Love Unleashed (Melanie Saward, Michael Joseph)

Melanie Saward’s Love Unleashed is a bingeable, warm and soulful romantic comedy. Saward (whose debut novel, Burn, was released in 2023) draws on her own experience in New York to scaffold the story of Brynn Wallace, a Bigambul woman who moves from Brisbane to New York to pursue her literary dreams. Brynn moves through the grief of losing her mother—who has left her missions to complete in New York—as well as the trauma of her past relationship, the nervousness of exploring her ambitions and the excitement and allure of new love interests. Saward skillfully crafts these moments with care, tenderness and a vulnerability that draws the reader in completely. Each aspect of Brynn’s new world is engaging and richly illustrated, from Brynn’s workplace—the doggy daycare and its unruly dogs—to the cosy apartment she shares with new friend Corey and her group chat with her cousin Brydie and friend Dotty. Although Brynn’s love interests—the handsome ‘dog dad’/editor Lucas and the beautiful burlesque dancer/vet nurse Sienna—are swoon-worthy, I found myself wishing there was more time spent exploring Brynn and Sienna’s dynamic, sketching out more groundwork for their tender and magnetic relationship, which seemed to lurch forward emotionally a little too soon. Saward has created a unique and joyful romantic comedy for readers who enjoy Anita Heiss, Amy Hutton and Natalie Murray. Even when Saward delves into tropes, she does so with her own vibrant twist, making Love Unleashed an absolute treat to read.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Shivani Prabhu is a Melbourne-based writer and editor. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews