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grapeapril75's review
3.0
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve got a confession to make. I haven’t really read that many books set in Aussie farming communities. Why? Well, I used to live in one and I Know All About It. I know about the lack of privacy, the isolation and gossiping. What I have forgotten over the years is the good things about the country – safety, community and the beauty. Alissa Callen’s debut novel brings both the good and bad about the Australian bush to the fore.
One of the worst things about farming is drought. Unfortunately, our main character Paige who runs Banora Downs (a cattle property that sounds like it’s in Western New South Wales) is in the middle of one. She’s fighting a losing battle against the elements. Then city boy Tait comes to stay at the invitation of Paige’s father Connor – but what’s his agenda? Connor thinks it’s to write him a business plan and Paige thinks it’s for a rest, but neither of them knows the full story…
Tait is a city boy through and through – he has the mobile phone, the Jaguar (or Jaaaaaaaaaag as Jeremy Clarkson would say) and the fancy suits. But underneath the exterior, Tait is hiding a lot of pain and guilt, which is revealed in layers throughout the story. Tait also integrates himself into country life, whether it’s winding up the local gossips or assisting with sponsorship for the local ball. All this makes Paige think that she could be mistaken about Tait being a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy,
The story started off a little bit slowly for me – establishing the scene and the instant dislike Paige takes to Tait. Tait is incredibly patient with Paige, who flares up at any suspected slight! Once Tait was established at Banora Downs, I found the story grow increasingly more enjoyable as more characters were brought in and we learned more about Banora Downs’ history. Callen creates a rich history for the once grand property with a beautiful Victorian homestead to match that you can feel Paige’s pain at it crumbling away.
I also liked that the plot had multiple threads and simply didn’t stop and end with the romance. The romance in this book is just that – it’s romance, focusing on the build-up, the tiffs and talking rather than the sex. If you’re after detailed sex scenes, you won’t find them here. I feel it’s important to bring to attention the stress that continued drought brings (farm foreclosures, bankruptcy and suicides in addition to large companies buying up several farms, losing the community aspect of small country towns) and Callen has done that splendidly. Tait’s mystery was well hidden – I didn’t actually see it coming and it kept me interested as it was revealed in small parts. The supporting characters, such as Anne and Connor, were sensitively portrayed and I felt I got to know them as well as Paige and Tait.
The more I read of this book, the more I enjoyed it and realised that I quite enjoy Aussie bush romance. I’d definitely read more by Alissa Callen and more in this genre.
Thanks to Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
One of the worst things about farming is drought. Unfortunately, our main character Paige who runs Banora Downs (a cattle property that sounds like it’s in Western New South Wales) is in the middle of one. She’s fighting a losing battle against the elements. Then city boy Tait comes to stay at the invitation of Paige’s father Connor – but what’s his agenda? Connor thinks it’s to write him a business plan and Paige thinks it’s for a rest, but neither of them knows the full story…
Tait is a city boy through and through – he has the mobile phone, the Jaguar (or Jaaaaaaaaaag as Jeremy Clarkson would say) and the fancy suits. But underneath the exterior, Tait is hiding a lot of pain and guilt, which is revealed in layers throughout the story. Tait also integrates himself into country life, whether it’s winding up the local gossips or assisting with sponsorship for the local ball. All this makes Paige think that she could be mistaken about Tait being a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy,
The story started off a little bit slowly for me – establishing the scene and the instant dislike Paige takes to Tait. Tait is incredibly patient with Paige, who flares up at any suspected slight! Once Tait was established at Banora Downs, I found the story grow increasingly more enjoyable as more characters were brought in and we learned more about Banora Downs’ history. Callen creates a rich history for the once grand property with a beautiful Victorian homestead to match that you can feel Paige’s pain at it crumbling away.
I also liked that the plot had multiple threads and simply didn’t stop and end with the romance. The romance in this book is just that – it’s romance, focusing on the build-up, the tiffs and talking rather than the sex. If you’re after detailed sex scenes, you won’t find them here. I feel it’s important to bring to attention the stress that continued drought brings (farm foreclosures, bankruptcy and suicides in addition to large companies buying up several farms, losing the community aspect of small country towns) and Callen has done that splendidly. Tait’s mystery was well hidden – I didn’t actually see it coming and it kept me interested as it was revealed in small parts. The supporting characters, such as Anne and Connor, were sensitively portrayed and I felt I got to know them as well as Paige and Tait.
The more I read of this book, the more I enjoyed it and realised that I quite enjoy Aussie bush romance. I’d definitely read more by Alissa Callen and more in this genre.
Thanks to Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
shelleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
Beneath Outback Skies is a winsome contemporary romance set in rural Australia by debut author Alissa Callen, published under Random House Australia's new digital imprint, Random Romance.
Paige Quinn is determined that Banora Downs will not succumb to the drought forcing outback farmers from their properties, it is her home and despite the harsh conditions, she cannot imagine a life elsewhere.
