Spotlight: Fulvia by Kaarina Parker

Power. At any cost.

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 1st July 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 276

RRP: $32.99AUD (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the book

She was a woman who took no interest in spinning or housekeeping. She wanted to rule a ruler and command a commander -- Plutarch

Fulvia is the daughter of a wealthy but unimportant Roman family. Raised in the countryside, she longs for a life of intrigue and influence. When her father dies and her inheritance is threatened, Fulvia makes her way to the city of Rome to secure her future.

There she marries a young aristocrat named Clodius, who is more interested in partying with his hedonistic friends than politics. Fulvia is drawn into their world of debauchery, and learns just how precarious the balance of power in the Republic is. Her ambition drives them both to political power that draws the attention of the senate, and more seedy underworld opponents. But Rome is a dangerous place, and power can become notoriety overnight. Fulvia soon learns just how high the stakes really are, and that her ambitions may come at a terrible cost.

Some reviews of Fulvia from readers.

An educational, atmospheric and entertaining read about a fascinating woman. - Gloria (Goodreads)

Wholly original in its delivery, Fulvia gives voice to one of history’s greatest women that will hold you in its thrall from beginning to end! - Dan (Goodreads)

An enjoyable, thought-provoking work of historical fiction. Highly recommended. - Jennifer (Goodreads)

If you love fierce women, immersive historical fiction, and stories that bring lesser-known figures to life, Fulvia is a must-read. Alex (Goodreads)

Review: The Haunting of Mr & Mrs Stevenson by Belinda Lyons-Lee

It took me a few pages to get into this gothic mystery but once I did I couldn't put the book down. 

The Haunting of Mr & Mrs Stevenson is based on the true friendship of Robert Louis Stevenson and the charismatic Eugene Chantrelle. This page-turning mystery tells the story behind the people and events that inspired Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Written in the voice of Fanny, Robert Louis Stevenson's wife, The Haunting of Mr & Mrs Stevenson is part gothic tale, part supernatural, part mystery. It tells the story of Fanny & Louis's unconventional marriage and explores the manner in which women were treated at the time and how forward thinking and assertive women were perceived by men.

I loved how Fanny could hold her own against the most  condescending of men. She didn't worry about convention, she was strong and self reliant.

Fanny is an engaging narrator which kept the story interesting.

Lyons-Lee expertly portrays not only the narrator's feelings but all the other characters' feelings and emotions. I find in a first person narration this can sometimes be difficult to execute.

Dark, atmospheric and thoroughly addictive, The Haunting of Mr & Mrs Stevenson is a skillful weaving of fact and fiction that is sure to delight readers.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Transit Lounge

Publication date: 1st July 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AUD (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media

Review: The Private Island by Ali Lowe

The Private Island was Global Girls Online Book Club book of the month for September 2025.

I thought I had read previous books by Ali Lowe but apparently, after looking through Goodreads, I haven't read any of her books. So now I have a wonderful backlist to explore and she also has a new thriller coming out in March 2026.

Ali Lowe really pulled me into a twisty mystery with The Private Island. The resort lifestyle was perfectly rendered however for these holidaymakers it wasn't the idyllic break they were expecting.

Told through multiple narratives the reader gets a broad picture of what each character sees and as the story evolves we realise there is a lot going on behind the scenes.

The prologue opens with a body washed up on the shore but it is not revealed exactly who it is.

Nuanced characters are perfectly written, almost all have secrets and plenty are after revenge.... but would they kill for it?

I loved the way Ali Lowe tells the story right up to the discovery of the body and then goes back four months to fill in details that haven't previously been revealed. Each character's point of view sheds a little more light on the mystery.

The Private Island is a compelling mystery that exposes the complexity of greed and the need for closure via revenge. I was constantly surprised as the connections between the characters were slowly disclosed throughout the story. Cliff hanger chapter endings keep the pages turning. There is never a dull moment in The Private Island.

I also loved the addition of a cocktail recipe at the start of each chapter because what's an island holiday without cocktails!

The Private Island is a twisty tale of love, betrayal, family and secrets powered by money.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication date: 25th February 2025

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 398

Source: Own Copy

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Review: Better Than the Real Thing by Brooke Crawford

Have you ever read a book that has you racing through the pages to find out what happens next, then when you near the end you suddenly slow down because you actually don't want to say goodbye to the characters? Well, Better Than the Real Thing is that kind of book!

Netta is struggling with infertility. Whilst falling pregnant is her top priority she feels her partner, Pete, doesn't seem as invested and is becoming distant.

When finding the hidden diary of famous musician, Mo Mapleston, coincides with Netta breaking up with Pete, the $10,000 payment to return the diary, in person, is too good to refuse. However Mo lives in London and Netta left London behind with the demons that hounded her. Surely no one will remember her?

I immediately liked Netta and her struggle felt real. Better Than the Real Thing is filled with so many wonderful 'real'  characters. People that supported each other and welcomed strangers as if they were old friends. I loved them all which made Netta and Mo's story so rewarding.

Even though Mo is a mega star he is riddled with anxiety attacks and often self-deprecating. He is trying his best to change his life - but failing.

Brooke Crawford includes moments of light-hearted banter, emotional confessions, true friendships and a touch of spice to deliver a story that is emotional and heart wrenching, witty and heartwarming.

Netta's friendship with Freya is what struck me the most, it was pure and sincere. I'm getting teary just thinking about how much they supported each other.

The thing I love about romance is after all the heartache and bumps in the road there is always that HEA to look forward to.

Better Than the Real Thing delivers all the feels. I'm excited for its release to see how much everyone loves it!

Content: fertility struggles

               death of a parent

               drugs / overdose

               miscarriage

               spice factor 2/5

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: HQ Fiction

Publication date: 25th November 2025

Genre: Contemporary romance

Pages: 368

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: uncorrected proof courtesy of the publisher

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