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Play It Again, Charlie
After an accident left him broken in body and spirit, Charlie Howard retired from the police force to teach at a community college. Life has taught him that he’s unlikely to get what he wants, so he’s stopped asking. Instead, he hides from the world in the apartment complex he manages. After all, no one can leave him if he doesn’t let anyone in. Will, a sexy, classic-film-loving twink, moves into the apartment across from him and—to Charlie’s surprise—makes it clear that he’d like nothing more than to hole up with Charlie and get kinky. Will has no problem expressing what he wants in bed or out of it, but he’s never dated anyone long-term, and Charlie isn’t sure Will’s ready for anything serious. Charlie is a serious kind of guy. He wants Will and everything a relationship could mean, even if he doesn’t have any experience in that scene—even if that makes him vulnerable. As they grow closer, Charlie realizes that it’s time to start asking for what he wants, and if he wants to be happy, he’ll have to risk everything and ask Will to stay.
370 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2012
49 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books996 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
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BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
May 26, 2012
Supurb, marvellous, wonderful.
This book makes a lot more sense if you're a fan of classic Hollywood films 1930-1969. Not only are these overtly referenced throughout, in Will's dialog, but the story is constructed in exactly the same manner. If you've never seen Sabrina, for example, some scenes must leave you wondering if the editor and writer did a terrible job: why is Will suddenly talking about forgetting to turn the oven on? Souffle? What souffle?
The story is character-driven, ignoring completely the idea of spectacle which marks both contemporary popular fiction, and 1970s or later films. Nothing 'happens' in the way contemporary fiction is structured. The drama comes from the human condition: we are unable to see into other's hearts, and we are unwilling to expose what is in our own.
The tragedy is, when we are willing, the barrier of language eternally separates us from others. It is this gulf between us that Cooper highlights through Will's use of film dialog. Will's appropriation of the (fictional) speech of others functions as an analogy for the way we have only a clumsy toolbox of sparse words to try to express our inner thoughts symbolically.
The dialog is gorgeous, amazing; it's like watching a 1940s film.
The book has been carefully constructed in the manner of a screenplay: you can even see the sets. There's a central courtyard set (very important), an apartment carpark, Grayson's apartment bedroom, & Charlie's apartment. Then there's two different bars, a restaurant, an alley, Charlie's family home kitchen and adjoining sitting room, (plus a long-shot of the car driving into the approaches, and an in-car rear-projection scene), and a city street. That's it. It's so carefully structured (for example, when Charlie leaves the kitchen to check on the farm, neither Will nor we go with him; Charlie simply exits the stage, to return later). 75% of the story happens just in Charlie's small apartment.
However, it's not written as a screenplay: instead it's evocative prose. God, I could feel the sweat dripping off Charlie with the heat bouncing off the concrete (Tennessee Williams, anyone?).
I bought the book because I read a couple of reviews that said this was Daddy-kink. It's definitely not a Daddy-kink book, even though the Daddy play is a pivotal point in the book (classic film noir misdirection). It's absolutely not a book about kink, and if this is what you want it will be a huge disappointment. It's not a work of erotica: it's far closer to literature than any other m/m book I've read, literature that includes some sizzling sex scenes. However I am very grateful to those reviewers, because I wouldn't have picked this up otherwise, and I wouldn't have missed this for the world.
This book makes a lot more sense if you're a fan of classic Hollywood films 1930-1969. Not only are these overtly referenced throughout, in Will's dialog, but the story is constructed in exactly the same manner. If you've never seen Sabrina, for example, some scenes must leave you wondering if the editor and writer did a terrible job: why is Will suddenly talking about forgetting to turn the oven on? Souffle? What souffle?
The story is character-driven, ignoring completely the idea of spectacle which marks both contemporary popular fiction, and 1970s or later films. Nothing 'happens' in the way contemporary fiction is structured. The drama comes from the human condition: we are unable to see into other's hearts, and we are unwilling to expose what is in our own.
The tragedy is, when we are willing, the barrier of language eternally separates us from others. It is this gulf between us that Cooper highlights through Will's use of film dialog. Will's appropriation of the (fictional) speech of others functions as an analogy for the way we have only a clumsy toolbox of sparse words to try to express our inner thoughts symbolically.
The dialog is gorgeous, amazing; it's like watching a 1940s film.
The book has been carefully constructed in the manner of a screenplay: you can even see the sets. There's a central courtyard set (very important), an apartment carpark, Grayson's apartment bedroom, & Charlie's apartment. Then there's two different bars, a restaurant, an alley, Charlie's family home kitchen and adjoining sitting room, (plus a long-shot of the car driving into the approaches, and an in-car rear-projection scene), and a city street. That's it. It's so carefully structured (for example, when Charlie leaves the kitchen to check on the farm, neither Will nor we go with him; Charlie simply exits the stage, to return later). 75% of the story happens just in Charlie's small apartment.
However, it's not written as a screenplay: instead it's evocative prose. God, I could feel the sweat dripping off Charlie with the heat bouncing off the concrete (Tennessee Williams, anyone?).
I bought the book because I read a couple of reviews that said this was Daddy-kink. It's definitely not a Daddy-kink book, even though the Daddy play is a pivotal point in the book (classic film noir misdirection). It's absolutely not a book about kink, and if this is what you want it will be a huge disappointment. It's not a work of erotica: it's far closer to literature than any other m/m book I've read, literature that includes some sizzling sex scenes. However I am very grateful to those reviewers, because I wouldn't have picked this up otherwise, and I wouldn't have missed this for the world.
January 14, 2016
I prefer Rosalind Russell, myself.
Too focused on minutia, and structured around little more than a series of frustrating conversations in various settings.
I found little to engage me; I need more than testy dialogue and glowering looks.
So the twink is fey and pretty. Big whoop.
So the other one's a grumpy cripple with a heart of gold. Well, shit—someone tell me what they're wearing and how their hair is styled this instant!
There's some nice writing. There is.
But very little happens that isn't a fraught conversation—and when neither of the participants can understand one another, how the devil can you?
Too focused on minutia, and structured around little more than a series of frustrating conversations in various settings.
I found little to engage me; I need more than testy dialogue and glowering looks.
So the twink is fey and pretty. Big whoop.
So the other one's a grumpy cripple with a heart of gold. Well, shit—someone tell me what they're wearing and how their hair is styled this instant!
There's some nice writing. There is.
But very little happens that isn't a fraught conversation—and when neither of the participants can understand one another, how the devil can you?
