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Red Dirt #1
Red Dirt Heart
Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might.
Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.
American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely, it’s the man with the red dirt heart.
Please note: This book is set in Australia, using Australian English and lingo.
Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.
American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely, it’s the man with the red dirt heart.
Please note: This book is set in Australia, using Australian English and lingo.
186 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2014
358 people are currently reading
4333 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,266 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,192 reviews
April 30, 2025
I took a star off because sucking dick after cattle mustering in the Australian outback in 40 degree heat for 3 days with no showering IS ABSOLUTELY FUCKING MINGINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.
As an Australian, I get the "Australian ick" really easy, and I went into this nervous about it, not going to lie.
And there were a few lines sprinkled within that made me physically shudder, and I wish the term "take the piss" would take itself the fuck off the side of a skyscraper, but whatever.
I loved Travis, the American cowboy, with his feet-first, balls-deep attitude 🤭
PLUS I am an absolute hoe bag for a good "NO, YOU SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME" moment where all the feels come out swinging, and this book HAD THAT EXACT MOMENT.
Like I wanted them to punch each other in the face and then kiss it better immediately.
NR Walker... makes men fall inlove pretty quickly, but gives them situations and reasons for this attachment to grow. I love me some realistic "we have the same hobbies, same interests, same vibes, can talk all day, lets kiss" kind of falling in love because I fall inlove that easy with every girl, gay or they that talks to me about books, so I get it 🤷
As an Australian, I get the "Australian ick" really easy, and I went into this nervous about it, not going to lie.
And there were a few lines sprinkled within that made me physically shudder, and I wish the term "take the piss" would take itself the fuck off the side of a skyscraper, but whatever.
I loved Travis, the American cowboy, with his feet-first, balls-deep attitude 🤭
PLUS I am an absolute hoe bag for a good "NO, YOU SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME" moment where all the feels come out swinging, and this book HAD THAT EXACT MOMENT.
Like I wanted them to punch each other in the face and then kiss it better immediately.
NR Walker... makes men fall inlove pretty quickly, but gives them situations and reasons for this attachment to grow. I love me some realistic "we have the same hobbies, same interests, same vibes, can talk all day, lets kiss" kind of falling in love because I fall inlove that easy with every girl, gay or they that talks to me about books, so I get it 🤷
December 12, 2025
Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might.
I sunk into this story so quickly, listening to the audiobook this time around, voiced by Joel Leslie.
The story begins with an American agronomy student, Travis, visiting the station. He is lighthearted, his laugher can be heard all over the ranch.
Station owner (ranch owner) Charlie is quiet, focused on his father’s legacy of the ranch. They are both attracted to each other, but not sure if they are reading the signals correctly.
Charlie is such a rich character. Raised by a stern, homophobic father, abandoned by his mother at a young age, and he feels his deceased father’s words deep in his soul. Closeted, and afraid of anyone seeing the real him, he hides under his intense work ethic.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never—never—been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
I adore a couple who communicates and after a few hiccups, these two men learn to talk to each other so well.
“I knew after the first day. This godforsaken, red and unforgiving, hotter than fucking hell place was where I was supposed to be. With you.”
Originally giving this story 4.5 stars, I’m bumping it up to 5 because it’s one of my favorite love stories. You truly have to read the entire series to understand the depth of love, and the strength of character. Charlie has an incredible arc.
*Slight TW for sensitive readers (although it fits the narrative) Travis admits that a few days before arriving at the ranch he uses two condoms in Sydney. We aren’t told, but it’s assumed he picked someone up at a bar.
I sunk into this story so quickly, listening to the audiobook this time around, voiced by Joel Leslie.
The story begins with an American agronomy student, Travis, visiting the station. He is lighthearted, his laugher can be heard all over the ranch.
Station owner (ranch owner) Charlie is quiet, focused on his father’s legacy of the ranch. They are both attracted to each other, but not sure if they are reading the signals correctly.
Charlie is such a rich character. Raised by a stern, homophobic father, abandoned by his mother at a young age, and he feels his deceased father’s words deep in his soul. Closeted, and afraid of anyone seeing the real him, he hides under his intense work ethic.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never—never—been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
I adore a couple who communicates and after a few hiccups, these two men learn to talk to each other so well.
“I knew after the first day. This godforsaken, red and unforgiving, hotter than fucking hell place was where I was supposed to be. With you.”
Originally giving this story 4.5 stars, I’m bumping it up to 5 because it’s one of my favorite love stories. You truly have to read the entire series to understand the depth of love, and the strength of character. Charlie has an incredible arc.
*Slight TW for sensitive readers (although it fits the narrative) Travis admits that a few days before arriving at the ranch he uses two condoms in Sydney. We aren’t told, but it’s assumed he picked someone up at a bar.
November 18, 2022
*4.5 "stay with me" stars
Red Dirt Heart is a beautiful tale about an Aussie farmer haunted by his late father’s words and the American man who makes his heart hammer. The right balance of romance, emotions and smut, in orden to create an unforgettable story in less than two hundred pages.
As much as I wished otherwise, I was gay. As much secondhand shame and disappointment I carried on behalf of my father, I couldn’t change who I was.
I just chose to bury it.
Charlie keeps his feelings under lock and key, and he doesn’t let anyone in. He tries to hide who he really is, not only his sexuality, but his kindness, his humour, his whole soul. He’s been in the closet all his life, trying to be the son his father wanted him to be.
I imitated my father’s voice.“No fucking fairy will run this station. It takes a man’s man to survive out here.” (...)
He has resigned himself to live alone, ashamed, afraid of what could happen if he lets the door open. But Charlie is not a hero to pity, he is an authentic human being with real demons to defeat.
Because everything changes the day Travis, the agronomy student who is going to work and live with them over the next four weeks, arrives at Sutton Station.
The American guy walks in, all blue eyes and disarming smiles, and my life goes to shit.
Travis is the kind of person everyone loves. Easy-going, fun, with a never fading smile that would warm anyone’s heart.
Travis is the total opposite of Charlie - thank God, or the miscommunication would have ended with the story before it'd begun. He is not afraid of expressing his real feelings, he bares himself and fights for what he wants. But he will be patient with Charlie, because he’s the only one able to see the wonderful, caring man who lies underneath.
“I just wish… I wish they could see you the way I do.(...) The Charlie that you are around me. The one that laughs and tells bad jokes. The Charlie who’s carefree and happy and who’s really smart and kind. How you are around me.”
I usually stay away from short books. I need my time to understand the characters, to connect with the story. But there is a first time for everything, and N.R. Walker’s style is flawless. My soul was touched by Charlie’s thoughts, his fears breaking me like they were my own. I was there, seeing the endless skyline of red soul, surrounded by Sutton’s crew, my crew, and smelling Ma’scookies biscuits.
The only tiny thing I would have changed in this heartfelt story is having a dual POV. I was craving to read Travis’ thoughts, even though with his openness it’s easier to know what he is thinking and I could still connect with him. The author has made another book with his POV, but I would have wanted to have it here.
“Something in the back of my head, in my gut, told me to come here. Sutton Station. The name stuck at me, and right or wrong, I was coming here. And now I know why.(...)I knew after the first day. This godforsaken, red and unforgiving, hotter than fucking hell place was where I was supposed to be. With you.”
Overall, this story has everything I want in a romance: real characters, steamy scenes, a writing style that makes you feel, free from unnecessary drama but full of emotion. I don’t know how N. R. Walker managed to fit all that in 196 pages, but she nailed it. There is nothing left, yet I would love it to be so much longer.
After all, it doesn’t matter the number of pages. If you are loving a book, you never want it to end.
“What are you scared of?”
I grabbed his hand before he could touch me and pushed him against the hall wall, holding his hand above his head. My face was half and inch from his, looking up at him. His eyes were wide and dark.
“You”, I snarled at him. “I’m scared of you.”
Thank you so much Diana for recommending this book to me!! I wouldn’t have given it a chance if it wasn’t for you!!
Red Dirt Heart is a beautiful tale about an Aussie farmer haunted by his late father’s words and the American man who makes his heart hammer. The right balance of romance, emotions and smut, in orden to create an unforgettable story in less than two hundred pages.
As much as I wished otherwise, I was gay. As much secondhand shame and disappointment I carried on behalf of my father, I couldn’t change who I was.
I just chose to bury it.
Charlie keeps his feelings under lock and key, and he doesn’t let anyone in. He tries to hide who he really is, not only his sexuality, but his kindness, his humour, his whole soul. He’s been in the closet all his life, trying to be the son his father wanted him to be.
I imitated my father’s voice.“No fucking fairy will run this station. It takes a man’s man to survive out here.” (...)
He has resigned himself to live alone, ashamed, afraid of what could happen if he lets the door open. But Charlie is not a hero to pity, he is an authentic human being with real demons to defeat.
