A champion bull rider. A runaway lawyer. A second chance they didn’t see coming
Cowboy Craig’s rodeo ride comes to a crashing halt, thanks to a two-thousand-pound bull. Stuck at home, this stockman’s muster season looks bleak—made worse when his estranged wife shows up unannounced.
Isobel ‘Izzy’ Callahan traded outback cattle stations for high-powered city courtrooms, but now she’s on the run, searching for a fresh start. But hiding out in Elsie Creek means confronting the man she left behind—and the life she thought wasn’t for her.
With danger closing in, and Craig offered a position on the taskforce investigating cattle theft, old wounds and buried truths resurface. Will Craig and Izzy get their second chance at love—or will the past destroy their future first?
Following the runaway success of Elsie Creek’s Stockmen Series, welcome to The Stock where crime, cattle and romance collide in the outback.
Australian Bestselling Author, Mel A ROWE creates romantic escapes for today’s busy readers to enjoy from the comfort of their home.
Living in Australia’s final frontier, the Northern Territory, it’s her love of the Outback that fuels her addiction for random road trips, while fumbling with her camera, and singing badly from her many playlists. Mel also has a knack for making friends in the middle of nowhere—except for water buffalos. She’s been chased by a few.
Woohoo another new series from one of my favourite authors and yes we are back in my favourite place Elsie Creek and finally Cowboy Craig may just get his HEA but it appears that it will be a second chance at love when his estranged lawyer wife arrives by his hospital bed after a mishap at the rodeo with a bull named Wraiths Wrath.
For years now Craig has been a flirt never settling down but he is a great stockman and rodeo star number one, but things have changed a little since he lost his mentor Charlie and every bull ride or bronco ride makes him think, but this ride will change everything when he ends up in hospital and then finds his beautiful wife, Izzy (Bee Queen) beside his bed in her city clothes, why is she here?
Izzy is a special person she is neurodivergent but her husband Craig always understood her but as a lawyer she needed the high powered court rooms and left to take a job in Sydney, she was doing well she had her routines but then everything got turned upside down and she took off but a phone call from a dear friend made her change plans and return to Elsie Creek to her husband Craig she must make him see that they need to sell their property Dustfire to keep him safe.
Izzy takes Craig home to Dustfire to help him heal and in this time the chemistry between them builds did it every really go away? Craig is offered a job with the new Stock Squad to investigate cattle theft that is being set up and run by his friend, Finn, and it starts quickly when the bull that injured Craig is stolen and Craig is determined to get him back but along the way it appears that maybe there is a link between Izzy’s case and the theft and the danger closes in, will Craig be able to keep Izzy safe?
OMG this is an action packed fast paced gorgeous romance and I loved it from the start, written in true Mel A Rowe fashion who pulls out all stops to bring her characters and the setting to life, it is sensual and filled with so many emotions, it is absolutely fabulous and of course catching up with some of my favourite characters is always good and I cannot wait for the next one what is going to happen in that one and who will be the lucky couple to find their HEA.