May 30, 2022
a very good - if sometimes frustrating - read. like most other R. Cooper books i've read, there was no real plot outside of the romance, but that wasn't an issue for me to be honest. the characters here were well-drawn and had realistic development over the course of the book, which i've come to expect from this author. both were very flawed but ultimately good guys, and those flaws definitely lead to some of the more frustrating moments in the story; i often wanted to shake both of the main characters and tell them to get their shit together!!!! and just be honest with each other lmao. their insecurities and misunderstandings were believable, though, even if these guys just having an honest conversation would have cleared a lot of their issues up well before the end of the book. at the same time, i totally bought why they acted the way they did and it felt very in character for both Charlie and Will to evade the more serious conversations and be more open with their feelings to and for each other.
also, this was the sex heaviest book i've read in a looong time. it's around 370ish pages and i wouldn't be surprised if half of that was just the sex scenes lol. there were BDSM/daddy kink themes aplenty here, and although i don't usually seek out stories like that, i didn't mind them in this one. the BDSM/daddy tropes(?) were sort of played with here and not completely straightforward, which is a big part of why i didn't mind them so much, as well. i'm not really sure how to explain that, but it was definitely refreshing to see the "daddy" - Charlie, in this case - not really adhere to the stock characteristics you come to expect from books like this.
this was the last book i read in my twenties, so i'm glad i enjoyed it so much. 4.25 stars rounded down.
also, this was the sex heaviest book i've read in a looong time. it's around 370ish pages and i wouldn't be surprised if half of that was just the sex scenes lol. there were BDSM/daddy kink themes aplenty here, and although i don't usually seek out stories like that, i didn't mind them in this one. the BDSM/daddy tropes(?) were sort of played with here and not completely straightforward, which is a big part of why i didn't mind them so much, as well. i'm not really sure how to explain that, but it was definitely refreshing to see the "daddy" - Charlie, in this case - not really adhere to the stock characteristics you come to expect from books like this.
this was the last book i read in my twenties, so i'm glad i enjoyed it so much. 4.25 stars rounded down.
August 4, 2012
Re-read on 5/8/12. This book really rewards a reread. The issues I first had with not following the dialogue weren't a problem this time around and I LOVE the two characters. Upped from 4 to 5 stars because I think it's a book I'll come back to over and over again.
Original Review (21/04/12):
This is the story of Charlie Howard, a retired cop, still recovering from an accident that's left him with scars and a limp. Now he's teaching criminal justice at a local community college and managing his family's apartment complex. Charlie is a take-charge sort of guy. He raised his sisters after their mother died, and is still the person they and their grandmother turn to for help. He feels like he has to hide his pain and loneliness to be the man they all need. This all becomes even more complicated when he falls in love with the flamboyant, sexy new tenant in his apartment block, William, who has a 'Daddy' fixation. Even though their attraction and lust is off the charts, their lack of communication and incorrect assumptions about what the other person wants, look set to bring it all crashing down.
There are so many things I liked about this story and the two MC's. The lust between them is so thick you could choke on it. The anticipation of that first time Charlie spanks Will is delicious. I wouldn't class this as a BDSM novel though. It's much more along the lines of K.A. Mitchell's Bad Boyfriend. It's a long story and you really get to see the relationship slowly grow. The gruff cop and the flamboyant twink are one of my favourite pairings in m/m romance and Charlie and Will are great examples of this trope. As someone who has always found the 'super dom' to be an unbelievable character, I loved seeing what happens when the dominant partner doesn't have all the answers.
What I found frustrating about the story was the dialogue which is hard to follow. It's like eavesdropping on a conversation and only hearing enough of it to confuse you. Charlie and Will are both VERY poor communicators and sometimes I wanted to yell at them to just say what they're thinking. Also the misunderstanding prior to the HEA was a little unbelievable for me.
Still I really enjoyed this story and I imagine I'll like it more on the second and third read. It's sexy and complicated and exactly the sort of book I love.
Original Review (21/04/12):
This is the story of Charlie Howard, a retired cop, still recovering from an accident that's left him with scars and a limp. Now he's teaching criminal justice at a local community college and managing his family's apartment complex. Charlie is a take-charge sort of guy. He raised his sisters after their mother died, and is still the person they and their grandmother turn to for help. He feels like he has to hide his pain and loneliness to be the man they all need. This all becomes even more complicated when he falls in love with the flamboyant, sexy new tenant in his apartment block, William, who has a 'Daddy' fixation. Even though their attraction and lust is off the charts, their lack of communication and incorrect assumptions about what the other person wants, look set to bring it all crashing down.
There are so many things I liked about this story and the two MC's. The lust between them is so thick you could choke on it. The anticipation of that first time Charlie spanks Will is delicious. I wouldn't class this as a BDSM novel though. It's much more along the lines of K.A. Mitchell's Bad Boyfriend. It's a long story and you really get to see the relationship slowly grow. The gruff cop and the flamboyant twink are one of my favourite pairings in m/m romance and Charlie and Will are great examples of this trope. As someone who has always found the 'super dom' to be an unbelievable character, I loved seeing what happens when the dominant partner doesn't have all the answers.
What I found frustrating about the story was the dialogue which is hard to follow. It's like eavesdropping on a conversation and only hearing enough of it to confuse you. Charlie and Will are both VERY poor communicators and sometimes I wanted to yell at them to just say what they're thinking. Also the misunderstanding prior to the HEA was a little unbelievable for me.
Still I really enjoyed this story and I imagine I'll like it more on the second and third read. It's sexy and complicated and exactly the sort of book I love.
March 15, 2025
Wow.
What a beautiful, sometimes heart breaking, but overall still heart warming novel.
I adored every minute of it.
Be aware this is extremely character driven, with the slowest (but oh so rewarding) emotional-relationship development.
It's a long book (400 pages) with no action but Charlie living his life (it's his pov) while in constant paim because of his not really healed hip after a car accident, and Will slowly becoming a prominent part of Charlie's life.
The development of the emotional connection between the MCs is building very slowly and getting stronger until the end.
We get only Charlie's pov and therefore can guess what Will feels (Charlie is observing every slight movement, everything Will says) but at the same time we know that Charlie doesn't see at all what Will feels, he can't imagine someone like Will falling for him, so Charlie shields himself against future heartbreak.
There's sex, but even though the intimate scenes are intense, the focus of the story is not on sex at all, but on Charlie's character, and how Will responds to Charlie. Charlie hopes Will might come over for some time because of sex, but doesn't believe Will could ever want more.
Will is at times as lost as Charlie, because of Charlie's inability to say clearly what he needs, hopes for, and fears.
R. Cooper has awesome writing skills, otherwise this story would have gotten boing or frustrating. Since they are a stellar writer, though, I was glued to the pages and feeling everything with Charlie.
I loved the last chapters so much, and would have loved much more time with them as a couple. I'll have to read/reread their AU stories to feel near them again.
4,5 stars.
(I think this might hit me even harder on a reread, because hopefully I'd get more clues sooner).
Ps I loved Jeanine and how she had Charlie's back, a reliable and loving friend.
What a beautiful, sometimes heart breaking, but overall still heart warming novel.
I adored every minute of it.
Be aware this is extremely character driven, with the slowest (but oh so rewarding) emotional-relationship development.
It's a long book (400 pages) with no action but Charlie living his life (it's his pov) while in constant paim because of his not really healed hip after a car accident, and Will slowly becoming a prominent part of Charlie's life.