Because everything changes the day Travis, the agronomy student who is going to work and live with them over the next four weeks, arrives at Sutton Station.
The American guy walks in, all blue eyes and disarming smiles, and my life goes to shit.
Travis is the kind of person everyone loves. Easy-going, fun, with a never fading smile that would warm anyone’s heart.
Travis is the total opposite of Charlie - thank God, or the miscommunication would have ended with the story before it'd begun. He is not afraid of expressing his real feelings, he bares himself and fights for what he wants. But he will be patient with Charlie, because he’s the only one able to see the wonderful, caring man who lies underneath.
“I just wish… I wish they could see you the way I do.(...) The Charlie that you are around me. The one that laughs and tells bad jokes. The Charlie who’s carefree and happy and who’s really smart and kind. How you are around me.”
I usually stay away from short books. I need my time to understand the characters, to connect with the story. But there is a first time for everything, and N.R. Walker’s style is flawless. My soul was touched by Charlie’s thoughts, his fears breaking me like they were my own. I was there, seeing the endless skyline of red soul, surrounded by Sutton’s crew, my crew, and smelling Ma’s
The only tiny thing I would have changed in this heartfelt story is having a dual POV. I was craving to read Travis’ thoughts, even though with his openness it’s easier to know what he is thinking and I could still connect with him. The author has made another book with his POV, but I would have wanted to have it here.
“Something in the back of my head, in my gut, told me to come here. Sutton Station. The name stuck at me, and right or wrong, I was coming here. And now I know why.(...)I knew after the first day. This godforsaken, red and unforgiving, hotter than fucking hell place was where I was supposed to be. With you.”
Overall, this story has everything I want in a romance: real characters, steamy scenes, a writing style that makes you feel, free from unnecessary drama but full of emotion. I don’t know how N. R. Walker managed to fit all that in 196 pages, but she nailed it. There is nothing left, yet I would love it to be so much longer.
After all, it doesn’t matter the number of pages. If you are loving a book, you never want it to end.
“What are you scared of?”
I grabbed his hand before he could touch me and pushed him against the hall wall, holding his hand above his head. My face was half and inch from his, looking up at him. His eyes were wide and dark.
“You”, I snarled at him. “I’m scared of you.”
Thank you so much Diana for recommending this book to me!! I wouldn’t have given it a chance if it wasn’t for you!!
January 29, 2015
The setting was stunning: red dirt dessert sand, long lines of unbroken landscape, shimmering heat, and peace stretching for miles.
There is a wonderful set of secondary characters, including George and Ma who are like parents to Charlie and a horse newly named Texas.
There were no hysterics or dramatics, just raw emotions and two men drawn to each other despite being from different ends of the earth.
Cowboys at heart, Charlie and Travis laugh and push and run scared and make love. And stay.
There is a wonderful set of secondary characters, including George and Ma who are like parents to Charlie and a horse newly named Texas.
There were no hysterics or dramatics, just raw emotions and two men drawn to each other despite being from different ends of the earth.
Cowboys at heart, Charlie and Travis laugh and push and run scared and make love. And stay.
January 25, 2016
5 stars for my second read. Now on to the sequels, which I haven't read yet!
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5 stars, favorites shelf, loved it!!! Highly recommended!
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5 stars, favorites shelf, loved it!!! Highly recommended!
August 23, 2020
So many praising reviews are out there about this book and it is really an outstanding story. I loved it so much.
But now, days later, after coming off the high, I realized I have some issues with it.
Easy. Not many.
So the characters. Charlie. I felt his fear of being out a little exaggerated. He was a bitter recluse and doomed himself to live alone forever at the age of twenty-something, just because It’s not a strong enough reason for me.
Are you serious, Charlie?? Furthermore, he was respected and loved by his crew, he knew them well, for years. He could have had more trust in them.
But hey, it is where he can improve, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it in the next book.
And Travis. Too perfect, but he was so much fun. Adorable!
And now the good parts! Depiction of emotions and erotica, in which Ms. Walker is a real master. Her writing is touching, heart-wrenching, makes you hot and makes you cry, makes your heart beat faster. It’s beautiful and tangible.
Oh, and the secondary characters are just awesome! Especially Ma.
Fantastic story, it was a pure joy to read it. I’m far from a country girl, but even the farming parts were interesting, lol!
Wholeheartedly recommended!
But now, days later, after coming off the high, I realized I have some issues with it.
Easy. Not many.
So the characters. Charlie. I felt his fear of being out a little exaggerated. He was a bitter recluse and doomed himself to live alone forever at the age of twenty-something, just because It’s not a strong enough reason for me.
Just one last time, I told myself. Just one last time. This was it, forever. The rest of my life, alone in the middle of nowhere, with only memories to comfort me.
Are you serious, Charlie?? Furthermore, he was respected and loved by his crew, he knew them well, for years. He could have had more trust in them.
But hey, it is where he can improve, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it in the next book.
And Travis. Too perfect, but he was so much fun. Adorable!
“Ever had desk sex?”
“Travis,” I hissed at him. “Not here.”
He frowned and looked down at the desk over his shoulder. “We could try carrying it into your room, but it looks heavy.”
And now the good parts! Depiction of emotions and erotica, in which Ms. Walker is a real master. Her writing is touching, heart-wrenching, makes you hot and makes you cry, makes your heart beat faster. It’s beautiful and tangible.
Oh, and the secondary characters are just awesome! Especially Ma.
“He’s a nice boy,” Ma said. “Cute too, don’t ya think?”
“Ma, please,” I cautioned. “We’ve been through this.”
“Do you know which team he bats for?”
“Ma,” I hissed. “It’s not like that. It’s professional.”
“And talking on the front porch all night,” she said casually. “What was that you just being professional?”
I sighed.
“That’s what I thought,” she said.
Fantastic story, it was a pure joy to read it. I’m far from a country girl, but even the farming parts were interesting, lol!
Wholeheartedly recommended!
August 13, 2016
Re-Read
4.5 Stars!
Loved it even more the second time around! On to book 2!
Original Review
So this was my first N.R. Walker read....I thought it was well written. It was a really sweet story....very sugary. Little to no angst at all. Plenty of steam for my smut loving friends.
The storyline really wasn't anything new. It was pretty predictable. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. And honestly the whole time I was reading all I could think about was the movie Brokeback Mountain.
So beware...most of my gifs will come from that movie. :)
Charlie runs Sutton Station....one of the world's largest working farms in the middle of Australia. He's an in-the-closet gay. He moved back to take over the farm after the death of his father. A father who didn't approve of Charlie's lifestyle.
Charlie's never been able to move past those words. He believes what his father told him and as a result, the last two years he's been back on the farm have been lonely ones. Denying himself any happiness because he doesn't think he deserves it.
Travis is an exchange student of sorts who is going to help out on the farm for four weeks. He is of course gay and he and Charlie are attracted to each other. Charlie tries to deny his feelings for Travis but eventually decides to enjoy these four weeks and take what he can.
There's a bit of excitement towards the end that leads up to Charlie's lifestyle being exposed and he's forced to confront his feelings for Travis. Travis knows what he wants.
But will Charlie admit how he feels? Can he move on from the words of his father that still affect him?
Overall, this was really sweet and sugary. Travis and Charlie were a great couple. I'd really say this was more of a novella. It was just over 150 pages....it read quick and was more of a HFN ending. I did see at the end that there will be a second book which I will definitely be reading.
4.5 Stars!
Loved it even more the second time around! On to book 2!
Original Review
So this was my first N.R. Walker read....I thought it was well written. It was a really sweet story....very sugary. Little to no angst at all. Plenty of steam for my smut loving friends.
The storyline really wasn't anything new. It was pretty predictable. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. And honestly the whole time I was reading all I could think about was the movie Brokeback Mountain.
So beware...most of my gifs will come from that movie. :)
Charlie runs Sutton Station....one of the world's largest working farms in the middle of Australia. He's an in-the-closet gay. He moved back to take over the farm after the death of his father. A father who didn't approve of Charlie's lifestyle.
"No fucking fairy will run this station. It takes a man's man to survive out here."
Charlie's never been able to move past those words. He believes what his father told him and as a result, the last two years he's been back on the farm have been lonely ones. Denying himself any happiness because he doesn't think he deserves it.
Travis is an exchange student of sorts who is going to help out on the farm for four weeks. He is of course gay and he and Charlie are attracted to each other. Charlie tries to deny his feelings for Travis but eventually decides to enjoy these four weeks and take what he can.
There's a bit of excitement towards the end that leads up to Charlie's lifestyle being exposed and he's forced to confront his feelings for Travis. Travis knows what he wants.
But will Charlie admit how he feels? Can he move on from the words of his father that still affect him?
