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OUTBACK OBSESSION

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He came to the outback chasing the truth. She's been running from it her whole life.
Xavier Hawthorne has never fit into the billionaire world he was born into. Heir to a global empire, groomed for a future he never chose. Then one devastating discovery shatters everything, and he heads to the middle of outback Queensland, chasing answers that were hidden from him for decades.

Cassidy Branson doesn't trust outsiders. Especially not fancy city men asking dangerous questions about her missing father. She's given everything to protect what matters most. The land she loves, the family she loves even more, and the secrets that are getting harder to hide. There's no way in hell she's letting some stranger unravel it all.

After Cassidy rescues Xavier from a deadly bar fight, they run for their lives. Determined to get answers, she drags him deeper into the outback. Too far from help and far too close for comfort. Isolation and a deadly threat force them to work together, igniting an attraction neither of them planned and neither of them can have.

But Frank Branson's secrets run deeper than any of them knew. And Cassidy is keeping the biggest secret of all, one that could cost her the family she loves and the man she's forbidden to fall for.

OUTBACK OBSESSION is a high-stakes romantic thriller packed with forbidden attraction, explosive secrets, and an outback setting as brutal as it is beautiful.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

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About the author

Elle James

575 books1,229 followers
Award-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.

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5 stars
117 (75%)
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37 (23%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,788 reviews23 followers
June 16, 2026
This third installment in the series takes the action and suspense to an entirely new level. From the very first page, readers are pulled into a whirlwind of excitement as another mysterious stranger appears and new secrets unravel with each chapter. The fast-paced plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the tension never lets up.

The Australian Outback is more than just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character in its own right. The vivid descriptions make you feel the heat, the dust, and the raw beauty of the wild terrain, immersing you fully into the story. Elle James and Kendall Talbot have perfectly balanced heart-pounding action with emotional depth, making it impossible to put this book down.

If you’ve been following this series, Outback Obsession will exceed your expectations and leave you craving more. For new readers, it’s a gripping entry point that will make you want to start from the beginning.

Unputdownable, intense, and wildly entertaining—this is a 5-star read in every sense!
Profile Image for Kim.
526 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026
Another scorcher!

Two top-rated, award-winning authors have once again teamed up to offer us lucky readers an absolute scorcher of a story. While Australia is known for many things, some wondrous, some terrifying, it is widely known for fire and heat (much like the above-mentioned authors). This absolutely riveting story is centered on Cassidy Branson, a firebrand force of nature, and Xavier Hawthorne, a Manhattan millionaire businessman who has traveled to Australia to meet with Frank Branson, Cassidy’s father and the patriarch of Koolaroo Ranch. Cassidy and Xavier meet by accident at a local pub and soon become involved in a bar fight that sends them running for their lives. Things only get worse from there. Flying bullets, high-speed car chases, bushfires, and pythons are all thrown into the mix in an action-packed, sizzling-hot adventure that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I actually had to turn on a fan when reading about the bushfire that trapped them inside a small cabin. The action is non-stop, the tension is unremitting, and the dynamic between Cassidy and Xavier will provoke laughter, tears, and everything in between. It’s a wild ride well worth your time and attention, so treat yourself to an Outback adventure you'll remember long after closing the book.
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I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but my choice to share my honest and unbiased review is completely voluntary.
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
492 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Oh. My. God!!! This is an absolutely AMAZING read!!! Cassidy has shown herself to be such a strong and determined character in the previous books, so I had high hopes for this read, and believe me when I say it far surpassed all my hopes and wishes!!

This story starts off fast paced and doesn’t really slow down. I was addicted before the end of the first paragraph and wasn’t nearly ready to say goodbye by the time I’d reached the last. This really is a fantastic series, a series that just keeps getting better and better.

Xavier isn’t what I expected him to be. He’s so much more. Yeah, he’s not a cowboy, and yes he wears suits, but this is a man who’s so far from entitled it’s not funny. He’s calm, a total alpha protector, great sense of humour, and to top it off he’s absolutely delicious!! I mean, come on ladies, this man is everything we secretly yearn for!!!

I absolutely adore Cassidy’d backbone. She’s such a strong and determined character. I am in total awe of her!! She’s so independent and driven and not much seems to scare her.

Together Cassidy and Xavier are a match made in heaven. They are the epitome of opposites attracts. Their bond is instant and true, and their chemistry is off the charts.

Watching them traverse danger and work together to survive was such an unforgettable roller coaster ride, a ride I would gladly embark on again and again.

The depth and emotions will hold you a willing captive. Absolutely outstanding read!!!!!!!
Profile Image for JP18267.
716 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
June 11, 2026
First, I am a huge fan of this series and have been super excited for Cassidy and Xavier!

