Can the fresh-faced historian solve the legend of a gold-laden reef? Or will the seasoned station owner succeed in protecting his land at all costs?
Geeky graduate historian, Pete McKenzie, has spent seven years searching for Byron’s fabled reef—the holy grail of gold deposits. Determined to be Australia’s answer to Indiana Jones, a chance discovery sends Pete to outback Queensland, Pearce Station.
Forty-year-old station-owner, Scottie Pearce, calls outback Queensland home. The red dirt runs through his veins. But Scottie’s protecting a secret that could destroy his family’s five-generation legacy.
Fireworks blaze in this epic tale of lust, love, and betrayal as both men discover a treasure they weren’t even searching for… outback treasure.
Outback Treasure I is the first part of the Pearce Station duet. Pete and Scottie’s story concludes in Outback Treasure II, releasing on 18 May 2020.
By day Ann Grech lives in the corporate world and can be found sitting behind a desk typing away at reports and papers or lecturing to a room full of students. She graduated with a PhD in 2016 and is now an over-qualified nerd. Glasses, briefcase, high heels and a pencil skirt, she’s got the librarian look nailed too. If only they knew! She swears like a sailor, so that’s got to be a hint. The other one was “the look” from her tattoo artist when she told him that she wanted her kids initials “B” and “J” tattooed on her foot. It took a second to register that it might be a bad idea. She’s never entirely fit in and loves escaping into a book—whether it’s reading or writing one. But she’s found her tribe now and loves her MM book world family. She dislikes cooking, but loves eating, can’t figure out technology, but is addicted to it, and her guilty pleasure is Byron Bay Cookies. Oh and shoes. And lingerie. And maybe handbags too. Well, if we’re being honest, we’d probably have to add her library too given the state of her credit card every month (what can she say, she’s a bookworm at heart)! She also publishes her raunchier short stories under her pen name, Olive Hiscock.
Book #1 of 2. There is treasure in the Outback, and Pete is sure of it. He has spent his college years getting two degrees, and his research leads to the likely location. Pete, 25, tall, lean, pale-skinned and a ginger with freckles, has fortitude, and is chasing the myth. The trip is dry, hot and harsh, but also beautiful, raw, and calling to him. So, he gets his permit, an Airbnb at Pearce Station, which is a cattle Station near Longreach. Scottie Pearce is the head of the family now, has loyal employees and devoted family who depend on him. Scottie, is 40, muscled from hard work, brown hair, gray temples, blue eyes, and he's not "out." The first trip out on horseback is good until Pete needs rescuing. We see lots of critters, horses, wombats, kangaroo, Emu and more. Tough conditions and all, Pete loved it, it felt like home, he fit here.
The two men are attracted and in need of each other, and it escalates to hidden sexy times, it's real, it's unforgettable and passionate. Pete jumps in to go along on the cattle drive, and learns more about the sustainable Station.
When they find out about Pete's permit, chaos hit the fan. They think Pete is going to mine and ruin the land, but won't listen when he wants to explain about his mythical treasure hunt, the myth of gold, but Scottie orders him to leave.
Lovely lyrical language, detailed descriptions, a beautiful, heartfelt tale of Australia's rugged Outback.
If you liked the Red Dirt series by N. R. Walker, you'll like this special tale. Next up, book #2 in this duet.
Highly recommend the awesome characters and fabulous story. ENJOY !
Outback Treasure is the first in the Pearce Station Duet and introduces readers to Scottie and Pete. The characters are relatively well rounded, but the romance is pretty weak. While the story failed to fully grab my interest, there’s still plenty here to enjoy.
Outback Treasure is one of those books that falls into the “just fine” category for me. It’s not terrible, but the plot doesn’t exactly jump off the page. It starts off strong enough and while Pete’s obsession doesn’t make a ton of sense, the author gives enough foundation for believability. The author also does a great job of introducing Pete to the Outback and making his love of the land seem genuine. I know what it’s like to fall in love with a wild place and in Pete and Scottie, readers have two characters that truly love the world around them. I think it’s safe to say that the Outback itself is just an important to the book as any of the human characters.
Loved the glossary at the beginning. As an Aussie it seems weird to me that others don't understand so much of our daily language.
Anyway, on to the story.. I really enjoyed this story set in the outback of Australia.
I felt Pete's excitement as he seaches and perhaps stumbles upon something amazing. He heads off to chase his dream, staying at Pearce Station, Scottie's cattle station, with Scotties family.
What he finds was better than his original plan. The connection between Pete and Scottie was strong. Building something special between them until it comes crashing down...
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The author paints a vivid picture of the Outback in Queensland, Australia and all it takes to run the station. And then there is Pete and Scottie with their instant attraction but having to hide it and the stoey about the lost gold. Enjoyable read
Pete has a passion, his searching for gold and this takes him to Scotties Station called Pearce Station, a few hours drive from the nearest neighbours.
