporary country writing at its best!
The story of Rose and Ty is far more developed than I was expecting from the blurb. Based on excellent characters, the story itself held my attention and I read it in one sitting. I was easily transported to the Australian setting, rodeos and barrel racing (a sport new to me).
A great holiday read or gift for a lover of great Aussie writing!
The story of Rose and Ty is far more developed than I was expecting from the blurb. Based on excellent characters, the story itself held my attention and I read it in one sitting. I was easily transported to the Australian setting, rodeos and barrel racing (a sport new to me).
A great holiday read or gift for a lover of great Aussie writing!
September 29, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A contemporary country love story that will play the heart strings.
In celebration of the Queen of rural romance’s 20th release, Mandy returns to her second book for inspiration, Jacaranda.
Jillaroo From Jacaranda is a sequel of sorts, with some returning characters briefly making a cameo appearance but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Rose Jones has just been dumped by her fiancé so work is a great distraction.
Making herself the priority she continues to write manuals, work with horses and be a Jill of all trades.
After meeting charismatic Ty Parker, things change.
When an invitation to stay in a cottage on Ty’s country property is offered, it’s the perfect solution for some self healing.
But among the bush land, a friendship is formed and soon love is in the air.
Can Rose risk her heart being broken again?
A specialist in her field who constantly generates tales that are warm, tender, sweet and totally entertaining giving the reader plenty of core and essence.
Mandy’s signature style writing is all here to please her fans.
A hot tattooed hero, a beautiful country girl, the rural setting, the ups and downs of life, the sexual tension, the quirky furry friends and the trademark romance and passion scenes.
So join Rose and Ty on an emotional journey filled with gentle messages of love and some darker moments of life.
A contemporary country love story that will play the heart strings.
In celebration of the Queen of rural romance’s 20th release, Mandy returns to her second book for inspiration, Jacaranda.
Jillaroo From Jacaranda is a sequel of sorts, with some returning characters briefly making a cameo appearance but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Rose Jones has just been dumped by her fiancé so work is a great distraction.
Making herself the priority she continues to write manuals, work with horses and be a Jill of all trades.
After meeting charismatic Ty Parker, things change.
When an invitation to stay in a cottage on Ty’s country property is offered, it’s the perfect solution for some self healing.
But among the bush land, a friendship is formed and soon love is in the air.
Can Rose risk her heart being broken again?
A specialist in her field who constantly generates tales that are warm, tender, sweet and totally entertaining giving the reader plenty of core and essence.
Mandy’s signature style writing is all here to please her fans.
A hot tattooed hero, a beautiful country girl, the rural setting, the ups and downs of life, the sexual tension, the quirky furry friends and the trademark romance and passion scenes.
So join Rose and Ty on an emotional journey filled with gentle messages of love and some darker moments of life.
November 14, 2022
Congratulations to Mandy Magro on her 20th book. I've read quite a few of Mandy Magro's books and I'm a big fan of the rural romance category.
This story is about Rose and Ty. Rose has just been dumped by her fiance, and during a local competition where she does Barrel Racing she meets Ty Parker. Ty Parker is famous for his bull riding and his reputation with the ladies. Rose is apprehensive when he asks her for a drink but they end up getting along like best friends. Christmas Day lunch leads to a month of her relaxing and retreating at his property near Townsville.
They have great chemistry and get along as really good friends. With both of them coming out of terrible relationships they are both apprehensive but they can't help galling in love with each other even if they don't want to admit it.
I really lived the setting of this novel as it sounds like a really beautiful place to be in Australia. The characters are real and struggle with real issues (some which don't really get resolution in this story like PTSD). It's a very slow burn romance that really focuses more on the friendship and rural life.
If you like rural romance you will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Harlequin Mira & Netgalley.com for my complimentary eARC copy.
This story is about Rose and Ty. Rose has just been dumped by her fiance, and during a local competition where she does Barrel Racing she meets Ty Parker. Ty Parker is famous for his bull riding and his reputation with the ladies. Rose is apprehensive when he asks her for a drink but they end up getting along like best friends. Christmas Day lunch leads to a month of her relaxing and retreating at his property near Townsville.
They have great chemistry and get along as really good friends. With both of them coming out of terrible relationships they are both apprehensive but they can't help galling in love with each other even if they don't want to admit it.
I really lived the setting of this novel as it sounds like a really beautiful place to be in Australia. The characters are real and struggle with real issues (some which don't really get resolution in this story like PTSD). It's a very slow burn romance that really focuses more on the friendship and rural life.