Overall, this was really sweet and sugary. Travis and Charlie were a great couple. I'd really say this was more of a novella. It was just over 150 pages....it read quick and was more of a HFN ending. I did see at the end that there will be a second book which I will definitely be reading.
April 19, 2023
Why doesn’t NR Walker write like this anymore? Why doesn’t anyone write like this anymore?
The Australian outback. desert. The heat. The horses. The cattle. The red dirt. The red dust getting everywhere. A ranch (no, a station) the size of a small country, with the closest neighbours hundreds of kilometres away. I can’t imagine it all. Except I can, because I was there, with Travis and Charlie and the others. I lived it and I loved it.
The sex scenes. The feelings. The relationship development. I can’t wait to read the rest, and see how Travis and Charlie adapt to their new life together.
The Australian outback. desert. The heat. The horses. The cattle. The red dirt. The red dust getting everywhere. A ranch (no, a station) the size of a small country, with the closest neighbours hundreds of kilometres away. I can’t imagine it all. Except I can, because I was there, with Travis and Charlie and the others. I lived it and I loved it.
The sex scenes. The feelings. The relationship development. I can’t wait to read the rest, and see how Travis and Charlie adapt to their new life together.
August 9, 2023
3.75 "I knew you'd find me." Stars (rounded up)
Crushed this in one sitting! Adore them. Adored this. It wasn't flawless, but I ate it all up.
"Ask me to stay!"
First NRW read and excited for more!
___________________
Daniel's and Elena's reviews and recommendations have brought me here!
Crushed this in one sitting! Adore them. Adored this. It wasn't flawless, but I ate it all up.
"Ask me to stay!"
First NRW read and excited for more!
___________________
Daniel's and Elena's reviews and recommendations have brought me here!
October 26, 2023
Well, everyone and their cat or dog already read this, so I don’t know if I have anything to add …
How is this soooo beautiful? I absolutely adore Charlie and Travis.
“I wondered what demons lurked in those eyes of yours. And that’s what it is. You carry your father’s words around with you.” He stared at me with something I couldn’t quite place. “I can’t imagine the weight of them.” 😢😢😢
I am so overwhelmed. I think it's incredible how such a story, to which you actually have no personal connection, can suck you all in.
“I’m pretty sure I read in the travel brochures that you could come out to the Outback for some alone time. But I’m not sure it included some hot station owner whose ass in those jeans in that saddle have been driving me insane for three days.” 🔥🔥🔥
How is this soooo beautiful? I absolutely adore Charlie and Travis.
“I wondered what demons lurked in those eyes of yours. And that’s what it is. You carry your father’s words around with you.” He stared at me with something I couldn’t quite place. “I can’t imagine the weight of them.” 😢😢😢
I am so overwhelmed. I think it's incredible how such a story, to which you actually have no personal connection, can suck you all in.
“I’m pretty sure I read in the travel brochures that you could come out to the Outback for some alone time. But I’m not sure it included some hot station owner whose ass in those jeans in that saddle have been driving me insane for three days.” 🔥🔥🔥
March 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
After reading this story, the conclusion I’ve come to is this: I’m a despicable excuse for an Aussie, because I’m bloody certain I wouldn’t last a day in the Outback. Truth be told, nor would I want to. Just reading about life in this rural, mostly arid, vast and brutal landscape, which is sufficiently cut off from civilisation, however beautiful it may be, made me want to curl deeper into the comfort of my couch, in my air conditioned house, in the middle of suburban Melbourne. Ha!
But I’ll tell you what, I have such a profound respect for those who can, and do, live in these sorts of isolated rural environments; the men and women who work the land day in and out, without reprieve. I have a bunch of extended family that do just that - I take my Akubra hat off to the lot of you!!
As for this story, I loved it! The narrative was engaging, the writing style was smooth (I particularly enjoyed how much I related to all the Aussie colloquialisms – too right), and what a brilliant cast of colourful characters! I adored Charlie, plain and simple. I found the always smiling Travis to be a perfect counterpart to Charlie. And I would be remiss not to mention my utter adoration for both Ma and George. What fantastic secondary characters!
Off I go, to read the next instalment!
After reading this story, the conclusion I’ve come to is this: I’m a despicable excuse for an Aussie, because I’m bloody certain I wouldn’t last a day in the Outback. Truth be told, nor would I want to. Just reading about life in this rural, mostly arid, vast and brutal landscape, which is sufficiently cut off from civilisation, however beautiful it may be, made me want to curl deeper into the comfort of my couch, in my air conditioned house, in the middle of suburban Melbourne. Ha!
But I’ll tell you what, I have such a profound respect for those who can, and do, live in these sorts of isolated rural environments; the men and women who work the land day in and out, without reprieve. I have a bunch of extended family that do just that - I take my Akubra hat off to the lot of you!!
As for this story, I loved it! The narrative was engaging, the writing style was smooth (I particularly enjoyed how much I related to all the Aussie colloquialisms – too right), and what a brilliant cast of colourful characters! I adored Charlie, plain and simple. I found the always smiling Travis to be a perfect counterpart to Charlie. And I would be remiss not to mention my utter adoration for both Ma and George. What fantastic secondary characters!
Off I go, to read the next instalment!
February 23, 2014
4.5 stars
Well...duh. It's NR Walker. So...ya know...I'm obviously gonna love it.
And, writing this in the glow of having just ended this fantastic book, I throw down the gauntlet...it's one of my favorites of hers. I like Kira & Matt in the Turning Point series. I adore Carter and Isaac (and don't even get me started on Mark and Will) in the Blind Faith series. And I've made it no secret that I LOVE Thomas (and yeah, yeah...Cooper too) in the Thomas Elkin series. But, but...Charlie and Travis...I'm thinking they're pretty much the sweetest couple she's written and I LURVE THEM.
Set in the glorious red dirt farmlands of Australia on a MASSIVE station (aka ranch), we meet Charlie, the young owner and Travis the visiting student from Texas. And there's the parental figures of quiet George and feisty Ma. And there are horses and helicopters, motorbikes, and station workers. And there's something so BEAUTIFUL about it all.
The people, the emotional struggles, the labor, the animals, the landscape. There's a powerful beauty that flows through this book. Not so much in the quiet, gracefully slow way of Julie Bozza's "Butterfly Hunter". But in the always-entertaining contemporary way that NR Walker has perfected. So yeah...beauty + smut (hee!)...and hotties.
But what really elevated this book was the emotion. The ghost of Charlie's father and the accusations made towards him that have haunted him. The struggle to feel deserving of love...to battle away the resignation to a life of loneliness. The "fight for me, damnit" feelings from Travis. The protective love from George and Ma. Even the loyalty of Charlie's horse, Shelby. So many FEELZZZZ in this book.
And just as I finish and feel blissful...the last page says "Red Heart II". WHOOOOOT! MOAR!!!!!!
So, yeah...it's not a 100% original story. But if you want a really entertaining, emotional, and satisfying contemporary to read...set in glorious Australia...this is the one. I closed my kindle with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.
PS - and since the location is really a character itself in this book, here's the link to NR Walker's photo-album of the Northern Territory
September 5, 2024
Reread May 2022
Definitely my go-to for comfort reads. *sigh*
Reread April 2020
I had forgotten how much I love these two together.
Reread September 2018
This is why I love to reread books. I enjoyed this more this time. I love Charlie and Travis. Travis is just what Charlie needs to realize he can have a life on the station with someone who wants to be there and can be the person he needs.
Originally read February 2018
Charlie has resigned himself to working his station and being alone. He remembers his father's hurtful words and holds on to them never letting go so he can be happy. When American, Travis, comes to work with him for 4 weeks, Charlie is interested in more ways than one.
I actually started this book months ago and got to about 30% and put it aside. This just goes to show you that mood and timing can affect your enjoyment of a book. I've been binge reading Walker's books lately and this one just fit right in. I loved it this go round.
I felt so bad for Charlie and how his father treated him. How he feels that he is destined to be alone and constantly trying to live up to a ghost's expectations. He's immediately attracted to Travis but knows it's just for a short time.
But Travis is having none of that. He just comes right in and makes himself at home in Charlie's house and his heart. Cheesy line I know, but the truth nonetheless.
Love these two. On to book 2...
Definitely my go-to for comfort reads. *sigh*
Reread April 2020
I had forgotten how much I love these two together.
Reread September 2018
This is why I love to reread books. I enjoyed this more this time. I love Charlie and Travis. Travis is just what Charlie needs to realize he can have a life on the station with someone who wants to be there and can be the person he needs.
"The skies outside rumbled and roared, and thunder ripped through the silence. Travis slid his hand around my neck and pulled me in for a hard kiss as the first of the rains fell. The rain, this man washed away the demons—the ghosts, as he called them—and set me free."~Charlie
Originally read February 2018
Charlie has resigned himself to working his station and being alone. He remembers his father's hurtful words and holds on to them never letting go so he can be happy. When American, Travis, comes to work with him for 4 weeks, Charlie is interested in more ways than one.