The development of the emotional connection between the MCs is building very slowly and getting stronger until the end.
We get only Charlie's pov and therefore can guess what Will feels (Charlie is observing every slight movement, everything Will says) but at the same time we know that Charlie doesn't see at all what Will feels, he can't imagine someone like Will falling for him, so Charlie shields himself against future heartbreak.
There's sex, but even though the intimate scenes are intense, the focus of the story is not on sex at all, but on Charlie's character, and how Will responds to Charlie. Charlie hopes Will might come over for some time because of sex, but doesn't believe Will could ever want more.
Will is at times as lost as Charlie, because of Charlie's inability to say clearly what he needs, hopes for, and fears.
R. Cooper has awesome writing skills, otherwise this story would have gotten boing or frustrating. Since they are a stellar writer, though, I was glued to the pages and feeling everything with Charlie.
I loved the last chapters so much, and would have loved much more time with them as a couple. I'll have to read/reread their AU stories to feel near them again.
4,5 stars.
(I think this might hit me even harder on a reread, because hopefully I'd get more clues sooner).
Ps I loved Jeanine and how she had Charlie's back, a reliable and loving friend.
April 22, 2012
3.5 stars
This was a long and difficult book to get into but I persevered because I loved the story and the characters of Charlie and Will. What a complicated, confusing, frustrating and adorable duo, Seriously though they sucked at resolving or communicating normally! Two different personalities, a flighty twink and a closed off restrained professor, trying to work out what they need and want. Its not easy, for Charlie to talk about his feelings or disability was like pulling teeth a slow painful process. I wanted to yell and knock their heads together and often.
The chemistry was very real, flaming hot and constantly brewing beneath the surface, the connection between them sizzled constantly. Memorable and wonderful movie lines that surprisingly popped up. I recognised many they were a great addition and also the mention of my favourite movie "Laura" was fabulous, I love, love that movie. A big issue was the writing style, its hard work and tiring you really need to focus, at certain times I did need to refer back to work out who was saying what. So if you can get past this and stick with it its a thoroughly enjoyable romance. Oh and I am with Will I want to ban the words "I'm fine"!
This was a long and difficult book to get into but I persevered because I loved the story and the characters of Charlie and Will. What a complicated, confusing, frustrating and adorable duo, Seriously though they sucked at resolving or communicating normally! Two different personalities, a flighty twink and a closed off restrained professor, trying to work out what they need and want. Its not easy, for Charlie to talk about his feelings or disability was like pulling teeth a slow painful process. I wanted to yell and knock their heads together and often.
The chemistry was very real, flaming hot and constantly brewing beneath the surface, the connection between them sizzled constantly. Memorable and wonderful movie lines that surprisingly popped up. I recognised many they were a great addition and also the mention of my favourite movie "Laura" was fabulous, I love, love that movie. A big issue was the writing style, its hard work and tiring you really need to focus, at certain times I did need to refer back to work out who was saying what. So if you can get past this and stick with it its a thoroughly enjoyable romance. Oh and I am with Will I want to ban the words "I'm fine"!
April 26, 2012
2.5 STARS
WARNING: This is a rant.
I could not resist the temptation of some of my favorite themes. Opposites attract. A subdued, conservative professor. A flamboyant, sassy twink. The possibility of a "daddy" kink. YUMMM! I had to give it a try.
This was an exhausting uphill climb with plenty of obstacles almost every step of the way. I will join every reader who said the narrative felt disjointed and was left confused by the cryptic dialogue. One would say one thing and the other would answer with something completely unrelated. I couldn't keep up or figure out what these characters were talking about most of the time. Lots of talking around in circles and getting nowhere fast. I was as frustrated as they were.
These were some of the most physically and facially expressive characters I have encountered in quite some time.
The story was long, perhaps too long for what it was about. In an attempt at self-preservation I skimmed through the second half of it. I thought about giving up, but I LIKED Charlie and Will, I WANTED to know their story. And I did end up loving Charlie and Will and their story but NOT the way their story was told. The stars are for Charlie and Will. I'm tired, but they did end up being YUMMY after all.
WARNING: This is a rant.
I could not resist the temptation of some of my favorite themes. Opposites attract. A subdued, conservative professor. A flamboyant, sassy twink. The possibility of a "daddy" kink. YUMMM! I had to give it a try.
This was an exhausting uphill climb with plenty of obstacles almost every step of the way. I will join every reader who said the narrative felt disjointed and was left confused by the cryptic dialogue. One would say one thing and the other would answer with something completely unrelated. I couldn't keep up or figure out what these characters were talking about most of the time. Lots of talking around in circles and getting nowhere fast. I was as frustrated as they were.
These were some of the most physically and facially expressive characters I have encountered in quite some time.
The story was long, perhaps too long for what it was about. In an attempt at self-preservation I skimmed through the second half of it. I thought about giving up, but I LIKED Charlie and Will, I WANTED to know their story. And I did end up loving Charlie and Will and their story but NOT the way their story was told. The stars are for Charlie and Will. I'm tired, but they did end up being YUMMY after all.
April 22, 2012
2.5 - 3 stars
Difficult to get into due to the writing style, especially dialogue, because these men talk at each other, rather than to each other. And they often talk about two different things. And Will's dialogue is peppered with movie quotes. All.The.Time.
Charlie is basically emotionally autistic - he can't express himself, especially his desires and needs, he can't ask for help or accept it because he doesn't want to come across as weak, especially to his family. It's clear Will could be good for him, but, except for his Daddy kink, it's hard to say what Will finds so attractive in Charlie, especially because he immediately goes after him. Charlie clearly needs some professional help and it would be awesome to see him working through his issues, but that didn't happen.
I simply hated Charlie's overbearing family. Oh, he loves them and they love him, but they were such a burdensome bunch. You have to be really blind or self-involved to use a guy in Charlie's situation as your personal therapist/confidant/problem solver/pillar of strength all the time. Every. Day. Several. Times. And never notice his struggles or wants. I wanted to round them up and beat them senseless. Over and over again. I hoped that Charlie would set them straight at some point. That didn't happen either.
Still, Charlie and Will were good together and they - and the book - could have been even better if the story was at least 100 pages shorter. This way, since there wasn't much conflict in the story, they were watered down in a way. Charlie's constant fumbling and even sex (which was hot) got old really fast. I ended up skimming through the last 100 pages or so. The Big Misunderstanding at the end of the book was a final straw. I should have really loved these two - all the elements were there. In the end, I was just annoyed.
The cover is one of the best I've seen this year.
Difficult to get into due to the writing style, especially dialogue, because these men talk at each other, rather than to each other. And they often talk about two different things. And Will's dialogue is peppered with movie quotes. All.The.Time.
Charlie is basically emotionally autistic - he can't express himself, especially his desires and needs, he can't ask for help or accept it because he doesn't want to come across as weak, especially to his family. It's clear Will could be good for him, but, except for his Daddy kink, it's hard to say what Will finds so attractive in Charlie, especially because he immediately goes after him. Charlie clearly needs some professional help and it would be awesome to see him working through his issues, but that didn't happen.