If you like rural romance you will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Harlequin Mira & Netgalley.com for my complimentary eARC copy.
November 15, 2022
Heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Mandy Magro on writing her 20th book, I've read them all!
I enjoy Mandy's books, her writing style truly captures the heart of the rural communities that she shares with her readers!
This book shares the journey of Rose and Ty, both face their own heartbreak. The rodeo circuit is where healing and friendships develop.
The characters are warm and relatable, a slow build to more than they’d hoped for and a wonderful setting to work through hard times!
A beautiful property, a wonderful depiction of the rural lifestyle plus an unexpected romance makes this book a must read!
Thanks to Harlequin, Netgalley and the amazing Mandy Magro for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoy Mandy's books, her writing style truly captures the heart of the rural communities that she shares with her readers!
This book shares the journey of Rose and Ty, both face their own heartbreak. The rodeo circuit is where healing and friendships develop.
The characters are warm and relatable, a slow build to more than they’d hoped for and a wonderful setting to work through hard times!
A beautiful property, a wonderful depiction of the rural lifestyle plus an unexpected romance makes this book a must read!
Thanks to Harlequin, Netgalley and the amazing Mandy Magro for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2022
Wow!!! What an absolutely amazing story. Mandy has really outdone herself this time. I couldn't put it down. I loved it from the first page.
October 26, 2022
enjoyed nice ending
December 21, 2022
Thank you Mandy for another fantastic story. I feel there’s another instalment from these two.
January 19, 2023
Such a lovely holiday read. A perfect rural romance story. Congratulations to the author on her 20th book.
November 17, 2022
Another epic read by Mandy Magro.
Rose isn’t looking for anything other than an opportunity to find herself and finish her book when a charismatic bull rider bonds with her.
If you are looking for sexual tension, this has it in bucketloads.
Will we get Leah’s story??
Rose isn’t looking for anything other than an opportunity to find herself and finish her book when a charismatic bull rider bonds with her.
If you are looking for sexual tension, this has it in bucketloads.
Will we get Leah’s story??
November 30, 2022
Love it found it hard to put down
October 13, 2022
Jillaroo from Jacaranda is Magro’s twentieth novel, and sadly it is not her best. Although it’s well written, and on the surface ticks all the boxes for a rural romance, it failed to come alive for me.
Rose is a champion barrel racer (that’s horses, if you’re as ignorant as me), and is happy with the patched together professional life she has: racing, a bit of teaching, a bit of writing. However, she’s less happy with her fiancé Finley, who wants her to give it all up to be a wife and mother. A breakup follows.
Within days, she meets champion bull rider Ty. Feeling sorry for him, she invites him to spend Christmas with her family. In turn, he invites her to use the guest cottage on his farm for a few weeks while she buckles down and finishes some work on her latest publication. Rose accepts, thinking she might also get some perspective on her broader problems.
However, it soon seems that all Rose can think about is the handsome bull rider and their growing attraction. Perhaps she can fix her love life, at least?
In the past, I’ve enjoyed the fact that Magro gives her characters realistically complicated reasons that prevent them from being together. However, here Magro has over-reached. Her treatment of PTSD is shallow and glib. I think it’s a major reason this novel fell short for me; this undermined Ty’s character and made it hard for me to fully engage with his story.
To some extent, the same applies to Rose. Her distress at the end of her engagement seemed remarkably short lived. Most people would spend a fair bit of time questioning themselves and their own behaviour or character in the immediate aftermath of such a breakup. Rose moved straight to blaming Finley, and while he was ultimately responsible, it didn’t really ring true for me.
And finally, Ty and Rose’s trajectory didn’t quite ring true to me. I’m trying to avoid spoilers here, but attitudes that they express early in the novel conflict with the last few pages of the novel, and we’ve not been given any experience of the change.
In other regards, this is a straightforward romance plot: boy meets girl, obstacles present themselves, love triumphs. It’s exactly what you expect when you pick up this kind of novel – and that’s no criticism, because that serves a lot of readers well. Generally I have found Magro’s novels a little shallow, but sometimes you just want something undemanding to read.
Magro’s novels are well structured and well written, and in some the characters truly do stand out and the romances spark. Sometimes a novel just doesn’t connect with a particular reader, and that’s what’s happened here for me. However, as it is very much the sort of novel Magro has written in the past, it’s likely that loyal readers will appreciate it.
