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Outback Secrets
She’s unearthing ancient secrets.
He’s desperate to keep his secrets buried.
But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the truth.
Special Forces soldier Mitch Branson swore he’d never return to Koolaroo Ranch, his family’s vast cattle station in the heart of the Australian Outback. But when his tyrannical father vanishes without a trace, Mitch and his siblings face a chilling truth: their father may or may not be dead, but his secrets are about to tear the family apart.
Fiercely independent paleontologist Charlie Macintyre comes to Koolaroo Ranch chasing a career-defining dinosaur discovery and collides head-on with a brooding soldier determined to shut her down. When a flash flood traps them in a maze of hidden caves, survival takes a deadly turn. Buried in the darkness, they uncover evidence of a decades-old murder, and Charlie realizes the land is hiding far more than fossils.
As the merciless Outback closes in, danger escalates and attraction flares between two people who never planned to trust anyone again. But the truth about Mitch’s past, and the brutal confrontation that drove him from Koolaroo, threatens to destroy what’s growing between them.
While the Branson siblings race to unravel their father’s disappearance, they discover some family legacies are meant to stay buried. And if Frank is still alive, Mitch may be forced to finish what he started ten years ago.
Outback Secrets is book one in the gripping Koolaroo Ranch romantic thriller series, where passion runs hot, danger lurks beneath the red dust, and every book uncovers another shocking layer of the Branson family’s twisted heritage.
He’s desperate to keep his secrets buried.
But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the truth.
Special Forces soldier Mitch Branson swore he’d never return to Koolaroo Ranch, his family’s vast cattle station in the heart of the Australian Outback. But when his tyrannical father vanishes without a trace, Mitch and his siblings face a chilling truth: their father may or may not be dead, but his secrets are about to tear the family apart.
Fiercely independent paleontologist Charlie Macintyre comes to Koolaroo Ranch chasing a career-defining dinosaur discovery and collides head-on with a brooding soldier determined to shut her down. When a flash flood traps them in a maze of hidden caves, survival takes a deadly turn. Buried in the darkness, they uncover evidence of a decades-old murder, and Charlie realizes the land is hiding far more than fossils.
As the merciless Outback closes in, danger escalates and attraction flares between two people who never planned to trust anyone again. But the truth about Mitch’s past, and the brutal confrontation that drove him from Koolaroo, threatens to destroy what’s growing between them.
While the Branson siblings race to unravel their father’s disappearance, they discover some family legacies are meant to stay buried. And if Frank is still alive, Mitch may be forced to finish what he started ten years ago.
Outback Secrets is book one in the gripping Koolaroo Ranch romantic thriller series, where passion runs hot, danger lurks beneath the red dust, and every book uncovers another shocking layer of the Branson family’s twisted heritage.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
88 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
547 books1,226 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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April 15, 2026She’s a Paleontologist on a dig and he’s an ex-Special Forces vet returned home to the family ranch. His dad’s gone missing and she’s dug up something startling in Outback Secrets, the romantic series opener from long-time fav Kendall Talbot and her new-to-me writing partner, Elle James.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
April 26, 2026
I know I'm really going to enjoy this series set in my own Country.
Charlie is a paleontologist, considered a woman in a man's world by the way she is treated and taken advantage of in regards to her finds. Discovering a possibly undiscovered before dinosaur bones, her boss 'Doug' is about to take over her find.
Mitch and his siblings are hunting for their father. Their property in the outback is massive and it will take days or weeks or longer.
This is where Mitch locates Doug and Charlie who are actually trespassing without a permit. A flash flood will take them all on an adventure they didn't expect or want.
Their trial of a few days lost has them almost drowning and other near misses before finally being located by other family members.
Alternately we have a POV by their father (diary entry style). I think we will discover more as this story continues...I already can't wait for book 2.
Charlie is a paleontologist, considered a woman in a man's world by the way she is treated and taken advantage of in regards to her finds. Discovering a possibly undiscovered before dinosaur bones, her boss 'Doug' is about to take over her find.
