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Bushrangers #2
Walkabout
Sequel to The Billabong
Book Two
A novella from the Dragon-ghosts of Viscaya Universe
In New South Wales, Australia, in 1876, sweating out a living from the savage, dry wilderness tests a man’s worth. Cattleman Jim Kelly gave up everything he knew to outrun the law with his lover Mark Turner. Struggling to survive, the two turn to crime and venture farther into the harsh outback. And while Jim is enthralled by Mark’s almost paranormal strength and physical power, he starts to question his love after seeing Mark’s explosive temper first hand.
Book Two
A novella from the Dragon-ghosts of Viscaya Universe
In New South Wales, Australia, in 1876, sweating out a living from the savage, dry wilderness tests a man’s worth. Cattleman Jim Kelly gave up everything he knew to outrun the law with his lover Mark Turner. Struggling to survive, the two turn to crime and venture farther into the harsh outback. And while Jim is enthralled by Mark’s almost paranormal strength and physical power, he starts to question his love after seeing Mark’s explosive temper first hand.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
46 people want to read
About the author
Jack Byrne
35 books33 followersOkay, some stray books keeping finding their way back to my author profile...
I did NOT write 'Cowgirl Romances' or 'High School Conditioning' just to be clear. I'm sure they're lovely books - just not mine!
Questions arising from the publication of 'Ace':
(1) It's a novel. It's fiction. No, the characters aren't behaving perfectly. Authors create imperfect characters to incite conflict and thus drama in their stories. If you find that concept eluding you, the more savage of my critics are right when they say you won't enjoy this book. If, on the other hand you enjoy complex characters living in real-world circumstances, have a read and let me know what you think!
(2) On a more serious note: Asexuality (being 'Ace') is a spectrum, and can intersect with other orientations. It does not exclude feeling romantic or even some sexual attraction for members of the same gender or the opposite gender from yourself (or both). Sexuality in a lot of people is incredibly complex. For more information about this, here is a marvellous resource where your questions will be welcome:
http://www.asexuality.org/en/
When you get there, tell them I sent you :)
I did NOT write 'Cowgirl Romances' or 'High School Conditioning' just to be clear. I'm sure they're lovely books - just not mine!
Questions arising from the publication of 'Ace':
(1) It's a novel. It's fiction. No, the characters aren't behaving perfectly. Authors create imperfect characters to incite conflict and thus drama in their stories. If you find that concept eluding you, the more savage of my critics are right when they say you won't enjoy this book. If, on the other hand you enjoy complex characters living in real-world circumstances, have a read and let me know what you think!
(2) On a more serious note: Asexuality (being 'Ace') is a spectrum, and can intersect with other orientations. It does not exclude feeling romantic or even some sexual attraction for members of the same gender or the opposite gender from yourself (or both). Sexuality in a lot of people is incredibly complex. For more information about this, here is a marvellous resource where your questions will be welcome:
http://www.asexuality.org/en/
When you get there, tell them I sent you :)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2014
Two-fer Review on Prism Book Alliance: Billabong and Walkabout
Billabong…
Early on, I was made to realize that I needed to trust this author in this story. The opening was justified the moment Jim and Mark first met.
This is the kind of historical that is not laden with specific detail, which can sometimes overwhelm and overshadow the story and characters. Not the case here.
The physical descriptions of these men are robust and complete. It was impossible not to picture them as they swam or rode or cooked or anything else… and more. And it’s not just physical traits but their physicality, and it provides insight into their personalities.
In some instances, there was more telling than showing, especially in terms of their growing passion thanks to a couple of time jumps of a few days or weeks. It’s tricky to maintain tension and realism when this tool is utilized but it can and has been done. However, the power of their obvious feelings is believable, especially as it pertains to motivations.
The more I read, the more of Jim’s and Mark’s personalities filled in, revealing their strengths, histories and humor.
The dialogue is natural, descriptions smoothly detailed and the story progressed at a believable pace, even with the hiccups.
Here’s the bottom line: as soon as I was finished reading this, I wanted to go right to Walkabout to find out and experience what was in store for Jim and Mark. That’s exactly what I did.
Walkabout…
This one starts out well right off the bat, in particular the handling of a time jump: we’re now in the summer of 1876, so Jim and Mark have been making their way together for a while.
What does this mean? Romantic. I mean, can there be romance in the middle of the Aussie outback? Apparently so because this is romantic. It also continues with the humor and unexpected scenes that further build on Jim and Mark’s personalities, which translates to their relationship.
Here’s the cool thing: I realized that, with every swipe across the screen of my kindle, I liked Jim and Mark more and more. It speaks to the pacing again, which finds its confident stride in this book.
Because I like these two, it was so very enjoyable watching them work through what are new experiences for both of them, albeit some in different ways. That is, except for one, which is new for both of them.