I actually started this book months ago and got to about 30% and put it aside. This just goes to show you that mood and timing can affect your enjoyment of a book. I've been binge reading Walker's books lately and this one just fit right in. I loved it this go round.
I felt so bad for Charlie and how his father treated him. How he feels that he is destined to be alone and constantly trying to live up to a ghost's expectations. He's immediately attracted to Travis but knows it's just for a short time.
"The sight of him in my bed, sound asleep with sex-sleep-tousled hair, was something I’d never forget. I took in everything: every line, every muscle, the way the colours changed on his skin as the room grew lighter, and I burned it into memory. I wanted to be able to recall, with perfect clarity, everything about this moment in five, ten or fifty years. Because I knew once he left, once he went back home to the States, I’d never have this again."~Charlie
But Travis is having none of that. He just comes right in and makes himself at home in Charlie's house and his heart. Cheesy line I know, but the truth nonetheless.
“I knew after the first day. This godforsaken, red and unforgiving, hotter than fucking hell place was where I was supposed to be. With you.”~Travis
Love these two. On to book 2...
February 15, 2021
Sweets, I’ve got a sharp craving. I’ll take some extra sugar with my sugar, please. Yep, hold my usual order of angst and I’ll take a double order of fluff. I’ve also been on a Walker kick lately. So what better fix than jumping into her Australian cowboy series? None. I can’t think of anything better. Yes, I know I’m late to this particular party but some things are timeless. The mighty and magnificent Outback is certainly one of them. I couldn’t help but follow my fingers to explore pictures of this curious red dirt. Beautiful doesn’t do it justice. But don’t be fooled by its allure, for it’s harsh and unforgiving. Few locals chose the hard life of living on a station and even fewer outsiders attempt to plant roots there. This is why when the American with piercing eyes appears on Charlie’s ranch, he knows better than to get attached. It’s only temporary. But this temporary temptation proves to be more than he can resist. However, some ghosts and demons need to be freed before Charlie can truly love anyone, including himself.
When it comes to Charlie and Travis, I can’t pick a favorite. I love them both! I can see where some people might get frustrated with Charlie but I’m not one of them. He’s like most of the farmers that I know, solid and stubborn with a hardworking spirit. The sudden loss of his father forced him to bear burdens before his time. His shoulders are broad but he’s getting tired. Of course, he’ll never admit it. In addition to running the station, he’s holding the impossible weight of his dad’s expectations. Then the sunny (and smug) Yank appears and makes him…want. Travis is everything Charlie ever wanted plus everything he never knew he needed. They are good together and make an incredible team. They simply fit. Too bad there’s nothing simple about Charlie declaring his love for another man. Or is there?
Sensational passion, spectacular secondary cast, and the stunning setting…could it get any better? What’s that? A second peg to hang one’s hat? Ahh, if you’ll pardon me, I’ve got another book calling my name. #reddirtheart2
Beware of: Unresolved sexual tension is thoroughly resolved. Blood can create a family but does not always determine bonds made or kept. And the confirmation that cowboys are indeed sexy, especially together!
This book is for: If you’re on the hunt for a story full of feels and don’t mind dusty boots or weathered hats, try this down under romance…it’s packing strong men and lots of heart.
Book UNfunk
When it comes to Charlie and Travis, I can’t pick a favorite. I love them both! I can see where some people might get frustrated with Charlie but I’m not one of them. He’s like most of the farmers that I know, solid and stubborn with a hardworking spirit. The sudden loss of his father forced him to bear burdens before his time. His shoulders are broad but he’s getting tired. Of course, he’ll never admit it. In addition to running the station, he’s holding the impossible weight of his dad’s expectations. Then the sunny (and smug) Yank appears and makes him…want. Travis is everything Charlie ever wanted plus everything he never knew he needed. They are good together and make an incredible team. They simply fit. Too bad there’s nothing simple about Charlie declaring his love for another man. Or is there?
Sensational passion, spectacular secondary cast, and the stunning setting…could it get any better? What’s that? A second peg to hang one’s hat? Ahh, if you’ll pardon me, I’ve got another book calling my name. #reddirtheart2
Beware of: Unresolved sexual tension is thoroughly resolved. Blood can create a family but does not always determine bonds made or kept. And the confirmation that cowboys are indeed sexy, especially together!
This book is for: If you’re on the hunt for a story full of feels and don’t mind dusty boots or weathered hats, try this down under romance…it’s packing strong men and lots of heart.
Book UNfunk
February 21, 2015
♥♥♥ 4.5 STARS ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I thought you had demons, you know, like everyone else. But you're not fighting demons, Charlie. You're fighting a ghost. And you don't even want to win."
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Charlie Sutton is a man that is running Sutton Station, a ranch in Australia, after his father passed away. There are a few select people who know he is gay, his father was one of them and that didn't turn out so good. His father told him to hide who he was because it took a real man to run a ranch. This is why he isn't eager to shout it out to the whole world that he is attracted to men. Things become a bit difficult for him when an agronomy student from the U.S. named Travis Craig, arrives to Sutton Station to work temporarily in order to learn about the landscape. No matter how much Charlie wants to ignore how he feels, he can't, because with each passing day the attraction grows stronger. It doesn't help that Travis seems to be interested in him as well.
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"You're right. I'm different around you. I can be me around you. From the second I saw you sitting in Ma's kitchen, I knew I was in trouble."
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I really loved this book! Charlie was a stubborn man, who can't seem to forget the words his dead father said to him. He can't help by doing exactly what his father told him to do, hide his sexuality. I felt for him because he seriously believed he could never find happiness and that no one would ever love him. Especially when he was fully committed to the isolated ranch. I loved that Travis challenged him. I loved that Travis didn't give up and kept pushing Charlie into realizing he deserved love. I absolutely loved the chemistry between them. I couldn't help but smile because of it. Travis I adored completely, he was a southern gentleman, so sweet and hot all at once. Charlie I really liked as well, but he did frustrate me at times. Together they were perfect.
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"It's real, and you're the best thing to ever happen to me. He told me I would never be happy, that I didn't deserve it. But I am happy. and I do deserve it."
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The story was well written and I also really liked the supporting characters. This book was a bit emotional with a touch of angst, but it wasn't overwhelmingly so. I loved that I was able to feel the connection between Travis and Charlie. The sex scenes were scorching! I was worried about the setting of the story being in Australia, but I actually loved it, and I liked learning a bit about the terrain. It was such a wonderful story! I am so glad that their story continues because I just loved Charlie and Travis so much. I can't wait to get into the next. I definitely recommend this one.
January 25, 2025
A shower of stars for this one, you almost feel as though you're in the Outback yourself!!
I absolutely loved this story, and I have to admit the sheer scale and size of the territory makes for mind-boggling reading...for someone that lives as I do on an overcrowded tiny island off the coast of mainland Europe.
Texan agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at the Sutton Station in the Northern Territory of Australia at the start of 4 weeks work experience, keen to learn how farmers there make a living from one of the harshest environments on the planet. He's expecting to meet someone called Charlie Sutton, but when Charlie introduces himself, Travis is amazed to meet a guy around his own age who's in sole charge although he has very good help from George, his leading hand and Ma (George's wife) who's in charge of everything to do with the homestead. Something clicks with Charlie from the get-go, they talk about everything and nothing, they laugh, they are getting on really well...Travis even shares Charlie's love of the land itself, his 'red dirt heart' until suddenly Charlie backs off and cools things down.
When Charlie senior discovered that his son was gay, he sent Charlie Jnr off to a Sydney university and told him to get his 'gayness' out of his system before going back to the station, marrying and settling down. Charlie was told by his father that "no fucking fairy will run this station. It takes a man's man to survive out here", but before Charlie Jnr could complete his degree his father died...(I was distraught at the news...hehe). Charlie has the weight of his dead father's expectations hanging around his neck and is so used to hiding his emotions and not speaking about them that it takes him a while to realise that he enjoys having Travis around, and of course Ma has noticed that something seems different about Charlie...as she and George are more of a mum and dad to him than his own parents ever were, she's secretly thrilled to bits for him...AND as we all know, the course of true love (if that's what this is) hardly ever runs smoothly...Can Charlie learn to swap his loneliness and guilt for happiness and love??
I'll leave this one here, and I defy anyone not to shed a few tears at the graveside scene....
I absolutely loved this story, and I have to admit the sheer scale and size of the territory makes for mind-boggling reading...for someone that lives as I do on an overcrowded tiny island off the coast of mainland Europe.