Mitch and his siblings are hunting for their father. Their property in the outback is massive and it will take days or weeks or longer.
This is where Mitch locates Doug and Charlie who are actually trespassing without a permit. A flash flood will take them all on an adventure they didn't expect or want.
Their trial of a few days lost has them almost drowning and other near misses before finally being located by other family members.
Alternately we have a POV by their father (diary entry style). I think we will discover more as this story continues...I already can't wait for book 2.
April 22, 2026
‘Outback Secrets’ was riveting. The fast-paced plot involved searching the ranch and the surrounding areas for a dad, a female paleontologist digging for fossils while coming upon dinosaur bones, coping with male chauvinistic tendencies, being threatened by a brown snake, encountering the owner of the ranch where the digging took place, trying to preserve the dinosaur specimens, getting caught in torrential rains, dealing with the flooding cave, finding a skeleton dating back a couple of decades, being threatened at gun point about jewels, getting a comeuppance, becoming dehydrated, oh joy…rabbits, searching for a horse, oh no…snarling dingoes, a bold rescue, uh oh…sounds were in the scrub, a solitary horse without its rider, meeting the family, getting an update about the dad, falling for the doctor, and falling for the soldier cowboy.
Moreover, Charlie and Mitch, the protagonists, were made for each other. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, including imagery, figurative language, humor, and timely word choices that created a frenetic tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the thrilling narrative despite the flimsy excuse for one of the sons wanting the dad to meet his demise.
Moreover, Charlie and Mitch, the protagonists, were made for each other. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, including imagery, figurative language, humor, and timely word choices that created a frenetic tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the thrilling narrative despite the flimsy excuse for one of the sons wanting the dad to meet his demise.
April 21, 2026
Starts with two different roads that lead to one big adventure. An angsty ex-military long lost brother coming home to help in a family search and rescue, only to end up needing to rescue more than just himself. A desperate archeologist unknowingly on an illegal dig, and fighting for her career while dealing with a creepy dig-mate boss. Add an extraordinary archeological find, a dangerous flood , a dead skeletal body, some precious jewels, and an unhinged colleague, and things start to get interesting. Can two totally different lost souls save each other-literally and figuratively? This book ends on a kind of cliffhanger. The individual hero and heroine get their HEA, but the broader story lines stay unresolved. I have to say on a personal note, while the story itself was fun, I didn’t like the heroine or really develop any attachment to her. She was TSTL. When someone gives you a warning/order in an attempt to save your life from an obvious and imminent threat- on two different occasions- you don’t ignore them. She did. Totally my opinion, but he could have done better…. Can’t wait to see how this story line gets resolved. I was happy to read and leave my honest opinion of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gripping story starts this series of a family in the Australian Outback running a huge cattle ranch.
Mitch the eldest son returns home to help look for his missing father and comes across Charlie and her boss undertaking an excavation looking for dinosaur bones and then it goes downhill from there with non-stop action.
Both Mitch and Charlie have their own demons to overcome with issues of trust on both sides. Mitch’s character came across as honourable and wanting to do the right thing for all, he had integrity but his Achilles heal was his missing father. Charlie who had so far spent her career by being overshadowed by her former bosses taking credit for her work was on this occasion more determined than ever to have her findings acknowledged until the storm comes and they are left fighting for their lives in more ways than one.
Some very descriptive chapters interspersed with sections of writings from Frank, Mitch’s father, which adds more depth to the story.
Great reading, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mitch the eldest son returns home to help look for his missing father and comes across Charlie and her boss undertaking an excavation looking for dinosaur bones and then it goes downhill from there with non-stop action.
Both Mitch and Charlie have their own demons to overcome with issues of trust on both sides. Mitch’s character came across as honourable and wanting to do the right thing for all, he had integrity but his Achilles heal was his missing father. Charlie who had so far spent her career by being overshadowed by her former bosses taking credit for her work was on this occasion more determined than ever to have her findings acknowledged until the storm comes and they are left fighting for their lives in more ways than one.
