Review: Red Dirt Heat by NR Walker
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 9, 2014
Charlie Sutton, of 'Red Dirt Heart' by N.R. Walker, is working hard, managing his father's enormous station, trying his best to be the son his father wanted. In doing so, he's given up on having a loving partnership and buried his feelings about other men as deep as he can. For two years, he has kept them in check; but when Travis Craig comes to the station, Charlie soon realizes how close to the surface his feelings still are.Charlie may seem rough and tough, but, even though he doesn't always show it, underneath is a sensitive, emotional man. He adores George and Ma and is eternally grateful for the acceptance and love they've given him, particularly with his father being so distant. Charlie is still damaged by his father's attitude about being gay. His hateful words, spoken in anger when Charlie came out to him, still ring in his ears. Despite his father's disapproval, when his dad died Charlie took over the station and some say he does an even better job than his dad did. Things would be a lot better for Charlie if he believed it. When Travis's bright smile, lovely eyes, and amicable behavior disarm Charlie, his tightly controlled defenses start to crumble. He's torn between what he wants and what's practical; he desperately tries to ignore his feelings about Travis, but he knows that it's just a matter of time. Even when Charlie gives in and accepts the inevitable; he still has the ghost of his father's words floating around in his head, reminding him that: a gay man wasn't man enough to run the station. His father's negative attitude still causes some serious conflicts which keep him miserable. In his mind, his dad is still in charge and always will be, regardless of how hard Charlie works to make it untrue.Travis is delightful—open, honest, proud of who he is and confident in what he can do. He's also very handsome and charming. He can't help but notice that Charlie thinks so too. I loved it that Travis is so proficient in his ranching abilities rather than what they expected—a greenhorn who was a liability more than an asset. With a few exceptions, he keeps up with the best of them and wins the men's approval right away. I admired Travis for not pushing Charlie into admitting that he wants him, and, instead slowly but surely insinuates himself into his life and under his defenses. When Charlie finally makes up his mind, he wastes no time making up for missed opportunities. Their love-making is hot and sweet at the same time. They are considerate of each other's feelings and make love while quenching their carnal thirsts at the same time. It's so tender that it's almost painful to experience. The love scenes were so well-written that I felt like a voyeur while reading them. Travis and Charlie make an endearing couple that I'm going to enjoy reading more about in the next book in the series.If you love cowboys, wild, rough terrain, and strong men who can also be romantic, you will enjoy this book. Thanks, N.R., for introducing me to Charlie, Travis and the beauty and dangers of the Outback. I can't even conceive of property which is 2.58 million acres. Originally posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.