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Any Closer
Charlie Ryder has a colorful past, painful memories, and an embarrassing secret. After three years working for Leo Foster’s construction company, Charlie’s worst fears are realized, and Leo finds out what Charlie has worked so hard to hide. When Leo meets the revelation with absolute love and acceptance, Leo has to trust that Charlie’s love isn’t just gratitude, and Charlie has to learn to trust again, period. It’s going to take a lot of work for these two men to get any closer.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
93 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,021 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
September 21, 2024
A nice little Calmes ditty. Not as ridiculously absurd as some - this actually started off with a heartbreaking, sickening revelation.
Charlie has been hiding from a terrible incident from his past, and when the truth unexpectedly comes to light, Charlie’s finally ready to move on and claim the man he loves - his boss.
Leo has always tried to maintain the utmost professionalism, never seeing Charlie as anything more than just his best friend. Nevermind the fact that he’s gorgeous and perfect and fits into his life seamlessly. Apparently though, Charlie has other ideas, and who is he to argue?
Sweet and sexy but just too short to be properly developed! Darn!!
Charlie has been hiding from a terrible incident from his past, and when the truth unexpectedly comes to light, Charlie’s finally ready to move on and claim the man he loves - his boss.
Leo has always tried to maintain the utmost professionalism, never seeing Charlie as anything more than just his best friend. Nevermind the fact that he’s gorgeous and perfect and fits into his life seamlessly. Apparently though, Charlie has other ideas, and who is he to argue?
Sweet and sexy but just too short to be properly developed! Darn!!
May 5, 2017
3 Stars
That was…kind of…odd?
This story was going along nicely, until about the 70% mark when everything just went to (what I like to think of as) extreme-MC levels of over-the-top dramatics. To be fair, sometimes I’m way on board with this sort of Calmes storytelling – *cough Steamroller cough* - but sometimes not-so-much. Sadly, this was a not-so-much kind of time for me.
The reveal at the beginning of the story regarding Charlie’s past was kind of appalling – seriously, there are some sick bastards out there who deserves all sorts of bad karma. I immediately felt sympathy towards his character, which necessitated my need for Charlie to be instantly inundated by all things happy and good, like puppies and rainbows and other sweet and fluffy shit like that.
It seemed clear to everyone but Leo – Charlie’s boss and friend – that Leo was that one thing that would make Charlie one happy boy, if only Leo would realise what a perfect offering he had right in front of him in Charlie. There was a lot of obliviousness going on here, which I often enjoy, but didn’t quite feel authentic in this instance; instead, I just thought Leo was kind of daft, which didn’t bode well for his overall likability.
Regardless of this, I was rooting for these men to get at least a HFN (which they got – yay!), but unfortunately their relationships transition from friends-to-lovers felt maddeningly fast towards the end of the story. In fact, those final scenes were just downright confusing and cluttered, throwing Charlie at Leo in a way that didn’t sit well with the rest of the story up to that point.
So it seems this wasn’t one of my usual MC must be a powerful sorceress reactions, but still a sweet and easy little read to pleasantly pass the time.
That was…kind of…odd?
This story was going along nicely, until about the 70% mark when everything just went to (what I like to think of as) extreme-MC levels of over-the-top dramatics. To be fair, sometimes I’m way on board with this sort of Calmes storytelling – *cough Steamroller cough* - but sometimes not-so-much. Sadly, this was a not-so-much kind of time for me.
The reveal at the beginning of the story regarding Charlie’s past was kind of appalling – seriously, there are some sick bastards out there who deserves all sorts of bad karma. I immediately felt sympathy towards his character, which necessitated my need for Charlie to be instantly inundated by all things happy and good, like puppies and rainbows and other sweet and fluffy shit like that.
It seemed clear to everyone but Leo – Charlie’s boss and friend – that Leo was that one thing that would make Charlie one happy boy, if only Leo would realise what a perfect offering he had right in front of him in Charlie. There was a lot of obliviousness going on here, which I often enjoy, but didn’t quite feel authentic in this instance; instead, I just thought Leo was kind of daft, which didn’t bode well for his overall likability.
Regardless of this, I was rooting for these men to get at least a HFN (which they got – yay!), but unfortunately their relationships transition from friends-to-lovers felt maddeningly fast towards the end of the story. In fact, those final scenes were just downright confusing and cluttered, throwing Charlie at Leo in a way that didn’t sit well with the rest of the story up to that point.
So it seems this wasn’t one of my usual MC must be a powerful sorceress reactions, but still a sweet and easy little read to pleasantly pass the time.