Texan agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at the Sutton Station in the Northern Territory of Australia at the start of 4 weeks work experience, keen to learn how farmers there make a living from one of the harshest environments on the planet. He's expecting to meet someone called Charlie Sutton, but when Charlie introduces himself, Travis is amazed to meet a guy around his own age who's in sole charge although he has very good help from George, his leading hand and Ma (George's wife) who's in charge of everything to do with the homestead. Something clicks with Charlie from the get-go, they talk about everything and nothing, they laugh, they are getting on really well...Travis even shares Charlie's love of the land itself, his 'red dirt heart' until suddenly Charlie backs off and cools things down.
When Charlie senior discovered that his son was gay, he sent Charlie Jnr off to a Sydney university and told him to get his 'gayness' out of his system before going back to the station, marrying and settling down. Charlie was told by his father that "no fucking fairy will run this station. It takes a man's man to survive out here", but before Charlie Jnr could complete his degree his father died...(I was distraught at the news...hehe). Charlie has the weight of his dead father's expectations hanging around his neck and is so used to hiding his emotions and not speaking about them that it takes him a while to realise that he enjoys having Travis around, and of course Ma has noticed that something seems different about Charlie...as she and George are more of a mum and dad to him than his own parents ever were, she's secretly thrilled to bits for him...AND as we all know, the course of true love (if that's what this is) hardly ever runs smoothly...Can Charlie learn to swap his loneliness and guilt for happiness and love??
I'll leave this one here, and I defy anyone not to shed a few tears at the graveside scene....
January 11, 2025
Updated info after reread
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I wanted to be able to recall, with perfect clarity, everything about this moment in five, ten or fifty years. Because I knew once he left, once he went back home to the States, I’d never have this again.
Yet another reread. I love this series and this cast of characters so much. It still makes me cry, too.
_________________________________
I know I’m super late to the party on this one, but better late than never.
Alright, so. A main character who communicates their feelings and thoughts. That’s scary rare, lol. I love Travis so much, and he won me over by cuddling after sex and then when he yelled at Charlie later on. The yelling was dramatic, needed and necessary. 10/10.
Travis4president
N.R. Walker is scary good at writing flawed but likable characters. You know, the ones who make you cry with them while they’re messing up instead of making you want to throw the kindle into the ocean out of anger. That’s an artform not many have mastered.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Aussie farmers
Aussie x American
Strangers to lovers
Closeted MC
Exchange student (ish)
Boss/employee lite
Same-couple series
Jerk-off scene
69ing
Fast burn
Multiple orgasms
Penetration after coming
Prostate orgasms
Mild and brief somno
High heat
Found family
‘ask me to stay’,
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (past)
Homophobia parent (details)
Explicit sexual content
Internalized homophobia
Use of homophobic slur
Somnophilia (woken with blowjob)
Homophobic side character
MC accidentally outed
Brief violence between SCs
Mention of infant death (past, SCs child)
Off-page alcohol consumption
On-page hangover
MC missing and injured
Past child abandonment
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching yet)
Main characters’ age: 23 and 25
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages:
Happy ending: Mild HFN
Something about his foot- holding gesture, something about him, made my heart thump funny. I pretended to sip my tea, but really I was just hiding my smile and catching my breath.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never—never—been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
“Peace,” I finally admitted. “He makes me feel at peace. And happy. And scared shitless.” George smiled at me. “Sounds like love to me.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I wanted to be able to recall, with perfect clarity, everything about this moment in five, ten or fifty years. Because I knew once he left, once he went back home to the States, I’d never have this again.
Yet another reread. I love this series and this cast of characters so much. It still makes me cry, too.
_________________________________
I know I’m super late to the party on this one, but better late than never.
Alright, so. A main character who communicates their feelings and thoughts. That’s scary rare, lol. I love Travis so much, and he won me over by cuddling after sex and then when he yelled at Charlie later on. The yelling was dramatic, needed and necessary. 10/10.
Travis4president
N.R. Walker is scary good at writing flawed but likable characters. You know, the ones who make you cry with them while they’re messing up instead of making you want to throw the kindle into the ocean out of anger. That’s an artform not many have mastered.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Aussie farmers
Aussie x American
Strangers to lovers
Closeted MC
Exchange student (ish)
Boss/employee lite
Same-couple series
Jerk-off scene
69ing
Fast burn
Multiple orgasms
Penetration after coming
Prostate orgasms
Mild and brief somno
High heat
Found family
‘ask me to stay’,
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (past)
Homophobia parent (details)
Explicit sexual content
Internalized homophobia
Use of homophobic slur
Somnophilia (woken with blowjob)
Homophobic side character
MC accidentally outed
Brief violence between SCs
Mention of infant death (past, SCs child)
Off-page alcohol consumption
On-page hangover
MC missing and injured
Past child abandonment
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching yet)
Main characters’ age: 23 and 25
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages:
Happy ending: Mild HFN
Something about his foot- holding gesture, something about him, made my heart thump funny. I pretended to sip my tea, but really I was just hiding my smile and catching my breath.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never—never—been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
“Peace,” I finally admitted. “He makes me feel at peace. And happy. And scared shitless.” George smiled at me. “Sounds like love to me.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
March 9, 2014
*hides in a corner*
Red Dirt Heart was a decent read. The writing style deserves much more than three stars but I have to rate the book as a whole so pls don't throw tomatoes my way yet.
This story had all the elements I usually need to love a book but it didn't happen this time although I reckon it's a good read.
Charlie is a gay guy (in the closet) who runs Sutton Station and Travis is a student who is going to spend a few weeks with Charlie's team.
I loved reading about Australia. I read a book about the Outback last year and I absolutely loved it. I also loved how straight forward Travis was. I love it when I read about a character who knows what he wants. The sex scenes were really hot too.
I didn't love the lack of angst. Real angst if you know what I mean. I need conflict in all the stories I read and there wasn't a huge conflict here IMO. The end was kind of predictable and even though Ma was lovely she didn't seem too real for me.
Once again, this is just my silly opinion, pls go read all those 4 & 5 stars reviews because I am pretty sure it was me and not the book.
Susan is one of the reviewers I trust the most here so pls check her review and ignore mine: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'll read more books about this author because a lot of my GR friends told me she rocks and I really liked her voice.
November 16, 2019
Reread - November 2019 - such a lovely beginning to a beautiful love story. Its a short book but that's ok because it's the first of 4.
Review
I'm ashamed that I put off reading this beautiful love story for so long. Bad Chelsea. Bad!
This was everything! Sweet, romantic, sexy and definitely had me tearing up at the end.
I loved Travis' jump-in-with-both-feet attitude and Charlie's quiet hopefulness. They complimented each other perfectly and I have a feeling I could read about these two for days and it still not be enough.
Review
I'm ashamed that I put off reading this beautiful love story for so long. Bad Chelsea. Bad!
This was everything! Sweet, romantic, sexy and definitely had me tearing up at the end.
I loved Travis' jump-in-with-both-feet attitude and Charlie's quiet hopefulness. They complimented each other perfectly and I have a feeling I could read about these two for days and it still not be enough.
June 19, 2021
To me, I would categorize Travis and Charlie as being both two sides of the same coin and complete opposites. Travis says what he means and means what he says and Charlie does too but the difference is Travis actually speaks the words instead of holding back. Charlie spends a hell of a lot of time in his mind and sometimes the words don’t make their way out of there. He’s a perpetual overthinker and someone who has the bigoted views his father spewed when he was alive always in his peripheral, no matter what’s in the foreground; and that’s where Travis is. Waiting. In the foreground. He spends time trying to get Charlie to see that he’s there, he’s right in front of Charlie, he wants what Charlie wants / what Charlie is trying to tell himself he doesn’t want and shouldn’t they enjoy having sex with each other for the three weeks Travis is there?
Red Dirt Heart is told from Charlie’s first person POV but that doesn’t take away from us getting to know Travis. Charlie, in all of his fearlessness about living and working in the Australian Outback, is terrified of who he is and what he wants. Travis is the bold and brash American who he should really REALLY keep trying to ignore Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.
As there is a STRONG chance, I am not going to walk in Travis’ shoes and leave America, travel to Australia and start my employment at one of the world’s largest working farms because I am an agronomy student with a desire to see how a farm could operate in such harsh conditions; I really enjoyed learning about this way of life. It’s badass! I feel like I am allergic to hot weather half the time so yeah, color me impressed. I enjoyed watching Travis and Charlie explore the cultural differences between them, I felt like I was learning right alongside them. I might have had a good chuckle when Charlie declared that Americans don’t drink hot tea, they only drink tea with ice when Ma offered Travis some because it was at that very moment I was sipping some hot chamomile! I’m not like othergirls Americans, I guess! I definitely Googled a lot. I learned that mustering is when one gathers cattle amongst other trusty tidbits of info. I am going to work this into conversation someway, somehow. My friends and family will know what mustering along with other things I’ve learned from this book means, that I can guarantee!!!!
