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Working Boys #1
Charlie, Rentboy
Got two hundred and fifty dollars for an hour of fun? Then say hello to Charlie, a hot little rentboy working his way through an engineering degree on his back. He’s got shaggy blond hair that’s great to hang on to while you fuck him from behind, and sweet innocent blue eyes that look very enticing when he gazes up at you with your cock in his mouth. That is, until he’s hired by innocent rich boy John Middleton, head of Middleton Communication. John is so far in the closet he could find Narnia. But when John and Charlie get together for an explosive weekend of sex, everything goes to hell.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
2 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Barnaby
51 books581 followersAn award-winning, best-selling novelist of over a dozen books, J. P. Barnaby is a proud member of the GLBT community both online and in her small town on the outskirts of Chicago. A member of Mensa, she is often described as brilliant but troubled, sweet but introverted and talented but deviant. She spends her days writing software and her nights writing erotica which is, of course, far more interesting. The spare time that she carves out between her career and her novels is spent reading about the concept of love, which, like some of her characters, she has never quite figured out for herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 15, 2014
I have a thing for rentboy stories so I'm on the lookout for them.( eta in BOOKS people, on the lookout for them only in books..)
This one was cute,easy, fluffy and fun.
Charlie is financing his engineering degree by running ads for his special services.
Now he's practically hit the jackpot, not only did John book him for the whole weekend, he's good looking, sexy, sweet and a genuinely nice guy who wants the boyfriend experience .
Charlie is funny and has no issues with his self esteem, he's not a rentboy because he was tricked in to it, he's not suffered any abuse, he's in it for the money and the sex. He has 6 more months until he has his degree and then he's going to move on, but until then : “I shield my identity like Clark Kent or Peter Parker, except my superpower is far more fun than strength or swinging from buildings; I am able to bottom tall tops in a single fuck. I can suck the chrome off a bumper and leave the car still standing. In other words, I am sexually gifted, a hero among gay men.”
But what is it they say about the best laid plans....
This one was cute,easy, fluffy and fun.
Charlie is financing his engineering degree by running ads for his special services.
Now he's practically hit the jackpot, not only did John book him for the whole weekend, he's good looking, sexy, sweet and a genuinely nice guy who wants the boyfriend experience .
Charlie is funny and has no issues with his self esteem, he's not a rentboy because he was tricked in to it, he's not suffered any abuse, he's in it for the money and the sex. He has 6 more months until he has his degree and then he's going to move on, but until then : “I shield my identity like Clark Kent or Peter Parker, except my superpower is far more fun than strength or swinging from buildings; I am able to bottom tall tops in a single fuck. I can suck the chrome off a bumper and leave the car still standing. In other words, I am sexually gifted, a hero among gay men.”
But what is it they say about the best laid plans....
September 22, 2013
"Sure, sounded like an easy weekend and definitely worth my time. At least, that's what I thought - until he f***ed up my life."
Okay, it's pretty obvious from the title that this book is about "Charlie" who is a rentboy. And yes, the plot does sound a little familiar as the struggling student/rentboy Charlie takes on a weekend engagement with John, corporate millionaire. But the story has a uniqueness all it's own. This story has a lovely focus on the emotions of the two men and a surprising ending. From the first pages I thought I would know the outcome of the story but it wasn't what I expected.
The highlight of the story was the unique insight provided into each character and the way their true nature was revealed as the story progressed. I particularly liked the wonderful portrayal of Charlie and the way he is brought to life. At the start of the book he is a focused and confident young man, not letting his circumstances put an education and career out of his reach. He is a smooth talking rentboy, out to play the 'game' and to secure return business. At the same time we meet the corporate rich boy, John, who even though he heads up a large company, is inexperienced, sexually shy and emotional.
However, when the 'event' happens, suddenly we see an almost role reversal as "Charlie" reveals his true self. We see the young student not the rentboy, and his real desires in life. He just wants a solid career and to make his mother happy. John however steps up to the plate, taking responsibility and making decisions to manage the situation.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the sex, the plot and the ending!
Make sure you check out the video below for an audio excerpt from the beginning of the book and a look at some cute boys!
Charlie, Rentboy on YouTube
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Thank you to the author and publisher who provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Okay, it's pretty obvious from the title that this book is about "Charlie" who is a rentboy. And yes, the plot does sound a little familiar as the struggling student/rentboy Charlie takes on a weekend engagement with John, corporate millionaire. But the story has a uniqueness all it's own. This story has a lovely focus on the emotions of the two men and a surprising ending. From the first pages I thought I would know the outcome of the story but it wasn't what I expected.
The highlight of the story was the unique insight provided into each character and the way their true nature was revealed as the story progressed. I particularly liked the wonderful portrayal of Charlie and the way he is brought to life. At the start of the book he is a focused and confident young man, not letting his circumstances put an education and career out of his reach. He is a smooth talking rentboy, out to play the 'game' and to secure return business. At the same time we meet the corporate rich boy, John, who even though he heads up a large company, is inexperienced, sexually shy and emotional.
However, when the 'event' happens, suddenly we see an almost role reversal as "Charlie" reveals his true self. We see the young student not the rentboy, and his real desires in life. He just wants a solid career and to make his mother happy. John however steps up to the plate, taking responsibility and making decisions to manage the situation.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the sex, the plot and the ending!
Make sure you check out the video below for an audio excerpt from the beginning of the book and a look at some cute boys!
Charlie, Rentboy on YouTube
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Thank you to the author and publisher who provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 5, 2013
This is pretty-womanesque romance and smutty fluff in all its glory! I can’t say that I am a huge fan of the genre, but “Charlie, rentboy” is a decent rom-com that avoided sinking in syrup so that I could enjoy the cheeky parts.
I am partial to wit and sass, and Charlie’s verbal antics about his slutty prettiness might get old sometimes, but his devil may-care attitude makes him an amusing and likable character; all the more so when it is softened by flickers of kindness.
John brings the very substantial bank account, the heart on the sleeve, wide-eyed innocence, and the final little touch of sadness on top of the kink.
Sass + sad but sexy panda = cute equation in a story that provides a great amount of moans and a reasonable diversity of positions, strokes of fate, romantic gestures and pure feelings.
I found the plot predictable and contrived, I rolled my eyes more often than not, but I smiled too, and even though I wasn’t carried away, I had quite a pleasant time.
This story should thrill fluff lovers, and possibly provide an agreeable interlude between heavier reads, if you’re not totally allergic to cuteness.
Side Note : did you notice that I refrained from reviewing the cover? I didn’t want to ruin your experience with unnecessary words.