September 9, 2019
Audio edition
I just love everything Greg Tremblay narrates.
This is a short story about Leo and Charlie, who work together and are friends as well.
Charlie has been hurt in the past and Leo just wants him to be okay. We got some lovely hurt/comfort here.
When it seems Leo is oblivious to Charlie's feelings, Charlie decides to seduce him to make Leo see him.
Because it was so short it ends when Leo and Charlie finally get together, but that was okay. It was nice, sweet, and we got some sexy times at the end.
I just love everything Greg Tremblay narrates.
This is a short story about Leo and Charlie, who work together and are friends as well.
Charlie has been hurt in the past and Leo just wants him to be okay. We got some lovely hurt/comfort here.
When it seems Leo is oblivious to Charlie's feelings, Charlie decides to seduce him to make Leo see him.
Because it was so short it ends when Leo and Charlie finally get together, but that was okay. It was nice, sweet, and we got some sexy times at the end.
February 16, 2020
Talk about timing...I literally just re-read this story three days before it suddenly appeared in my Audible feed. Which meant I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to download it...until I saw who is narrating: Greg Tremblay. Ding, ding, ding! Instant download!
This short novella is entertainingly narrated by Greg Tremblay (naturally) who subtly brings out the nuances of this hurt/comfort story. This is one of Calmes' darker premise stories and I eat it up with a spoon every time. Leo is a lovable grump, and Charlie is obviously (to everyone but Leo) head over heels for Leo.
"I’ve been here, living in your world, for the past three years. I’ve seen you mad and happy and hurt and… I’ve seen it all, but never once, in all that time, have I seen what you look like when you’re in love. I wanna see that."
My only complaint, which is always the same with Calmes' novellas - I WANT MORE! I really like Leo and Charlie and want more of their story.
All in all the story is really enjoyable and Tremblay's narration is wonderful.
Recommended!
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Read 09/2014, 07/2015, 01/2016 (2)
June 14, 2021
Meh
Classic Mary Calmes in the sense that the main character is just too perfect to be real, and while I can generally handle that part of her writing, I took issue with the pacing and frenetic nature of this story. It was really, really rushed, so several interactions took on the cast of a fever dream, and the love interest's trauma being casually shoved aside because he's healed by true love was slightly offensive.
Calmes bit off more than she could chew here. A novella should not be trying to tackle the heavy emotions inherent in the love interest's backstory. It just can't be done and have the HEA remain believable.
Classic Mary Calmes in the sense that the main character is just too perfect to be real, and while I can generally handle that part of her writing, I took issue with the pacing and frenetic nature of this story. It was really, really rushed, so several interactions took on the cast of a fever dream, and the love interest's trauma being casually shoved aside because he's healed by true love was slightly offensive.
Calmes bit off more than she could chew here. A novella should not be trying to tackle the heavy emotions inherent in the love interest's backstory. It just can't be done and have the HEA remain believable.
June 19, 2016
***Audiobook***Narrated by Greg Tremblay***I really enjoyed this one! Very sweet friends-to-lovers story. Charlie is a former porn star trying to get over some traumatic events in his past. And Leo is his friend and boss who is completely clueless about Charlie's feelings. I loved Charlie at the end when Leo's ex showed up at his apartment :)
June 4, 2011
This is a wonderful story: sweet, touching and very hot. The only thing 'wrong' with it is that it's too short.
Leo is an amazing character, gruff on the outside but really caring and loving deep-down. Someone you'd want on your side not just because he can protect you, but because he accepts and cares about you. The way he reacts to Charlie's revelations is great. He is a bit slow on the uptake as to what that means, but, hey, nobody is perfect.
Charlie has been severely hurt, but you'd never know it if you met him. The way he has come back from his ordeal is admirable, and he really deserves the happiness he wants with Leo.
If you like your stories short and sweet, with a big dollop of emotions and an extremely happy end, you will probably like this one.
Leo is an amazing character, gruff on the outside but really caring and loving deep-down. Someone you'd want on your side not just because he can protect you, but because he accepts and cares about you. The way he reacts to Charlie's revelations is great. He is a bit slow on the uptake as to what that means, but, hey, nobody is perfect.
Charlie has been severely hurt, but you'd never know it if you met him. The way he has come back from his ordeal is admirable, and he really deserves the happiness he wants with Leo.
If you like your stories short and sweet, with a big dollop of emotions and an extremely happy end, you will probably like this one.