On balance, this is probably not the novel you should pick up if you’ve never read Magro’s work before. I’d recommend starting with another (links to my reviews of several other of her novels are below). However, if you want a straightforward romance, and don’t feel like having a book make demands of you, then it’s possible this is just what you want.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Mandy Magro:
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https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
Rose is a champion barrel racer (that’s horses, if you’re as ignorant as me), and is happy with the patched together professional life she has: racing, a bit of teaching, a bit of writing. However, she’s less happy with her fiancé Finley, who wants her to give it all up to be a wife and mother. A breakup follows.
Within days, she meets champion bull rider Ty. Feeling sorry for him, she invites him to spend Christmas with her family. In turn, he invites her to use the guest cottage on his farm for a few weeks while she buckles down and finishes some work on her latest publication. Rose accepts, thinking she might also get some perspective on her broader problems.
However, it soon seems that all Rose can think about is the handsome bull rider and their growing attraction. Perhaps she can fix her love life, at least?
In the past, I’ve enjoyed the fact that Magro gives her characters realistically complicated reasons that prevent them from being together. However, here Magro has over-reached. Her treatment of PTSD is shallow and glib. I think it’s a major reason this novel fell short for me; this undermined Ty’s character and made it hard for me to fully engage with his story.
To some extent, the same applies to Rose. Her distress at the end of her engagement seemed remarkably short lived. Most people would spend a fair bit of time questioning themselves and their own behaviour or character in the immediate aftermath of such a breakup. Rose moved straight to blaming Finley, and while he was ultimately responsible, it didn’t really ring true for me.
And finally, Ty and Rose’s trajectory didn’t quite ring true to me. I’m trying to avoid spoilers here, but attitudes that they express early in the novel conflict with the last few pages of the novel, and we’ve not been given any experience of the change.
In other regards, this is a straightforward romance plot: boy meets girl, obstacles present themselves, love triumphs. It’s exactly what you expect when you pick up this kind of novel – and that’s no criticism, because that serves a lot of readers well. Generally I have found Magro’s novels a little shallow, but sometimes you just want something undemanding to read.
Magro’s novels are well structured and well written, and in some the characters truly do stand out and the romances spark. Sometimes a novel just doesn’t connect with a particular reader, and that’s what’s happened here for me. However, as it is very much the sort of novel Magro has written in the past, it’s likely that loyal readers will appreciate it.
On balance, this is probably not the novel you should pick up if you’ve never read Magro’s work before. I’d recommend starting with another (links to my reviews of several other of her novels are below). However, if you want a straightforward romance, and don’t feel like having a book make demands of you, then it’s possible this is just what you want.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Mandy Magro:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
November 25, 2022
I've never come across a book by Mandy that I haven't loved. This book was awesome. Now I need to find me a Ty Parker😍😍
September 9, 2022
Rose has just been dumped by her fiancé when she meets Ty and the sparks immediately fly! She tells herself that she can’t fall for this attractive cowboy as she needs time to get over her breakup. Ty feels the same way but also needs to get over his divorce. Have they just met at the wrong time in their lives or can they work things out?
There were a few parts of the dialogue I found a bit cheesy but overall this is an enjoyable rural romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
There were a few parts of the dialogue I found a bit cheesy but overall this is an enjoyable rural romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
August 1, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC!
What a great story! I love seeing the rural Australian way of life romanticised and portrayed with such feeling and passion. It’s a real tale of survival, healing and celebrating love and loving on.
Things I loved:
- The strong, confident, sassy FMC. Rose Jones, you rock. Also she’s a writer who loves reading and a country girl. What’s not to love?
- The healing process was beautifully portrayed- especially the fact that it is a unique process for every individual and our healing journeys look very different.
- The descriptions of the Australian landscape- gosh we live in a beautiful country!
Things to think about:
- Occasionally some of the dialogue felt forced and a little on the cheesy side.
- I live for in depth world building and character descriptions, and it was just a little bit lacking in that department for me.
Overall, a terrific read and a sweet story.
What a great story! I love seeing the rural Australian way of life romanticised and portrayed with such feeling and passion. It’s a real tale of survival, healing and celebrating love and loving on.
Things I loved:
- The strong, confident, sassy FMC. Rose Jones, you rock. Also she’s a writer who loves reading and a country girl. What’s not to love?
- The healing process was beautifully portrayed- especially the fact that it is a unique process for every individual and our healing journeys look very different.