I am partial to wit and sass, and Charlie’s verbal antics about his slutty prettiness might get old sometimes, but his devil may-care attitude makes him an amusing and likable character; all the more so when it is softened by flickers of kindness.
John brings the very substantial bank account, the heart on the sleeve, wide-eyed innocence, and the final little touch of sadness on top of the kink.
Sass + sad but sexy panda = cute equation in a story that provides a great amount of moans and a reasonable diversity of positions, strokes of fate, romantic gestures and pure feelings.
I found the plot predictable and contrived, I rolled my eyes more often than not, but I smiled too, and even though I wasn’t carried away, I had quite a pleasant time.
This story should thrill fluff lovers, and possibly provide an agreeable interlude between heavier reads, if you’re not totally allergic to cuteness.
Side Note : did you notice that I refrained from reviewing the cover? I didn’t want to ruin your experience with unnecessary words.
September 20, 2013
I was looking for a fairly short read to fill my afternoon and this certainly hit the spot. Charlie is a high-priced rent boy working his way through college. He accepts a weekend assignment from a guy calling himself “John” (don’t they all??) Their story is sweet and I really enjoyed it.
October 7, 2013
°•○★5 Stars - KAPOW★○•°
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
This book has one of my absolute favourite tropes… Rentboys. Add a new (to me) author in JP Barnaby. Yep. This book was all mine :-) and damn but it was good! A whore with a heart and a john that actually is a John, who falls in love – I loved it!!
It tells the story of Charlie: Electrical Engineering student and part-time Rent Boy…
Whilst Charlie loves what he does (hooking), and makes no apologies for how he is funding his time at College, he has no intention of this hooking side line being a lifelong thing. He has a plan…. 6 more months and he will have finished college and he can hang up his jock strap … well, his professional one at any rate. :-P The book starts with him heading off to his latest “job” – a nice, lucrative weekend gig – he is used to his johns being the kind of guys that maybe struggle to find a date in the conventional way (for a variety of reasons) but this john is different from the get go. From the minute he sees John, when he opens the door, Charlie knows this is going to be like no gig before – he is gorgeous! And Charlie soon discovers that, beyond that, he is actually a really nice, decent, fun, funny guy – he cannot understand why he needs to hire a guy for sex, or even to just spend time with him – he is charming. Of course, if it seems to good to be true… it often is.
John, the john, is a lovely guy. Loaded, gorgeous, sweet, somewhat naive – almost perfect. Almost. But there are some things he does on their various dates over the weekend that just seem off. Like he is hiding something. We know that he has had a pretty tough upbringing – not exactly surrounded by loving, supportive family members. He is in the closet, which is how it “has” to be – he is a high-profile businessman, always in the society pages with various beautiful girls on his arm, never anything long-term though – he is scared of the ramifications should he come out. Would his tenuous hold of the board be weakened further should he admit to being gay? Or would this in fact free him to be his own person, for once in his life? Free to maybe do what he really wants? The unknown can be scary, change is terrifying – but sometimes the safe option has to be blown apart! But how do you reclaim your life? Take charge? When all your life you have been groomed and guided for one role? Okay… I am out of question marks :-P so that is all the snippets I am giving, without spoiling the story.
Charlie is a lovely character – his struggle to not give in and let this connection between him and his John seem real was cute, his inner monologue funny! And the way he tries to steer the conversation to safer ground when he feels things are getting serious, or when he is sharing too much? Well, diversionary tactics have never been so sexy! John was also wonderful – as all romantic johns are. Think Pretty Woman ♥ only substitute it for Gorgeous Guy ♥ The book was fun, and obviously very sexy. Hooker! Nuff said. There is a twist in the “tale” which I never saw, not to say that I am the most intuitive reader – but I thought it was nicely surprising. Go on. Buy the book. See what you think. I really liked the writing style of JP Barnaby, and cannot wait to read more by her – both in this series, and beyond. I highly recommend this book!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
This book has one of my absolute favourite tropes… Rentboys. Add a new (to me) author in JP Barnaby. Yep. This book was all mine :-) and damn but it was good! A whore with a heart and a john that actually is a John, who falls in love – I loved it!!
It tells the story of Charlie: Electrical Engineering student and part-time Rent Boy…
Whilst Charlie loves what he does (hooking), and makes no apologies for how he is funding his time at College, he has no intention of this hooking side line being a lifelong thing. He has a plan…. 6 more months and he will have finished college and he can hang up his jock strap … well, his professional one at any rate. :-P The book starts with him heading off to his latest “job” – a nice, lucrative weekend gig – he is used to his johns being the kind of guys that maybe struggle to find a date in the conventional way (for a variety of reasons) but this john is different from the get go. From the minute he sees John, when he opens the door, Charlie knows this is going to be like no gig before – he is gorgeous! And Charlie soon discovers that, beyond that, he is actually a really nice, decent, fun, funny guy – he cannot understand why he needs to hire a guy for sex, or even to just spend time with him – he is charming. Of course, if it seems to good to be true… it often is.
John, the john, is a lovely guy. Loaded, gorgeous, sweet, somewhat naive – almost perfect. Almost. But there are some things he does on their various dates over the weekend that just seem off. Like he is hiding something. We know that he has had a pretty tough upbringing – not exactly surrounded by loving, supportive family members. He is in the closet, which is how it “has” to be – he is a high-profile businessman, always in the society pages with various beautiful girls on his arm, never anything long-term though – he is scared of the ramifications should he come out. Would his tenuous hold of the board be weakened further should he admit to being gay? Or would this in fact free him to be his own person, for once in his life? Free to maybe do what he really wants? The unknown can be scary, change is terrifying – but sometimes the safe option has to be blown apart! But how do you reclaim your life? Take charge? When all your life you have been groomed and guided for one role? Okay… I am out of question marks :-P so that is all the snippets I am giving, without spoiling the story.
Charlie is a lovely character – his struggle to not give in and let this connection between him and his John seem real was cute, his inner monologue funny! And the way he tries to steer the conversation to safer ground when he feels things are getting serious, or when he is sharing too much? Well, diversionary tactics have never been so sexy! John was also wonderful – as all romantic johns are. Think Pretty Woman ♥ only substitute it for Gorgeous Guy ♥ The book was fun, and obviously very sexy. Hooker! Nuff said. There is a twist in the “tale” which I never saw, not to say that I am the most intuitive reader – but I thought it was nicely surprising. Go on. Buy the book. See what you think. I really liked the writing style of JP Barnaby, and cannot wait to read more by her – both in this series, and beyond. I highly recommend this book!
September 9, 2013
Cute and surprisingly fluffy short story, considering one of the MCs is a rent boy. At 69 (teehee) pages on my Nook, it felt too short. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Charlie is a rent boy by choice, a point that is driven home early on. He chose this temporary career path out of necessity to make it through four years of college, with the goal of quitting when he graduates. I suspect there are plenty of young men who see this as a short term solution to paying the bills, much like porn, without realizing that it takes a shit ton of compartmentalizing in order to not lose yourself in the process or carry lasting scars. It's imperative to be safe, and many of these points were covered in this novella.
In this story, Charlie has that ability, and he knows to never let a john into his real life. He plays his part of the fantasy, gets paid and moves on.
Until John Middleton books him for a weekend. There's a spark from the start between Charlie and the shy young man who hired him, and it was actually quite lovely to see this self-proclaimed rent boy suddenly become softer as the hours pass. Of course, John has a large part in Charlie's gradual slide into opening up, giving much of himself and revealing a few things he's kept hidden.
Naturally, life throws a wrench into the best laid plans, and when Charlie and John are confronted with exposure, John suggests a solution that had me go "eeek" for just a minute. The author must have anticipated that, because it only lasted as long as John's explanation and assurances as to his expectations for Charlie.
Up until that point, I was very much enjoying this book, but the ending left me wanting. I kind of hoped for a bit more in depth exploration of what seemed to be handled with just a few sentences.
Both characters were fleshed out rather well, considering the length of the story, and both stayed consistent from start to finish, and realistic in their development. The reader spends the entire book in Charlie's POV, which limits, to an extent, the insights into John's character, but as John communicates mostly freely, I didn't feel like I was missing big chunks of information.
The writing style sounds male for the most part, with a bit of cocky young man attitude thrown in for good measure, and while I can't be sure whether it was on purpose or not, the writing style sounded just a little too simplistic for the character.
The descriptions of the sex scenes were rather good, felt realistic (not that I would know), and included enough emotional connection that it didn't feel just like sex - even if the premise of hiring a rent boy would suggest that.
And damn, this was too short. I wanted more. Since this is the start to a series, I don't know whether the next book will gives us more of these two young men, or whether it will focus on two new characters. I guess I'll just have to wait to find out...
I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
Charlie is a rent boy by choice, a point that is driven home early on. He chose this temporary career path out of necessity to make it through four years of college, with the goal of quitting when he graduates. I suspect there are plenty of young men who see this as a short term solution to paying the bills, much like porn, without realizing that it takes a shit ton of compartmentalizing in order to not lose yourself in the process or carry lasting scars. It's imperative to be safe, and many of these points were covered in this novella.
In this story, Charlie has that ability, and he knows to never let a john into his real life. He plays his part of the fantasy, gets paid and moves on.
Until John Middleton books him for a weekend. There's a spark from the start between Charlie and the shy young man who hired him, and it was actually quite lovely to see this self-proclaimed rent boy suddenly become softer as the hours pass. Of course, John has a large part in Charlie's gradual slide into opening up, giving much of himself and revealing a few things he's kept hidden.
Naturally, life throws a wrench into the best laid plans, and when Charlie and John are confronted with exposure, John suggests a solution that had me go "eeek" for just a minute. The author must have anticipated that, because it only lasted as long as John's explanation and assurances as to his expectations for Charlie.
Up until that point, I was very much enjoying this book, but the ending left me wanting. I kind of hoped for a bit more in depth exploration of what seemed to be handled with just a few sentences.
Both characters were fleshed out rather well, considering the length of the story, and both stayed consistent from start to finish, and realistic in their development. The reader spends the entire book in Charlie's POV, which limits, to an extent, the insights into John's character, but as John communicates mostly freely, I didn't feel like I was missing big chunks of information.
The writing style sounds male for the most part, with a bit of cocky young man attitude thrown in for good measure, and while I can't be sure whether it was on purpose or not, the writing style sounded just a little too simplistic for the character.
The descriptions of the sex scenes were rather good, felt realistic (not that I would know), and included enough emotional connection that it didn't feel just like sex - even if the premise of hiring a rent boy would suggest that.
And damn, this was too short. I wanted more. Since this is the start to a series, I don't know whether the next book will gives us more of these two young men, or whether it will focus on two new characters. I guess I'll just have to wait to find out...
I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
January 24, 2019
J.P. Barnaby really outdid herself with this "Pretty Woman"-like story of a rent boy and a multimillionaire. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like Charlie for a while....he seemed to always be calculating his behavior, etc. in terms of how big of a top he could get. But, it didn't take that long before his caring nature made an appearance and he won me over. I really adored John with his gentle, shy, demeanor and his desire to always do the right thing.
Adored it, Trish my friend! Thank you.
Adored it, Trish my friend! Thank you.
January 22, 2014
I didn't want this one to end....
September 28, 2013
4 Stars because, for the length, it has some depth and character and I always appreciate a short read being able to do that.
Despite the name - Charlie Rentboy - this short is more a sweet romance read. It truly isn't raunchy - there is a bit of sex, a bit of tension, and the characters are both nice enough, without bowling me over. To be honest, it is hard to write a review of substance without giving the whole story away.
Slightly longer review at - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Book supplied by Wilde City Press in return for an honest review
Despite the name - Charlie Rentboy - this short is more a sweet romance read. It truly isn't raunchy - there is a bit of sex, a bit of tension, and the characters are both nice enough, without bowling me over. To be honest, it is hard to write a review of substance without giving the whole story away.
Slightly longer review at - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Book supplied by Wilde City Press in return for an honest review
January 14, 2014
Rentboy...Yes, please!!
This was such a fun read. It surprised me with the sweetness and slightly romantic bits (because I'm so used to total heart ripping out and then pieced back together..which I love) that I found myself smiling the a dork for most of the book. I wished it woulda been longer but I have a feeling that there are more to come in this series so I'm not heartbroken over it.
Oh the cover...I love it! Cockyboys is the best site and I absolutely love all the guys there!!
This was such a fun read. It surprised me with the sweetness and slightly romantic bits (because I'm so used to total heart ripping out and then pieced back together..which I love) that I found myself smiling the a dork for most of the book. I wished it woulda been longer but I have a feeling that there are more to come in this series so I'm not heartbroken over it.
Oh the cover...I love it! Cockyboys is the best site and I absolutely love all the guys there!!
September 6, 2013
Sweet story. Looking forward to seeing where this series is going from here.
March 4, 2014
Predictable, but fun and sweet.
October 20, 2013
There are, on rare occasions, certain novels that slap you in the face--wake you up to the very real people that live in the shadows of our less than savory world. They are the young men and women we pass on those certain street corners, the ones we like to pity and denounce as "common" or worse, "used and cheap". Charlie has never been cheap...nor does Charlie allow himself to be used. Instead he keeps himself, his heart, his mind, his very soul wrapped tight behind layers of disdain and sarcasm. He performs a service and he, by his own admission, is damn good at what he does. But it is always Charlie who runs the show, who chooses the client, who acts the part. Until he meets his latest "John" and for the first time, Charlie's heart wants--no, needs to come out and learn if love is really all it's cracked up to be.
John Middleton is perhaps the loneliest man on the planet. He has wealth untold, runs a company his deceased father loved, and has not one friend whom he can trust to like him for who he is rather than what his money can do for them. All he really wants is to attend art school and maybe, just maybe, have a boyfriend. Unfortunately, he is relegated to "hiring" his dream man and so John meets Charlie...and life changes irrevocably for both of them.
There is nothing sugarcoated about Charlie, Rentboy. If you are thinking that author J.P. Barnaby is going to give you hearts and flowers, think again. Instead she is going to give you a real glimpse into the lives of two men who are polar opposites yet actually suffer the same tragic feelings of loneliness. However, while John rushes to embrace love, Charlie (aka, David) locks it out and refuses to even consider the possibility. How this author manages to turn the tables on Charlie and thrust him into a life he never wanted is sheer genus.
For once the boy who was always in control scrambles to gather up the fragments of his shattered life and regain solid ground. But John has turned the tables on Charlie and then does something that leaves Charlie breathless--John offers to walk away. He offers to give Charlie back his life, with little or no strings attached, a huge sum of money and the written promise that Charlie can end the deal within a set time. John gives Charlie the choice he'd never been offered before...to risk falling in love. For the first time, Charlie is not just a rentboy, he is someone whom another man has fallen in love with, who wants him, despite his past.
I loved that the author refused to tie this relationship up neatly. I delighted in the fact that to the end, Charlie kept his hand close, refusing to call it love, but realizing for the first time that he respected another man enough to miss him, to want to be with him, to give the idea of love a chance. My heart was lost to both John and Charlie. There was such sadness inside John--it was almost painful to read yet so lovingly written that you could not help but fall in love with him. And Charlie...oh my. He is brash and snarky, yet has such a tender soul hidden deep within the armor he wears around his heart.
I wanted this story to go on and on. I wanted to see them six months down the road, see them fully and completely invested in one another, see them in love. But author J.P. Barnaby merely dangles the possibility of that kind of future before us and then wisely puts the story to bed, leaving us with the choice to speculate on where the road would lead these two lovely men she so painstakingly created for us.
I highly recommend Charlie, Rentboy by J.P. Barnaby to you. I believe this edgy, fast-paced novella will leave you wanting more and, really, could you ask for anything more?
John Middleton is perhaps the loneliest man on the planet. He has wealth untold, runs a company his deceased father loved, and has not one friend whom he can trust to like him for who he is rather than what his money can do for them. All he really wants is to attend art school and maybe, just maybe, have a boyfriend. Unfortunately, he is relegated to "hiring" his dream man and so John meets Charlie...and life changes irrevocably for both of them.
There is nothing sugarcoated about Charlie, Rentboy. If you are thinking that author J.P. Barnaby is going to give you hearts and flowers, think again. Instead she is going to give you a real glimpse into the lives of two men who are polar opposites yet actually suffer the same tragic feelings of loneliness. However, while John rushes to embrace love, Charlie (aka, David) locks it out and refuses to even consider the possibility. How this author manages to turn the tables on Charlie and thrust him into a life he never wanted is sheer genus.
For once the boy who was always in control scrambles to gather up the fragments of his shattered life and regain solid ground. But John has turned the tables on Charlie and then does something that leaves Charlie breathless--John offers to walk away. He offers to give Charlie back his life, with little or no strings attached, a huge sum of money and the written promise that Charlie can end the deal within a set time. John gives Charlie the choice he'd never been offered before...to risk falling in love. For the first time, Charlie is not just a rentboy, he is someone whom another man has fallen in love with, who wants him, despite his past.
I loved that the author refused to tie this relationship up neatly. I delighted in the fact that to the end, Charlie kept his hand close, refusing to call it love, but realizing for the first time that he respected another man enough to miss him, to want to be with him, to give the idea of love a chance. My heart was lost to both John and Charlie. There was such sadness inside John--it was almost painful to read yet so lovingly written that you could not help but fall in love with him. And Charlie...oh my. He is brash and snarky, yet has such a tender soul hidden deep within the armor he wears around his heart.
I wanted this story to go on and on. I wanted to see them six months down the road, see them fully and completely invested in one another, see them in love. But author J.P. Barnaby merely dangles the possibility of that kind of future before us and then wisely puts the story to bed, leaving us with the choice to speculate on where the road would lead these two lovely men she so painstakingly created for us.
I highly recommend Charlie, Rentboy by J.P. Barnaby to you. I believe this edgy, fast-paced novella will leave you wanting more and, really, could you ask for anything more?
September 10, 2013
When Charlie, of 'Charlie, Rentboy' by J.P. Barnaby, strolls into his latest client's room, he's all business. But from his first glance at John, his customer, he senses that this encounter is going to be unlike any other. He can already feel the shift of his rules for self-preservation threatening to crumble and he's not entirely sure that he doesn't want them to.
Charlie's logic for becoming a rentboy is economically sound, but also dangerous. Charlie tells us that he loves sex and usually enjoys his job, but it's still risky business. Charlie is a good man with a loving, supportive mother; he will do anything to keep her from being hurt. He desperately wants to finish college so he can have a decent life, but he has a false sense of security in his ability to keep his prostitution and his real life separate. Until he becomes involved with John, he never stops to consider how easily his world could fall apart. With the real threat of this happening, Charlie's feelings of regret, embarrassment, and sense of loss comes rushing at him faster than he can process it and he crumbles, fearing all will be lost.
John is intriguing from the beginning, surely not Charlie's typical trick. He's charming, sweet, and a little shy. Instead of being put off by John's inexperience, Charlie finds it endearing. They evoke a myriad of feelings, which neither understands. There's a pervading feeling that there is a lot more to John that he's showing. Their relationship seems all too easy, especially since John wants Charlie to pretend to be his boyfriend, but, considering their business arrangement, both men enjoy the feeling more than they should; they find themselves confiding in each other far more than is necessary. As John's secrets unravel, things become emotionally and logistically complicated. There's a great deal of angst between John and Charlie and the situation quickly spirals out of control, neither man knowing exactly what to do with his feelings, but acknowledging that, regardless of how they became involved, they are in deeper than either of them had anticipated.
The good prostitute/rich businessman scenario may remind you of the movie 'Pretty Woman', but believe me, that's where the similarity ends. Charlie and John are complex, multi-layered characters, both living a double life, fighting between what they want and what they need. John wants to be out of the closet and free from the responsibilities he's been forced to take on. He wants someone to love him for himself and not just the power and wealth that go along with his name. Charlie, whose real name is David, wants to graduate from college, get a decent job, and have the sacrifices his mother made for him worth something. He also wants someone to love him for himself. Even though they seem worlds apart status-wise, their hearts want the same thing.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy a grittier, out of the ordinary love story with angst, intrigue, and, of course, steamy sex. Thanks, J.P., I truly enjoyed meeting John and David and following them on their complex, emotional journey.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Charlie's logic for becoming a rentboy is economically sound, but also dangerous. Charlie tells us that he loves sex and usually enjoys his job, but it's still risky business. Charlie is a good man with a loving, supportive mother; he will do anything to keep her from being hurt. He desperately wants to finish college so he can have a decent life, but he has a false sense of security in his ability to keep his prostitution and his real life separate. Until he becomes involved with John, he never stops to consider how easily his world could fall apart. With the real threat of this happening, Charlie's feelings of regret, embarrassment, and sense of loss comes rushing at him faster than he can process it and he crumbles, fearing all will be lost.
John is intriguing from the beginning, surely not Charlie's typical trick. He's charming, sweet, and a little shy. Instead of being put off by John's inexperience, Charlie finds it endearing. They evoke a myriad of feelings, which neither understands. There's a pervading feeling that there is a lot more to John that he's showing. Their relationship seems all too easy, especially since John wants Charlie to pretend to be his boyfriend, but, considering their business arrangement, both men enjoy the feeling more than they should; they find themselves confiding in each other far more than is necessary. As John's secrets unravel, things become emotionally and logistically complicated. There's a great deal of angst between John and Charlie and the situation quickly spirals out of control, neither man knowing exactly what to do with his feelings, but acknowledging that, regardless of how they became involved, they are in deeper than either of them had anticipated.
The good prostitute/rich businessman scenario may remind you of the movie 'Pretty Woman', but believe me, that's where the similarity ends. Charlie and John are complex, multi-layered characters, both living a double life, fighting between what they want and what they need. John wants to be out of the closet and free from the responsibilities he's been forced to take on. He wants someone to love him for himself and not just the power and wealth that go along with his name. Charlie, whose real name is David, wants to graduate from college, get a decent job, and have the sacrifices his mother made for him worth something. He also wants someone to love him for himself. Even though they seem worlds apart status-wise, their hearts want the same thing.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy a grittier, out of the ordinary love story with angst, intrigue, and, of course, steamy sex. Thanks, J.P., I truly enjoyed meeting John and David and following them on their complex, emotional journey.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 16, 2013
Ooh I looked at the blurb and I was sold. I really wanted to read this book. And I didn’t regret that for a single moment.
It is such an easy read, so comfortable although that seems weird with a title with rent boy in it.
You cannot help but fall in love with Charlie, he is such an fascinating personality. He’s so open about what he does at least towards the reader ;)
First you meet Charlie, who’s really David, a engineering student who finances himself through school by working as a top rated rent boy. Getting scheduled for a weekend job, he meets John who is searching for a paid boyfriend for the weekend.
John is a fascinating character with so many layers. The lonely boy, the closeted guy, the big money business owner, the artist. John is searching for more than sex. He’s searching for a connection and he finds that with Charlie.
The time they spend together on their “dates” lets them get to know one another as real people, and while Charlie isn’t entirely comfortable with it, he lets it happen anyway. You are never left with the feeling that Charlie cares more about John Middleton than he does John, the man he’s having dinner with.
Their time together is cut short by circumstances out of their control and the way they decide to deal with the consequences of their actions leaves the reader smiling.
This story is romantic, and relatively drama free and is surprisingly perhaps? A fantastic read and if you’ve read this author before and you read drama free and romantic, you might want me to correct this but I’m telling you the truth. And isn’t that showing guts and spirit!
I applaud Miss J.P Barnaby for doing this,writing this book and taking a different road. I for one cannot wait for the second book in this series.I loved the comfort I got from reading this, the warm feeling that spread through me. I adored the easy way of reading, the brilliant writing as always as well as the sexiness and hotness that sparkles from your page .
review posted at :
http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/09/...
It is such an easy read, so comfortable although that seems weird with a title with rent boy in it.
You cannot help but fall in love with Charlie, he is such an fascinating personality. He’s so open about what he does at least towards the reader ;)
First you meet Charlie, who’s really David, a engineering student who finances himself through school by working as a top rated rent boy. Getting scheduled for a weekend job, he meets John who is searching for a paid boyfriend for the weekend.
John is a fascinating character with so many layers. The lonely boy, the closeted guy, the big money business owner, the artist. John is searching for more than sex. He’s searching for a connection and he finds that with Charlie.
The time they spend together on their “dates” lets them get to know one another as real people, and while Charlie isn’t entirely comfortable with it, he lets it happen anyway. You are never left with the feeling that Charlie cares more about John Middleton than he does John, the man he’s having dinner with.
Their time together is cut short by circumstances out of their control and the way they decide to deal with the consequences of their actions leaves the reader smiling.
This story is romantic, and relatively drama free and is surprisingly perhaps? A fantastic read and if you’ve read this author before and you read drama free and romantic, you might want me to correct this but I’m telling you the truth. And isn’t that showing guts and spirit!
I applaud Miss J.P Barnaby for doing this,writing this book and taking a different road. I for one cannot wait for the second book in this series.I loved the comfort I got from reading this, the warm feeling that spread through me. I adored the easy way of reading, the brilliant writing as always as well as the sexiness and hotness that sparkles from your page .
review posted at :
http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/09/...
October 9, 2014
My Review:
This series caught my eye because the third book just released and sounds really good (that working boy is a porn star), but because I hadn't read any of the books, I grabbed all three in the series and I liked this one.
I loved the premise of this story. John is an extremely wealthy CEO that had to take over his father's company at a very young age. He's deeply in the closet and has had to give up his own dreams of pursuing both men and art. He hired Charlie to act as his boyfriend for the weekend...but it's so much more than that.
There are layers to John and I was shocked and surprised every single time one of them was revealed...I loved that. Seriously, this back story on this one is great.
Charlie is a rent boy to pay for college. He doesn't plan to do it longterm, but it's better than flipping burgers at McDonald's. He plans to stop after this semester...besides he'd really like to be able to pursue a real relationship.
I loved the way the two characters connected. You would think with Charlie being a rentboy that this book would be all about the sex. It's not. In fact, the sex level in this book felt pretty low overall. It's about their connection and I loved watching the two of them connect at a relationship level although that's not what either of them ever planned.
Everything about this book worked for me. I definitely recommend it and am looking forward to reading the other two in the series, although I don't think they are interconnected at all...we'll have to see though.
This series caught my eye because the third book just released and sounds really good (that working boy is a porn star), but because I hadn't read any of the books, I grabbed all three in the series and I liked this one.
I loved the premise of this story. John is an extremely wealthy CEO that had to take over his father's company at a very young age. He's deeply in the closet and has had to give up his own dreams of pursuing both men and art. He hired Charlie to act as his boyfriend for the weekend...but it's so much more than that.
There are layers to John and I was shocked and surprised every single time one of them was revealed...I loved that. Seriously, this back story on this one is great.
Charlie is a rent boy to pay for college. He doesn't plan to do it longterm, but it's better than flipping burgers at McDonald's. He plans to stop after this semester...besides he'd really like to be able to pursue a real relationship.
I loved the way the two characters connected. You would think with Charlie being a rentboy that this book would be all about the sex. It's not. In fact, the sex level in this book felt pretty low overall. It's about their connection and I loved watching the two of them connect at a relationship level although that's not what either of them ever planned.
Everything about this book worked for me. I definitely recommend it and am looking forward to reading the other two in the series, although I don't think they are interconnected at all...we'll have to see though.
September 17, 2013
I wasn't quite sure what to expect; I kind of need an HEA ending (or at least a strong enough HFN that my imagination takes off in the right direction for me). So without spoilers, I'll just say that I wasn't disappointed :)
I also need a certain amount or reality in my fiction--although I knew going in that that would definitely be the case here. Escorting/sex work is neither glamorized or demonized; it is what it is. Charlie is very believable, very real, and very, very sweet. John is pretty endearing, too.
All in all a perfectly wonderful read, just the right length for the story being told (although of course I wanted more, I always want more when its good!). Great pacing, awesome dialogue, a little angst (remember, I love angst in my fiction) but not too much. This book is just one more reason to love J.P.'s writing. ;-)
I also need a certain amount or reality in my fiction--although I knew going in that that would definitely be the case here. Escorting/sex work is neither glamorized or demonized; it is what it is. Charlie is very believable, very real, and very, very sweet. John is pretty endearing, too.
All in all a perfectly wonderful read, just the right length for the story being told (although of course I wanted more, I always want more when its good!). Great pacing, awesome dialogue, a little angst (remember, I love angst in my fiction) but not too much. This book is just one more reason to love J.P.'s writing. ;-)
December 24, 2013
This was a sweet romantic story about a very shy guy named John, who rents the services of Charlie (whose name is really David) for the weekend. The shit hits the fan when John and Charlie are photographed together at a Cubs game. John is outed and will lose his position as head of Middleton Industries but Charlie will hit the limelight as well and if they dig far enough, they'll expose him to his devout Catholic mother and he may lose his college scholarship.
The resolution is simple and sweet and allows the guys to get the promise of their HEA as the story ends. Loved it! Great quick read -- perfect for an afternoon at the beach or to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.
The resolution is simple and sweet and allows the guys to get the promise of their HEA as the story ends. Loved it! Great quick read -- perfect for an afternoon at the beach or to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.
September 25, 2014
Probably around a 3.5 star book. This was a cute, quick little story. It has a conversational style, which makes it a very easy read. Almost a Cinderfella story, but not quite, because I believe Charlie is the one who ends up saving John. Charlie is a likeable enough character, though I wouldn't exactly call him deep. I would have liked to read some of this from John's perspective, his character definitely had more facets, many which the reader only got glimpses of. There was a bit of witty banter though I think this story could have benefitted from being extended a bit. Overall though, very decent read. :)
January 18, 2016
This was a short quick read that I didn't want to end. Charlie is working his way through college by being a Rent Boy. This book drew me in from the beginning and I wished that it was longer. John Middleton is a new client that is in the closet and doesn't have much experience when it comes to sex. John hires Charlie he wants the boyfriend treatment the sex between these two are hot. When the two are caught on camera at a ball game the relationship goes south fast. This was a really sweet story that I wished was longer. This was not my first time reading this author. This book was very well written with no errors in grammar or spelling
July 13, 2017
If you're worried you'll be a sobbing mass of goo during this story, don't. It was just a cute little read about a rentboy and a "John" getting together and, well, you know. It was sweet without giving any toothaches but lacked the depth I expect from JP. It's the start of a series so I'll just have to wait to see what happens next.
partially-read-stalled
October 1, 2013This was a DNF for me ... I don't think it is the books fault but a case of wrong book at the wrong time ... I wasn't in the mood for the cynicism of Charlie ... I had just finished reading a dirty PWP and really needed sweet romance to clear my palate ... I'll re-read at a later date.
September 25, 2013
Loved this book!! John was such a sweet lonely guy who just wanted to be loved. I'm glad Charlie gave him a chance.
January 19, 2019
I really loved Charlie and John and the quirky way their first encounter unfolded. Both characters really endeared themselves to me and the only thing I would say I missed was I wanted more of them. When I got to end I was like....but...but...what happened next? But I still loved this cute story and wished the both of them could be my best friends.
April 8, 2023
Un 2, 5. Un libro de 65 páginas y de hace 10 años... Mejor de lo que esperaba.
October 2, 2013
3.5 Hearts for Charlie, Rentboy
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
So, how about a story that contains steamy hot scenes, a pretty-woman-like romance, and a story that surprises you with its twists and turns? Sounds good? Yeah, thought so.
So basic stuff: this is a rentboy story – just in case you missed that from the title – and a few things are given; highly erotic characters and sexual scenes. I loved all of it from the introduction as the story begins and continues with Charlie’s voice, the tone and personality that leaks through it, the dirty/slutty talking/thinking to the actual scenes that had me hot and bothered in no-time.
These kind of characters are highly appealing anyway (to me at least), but Charlie, oh my dear, dear Charlie. He’s a whole different level of appeal. He’s not so much cocky as he’s self-assured and content in his ways. He loves sex; he knows it and shows it without a segment of self-consciousness, he has a sense of humor underlying everything he does or says, and he’s as much sensitive as he is erotic. Put him together with John and they make an explosive pair, for John is quite the character himself. As a matter of fact John surprised the heck out of me as the story went on; he had too many secrets in that closet of his.
And that brings me back to the romance plot of this book. It resembles in many ways “Pretty Woman” because the characters, while not meaning to, fell in… not love exactly, but in a situation where the possibility of more was glaringly there. The rentboy let his guard down, the client overlooked many things and the one way path that was crystal clear in the beginning of the story suddenly split in half leaving the choice of what is to come to the characters and their willpower. By the end, the story was a “dare you to go that way?” kind.
Now, some parts of this story had me questioning a bit too much. Why did John chose to do what he did when he could achieved the same result with simply coming clean..?
Why chance ridicule when he could go the simple forward way and make the decisions he eventually made with a head held high and without the drama..?
Was it something, I missed or was this plot not thoroughly considered?
The questions were somewhat quite heavy on my mind by the end of the read that they managed to affect my total abandon and enjoyment of this book. However, in its entirety I cannot help but admit that this was a very satisfying read and I had a hot time reading it. If rentboys are your thing this book is strongly recommended.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
So, how about a story that contains steamy hot scenes, a pretty-woman-like romance, and a story that surprises you with its twists and turns? Sounds good? Yeah, thought so.
So basic stuff: this is a rentboy story – just in case you missed that from the title – and a few things are given; highly erotic characters and sexual scenes. I loved all of it from the introduction as the story begins and continues with Charlie’s voice, the tone and personality that leaks through it, the dirty/slutty talking/thinking to the actual scenes that had me hot and bothered in no-time.
These kind of characters are highly appealing anyway (to me at least), but Charlie, oh my dear, dear Charlie. He’s a whole different level of appeal. He’s not so much cocky as he’s self-assured and content in his ways. He loves sex; he knows it and shows it without a segment of self-consciousness, he has a sense of humor underlying everything he does or says, and he’s as much sensitive as he is erotic. Put him together with John and they make an explosive pair, for John is quite the character himself. As a matter of fact John surprised the heck out of me as the story went on; he had too many secrets in that closet of his.
And that brings me back to the romance plot of this book. It resembles in many ways “Pretty Woman” because the characters, while not meaning to, fell in… not love exactly, but in a situation where the possibility of more was glaringly there. The rentboy let his guard down, the client overlooked many things and the one way path that was crystal clear in the beginning of the story suddenly split in half leaving the choice of what is to come to the characters and their willpower. By the end, the story was a “dare you to go that way?” kind.
Now, some parts of this story had me questioning a bit too much. Why did John chose to do what he did when he could achieved the same result with simply coming clean..?
Why chance ridicule when he could go the simple forward way and make the decisions he eventually made with a head held high and without the drama..?
Was it something, I missed or was this plot not thoroughly considered?
The questions were somewhat quite heavy on my mind by the end of the read that they managed to affect my total abandon and enjoyment of this book. However, in its entirety I cannot help but admit that this was a very satisfying read and I had a hot time reading it. If rentboys are your thing this book is strongly recommended.
Thommie
September 29, 2013
Please leave comments on Josie's 5 sweet pea review of Charlie, Rentboy at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
I don't know why guys got so tongue tied around me, seriously, you're gonna score, just calm down. I'm kind of a sure thing, dude.
First of all can I say I fell in love with Charlie, he had me hook, line and sinker, John wasn't far behind either. JP Barnaby has a winner here. Charlie Rentboy is delightful, cheeky, a breath of fresh air and just plain fun to read, I laughed, I smiled, I cheered along.
But first of all let me introduce you to Charlie, in his own words, which I could not improve on even if my life depended on it.
"Hi, my name is Charlie, and I am a rentboy. Why, you might ask? Because college is fucking expensive, and if I’m going to become an engineer at some point before I die, I need to pay for school. So, the question is, do I want to make seven dollars an hour at McDonald’s or two hundred and fifty dollars for an hour long out call and still have time to study? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Now, for that two-fifty, guys definitely get their money’s worth. I’m easy to talk to, charming, and I’ve been blessed with an amazing ass. Besides my brain, it’s by far my best asset. And even though I’m versatile, my ass is what’s showcased on my escort ad, which means I get hired to bottom… a lot. That’s cool, though, since it pays my rent and keeps me in textbooks. I even get to eat when I remember between classes and clients."
Charlie is sweet and kind, the kind of hooker you could actually introduce to your mother. He cares about his 'clients' and when he meets 'John' (and that actually turns out to be his real name) he is immediately struck by how shy, unsure and nervous he is. John it turns out is lonely, he's rich, hates his job (he's CEO of his dad's company) and isn't really out yet. John wants a pretend boyfriend for the weekend, but things get a little out of hand when other people get involved.
I don't want to say much more as its a short novella, but it packs a whole heap of emotion into each and every page. It's written solely from Charlie's POV and it works magnificently. My only complaint is I want more, I want an epilogue, I want to see them months and years from now. JP Barnaby, if you read this, I want a sequel.........please, or do I need to beg?
If your not a fan of short stories please read this, and if you are a fan then why haven't you read it already? I really can't recommend it highly enough.
I don't know why guys got so tongue tied around me, seriously, you're gonna score, just calm down. I'm kind of a sure thing, dude.
First of all can I say I fell in love with Charlie, he had me hook, line and sinker, John wasn't far behind either. JP Barnaby has a winner here. Charlie Rentboy is delightful, cheeky, a breath of fresh air and just plain fun to read, I laughed, I smiled, I cheered along.
But first of all let me introduce you to Charlie, in his own words, which I could not improve on even if my life depended on it.
"Hi, my name is Charlie, and I am a rentboy. Why, you might ask? Because college is fucking expensive, and if I’m going to become an engineer at some point before I die, I need to pay for school. So, the question is, do I want to make seven dollars an hour at McDonald’s or two hundred and fifty dollars for an hour long out call and still have time to study? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Now, for that two-fifty, guys definitely get their money’s worth. I’m easy to talk to, charming, and I’ve been blessed with an amazing ass. Besides my brain, it’s by far my best asset. And even though I’m versatile, my ass is what’s showcased on my escort ad, which means I get hired to bottom… a lot. That’s cool, though, since it pays my rent and keeps me in textbooks. I even get to eat when I remember between classes and clients."
Charlie is sweet and kind, the kind of hooker you could actually introduce to your mother. He cares about his 'clients' and when he meets 'John' (and that actually turns out to be his real name) he is immediately struck by how shy, unsure and nervous he is. John it turns out is lonely, he's rich, hates his job (he's CEO of his dad's company) and isn't really out yet. John wants a pretend boyfriend for the weekend, but things get a little out of hand when other people get involved.
I don't want to say much more as its a short novella, but it packs a whole heap of emotion into each and every page. It's written solely from Charlie's POV and it works magnificently. My only complaint is I want more, I want an epilogue, I want to see them months and years from now. JP Barnaby, if you read this, I want a sequel.........please, or do I need to beg?
If your not a fan of short stories please read this, and if you are a fan then why haven't you read it already? I really can't recommend it highly enough.
April 3, 2014
I thought I knew what to expect when I started this book. I recently read Andy, Go-Go Boy, the second book in the ‘Working Boys’ series by JP Barnaby and thought I’d be getting more of the same in this novella.
Up to a point that was indeed the case. This too is a story about a man who makes his money in the sex industry and finds an unexpected connection when he least suspects it. But that is where the comparison ends.
While Andy’s story was mostly dark, Charlie’s is funny. Andy’s character was very hard to like until the story was well on the way. Charlie on the other hand had charmed me before I’d finished the first two pages of his book.
This story is told in the first person by Charlie and it doesn’t take long before the reader knows they are dealing with a funny, sweet, cocky, at times cynical and self-deprecating character.
“... I’ve been blessed with an amazing ass. Besides my brain it’s by far my best asset.”
Charlie works as a rentboy to earn his way through college. After all it makes him a lot more money in far less time and he enjoys sex.
When Charlie gets a booking for a weekend with a man named John he is fairly sure he knows what to expect. He’s sure John won’t be the man’s real name, but that’s okay, he’s not really called Charlie either.
John however turns out to be nothing like Charlie’s usual customers. For starters he is actually called John and doesn’t make a secret of who he is and his background. He wants Charlie to pretend to be his boyfriend for the weekend and Charlie agrees. It won’t be his first time and after all, he who pays decides.
It isn’t long before Charlie has to admit that his feelings about and for John are very different from the lack of feelings he usually has for clients. But when shit hits the fan and it looks like both Charlie and John may be outed in a way neither of their reputations will survive, the ball game changes completely.
I adored this story. Charlie’s transformation from cynical but funny to sensitive and vulnerable was beautiful and John has to be one of the sweetest characters I’ve come across in my books recently.
I guess this novella was pretty close to the perfect read for me, with just the right balance of humour, angst, love and sex. I only discovered JP Barnaby a week ago but it is safe to say that she’s found a fan for life in me. It won’t be long before I’ll be making my way through her back list.
October 15, 2013
This was in turns sweet and super sexy. It’s all told from Charlie’s POV, and sort of like he’s addressing you, or telling his story at times. He’s an engineering student who works as a rentboy to earn money. He doesn’t feel guilty about it at all, he’s good at what he does and he’s performing a service and it allows him to work less while focusing on school. He gets a booking to spend an entire weekend with a guy, he’s expecting the usual rich businessman given the details, however when he arrives, he’s faced with a young hottie, who happens to be a rich businessman by inheritance.
John, his real name, has never really been able to explore his sexuality, or have a boyfriend, so he pays Charlie to be one for the weekend, which is no hardship for Charlie. Things are going well, even if Charlie is liking the boyfriend routine a bit too much for his own liking, until the media catches a picture of the famous John with Charlie. Fears of his mother finding out what he does to earn money overwhelm Charlie and they have to figure out how to fix it.
I loved that John was so open and innocent. It never occurred to him to use a fake name even though he was hiring a prostitute and sharing his own life story and feelings came naturally to him. It was enjoyable to see Charlie thrown a bit off of the superficial professional veneer by John’s openness. I also liked that Charlie took his clients needs seriously, he was a professional, he didn’t judge them or mock them, he enjoyed what he did and felt he was going something good.
Of course, like typical young men (perhaps young people in general) they let insecurities and fear cause a few roadblocks to their HEA, but it didn’t last all that long and I could understand why they acted the way they did. It’s pretty light and sweet and definitely leaves you feeling good at the end. So when you’re in the mood for a pretty angst-free read it’s fun and hot.
John, his real name, has never really been able to explore his sexuality, or have a boyfriend, so he pays Charlie to be one for the weekend, which is no hardship for Charlie. Things are going well, even if Charlie is liking the boyfriend routine a bit too much for his own liking, until the media catches a picture of the famous John with Charlie. Fears of his mother finding out what he does to earn money overwhelm Charlie and they have to figure out how to fix it.
I loved that John was so open and innocent. It never occurred to him to use a fake name even though he was hiring a prostitute and sharing his own life story and feelings came naturally to him. It was enjoyable to see Charlie thrown a bit off of the superficial professional veneer by John’s openness. I also liked that Charlie took his clients needs seriously, he was a professional, he didn’t judge them or mock them, he enjoyed what he did and felt he was going something good.
Of course, like typical young men (perhaps young people in general) they let insecurities and fear cause a few roadblocks to their HEA, but it didn’t last all that long and I could understand why they acted the way they did. It’s pretty light and sweet and definitely leaves you feeling good at the end. So when you’re in the mood for a pretty angst-free read it’s fun and hot.
October 5, 2013
To read more of my reviews, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
John hires Chalie, the rentboy, for a weekend. They meet, have amazing sex, pretend to be dating, and get to know each other. But somehow, in the back of Charlie's mind, he's thinking, "This is not quite right...."
I absolutely loved the beginning and Charlie's voice in the story. He makes light of his job as a rentboy and make funny commentaries about his customers. Then he meets John, who is a totally unexpected and out of the norm customer for Charlie. John doesn't seem the type to hire a rentboy and so they are well matched. They get together for the weekend, spend time with each other, and spend time dodging reporters. These characters seem real and their emotions are alive and bleeds through the pages.
I love that the story is well-rounded. All the hints and the little nagging voice inside of Charlie's head are like clues to solving this charming and too perfect mystery. Everything ties together neatly and all the events are well planned, well written, and relevant. When "shit hits the fan," John finds a way to make up to Charlie and for them to be together as a couple. The HEA for them is perfect and heart warming.
This is a charming novella with a totally unexpected twist in the story. I would definitely recommend this for all M/M fans and check out more books from this author.
John hires Chalie, the rentboy, for a weekend. They meet, have amazing sex, pretend to be dating, and get to know each other. But somehow, in the back of Charlie's mind, he's thinking, "This is not quite right...."
I absolutely loved the beginning and Charlie's voice in the story. He makes light of his job as a rentboy and make funny commentaries about his customers. Then he meets John, who is a totally unexpected and out of the norm customer for Charlie. John doesn't seem the type to hire a rentboy and so they are well matched. They get together for the weekend, spend time with each other, and spend time dodging reporters. These characters seem real and their emotions are alive and bleeds through the pages.
I love that the story is well-rounded. All the hints and the little nagging voice inside of Charlie's head are like clues to solving this charming and too perfect mystery. Everything ties together neatly and all the events are well planned, well written, and relevant. When "shit hits the fan," John finds a way to make up to Charlie and for them to be together as a couple. The HEA for them is perfect and heart warming.
This is a charming novella with a totally unexpected twist in the story. I would definitely recommend this for all M/M fans and check out more books from this author.
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