January 26, 2023
It was a sweet story. I wish it had concentrated more on the romance than just in the last ten pages. I wish it had been longer. Plus, the way Charlie's assault had been glossed over bothered me. Should've probably been a full length novel.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 26, 2023
all of the stars are for Greg Tremblay. I'm a Mary Calmes fan, but Greg is the ONLY reason I listened to this one. This story just didn't work for me at all. I was at a complete loss with the relationship development (more like lack of development). Thank goodness it was short and had great narration.
June 2, 2011
This absolutely charming, sweet summer book featured acceptance, faith, and the joy of a long-term crush finally being acted upon. Charlie was adorable, Leo was gruff and kind and clueless, and together, they were a joy to spend an afternoon with. Short, sweet fun:-)
October 22, 2019
I read/listened to this last year and must have been in a grumpy mood? I'm not super versed in Mary Calmes's style but I don't think this is too far off the mark and apparently I like it. In any case up one star because Greg Tremblay deserves all stars.
Charlie Ryder has been working for Leo Foster's construction company for three (3) years, making his way up the the ladder by learning every aspect of the business. What was he doing before? That's what Leo finds out at the beginning of this story and it sets in motion the events of the next couple of days. I'll say no more about the plot. I will say that I loved Leo, his family, and his work family too. Loved how blind/oblivious he is but will innately do the right thing. I loved that he's exactly what Charlie needs and how he doesn't even know he's in the running. I also think there's quite a bit of food for thought when you dwell on Charlie's former life, how young he was, and the events that transpired.
Sadly I couldn't go 4 1/2 or 5 stars because, though I got that he had to act that way almost out of desperation in the face of Leo's obliviousness, the Charlie of the last act was too ... out of character? Dunno. He just didn't seem like the Charlie we'd been presented with during the rest of the story. Also I would've liked to know more about Charlie. Maybe adding another "day" so that things could develop more organically would've been better IMO. In any case I enjoyed it.
Charlie Ryder has been working for Leo Foster's construction company for three (3) years, making his way up the the ladder by learning every aspect of the business. What was he doing before? That's what Leo finds out at the beginning of this story and it sets in motion the events of the next couple of days. I'll say no more about the plot. I will say that I loved Leo, his family, and his work family too. Loved how blind/oblivious he is but will innately do the right thing. I loved that he's exactly what Charlie needs and how he doesn't even know he's in the running. I also think there's quite a bit of food for thought when you dwell on Charlie's former life, how young he was, and the events that transpired.
Sadly I couldn't go 4 1/2 or 5 stars because, though I got that he had to act that way almost out of desperation in the face of Leo's obliviousness, the Charlie of the last act was too ... out of character? Dunno. He just didn't seem like the Charlie we'd been presented with during the rest of the story. Also I would've liked to know more about Charlie. Maybe adding another "day" so that things could develop more organically would've been better IMO. In any case I enjoyed it.
December 5, 2011
This short story was both cute and funny. I loved the fact that Leo was so oblivious to Charlie liking him and I loved that Charlie had a 'horrible' past that Leo felt he needed to coax out of him. I loved Leo's family and how they took Charlie in right away. I wish there had been more of these two because I'd love to read more about how their relationship works with working together and Charlie still dealing with what happened to him. Still, I love this book.
January 27, 2012
SO much punch for such a tight novella. I kept wishing it was 5 times longer.
June 25, 2016
2.5 **
August 8, 2017
What is this?
I mean, I read it, and I really can't answer that question. I could probably stop the review right here, but I feel a rage on coming, so let's not! :D
Charlie Ryder has a secret; he used to be a porn star. Anyway, Charlie hasn't done a porno in four years; he's worked for Leo's construction firm for the past three, and he seems to want to leave his past in the past. Except Leo's friend (?) puts two and two together, and Leo tells Charlie that he knows about the porn star part (he learns about the stuff under the spoiler fairly quickly, too).
So this is set up for some great hurt/comfort. But...it doesn't happen that way.
I usually have a problem with novellas, especially when they're romance, because I feel like they're too short and that the romance always feels like instalove. I mean, I've read a few great novellas where I didn't get that feeling, but for the most part, novella's are a straight shot into "falling in 'love' so quickly that the reader gets whiplash" territory. And this novella not only jumps onto the train to instaloveville, but plunges full speed ahead.
Honestly, if this had been the first offering from Mary Calmes I'd read, I probably would have put her on my "never again" author list. It is THAT bad.
There seems like there is a decentish story...somewhere...in this novella. A decentish, full-length story. But instead of fleshing out the story into a full length book OR cutting out a few of the bulletin points (there were like four or five of those), the author just haphazardly strings the points together with the least amount of dialogue and development possible.