Scottie is a passionate man, especially about his station that he works with his family. Its no easy life and even water is in short supply, so washing is with a bucket of water 😉🔥.
Talking family, Scottie's family are great, strong females that all pitch in working the station.
Pete can't help to notice how rugged and buff his host is on arrival, his passion for the land doesn't go unnoticed either.
I loved the setting of the story it was so different, and the author even puts a list of slang and language at the front of the book - I didn't need it and understood the flow of the story.
Watching these two grow closer in this extraordinary setting was a delight. Book 2 here I come.
Is the treasure gold or love ... either way it's magical
What a beautiful beginning to this duet by Ann Grech. Through her words I was able to travel to outback Queensland and experience life on an outback cattle station. I felt the heat of the day and the cool of the night, touched the red soil that was everywhere, enjoyed the vivid blue sky of day and the star scattered darkness of night. Ann's descriptions were simply magical. Her research into the workings of a cattle station, the chores that needed doing, the daily hardships faced and the conditions of certain mining licences was indepth. I really applaud her for this.
OUTBACK TREASURE Bk 1 is the story of two men from two very different worlds. Scottie Pearce is the forty year old head of Pearce Station. He will do anything for his family, his workers and his Station, even if it means forgoing his own happiness. Scottie also has a secret, one which could destroy everything that he has built ... Scottie is gay. Pete McKenzie is a twenty-five year old graduate whose life for the past four years has revolved around solving the legend of Byron's Gold. A born city slicker, Pete is also openly gay. What will happen when Pete arrives on Scottie's doorstep to investigate his beliefs regarding Byron's Gold?
Attraction between the two men is instant, but will it be strong enough or Scottie to divulge his secret? Is he going to be willing to risk everything for the happiness he so desperately desires? Pete has fallen for Scottie and everything about Pearce Station, how is he going to explain to Scottie why he originally went there? What will Scottie's reaction be to Pete's secret?
Ann ends Book 1 on a semi cliffhanger. It is one that will affect both men emotionally. Scottie and Pete's story has made me laugh, shed tears, get frustrated and feel utterly exhausted. I really look foward to reading the conclusion to this story. I can't wait to see how Ann resolves everything.
Wow, l have just finished Outback Treasure book 1.... I feel like I've been on an adventure of a lifetime... l truly felt like I was there, in that vast desert of heat and dust and under that endless bright sky. The description of a cattle station and it's workings, with it's array of animals and working hands was so insightful. The hardships that they endure daily so tough to imagine. However, the description of the endless , vast nature of the land took my breath away.
The legend of Byron's Gold and the expedition gone bad was intriguing, but it was what brought the young scholar Pete to the Pearce Station and into the path of Scottie.
Scott is the head of the station and leads a very hard life, with nothing but his family and workers and animals for company. He is keeping a secret , one that will impact on his whole life badly if it ever came to light. When the gorgeous Pete arrives at Pearce Station his whole equilibrium is shaken. Long buried feelings find their way back with speed and leave him feeling both captivated and scared.
" Watching him was like finding an oasis in the desert , rare and precious "
Pete is enchanted with everything around him, he feels like he is where he belongs, and the explosive chemistry he feels with Scottie is so right. He inserts himself into the life at the station, making friends and being part of his greatest adventure.
Can Scottie throw caution to the wind and let himself enjoy Pete ? Or will the thought of being outed to his family and the community hold him back ? But Pete and his secret can be the end of Pearce Station..
Oh man, l really enjoyed reading this epic adventure, with so many tremendously strong and hardened characters, and a huge helping of sexual tension and moments of intimacy. I can not wait for book 2. But that finale... I am broken...
I enjoyed the way this story started as I love reading historical stories. I was intrigued by the story about Byron’s gold and the old coot himself from the prologue. Then meeting the characters from the present day was an even bigger delight.
Pete is a young, enthusiastic historian and his eagerness rubs off onto you so much so you want him to succeed. Scottie is a hard-working, likable character who you feel sorry for because he’s trapped in a situation where he feels he can’t be true to himself. His family and the station hands, who are more like family, are all terrific and the backbone of the station alongside him.
I particularly enjoyed reading the Dreamtime story of creation, this story never gets old no matter how many times you hear or read it. The descriptions of the outback are on point and I could almost taste the red dust and feel it in my clothes.
Steamy and passionate love scenes form the physical side to the romance in the story but the immediate attraction and chemistry between Scottie and Pete is obvious and let me just say... felt so right.
This is book one and is a cliffhanger but I didn’t feel frustrated at the end, rather excited to read the next book.
This is book 1 in the Pearce Station Duet and it ends in a sort of cliffhanger, so if you prefer to wait, book 2 should be out on May 18, so it's not that bad a wait.
Pete is a young graduate historian obsessed by the legend of Byron's reef, which is supposed to hold a large gold deposit. After years of research, he is certain he's found the place where this reef might be and he decides to make a trip to the Pearce Station in Queensland to try to find it. He didn't expect he might find love in the form of Scottie Pearce, the station's owner there or that he'll feel so at home at the station with Scottie and his family and coworkers. However, Pete couldn't have anticipated how Scottie would react when he finds out the real reason for his visit.
Scottie is hardworking, reliable and very lonely. I felt so bad that he couldn't come out because it might impact his already struggling station. And Pete, well, he was just adorable and what Scottie needed and while I kind of wanted to shake Pete a bit for keeping secrets from Scottie, I could see why he did it. Despite their age difference, Scottie and Pete seemed to bring the best out in each other and had great chemistry.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the outback and the work they did at the station and I was very intrigued by the legend this book is based on and despite the cliffhanger, I'm eager to find out how everything will play out in the next installment. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Pete is a scholar who’s after gold he believes is on a reef in the outback. Scottie runs a station sustainably, with about half a dozen staff, and his sister and Mom and Grandma, after his Dad left years ago.
With his back country community, it’s impossible for Scottie to be out, so even his family don’t know. When they first meet, the spark is immediate, and though they try to keep it at bay, they soon start a relationship.
But, Pete hasn’t explained the prospecting licence he’s requested, assuming Scottie was informed by letter. It’s gone to the back of his mind, so enchanted is he by the land and the family he’s becoming part of, so that when Scottie gets the letter by late post, he’s livid.
He tells Pete to pack up and go, and his sister, Tally, talks to him about why he came, so Pete tells her the legend of Byron and about his obsession.
She asks if others know, and though he’s told no one, he starts to think about how he can protect them all in the future. He hatches a plan, and this is the cliffhanger we are left with.
I enjoyed this tale of the beautiful outback, wild and vast, with dangerous animals and hard working people. I didn’t know it was a two part story, so that was disappointing. Still, it’s worth the read if you’re ready with the second book to continue the story.
Reviewed for Saucy Reviews On Kinky Korner I enjoyed the way this story started as I love reading historical stories. I was intrigued by the story about Byron’s gold and the old coot himself from the prologue. Then meeting the characters from the present day was an even bigger delight.
Pete is a young, enthusiastic historian and his eagerness rubs off onto you so much so you want him to succeed. Scottie is a hard working, likeable character who you feel sorry for because he’s trapped in a situation where he feels he can’t be true to himself. His family and the station hands, who are more like family, are all terrific and the backbone of the station alongside him.
I particularly enjoyed reading the Dreamtime story of creation, this story never gets old no matter how many times you hear or read it. The descriptions of the outback are on point and I could almost taste the red dust and feel it in my clothes.
Steamy and passionate love scenes form the physical side to the romance in the story but the immediate attraction and chemistry between Scottie and Pete is obvious and let me just say... felt so right.
This is book one and is a cliffhanger but I didn’t feel frustrated at the end, rather excited to read the next book.
Scottie Pearce is the owner of Pearce Station in Outback Australia. Home of red dirt , dust and cattle. This is Scotties home the home of his Nan, his Mother and his siblings.
Pete McKenzie arrives at the Outback station to stay and continue his search of a reef of gold deposits. Pete is gay ..
Scottie has a secret that he has been keeping from his family from all his work mates.
One touch of their hands sends them both Into a turmoil that they find hard to resist so they don’t..
How Ann has written their love added with secrecy is absolutely wonderful and beautifully done.
Scottie life consists of work and more work with hardly any leisure time.
Being a gay man in the outback with bloky blokes seems to Scottie to big a secret to divulge.
Pete joins in the mustering of the cattle , I felt as if I was personally there as the description was awesome.
No more city Sydney lights for Pete he has found his home among the dust and dirt of the Australian Outback.
Sometimes life doesn’t pan out as we want it but sometimes it does.
Wonderful book with a good dose of love add lust with betrayal there you have such a beautiful read...
Outback Treasure is set in outback Queensland, Australia, and while I've never actually been there, Ann Grech paints a wonderful picture with her words. The descriptive writing here is on point - just the right amount to give the reader a real feel for the setting without going overboard and bogging it down. Then we have Scottie and Pete, who are absolutely adorable together. The chemistry is off the charts and their personalities complement each other perfectly. Of course, we can't have all these feels and steamy goodness without a bit of angst in the mix, and that's exactly where the author leaves us in this first part of Pete and Scottie's love story. Thankfully part two of this duet isn't far behind because I can't wait to see how this all plays out. This pair has some work to do and some decisions to make, but I have to say that if ever there were two people who belong together, it's Scottie and Pete. All in all, this one's a great first half of the story, and I can't wait to see what's next.