With resources stretched to breaking point, Paige is unimpressed when her father, Connor, announces he has approved for a paying guest to stay at the farm. In her experience, city-slickers are nothing but trouble and Tait Cavanaugh, with his charming smile and caffeine addiction, can't leave soon enough to satisfy her.
Tait is looking forward to a break from the office, even though he still has work to do at Banora Downs. An agri business consultant, his role is to assess the future of the property, without tipping his hand to Paige, at the request of her father. That's not the only secret Tait is keeping though... he wasn't always a city boy.
While I would have preferred a little more external conflict to enliven the plot, I enjoyed the storyline of Beneath Outback Skies. Though primarily a traditional romance, there is a touch of mystery surrounding Tait and I was intrigued by Connor's motivation to pair Paige with Tait, beyond his attempts at matchmaking.
I liked Paige who is practical, independent and willful and I admired her determination to keep Banora Downs viable. I did wonder that she seemed almost friendless, even though it is explained, that as Banora Downs is an iconic station, she is desperate to hide the true extent of the farm's woes in order to support morale in the community.
I grew quite fond of Tait as well who proved to be kind and considerate, willing to help out and quietly adding small luxuries to the lives of Paige and Connor without needing recognition.
I though the pace of the romance between the Paige and Tait was well thought out, the physical attraction is obviously there to start with but the author gives the pair time to get to know each other, which i appreciate.
The setting of Beneath Outback Skies is well developed. I was able to imagine Banora Downs as both the thriving property it once was and the dustbowl it has become. I especially liked the way the author explored the ravages of drought, not only on Paige's property, but also amongst the townspeople, touching on the high rate of depression and suicide in rural communities.
I thought Beneath Outback Skies was an engaging and satisfying contemporary rural romance. I am especially pleased that Random Romance titles are available internationally and I believe that romance fans from all over the world will enjoy getting to know Paige and Tait at Banora Downs.
shell74's review
4.0
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
See my review at:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-beneath-outback-skies-by-alissa-callen/
See my review at:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-beneath-outback-skies-by-alissa-callen/
samstillreading's review
4.0
I’ve got a confession to make. I haven’t really read that many books set in Aussie farming communities. Why? Well, I used to live in one and I Know All About It. I know about the lack of privacy, the isolation and gossiping. What I have forgotten over the years is the good things about the country – safety, community and the beauty. Alissa Callen’s debut novel brings both the good and bad about the Australian bush to the fore.
One of the worst things about farming is drought. Unfortunately, our main character Paige who runs Banora Downs (a cattle property that sounds like it’s in Western New South Wales) is in the middle of one. She’s fighting a losing battle against the elements. Then city boy Tait comes to stay at the invitation of Paige’s father Connor – but what’s his agenda? Connor thinks it’s to write him a business plan and Paige thinks it’s for a rest, but neither of them knows the full story…
Tait is a city boy through and through – he has the mobile phone, the Jaguar (or Jaaaaaaaaaag as Jeremy Clarkson would say) and the fancy suits. But underneath the exterior, Tait is hiding a lot of pain and guilt, which is revealed in layers throughout the story. Tait also integrates himself into country life, whether it’s winding up the local gossips or assisting with sponsorship for the local ball. All this makes Paige think that she could be mistaken about Tait being a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy,
The story started off a little bit slowly for me – establishing the scene and the instant dislike Paige takes to Tait. Tait is incredibly patient with Paige, who flares up at any suspected slight! Once Tait was established at Banora Downs, I found the story grow increasingly more enjoyable as more characters were brought in and we learned more about Banora Downs’ history. Callen creates a rich history for the once grand property with a beautiful Victorian homestead to match that you can feel Paige’s pain at it crumbling away.
I also liked that the plot had multiple threads and simply didn’t stop and end with the romance. The romance in this book is just that – it’s romance, focusing on the build-up, the tiffs and talking rather than the sex. If you’re after detailed sex scenes, you won’t find them here. I feel it’s important to bring to attention the stress that continued drought brings (farm foreclosures, bankruptcy and suicides in addition to large companies buying up several farms, losing the community aspect of small country towns) and Callen has done that splendidly. Tait’s mystery was well hidden – I didn’t actually see it coming and it kept me interested as it was revealed in small parts. The supporting characters, such as Anne and Connor, were sensitively portrayed and I felt I got to know them as well as Paige and Tait.
The more I read of this book, the more I enjoyed it and realised that I quite enjoy Aussie bush romance. I’d definitely read more by Alissa Callen and more in this genre.
Thanks to Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
One of the worst things about farming is drought. Unfortunately, our main character Paige who runs Banora Downs (a cattle property that sounds like it’s in Western New South Wales) is in the middle of one. She’s fighting a losing battle against the elements. Then city boy Tait comes to stay at the invitation of Paige’s father Connor – but what’s his agenda? Connor thinks it’s to write him a business plan and Paige thinks it’s for a rest, but neither of them knows the full story…
Tait is a city boy through and through – he has the mobile phone, the Jaguar (or Jaaaaaaaaaag as Jeremy Clarkson would say) and the fancy suits. But underneath the exterior, Tait is hiding a lot of pain and guilt, which is revealed in layers throughout the story. Tait also integrates himself into country life, whether it’s winding up the local gossips or assisting with sponsorship for the local ball. All this makes Paige think that she could be mistaken about Tait being a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy,
The story started off a little bit slowly for me – establishing the scene and the instant dislike Paige takes to Tait. Tait is incredibly patient with Paige, who flares up at any suspected slight! Once Tait was established at Banora Downs, I found the story grow increasingly more enjoyable as more characters were brought in and we learned more about Banora Downs’ history. Callen creates a rich history for the once grand property with a beautiful Victorian homestead to match that you can feel Paige’s pain at it crumbling away.