Let's start with Leo and Charlie's relationship.
And then there's Leo's sister and Leo's business partner, Paul.
And then there's Leo's ex, Ethan.
I regret the $3.03 I spent on this book, not to mention the hour of my time wasted reading it. In fact, I regret it so much that I'm going to request a refund from Amazon because it was SO BAD, and I have NEVER done that.
I mean, I read it, and I really can't answer that question. I could probably stop the review right here, but I feel a rage on coming, so let's not! :D
Charlie Ryder has a secret; he used to be a porn star. Anyway, Charlie hasn't done a porno in four years; he's worked for Leo's construction firm for the past three, and he seems to want to leave his past in the past. Except Leo's friend (?) puts two and two together, and Leo tells Charlie that he knows about the porn star part (he learns about the stuff under the spoiler fairly quickly, too).
So this is set up for some great hurt/comfort. But...it doesn't happen that way.
I usually have a problem with novellas, especially when they're romance, because I feel like they're too short and that the romance always feels like instalove. I mean, I've read a few great novellas where I didn't get that feeling, but for the most part, novella's are a straight shot into "falling in 'love' so quickly that the reader gets whiplash" territory. And this novella not only jumps onto the train to instaloveville, but plunges full speed ahead.
Honestly, if this had been the first offering from Mary Calmes I'd read, I probably would have put her on my "never again" author list. It is THAT bad.
There seems like there is a decentish story...somewhere...in this novella. A decentish, full-length story. But instead of fleshing out the story into a full length book OR cutting out a few of the bulletin points (there were like four or five of those), the author just haphazardly strings the points together with the least amount of dialogue and development possible.
Let's start with Leo and Charlie's relationship.
And then there's Leo's sister and Leo's business partner, Paul.
And then there's Leo's ex, Ethan.
I regret the $3.03 I spent on this book, not to mention the hour of my time wasted reading it. In fact, I regret it so much that I'm going to request a refund from Amazon because it was SO BAD, and I have NEVER done that.
October 3, 2015
Had so much promise but fell flat. This is probably my least favorite Mary Calmes book, which is very disappointing. It felt rushed and it wasn't as funny as usual. The ending was pretty sudden and I wanted a little more, maybe an epilogue.
I've been complaining lately that I'm uncomfortable with the sexism in Calmes's books. This one wasn't nearly as bad. While the office person was a woman, she was kick ass, although that reminds me too much of Heinlein's heroines. But the main character and his family were way too tolerant of racism. Here's part of the relevant passage:
"My grandmother always said that if my fahter had just married Susie Apelt like he was supposed to, that I would have had blue eyes instead of brown. I shook my head and explained that I wouldn't even be me withhout my mother, but she would just wave her ahnd dismissively like I was stupid. Of course I would still be me, just better. My eyes would be the right color. But it was okay; my [Puerto Rican] mother didn't care, because she and my grandmother had become friends over the years. It was, my mother said, generational. My grandmother categorized her friends: my Korean friend Jean, my black friend Tanya, my grandmfather's dear Chinese friend Tommy. It was ingrained in her to see the race of a person, just like it had never been ingrained in me to care."
It's one thing to "categorize" people because that's just how you were raised (although that should change over time with exposure to people of different cultures) but saying it's no big deal that a woman says her granson would have been better if born to a white woman because he'd have blue eyes is disgusting. Yeah, he'd still be him but with blue eyes, but that's disapproval because of his hereditary race traits and also just not approving of how he is.
I also didn't like how the MC thought two people divorced because they weren't happy but that wasn't a good enough reason to "split up a home or a family." That's absolutely a great reason. Kids raised in unhappy opens tend to have a lot more problems than kids whose parents divorced and then found happy lives where the kids could see happy relationships modeled. It wasn't relevant to the story or the completely nonjudgmental character and I feel it was put in just to make a point. This conservative attitude fits with the stuff I mention above and it's soured me a bit on her writing.
But back to the writing. There was major info dumping over and over and the characters ended up talking things to death. There was too much we were expected to read between the lines. For example, at one point a minor character is attacked at home but it's a big scene and we are never told who the attacker is, just a hint by what he says.
I loved Charlie but there was too much time in the book without him in scenes that weren't necessary to the plot. There was so much potential in his past trauma that wasn't explored really. Leo is just kind of there, not really active in his own life. The scene when his mom and dad are arguing was really good, vivid in my mind, and yet his scenes with Charlie were often one dimensional; only the last couple of chapters were better but they also talked everything to death and it was typical Mary Calmes characterization with people wanting Leo.