I simply hated Charlie's overbearing family. Oh, he loves them and they love him, but they were such a burdensome bunch. You have to be really blind or self-involved to use a guy in Charlie's situation as your personal therapist/confidant/problem solver/pillar of strength all the time. Every. Day. Several. Times. And never notice his struggles or wants. I wanted to round them up and beat them senseless. Over and over again. I hoped that Charlie would set them straight at some point. That didn't happen either.
Still, Charlie and Will were good together and they - and the book - could have been even better if the story was at least 100 pages shorter. This way, since there wasn't much conflict in the story, they were watered down in a way. Charlie's constant fumbling and even sex (which was hot) got old really fast. I ended up skimming through the last 100 pages or so. The Big Misunderstanding at the end of the book was a final straw. I should have really loved these two - all the elements were there. In the end, I was just annoyed.
The cover is one of the best I've seen this year.
August 3, 2016
I have been saving this book since I read Emma Seas review, because I knew I would love it.
When I was growing up, on a Sunday afternoon I would watch old films ideally from the 40's, the glamour and style and romance of them, even if they were noir just blew me away. My especially favourite was The Maltese Falcon from that era, and then I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's - I had such a crush on Audrey Hepburn in that film, and remember trying to get her look by application of household bleach to my hair , applied via a toothbrush (luckily unsuccessful).
This book is totally character driven, and does read very cinematically, not just for the references from the films that Will watches, but also on how it's constructed. Basically it's the first few months of a relationship, the desires, the omissions and the misunderstandings.
The writing is gorgeous, like all R Coopers books . The themes of what makes us strong -what is strength and what is weakness are here as well (also a common thread in Coopers books) as well as the characters assuming that the other one knows what the hell is going on.
In terms of plot there is nothing here that will surprise, but how it's told, and how these two start to fall in love this book is beautiful.
When I was growing up, on a Sunday afternoon I would watch old films ideally from the 40's, the glamour and style and romance of them, even if they were noir just blew me away. My especially favourite was The Maltese Falcon from that era, and then I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's - I had such a crush on Audrey Hepburn in that film, and remember trying to get her look by application of household bleach to my hair , applied via a toothbrush (luckily unsuccessful).
This book is totally character driven, and does read very cinematically, not just for the references from the films that Will watches, but also on how it's constructed. Basically it's the first few months of a relationship, the desires, the omissions and the misunderstandings.
The writing is gorgeous, like all R Coopers books . The themes of what makes us strong -what is strength and what is weakness are here as well (also a common thread in Coopers books) as well as the characters assuming that the other one knows what the hell is going on.
In terms of plot there is nothing here that will surprise, but how it's told, and how these two start to fall in love this book is beautiful.
July 21, 2012
This book is not easy. You wil no doubt see other reviews that tell you that the first person narrative, the free flowing dialogue, the constant old movie one-liners and references make this a very difficult novel to read--to find a rhythm too--a groove that lets you fly through with ease. No, easy could never describe this novel--not by a long shot.
However, if you stick with it-if you overlook the stuttering cadence of the story, oh dear reader, then--well then you will have experienced one of the most beautiful stories I have ever had the privledge of reviewing.
"If you want me to be around, just ask." He'd be there, in a heartbeat, if at all possible.
"I...it was quiet without you."
"Quiet?" He loved the way Will angled his head as he considered that, though he didn't understand how uncertain Will could still be. "That's a bad thing?"
Charlie nodded, grateful once again when WIll seemed to get it. "A very bad thing."
Charlie, a forty-something ex-cop turned professor leads an almost reclusive life. Nearly killed by a drunk driver, now in near constant pain and bearing a limp, Charlie manages an apartment complex and takes care of his family, his Nana, his--well, everyone. Charlie takes care of everyone--but who takes care of him? No one--not until Will comes along.
Over ten years younger, a hair stylist--excuse me, colorist, Will springs into Charlie's life, spouting old movie one-liners and rarely standing still long enough to have second dates. Forget about long term commitment--that is simply not in Will's repetoire. Until Charlie...quiet, wounded, self-effacing Charlie changes everything. And the fear that change provokes in these two men threatens to derail the relationship before it can even get started.
From here the novel begins the most comprehensive, compelling character study ever to grace the written page. By the end of this novel you know exactly what makes Charlie tick. You understand that losing his lover after his accident left behind a damaged man--one who viewed himself as hardly worth the trouble it takes for another person to even acknowledge his existence, much less offer to take care of him--be his partner.
After finally acknowledging that he is drawn to WIll, Charlie decides from the very beginning that Will will walk away one day--that there can be no future--so Charlie never asks for one. Instead he hides his heart, his life, his needs and by doing so actually pushes Will away--effectively living out a self-fulfilling prophecy.
"It had been made clear over the years that he was too much trouble to demand effort from anyone else, even at his best. He was a pushing-forty something community college professor with an obvious limp and a family that took up most of his attention."
So Charlie pushes down his needs, his lust, his love...all the while giving Will lots of space to leave--because if you're Charlie then obviously no one would want you, would want to stay. My heart just broke for this man. He was so certain of his own inadequacies that he never once sees what Will does--a man who is strong, who is worth every ounce of effort.
And what about Will? A drifter whose only anchor is a sister who allows him to crash at her place when he needs a bed. He lives dangerously, much to Charlie's despair. Sex is a means to an end--a mindless flirtation. As Charlie points out, no one hears Will--no one listens to him, understands his needs and Will deserves so much more. And Charlie is desperate to be the one to give it to him.
For pages and pages, we watch these two men fall more and more deeply in love...without ever uttering the word or acknowledging it's presence in their lives. They dance around each other, have hot, tumultuous sexual encounters and never, ever really communicate their needs, their desire to have more--be more than a fly by affair.
And the heat and angst that R. Cooper pours onto the page is astounding--riveting--breathtakingly beautiful.
Play it Again, Charlie is not an easy read--you will have to work, particularly at the beginning, to follow the dialogue and the thought processes that are Charlie's inner speech. But, dear reader, this novel is so worth that effort.
The story is a simple one. Boy meets boy. They dance. They love. They nearly lose what is most important. But the way this encounter plays out. The passion and heat that sparks off of each page. The quiet moments of a budding friendship...of beginning love. Nothing could be finer. Nothing could be more beautiful.
I give you Play it Again, Charlie by R. Cooper. A five star read. And I invite you to come and join the dance. I think you will have the time of your life.
However, if you stick with it-if you overlook the stuttering cadence of the story, oh dear reader, then--well then you will have experienced one of the most beautiful stories I have ever had the privledge of reviewing.
"If you want me to be around, just ask." He'd be there, in a heartbeat, if at all possible.
"I...it was quiet without you."
"Quiet?" He loved the way Will angled his head as he considered that, though he didn't understand how uncertain Will could still be. "That's a bad thing?"