I couldn’t help but feel the ending was rushed, taking us from naught to 100 in no time. That’s fine but it didn’t seem to quite fit here. It also definitely sets up the next installment, which we had better be getting. ;)
Yep, that’s right, I will definitely continue on reading any book released for this series.
I own a copy of Billabong. It was released in Nov 2013.
I’d like to thank Dreamspinner Press for providing a copy of Walkabout for review. It was released on August 27th, 2014.
Billabong…
Early on, I was made to realize that I needed to trust this author in this story. The opening was justified the moment Jim and Mark first met.
This is the kind of historical that is not laden with specific detail, which can sometimes overwhelm and overshadow the story and characters. Not the case here.
The physical descriptions of these men are robust and complete. It was impossible not to picture them as they swam or rode or cooked or anything else… and more. And it’s not just physical traits but their physicality, and it provides insight into their personalities.
In some instances, there was more telling than showing, especially in terms of their growing passion thanks to a couple of time jumps of a few days or weeks. It’s tricky to maintain tension and realism when this tool is utilized but it can and has been done. However, the power of their obvious feelings is believable, especially as it pertains to motivations.
The more I read, the more of Jim’s and Mark’s personalities filled in, revealing their strengths, histories and humor.
The dialogue is natural, descriptions smoothly detailed and the story progressed at a believable pace, even with the hiccups.
Here’s the bottom line: as soon as I was finished reading this, I wanted to go right to Walkabout to find out and experience what was in store for Jim and Mark. That’s exactly what I did.
Walkabout…
This one starts out well right off the bat, in particular the handling of a time jump: we’re now in the summer of 1876, so Jim and Mark have been making their way together for a while.
What does this mean? Romantic. I mean, can there be romance in the middle of the Aussie outback? Apparently so because this is romantic. It also continues with the humor and unexpected scenes that further build on Jim and Mark’s personalities, which translates to their relationship.
Here’s the cool thing: I realized that, with every swipe across the screen of my kindle, I liked Jim and Mark more and more. It speaks to the pacing again, which finds its confident stride in this book.
Because I like these two, it was so very enjoyable watching them work through what are new experiences for both of them, albeit some in different ways. That is, except for one, which is new for both of them.
I couldn’t help but feel the ending was rushed, taking us from naught to 100 in no time. That’s fine but it didn’t seem to quite fit here. It also definitely sets up the next installment, which we had better be getting. ;)
Yep, that’s right, I will definitely continue on reading any book released for this series.
I own a copy of Billabong. It was released in Nov 2013.
I’d like to thank Dreamspinner Press for providing a copy of Walkabout for review. It was released on August 27th, 2014.
May 18, 2016
Now that cattleman Jim has rescued his lover, Mark, from jail by breaking him out in a daring maneuver, they are both on the run. Getting food isn’t easy, but their holdup of an unsuspecting family made me grin. You have to read it to believe it – Mark’s bark is definitely far worse than his bite! Much to my and Jim’s relief, Mark has a conscience – and a heart. Their adventures in this second volume are fun – up until the ending which is pretty scary. I am so happy I can delve right into book three – what a cliff-hanger!
If you like stories set in the wilds of historical Australia, if two men who are beginning to admit they love each other, scary as they may find this situation, sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of adventure, risks, and ends way before you want it to finish, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
If you like stories set in the wilds of historical Australia, if two men who are beginning to admit they love each other, scary as they may find this situation, sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of adventure, risks, and ends way before you want it to finish, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
October 25, 2014
Lovely sequel to The Billabong!
It's fun getting to know Jim and Mark better, although Mark is still a mystery to us!
Can't wait to continue with our handsome and very lovable bushrangers!
*jumps to read Dingo Run*
It's fun getting to know Jim and Mark better, although Mark is still a mystery to us!
Can't wait to continue with our handsome and very lovable bushrangers!
*jumps to read Dingo Run*
December 25, 2014
Terrific series that reads like real life.
January 30, 2021
3.5 out of 5 stars - Liking the Historical Australian Western Setting
This was a good sequel in an enjoyable series of shorts for me. I normally do not like shorts, and indeed found that to be the case here, too, because of the lack of depth in any one book. But taken together, it made for a good story.
In this one, I again got into the historical and Western feel, especially with the Australian setting. The MCs' relationship continued to develop nicely, and some paranormal elements started clueing in. The m/m romance was nice too. But like I find in most m/m, the sex scenes were ok, but the pov is disappointingly one-sided. Mainly viewed from the "receivers" perspective (so to speak), even when they change roles. Not getting the full effect, of how both men think and feel.
That said. I did enjoy the sequel, and look forward to the next episode.
This was a good sequel in an enjoyable series of shorts for me. I normally do not like shorts, and indeed found that to be the case here, too, because of the lack of depth in any one book. But taken together, it made for a good story.
In this one, I again got into the historical and Western feel, especially with the Australian setting. The MCs' relationship continued to develop nicely, and some paranormal elements started clueing in. The m/m romance was nice too. But like I find in most m/m, the sex scenes were ok, but the pov is disappointingly one-sided. Mainly viewed from the "receivers" perspective (so to speak), even when they change roles. Not getting the full effect, of how both men think and feel.
That said. I did enjoy the sequel, and look forward to the next episode.
October 4, 2017
I'm really enjoying the heck out of this series. It's beautifully written and way off the typical as far as romances go. The characters are so interesting and all the insight into life in the Australian wilderness and what these guys were dealing with is very well done.
January 3, 2023
'Walkabout' is Jack Byrne's second novella, following the lives of Jim and Mark whom I met in 'The Billabong'. I very much enjoyed his debut short and was looking forward to this installment to see what was now going on in these guys’ lives, particularly since last I saw of them, they'd escaped jail and were heading into the outback. Okay, yeah, I just like saying "outback". I'm picturing a Foster's commercial, except I've been soundly reprimanded that Aussies don't drink that, and they never say "put a shrimp on the barbie".
Along their way, Jim and Mark encounter a young man trapped under the body of his dead horse. They pull him out, but all of Mark's medical supplies were left back at the jail. Mark leads Jim to his friend, Min Yong's, encampment to get help for the boy. Jim is surprised to learn that Mark speaks fluent Chinese and that Min Yong and he have known each other for a long time. They are given a place to rest for a few days and then Mark and Jim are on their way again.
Jim gets a firsthand look at what life will be like with Mark when they rob some settlers. Of course, it's not robbing when they simply hold them up for some food and then Mark pays them for it. Jim is so confused. Then they manage to get some work as drovers, but three weeks of being around other people and not being able to touch makes both Jim and Mark snarly. The only thing I can say about their reunion is that it's explosive! Unfortunately, what happens next, in a town they just stopped in for a beer, isn't good, and I was left hanging.
Okay, Jack, you better hurry up with the next installment because now I'm on pins and needles waiting. And, by the way, the Snowy Mountains and a horse named Regret? I love that movie. Great job, Jack, and I can't wait to read more.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Along their way, Jim and Mark encounter a young man trapped under the body of his dead horse. They pull him out, but all of Mark's medical supplies were left back at the jail. Mark leads Jim to his friend, Min Yong's, encampment to get help for the boy. Jim is surprised to learn that Mark speaks fluent Chinese and that Min Yong and he have known each other for a long time. They are given a place to rest for a few days and then Mark and Jim are on their way again.
Jim gets a firsthand look at what life will be like with Mark when they rob some settlers. Of course, it's not robbing when they simply hold them up for some food and then Mark pays them for it. Jim is so confused. Then they manage to get some work as drovers, but three weeks of being around other people and not being able to touch makes both Jim and Mark snarly. The only thing I can say about their reunion is that it's explosive! Unfortunately, what happens next, in a town they just stopped in for a beer, isn't good, and I was left hanging.
Okay, Jack, you better hurry up with the next installment because now I'm on pins and needles waiting. And, by the way, the Snowy Mountains and a horse named Regret? I love that movie. Great job, Jack, and I can't wait to read more.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
September 19, 2014
Reviewed for MM Good Book Reveiws
We pick up where Billabong left off, with Jim and Mark running from the law and finding work and sustenance where the can find it or take it. Though Mark resorts to holding up a small family wagon for food, Jim later realizes they not only paid for the food, but the holdup wasn’t even real.
Though Mark shows violence and hardness, those occasions where he does are to protect Jim or himself from life or death, or to right a wrong against old friends. Life as an outlaw isn’t quite what Jim had thought. Interesting characters are met along their route helping out as cattle hands, and things are going so well they let their guard down. That is until Mark and Jim overhear bad news in the small town after the end of their cattle run. Mark reacts, and the law comes down on them again, this time with no way out but the hangman’s noose. And that’s the cliffhanger Byrne leaves us with.
There are lots of hot and hard sexual encounters, my favorite being under the hot sun in a hard place! But I’ll save those deets for you, because you’ll want to grab this adventurous series set in the Australian outback with lots of hot cowboys and sexy men on the run!
We pick up where Billabong left off, with Jim and Mark running from the law and finding work and sustenance where the can find it or take it. Though Mark resorts to holding up a small family wagon for food, Jim later realizes they not only paid for the food, but the holdup wasn’t even real.