It hurts to say this but 2.5 stars rounded down because of the racism and judgmental tone.
I've been complaining lately that I'm uncomfortable with the sexism in Calmes's books. This one wasn't nearly as bad. While the office person was a woman, she was kick ass, although that reminds me too much of Heinlein's heroines. But the main character and his family were way too tolerant of racism. Here's part of the relevant passage:
"My grandmother always said that if my fahter had just married Susie Apelt like he was supposed to, that I would have had blue eyes instead of brown. I shook my head and explained that I wouldn't even be me withhout my mother, but she would just wave her ahnd dismissively like I was stupid. Of course I would still be me, just better. My eyes would be the right color. But it was okay; my [Puerto Rican] mother didn't care, because she and my grandmother had become friends over the years. It was, my mother said, generational. My grandmother categorized her friends: my Korean friend Jean, my black friend Tanya, my grandmfather's dear Chinese friend Tommy. It was ingrained in her to see the race of a person, just like it had never been ingrained in me to care."
It's one thing to "categorize" people because that's just how you were raised (although that should change over time with exposure to people of different cultures) but saying it's no big deal that a woman says her granson would have been better if born to a white woman because he'd have blue eyes is disgusting. Yeah, he'd still be him but with blue eyes, but that's disapproval because of his hereditary race traits and also just not approving of how he is.
I also didn't like how the MC thought two people divorced because they weren't happy but that wasn't a good enough reason to "split up a home or a family." That's absolutely a great reason. Kids raised in unhappy opens tend to have a lot more problems than kids whose parents divorced and then found happy lives where the kids could see happy relationships modeled. It wasn't relevant to the story or the completely nonjudgmental character and I feel it was put in just to make a point. This conservative attitude fits with the stuff I mention above and it's soured me a bit on her writing.
But back to the writing. There was major info dumping over and over and the characters ended up talking things to death. There was too much we were expected to read between the lines. For example, at one point a minor character is attacked at home but it's a big scene and we are never told who the attacker is, just a hint by what he says.
I loved Charlie but there was too much time in the book without him in scenes that weren't necessary to the plot. There was so much potential in his past trauma that wasn't explored really. Leo is just kind of there, not really active in his own life. The scene when his mom and dad are arguing was really good, vivid in my mind, and yet his scenes with Charlie were often one dimensional; only the last couple of chapters were better but they also talked everything to death and it was typical Mary Calmes characterization with people wanting Leo.
It hurts to say this but 2.5 stars rounded down because of the racism and judgmental tone.
December 13, 2016
For a short read this is amazingly full....Charlie and Leo....What Charlie went through four years ago was bad but damn he's found a good friend in Leo.....I've not read many of Mary Calmes' books but I certainly love her writing style...A great short tearful read x
March 8, 2016
*** 3 second chance stars ***
Audio edition, narrated by Greg Tremblay.
2 hours 54 minutes
Overall: 3
Performance: 5
Story: 3
Audio edition, narrated by Greg Tremblay.
2 hours 54 minutes
Overall: 3
Performance: 5
Story: 3
February 26, 2016
Leo gave Charlie a chance with a job at his construction company, when Charlie was recovering from a major trauma. His faith and support has gone a long way in helping Charlie heal and move on. Leo never questions Charlie about why he looked so broken when they met, and as long as Charlie continues to be an asset to the company, he has no intentions of ever asking.
When the truth finally comes out about why Charlie needed the hand up, Leo lends even more support and acceptance, being the steady rock that Charlie has come to rely on. Now Charlie is looking at Leo a little longer, and holding him a little tighter, and trying to get across that it is not just gratitude he feels for Leo. Is Leo able to accept this new affection that Charlie is offering, or is his conviction about maintaining the friendship box he has placed Charlie in, the wall that will prevent something more from developing?
Come and read my thoughts at
When the truth finally comes out about why Charlie needed the hand up, Leo lends even more support and acceptance, being the steady rock that Charlie has come to rely on. Now Charlie is looking at Leo a little longer, and holding him a little tighter, and trying to get across that it is not just gratitude he feels for Leo. Is Leo able to accept this new affection that Charlie is offering, or is his conviction about maintaining the friendship box he has placed Charlie in, the wall that will prevent something more from developing?
Come and read my thoughts at
March 2, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
Re read 2/03/2019
Was better on this reread. I like Leo and Charlie but I still struggle with how quickly Leo changed his mind about Charlie. Charlie was in his definite friend zone, then once he lets it be known he wants more, boom it changes.