Some very descriptive chapters interspersed with sections of writings from Frank, Mitch’s father, which adds more depth to the story.
Great reading, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Rain bombs, flash floods, dingoes & dinosaurs…
Be sure you have cleared out some time in your schedule before you start this one. This is one of those enthralling stories that will grab you right from the start and not let go until you finish the last sentence. It has everything you could hope for in a great book; there is non-stop action, plenty of surprises, vivid descriptions of both the beauty and the danger found in The Land Down Under, and a fabulous cast of unique characters. The story follows Mitch, a rugged Outback cowboy with a turbulent past, and Charlie, a plucky young paleontologist looking to make her mark in her chosen field of study despite having already experienced the discrimination prevalent in this male-dominated profession. No spoilers here; just a recommendation to not miss out on this incredibly engaging romantic adventure. What a ripper!
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but my choice to share my honest and unbiased review is completely voluntary.
Be sure you have cleared out some time in your schedule before you start this one. This is one of those enthralling stories that will grab you right from the start and not let go until you finish the last sentence. It has everything you could hope for in a great book; there is non-stop action, plenty of surprises, vivid descriptions of both the beauty and the danger found in The Land Down Under, and a fabulous cast of unique characters. The story follows Mitch, a rugged Outback cowboy with a turbulent past, and Charlie, a plucky young paleontologist looking to make her mark in her chosen field of study despite having already experienced the discrimination prevalent in this male-dominated profession. No spoilers here; just a recommendation to not miss out on this incredibly engaging romantic adventure. What a ripper!
══════════════════
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but my choice to share my honest and unbiased review is completely voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great start to a new series. I loved Charlie from the outset, and her relationship with Mitch, who was a great guy with his own set of secrets. Doug, however, disliked him right from the start, got what he deserved, in my opinion, stupid choices dragging everybody else down with him. Charlie, I was annoyed at when the flood came, and Mitch was telling her to get out, and that she was on his land, and she was telling him to get lost(not in those words, of course), but Mitch was the superhero who jumped in the river and tried to save her.
Took them a while to trust each other. I wish the book had gone on longer. Totally my kind of book, lost in the wilderness(even though they weren't lost, of course) didn't want it to end. His siblings are a mixed bunch; I look forward to reading their story. So, which brother is only a half-brother, and what happened to Mitch's mother? I look forward to this story unfolding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Took them a while to trust each other. I wish the book had gone on longer. Totally my kind of book, lost in the wilderness(even though they weren't lost, of course) didn't want it to end. His siblings are a mixed bunch; I look forward to reading their story. So, which brother is only a half-brother, and what happened to Mitch's mother? I look forward to this story unfolding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
When Mitch returns home to look for his missing father, his sister is grateful he is back, but his two brothers have their doubts. He hasn’t been back since he packed up and left years ago, not wanting to return but he can’t say no to his sister and arrives to help in their search. Little does he know but his life will change when he finds Charlie, a palaeontologist digging on his property. Charlie has just made a find and her dig supervisor Doug, is in the trenches with her when Mitch finds them. Little does Charlie know that they don’t have permission to be on the land and Doug’s actions puts them in grave danger….luckily Mitch is there to save them….but they have more than just the elements to worry about and it’s a race to survive the outback and all the predators.
A great read with plenty of action, suspense, danger, surprises, and great characters. A fast paced read that will keep you flipping the pages as Mitch and Charlie try to survive everything that comes at them and during the race for their lives, they find each other.
A great read with plenty of action, suspense, danger, surprises, and great characters. A fast paced read that will keep you flipping the pages as Mitch and Charlie try to survive everything that comes at them and during the race for their lives, they find each other.