Charlie nodded, grateful once again when WIll seemed to get it. "A very bad thing."
Charlie, a forty-something ex-cop turned professor leads an almost reclusive life. Nearly killed by a drunk driver, now in near constant pain and bearing a limp, Charlie manages an apartment complex and takes care of his family, his Nana, his--well, everyone. Charlie takes care of everyone--but who takes care of him? No one--not until Will comes along.
Over ten years younger, a hair stylist--excuse me, colorist, Will springs into Charlie's life, spouting old movie one-liners and rarely standing still long enough to have second dates. Forget about long term commitment--that is simply not in Will's repetoire. Until Charlie...quiet, wounded, self-effacing Charlie changes everything. And the fear that change provokes in these two men threatens to derail the relationship before it can even get started.
From here the novel begins the most comprehensive, compelling character study ever to grace the written page. By the end of this novel you know exactly what makes Charlie tick. You understand that losing his lover after his accident left behind a damaged man--one who viewed himself as hardly worth the trouble it takes for another person to even acknowledge his existence, much less offer to take care of him--be his partner.
After finally acknowledging that he is drawn to WIll, Charlie decides from the very beginning that Will will walk away one day--that there can be no future--so Charlie never asks for one. Instead he hides his heart, his life, his needs and by doing so actually pushes Will away--effectively living out a self-fulfilling prophecy.
"It had been made clear over the years that he was too much trouble to demand effort from anyone else, even at his best. He was a pushing-forty something community college professor with an obvious limp and a family that took up most of his attention."
So Charlie pushes down his needs, his lust, his love...all the while giving Will lots of space to leave--because if you're Charlie then obviously no one would want you, would want to stay. My heart just broke for this man. He was so certain of his own inadequacies that he never once sees what Will does--a man who is strong, who is worth every ounce of effort.
And what about Will? A drifter whose only anchor is a sister who allows him to crash at her place when he needs a bed. He lives dangerously, much to Charlie's despair. Sex is a means to an end--a mindless flirtation. As Charlie points out, no one hears Will--no one listens to him, understands his needs and Will deserves so much more. And Charlie is desperate to be the one to give it to him.
For pages and pages, we watch these two men fall more and more deeply in love...without ever uttering the word or acknowledging it's presence in their lives. They dance around each other, have hot, tumultuous sexual encounters and never, ever really communicate their needs, their desire to have more--be more than a fly by affair.
And the heat and angst that R. Cooper pours onto the page is astounding--riveting--breathtakingly beautiful.
Play it Again, Charlie is not an easy read--you will have to work, particularly at the beginning, to follow the dialogue and the thought processes that are Charlie's inner speech. But, dear reader, this novel is so worth that effort.
The story is a simple one. Boy meets boy. They dance. They love. They nearly lose what is most important. But the way this encounter plays out. The passion and heat that sparks off of each page. The quiet moments of a budding friendship...of beginning love. Nothing could be finer. Nothing could be more beautiful.
I give you Play it Again, Charlie by R. Cooper. A five star read. And I invite you to come and join the dance. I think you will have the time of your life.
July 18, 2025
Wow, this was all sorts of lovely, NGL I ended up crying a little right there at the end.
Poor, sad, grumpy Charlie couldn’t believe someone as precious as Will would want him back; he just wanted Will to stay, and Will just wanted Charlie to ask him to.
I’m not a fan of overbearing families, and the grandmothers’ pushing bothered me a bit, but I guess I get it; after all, it sounded like a very real family dynamic.
But yeah, the epilogue was everything. ❤️
Charlie was the kind of idiot who would ask if he could be Will's happy ending, but for now
Poor, sad, grumpy Charlie couldn’t believe someone as precious as Will would want him back; he just wanted Will to stay, and Will just wanted Charlie to ask him to.
I’m not a fan of overbearing families, and the grandmothers’ pushing bothered me a bit, but I guess I get it; after all, it sounded like a very real family dynamic.
But yeah, the epilogue was everything. ❤️
Charlie was the kind of idiot who would ask if he could be Will's happy ending, but for now
August 12, 2012
I just can't get with this author's dialogue. It drives me nuts! I can't figure out why people are saying what they're saying, when they're saying it. The book was WAY too long and I found it rather boring. Sadly, this one just wasn't for me.
September 1, 2012
Tentative. The dance Charlie and Will embark on is shaky, they're both constantly attempting to figure out the other's intentions and nervous and scared of coming up short.
Will is sweet, open and eager to find someone who "gets" him, let alone appreciates him.
Charlie is struggling to find his equilibrium while balancing the load of his family obligations. Physically and mentally suffering he wants, but is unable to express his needs.
Needs. Both Will and Charlie have them. Both are afraid to voice them. The tentative dance they engage in to resolve both needs wants is charming and breath-holding at times.
Will is sweet, open and eager to find someone who "gets" him, let alone appreciates him.
Charlie is struggling to find his equilibrium while balancing the load of his family obligations. Physically and mentally suffering he wants, but is unable to express his needs.
Needs. Both Will and Charlie have them. Both are afraid to voice them. The tentative dance they engage in to resolve both needs wants is charming and breath-holding at times.
August 19, 2016
Lovely. Slow to start, it takes a while to get into the mood of the book but then it had me.
Charlie is practically mute and Will is almost incoherent, so it's miraculous that they manage to get together at all. But it's so good. It's intense and frustrating and erotic, and the constrained setting makes it almost like a play. This is a book that will get even better with re-reading. I don't think the Big Misunderstanding near the end was necessary (they rarely are), especially since they had been misunderstanding each other all along, but that is my only quibble.
Charlie is practically mute and Will is almost incoherent, so it's miraculous that they manage to get together at all. But it's so good. It's intense and frustrating and erotic, and the constrained setting makes it almost like a play. This is a book that will get even better with re-reading. I don't think the Big Misunderstanding near the end was necessary (they rarely are), especially since they had been misunderstanding each other all along, but that is my only quibble.
September 8, 2016
I was bored out of my wits by it. Language very very awkward! Couldn't get into it at all, and when trying to take it up again my reaction stayed the same.
Heh, and I bought this one because I simply adore the cover. Goes to tell ;)
Heh, and I bought this one because I simply adore the cover. Goes to tell ;)
December 20, 2017
1.5 stars
This book exhausted me.
It's too long, considering the little amount of plot and relationship development could've easily been fitted in less pages, but that’s not why reading it felt so much like a chore.
The narrative is chaotic, the dialogue confusing. The characters seem to talk to one another like they’re having two different conversations and it doesn’t happen only between the MCs either. One character would say something and the other would answer with something completely unrelated. Then there are these weird time jumps and we’re told what happened in a previous scene while in the middle of the next, so it gets harder to follow where exactly you’re in time and space in the story.
I’m not surprised the MCs spent so much of the story not understanding each other, since all they had was cryptic conversations that gave me headaches.