- The descriptions of the Australian landscape- gosh we live in a beautiful country!
Things to think about:
- Occasionally some of the dialogue felt forced and a little on the cheesy side.
- I live for in depth world building and character descriptions, and it was just a little bit lacking in that department for me.
Overall, a terrific read and a sweet story.
March 29, 2023
A twenty-two-year-old Rose Jones has just been unceremoniously been dumped by her fiance and is heart-broken. She is determined to forge her way in the world in relation to her barrell racing and horse-riding business when she meets the handsome Ty Parker, a bull rider.
Finding out that Ty was spending Christmas by himself, Rose invites him to her Family's celebrations. They bond and he invites Rose to his property so she can work editing her book with some peace and quiet.Rose knocked back Ty's advances because she wanted to have time to heal after being hurt.
When she is ready to leave Ty tries one more time to win her over, but she leaves.
After a number of weeks pass she realises that she needs to talk to Ty, so she sends him a message and flies up to the airport near his property.
It was a page turning and emotional book that you will need to read if you enjoy country romance and also to see how the book ends.111111111111111111111111111111133333+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Finding out that Ty was spending Christmas by himself, Rose invites him to her Family's celebrations. They bond and he invites Rose to his property so she can work editing her book with some peace and quiet.Rose knocked back Ty's advances because she wanted to have time to heal after being hurt.
When she is ready to leave Ty tries one more time to win her over, but she leaves.
After a number of weeks pass she realises that she needs to talk to Ty, so she sends him a message and flies up to the airport near his property.
It was a page turning and emotional book that you will need to read if you enjoy country romance and also to see how the book ends.111111111111111111111111111111133333+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
February 2, 2023
Rose Jones is barrelrace horse rodeo rider, writer and she teaches children how ride horses. She is greiving the death of grandmother as is all her family. She is living in Northern Queensland on Jacaranda farm her families. Her Mother Molly is married to her step dad Heath that feature in their own story in an earlier book written by Mandy Magro called Jacaranda. SHe is living her fiance Finlay as well. Fin decides to break up with Rose as he wants a wife that will stay home and raise a family he is not supportive of her career eirther.
It is when she is competing at Rodeo with her horse Buck that she meets handsome Ty Parker a rodeo bull rider and ex army officer who is also hides the fact he suffers from PTSD from serviing in the Army. Rose invites him to have CHristmas with her family. Ty has great time meeting her family and suggest to Rose to come and stay at his farm to clear her head and write her new book. And aslo heal from her broken heart.
Rose discovers she enjoys Ty company and the farm as well but holds back in pursuing a relationship with hin as she feels it is to soon to start a new relationship. There is aslo Ty sister who come back to stay who single and pregnant. This is Mandy's 20th book has a beautiful way of telling stories of country life, finding love and family relationships. I have read all her books to date and I can say when you pick up a book by her you know you won't be able to put the book down.
It is when she is competing at Rodeo with her horse Buck that she meets handsome Ty Parker a rodeo bull rider and ex army officer who is also hides the fact he suffers from PTSD from serviing in the Army. Rose invites him to have CHristmas with her family. Ty has great time meeting her family and suggest to Rose to come and stay at his farm to clear her head and write her new book. And aslo heal from her broken heart.
Rose discovers she enjoys Ty company and the farm as well but holds back in pursuing a relationship with hin as she feels it is to soon to start a new relationship. There is aslo Ty sister who come back to stay who single and pregnant. This is Mandy's 20th book has a beautiful way of telling stories of country life, finding love and family relationships. I have read all her books to date and I can say when you pick up a book by her you know you won't be able to put the book down.
November 4, 2022
Jillaroo From Jacaranda was an entertaining read though for me it was a bit of a mixed bag. Heroin Rose Jones a 21 year-old barrel racer, riding school teacher and competent jillaroo enters the story with a particularly unpleasant fiancé. It’s clear from the first page that Finley Cole is wrong for her in all sorts of ways, not the least being that he seems to be constantly upsetting her. I was really irritated that this otherwise strong young woman was so weak when it came to putting him in his box. Ty Parker, bull rider extraordinaire, farmer, spunk and all around nice guy, on the other hand, is absolutely 100% my sort of hero. He owned his scenes and in my opinion carried the story. I like Mandy Magro’s cocker Aussie bush writing style, which really set the scene well. She knows her stuff when it comes to horses, rodeos and farm life and it shows though I felt we could have done with a few less brand name shirts. Ariat was almost a character in its own right. That aside, I felt right at home reading this story and am looking forward to more from this author.