Review of advance copy
While looking for his father, Mitch Branson comes upon paleontologist Charlie and her unscrupulous boss, Doug and rescues them from a devastating flash flood. It's totally absorbing to see how Doug and Charlie escape from each impossible obstacle and danger. Of course, there is that smouldering spark of desire between Mitch and Charlie that bursts into a fuel conflagration of desire and romance. I was a little disappointed when the book ended because there were so many lose ends that were not tied up. I can't wait for the next book to see what adventures Declan and Bella run into and whether they can find out what happened to Frank and can unravel the mystery of a fortune in jewels that Mitch and Charlie found in a remote cave. Another hit from Kendall Talbot and coauthor Elle James. If you love romance and danger, you will love this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outback Secrets is the start of the Koolaroo Ranch series, following the Branson siblings running a giant cattle station in the beautiful but merciless Australian outback on their quest to finding their missing father, unravelling deadly secrets along the way. Mitch and Charlie's story is full of heartstopping moments and non-stop action, the romance taking a backseat to the suspense. Yet it's entirely believable considering all they go through to get to their HEA. The authors very skillfully crank up the tension higher and higher with each chapter, like a cord stretching tauter and tauter - but then it snaps and the come-down feels a bit too quick and easy. We get hints of the stories to come and I can't wait for the next one! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
April 21, 2026
This story is full of suspense, from found bones, murder, flash floods, the merciless Australian land, and a recent family history that haunts. Mitch Branson never expected to return to Koolaroo Ranch, but when his sister calls, telling him their father is missing, he heads back to the home of his youth.
Meeting Charlie, a paleontologist working on the ranch without permission, while searching for his father, was unexpected. Her smart, strong, caring personality might drive Mitch a little crazy, or it might just make him fall for her, but they will need to work together to survive everything being thrown at them. This story is fast-paced with plenty of action. I enjoyed Mitch and Charlie's story, and the Branson siblings are an interesting group that I look forward to learning more about in future books.
Meeting Charlie, a paleontologist working on the ranch without permission, while searching for his father, was unexpected. Her smart, strong, caring personality might drive Mitch a little crazy, or it might just make him fall for her, but they will need to work together to survive everything being thrown at them. This story is fast-paced with plenty of action. I enjoyed Mitch and Charlie's story, and the Branson siblings are an interesting group that I look forward to learning more about in future books.
April 22, 2026
This book hooked me from page one! Set against the harsh, unforgiving beauty of the Australian Outback, it perfectly blends a high-stakes professional battle—Charlie’s fight for recognition as a paleontologist against her conniving boss—with a gritty, heart-stopping survival story. Being set in my own country is a bonus the only thing that annoyed me and it isn't major is that we don't call them ranches they are stations.
The forced proximity during the flash flood was incredibly tense, and the chemistry between Charlie and Mitch was spot on. I especially loved the addition of the father’s diary entries; it added just the right layer of mystery to keep me guessing about the bigger picture. If you love romantic suspense that keeps you up all night, this is it. I’m already counting down the days until book two!
The forced proximity during the flash flood was incredibly tense, and the chemistry between Charlie and Mitch was spot on. I especially loved the addition of the father’s diary entries; it added just the right layer of mystery to keep me guessing about the bigger picture. If you love romantic suspense that keeps you up all night, this is it. I’m already counting down the days until book two!
April 24, 2026
Woohoo! Hang onto your hats cowgirls and cowboys, ‘cause this is a galloping ride you’ll not soon forget! And you’ll never want to! This story is page after page of near death thrills, making me feel like I needed to come up for air – and hey, the billabong scene, with Talbot’s and Elle James' perfect description in print, creates a clear video in a reader’s mind. Feature a full moon over crystal clear water with the sound of a waterfall whispering to a beautiful gal and a handsome hunk rancher, trying to keep distance between themselves, well that’s better than watching the best display of a fireworks show I’ve ever seen! This first book of the Koolaroo Ranch series has me totally hooked, and I must give it better than 5 stars! I can hardly wait for book two and delve into more of this very interesting Koolaroo Ranch family! My honest opinion - Fantastic!