There are parts that are slightly better, but I’m still not sure if they were actually more clear or if my brain adjusted enough to the writing style to make it possible to follow what was going on.
I read other, more recent, books by this author and the writing was much better, so I’m inclined to think that this early work suffered from her inexperience. It’s a shame, because the characters and general plot were good, but the writing made it impossible for me to enjoy them.
The 2 stars are for Charlie and Will, I would have loved to read their story written in a way that made sense.
This book exhausted me.
It's too long, considering the little amount of plot and relationship development could've easily been fitted in less pages, but that’s not why reading it felt so much like a chore.
The narrative is chaotic, the dialogue confusing. The characters seem to talk to one another like they’re having two different conversations and it doesn’t happen only between the MCs either. One character would say something and the other would answer with something completely unrelated. Then there are these weird time jumps and we’re told what happened in a previous scene while in the middle of the next, so it gets harder to follow where exactly you’re in time and space in the story.
I’m not surprised the MCs spent so much of the story not understanding each other, since all they had was cryptic conversations that gave me headaches.
There are parts that are slightly better, but I’m still not sure if they were actually more clear or if my brain adjusted enough to the writing style to make it possible to follow what was going on.
I read other, more recent, books by this author and the writing was much better, so I’m inclined to think that this early work suffered from her inexperience. It’s a shame, because the characters and general plot were good, but the writing made it impossible for me to enjoy them.
The 2 stars are for Charlie and Will, I would have loved to read their story written in a way that made sense.
March 13, 2013
Here's the thing. I've loved all the books I've read from this author so far and this one was no exception. Cooper writes compelling characters and weaves beautiful stories with fitting - if not always pretty - settings, and you can't help but be transported to the world created and be thankful for the experience.
The problem is that the writing gives me, without fail, a godawful headache.
This is because the main characters are practically incapable of having a straight conversation. Someone always has to refer to something that the other immediately gets but the reader is totally in the dark about (and I'm not talking about the classic film lines one MC is fond of quoting in this one 'cause that was adorable). Someone always has to interrupt and then say something that seems so random - to the reader, anyway - but is actually connected to the current discussion. It's always like half of their conversation is on paper and half of it they're Legilimency-ing to each other. And having to figure out what these people mean, not to mention determining which 'he' said what, can take up a lot of energy I wouldn't usually spend had the story and the characters not made me fall in love with them.
'Cause this was worth all the Tylenol I had to take. The story was touching, the characters sympathetic, and the romance believable and deliciously raunchy. Charlie and Will may be one of my most favorite m/m couples and I'd go through their story again - headaches from their banter and all - because the romance and the payoff are all worth it in the end.
The problem is that the writing gives me, without fail, a godawful headache.
This is because the main characters are practically incapable of having a straight conversation. Someone always has to refer to something that the other immediately gets but the reader is totally in the dark about (and I'm not talking about the classic film lines one MC is fond of quoting in this one 'cause that was adorable). Someone always has to interrupt and then say something that seems so random - to the reader, anyway - but is actually connected to the current discussion. It's always like half of their conversation is on paper and half of it they're Legilimency-ing to each other. And having to figure out what these people mean, not to mention determining which 'he' said what, can take up a lot of energy I wouldn't usually spend had the story and the characters not made me fall in love with them.
'Cause this was worth all the Tylenol I had to take. The story was touching, the characters sympathetic, and the romance believable and deliciously raunchy. Charlie and Will may be one of my most favorite m/m couples and I'd go through their story again - headaches from their banter and all - because the romance and the payoff are all worth it in the end.
June 25, 2019
Odd, I'm sure I reviewed this once upon a whenever!
Anyhow - I like it. Will is a bubbling over with personality but hiding his heart. Charlie is strong but has lost himself in role of protector so less certain in himself. It's interesting as we get Charlie's pov to realise how little he gives Will, and how bright and seemingly open Will is in comparison. Yet both are guarding what they really want, afraid to speak the words.
The 'daddy kink' is mild with a kinda awkward (unnecessary) public spanking scene thrown in. But I like the mash of characters, seeing them learning to understand each other and really appreciate each others quirks.
Emma Sea has written a far more insightful review than me - go read that ;)
I'm pretty sure this started life as an AU 'The Losers' fanfic the characters personalities - Charlie; silent, focused, longish hair, Mexican roots also called 'Carlito/Carlos' Would be 'Carlo/Cougar' and bright, hyper, blond, only family a sister, far smarter than most realise - Will would be Jensen. Reads as completely original, but I wondered.
Anyhow - I like it. Will is a bubbling over with personality but hiding his heart. Charlie is strong but has lost himself in role of protector so less certain in himself. It's interesting as we get Charlie's pov to realise how little he gives Will, and how bright and seemingly open Will is in comparison. Yet both are guarding what they really want, afraid to speak the words.
The 'daddy kink' is mild with a kinda awkward (unnecessary) public spanking scene thrown in. But I like the mash of characters, seeing them learning to understand each other and really appreciate each others quirks.
Emma Sea has written a far more insightful review than me - go read that ;)
I'm pretty sure this started life as an AU 'The Losers' fanfic the characters personalities - Charlie; silent, focused, longish hair, Mexican roots also called 'Carlito/Carlos' Would be 'Carlo/Cougar' and bright, hyper, blond, only family a sister, far smarter than most realise - Will would be Jensen. Reads as completely original, but I wondered.
April 26, 2015
This is a like it or hate it book. There's no two ways about it.
I enjoyed this story a lot.
Plot development-wise, this was about 200 pages too long. The book was full of unnecessary minutiae of Charlie and Will's day-to-day life and the many, many, MANY dialogues in which Charlie and Will kept misunderstanding each other.
Still, I have to confess that I liked the whole story. I enjoyed the drawn out storyline and all unnecessary elements I mentioned earlier.
I enjoyed this story a lot.
Plot development-wise, this was about 200 pages too long. The book was full of unnecessary minutiae of Charlie and Will's day-to-day life and the many, many, MANY dialogues in which Charlie and Will kept misunderstanding each other.
Still, I have to confess that I liked the whole story. I enjoyed the drawn out storyline and all unnecessary elements I mentioned earlier.
January 2, 2015
4.5 stars.
"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra."
This enigmatic phrase, from an episode of Star Trek, recalls two would-be friends who face nearly insurmountable communication difficulties. It may serve as an epigraph for this substantial (1000+ ebook pages) and ambitious novel, in equal parts frustrating and wonderful.
Charlie and Will speak English, but not each other's language. Charlie is purposefully hiding the extent of his feelings. Will is more open, but however broadly he hints, Charlie cannot hear him through the protective shell he has built around himself.
The writing style is, as reviewers have observed, "difficult." We are solely in Charlie's head, and because he cannot clearly process Will's signals, the reader gets garbled input. This is not a book to read while distracted. Although the language seems simple and direct, for Charlie, every line of Will's dialogue and tilt of Will's head may be fraught with cryptic meaning. And like Charlie, the reader goes back sometimes to figure it out. This will undoubtedly put some readers off. It gave me pause at the beginning, but was not enough to interfere with my fascination to know what was going to happen next.
The book has no plot beyond the gradual reveal of each man's personality, baggage, and desires, and the development of their relationship. But the characters, particularly Charlie, captivated me, and it felt like a pleasure and privilege to watch their story unfold. This emotionally dense journey is rich with humor, sweetness, poignancy, deliciously building erotic tension, kink (mild), and tenderness. The conclusion is rewarding and satisfying. (Bonus for the gorgeous color cover art, whimsical and apt.)
Recommended--just not for everyone.
"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra."
This enigmatic phrase, from an episode of Star Trek, recalls two would-be friends who face nearly insurmountable communication difficulties. It may serve as an epigraph for this substantial (1000+ ebook pages) and ambitious novel, in equal parts frustrating and wonderful.
Charlie and Will speak English, but not each other's language. Charlie is purposefully hiding the extent of his feelings. Will is more open, but however broadly he hints, Charlie cannot hear him through the protective shell he has built around himself.
The writing style is, as reviewers have observed, "difficult." We are solely in Charlie's head, and because he cannot clearly process Will's signals, the reader gets garbled input. This is not a book to read while distracted. Although the language seems simple and direct, for Charlie, every line of Will's dialogue and tilt of Will's head may be fraught with cryptic meaning. And like Charlie, the reader goes back sometimes to figure it out. This will undoubtedly put some readers off. It gave me pause at the beginning, but was not enough to interfere with my fascination to know what was going to happen next.
The book has no plot beyond the gradual reveal of each man's personality, baggage, and desires, and the development of their relationship. But the characters, particularly Charlie, captivated me, and it felt like a pleasure and privilege to watch their story unfold. This emotionally dense journey is rich with humor, sweetness, poignancy, deliciously building erotic tension, kink (mild), and tenderness. The conclusion is rewarding and satisfying. (Bonus for the gorgeous color cover art, whimsical and apt.)
Recommended--just not for everyone.
December 4, 2015
This is it. I am DNF-ing at 30%.
The scene at the nursery was the final drop. I couldn't figure out where and when Charlie and Will were. Again.
No, I lie. I could. But just as I was able to, they were somewhere else entirely - in time and space. And it applies to the whole 30% I've read so far. It's a battle.
The whole switching back and forth trick is so... je ne sais quoi... a paragraph in the present, a paragraph in the past - Time Travel? I should file it under that tag.
*
I might pick it up again later, I don't know. We'll see.
2 stars for now.
The scene at the nursery was the final drop. I couldn't figure out where and when Charlie and Will were. Again.
No, I lie. I could. But just as I was able to, they were somewhere else entirely - in time and space. And it applies to the whole 30% I've read so far. It's a battle.
The whole switching back and forth trick is so... je ne sais quoi... a paragraph in the present, a paragraph in the past - Time Travel? I should file it under that tag.
*
I might pick it up again later, I don't know. We'll see.
2 stars for now.
April 24, 2012
“I like how you talk, Charlie, but I have no idea what you mean.”
well, same here! charlie is really messed up, will is as much a mystery to me as he is to charlie and both together are just plain awkward. so is the writing, especially the pacing and the dialogue.
reading this book was like watching a train-wreck happening, in reverse and slow motion. it's an absolute mess, highly confusing and absolutely fascinating - I loved it!
well, same here! charlie is really messed up, will is as much a mystery to me as he is to charlie and both together are just plain awkward. so is the writing, especially the pacing and the dialogue.
reading this book was like watching a train-wreck happening, in reverse and slow motion. it's an absolute mess, highly confusing and absolutely fascinating - I loved it!
dnf
January 4, 2025DNF @ 72%.
Admittedly, I should have quit 52% ago.
I love R. Cooper, and the pining and the Sad Boy TMs who can’t see what anyone could possibly see in them… but this just is too much.
I do think I might have self sabotaged my reading of this by reading Forget the Mistletoe first. I liked Will’s POV, so seeing this was from Charlie’s was a bit disappointing… and Charlie is hard to like for the first 1/5 of the book… he is more grumpy than sad, and I just want Sad Charlie.
500+ pages of these guys having entire conversations that are just saying each others name and/or exchanging looks and expecting each other to completely understand the full weight of the word or look… the thought, the feelings behind it.
If this was a 300 page book, maybe I could do it. But this? This is too much. Like, I finally thought we were getting somewhere, but it’s just more sex and misunderstandings.
Four days of trying to read this is a minimum of 3 days more than I should have spent. R. Cooper’s books typically are stories I can’t put down, this one I could hardly pick up.
Admittedly, I should have quit 52% ago.
I love R. Cooper, and the pining and the Sad Boy TMs who can’t see what anyone could possibly see in them… but this just is too much.
I do think I might have self sabotaged my reading of this by reading Forget the Mistletoe first. I liked Will’s POV, so seeing this was from Charlie’s was a bit disappointing… and Charlie is hard to like for the first 1/5 of the book… he is more grumpy than sad, and I just want Sad Charlie.
500+ pages of these guys having entire conversations that are just saying each others name and/or exchanging looks and expecting each other to completely understand the full weight of the word or look… the thought, the feelings behind it.
If this was a 300 page book, maybe I could do it. But this? This is too much. Like, I finally thought we were getting somewhere, but it’s just more sex and misunderstandings.
Four days of trying to read this is a minimum of 3 days more than I should have spent. R. Cooper’s books typically are stories I can’t put down, this one I could hardly pick up.
November 2, 2012
3.5 stars
The great:
Play It Again, Charlie is the ultimate slow burn/UST read, it is character driven, has some great dialogue and Charlie and Will are such a sweet couple! Charlie is a shell of a man, going through the moves, held prisoner to a myriad of demands and responsibilities: to an injury that forced him to leave the police force, to the demands of his extended family, and to his new teaching job. He’s so...downtrodden and in constant pain. Then there is Will, the golden boy who has just moved into the apartment across the way, a fey, twinkish mystery-man hairdresser; his interest in and pursuit of Charlie unwavering and relentless. He doesn’t know what to make of Charlie and we feel that Will is not used to being confused, of having to do the pursuing. We can feel his yearning (realized by his attraction to Charlie) for the transition from party boy to deeper relationship.
I really fell for Will. What I like best about him is that he searches for what lies behind the wall Charlie has put up to the world and he eventually sees the real man, the man that Charlie doesn’t even know he is. Will loves to play and he sweetly draws Charlie into letting go to play along with him. When they finally knock knees the relief is so palpable, so erotic, they’re achingly ready for it and believe me the reader is more than ready for it too. The flirting, courting, and sexual innuendos really serve to ramp things up. The author takes you along on Charlie and Will’s slow dance, shaping it with references to old black and white films that Will loves and is constantly referencing. We get an intimate view of two men figuring out how to come together. This sets up a strong voyeuristic feel -- like we’re right in the room watching the action unfold.