I always knew Cassidy was a badass, but this definitely shines a light on her character. We get to see more of her spunky side and exactly what she can handle. Xavier completely shocked me. He came off as this wealthy and distinguished man, but damn he definitely knows how to stand his ground. Their witty banter was comical as neither backed down. You could feel the tension building and the sparks were flying. And ahhh, the jaw-dropping secrets left me completely speechless. The action is fast and intense; I was immediately on the edge of my seat. I also love getting more information from Frank and how it ties perfectly into what his kids are experiencing at that moment.

This book, hands down, blew me away! Each one gets better and builds perfectly on the last. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
202 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2026
Can you say fun? When you throw two people together and they face life and death situations (several in fact) , there is no space for lies or deceit. Our hero and heroine just dive into trouble from their first meeting in a bar…ahem a bar they got run out of…From there it’s a fight for their very survival-weirdly enough in a fun way. Think hysterical car chases and bullets-ya- I know that sounds crazy. But that’s the whole storyline. Once one adventure kinda ends, the newly bonding pair face deeper issues around her missing father, globs of mysterious cash, a crooked sheriff, and deadly secrets that haunt both of them. While their portion of the story does have a HEA, the actual mystery surrounding her missing father, the ranch, and fortune in cash ends in a cliffhanger. It was such a fun read. I liked that it began on an adventure…and even though I hate cliffhangers, I look forward to all the secrets being spilled. I’m sure they will be a douzy:) I had no problem reading and leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
764 reviews15 followers
June 19, 2026
This is the third in a series with an overarching storyline, but don’t let that keep you from picking it up. Well, maybe pick it up along with the first two, since they are all such great books and you’ll enjoy this one a bit more with the backstory filled in.

Anyway, as with the first two books, “Outback Obsession” is filled with action, adventure, excitement, and two people trying to survive long enough to find their happily ever after. This time we get to really know Cassidy, the sister of the family the series revolves around. She steps in to save Xavier when he gets in trouble, and the story is off from there.

The writing is great (the team of Elle James and Kendall Talbot are really outdoing themselves), the story flows well, the characters are interesting, and the action, suspense and romance are sizzling!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
2,143 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
Outback Obsession is an adrenaline-pumped ride that starts with a pub brawl gone wrong. Cassidy and Xavier have us running on fumes as they dodge bullets, chase trains, outlast a bushfire, and survive encounters with the wildlife.

The chemistry between them sizzles, even as heavy truths stand in the way, along with a stunning discovery that changes everything. The more we learn about Frank, the more you'll curse the wretched man and everything he's done.

Both Cassidy and Xavier carry heavy emotional baggage that has you feeling for them while cheering them on every step of the way. Even after they're rescued, another round of truths and discoveries comes to light, keeping you invested in seeing this group finally get what they deserve.

At the same time, you'll remain completely snagged by the ongoing mystery surrounding Frank and eager to see where it leads next.
103 reviews
June 16, 2026
Well, this is a Hunka-Hunka burnin’ love-to-read in this 3rd book of the Outback series – and much much more! It’s a thrilling ride with a New York City slicker hunk lookin’ for a certain man, and a hardass cattle rancher woman who was lookin’ for just a one night stand. They both got more than they bargained for – having to fight the flames that not only lit up between each other, but real flames that could actually burn them both to a crisp. This smokin’ thriller had me up over half the night gasping for breath yet again. And yet again, I give it 5+ stars with a big kudos to the two authors that wrote this incredible Outback series. I loved it so much, I read it twice, and it was just as good the second time! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the final outcome in book 4. I’m so happy to be an ARC for Kendall Talbot! This review is my honest opinion. Totally.
230 reviews
June 20, 2026
I've really been enjoying this series, and it was great to finally learn a bit more about Cassidy and the Branson connection to the Hawthornes.
Xavier was a fantastic addition. The bar fight, followed by his chaotic escape from the bar with Cassidy, was a great introduction to him.
The fire sequence was genuinely intense and had me turning the pages quickly. Afterwards, I kept expecting the Hendersons to appear, so I was quite surprised when they didn't then or at all in the rest of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and the outback setting continues to be a big drawcard for me. My only real frustration was the ending. It felt quite abrupt, and I'm still left with plenty of questions. Still, that's probably a sign that I'm invested enough to want the next book as soon as possible.
I received a free ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,545 reviews33 followers
June 16, 2026
I'm really loving this series and can't wait for book #4, sad as I'll be to see it finish I want to know what happened.
The Branson family are cattle station owners and their father has been missing for 3 books now, is he alive?
Xavier Hawthorne came from the city life in the USA to outback Queensland. Got to love he arrived in white sneakers to visit some of the dustiest lands in Australia. Cassidy just wanted a quiet drink and some male company when a fight broke out in the bar. She and Xavier were on the run for their lives.
Little did they expect to undercover a huge secret that could change their lives.
When Cassidy shed light on her true story i shed a tear.
Amazing story, can't wait for more.
1,337 reviews
June 16, 2026
Cassidy Branson is a sister to Mitch, Declan and Kayden.
Gus is the ranch Forman.
Xavier Hawthorne is heir to the Hawthorne Global empiregoverned by his parents.