Still a quick enjoyable read
Re read 18/01/2016
Short story which was enjoyable
A few little niggles with a couple a statements that pulled me out of the book, but I still enjoyed it
Re read 2/03/2019
Was better on this reread. I like Leo and Charlie but I still struggle with how quickly Leo changed his mind about Charlie. Charlie was in his definite friend zone, then once he lets it be known he wants more, boom it changes.
Still a quick enjoyable read
Re read 18/01/2016
Short story which was enjoyable
A few little niggles with a couple a statements that pulled me out of the book, but I still enjoyed it
October 17, 2016
4.5 hot stars
November 10, 2016
5 Star Audiobook and Story
I just loved this, I wish it were longer. Greg Tremblay's narration was fantastic as always.
I just loved this, I wish it were longer. Greg Tremblay's narration was fantastic as always.
June 8, 2019
Greg Tremblay did an amazing job with the narration. I loved it enough to give it another star after listening.
Read
October 17, 2022I thought the narration of this was quite good, and brought a new level of enjoyment to the story.
February 13, 2018
That was very...well paced at the beginning but rushed at the end and a little confusing how it all finally went down. This is one book that would have certainly benefited from more relationship development. I liked the idea of these two, based on the little I saw of them, but the story veering so off course and then wham, bam, thank you ma'am? Err...no thanks. It was the fact that I loved the two MCs anyways that saved this from getting a lower rating, although really, could Leo be any more oblivious?
June 23, 2011
Review: This was a smoothly written story, with a strong and unusual plot.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews http://briefencountersreviews.com/201....
The story starts when Leo makes a shocking discovery about his friend and employee Charlie. It’s a great opening line! and something a bit more challenging than the usual get-together plot. The shock is well handled, from Leo’s anger and protectiveness towards Charlie, to Charlie’s distress and bruised self-esteem. Some readers may think the flashback storytelling over the top, but it emphasises the horror of what Charlie had been through.
The story is all from Leo’s point of view. He’s a good, smart man who understands what’s needed to run a business, to have good friends and maintain his integrity. I liked him a lot, and this carried the story for me. He’s tolerant of his friends, despite their gossip: I took a few steps away from my friend, whom I had gone to high school with and played football with, because I really didn‘t want to hurt him. He’s described fondly through the scenes with his family and close friends. His defence of Charlie was adorable, and the most telling of his real feelings.
The pace is good, though patches of backstory slow it down periodically. The dialogue is sparky, though sometimes rather brittle. I occasionally felt the author was practising her wit on me, rather than letting the characters speak naturally. Once I knew he was going to be permanent, I stopped checking out his ass and started being one to him. I was also confused by the occasional style swap from full words to gotta, hafta etc. I found this distracting and unnecessary, really, as the dialogue flowed just as well without.
I’ve read one other book from this author and found a similar writing style, and even the same character types – a popular, successful and articulate hero, though clueless about his attraction for the other hero, who is extremely handsome and admired, yet looking for the (not so) ordinary guy to see past the outward view.
There‘s nobody but you, Leo.
―Well, we‘re all here for you, alright?
He smiled suddenly and shook his head.
―What?
―You never listen.
―I always listen, I grumbled. ―People drive for miles just to dump their shit on me.
He rolled his eyes.
It’s a familiar but friendly premise, and the author’s style saves it from trope, because there’s an intriguing edge to the characters, and their misunderstanding isn’t the traditional or expected one. Though I didn’t agree with the blurb about a lot of work needed: they were moving towards each other – and an HEA – from the very start, thank goodness .
It was a very pleasant and well-written read. The cover art seems a bit sinister for romance, and not all the characters appealed to me, mainly the family, some of whom felt exaggerated. But I liked Charlie’s seduction of his hapless boss, and his return to self-confidence, and Leo himself was a treasure. I rate it a B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews http://briefencountersreviews.com/201....
The story starts when Leo makes a shocking discovery about his friend and employee Charlie. It’s a great opening line! and something a bit more challenging than the usual get-together plot. The shock is well handled, from Leo’s anger and protectiveness towards Charlie, to Charlie’s distress and bruised self-esteem. Some readers may think the flashback storytelling over the top, but it emphasises the horror of what Charlie had been through.
The story is all from Leo’s point of view. He’s a good, smart man who understands what’s needed to run a business, to have good friends and maintain his integrity. I liked him a lot, and this carried the story for me. He’s tolerant of his friends, despite their gossip: I took a few steps away from my friend, whom I had gone to high school with and played football with, because I really didn‘t want to hurt him. He’s described fondly through the scenes with his family and close friends. His defence of Charlie was adorable, and the most telling of his real feelings.
