The story started off a little bit slowly for me – establishing the scene and the instant dislike Paige takes to Tait. All this makes Paige think that she could be mistaken about Tait being a ‘love ’em and leave ’em’ kind of guy, Tait also integrates himself into country life, whether it’s winding up the local gossips or assisting with sponsorship for the local ball. But underneath the exterior, Tait is hiding a lot of pain and guilt, which is revealed in layers throughout the story. Tait is a city boy through and through – he has the mobile phone, the Jaguar (or Jaaaaaaaaaag as Jeremy Clarkson would say) and the fancy suits. Then city boy Tait comes to stay at the invitation of Paige’s father Connor – but what’s his agenda? Connor thinks it’s to write him a business plan and Paige thinks it’s for a rest, but neither of them knows the full story… She’s fighting a losing battle against the elements. Unfortunately, our main character Paige who runs Banora Downs (a cattle property that sounds like it’s in Western New South Wales) is in the middle of one. One of the worst things about farming is drought. Alissa Callen’s debut novel brings both the good and bad about the Australian bush to the fore. What I have forgotten over the years is the good things about the country – safety, community and the beauty. I know about the lack of privacy, the isolation and gossiping. Why? Well, I used to live in one and I Know All About It. I haven’t really read that many books set in Aussie farming communities. Setting: Outback Australia (New South Wales) Why I read it: Sent to me by Random House Australia – thank you! Weaknesses: A little slow to engage for me initially Strengths: Good representation of the Aussie small town / farming community She doesn’t have time to deal with his coffee drinking city ways – there’s a drought and a farm to run. A quick rundown…Romance is the outback – or it is? When fancy city boy Tait comes to Banora Downs, Paige is instantly on edge.

What Love Sounds Like by Alissa Callen