I also liked that the plot had multiple threads and simply didn’t stop and end with the romance. The romance in this book is just that – it’s romance, focusing on the build-up, the tiffs and talking rather than the sex. If you’re after detailed sex scenes, you won’t find them here. I feel it’s important to bring to attention the stress that continued drought brings (farm foreclosures, bankruptcy and suicides in addition to large companies buying up several farms, losing the community aspect of small country towns) and Callen has done that splendidly. Tait’s mystery was well hidden – I didn’t actually see it coming and it kept me interested as it was revealed in small parts. The supporting characters, such as Anne and Connor, were sensitively portrayed and I felt I got to know them as well as Paige and Tait.
The more I read of this book, the more I enjoyed it and realised that I quite enjoy Aussie bush romance. I’d definitely read more by Alissa Callen and more in this genre.
Thanks to Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
lauredhel's review
4.0
This is a thoroughly enjoyable Australian rural romance, set in an iconic homestead deep in drought country. I loved it that the POV character, Paige, is a very ungirly-girl; she spends most of the book in torn jeans, covered in filth, and limping (when she's not conveniently having to strip off while Tait grabs an eyeful!)
The sense of place is terrific, and the backstory and B plots are well-developed and all tie in together at the end. I particularly liked that it wasn't quite the usual insta-love; while things move fast compared to typical real life, there are genuine mixed feelings and a bit of a slow burn. Another point in favour is that not all the obstacles to the romances (yes, there's more than one) are borne of contrived implausible misunderstandings and the characters' own bad choices. In other words: this book mostly avoids my many romance-novel squicks and annoyances (which is kinda high praise coming from me!). Maybe one tiny one: there are an awful lot of occasions where Tait finds himself having to sweep Paige up into his arms and carry her around. And a couple of dubious-consent-ish moments, but better-handled and nowhere near as many as some more bodice-rippy books. And not once does Tait think of Paige as a "minx"...
One thing I did notice however, and which is dealt with a bit better in some other books of this genre, was the lack of Aboriginal people in the town. This is rural Australia; why is everyone, in the background as well as the foreground, apparently white? Or did I miss something?
Despite that, I spent every moment in the story, I found myself looking forward to picking up my book again and barracking for the characters, and I could see and smell Banora Downs and Glenalla. I could see a sequel happening, and I could see myself picking it up. In the absence of that, though, I'll keep an eye out for Callen's next book.
Note to blurb-writers: this isn't the 19th century, and we don't refer to people as "crippled" anymore. Ordinarily I would have put this book straight down unread halfway into that second paragraph of the blurb. Please don't alienate your readers with disabilities in this way.
Note to readers: the disability element is handled well in the book. Connor is just another character with all his own wishes and motivations who happens to have a disability, and he's not shoved into any of the Inspirational/Pitiable stereotype boxes.
The sense of place is terrific, and the backstory and B plots are well-developed and all tie in together at the end. I particularly liked that it wasn't quite the usual insta-love; while things move fast compared to typical real life, there are genuine mixed feelings and a bit of a slow burn. Another point in favour is that not all the obstacles to the romances (yes, there's more than one) are borne of contrived implausible misunderstandings and the characters' own bad choices. In other words: this book mostly avoids my many romance-novel squicks and annoyances (which is kinda high praise coming from me!). Maybe one tiny one: there are an awful lot of occasions where Tait finds himself having to sweep Paige up into his arms and carry her around. And a couple of dubious-consent-ish moments, but better-handled and nowhere near as many as some more bodice-rippy books. And not once does Tait think of Paige as a "minx"...
One thing I did notice however, and which is dealt with a bit better in some other books of this genre, was the lack of Aboriginal people in the town. This is rural Australia; why is everyone, in the background as well as the foreground, apparently white? Or did I miss something?
Despite that, I spent every moment in the story, I found myself looking forward to picking up my book again and barracking for the characters, and I could see and smell Banora Downs and Glenalla. I could see a sequel happening, and I could see myself picking it up. In the absence of that, though, I'll keep an eye out for Callen's next book.
Note to blurb-writers: this isn't the 19th century, and we don't refer to people as "crippled" anymore. Ordinarily I would have put this book straight down unread halfway into that second paragraph of the blurb. Please don't alienate your readers with disabilities in this way.
Note to readers: the disability element is handled well in the book. Connor is just another character with all his own wishes and motivations who happens to have a disability, and he's not shoved into any of the Inspirational/Pitiable stereotype boxes.