Review of advance copy
Who knew fossils could be so exciting?! Their two storylines merge perfectly when Mitch and Charlie have the most suspenseful meet-cute ever—I was seriously on the edge of my seat. I couldn't help but hold my breath as they struggled to survive the fury of mother nature. Despite tensions running high, the attraction between them was off the charts. The exciting discoveries, unearthed mysteries, and extremely spicy moments made it impossible to put this book down. Hands down one of the best books I've ever read—not at all what I was expecting. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
*this book was so good I stayed up all night reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this book was so good I stayed up all night reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Mitch and Charlie...
This is one of those books that keeps you going, Keeps you turning the pages. Just when one situation corrects itself and you think you can put it down and go to sleep something else happens and you HAVE to figure out what happens to our FMC or MMC. Mitch is forever showing up at just the right moment to keep you on the seat of your pants. The scene with the Dingoes had me absolutely riveted. One moment I was clenching my jaw covering my mouth thinking that Charlie was going to get eaten and the next minute here comes our hero riding up on a horse no less to save the night. I loved the story. I wish it could have been just a tad bit longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of those books that keeps you going, Keeps you turning the pages. Just when one situation corrects itself and you think you can put it down and go to sleep something else happens and you HAVE to figure out what happens to our FMC or MMC. Mitch is forever showing up at just the right moment to keep you on the seat of your pants. The scene with the Dingoes had me absolutely riveted. One moment I was clenching my jaw covering my mouth thinking that Charlie was going to get eaten and the next minute here comes our hero riding up on a horse no less to save the night. I loved the story. I wish it could have been just a tad bit longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding dinosaur bones would definitely be exciting but getting rescued from a terrible storm by a handsome cowboy is much better. She’s making the find of a lifetime when a storm threatens everything. For days they are surviving the elements and discovering each other, strangers no more. I really enjoyed the thrill of their story and their back stories. Books with characters having unique jobs gives it another level of creativity, she could have been a hiker but they made her a paleontologist. It’s was difficult to put this one down and I made myself read a bit slower. I received a copy from the authors and wrote my review voluntarily. I’m looking forward to the other books about his siblings.
April 22, 2026
Absolutely Riveting!
Outback Secrets is a thrilling, high-intensity drama that completely immerses the reader in its vivid Australian outback setting. From the very first page, I felt like I was right there, experiencing every heart-pounding moment alongside the characters. The authors’ descriptions are so immersive that I could hear the howling animals and see the raging waters, painting a perfectly realistic and gripping backdrop for the story.
As the first book in the series, Outback Secrets sets the bar incredibly high. The plot is packed with suspense, and the unanswered questions left me eager and impatient for the next installment. Elle James and Kendall Talbot have crafted a world that is as dangerous as it is mesmerizing.
A fantastic start to a series that promises adventure, tension, and unforgettable experiences. Well done!
Outback Secrets is a thrilling, high-intensity drama that completely immerses the reader in its vivid Australian outback setting. From the very first page, I felt like I was right there, experiencing every heart-pounding moment alongside the characters. The authors’ descriptions are so immersive that I could hear the howling animals and see the raging waters, painting a perfectly realistic and gripping backdrop for the story.
As the first book in the series, Outback Secrets sets the bar incredibly high. The plot is packed with suspense, and the unanswered questions left me eager and impatient for the next installment. Elle James and Kendall Talbot have crafted a world that is as dangerous as it is mesmerizing.
A fantastic start to a series that promises adventure, tension, and unforgettable experiences. Well done!
April 22, 2026
Outback Secrets - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Outback Secrets is a double storyline with alternate headed chapters, narrating ex-Army turned rancher Mitch Robson and paleontologist Charlie's stories, from how they met, further shocking finds...and near-death experiences, that may prevent their HEA.
Enthralling characters, a strong, well-written storyline and a reminder of the power of Nature that can change lives in an instant, kept me on the edge of my seat, as I wanted to see how the pair's life-changing adventure progressed, despite the many dangers and betrayals along the way. Grab a copy of Kendall Talbot and Elle James' Outback Secrets today - you're sure to love it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Outback Secrets is a double storyline with alternate headed chapters, narrating ex-Army turned rancher Mitch Robson and paleontologist Charlie's stories, from how they met, further shocking finds...and near-death experiences, that may prevent their HEA.
