Single in Sydney

Sometimes it takes someone else's love story to recognise the truth of your own.Sarah Williams arrives at her brother Jon's wedding expecting an evening of celebration, champagne, and the familiar role she always plays: the responsible older sister, keeping an eye on everything-and everyone-around her. But beneath the glow of candlelight and the sweep of Sydney Harbour at sunset, she finds herself confronting a truth she can no longer ignore.As Jon marries Kate, the woman he adores, and their joy fills the room, Sarah is moved by the kind of love that feels effortless and real. It's a stark contrast to her own relationship with her long-term partner Steve: steady, familiar, safe, but no longer stirring anything deeper. Watching her parents dance with the ease of decades together, she begins to wonder whether 'good enough' is truly enough.Over the course of one unforgettable night-full of warmth, quiet revelations, and unexpected clarity-Sarah is gently pushed to rethink the life she's built and the future she's heading toward. Once seen, her truth can't be unseen.A tender, honest, and beautifully observed story about the quiet moments that change everything-and the courage it takes to choose a life that finally feels like your own.***Set during Jon and Kate's wedding (yes, from Avoiding the Friend Zone), Sarah juggles responsibility, romance, and reflection. A 30-minute read-perfect for your lunch break or commute! Rowena Mabbott is a Certified Life Coach, author, podcast co-host, and parent. She writes contemporary fiction that explores the complexities of relationships and monthly articles for her coaching business.She is an avid reader and co-host of the Two Booked Up Podcast, where she and her co-host discuss business and personal development books and add their own experiences as business owners and mothers.In her free time, Rowena enjoys reading, writing, singing in a women's choir, and spending time in nature, especially near water.She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband, two living sons, and their dog.

Two ambitious graduates, Jon and Kate, navigate their careers and an emerging romance in the bustling city of Sydney in a story that will have you cheering them until the very end.Fresh out of university, Jon Williams moves from the country to Sydney for a coveted graduate sales role with a large company. A new city, housemates and a new job with a big company combine for a steep learning curve. When he attends a graduate orientation day, he meets Kate, a girl he can't stop thinking about. Ambitious and focused, Catherine (Kate) Pieterson is an HR graduate in the same company, happy with Jacques, her boyfriend of more than three years.Despite Kate's boyfriend, Jon decides he can't be her friend if he ever wants to have a chance with her. Eighteen months later, Kate and Jon are working together. Kate is now single and is interested in Jon. A night of dancing proves they have chemistry, but will either be brave enough to overcome their previous relationship mistakes and make a move?Will avoiding the friend zone work for Jon? Will he have a chance with Kate? Or will he end up losing her forever? A sweet workplace romance set at the turn of the century, join Jon and Kate as they navigate work, friendships, family and relationships alongside the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the changing world of technology. Avoiding The Friend Zone is a tender, joyful novel about confusion, longing and love. Avoiding The Friend Zone is a sweet workplace romance with a HEA (happy ever after). It's the first book in the interconnected Single in Sydney series and can be read as a stand-alone.Tropes:Fish out of waterSworn off relationshipsWork colleaguesSlow burnFriends to LoversSoul mates