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The Stock Squad #4
Prime Stock
She has the power to shut down the one man who could undo her.
Federal auditor Taryn Hayes arrives in Elsie Creek with one to bury the Stock Squad. She didn’t expect Finn Wilde—the brooding, tattooed, tight-lipped, and maddeningly capable ex-crim as the man in charge.
He’s everything she’s been trained to distrust.
And she’s everything Finn resents in a suit.
But his eyes won’t stop following her... like his body hasn’t yet figured out she’s the threat.
He doesn’t trust her. Doesn’t want her.
So why can’t he stop thinking about her?
As the layers of lies peel away, Taryn’s investigation crashes into the truth Finn’s spent years hunting down…
Yet the closer they get to justice, the harder it is to remember which side these enemies are meant to be on.
Prime Stock is where cattle, crime, and romance collide in the unforgettable finale to the Stock Squad a powerful story of found family, unlikely partnerships, and the heroes who survive the outback’s darkest secrets.
Federal auditor Taryn Hayes arrives in Elsie Creek with one to bury the Stock Squad. She didn’t expect Finn Wilde—the brooding, tattooed, tight-lipped, and maddeningly capable ex-crim as the man in charge.
He’s everything she’s been trained to distrust.
And she’s everything Finn resents in a suit.
But his eyes won’t stop following her... like his body hasn’t yet figured out she’s the threat.
He doesn’t trust her. Doesn’t want her.
So why can’t he stop thinking about her?
As the layers of lies peel away, Taryn’s investigation crashes into the truth Finn’s spent years hunting down…
Yet the closer they get to justice, the harder it is to remember which side these enemies are meant to be on.
Prime Stock is where cattle, crime, and romance collide in the unforgettable finale to the Stock Squad a powerful story of found family, unlikely partnerships, and the heroes who survive the outback’s darkest secrets.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2026
About the author
Mel A. Rowe
31 books68 followersInternational bestselling author Mel A Rowe pens atmospheric gothic romantasy and vivid small-town stories. In between random outback road trips and hiding in Australia's Northern Territory, she writes stories with hard-won happily ever afters that feel like you're reading inside a movie.
For more visit: MelAROWE.com.
For more visit: MelAROWE.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 23, 2026
This book is the last one in this awesome series and I have loved them all but the author has left the best to last Finn Wilde, we have met Finn in the last series set in Elsie Creek and I fell for him then but when the Stock Squad started my love for him grew even more and now wow this one, what can I say is the best.
A federal auditor has been sent to Elsie Creek to close down the stock squad, it appears that no matter how well this team, run by Finn Wilde has done, the amount of cases they have cracked, the amount of cattle and crocs they have saved someone is gunning for them and Finn is determined to do his best to keep them going but when he meets the auditor Taryn Hayes let’s just say she was not what he expected.
Taryn is good at her job and ex-crim Finn Wilde is not going to stop her no matter how hard he tries to ignore her but as she interviews his team and digs deeper into all they have done maybe there is more to him and this team than she has been led to believe and what’s more she needs to find out a few other things that are dear to her personally.
Soon they are working together and trust seems to be growing as well as the spark between them and what they uncover will shake a lot of people up, things heat up in many ways and the team are working hard to get the top guy, Taryn has uncovered so much and with Finn’s maps and plans they just may have cracked to case, but will they get their man?
I have to say I have tears in my eyes will writing this and while I was reading this one knowing that it is the last book in Elsie Creek I have read and loved them all, all the characters I have met and felt that are friends including Cecil and I am going to miss this place very much and I highly recommend to any reader who loves a story that will take you on a journey through thick and thin, ups and downs, sadness and joy then these are the books to read.
This one finished with a big bang and lots of joy and happiness, I loved Taryn and Finn the banter between them had me smiling so much throughout, thank you Mel A Rowe for the hours of reading pleasure you have given me and the trips to the Top End, they are a must read.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
A federal auditor has been sent to Elsie Creek to close down the stock squad, it appears that no matter how well this team, run by Finn Wilde has done, the amount of cases they have cracked, the amount of cattle and crocs they have saved someone is gunning for them and Finn is determined to do his best to keep them going but when he meets the auditor Taryn Hayes let’s just say she was not what he expected.
Taryn is good at her job and ex-crim Finn Wilde is not going to stop her no matter how hard he tries to ignore her but as she interviews his team and digs deeper into all they have done maybe there is more to him and this team than she has been led to believe and what’s more she needs to find out a few other things that are dear to her personally.