The pace is good, though patches of backstory slow it down periodically. The dialogue is sparky, though sometimes rather brittle. I occasionally felt the author was practising her wit on me, rather than letting the characters speak naturally. Once I knew he was going to be permanent, I stopped checking out his ass and started being one to him. I was also confused by the occasional style swap from full words to gotta, hafta etc. I found this distracting and unnecessary, really, as the dialogue flowed just as well without.
I’ve read one other book from this author and found a similar writing style, and even the same character types – a popular, successful and articulate hero, though clueless about his attraction for the other hero, who is extremely handsome and admired, yet looking for the (not so) ordinary guy to see past the outward view.
There‘s nobody but you, Leo.
―Well, we‘re all here for you, alright?
He smiled suddenly and shook his head.
―What?
―You never listen.
―I always listen, I grumbled. ―People drive for miles just to dump their shit on me.
He rolled his eyes.
It’s a familiar but friendly premise, and the author’s style saves it from trope, because there’s an intriguing edge to the characters, and their misunderstanding isn’t the traditional or expected one. Though I didn’t agree with the blurb about a lot of work needed: they were moving towards each other – and an HEA – from the very start, thank goodness .
It was a very pleasant and well-written read. The cover art seems a bit sinister for romance, and not all the characters appealed to me, mainly the family, some of whom felt exaggerated. But I liked Charlie’s seduction of his hapless boss, and his return to self-confidence, and Leo himself was a treasure. I rate it a B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
January 2, 2017
I can honestly say THIS was not what I expected. I almost randomly chose it due to it's length because I knew won't be able to stay up for long last night.. SUCH a beautiful heartfelt story. Leo and Charlie were a beautiful match. It's clear they not only deserved one another, they NEEDED each other. I couldn't have asked for more. Took them long enough to make the first step, but when Charlie's past comes knocking at the door neither one of them seem to be able to put aside what he truly feels for the other.
The synopsis mentions Charlie has a secret, but from the way it was told, I had NO idea where this one was going and the way Charlie was hurt and betrayed. When he came to Leo's door three years ago looking for a job he met a broken man. Leo might not realized just how broken. He did his best to give Charlie the security he seems to need and he couldn't know how accurate he was in what he freely offered.
We only get Leo's POV in this one and so we can't know for sure what Charlie feels or what his reactions truly means. We get Leo, his loving and a bit complicated family and it's clear that though Leo is loud and throws his opinion even when not appreciated he is an amazing guy. When he hears about Charlie's past I could feel his heart breaking (as was my own) and also see his resolve to just stay friends crumbling.
I don't want to say more not to spoiler this heartbreaking story. HIGHLY recommend it. It's such a short read and yet, there is so much more in it. I wish it was longer, I wish we would have gotten more of everything, of the two of them together, the crew, Leo's parents, his brother-in-law and his sister, and surely Charlie's POV and yet, this was still a whole story for me. It's the classic "want" against "need". I don't really NEED this one to be more than it was, but I WANT more because it was so precious.
More Reviews HERE
The synopsis mentions Charlie has a secret, but from the way it was told, I had NO idea where this one was going and the way Charlie was hurt and betrayed. When he came to Leo's door three years ago looking for a job he met a broken man. Leo might not realized just how broken. He did his best to give Charlie the security he seems to need and he couldn't know how accurate he was in what he freely offered.
We only get Leo's POV in this one and so we can't know for sure what Charlie feels or what his reactions truly means. We get Leo, his loving and a bit complicated family and it's clear that though Leo is loud and throws his opinion even when not appreciated he is an amazing guy. When he hears about Charlie's past I could feel his heart breaking (as was my own) and also see his resolve to just stay friends crumbling.
I don't want to say more not to spoiler this heartbreaking story. HIGHLY recommend it. It's such a short read and yet, there is so much more in it. I wish it was longer, I wish we would have gotten more of everything, of the two of them together, the crew, Leo's parents, his brother-in-law and his sister, and surely Charlie's POV and yet, this was still a whole story for me. It's the classic "want" against "need". I don't really NEED this one to be more than it was, but I WANT more because it was so precious.
More Reviews HERE
April 6, 2018
Sigh… is there anyone that can write some man love, like this author?
I don’t think so either. So, in this one, we have Leo, who owns his own construction company with his brother-in-law, and a lot of really great guys. I loved the way that they seemed like a big family, and I loved that there was no hatefulness or bad words cause trouble. Everything was normal. That’s different to read.