I found it fitting that a love like Travis and Charlie’s developed in a desert because against all odds, something bloomed. Just like the setting, the romance felt warm. Unlike the scorching temperatures though, it felt comfortable. Like a well worn cowboy hat. So maybe you don’t need another cowboy hat, but you deserve it. You deserve it, Charlie.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never--never--been as scared as when I looked at him.
Red Dirt Heart is told from Charlie’s first person POV but that doesn’t take away from us getting to know Travis. Charlie, in all of his fearlessness about living and working in the Australian Outback, is terrified of who he is and what he wants. Travis is the bold and brash American who he should really REALLY keep trying to ignore Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.
As there is a STRONG chance, I am not going to walk in Travis’ shoes and leave America, travel to Australia and start my employment at one of the world’s largest working farms because I am an agronomy student with a desire to see how a farm could operate in such harsh conditions; I really enjoyed learning about this way of life. It’s badass! I feel like I am allergic to hot weather half the time so yeah, color me impressed. I enjoyed watching Travis and Charlie explore the cultural differences between them, I felt like I was learning right alongside them. I might have had a good chuckle when Charlie declared that Americans don’t drink hot tea, they only drink tea with ice when Ma offered Travis some because it was at that very moment I was sipping some hot chamomile! I’m not like other
I found it fitting that a love like Travis and Charlie’s developed in a desert because against all odds, something bloomed. Just like the setting, the romance felt warm. Unlike the scorching temperatures though, it felt comfortable. Like a well worn cowboy hat. So maybe you don’t need another cowboy hat, but you deserve it. You deserve it, Charlie.
I’d jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I’d done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I’d never--never--been as scared as when I looked at him.
February 26, 2021
Loved this one. It was such a sweet romantic story about two hot cowboys..sigh... Did I mention it was HOT !!! There wasn't a lot of angst and the heros were both awesome !! Can't wait to read the next one.
January 3, 2015
I may as well call 2014 “My Year of Reading N.R. Walker.” In a little less than two months, I’ve read ten titles by Walker. Every last one of them has well-developed plots, three-dimensional characters, witty dialogue, and so much cuteness that a basketful of fluffy kittens would lose a head-to-head competition.
So, imagine my delight when Walker’s latest novella, Red Dirt Heart, was released last week. I’m serious, people – I was Jessie Spano on caffeine pills levels of excited.
And I was not disappointed.
Red Dirt Heart won me over immediately with its descriptions of the Australian Outback. Walker’s words painted the most beautiful pictures in my head of hard-packed red dirt, thick layers of dust, scrub brush, rabbit-proof fencing, and weather-worn everything. I could feel the sun beating down and the drops of sweat rolling down my temple. I could smell the pungent scent of livestock (ahhh! Eau de manure) and leather saddles. I could hear the cows mooing and the creak of the boards as Charlie and Travis stepped on the veranda. In my head, the landscape is hard, unforgiving, and just a little romantic.
I haven’t been this captivated by Australia since reading Bryce Courtenay’s books nearly a decade ago.
The characters had me falling headlong into love almost as quickly as Walker’s descriptions did. It’s hard to articulate, but there was just something about Charlie and Travis and the way that they interacted with one another from the very first moment that sort of settled over me quietly. It was like putting on a favourite sweater – the one that’s soft and thin from a thousand washes, maybe a little stretched out and fraying at the cuffs, but you know you’ll never part with it because it’s warm and familiar and comforting. Charlie and Travis were warm and familiar and comforting. But their first conversation – just a casual recitation of the Station rules, really – gave me butterflies. Reading it, I was all dreamy sighs and dopey grins.
I swear, I was crushing so hard on these two characters that I think I would have flirted with my Kindle if it would have flirted back!
And it only got better from there. The chemistry between Travis and Charlie is awesome. The book is filled with all of these tiny, meaningful moments – trembly kisses, silent conversations in the kitchen, a hooked foot under the dining room table. Each and every one is special. And yet the sex was hot as sin! It was so hot that I was absolutely horrified at the thought of Ms. Walker shoving these boys together with only ten condoms between the two of ‘em.
(I think that might constitute cruel and unusual punishment, Ms. Walker – to your readers if not those poor boys. Ten condoms are not nearly enough for two men that pretty!)
One of the great things about this book is that while you know from the get-go that Travis and Charlie only have four weeks together before Travis has to go back to the United States, nothing about this story feels rushed or forced. Time sort of seems to stretch out, and everything about their relationship progresses naturally. You can see them falling in lust. You can see them falling in love. You even know what the end result of the book is going to be. And yet, at no point did I get the insta-love vibes that always serves to throw cold water on my enjoyment of a book. No, their slide into love just seemed so inevitable that time didn’t matter. *Sigh*
See? There I go again.
As far as the book’s secondary characters go, I thought Ma and George were great. They were both characters I'd seen before, but ones that I love so much for their love and acceptance and no nonsense attitudes that I didn’t care in the least. After all, these are the types of characters that remind me that sometimes the best family is the one you choose to build yourself.
It's a difficult task to make the climax of any happily ever after story feel truly suspenseful and dramatic, but Walker managed to accomplish this in Red Dirt Heart. I figured out very early on in the book what was likely going to happen to Travis before his time in the Outback was finished. Even so, when my suspicions were confirmed, my heart started to beat a little faster. And when the situation dragged on a little longer than I had expected, I was left squirming in my seat barely refraining from yelling, "Stop torturing me, already!" at my Kindle.
Then there was the bit with Charlie. We all know that he was going to be outed; it had to happen in order to free him from his father's ghost and allow the boys to move forward together. But it didn't happen quite the way or with quite the timing as I was expecting. And I LOVED that element of surprise! I also loved seeing that moment of vulnerability with George afterward - it was heart-wrenching.
And then there was that final moment where the dumb boy finally realizes he's being a dumb boy and that if he could just stop being so dang dumb for one freakin' minute he could be insanely happy. Yup. I loved that moment too.
This book, you guys. This book! You need to read it.
Red Dirt Heart has easily become my new favourite book by N.R. Walker. It transported me to Australia and dazzled me with characters and a setting that refused to be ignored. If you love Walker already, you will love this book. If you haven’t discovered her yet, you couldn’t pick a better place to start. It's awesome.
Quotable Quotes:
"You know, I read up on all the deadly animals you got out here. [...] I'm guessing you don't have any antivenin handy and we're -" He looked at his watch. "-ooooh, a mere three hours and hello-complete-respiratory-failure from the hospital..."
***
"Peace," I finally admitted. "He makes me feel at peace. And happy. And scared shitless."
George smiled at me. "Sounds like love to me."
So, imagine my delight when Walker’s latest novella, Red Dirt Heart, was released last week. I’m serious, people – I was Jessie Spano on caffeine pills levels of excited.
And I was not disappointed.
Red Dirt Heart won me over immediately with its descriptions of the Australian Outback. Walker’s words painted the most beautiful pictures in my head of hard-packed red dirt, thick layers of dust, scrub brush, rabbit-proof fencing, and weather-worn everything. I could feel the sun beating down and the drops of sweat rolling down my temple. I could smell the pungent scent of livestock (ahhh! Eau de manure) and leather saddles. I could hear the cows mooing and the creak of the boards as Charlie and Travis stepped on the veranda. In my head, the landscape is hard, unforgiving, and just a little romantic.
I haven’t been this captivated by Australia since reading Bryce Courtenay’s books nearly a decade ago.
The characters had me falling headlong into love almost as quickly as Walker’s descriptions did. It’s hard to articulate, but there was just something about Charlie and Travis and the way that they interacted with one another from the very first moment that sort of settled over me quietly. It was like putting on a favourite sweater – the one that’s soft and thin from a thousand washes, maybe a little stretched out and fraying at the cuffs, but you know you’ll never part with it because it’s warm and familiar and comforting. Charlie and Travis were warm and familiar and comforting. But their first conversation – just a casual recitation of the Station rules, really – gave me butterflies. Reading it, I was all dreamy sighs and dopey grins.
I swear, I was crushing so hard on these two characters that I think I would have flirted with my Kindle if it would have flirted back!
And it only got better from there. The chemistry between Travis and Charlie is awesome. The book is filled with all of these tiny, meaningful moments – trembly kisses, silent conversations in the kitchen, a hooked foot under the dining room table. Each and every one is special. And yet the sex was hot as sin! It was so hot that I was absolutely horrified at the thought of Ms. Walker shoving these boys together with only ten condoms between the two of ‘em.
(I think that might constitute cruel and unusual punishment, Ms. Walker – to your readers if not those poor boys. Ten condoms are not nearly enough for two men that pretty!)
One of the great things about this book is that while you know from the get-go that Travis and Charlie only have four weeks together before Travis has to go back to the United States, nothing about this story feels rushed or forced. Time sort of seems to stretch out, and everything about their relationship progresses naturally. You can see them falling in lust. You can see them falling in love. You even know what the end result of the book is going to be. And yet, at no point did I get the insta-love vibes that always serves to throw cold water on my enjoyment of a book. No, their slide into love just seemed so inevitable that time didn’t matter. *Sigh*
See? There I go again.