October 23, 2022
✍️ Rose Jones is a champion barrel racer and has just suffered a breakup with her fiancé. When she unexpectedly meets handsome champion bull rider Ty and invites him to her home for Christmas, he in turn invites her to stay in his guesthouse for a while until she finishes up some writing. A friendship is formed as well as some sparks of romance.
This is the twentieth book written by @mandymagroauthor and the first one I have read thus far and it certainly won't be the last.
I was engrossed in the gracefully written and eloquent writing style. I relished in the flirtatious and pert dialogue between Rose and Ty and their compatible characteristics. The narrative was full of atmosphere and well polished characters and I unarguably enjoyed the storyline and the flawless build up to the end.
This is the twentieth book written by @mandymagroauthor and the first one I have read thus far and it certainly won't be the last.
I was engrossed in the gracefully written and eloquent writing style. I relished in the flirtatious and pert dialogue between Rose and Ty and their compatible characteristics. The narrative was full of atmosphere and well polished characters and I unarguably enjoyed the storyline and the flawless build up to the end.
December 5, 2022
Another uncomplicated romance from Mandy Magro: Rose, accomplished professionally is not having a lot of luck in love (or being engaged). She meets Ty, a champion bull rider and musterer, an the attractions grow from both sides. There was more of a story line around Ty’s profession (or job … not sure if a bull rider is an actual profession, but correct me if I’m wrong) than Rose’s which seemed odd; it wasn’t equally fleshed out. After a connection from a last minute invite to Rose’s family Christmas, there was a quickness of Rose moving into Ty’s guesthouse before their relationship blossomed. Rose seemed to get over her long term engagement quite hurriedly, and her friendship with his pregnant sister was a nice comical touch.
March 17, 2024
DNF at 38%
For me this book was way too nice/wholesome and also way too Aussie. The dialogue between the characters was way too polite and honestly I didn’t buy that anyone would actually talk to each other like that. The MMC kept calling the FMC Miss Jones. And they kept saying how nice each other were and thank you over and over. I also couldn’t help cringing about some of the super Aussie things about the book. Like when the MMC asks if he should take his thongs off at the front door 😭. I’m giving this 3 stars because I know so many people will love this book, but I don’t think this author is for me unfortunately.
For me this book was way too nice/wholesome and also way too Aussie. The dialogue between the characters was way too polite and honestly I didn’t buy that anyone would actually talk to each other like that. The MMC kept calling the FMC Miss Jones. And they kept saying how nice each other were and thank you over and over. I also couldn’t help cringing about some of the super Aussie things about the book. Like when the MMC asks if he should take his thongs off at the front door 😭. I’m giving this 3 stars because I know so many people will love this book, but I don’t think this author is for me unfortunately.
April 2, 2024
🇦🇺 Jillaroo from Jacaranda by Mandy Margo 🇦🇺
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
You just can not beat a good Australian country novel! These styles of novel speak to my teen/young adult self, taking me back to when life was simpler, and all I wanted was to ride my horses, work the land and find myself a good Aussie country man to be by my side 🤗
5/5 stars is my rating. Though there's little 🌶 there is just enough for this book, and it really deserves 1.5 🌶 imo!
So... if you want to escape to an outback station and get a glimpse into a very Aussie style of life, I highly recommend this book 📖 👌
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
You just can not beat a good Australian country novel! These styles of novel speak to my teen/young adult self, taking me back to when life was simpler, and all I wanted was to ride my horses, work the land and find myself a good Aussie country man to be by my side 🤗
5/5 stars is my rating. Though there's little 🌶 there is just enough for this book, and it really deserves 1.5 🌶 imo!
So... if you want to escape to an outback station and get a glimpse into a very Aussie style of life, I highly recommend this book 📖 👌
November 12, 2022
Mandy Magro’s rural romances are always filled with characters you’ll love, wonderful locations and situations that will put a smile on your face.
This was a wonderful story of two people coming out of their own bad situations, and even though they fought it thinking it wasn’t the right time, finding love again and the life partner they deserve.
A big congratulations to Mandy Magro on a fabulous 20th Novel… and here’s to many more to come.
This was a wonderful story of two people coming out of their own bad situations, and even though they fought it thinking it wasn’t the right time, finding love again and the life partner they deserve.
A big congratulations to Mandy Magro on a fabulous 20th Novel… and here’s to many more to come.
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