Charlie, though… had come to apply for a job almost 4 years ago, and he was broken and scared and jumped at his own shadow, but he was accepted into the makeshift family, and he fit right in. Unfortunately, nobody knew what he was running from, and omg, was it tragic and heartbreaking and I was so, so disappointed that we didn’t get to see any karmic justice for the people who had hurt him… He was okay, though; especially around Leo.
It was clear as day that they both liked each other, but they were sticking to the friend zone because that’s just the way it worked and neither wanted to ruin it. However, once Charlie was done with that… once he got himself together and knew that he would be good for Leo, he was done messing around, and it was sweet and cute and gorgeous, and even really hot. Even if they didn’t go to pound town on page. It was still hot, just trust me.
So, it’s short and sweet, but it was still so big. Does that make sense? It didn’t feel like a short read, even though it was much too short for my liking, but that’s just cuz I’m greedy and wanted more….It also just felt like it all came together so flawlessly that it didn’t “need” anything else, even though I just wanted 100 more chapters…. Sigh…. I love when that happens.
So, it was a perfect feel good read for me, and I loved it.
5 stars from me!
I don’t think so either. So, in this one, we have Leo, who owns his own construction company with his brother-in-law, and a lot of really great guys. I loved the way that they seemed like a big family, and I loved that there was no hatefulness or bad words cause trouble. Everything was normal. That’s different to read.
Charlie, though… had come to apply for a job almost 4 years ago, and he was broken and scared and jumped at his own shadow, but he was accepted into the makeshift family, and he fit right in. Unfortunately, nobody knew what he was running from, and omg, was it tragic and heartbreaking and I was so, so disappointed that we didn’t get to see any karmic justice for the people who had hurt him… He was okay, though; especially around Leo.
It was clear as day that they both liked each other, but they were sticking to the friend zone because that’s just the way it worked and neither wanted to ruin it. However, once Charlie was done with that… once he got himself together and knew that he would be good for Leo, he was done messing around, and it was sweet and cute and gorgeous, and even really hot. Even if they didn’t go to pound town on page. It was still hot, just trust me.
So, it’s short and sweet, but it was still so big. Does that make sense? It didn’t feel like a short read, even though it was much too short for my liking, but that’s just cuz I’m greedy and wanted more….It also just felt like it all came together so flawlessly that it didn’t “need” anything else, even though I just wanted 100 more chapters…. Sigh…. I love when that happens.
So, it was a perfect feel good read for me, and I loved it.
5 stars from me!
December 29, 2011
The blurb is misleading, and it irks me a lot. Charlie's secret isn't that he worked in porn, it is that he left working in porn after being set up by his boyfriend for a humiliating and horrific gang-rape which was filmed and released as just another movie, and to which guys (including a character in the book) have been getting off ever since (there is a discussion about how arousing guys think this rape film is).
For two reasons I think this publisher's blurb isn't good enough. 1)For sexual violence to be described as "embarrassing" kind of takes the fight for awareness back to the bad-old-days, when a victim wouldn't report sexual assult because they were embarrassed that it happened to them. 2) Nothing in the book description clues the reader in to a description of appalling sexual violence allied with deep personal betrayal; which would be a strong trigger for many.
I love non-consent stories, but I think these should always be clearly indicated as being such. The publishers could have done better in this instance.
It also makes for a weird, uneven book, with no penetrative sex in the timeline of the story, even between the two MCs, yet a description of sexual violence, when a character describes the content of the film to one of the MCs. This leaves me feeling like I missed out on my redemption scene: Charlie hasn't had sex in the four years since the pack rape and I want him to finally have hot, romantic, sex with his one true love, goddamn it. Yes, he gets a blow job, but I wanted happy penetrative sex to cure teh angst.
So disappointing.
For two reasons I think this publisher's blurb isn't good enough. 1)For sexual violence to be described as "embarrassing" kind of takes the fight for awareness back to the bad-old-days, when a victim wouldn't report sexual assult because they were embarrassed that it happened to them. 2) Nothing in the book description clues the reader in to a description of appalling sexual violence allied with deep personal betrayal; which would be a strong trigger for many.
I love non-consent stories, but I think these should always be clearly indicated as being such. The publishers could have done better in this instance.
It also makes for a weird, uneven book, with no penetrative sex in the timeline of the story, even between the two MCs, yet a description of sexual violence, when a character describes the content of the film to one of the MCs. This leaves me feeling like I missed out on my redemption scene: Charlie hasn't had sex in the four years since the pack rape and I want him to finally have hot, romantic, sex with his one true love, goddamn it. Yes, he gets a blow job, but I wanted happy penetrative sex to cure teh angst.
So disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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