Cassidy and Xavier meet at a bar and things
Become chaotic, when a fight starts with the Henderson brothers and Cassidy helps out Xavier and now they are on the run.
There is an attraction and chemistry between them , with a slow burn to igniting explosive.
So many secrets are coming out that were hidden by Frank their father .
Can they survive the secrets?
Can Cassidy and Xavier have a Happily Ever After?

This book is action- packed suspense, danger, intense emotions and some twists and turns.
The
Great Job. Lyle James and Kendall Talbot !!!!!!
2,347 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2026
The secrets keep piling up and one of the biggest involves Cassidy and Xavier, who travels to the outback to get answers. They first meet running for the lives and escape to hide out from their pursuers, and discover more secrets they are not equipped to handle on their own. They are stranded, waiting for a rescue and in the meantime fight off predators, human and nature. Once back at the ranch, Cassidy and her brothers learn more about Xavier and more secrets are spilled with the biggest coming from Cassidy, which opens the door to her and Xavier…for their next step, they all have to play their cards just right.
Another page turner with plenty of action, suspense, secrets, surprises, twists and turns and great characters. Soon all will be revealed and I CANT WAIT FOR THE FINALE!!!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,057 reviews74 followers
June 20, 2026
Outback Obsession - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Outback Obsession by the talented author Kendall Talbot, writing with Elle James, is a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat adventure, that sees firebrand rancher Cassidy Branson and newcomer Xavier Hawthorne fight for their lives...while fighting their growing love for each other on the furthest reaches of Koolaroo Ranch.
Past family lies and secrets are uncovered on both sides, keeping the action gritty and intense, with changing family dynamics as the storyline unfolds.
Absolutely unputdownable - grab Outback Obsession right now...and prepare to read late into the night!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,126 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2026
Great story. Cassidy is at the bar looking for companionship after being on a cattle drive when Xaviar, an american, enters looking for her father. He angers the Henderson's who dislike Cassidy and her family and ends up with Cassidy saving him. They end up stranded in the middle of nowhere on her ranch. The Hendersons set a brush fire that has them fighting for their lives. The closeness has them tip-toeing around the attraction that they have for each other. This book is full of danger, mixed emotions and has a surprising reveal that ends with a happy ending. I loved the book and look forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jen.
468 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
The latest book in this series is about Cassidy. She’s one tough cookie and certainly is put through the mill in this book.
The narrative is superb and I felt like I was with her and Xavier in the bush fire!
Frank’s side notes continue to add to the story and his character which is turning out to be pretty awful just sinks lower and lower.
Xavier’s arrival on the scene adds more suspense to the happenings with Frank and the ranch from years gone by.
All in all it’s a great story, so much happening it’s a complete mystery on what has gone on and the story lines definitely keep you engrossed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,796 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
As the saga continues we learn more about Frank and the dangerous secrets he kept. Two of his sons have had crazy adventures on Koolaroo land, almost dying, but they found love. Cassidy is the only girl and she’s tough, intelligent and quite funny. Being surrounded by boys and men her whole life has made her feel like she has to prove herself until Xavier. He’s a sexy guy from Manhattan with lots of questions. How they met is quite the story and an even harrier adventure than her brothers had. The books are best read in order as we get down to the secrets of Frank Branson and where the heck he went. I was given an advanced copy and have written this review voluntarily.
6,683 reviews28 followers
June 17, 2026
The Branson family saga continues, and this might be the most thrilling adventure yet! This time we follow Cassidy—Frank's tough, funny, and intelligent daughter—who has spent her life proving herself in a world full of men. Enter Xavier, a sexy guy from Manhattan with plenty of questions. Their meeting sparks an incredible, high-stakes adventure that is even Wilder than what her brothers faced.