I devoured this book in half a day.. OMG right from the start I was hooked. Pete was a young, studious historian who wants to validate his research by finding Byrons gold at Pearce Station in Outback Queensland. What he didn't count on was Scottie Pearce, the staunch, extremely hard working older rancher who immediately took his fancy! The chemistry for both men was there instantly, but neither man was ready for the feelings that took hold so quickly or the fact they had to hide their attraction from everyone. Ann takes us into the harsh ruggedness that is the Queensland Outback and gives us a unique look at a love story like no other. I can't recommend this book highly enough.. Ann has created something special, with very real characters who have to deal with very real prejudices .. but she tells the story with confidence and a grace that ensures you will fall in love with everyone in this book.
The start of a beautiful love story between a station owner and a historian, set in the dust of the drought stricken Australian outback. Outback Treasure 1 is the first book in the Pierce Station Duet. Ann Grech’s words make you feel like you are there with the character, sitting under the big sky, the dust and the isolation.
This is the story of Scottie and Pete, men from very different worlds who instantly connect from the first moment they set eyes on each other, then both try to deny that feeling. Even after admitting to each other how they feel they keep things a secret from everyone around them.
This story has a bit of everything, wrapped up in a romance. There’s tales of undiscovered gold, dangerous animals, struggling families, beautiful landscapes, humour, and a glimpse at Australian station life. There also parts that will break your heart (you have been warned), have the tissues ready.
Book 2 isn’t far away, I can’t wait to see how this story ends.
♥️♥️ 🔥 The book starts 1930 in Sydney, Australia with Errol determined to find gold in the out back..this would be part of his story. Fast forward to the present day to Pete 25 yr and he's trying to find the truth about Errols Gold Reef. Scottie ran Pearce Station, a working station with quests sampling to outback life. Wow what a storyline. A great start to the book as the intriguing mystery and journey was about to revealed..well some of it.. It's not hard to get caught up in Pete's enthusiasm in his searching.. I loved their banter an hot chemistry together their sexy scenes are smoking. I absolutely had to laugh at the rosters name and of course his horses. The has a an epic finish that end in a cliffhanger....and I want the next book now..
Scottie is a closeted country boy, who works from sun up to sun down. Mustering cattle, working the family farm and out in the middle of nowhere.
Pete is an out and proud city slicker and finds nothing more exciting then delving into the history books to try and solve one of the biggest mysteries Australia has ever seen.
Detective skills takes Pete on a wild ride to Pearce Station where he starts to fall for Scottie.
However things take a turn for the worst when truths are revealed.
Since this part 1 of the duet it finishes on a mild cliffhanger and luckily book 2 is not to far off.
Very well written, good character development and rich world building. I was immediately drawn into the story, the plot was intriguing, however, I'd have liked more romance between the two MCs. I've got to admit that I didn't especially like the ending, even though there is a second book, I'm not too keen on the whole 'to be continued thing'. That's my problem though, and I'll certainly be reading the next book in the series. Not wanted to say too much, don't want to spoil the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story! I want to experience the life at a station in Australia, NOW!
Great description of a working station, I closed my eyes and felt like I was there. Hopefully, one day I can go. Storyline got all kinds of emotions going in all directions. I couldn't put the book down and going to start the rest of the story. ENJOY!
I'm a huge sucker for M/M Australian outback station books. This one went above and beyond. Pete is obsessed with finding Byron's gold and ends up on Pearce Station. What he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels with the sexy station manager Scottie.
The chemistry between these 2 is off the charts. It does end on a major cliffy so I jumped right into book 2.
Outback Treasure 1, book 1 of the Pearce Station Duet, by Ann Grech @ anngrechauthor is a new author for me.
This book was a slow start to this duet about Pete & Scottie! It took me a bit to get into it but overall I enjoyed it. Tropes: Contemporary, MM, Age Gap, Deep In The Closet, City Boy/Outback Rancher, & A Cliffhanger!
To be honest if I wasn’t an Ann fan I would have stopped after the prologue as I found it wasn’t too engaging but I am so glad I did. The Australian country was described perfectly and the blossoming romance was amazing! I am counting down the days for e next book.
This is a great story. I really like Pete and Scottie's story. Ann Grech has created so much description that I felt like I was right in the outback. This is a great adventure and I can't wait to start the next one.
I like books set in Australia - completely alien culture to me - so it was a fun read with lots of interesting situations and a bit of history and treasure hunting thrown in. Can't say I was a fan of book ending to continue in the next installment.
Good development with both characters and plot. The writing is intelligent, well-paced, with nice descriptions and humor. Very quick read & I look forward to reading the conclusion.
What a sweet romance that is building between Scottie and Pete a hard road travelled to get there but well worth it despite some secrets kept hidden. The story continues in book 2.