Enthralling characters, a strong, well-written storyline and a reminder of the power of Nature that can change lives in an instant, kept me on the edge of my seat, as I wanted to see how the pair's life-changing adventure progressed, despite the many dangers and betrayals along the way. Grab a copy of Kendall Talbot and Elle James' Outback Secrets today - you're sure to love it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Special forces Mitch comes home to Koolaroo cattle ranch. He left ten years ago but now home to help his siblings find his father. Who no love between them.
Mitch is shocked to find Charlie a palaeontologist on the ranch. She is looking for a career-defining dinosaur discovery . Not expecting to come to head to head with Mitch. Let’s say a storm and a body in a cave these two close.
Looking for a missing father, who was the body in the cave. One stubborn man and a woman that pushes his buttons. Suspense, action, chemistry and ohh what happens to a missing father.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mitch is shocked to find Charlie a palaeontologist on the ranch. She is looking for a career-defining dinosaur discovery . Not expecting to come to head to head with Mitch. Let’s say a storm and a body in a cave these two close.
Looking for a missing father, who was the body in the cave. One stubborn man and a woman that pushes his buttons. Suspense, action, chemistry and ohh what happens to a missing father.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(4.5) New series. You feel like your right there with the sun beating down at the dry and dusty ranch. Each book is a standalone but there is a continuing thread that runs through which will be resolved in the last book. Grab book 1 so you don't miss out. I received an advanced copy and freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. There are 3 POV's Mitch, Special Forces. Charlie Paleontologist and Frank, Mitch's father. Fortunately, each chapter is labeled. Nail biting suspense, crazy man, bones and oh so much more. #OutbackSecrets #KoolarooRanch #ElleJames #KendallTalbot #TwistedPagePress #Bookfunnel
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s the first book in a new series, Koolaroo Ranch, in Australia. Mitch is an SAS special forces operative, but his father owns the Koolaroo Ranch. Charlie is a paleontologist, working on a dig on the northern boundary of the Koolaroo Ranch. When Mitch’s father goes missing, his sister calls him and asks for help. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I liked this book very much, but I didn’t care for Charlie during most of the book. I enjoyed learning about the flash floods and conditions in Australia. There’s lots of action, adventure, suspense, angst and romance. I loved it and recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mitch Branson is former military.
Cassidy Branson is Mitch Sister.
Declan and Kayden are Mitch’s and Cassidy’s brothers.
Charlie Macintyre is a paleontologist
Charlie and Mitch meet, when Mitch comes back to the family ranch to help search for. His father with his
siblings.
On his search he comes across a camp on his land of archeologists.
A major storm comes out of nowhere and all chaos happens.
I can not wait for the next books to find out the answers to questions I have.
This book is action-packed, edge of your seat suspense and danger.
Excellent Job. Elle James and Kendal Talbot !!!!!!!
Cassidy Branson is Mitch Sister.
Declan and Kayden are Mitch’s and Cassidy’s brothers.
Charlie Macintyre is a paleontologist
Charlie and Mitch meet, when Mitch comes back to the family ranch to help search for. His father with his
siblings.
On his search he comes across a camp on his land of archeologists.
A major storm comes out of nowhere and all chaos happens.
I can not wait for the next books to find out the answers to questions I have.
This book is action-packed, edge of your seat suspense and danger.
Excellent Job. Elle James and Kendal Talbot !!!!!!!
April 21, 2026
Wow brilliant read. I love the mystery in the back ground and the tumultuous relationship that was brewing.
Special forces soldier Mitch is called home when his grandfather disappears but palaeontologist Charlie turns up he wants to shut her down.
Mystery, secrets, lies and danger is the theme of this book. So well written with inspiring characters that work so well together, and a plot not to be missed.
I loved the connection developed and the way Mitch and Charlie were with each other. Can't ask for better!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Special forces soldier Mitch is called home when his grandfather disappears but palaeontologist Charlie turns up he wants to shut her down.
