Title: The Billabong
Series: N/A
Author: Jack Byrne
Genre: Historical (1800s)/Australian Outback/Gay For You
Length: Novella (70 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 27th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Having long ago lost his wife and children, cattleman Jim Kelly works the family farm in the harsh 1800s Australian outback, most days wondering why he bothers. That question is foremost in his mind when a venomous snake takes him by surprise. Another surprise comes when a skilled doctor is in the vicinity to save his life. But the third, and biggest, surprise for Jim is falling hard and fast for that man.
Life on the lam is tough, and bushranger Mark Turner simply wants to maintain his freedom as long as he’s able. Unfortunately, being a doctor, his conscience won’t let him leave a snakebite victim to die. Before he thinks about the consequences of his humanitarian actions, he’s both saved Jim and become smitten with him. But considering how Mark’s past could negatively impact any possibility of a future, maybe falling in love wasn’t such a great idea after all.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4420
Reviewer: GiGi
Review: This book was hot and intense from the start and I enjoyed the harsh climates and dangers of the Australian Outback. The buildup between the two main characters was electric, steamy, and powerful. Sometimes gay-for-you storylines are hard to swallow, but two men, outcast and alone in such harsh environments for long periods of time…I can totally understand it.
The adventure and reveal of Mark’s run-in with the law was a bit fast, but for a short story/novella, I suppose that is necessary. My only complaint, and I know it really doesn’t deserve one, is that it ends too soon, to abruptly…makes me wonder what Mark and Jim’s future holds.
All in all, a fast paced, adventurous, sexually charged book! I’m looking forward to reading more from Jack Byrne!