Though Mark shows violence and hardness, those occasions where he does are to protect Jim or himself from life or death, or to right a wrong against old friends. Life as an outlaw isn’t quite what Jim had thought. Interesting characters are met along their route helping out as cattle hands, and things are going so well they let their guard down. That is until Mark and Jim overhear bad news in the small town after the end of their cattle run. Mark reacts, and the law comes down on them again, this time with no way out but the hangman’s noose. And that’s the cliffhanger Byrne leaves us with.
There are lots of hot and hard sexual encounters, my favorite being under the hot sun in a hard place! But I’ll save those deets for you, because you’ll want to grab this adventurous series set in the Australian outback with lots of hot cowboys and sexy men on the run!
September 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Billabong, and really you should read that one first. The guys grow closer, live and ride together, and the relationship was well done. Mark is a bit odd in a couple ways, and neither Jim nor I are quite sure what to make of him. The characters are very likeable for the most part, and I loved the descriptions of their work and the countryside.
I am VERY happy there is going to be a sequel soon, and that it's going to be novel length. I want to know more about this place, this time, and these men.
I am VERY happy there is going to be a sequel soon, and that it's going to be novel length. I want to know more about this place, this time, and these men.
November 8, 2014
They are back, Mark and Jim, the sort of hapless bushrangers. A marvelous second book in the series.
This time prejudices are explored, a humorous robbery and sexy, sexy romance. Wow, a cold shower is in order after this one!
I love the way Jim and Mark play off each, weak and strong, smart and smarter, loving and gentle. It's a romance for any age. This is one of the best rides I've had all year. On to number three!
This time prejudices are explored, a humorous robbery and sexy, sexy romance. Wow, a cold shower is in order after this one!
I love the way Jim and Mark play off each, weak and strong, smart and smarter, loving and gentle. It's a romance for any age. This is one of the best rides I've had all year. On to number three!
September 10, 2014
Jack Byrne, if I ever make it to the outback im gonna tan your hide! I am left with so many questions for two men I like more and more. The next installment better be next week!
August 25, 2024
Walkabout picks up where Billabong ended. Jack and Mark are on the run after Jack broke Mark out of jail. As they head towards the Snowy Mountains they struggle to stay ahead of the law while being forced to take what they need. Stumbling on another injured rancher they do what they must to save him. Jack sees sides of Mark that cause him to wonder about the man he's growing to love. Love of another man in the 1870s scares both of them. Another thrilling historical short.
April 30, 2020
I liked this better than the first because I already got my objections out of the way with that book.
January 21, 2024
Fascinating. Wonderfully written, I'm feeling almost like I'm experiencing their life on the run through through the wilds of Australian outback.
Rushing on to the Dingo Run.
Rushing on to the Dingo Run.
November 10, 2014
Walkabout picks up just a few days after the end of The Billabong. Jim is trying to get used to his new life on the run with Mark and soon discovers a new side to his lover that he's not so sure he likes. Is Jim going to stick with Mark for the long haul?
Okay, I REALLY enjoyed the first book, The Billabong, and even gave it 4 stars. It was such a beautiful little story. But, for me, Walkabout doesn't quite live up to my expectations.
On one hand, there was just too many different things going on for a short story: Jim and Mark rescued an injured man, held up a family wagon, worked as drovers for a few weeks and got into a bar fight that left them in a bit of a predicament at the end...all the while having sex every time they could chance it. There was almost more sex than story, and what story existed, was more scattered than cohesive. There's even hints of paranormal thrown into the mix.
On the other hand, I love the danger and excitement between Jim and Mark. I love the commitment that they've made to each other knowing that they could both meet their end tomorrow. And I even liked the crazy WhatTheFuck ending...now I HAVE to read the next installment of their adventure.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Okay, I REALLY enjoyed the first book, The Billabong, and even gave it 4 stars. It was such a beautiful little story. But, for me, Walkabout doesn't quite live up to my expectations.
On one hand, there was just too many different things going on for a short story: Jim and Mark rescued an injured man, held up a family wagon, worked as drovers for a few weeks and got into a bar fight that left them in a bit of a predicament at the end...all the while having sex every time they could chance it. There was almost more sex than story, and what story existed, was more scattered than cohesive. There's even hints of paranormal thrown into the mix.
On the other hand, I love the danger and excitement between Jim and Mark. I love the commitment that they've made to each other knowing that they could both meet their end tomorrow. And I even liked the crazy WhatTheFuck ending...now I HAVE to read the next installment of their adventure.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
June 14, 2016
Maybe it's because of the editing error right at the beginning that made me into a serious grumpy-pants but I just didn't like this sequel as much as the original novella. Also, had there been *gasp!* less sex, there may have been more room for plot. There were some moments that saved it from a total disaster (like what, exactly, is going on with Mark?) and then... it was over...with a cliffhanger no less! *grr*
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews