VBT# The Girl Next Door - Matt McGregor - October 2025 There's something uniquely thrilling about discovering a page-turner penned by a fellow Kiwi , and Matt McGregor's The Girl Next Door delivers that hometown pride alongside genuine suspense that kept me reading well past my bedtime. Helen Martin's story begins with a relatable pang of empty nest syndrome—her son Noah has left for college, and the house feels too quiet. It's a moment many of us dread, that shift into a new life phase. But Helen's quiet existence is about to become anything but peaceful when Dakota arrives next door. Dakota is everything that disrupts suburban tranquility : young, beautiful, brash, and seemingly unconcerned with the homeowners association 's pearl-clutching disapproval. She's the kind of neighbor who draws attention—including from Helen's husband, Sam —and  Matt McGregor skillfully plants those early seeds of unease without tipping his hand too quickly. What I a...

Review : The Candidate's Daughter - Catherine Lea - May 2013 New Zealand author Catherine Lea’s The Candidate’s Daughter is a gripping thriller that not only delivers high-stakes tension but also provides a moving portrayal of disability representation. Set against a backdrop of crime, politics, and betrayal, the novel weaves an intense and emotional story that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. The novel centers around Kelsey Money, a 22-year-old car thief who gets entangled in a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. What initially seems like a straightforward ransom plan quickly unravels when Kelsey realizes she’s been double-crossed. Now, not only is she being framed for murder, but six-year-old Holly McClaine—who has Down syndrome—is in grave danger. With only 24 hours to save the girl, Kelsey must fight against impossible odds to bring her home safely. At the heart of this novel is the complex dynamic between Kelsey and Holly. Despite being one of the so-called ‘kidn...

Taniwha Creek Stephanie Ruth (Otago Waters) Publication date: July 22nd 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Maybe friends really do make the best lovers… Barista Maddie Stalwart-Jones has known Todd Kaihanga all her life, but no matter where her brain wanders when she’s not vigilant, she refuses to consider her brother’s best mate as anything other than off limits. It would be all wrong, right? The self-proclaimed pessimist is intent on ignoring the fact her cafe manager is the only guy she can relax and be herself around, and the only person she’s comfortable talking about her dead brother with. Intent on escaping Wānaka, where everyone seems to have an opinion on her intimate business and family history, falling for Todd would be highly inconvenient. Todd’s a patient guy, but he’s over waiting around for Maddie to notice he could be so much more than a shoulder to lean on. When Maddie’s mother finally agrees to accept some much needed help with her run down property,...

The Art of Husbandry Jay Hogan (June 1st 2023) Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance When life drowns you in lemons, to hell with making lemonade. I wanted to burn the whole world. But eighteen months from the day my life was torn apart, I’m tired of the anger. Tired of the nightmares. Tired of putting one foot in front of the other just trying to survive. Three months on a high country sheep station in the middle of nowhere is exactly the reboot I need. A chance to break free. To breathe again. To find a way forward. I put my entire life on hold and head south to Mackenzie Country. But falling for the captivating young station boss was never part of the plan. Holden Miller might be smart and sexy and push all of my dusty buttons, but we come from two different worlds. I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m not interested in love. I’m done with all that. But Holden doesn’t care about my rules. Nestled safely in the arms of the spectacular Southern Alps, on an isolat...

Review: Better, Bolder, Different - Ethically Kate - August 2022 When I was in my early adult life from 18 to about mid-'20s, I went through a stage of reading self-help books, motivational stories, and inspirational non-fiction. Then I stopped and went towards fiction, but coming into my mid 30's now - I have gone back to reading a mixture of fiction and non-fiction especially those that align with my own values and are motivational, but down to earth and not in a judgemental - you have to do this or else attitude. The other thing that is different in my life is my views of certain subjects are changing strongly as my new job is being the EA for House of Science which is a science charity and so I am now in the midst each day of reading scientific articles, writing science experiments and reading about sustainable living and climate change and global issues. It has opened my eyes and given me a new outlook on life. A few months ago, I would have never dreamed of eating an in...