This is a must read story and I highly recommend it, first book in a series don’t miss this one.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
This is book one in The Stock Squad series and it is Craig and Izzy’s story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Craig is a champion bull rider and like any day in this life it could be your last one and today after a brilliant bull rider that he won he was a bit complacent and he was seriously injured by the bull who suddenly charged at him only for Craig to wake up in hospital to find his wife Izzy by his side and he was confused because they hadn’t seen each other for a few years. Izzy is so bright, intelligent, smart and had some quirky ways because of her condition and she always thought that being a lawyer in a big city was the right career choice for her and that seemed to kill her marriage to Craig but when she uncovered information that got her assistant killed in front of her Izzy decided to run away and then she got a call that Craig had been seriously injured so she decided to go back to the outback and hopefully not only hide out but also be there for Craig and help him recover while hopefully she will be safe and not put anyone in danger. The attraction, chemistry and connection between Craig and Izzy is still as strong as ever even though they have been apart for a while but at the moment neither of them will act on it beCraig knows that Izzy will eventually leave him again. When Craig realised that he still loved Izzy he hope that some where along the way he can convince her to stay but then danger arrives and it is closer than they thought Craig is determined to eliminate the threat to her regardless of the situation or circumstances involved to keep her safe and protected even if it is the last thing that he ever does for her because it will be worth everything. Craig and Izzy are so perfect for each other and together and they’re love for each other had stood the test of time along with everything else that they had been through and I loved all of Izzy’s beautiful and quirky ways along with how Craig knows her so well and can calm her down when things become too much for her and to have Bree make a appearance was the icing on the cake. Wow I absolutely love this book with all it’s twists and turns along with danger, suspense, drama, kidnapping, hope, love and some emotional situations that have you turning the pages to see what will happen next and also what the outcome will be for them all in the end. This storyline pulled you in and I couldn’t put it down as it was so addictive and I read it in one sitting while it kept your attention throughout the whole book. Mel A Rowe is a incredible author and writer certainly knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats and her descriptions of the outback is so clear that you feel like you are there feeling and living through everything and all the experiences and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. I definitely recommend you read this book and other’s by Mel and you will not be disappointed at all.
Rough Stock (The Stock Squad Book 1) by Mel A Rowe
Welcome to a captivating new chapter set in the heart of our beloved Elsie Creek, where familiar faces meet fresh personalities in this vibrant outback town. At the centre of the story is Cowboy Graig, a character we’ve come to know, whose life is on the brink of chaos as he struggles with the grief of the only man he considered a father figure. The tale opens amidst the thrill and intensity of a rodeo, where Graig finds himself bravely atop a formidable bull that exudes a menacing aura.
In a swift turn of events, Graig ends up in a hospital bed, his estranged wife Izzy by his side—her unexpected presence a mystery after her years spent basking in the glamorous lifestyle of a big Sydney lawyer. What brings her back now, when their paths seemed forever divided?
As it turns out, Izzy is on the run, and troubles lurk in the shadows. With Graig injured and vulnerable, she sees an opportunity to care for him while deliberating her next move, all the while harbouring secrets that could endanger them both. Determined to shield Graig from the tumult of her own life, she conceals the depth of her challenges.
Meanwhile, the newly established Stock Squad is embarking on their inaugural case, one brimming with drama and adrenaline as we delve deeper into the lives and personalities of its members. The adventure promises to uncover not only the complexities of their assignments but also the intricacies of their relationships within this tight-knit community.
Once again, I find myself utterly captivated by this author’s exceptional writing and storytelling prowess. You’ve absolutely knocked it out of the park with this new series set in the enchanting world of Elsie Creek. This tale of second chances at love is brimming with laughter, drama, and the warmth of friendship. The clever banter between characters is delightful, creating an engaging and fast-paced narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Romantic and utterly addictive, this captivating story will ensnare your imagination until the very last page, leaving you yearning for more.
THE STOCK SQUAD SERIES: ROUGH STOCK, #1 - Cowboy Craig has his own story. Still part of the Elsie Creek community, this funny, interesting story has the same great characters, immersing story lines, and plenty of intrigue. Filled with humor, family, love, romance, and hope, mixed with a bit of baddies, this is a one-sitting read. Source: The author. 5*
THE STOCKMAN SERIES: STOCKMAN'S STORM, #1 - Set in the Elsie Creek community, this entertaining, immersing, fun-filled romance comes complete with interesting story lines, family, friends, and danger. Source: The author. 5*
STOCKMAN'S STOWAWAY, #2 - This is a rather meaty and interesting story concerning all the plans and dreams the brothers share. Mia is a good addition to the family. As good as all the characters are, Bree stands out in this story with her secrets and her character development; she rocks. An entertaining, clean story with no profanity. Source: The author. 5*
STOCKMAN'S STORMCLOUD, #3 - This funny addition is full of surprises and discoveries, and loyalty. My favorite character is that awesome Redhead. While Leo is despicable, Ryder tried to take that title; yes, bad move he made. Source: The author. 5*
STOCKMAN'S SHOWDOWN, #4 - Absolutely the best of all four of these entertaining, funny romances with a bit of edge. Filled with danger and excitement, and finally, Bree's turn for more. The ending is bit sad but not unexpected. Clean language but some sex. A one-sitting page turner. Source: The author. 25* THE STOCKMAN SERIES.
Izzie and Craig are the power couple of the century. They buy their dream property and call it Dustfire with many dreams to ultimately settle down and build their dream life. However, Craig determines he has to let Izzie fly and "conquer the world" before she will be ready to settle down. She goes off to become a big and amazing lawyer while he stays behind riding bulls and making a name for himself as a cowboy. Craig ends up riding a bull in honor of his mentor named Wraith and little does he know that this will rock his world. He ends up severely injured and Izzie comes back to help nurse him back to health. Originally, he finds himself resenting her and almost angry that she is back because he feels that she is trying to sell Dustfire to finally get away from him. Little does he know is that she is keeping a huge secret from him that could result in her becoming severely injured or even killed. When the prized bull Wraith and his offspring are stolen shortly after Dane, another cowboy sells his land to Everlight. Everlight is a new energy company that Izzie was researching before her assistant was murdered right in front of her. Craig and Izzie find themselves working together to solve this crime when trouble strikes close to home. Is Craig going to be able to save her in time or is he going to lose her for good.
Continuing on from the Stockmen's series, Cowboy Craig gets his own much deserved story. And what a story it is!
After getting gored by a bull, Cowboy Craig's ex wife, Izzy, arrives back in his life. She thinks she's there to hide from her secrets and sell the house, he has other ideas! As Craig heals, not only do Izzy and Craig rekindle their love, but Izzy's past catches up with her and the newly formed Stock Squad are called in to help.
Another delicious slice of Outback life and a whole new set of amazing, wonderfully realised characters! Add to that cameo visits from some of my favourites from the previous series and this book hit all my favourite reading spots- The Outback? Tick Sexy Stockmen (even if they are called Cowboy)? Tick. Second chance romance? Tick Cute dangerous beasts? Tick. Spice? Tick.
As usual Rowe's story is thoroughly immersive, wildly romantic and utterly addictive! Told with Rowe's trademark intricacy and beauty. It's superbly plotted and as delicious as it is daring! Second chances don't come any sweeter!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Craig is severely injured by the beast of a bull he is riding in memory of Charlie, his mentor and good friend, he wakes up in the hospital with his estranged wife sitting beside his bed. It’s been 3 years since she’s seen her. She is now a well known criminal defense lawyer. When Bree called her to tell her of his accident, she went to Elsie Creek instead of Bali, where she intended to hide and lay low. She was in danger and decided to see Craig and sell her share of Dustfire, their home to protect him. We met Finn and Craig in the Stockman’s series and now Finn wants to recruit Craig for the Stock Squad to help reign in the cattle rustling. This was a very well written story with danger, suspense and entertaining characters that will steal your heart and have you rooting for their HEA. A great start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excitement and action abound once the newly formed Stock Squad got their first case. Someone had taken nine head of prime rodeo stock. Craig's wife Izzy returned home after a three year seperation to hide out initially, when he got seriously hurt bull riding. Izzy was a big city lawyer that uncovered some delicate information certain people did not want her to know. Craig had lived in the area and worked with several of the stations, so he was a logical person to be on the squad. Finn was their fearless leader. He had spent time in the area. He brought with him a female officer that had agreed to do all the paperwork. The last member of the team was Stone. He was their helicopter pilot. A fast paced page turner that ends mid sentence in a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reinforces why I am such a fan of Mel A Rowe's stories
Australia is a country I don't know much about, and one thing for sure is that this novel, as do Mel's other novels, transport me there - no expensive travel or visa arrangements required.