Mystery, secrets, lies and danger is the theme of this book. So well written with inspiring characters that work so well together, and a plot not to be missed.
I loved the connection developed and the way Mitch and Charlie were with each other. Can't ask for better!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
This is a fantastic story with family drama, greed, and the will to survive. Mitch hates his abusive father and only returns to the ranch to help his siblings look for him. Instead he finds Charlie's camp. As a paleontologist, Charlie has made a career changing discovery, but her mentor has lied to her about his reason for being on the ranch. When all three are caught in flash flooding, the fight to survive becomes desperate. Their journey through the Australian outback is fraught with danger at every turn and it will take everything at their disposal to make it back to safety. Gripping story that you won't want to put down until the very end.
April 25, 2026
A fast-paced, suspenseful storyline that includes danger, secrets and betrayal.
This is the first book in a series with a story arc about the mysterious disappearance of Frank Branson and long held family secrets that will continue into the next books. This book ends with Mitch and Charlie happy for now after their incredible meeting and struggle to survive the elements in the Outback.
Charlie and Mitch are fighting to survive most of the book, but they share some of their backstory with each other and develop a protective bond between them that gets passionate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in a series with a story arc about the mysterious disappearance of Frank Branson and long held family secrets that will continue into the next books. This book ends with Mitch and Charlie happy for now after their incredible meeting and struggle to survive the elements in the Outback.
Charlie and Mitch are fighting to survive most of the book, but they share some of their backstory with each other and develop a protective bond between them that gets passionate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2026
Loved this book. Mitch has finally come home after ten years to help his sister and brothers look for his father. Family take four different directions to look for his father. He comes across Charlie and Doug in sinkhole that is filling with rain and washing away all Charlies dreams of the greatest find for a paleontologist. Mitch saves them when they are swept up in the raging river and they are left to try to survive in the outback with no food, water or a horse. This book is full of drama, danger, mixed emotions and a happy ending. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2026
Mitch is begrudgingly back home after 10 years and nothing goes according to plan the family dynamic with his siblings is some what strained. I really enjoyed the journal flash backs along with how you just did not know what the weather would do next. I loved Charlie and her passion along with independence, however it did frustrate me at times along with Mitch lol. Working out where the danger is going to come from ie man made or nature kept me on my toes and there was the perfect mix of suspense and romance.
The danger is still there and I can not wait for the next book to get more answers and see what happens next!.
The danger is still there and I can not wait for the next book to get more answers and see what happens next!.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mitch has returned to Koolaroo ranch after leaving 10 years ago. He's there to help his sibling find their father. There's no love lost between Mitch and his father but, he's there for them. While looking he finds Charlie who's a paleontologist on the ranch she shouldn't be there. When a flash flood happens it's all they can do to survive trapped in a cave where they find a decade old body. There's danger, suspense, murder, chemistry and unanswered questions. Can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next and what we find out about their father.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outback Secrets runs wild with flash floods, disappearing ground, wild animals, and one dangerously unhinged man.
Mitch and Charlie have their work cut out for them—surviving both the chaos around them and their growing chemistry. With Mitch’s walls sky high and Charlie fighting to save her career, it turns into a battle of epic proportions.
The pace is nonstop, the chemistry sizzling, and the emotions tight and stifling as everything builds. Welcome to the outback, where the Branson family must unravel a mystery while also sorting out their lives.
Mitch and Charlie have their work cut out for them—surviving both the chaos around them and their growing chemistry. With Mitch’s walls sky high and Charlie fighting to save her career, it turns into a battle of epic proportions.
The pace is nonstop, the chemistry sizzling, and the emotions tight and stifling as everything builds. Welcome to the outback, where the Branson family must unravel a mystery while also sorting out their lives.
Review of advance copy
A perfect mix of mystery and survival against the odds. A gripping start to a new series from two brilliant authors creating an explosive series. The brutal conditions in the outback were so well described. I loved both Mitch and Charlie who has both had difficult pasta and been betrayed by those they loved. Totally enjoying the underlying mystery and the historical snippets from Frank. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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