Soon they are working together and trust seems to be growing as well as the spark between them and what they uncover will shake a lot of people up, things heat up in many ways and the team are working hard to get the top guy, Taryn has uncovered so much and with Finn’s maps and plans they just may have cracked to case, but will they get their man?
I have to say I have tears in my eyes will writing this and while I was reading this one knowing that it is the last book in Elsie Creek I have read and loved them all, all the characters I have met and felt that are friends including Cecil and I am going to miss this place very much and I highly recommend to any reader who loves a story that will take you on a journey through thick and thin, ups and downs, sadness and joy then these are the books to read.
This one finished with a big bang and lots of joy and happiness, I loved Taryn and Finn the banter between them had me smiling so much throughout, thank you Mel A Rowe for the hours of reading pleasure you have given me and the trips to the Top End, they are a must read.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review - Thank you Mel for sending me a copy 💚
First of all let me just tell you, I didn't think I would love this more than Wild Stock but, I absolutely did, it felt like I was catching up with old friends and getting all the small town gossip in the beginning while also being apart of something bigger. This is the kind of Contemporary Romance I can get into while the romance was impactful there was a bigger plot overall with a rural crime mystery to solve, it was exciting, it was suspenseful, it had certian moments pulling at my heart strings making me flat out cry, because these characters felt like more than just words on paper, it had real rural spirit and I loved it.
We are once again in Elsie Creek, this time the stock squad is being audited by a federal auditor 'the Fed' Taryn Hayes. She struts through the red dust in heels made for corporate, right up to the stock squads front door. Shes been sent to shut them down but shes not expecting the tough, unpolished, unbothered, inked up, ex-con Finn Wilde, the Broody Stock Squad Boss to get under her skin and fill in the gaps that she seeks behind the main purpose of her visit.
This was the perfect blend of cattle, crime and romance with stand out side character and a small outback town with big character and a community that looks after its own and honestly what a finale to end this series. I loved getting to know these character and uncover the Rural crime mysteries along the way. It was an emotional journey with impactful speeches where an outsider saw a rural town thats rare, layered with ingrained community spirit,
"like the red dust that doesnt come off easy, but it gets into everything and somehow makes you stronger'.
Banter that came with a connection where they just got eachother, familiarity
"It was the way his body knew her. Along with that ache in his chest that said, there you are."
AN HONORABLE MENTION TO: Cecil the water buffalo with his flowers in his horns, ribbons on his tail, the towns walking billboard, I love him so much, hes a gentle soul with big pressence.
AND the David Attenborough additions... they hiiiit! 💚 I love David Attenborough so, they felt so perfect especially in Taryns POV.
"All she needed now was a David Attenborough voiceover: Here we see the unsuspecting city woman moments before she realises she’s wildly out of her depth…"
Even though you can pick any book up and know whats going on I would recomend reading it in release order it would make this book more impactful being the finale, following the stock squad from the beggining and having the series come to a close in this beautiful book!
What to expect:
💚 Enemies to lovers (contemporary Romance edition).
💚 Small Town Mystery
💚 Rural Crime
💚 Grumpy Broody Boss
💚 Harley x Heels
💚 Opposites Attract
💚 Redemption ARC
💚 Slow Burn
💚 Emotional
First of all let me just tell you, I didn't think I would love this more than Wild Stock but, I absolutely did, it felt like I was catching up with old friends and getting all the small town gossip in the beginning while also being apart of something bigger. This is the kind of Contemporary Romance I can get into while the romance was impactful there was a bigger plot overall with a rural crime mystery to solve, it was exciting, it was suspenseful, it had certian moments pulling at my heart strings making me flat out cry, because these characters felt like more than just words on paper, it had real rural spirit and I loved it.
We are once again in Elsie Creek, this time the stock squad is being audited by a federal auditor 'the Fed' Taryn Hayes. She struts through the red dust in heels made for corporate, right up to the stock squads front door. Shes been sent to shut them down but shes not expecting the tough, unpolished, unbothered, inked up, ex-con Finn Wilde, the Broody Stock Squad Boss to get under her skin and fill in the gaps that she seeks behind the main purpose of her visit.
This was the perfect blend of cattle, crime and romance with stand out side character and a small outback town with big character and a community that looks after its own and honestly what a finale to end this series. I loved getting to know these character and uncover the Rural crime mysteries along the way. It was an emotional journey with impactful speeches where an outsider saw a rural town thats rare, layered with ingrained community spirit,
"like the red dust that doesnt come off easy, but it gets into everything and somehow makes you stronger'.
