Review: Dutch's Boy by Xavier Axelson

I like cowboy stories. There's something rather sexy about a man in chaps and so I was looking forward to read this offering from Seventh Window Publications. The story involves young cowboy Harry who's trying to escape from under the shadow of his overbearing rodeo star father, Dutch, and strike out on his own in the rodeo circuit. That's not easy though when Harry's never been away from home before. Fortunately he has the help of his best friend, Reb, and a determination to succeed.

This novella had a strong start.  Harry's a great character and I was quickly drawn into his story of the frustrations at being forced to stay at home when he wants to spread his wings.  It's very much a coming of age story too, with Harry leaving home for the first time and discovering the joys of sexual freedom alongside the troubles of striking out on his own path.  The first section where Harry leaves, the train journey to the rodeo and the people he interacts with on the way was realistic.  I liked the mix of confidence and uncertainty in Harry especially when he meets Blake, a man on the train, who we are never quite sure Harry should be trusting.  That element of danger worked well alongside Harry's innocence.

The relationship between Harry and Reb was another highlight.  Harry has loved his friend for some time but tries to hold back and deny his feelings.  When things begin to happen between them, it was not only very erotic, but their feelings for each other gave the sex scenes a romantic edge.  I thought it interesting that later in the story we find things out about Reb's family in the way he is treated by the other characters and it was a shame that I didn't get more information about that as it would have helped to flesh out the character of Reb, who comes across as just a lover and champion of Harry, but not much more.

Once Harry arrives at the rodeo, the book didn't work as well for me.  I think this is mainly because the focus shifted more onto Harry's sexual awakening rather than the rodeo and Harry's introduction to that world.  I was left wishing I could have had less sex and more descriptions of the rodeo, of the people there, of the atmosphere and, most of all, of the bronco ride that Harry takes part in towards the end of the book.  Or maybe keep the sex but add the detail!  As it is the rodeo section is woefully glossed over with the action happening off page.  This left me rather disappointed and feeling cheated out of what could have been an exciting and action-packed scene.  Another thing that puzzled me is when the story is set.  It seemed like a contemporary but there were some odd omissions like a lack of mobile phones.  Plus the story had a very old-fashioned feel to it in the attitudes of the characters.  Maybe that's because it's set in a part of the world where things are a little old-fashioned but it just struck me as a little strange.

That doesn't mean this is a bad book.  It isn't.  The plot skips along a fast pace, the characters are interesting - Harry especially is well rounded and sympathetic.  The tension between Harry and his father is another plus point, and added nicely to the whole 'coming of age' theme.  However, I was left longing for more in terms of detail both of the setting and of the character of Reb.  If you like cowboy stories and want something quick and hot to read then this book should be just right for you.  I'm giving it a grade of 'Good' and I shall keep my eye out for other books by this new-to-me author.

Buy this book HERE.