The not so great:
The author’s writing style works to undermine this gentle romance -- a case of clumsy delivery interfering with a great concept. I found myself gritting my teeth sometimes at the extremely slow-moving storyline -- storytelling so drawn out and at times redundant that it borders on tedious. The attention wanders, never a good thing. Even though I love Will and I love Will and Charlie together (ached for them!), a reader shouldn’t have to work this hard. A good editor could have helped to streamline this and really make it sing!
If you’re a patient reader and like careful character development and a sweet romance that could come out of an old black and white film (save the delicious man on man action), read this one. You will certainly want to make Charlie and Will’s acquaintance but just remember that it will be a long and bumpy ride.
The great:
Play It Again, Charlie is the ultimate slow burn/UST read, it is character driven, has some great dialogue and Charlie and Will are such a sweet couple! Charlie is a shell of a man, going through the moves, held prisoner to a myriad of demands and responsibilities: to an injury that forced him to leave the police force, to the demands of his extended family, and to his new teaching job. He’s so...downtrodden and in constant pain. Then there is Will, the golden boy who has just moved into the apartment across the way, a fey, twinkish mystery-man hairdresser; his interest in and pursuit of Charlie unwavering and relentless. He doesn’t know what to make of Charlie and we feel that Will is not used to being confused, of having to do the pursuing. We can feel his yearning (realized by his attraction to Charlie) for the transition from party boy to deeper relationship.
I really fell for Will. What I like best about him is that he searches for what lies behind the wall Charlie has put up to the world and he eventually sees the real man, the man that Charlie doesn’t even know he is. Will loves to play and he sweetly draws Charlie into letting go to play along with him. When they finally knock knees the relief is so palpable, so erotic, they’re achingly ready for it and believe me the reader is more than ready for it too. The flirting, courting, and sexual innuendos really serve to ramp things up. The author takes you along on Charlie and Will’s slow dance, shaping it with references to old black and white films that Will loves and is constantly referencing. We get an intimate view of two men figuring out how to come together. This sets up a strong voyeuristic feel -- like we’re right in the room watching the action unfold.
The not so great:
The author’s writing style works to undermine this gentle romance -- a case of clumsy delivery interfering with a great concept. I found myself gritting my teeth sometimes at the extremely slow-moving storyline -- storytelling so drawn out and at times redundant that it borders on tedious. The attention wanders, never a good thing. Even though I love Will and I love Will and Charlie together (ached for them!), a reader shouldn’t have to work this hard. A good editor could have helped to streamline this and really make it sing!
If you’re a patient reader and like careful character development and a sweet romance that could come out of an old black and white film (save the delicious man on man action), read this one. You will certainly want to make Charlie and Will’s acquaintance but just remember that it will be a long and bumpy ride.
July 27, 2014
I loved this book! I think that I am putting this author on my auto buy list.
We are Charlie, so the only perspective is his. He is a former cop, now a professor, who is the strong pillar for his entire family. We can tell that he puts everyone else ahead of himself. Which makes him admirable, but frustrating for himself. This becomes the primary conflict on his and Will's relationship.
Will is adorable. I suppose that he what we could call the stereotypical "gay hair dresser" for the surface. I loved the way he dealt with his life and his past.
They make such an adorable couple. The significance I got out of this story was that you can not just look at someone and think that the "flighty party-boy gay man" means they have no depth, or even that it is true. We are not who are look at first glance. Take a minute to talk and discover what is beneath.
In Charlie, we learn that we need to look at those rocks in our lives and make sure they are ok. Just become someone says "I'm fine," might not mean they are. In fact, they most likely are not.
Lovely book. Will read over and over.....
We are Charlie, so the only perspective is his. He is a former cop, now a professor, who is the strong pillar for his entire family. We can tell that he puts everyone else ahead of himself. Which makes him admirable, but frustrating for himself. This becomes the primary conflict on his and Will's relationship.
Will is adorable. I suppose that he what we could call the stereotypical "gay hair dresser" for the surface. I loved the way he dealt with his life and his past.
They make such an adorable couple. The significance I got out of this story was that you can not just look at someone and think that the "flighty party-boy gay man" means they have no depth, or even that it is true. We are not who are look at first glance. Take a minute to talk and discover what is beneath.
In Charlie, we learn that we need to look at those rocks in our lives and make sure they are ok. Just become someone says "I'm fine," might not mean they are. In fact, they most likely are not.
Lovely book. Will read over and over.....
October 8, 2013
3.5-4 stars. I really enjoyed this one. I liked the slow pace and adored both characters. I do wish we got to see Charlie from Will's POV once in awhile. (and I think I'm developing a daddy!kink because that smexxin' was pretty hot!)
These guys did need to communicate better! I was confused for alot of their conversations for the simple fact that they were confused by what the other wanted or meant. Loved how it all turned out and would love to read more of this couple.
These guys did need to communicate better! I was confused for alot of their conversations for the simple fact that they were confused by what the other wanted or meant. Loved how it all turned out and would love to read more of this couple.
August 16, 2019
I usually like R. Cooper, though the writing style is a bit odd. However, the dialogue here really didn't work for me. To demonstrate, I will finish this review in the same style.
"Charlie is..."
"I don't really..."
"But why..."
"Cooper?"
"Did you..."
"Will's fine."
"The man..."
"Cooper?"
*sighs*
"Ok then."
Like, how is that a whole conversation??
"Charlie is..."
"I don't really..."
"But why..."
"Cooper?"
"Did you..."
"Will's fine."
"The man..."
"Cooper?"
*sighs*
"Ok then."
Like, how is that a whole conversation??
January 11, 2019
Conscientious worrier meets happy-go-lucky younger man. Full review to follow, but this was a superb character-driven love story, with some of the best and most nuanced writing I've come across for a long time. Not perfect, perhaps, but so enjoyable nonetheless. I've become a huge Cooper fan.
April 22, 2012
This reading experience consisted of two confused MC's and a confused reader. They don't understand each other and I dont understand either of them.
August 27, 2017
This is a tender and hot romance between a gruff older Criminal Justice Professor and a young hair stylist.
It is an opposites attract romance between Charlie and Will, neither of whom are great at talking or letting themselves be fully scene. At the end of the book, Charlie's lack of sharing is frustrating but because there are all kinds of levels of intimacy (the heat factor is much higher here than in most Cooper books), the struggle to articulate and risk on these heroes part feels more natural.
I think the love between them is a healing love and I liked the slow flowering. The end of the story was a bit of a mess but we get an HEA that satisfies.
It is an opposites attract romance between Charlie and Will, neither of whom are great at talking or letting themselves be fully scene. At the end of the book, Charlie's lack of sharing is frustrating but because there are all kinds of levels of intimacy (the heat factor is much higher here than in most Cooper books), the struggle to articulate and risk on these heroes part feels more natural.
I think the love between them is a healing love and I liked the slow flowering. The end of the story was a bit of a mess but we get an HEA that satisfies.
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