top of page

New Adult/Adult Australia: Standalones

the last love note.jpg

Emma Grey

The Last Love Note

By Australian Author 

Setting: Australia

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: Grief and loss, single parenting, humor in adversity, personal growth, love and healing, family dynamics, friendship, and self-discovery.

Kate is struggling with grief and single parenting after losing her husband, Cameron. Despite her chaotic life, she maintains her humor while dealing with a demanding job, an overbearing mother, and a matchmaking friend. A weekend stranded with her boss, Hugh, offers Kate a chance to confront her grief and consider opening her heart again. As secrets emerge, Kate revisits notes that once guided her life, contemplating whether the last one will set her free.

A handpicked selection of individual fiction and nonfiction highlighting the heart of Australia for New Adult and older readers. Experience gripping tales from Australian authors or settings—each a unique immersion into the Outback, coastal life, and bushland heritage, one standalone book at a time.

butterfly song.jpg
Butterfly Song

By Australian author with Wuthathi and Meriam heritage

Setting: Australia

Genres: Literary Fiction

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: Indigenous land rights, Identity and belonging, Racial dynamics in the legal system, Family and heritage, Personal growth and self-discovery, Urban versus rural life.

In 1992, amid the High Court's landmark decision on Indigenous land rights in Australia, Tarena Palson, a recent law graduate from Sydney University, finds herself thrust into her first legal case. Her Torres Strait Islander family is claiming a valuable pearl shell from the estate of a deceased white doctor. Despite her involvement, Tarena questions her role in a predominantly white legal system and contemplates her future in Sydney, pondering whether city life truly suits her and if others also struggle to keep pace with life's demands.

“Disclaimer: The links featured on this page are not affiliate links. I do not receive any commission or profit from any purchases or visits made through these links.”

Epic NA and Adult Sagas & Series

Australia- New Adult/Adult Series

A curated selection of Australian series and sagas for new adult and mature readers. These multi-book narratives delve into the unique spirit of the Outback, coastal life, and bushland heritage, featuring local authors and settings that allow you to follow complex characters across their entire journey.

the dry.jpg
Aaron Falk series

The Dry (Book 1)
Force of Nature (Book 2)
Exiles (Book 3)

Author and Setting: Australia

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: Rural Australian life, community secrets, grief, betrayal, the impact of drought, and the search for truth.

Jane Harper

Amidst the worst drought in a century, Kiewarra's farming community faces dire choices when a local family is found slain. Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns for his friend's funeral, confronting a town that shunned him twenty years ago. As suspicions grow, Falk delves into the Hadler family's deaths, uncovering a secret he shared with Luke Hadler, now threatened by Luke's demise in this small Australian town.

the isle of the gods.jpg
The Isles of the Gods series 

The Isles of the Gods (Book 1)
The Heart of the World (Book 2)

Australian Author

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Action & Adventure

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: This enchanting tale explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and the complexities of love and duty, featuring a spirited female protagonist and a diverse cast of characters, including a prince with magical abilities and ancient deities.

Amie Kaufman

Embark on a breathtaking summer adventure where magic, romance, and ancient deities intertwine in a captivating tale of courage and discovery. From the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files, this riveting romantasy will sweep you off your feet!

Selly, a spirited girl with salt water in her veins, finds herself abandoned in the bustling port of Kirkpool when her father sets sail for adventure without her. Determined not to spend the winter idly, she plans to follow him, but her aspirations are thwarted by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Prince Leander of Alinor, marked by the tell-tale signs of a magician, commandeers her ship for a clandestine mission across the treacherous Crescent Sea.

Reluctant to assist a seemingly spoiled prince, Selly is unprepared for the whirlwind journey that awaits them. As they navigate through uncharted waters, what begins as a simple cruise soon escalates into a perilous quest filled with treachery, looming war, and the awakening of two ancient gods long thought to be dormant.

In a world where loyalty is tested and destinies collide, Selly and Leander must confront their own desires and fears, forging an unexpected bond that challenges their very understanding of love and duty. Will they be able to navigate the stormy seas of fate, or will their journey unleash chaos that could change their world forever?

Join Selly and Leander on this exhilarating odyssey where every wave brings new challenges and every heartbeat echoes with the promise of adventure!

sydney smoke rugby series.jpg
Sydney Smoke Rugby series 

Playing by Her Rules (Book 1)
Playing It Cool (Book 2)
Playing the Player (Book 3)
Playing With Forever (Book 4)
Playing House (Book 5)
Playing Dirty (Book 6)
Playing It Safe (Book 7)
Playing It Touch (Book 8)

Australian Author

Setting: Australia

Genres: Contemporary Sports Romance

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: Second chances, rivalry, ambition, love and heartbreak, personal growth, the complexities of past relationships, and the intersection of professional and personal lives.

Amy Andrews

In the heart of Sydney, where passion meets rivalry, two former lovers are thrust together in a whirlwind of ambition and unresolved feelings. Meet Tanner Stone, the captain of the Sydney Smoke and the epitome of a rugby god. He’s a man who would rather dodge interviews than face the ghosts of his past. But when a six-part feature series beckons, Tanner finds himself reluctantly stepping into the spotlight, hoping for a chance to reconnect with the one who got away.

Enter Matilda Kent, an ambitious style columnist with a reputation for her sharp tongue and even sharper wit. When a promotion hangs in the balance, she’s forced to confront her high school sweetheart—the very man who shattered her heart. Determined to keep her composure, Matilda prepares to play the game, but this time, she’s armed with the intention to expose the truth behind Tanner’s rugged charm.

What unfolds is a thrilling battle of wits, where words become weapons and the stakes rise higher than ever. As the tension ignites both on the field and between the sheets, Tanner and Matilda must decide what they truly want: revenge, redemption, or a second chance at love. In this captivating tale, the winner takes all, but will they both emerge victorious?

Each installment of the Sydney Smoke Rugby series is a standalone, full-length story, inviting readers to dive into the exhilarating world of rugby, romance, and fierce competition, all at their own pace.

outback heat series.jpg
Outback Heat series 

Some Girls Do (Book 1)
Some Girls Don't (Book 2)
Some Guys Need A Lot of Lovin’ (Book 3)
Some Guys Lie (Book 4)
Bonus Novella—Shut Up And Drive

Australian Author

Setting: Australia

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Novel

Ages: 18+

Representation and Themes: This collection explores themes of love, resilience, and personal growth, featuring diverse characters including a fashion designer, firefighter, paramedic, police officer, and strong female leads. It delves into the complexities of relationships, the power of friendship, and the transformative nature of love against the backdrop of the Australian outback.

Amy Andrews

Lose yourself in the smoldering tales of Jumbuck Springs, where deep connections are forged under the intense Australian sun. This captivating collection from a master of romance brings together four heart-racing novels and a special bonus story that will sweep you away. At the heart of these tales is the resilient Weston family: Lacey, a creative soul; Jarrod, a courageous first responder; Marcus, a compassionate medic; and Ethan, a principled lawman. Witness their lives transform as love takes them by surprise: Some Girls Do: Seeking a way back to her roots, Lacey orchestrates a pretend pregnancy with Cooper, leading to a very real and undeniable attraction. Some Girls Don’t: Jarrod finds that past embers still glow when he crosses paths with the intrepid reporter Selena, reigniting a legendary flame. Some Guys Need A Lot of Lovin’: A fleeting encounter for Marcus becomes complicated when the woman he can’t forget, Juanita, enters his professional sphere. Some Guys Lie: Ethan attempts to shield his close friend Jemima Jane through a deceptive betrothal, only to find the line between truth and pretense vanishing. Additionally, the novella Shut Up And Drive captures Duncan and Ruth’s unexpected bond during a high-stakes charity rally. Outback Heat offers a thrilling journey through laughter and longing, proving that the right person is worth every risk.

bottom of page