By Narelle Atkins
Contemporary romance readers love small town stories. Cowboys and ranches in Texas, Montana and Colorado are popular settings for contemporary romance novels. My first three books with Heartsong Presents are set in the fictitious small town of Snowgum Creek in the Snowy Mountains region of Australia.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
My fourth book and brand new November release, Her Tycoon Hero, is different to the typical contemporary inspirational romance. It’s set in my home city of Sydney, Australia, and my characters are from wealthy backgrounds. They travel interstate for business, commute on the Manly ferry to the city, sail on Sydney Harbour, and live in expensive apartments with harbor views.
Sydney Opera House
My hero, Ryan, grew up on a farm in the country and has worked hard to become a successful management consultant. He’s self-made, career focused and owns a yacht that he moors on Sydney Harbour. Ryan recently returned to Sydney after spending a few years working in London.
Sydney Harbour and city skyline
Cassie had a privileged upbringing in Sydney. She struggled to cope with her parent’s divorce when she was younger and has a difficult relationship with her father. Cassie was lured into a party lifestyle that almost ruined her life. She’s a recovering alcoholic who became a Christian while working a rehab program. Her sobriety is a daily challenge and her new faith helps her to stay on track.
Cassie Beaumont Believes in Second Chances
Set on proving to everyone that she’s no longer a party girl, Cassie is focused on her career as an event planner. But her dad’s top executive, Ryan Mitchell, proves to be a handsome distraction. Especially when someone from Cassie’s wild past tries to get her tangled in the life she’s worked hard to escape.
Ryan is taken with his boss’s beautiful daughter. But having been fooled by a brother who ran in her same circles, he is slow to trust. When Cassie’s newfound faith works its way into his heart, Ryan soon finds he wants to claim both her faith and Cassie as his own.
North Curl Curl Beach in Sydney, Australia
Urban stories have a unique vibe and tone, depending on the city. Sydney has a beautiful harbor and gorgeous beaches along the eastern coast.
Do you have a favourite contemporary romance book set in the city? Or, do you prefer small town stories? Have you written contemporary romance stories with urban settings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
I’m also giving away a print copy of Her Tycoon Hero (worldwide, wherever The Book Depository delivers) to a reader who leaves a comment on this post and enters the Rafflecopter giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
Sounds like another great read. Agatha007
Hi Agatha, I hope you’ll have a chance to read Her Tycoon Hero :) Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
Your pictures and that gorgeous cover are making me homesick for Sydney, Narelle! :D
Hi Autumn, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to head back to Australia soon ) I miss Sydney, too, especially in summer.
Sounds like a wonderful story, Narelle!
Blessings,
Andrea
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
Hi Andrea, This story is close to my heart, being the first book I ever wrote. I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read it :) Good luck in the drawing!
I like reading books set in urban settings because I like being able to experience the city through the characters.
Hi Jessica, I agree, and I like how each character has their own unique perspective of the city, depending on their background and experiences. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing :)
Congratulations, Narelle! I love Cassie and Ryan’s story, and I know readers will, too. It’s so funny to me that this wasn’t your first release since it’s the first one of your books that I read. I’m so happy others will get to read it now.
Thanks, Suzie :) It’s exciting to finally see this book in print. Thanks for stopping by.
I do enjoy seeing the pictures. I can then picture scenes in the books, thanks Narelle & congratulations!
Hi Deanna, I love the pictures of Sydney, too, and I had a lot of fun putting together this blog post. I miss being near the water, but I can see mountains from my home in Canberra. Good luck in the drawing!
Sounds like a very nice story! I would love to read this one. :)
Hi Rhen, I hope you’ll have the opportunity to read my book. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing :)