By Blow and Kiss: The Love Story of a Man with a Bad Name.: (Published serially under the title Unstable as Water).

"By Blow and Kiss: The Love Story of a Man with a Bad Name" by Boyd Cable is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the harsh yet vibrant life on a sheep station in the Australian outback, weaving a tale of love, conflict, and survival against the backdrop of a grueling drought. The story’s central characters include Scottie Mackellar, a seasoned shepherd, his niece Ess Lincoln, who arrives from the city, and the enigmatic and rugged Steve Knight, who holds a questionable reputation among the men. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the working environment of the sheep station, where men toil under the blazing sun amidst the turmoil of a severe dry spell impacting their livelihood. As Scottie prepares for a challenging time ahead, he announces that his niece will join him at the station, causing mixed reactions among the other workers, especially regarding their curiosity about her. Ess’s arrival brings both excitement and tension, particularly regarding her interactions with Steve Knight, the station's notorious yet intriguing horseman. Their dynamic lays the groundwork for deeper themes of attraction and the struggles of navigating personal relationships in a harsh, male-dominated world, setting the stage for the unfolding romance.