Banter that came with a connection where they just got eachother, familiarity
"It was the way his body knew her. Along with that ache in his chest that said, there you are."
AN HONORABLE MENTION TO: Cecil the water buffalo with his flowers in his horns, ribbons on his tail, the towns walking billboard, I love him so much, hes a gentle soul with big pressence.
AND the David Attenborough additions... they hiiiit! 💚 I love David Attenborough so, they felt so perfect especially in Taryns POV.
"All she needed now was a David Attenborough voiceover: Here we see the unsuspecting city woman moments before she realises she’s wildly out of her depth…"
Even though you can pick any book up and know whats going on I would recomend reading it in release order it would make this book more impactful being the finale, following the stock squad from the beggining and having the series come to a close in this beautiful book!
What to expect:
💚 Enemies to lovers (contemporary Romance edition).
💚 Small Town Mystery
💚 Rural Crime
💚 Grumpy Broody Boss
💚 Harley x Heels
💚 Opposites Attract
💚 Redemption ARC
💚 Slow Burn
💚 Emotional
Review of advance copy received from Author
Prime Stock (The Stock Squad #4)
by Mel A. Rowe
"Prime Stock", we see the series reach its conclusion as we dive deeper into the life of Finn Wilde, a complex character who has appeared in several of Rowe's earlier books. Finally, we gain insight into his thoughts and motivations—he is portrayed as a brooding, tattooed, and reserved former undercover cop with a tumultuous past as an ex-criminal. Finn's story is one of loss and redemption; he has endured the heartbreaking fallout of losing his family due to his profession and now stands at the precipice of a new beginning. As the leader of the Stock Squad, he is tasked with assembling a team of skilled individuals to safeguard the livestock industry in the rugged and often unforgiving Northern Territories.
In a twist of fate, federal auditor Taryn Hayes arrives in Elsie Creek with just one mission: to investigate and ultimately disband the Stock Squad. Armed with a briefcase and dressed in a tailored suit—an oddity amidst the sun-baked landscape—she is soon enveloped in a swirl of red dust as she drags her suitcase along the outback road, with a curious water buffalo trailing closely behind her.
As one might expect, Finn is less than thrilled to have a federal auditor invading his territory, and initial interactions between him and Taryn are fraught with tension and misunderstandings. As with all great romances, the story unfolds as former enemies work together to uncover the layers of mystery surrounding the disappearance of livestock. The evolving relationship between Finn and Taryn becomes a central focus of the story; their chemistry is undeniable. As they collaborate to unravel the complexities of the situation, they discover unexpected depths in each other. The resolution of the mystery proves deeply satisfying for long-time readers, offering a rewarding culmination to the intricate plotlines developed throughout the series. I also appreciated the delightful moments featuring Cecil—the unforgettable water buffalo who has become a beloved recurring character in the Elsie Creek saga—adding both humour and charm to so many of the books.
This book carries a bittersweet tone for me, as it marks the end of "The Stock Squad" series and potentially concludes the long-running Elsie Creek saga, which has captivated readers over more than 18 remarkable novels set in this enchanting location. As a devoted fan of Mel A. Rowe's books, having read nearly all of her books, I find myself reflecting on the emotional weight of this farewell. The stories have truly resonated with me, creating the sensation that I have walked the streets of Elsie Creek in real life. Rowe's extraordinary descriptive abilities and adept storytelling breathe life into her characters and landscapes, enriching my reading experience and making it incredibly vivid. Every moment spent in this cherished setting has left an indelible mark on my heart.
I am filled with anticipation regarding her next project, believing it will promise new adventures that will resonate with readers just as profoundly. Thank you, Mel A. Rowe, for inviting us into your mesmerising world of Elsie Creek; your stories have provided immense joy over the years. You have once again crafted something special!
by Mel A. Rowe
"Prime Stock", we see the series reach its conclusion as we dive deeper into the life of Finn Wilde, a complex character who has appeared in several of Rowe's earlier books. Finally, we gain insight into his thoughts and motivations—he is portrayed as a brooding, tattooed, and reserved former undercover cop with a tumultuous past as an ex-criminal. Finn's story is one of loss and redemption; he has endured the heartbreaking fallout of losing his family due to his profession and now stands at the precipice of a new beginning. As the leader of the Stock Squad, he is tasked with assembling a team of skilled individuals to safeguard the livestock industry in the rugged and often unforgiving Northern Territories.
