Book Reviews

I read and review romance novels. I love romcoms, contemporaries and historicals, and magic. Best of all are books with a thoughtful focus other than just the characters and their HEA. Grief, angst, mystery, and whimsy are all so good. All spice levels are fine, although I don't review erotica.

I am passionate about assisting and promoting both independent and established writers. The more diversity and queerness, the better. Basically, I love clever, fresh and thoughtful romances ā€” yes to plot and spice and themes.

Contact me to discuss an independent ARC read and review.

Note
I do not accept any remuneration or incentives for reviewing and I try to review by the publication date. I do not review paper or printed copies, only e-books and audiobooks. Opinions are always my own, and in the rare instance that I cannot finish a novel or I can cannot review due to the content, Iā€™ll be in touch.

I read every day, and post reviews at least twice a week as Laura Black Reads.

šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ REBEL BRIDE - Kate Meader (ARC read) So good! Kate Meader is in fine form - Summer is literally about to marry a Chicago Rebels hockey player when she legs it out the bathroom window and lands on Hatch. He’s outside having a moment so
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ ANY GIRL BUT YOU - Dana Hawkins (ARC read) Gorgeous Sapphic small-town romance with Zoey and Quinn. My first read from Dana Hawkins and it’s a gem! Small town, opposites attract, slow burn, with a bakery and a Christmas tree farm s
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ A SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO SECOND CHANCES - Steph Vizard (ARC read) A terrific love triangle set in Melbourne, Australia. As much about family, and what we choose for ourselves, as it is a romance, these two themes balanced each other a
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ CAUGHT A VIBE - Heidi Hutchinson (ARC read) Such fun! This works as a standalone - it’s my first read in the series, but I am so intrigued I’ll read the others. Himbo Adam Sawyer offers to look out for his mate Steve’s yo
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ CHRISTMAS FLING - Lindsay Kelk (ARC read) Well, what a gorgeous surprise this is! My first read by Lindsay Kelk and she is amazing - her comedic timing is immaculate and I laughed all the way through. It’s not all slapstick though,
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ GHOSTED - Amy Hutton (ARC read) ‘Ghosted’ is a change of direction for Amy Hutton and she nails it! Holly Daniels and Callum Jefferies have history. They worked together before Holly ghosted Callum two years ago. Now he’
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ THE WEDDING CON - Janine Amesta (ARC read) It’s so great to read a romance that feels fresh! First off, we meet Naomi Moreno, she works in her family’s ballooning business with her mum and her sisters. She’s on the team th
šŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸšŸŒŸ WORTH THE TRY - Valerie Pepper (ARC read) Charming American rugby romance - such fun! Elodie is in a mess, and when she gets offered a job and a place to live, she takes it. Ansel Miles is a pro rugby player - he’s the captain of At

Iā€™m actively reviewing on NetGalley, All About Romance and Goodreads - and my favourites are on Instagram.

Professional Reader Reviews Published 200 Book Reviews 80%
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2025 Reading Challenge

2025 Reading Challenge
Laura Black has read 2 books toward her goal of 200 books.
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Laura's bookshelf: Read

Not Looking
really liked it
Not Looking
by Alaina Rose
So good to be back in Starling Hills with the extended Callaghan clan. This stands alone but there are glimpses of characters from previous books - great fun! First up though, I need to admit that I don't play Dungeons and Dragons, I do...
The Wingman
it was amazing
The Wingman
by Natasha Anders
The Jack*ss In Class
really liked it
The Jack*ss In Class
by Amy Award
What fun! Number 5 of the Cocky Kingmans and my favourite so far. Also my first audiobook in the series and it's just excellent. A ridiculous and well-executed plot has college footballer Flynn preparing for the combine, Tempest ā€“ a best...
The Get-Back Boyfriend
really liked it
The Get-Back Boyfriend
by Sarah Everly
A quick, fun read! This is a great little sporty moment and such an excellent introduction to Sarah Everly. As an Australian, I had no idea what a get-back coach is, but it's explained really well, without getting me bogged down in Ameri...
It Was Always You
it was amazing
It Was Always You
by Laura Beth

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