As far as the book’s secondary characters go, I thought Ma and George were great. They were both characters I'd seen before, but ones that I love so much for their love and acceptance and no nonsense attitudes that I didn’t care in the least. After all, these are the types of characters that remind me that sometimes the best family is the one you choose to build yourself.
It's a difficult task to make the climax of any happily ever after story feel truly suspenseful and dramatic, but Walker managed to accomplish this in Red Dirt Heart. I figured out very early on in the book what was likely going to happen to Travis before his time in the Outback was finished. Even so, when my suspicions were confirmed, my heart started to beat a little faster. And when the situation dragged on a little longer than I had expected, I was left squirming in my seat barely refraining from yelling, "Stop torturing me, already!" at my Kindle.
Then there was the bit with Charlie. We all know that he was going to be outed; it had to happen in order to free him from his father's ghost and allow the boys to move forward together. But it didn't happen quite the way or with quite the timing as I was expecting. And I LOVED that element of surprise! I also loved seeing that moment of vulnerability with George afterward - it was heart-wrenching.
And then there was that final moment where the dumb boy finally realizes he's being a dumb boy and that if he could just stop being so dang dumb for one freakin' minute he could be insanely happy. Yup. I loved that moment too.
This book, you guys. This book! You need to read it.
Red Dirt Heart has easily become my new favourite book by N.R. Walker. It transported me to Australia and dazzled me with characters and a setting that refused to be ignored. If you love Walker already, you will love this book. If you haven’t discovered her yet, you couldn’t pick a better place to start. It's awesome.
Quotable Quotes:
"You know, I read up on all the deadly animals you got out here. [...] I'm guessing you don't have any antivenin handy and we're -" He looked at his watch. "-ooooh, a mere three hours and hello-complete-respiratory-failure from the hospital..."
***
"Peace," I finally admitted. "He makes me feel at peace. And happy. And scared shitless."
George smiled at me. "Sounds like love to me."
January 2, 2020
Reread December 2019
And it was the perfect holiday read. Charlie and Travis are simply heart-warming.
Original review:
First of all: I loved, loved, loved this. All of it.
The setting:
I live in a very green part of Europe, so I can't imagine it. Probably that's not even possible unless you have been there and experienced it for yourself. The vastness of the desert, the colours, the heat, the quiet and the dangers.
Tbh I am fascinated, not only by the setting but also by the life the people on Sutton Station lead. It is tough and lonely and such hard work, I'm pretty much in awe of them.
the MCs:
Charlie: I can't imagine anyone lonelier than a gay guy on a farm three hours from civilisation. And Charlie is very lonely, and closeted and so unhappy deep down it hurts. But he is an expert at pushing it all away and facing up to the issues he has been hiding for a long time. Until Travis comes along.
Travis with all his tall, lean and handsome awesomeness. I love how Travis can see straight through Charlie and call his bluff and doesn't stand for his BS. And how he makes him laugh and relax and just be himself.
No doubt - these two guys are utterly adorable. Like mega adorable. Their banter and cuteness are sigh-worthy, and they made me chuckle, and smile and in general hum with happiness. Yeap. Still humming.
the secondary characters:
I actually love those people: Ma and George and the rest of the gang. They have grown on me and I can't wait to hear more of them.
So many good feels, so much love and so much fun!
Highly recommended.
And it was the perfect holiday read. Charlie and Travis are simply heart-warming.
Original review:
First of all: I loved, loved, loved this. All of it.
The setting:
I live in a very green part of Europe, so I can't imagine it. Probably that's not even possible unless you have been there and experienced it for yourself. The vastness of the desert, the colours, the heat, the quiet and the dangers.
Tbh I am fascinated, not only by the setting but also by the life the people on Sutton Station lead. It is tough and lonely and such hard work, I'm pretty much in awe of them.
the MCs:
Charlie: I can't imagine anyone lonelier than a gay guy on a farm three hours from civilisation. And Charlie is very lonely, and closeted and so unhappy deep down it hurts. But he is an expert at pushing it all away and facing up to the issues he has been hiding for a long time. Until Travis comes along.
Travis with all his tall, lean and handsome awesomeness. I love how Travis can see straight through Charlie and call his bluff and doesn't stand for his BS. And how he makes him laugh and relax and just be himself.
No doubt - these two guys are utterly adorable. Like mega adorable. Their banter and cuteness are sigh-worthy, and they made me chuckle, and smile and in general hum with happiness. Yeap. Still humming.
the secondary characters:
I actually love those people: Ma and George and the rest of the gang. They have grown on me and I can't wait to hear more of them.
So many good feels, so much love and so much fun!
Highly recommended.
July 29, 2025
I cannot believe I waited so long to read this, because this, THIS, is why I love NR Walker.
I honestly don’t even know what the strongest part was. The incredibly vivid sense of place in form of the red dirt desert feeling like its own character? Or George and Ma, who made for such important and wonderful side characters?
Or Charlie and Travis and all their yearning and pining and looks and laughs and first touches and first times?
No, I do know. It was the nose nudges. Those freaking nose nudges. They killed me. Every damn time 🥹😭
This book had it all: the setting, the found family, the two beautiful men, who despite their very opposite characters just worked so wonderfully together; it had so much fodder for my competency kink to be satisfied (horse riding, helicopter flying, motorcycle riding, cattle driving, you name it), it had the emotions, the angst, the sex, the wholesomeness and the ‘ask me to stay’.
I’m still smiling. And diving straight into book 2.
I honestly don’t even know what the strongest part was. The incredibly vivid sense of place in form of the red dirt desert feeling like its own character? Or George and Ma, who made for such important and wonderful side characters?
Or Charlie and Travis and all their yearning and pining and looks and laughs and first touches and first times?
No, I do know. It was the nose nudges. Those freaking nose nudges. They killed me. Every damn time 🥹😭
This book had it all: the setting, the found family, the two beautiful men, who despite their very opposite characters just worked so wonderfully together; it had so much fodder for my competency kink to be satisfied (horse riding, helicopter flying, motorcycle riding, cattle driving, you name it), it had the emotions, the angst, the sex, the wholesomeness and the ‘ask me to stay’.
I’m still smiling. And diving straight into book 2.
April 10, 2023
Give me a minute while I compose myself and piece my cold dead heart back together.
😭 😭 😭
This was such an emotion filled and satisfying read set against the backdrop of the Australian outback on a cattle station, far away from civilization. It was a quick but captivating listen and an exciting and sexy story. Everyone deserves a Travis, a George and a Ma; a true love and a found family to put their broken pieces back together, stand them up and never give up on them.
I’d have taken a scosche less sex and a tad more relationship development but why quibble over small details?
I liked this all contained in a small novella so I’m not sure if I want to read further in the series. I want to believe that Charlie and Travis will be happy and never suffer any more hardship ever again!
But such an uplifting and sweet story. Excuse me while I go sob my guts out.
😭 😭 😭
This was such an emotion filled and satisfying read set against the backdrop of the Australian outback on a cattle station, far away from civilization. It was a quick but captivating listen and an exciting and sexy story. Everyone deserves a Travis, a George and a Ma; a true love and a found family to put their broken pieces back together, stand them up and never give up on them.
I’d have taken a scosche less sex and a tad more relationship development but why quibble over small details?
I liked this all contained in a small novella so I’m not sure if I want to read further in the series. I want to believe that Charlie and Travis will be happy and never suffer any more hardship ever again!
But such an uplifting and sweet story. Excuse me while I go sob my guts out.
September 27, 2023
Reread/Relisten #5: September 2023
shh... haha you didn't see another reread! 😬😂
Reread/Relisten #4: April 2023
After finishing a cowboy book, you obviously have to read this series afterwards!
I just loved these guys and the whole Sutton Station!
Reread# 3 December 2022
I needed a palate cleanser from the last book i read, and i knew these two are my go to couple. i love these guys, the red dirt and sutton station! also gave it the 5 stars it deserves since i will always have this as my go to reread series!
Reread #2- March 2022
Still love these characters as much as if I read it for the first time! But still wish it was dual POV.. only complaint
Reread Same rating as before- September 2021
I do still think that having a dual POV would have made this a full 5 stars but overall LOVED THIS BOOK.
4-4.5 stars- May 2021
Loved this, I did feel like there were things missing, but honestly I really enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.
I did wish this was dual POV though... haha
Can’t wait to start book two!
shh... haha you didn't see another reread! 😬😂
Reread/Relisten #4: April 2023
After finishing a cowboy book, you obviously have to read this series afterwards!
I just loved these guys and the whole Sutton Station!