Craig and Izzy's despair at the beginning is palpable, and talk about mixed messaging! Craig's EQ and Izzy's IQ lost focus for a while. Izzy's being neurodiverse was an eye opener for me, I'd heard the term but had never appreciated the impact on people's perceptions and thought processes; my bad. In Izzy's case, her powers of processing and deduction are phenomenal; Craig intuitively knows how to ground Izzy. They have a lot to resolve between them while trying to stay one step ahead of whoever it is out to hurt, maybe worse, Izzy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book really excited me. Somewhat laid back but also had the suspense.
So well written. Craig and Izzy get their second chance.
Craig recovering from a bull riding accident, when he is offered a job on a task force, but his ex Izzy turns up and is in trouble.
It's easy to see these two have that past married chemistry and a history that wasn't always good but recoverable from. There is love there but the fact she is in trouble only heightened their feelings.
So well done. I loved this book. No hesitation to recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Craig’s estranged wife Izzy comes back to nurse him after he is gored by a rodeo bull to convince him to sell their home because she has some bad guys after her. He didn’t honor their marriage vows while they were separated but he wants a second chance especially after she admit she left her high stress city lawyer job and is worried that what she discovered could harm him. They were a little too laidback about it instead of going to the police right away. He did discover some clues about missing stock that helped and he does get involved when it gets intense at the end. This was a steamy second chance outback romance.
This is the first book I've read from Mel A Rowe and I'm truly addicted. This story follows Cowboy Craig and Izzy, who are married but not yet divorced. She left their life for the city and upon returning home temporarily, she discovers it always has been home.
I love their story of reconnection and love, and the added bonus of stock going missing ads a bit of drama and angst!
I seriously recommend this story, especially those who love a good cowboy romance from here in Australia.
I love this new "Stock Squad" story about Craig and Izzy. It is so good from beginning to end. Craig and Izzy, once married, may get a second chance. He is a stockman and rodeo star until a bull has him recovering from injuries. Izzy, his once wife and now big city lawyer, shows up unexpectedly and in a bit of danger. I love how their story develops and their relationship grows. This is such a great read! I love the characters, suspense, action, passion and more!
Mel has spun another exciting series that follows her stockmen. Craig who we know & adore shows us his tenderness with Izzy. Izzy is strong, smart & has her quirks is a beautiful character. What I especially enjoyed was the slow road to trying at second chance at love instead of bitterness. Laughter, banter, snark, an interesting team & danger makes this a brilliant start.
Rough Stock delivers a heartfelt romance wrapped in humour, grit, and that unmistakable Aussie warmth. The characters are wonderfully layered, the setting feels alive, and the slow-building connection hits all the right notes. A genuinely engaging read. A little different to my usual style or reading, but it was written so well I hardly noticed.
I love this book, absolutely loved it. Captivating from beginning to end. Definitely going to read more books by this amazing author 💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗🥀💗.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My first time reading a book in third person thought i’d hate it happy i have to a chance. Maybe it’s just because the FMC made me feel a little less crazy if you read it you’ll know what i mean. Anywho this girls gots to go to sleep now. Can’t wait for book two. Side note: I LOVE THAT THIS BOOK IS SET IN AUS.
I can always count on getting hooked right in to a Mel A Rowe book and this one was no exception. The story starts out with a rodeo and poor cowboy Craig's accident and keeps rolling from there.
It was great that Craig and Izzy had a prior relationship to start the book as it allowed them to jump right back into it without all of the "getting to know you" basics that you'd find with other romance stories. This allowed readers to get pulled right into the action and mystery and peel back the layers of Craig and Izzy's existing relationship.
I'll be interested to read more of this series as, from the sounds of it, there's plenty more to come!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.