I love how the overarching mystery of Frank Branson and his dangerous secrets keeps deepening. The romance is fantastic, the suspense is real, and you definitely want to read this series in order to get the full story. Highly recommend!
151 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2026
This is the third book in the series about the Koolaroo Ranch, in Australia. This is about Cassidy Branson and Xavier Hawthorne. Cassidy is an Australian and Xavier is an American. They are both tough and very likeable. This book started with action and kept it up the whole book. I read it the first time, straight through. Now, I’m reading it again, because I want to make sure that I didn’t miss anything. I loved it. There’s lots of action, adventure, excitement, romance, suspense, anxiety, humor and mystery. I received an ARC for an honest review, and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
597 reviews32 followers
June 17, 2026
This romantic thriller will keep you on the edge, from bullets to fire to truths being revealed. Cassidy Branson is a strong woman who loves her family and their land, so when Xavier Hawthorne shows up asking questions about their father, Frank Branson, she's determined to learn who he really is and what he wants from her family. What she finds about Xavier is nothing like what she expected. When more of Frank Branson's secrets are revealed, the shock will rock this family's foundations, but also bring them together to fight for what's important. I enjoyed the continuation of this story and look forward to the conclusion in the next book.
1,730 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2026
Outback Obsession is the 3rd book in the Koolaroo Ranch series and I highly recommend reading the books in order. Cassidy and Xavier's story continues the suspense plot surrounding Frank's disappearance and gives us several more pieces of the puzzle. It's a fast-paced and action-filled page-turner but a bit short on romance. No doubt surviving gunfire, a car race and a bushfire will bring a couple together, but I did not feel the attraction between them until the very end. The ending is a HFN, since the mystery isn't solved yet. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
5,626 reviews88 followers
June 22, 2026
Book 3 of KOOLAROO RANCH.

'OUTBACK OBSESSION is a high-stakes romantic thriller packed with forbidden attraction, explosive secrets, and an outback setting as brutal as it is beautiful.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
34 reviews
June 23, 2026
What a great addition to the series! It is one heck of an adrenaline rush as they race from one bad situation to the next trying to stay alive. Cassidy & Xavier have the misfortune of running into the Henderson brothers at the bar and it goes downhill from there for them. But as they are running for their lives, their chemistry sizzles and they begin relying on each other. They both have secrets they are guarding but finally trust one another enough to let down their guard and share them.
Well written, with good character development, and lots of action.
Definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,981 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Just as fast paced and twisty as book 2. I was looking forward to Cassidy's story and having it interweave the Hawthorne was the cherry on top. More surprises are let loose in Outback Obsession along with humor and heat. From mother nature, manmade and romance made. I am still wrapping my head around this plot and what other nuggets will fall. Thank you for the advance copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #OutbackObsession #KoolarooRanch #ElleJames TwistedPagePress #Bookfunnel
2,944 reviews36 followers
June 19, 2026
As secrets come out and danger closes in, Cassidy bails Xavier out of a fight but then they have to run from their lives.

I enjoyed the suspense in this book. I couldn't put it down. Xavier and Cassidy each had their own dangers closing in but they also get closer as things ramp up.

I always love this author's writing. Putting the reader in the picture, dropping you in the suspense and danger. I love it. Can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
379 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2026
Cassidy first encountered Xavier in a bar where the Henderson brothers, her neighbors and enemies, picked a fight with Xavier. Things escalate quickly. Cassidy and Xavier, complete strangers, find themselves fighting for their lives. Things continue to escalate with nonstop action and suspense. More secrets are revealed with shocking discoveries, trust is built, and forbidden sparks flair between them. Can’t wait for the conclusion in the next and final book in this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,819 reviews34 followers
June 27, 2026
Take a deep breath before you tart this one as once things kick off it is non stop till the end. Xavier and Cassidy's meeting was by chance and leads to mayhem and danger that had me feeling a little stressed out at times lol but there was also surprises and both Xavier and Cassidy have secrets that they reveal and my gosh the one Cassidy had been holding for so long just broke my heart.
I can not wait for the next book to see Kayden's story but also get answers to soo many things!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,319 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 29, 2026
I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. Cassidy is an amazing character with a lot of spirit and drive and backbone. She has had to prove herself many times to the men she works with. Xavier seems like the opposite kinds of character where he did what he was told, fighting back occasionally. This story was filled with action from the beginning to end. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
186 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 13, 2026
What I thought I knew wasn’t what I knew. Oooh how the plot thickens. I honestly didn’t want this story to end I was really enjoying it. I can’t believe they ruined Cass’s hat! I thought they were toast in that bush fire, the snake my heart was thumping and the mice it was like my worst nightmare. Excellent storyline lots of heart stopping moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
534 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
Life on the outback isn’t for everyone; it’s a hard life that keeps trying to drag you down. When a greenhorn comes calling, wanting answers that no one is willing to give. Being stuck out miles from home with the neighbors trying to kill you with wildfire that races through the bush. Learning that you don’t really have the family you thought you did. These are things that will tear a family apart. I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good mystery.
Profile Image for Christine.
11k reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. This story has cassidy Brandon finding her way to the Rusty Swagman bar where she meets Xavier hawthrone the man that her family called before, when looking for information on their father who is still missing, but leaving a mess behind him . this book was fantastic what these to find themselves in and what other secrets that are found out about brilliant can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews