#QueerLitLoft

I’ve had the pleasure of reading fantasy books under this author’s other pen name (Silvia Shaw), but Carbide Creek is my first under Maggie Brown.

Despite this book being in a completely different genre, the author’s ability to world build and transport a reader into the story is thankfully still astounding. Frankly, I felt immersed in the reality of working and living in the Australian outback during the drought season at all times whilst reading. The tiniest of details that Brown injects are what have you on the ranch right alongside the main characters.

Jasmine Mattioli is a successful corporate lawyer, and the daughter of a Mafia Don. Undeterred by her father’s control and influence, Jasmine is careful to remain on the right side of the law, and yet she finds herself on the receiving end of a death threat. With danger creeping closer Jasmine takes a job in the Australian bush – on a cattle ranch run by Kate Livingston.

With the dry season threatening to sink the ranch, Kate doesn’t have time to teach a newbie the ropes, and wastes no time pushing Jasmine to her limits. But with no other viable option for help around the place, Kate resigns herself to keeping Jasmine around. The landscape might be as dry as a bone, but the same can’t be said for the growing attraction between Jasmine and Kate.

I really liked Jasmine and Kate as the protagonists; both are strong, independent women, highly skilled in their respective professions. But there’s also a guarded softness residing in each of them that the other helps to tease out. I thought the way they met was befitting of the Australian setting i.e. “backpacker” working on a ranch for their allotted three months. And the cast of supporting characters, particularly Heather and Maureen, add a lot of value to the overall story, with both being very likable from the outset.

The assassination attempt on Jasmine’s life, and the danger which stems from that results in a thriller/intrigue theme for the overall plot. Whilst I didn’t foresee the culprit (which is always a good thing), there is a lot happening in the story, and at times, although nothing felt surplus to requirements, the plot might have benefitted from a smaller scope with greater depth on some of the finer thriller/intrigue elements. That said, I found the romance part of the plot to be solid and believable. It’s somewhat a slow burn, and I really enjoyed watching Jasmine and Kate win each others hearts and minds.

A terrific story; loved the main characters and the outback setting, plus the intrigue theme was good enough to keep you guessing until the end…an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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