In a twist of fate, federal auditor Taryn Hayes arrives in Elsie Creek with just one mission: to investigate and ultimately disband the Stock Squad. Armed with a briefcase and dressed in a tailored suit—an oddity amidst the sun-baked landscape—she is soon enveloped in a swirl of red dust as she drags her suitcase along the outback road, with a curious water buffalo trailing closely behind her.
As one might expect, Finn is less than thrilled to have a federal auditor invading his territory, and initial interactions between him and Taryn are fraught with tension and misunderstandings. As with all great romances, the story unfolds as former enemies work together to uncover the layers of mystery surrounding the disappearance of livestock. The evolving relationship between Finn and Taryn becomes a central focus of the story; their chemistry is undeniable. As they collaborate to unravel the complexities of the situation, they discover unexpected depths in each other. The resolution of the mystery proves deeply satisfying for long-time readers, offering a rewarding culmination to the intricate plotlines developed throughout the series. I also appreciated the delightful moments featuring Cecil—the unforgettable water buffalo who has become a beloved recurring character in the Elsie Creek saga—adding both humour and charm to so many of the books.
This book carries a bittersweet tone for me, as it marks the end of "The Stock Squad" series and potentially concludes the long-running Elsie Creek saga, which has captivated readers over more than 18 remarkable novels set in this enchanting location. As a devoted fan of Mel A. Rowe's books, having read nearly all of her books, I find myself reflecting on the emotional weight of this farewell. The stories have truly resonated with me, creating the sensation that I have walked the streets of Elsie Creek in real life. Rowe's extraordinary descriptive abilities and adept storytelling breathe life into her characters and landscapes, enriching my reading experience and making it incredibly vivid. Every moment spent in this cherished setting has left an indelible mark on my heart.
I am filled with anticipation regarding her next project, believing it will promise new adventures that will resonate with readers just as profoundly. Thank you, Mel A. Rowe, for inviting us into your mesmerising world of Elsie Creek; your stories have provided immense joy over the years. You have once again crafted something special!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The book I’ve been waiting for. The final instalment in the Stock Squad Series and it did not disappoint.
Finn has always been my favourite character from the series, quiet, broody with a past that haunts him daily. He is dedicated to his team and loves what he does. Then he meets Taryn. Taryn is from a military family, she’s direct, organised and on a mission to uncover the truth behind her beloved cousins death whilst auditing Finns Team. The chemistry between the MC was sizzling. I loved the banter, the smirks and seeing Finns softer, sweeter side.
Mel did a phenomenal job tying up the series. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and was surprised to discover who the villain was. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I hung on for dear life.
This series ended beautifully and I am so happy that Finn got the happiness he truly deserves.
If you haven’t already, please read this series.
Read off you enjoy:
- Australian setting
- Small town romance
- Opposites attract
- Romantic Mystery
- Loveable side characters
- Found family
- Water buffalos
Thank you so much Mel A Rowe for the copy of the e-book to read and review.
Finn has always been my favourite character from the series, quiet, broody with a past that haunts him daily. He is dedicated to his team and loves what he does. Then he meets Taryn. Taryn is from a military family, she’s direct, organised and on a mission to uncover the truth behind her beloved cousins death whilst auditing Finns Team. The chemistry between the MC was sizzling. I loved the banter, the smirks and seeing Finns softer, sweeter side.
Mel did a phenomenal job tying up the series. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and was surprised to discover who the villain was. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I hung on for dear life.
This series ended beautifully and I am so happy that Finn got the happiness he truly deserves.
If you haven’t already, please read this series.
Read off you enjoy:
- Australian setting
- Small town romance
- Opposites attract
- Romantic Mystery
- Loveable side characters
- Found family
- Water buffalos
Thank you so much Mel A Rowe for the copy of the e-book to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brooding buff and banter ohhh Hellllooooo Finn
The chemistry between him and Taryn yes yes please Mel did it again and I’m obsessed
I was lucky enough to get a ARC and this is now the 5ths book of Mel’s I have read and I swear she puts some kind of dopamine in it because I could not put down..
this is the last book of the series and all the other couples are in it and I love that the team Is working together and u get such and amazingly intertwined story 🤩🤩
Following Finn and Taryn’s story and the bigger story brining all the 4 books together, it also has one of my favourite troupes in it and I can’t tell you because that would be spoiler.. But this Aussie outback romance should really be read by anyone that loves cowboys and outback and the good guys winning!!!! I wish this book could be made into a TV series because we need it!
If only I could write a review that did this book justice please just read it because once u start u will be addicted too!
The chemistry between him and Taryn yes yes please Mel did it again and I’m obsessed
I was lucky enough to get a ARC and this is now the 5ths book of Mel’s I have read and I swear she puts some kind of dopamine in it because I could not put down..
this is the last book of the series and all the other couples are in it and I love that the team Is working together and u get such and amazingly intertwined story 🤩🤩
Following Finn and Taryn’s story and the bigger story brining all the 4 books together, it also has one of my favourite troupes in it and I can’t tell you because that would be spoiler.. But this Aussie outback romance should really be read by anyone that loves cowboys and outback and the good guys winning!!!! I wish this book could be made into a TV series because we need it!
If only I could write a review that did this book justice please just read it because once u start u will be addicted too!
February 7, 2026
Review time: Well what a ride and what a way to spend my holidays! Over the Xmas break I read the Stock Squad series and I was so glad I could binge read them. Today I am reviewing the final two in the series Wild Stock and Prime Stock. Wild Stock is Amara and Porter’s story. Porter has been featured in many books throughout the various series so it was lovely to see him get his happily ever-after. Amara lives and breathes rules and paperwork and has fought hard to be on the Stock Squad. As we learn of her past, she impulsively purchases a beautiful stallion from the stockyards but then needs somewhere for her new horse. Porter has a room and a paddock for them both. Sparks are immediate as is the suspense when the horse is stolen. I really loved the spark between these two and the storyline it had me turning those pages into the night until I finished. Next was Prime Stock - Finn’s story the reason the stock squad came together. We were introduced to Finn through the Stockman series as he is Bree‘s ex-husband formerly an under cover cop who also ended up in jail after assaulting his OIC. I was really invested in hearing Finn story and I really hoped he got his happily ever after which he did with Taryn a Federal Investigator and I loved it. This book bought it all together. The investigation/storyline from the start that was continued through all four books comes to a heart stopping conclusion. I love that Mel did an epilogue to let us see the team a few years down the track. I’ve been lucky enough to be on Mel‘s ARC team for many many years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her 19 book series. If it is the end I’m a little bit sad but I’m so glad that I had been on this adventure with her, she really embraces the Northern Territory and Elsie Creek will always have a little bit of my heart. Congratulations Mel on 19 fabulous books and who knows what the future brings. @melarowe #australianruralfiction
January 24, 2026
Prime Stock by Mel A Rowe
Kept me on the edge of my seat, a book I had to finish. A book with many truths for Australia and its lack of government revenue control on the sale of our resource asset’s while telling a great story of the outback,country towns, community backup, with a delightful romance to round it off!
Kept me on the edge of my seat, a book I had to finish. A book with many truths for Australia and its lack of government revenue control on the sale of our resource asset’s while telling a great story of the outback,country towns, community backup, with a delightful romance to round it off!
April 2, 2026
Finn finally gets his story. I loved it. Taryn comes to town and everything changes for both of them. Their perfect worlds that they each created for themselves is turned upside down. I loved how they worked together to solve the mystery and then managed to follow their hearts. I loved it. I am going to miss Elsie Creek.
January 29, 2026
so enjoyable.
I enjoy this series and wish it hadn’t ended, last book about Finn was the best not that others weren’t good as they were. Books took you on a journey where you feel the land, people and history. Have also enjoy other books from Mel, thank you.
I enjoy this series and wish it hadn’t ended, last book about Finn was the best not that others weren’t good as they were. Books took you on a journey where you feel the land, people and history. Have also enjoy other books from Mel, thank you.
January 25, 2026
Last in the stock squad series omg didn’t see that ending coming. So hard not to just keep reading until
It was finished.
It was finished.
February 15, 2026
Prime Stock is the fourth and final book in The Stock Squad series.
I absolutely loved this book. Finn and Taryn are wonderful characters. The story has crime, romance, and a terrific storyline.
I absolutely loved this book. Finn and Taryn are wonderful characters. The story has crime, romance, and a terrific storyline.
March 6, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and others by Mel A Rose.
I love reading books you can picture the whole sean in your mind, that makes a great author in my mind.
I love reading books you can picture the whole sean in your mind, that makes a great author in my mind.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews