For what it was, it was well written. It was so short. It could have had a lot of meat in this story, but it was a fluffy, light, happy-ending read. Not sure if I'll read this one again or not. I will admit that I did read it a second time, but that's becaue I forgot the story and was looking for something to read. If I had remembered the story, I don't think I would have chosen to read it again. This is a friends-to-lovers story with a twist, one of the men is GFY, but he knows it and is just waiting to take action. Marcus is six years older than Charlie, and has been looking out for Charlie since he moved to their small home town at the age of 16. He’s always known Charlie was the one for him, but until he felt Charlie was old enough, and had his chance to sow his wild oat, Marcus has been dating women and saving his gay virginity. (If such a thing exists.)He followed Charlie to San Francisco, in part to finish his medical degree, but mostly to keep an eye on art student Charlie. They meet regularly for lunch and Charlie has a difficult time as he’s been in love with Marcus since he was ten, but seeing Marcus date a string of gorgeous women, he’s tried to accept the fact that it will never be. However when Charlie’s current live-in boyfriend beats him badly, again, he calls Marcus for help. Marcus decides he’s had enough, he’s taking Charlie home and going to reveal his feelings, to his current girlfriend’s dismay.The book is told in alternating points of view. Charlie is young and optimistic, but he’s also realistic. He knows he was stupid to go back to his current boyfriend after the first beating, but he’s grown a back bone and is not going back, even if Marcus hadn’t helped him. He also has been coping with his love for Marcus and finds the lunches difficult, but can’t stay away. I found Marcus more difficult to like with his more paternalistic view of Charlie. I didn’t dislike him, I just found him a bit odd. When he decides to go for Charlie, he’s quite happy to have all his coworkers know he’s “turned gay”. No problems despite having had several girlfriends over the years. I found the concept of him knowing he’s attracted to Charlie, but refusing to act on it with any man for many years rather unbelievable. But it’s fiction.Another aspect that didn’t work so well was Charlie’s boyfriend. Once Charlie leaves, even after Marcus beats him badly, he’s still calling him and threatening him, and eventually goes after Charlie to get him back. He was a bit of a caricature of the crazed evil villain, with Charlie rescued by a white knight, aka Marcus.So on the whole, for people who like caretaker or friends-to-lover with a dash of a gay-for-you storyline, it’s a good choice. And as I said, I liked Charlie a great deal. There are potentials for spin-offs here, especially with Marcus’ best friend and perhaps with one of the police officers who came to their aid at the end, so I imagine there will be more set in this world to come which I will most likely check out.
What do You think about Taking Care Of Charlie (2011)?
Short and sweet!!Feel good book with a crazy ex stalker!!
—dragonfire
Sweet love story...too short though; I wanted more!
—ronniem36