Reread# 3 December 2022
I needed a palate cleanser from the last book i read, and i knew these two are my go to couple. i love these guys, the red dirt and sutton station! also gave it the 5 stars it deserves since i will always have this as my go to reread series!
Reread #2- March 2022
Still love these characters as much as if I read it for the first time! But still wish it was dual POV.. only complaint
Reread Same rating as before- September 2021
I do still think that having a dual POV would have made this a full 5 stars but overall LOVED THIS BOOK.
4-4.5 stars- May 2021
Loved this, I did feel like there were things missing, but honestly I really enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.
I did wish this was dual POV though... haha
Can’t wait to start book two!
April 9, 2023
I'm not cryin'! It's ... uh ... allergies! Yeah ... it's allergies! 🤨 OMG ... I'm in love with Charlie and Travis.
Seriously, such a wonderful story set in the fascinating Australian Outback. I loved everything about this book and ... OMG! ... the sex scenes! 🥵 I may have inadvertently learned stuff! 😳 I swear that was not my intention going in but ... 🥴!
Really lookin' forward to the rest of this series!
Seriously, such a wonderful story set in the fascinating Australian Outback. I loved everything about this book and ... OMG! ... the sex scenes! 🥵 I may have inadvertently learned stuff! 😳 I swear that was not my intention going in but ... 🥴!
Really lookin' forward to the rest of this series!
March 30, 2014
**5 Outback & Down Under Stars**
Red Dirt Heart, a delightful, charming and sweet read, that pleased me all the way. I simply could not put this down once I started reading it. It had me smiling, laughing and teary eyed, throughout the ups and downs these characters experience.
I'd jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I'd done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I'd never-never-been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
Charlie Sutton is a farmer and the owner of Sutton Station, one of the largest farms in Australia. He's tough when it comes to work on his farm...and even tougher when letting others into his heart. But all goes to hell when the American agronomy student, Travis Craig, comes to spend a couple of weeks at Sutton Station
Seriously. He'd been here all of four days, and he wall all I could think about. His eyes, his accent, the way he laughed, the line of his neck. Jesus, he was the reason I barely slept the last two nights. It was getting ridiculous.
You'll love this wonderful story, shared between these stubborn and extremely sexy men. And definitely feel sympathy for their pain and rejoice in their happiness. An easily lovable read, that will entertain you and simply...put a smile on your face.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MATES XX
(Thank YOU Eva, for the lovely rec <3<3)
Where the American guy walks in,
all blue eyes and disarming smiles, and my life
goes to shit.
Red Dirt Heart, a delightful, charming and sweet read, that pleased me all the way. I simply could not put this down once I started reading it. It had me smiling, laughing and teary eyed, throughout the ups and downs these characters experience.
I'd jumped into raging rivers, ridden wild bulls, bucking horses and fought off deadly snakes. I'd done a thousand crazy things in my life that made Ma yell at me, but I'd never-never-been as scared as I was when I looked at him.
Charlie Sutton is a farmer and the owner of Sutton Station, one of the largest farms in Australia. He's tough when it comes to work on his farm...and even tougher when letting others into his heart. But all goes to hell when the American agronomy student, Travis Craig, comes to spend a couple of weeks at Sutton Station
Seriously. He'd been here all of four days, and he wall all I could think about. His eyes, his accent, the way he laughed, the line of his neck. Jesus, he was the reason I barely slept the last two nights. It was getting ridiculous.
You'll love this wonderful story, shared between these stubborn and extremely sexy men. And definitely feel sympathy for their pain and rejoice in their happiness. An easily lovable read, that will entertain you and simply...put a smile on your face.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MATES XX
(Thank YOU Eva, for the lovely rec <3<3)
April 1, 2019
4.5 A Sunburnt Country Stars
I listened to the audiobook and being Australian I was excited to start this one and listen to an Australian narrator. I was a little shocked though by the put on Australian bushman accent which made Charlie sound so much older than he was.
Once I got past that I was able to really get into the story. I LOVED the setting and am reminded just how beautiful my country is and that I need to read more books set in Australia.
Charlie has an internal battle going on about his sexuality. Gay men are not very common or accepted on stations in outback Australia and Charlie's dad had told him before he died that he was a fairy and couldn't run the station as one, so he better straighten up. This constantly plays on loop in poor Charlie's head.
So after returning to the station after his father's death he hadn't been sexual with anyone for 2 years. Then an American college student comes to stay at the station on a working holiday and everything changes.
Travis's good looks and personality are just to irresistible for Charlie. But could he act on it? Or would his inner demons win?
These men are just so sweet!! I loved how Charlie's love for his land and job rubbed off on Travis as they worked the land together. When these two men come together it is super hot and you can feel the emotion.
I loved this story, it was a true love story between two beautiful people. There was a sprinkle of drama, suspense and that ending was super emotional.
I listened to the audiobook and being Australian I was excited to start this one and listen to an Australian narrator. I was a little shocked though by the put on Australian bushman accent which made Charlie sound so much older than he was.
Once I got past that I was able to really get into the story. I LOVED the setting and am reminded just how beautiful my country is and that I need to read more books set in Australia.
Charlie has an internal battle going on about his sexuality. Gay men are not very common or accepted on stations in outback Australia and Charlie's dad had told him before he died that he was a fairy and couldn't run the station as one, so he better straighten up. This constantly plays on loop in poor Charlie's head.
So after returning to the station after his father's death he hadn't been sexual with anyone for 2 years. Then an American college student comes to stay at the station on a working holiday and everything changes.
Travis's good looks and personality are just to irresistible for Charlie. But could he act on it? Or would his inner demons win?
These men are just so sweet!! I loved how Charlie's love for his land and job rubbed off on Travis as they worked the land together. When these two men come together it is super hot and you can feel the emotion.
I loved this story, it was a true love story between two beautiful people. There was a sprinkle of drama, suspense and that ending was super emotional.
March 9, 2016
If ever a review called for Paul Freeman photos, it's this one. May the Gods of copyright forgive me, LOL.
I *adored* this book. Charlie and Travis are a wonderful angst-free couple, I almost thought things went too easy for them, until I understood Charlie's real issues.
Living on a farm - station - somewhere in the middle of Australia, with distances being long enough to make a helicopter (!) a necessity in everyday life, Charlie Sutton has resigned himself to leading a life in solitude. Being hundreds of kilometers away from the next town, life as a gay man is not an easy one in the Outback. Running his huge cattle station - inherited from his late father - all by himself, with a handful of ranch hands and a cook who is more of a mother to him than his real mom ever was, Charlie feels alone. His father taught him that 'fairies' cannot run a station and that he needs to man up in order to survive in the desert. Living by and believing in his father's words, he is not out in his own home and has no intention to change that - until an American student of agriculture shows up on his doorstep, spending a few weeks on Sutton Station before returning home to Texas.
Travis Craig is a down to earth guy who loves the hard work Charlie assigns him to, but most of all, Travis is openly gay - and he manages to figure Charlie out sooner than his slightly older boss is comfortable with.
Charlie decides to enjoy their sexual friendship as long as it lasts - Travis will be heading back home soon anyway. Little does he know that it's not easy to let go of a man who would make his life complete.
When Travis gets lost in the desert trying to find a few straying cattle, Charlie realizes how much his new hand really means to him - and how his world depends on bringing Travis back to safety - back to their home.
A truly heart-warming feel-good type of romance. I totally adored it.
5 stars!
I *adored* this book. Charlie and Travis are a wonderful angst-free couple, I almost thought things went too easy for them, until I understood Charlie's real issues.
Living on a farm - station - somewhere in the middle of Australia, with distances being long enough to make a helicopter (!) a necessity in everyday life, Charlie Sutton has resigned himself to leading a life in solitude. Being hundreds of kilometers away from the next town, life as a gay man is not an easy one in the Outback. Running his huge cattle station - inherited from his late father - all by himself, with a handful of ranch hands and a cook who is more of a mother to him than his real mom ever was, Charlie feels alone. His father taught him that 'fairies' cannot run a station and that he needs to man up in order to survive in the desert. Living by and believing in his father's words, he is not out in his own home and has no intention to change that - until an American student of agriculture shows up on his doorstep, spending a few weeks on Sutton Station before returning home to Texas.
Travis Craig is a down to earth guy who loves the hard work Charlie assigns him to, but most of all, Travis is openly gay - and he manages to figure Charlie out sooner than his slightly older boss is comfortable with.
Charlie decides to enjoy their sexual friendship as long as it lasts - Travis will be heading back home soon anyway. Little does he know that it's not easy to let go of a man who would make his life complete.
When Travis gets lost in the desert trying to find a few straying cattle, Charlie realizes how much his new hand really means to him - and how his world depends on bringing Travis back to safety - back to their home.
A truly heart-warming feel-good type of romance. I totally adored it.
5 stars!
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