Brilliant friends-to-lovers story

Charlie Sunshine is my first book by Lily Morton and it will not be my last book by this author.
I fell in love with Misha. He is a great character who supports his best friend Charlie in all things, has a loving way with him and just accepts Charlie's illness.
Charlie's relationships always fall apart, but he has Misha who is always there for him. The relationship of the two is great described. You could directly feel how deep their affection and love for each other is, long before they realize it themselves. The secondary characters were also absolutely adorable.
I love how the author built up Charlie and Misha's friendship. The story was totally sweet and romantic, entertaining and funny in between. I had entertaining listening hours.

The audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie, who absolutely nailed it. He brought the characters to life, gave everyone a voice to match and he conveyed the emotions well.
If you like romantic and sweet friends-to-lovers stories, you should definitely listen to Charlie Sunshine.

I requested a free copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion that I am volunteering.

1 person found this helpful

He’s been the one all along

He’s been the one all along (an audio review)

First of all, this book is classic Lily Morton. Just the right combination of low angst, high snark, and all love. The book begins with best friends Charlie and Misha moving in together. From the beginning, it’s an odd pairing. Charlie works for a council library and barely scrapes by. Misha is a high-powered executive in finance who can afford some pretty nice digs. If I’d been Charlie, I’d have been intimidated. And I think he was – wondering why Misha would install bookcases for him even though this arrangement is supposed to be temporary. And pondering Misha’s willingness to buy an orange (yes, orange) sofa just to please him. But they’ve been friends forever, so it just works.

Misha’s relationship-phobic. He’s got a busy life and doesn’t have time for boyfriends. Charlie is always seeking the one and has chosen some real w*nkers along the way. The current one is particularly irritating. When Charlie’s epilepsy makes an appearance, the guy is useless. But not Misha. Misha is always supportive. Always caring. And worried that Charlie’s health seems to be deteriorating and the damn man won’t do anything about it.

Now, this book has a whole cast of characters who made me laugh – Charlie’s co-worker being one. I also laughed so hard I nearly cried during the book club scene. OMG.

But what permeated the book was love. Two men who care so deeply about each other that it’s inevitable love follows. Or was always there. And they need time away from each other to see just how important each man is to the other. To realize what they have transcends friendship and moves into romantic love. (Although having friendship as a foundation of any relationship is brilliant as far as I’m concerned.)

Another lovely book. Made all the better with Joel Leslie’s dazzling narration – he and Ms. Morton are made in snark heaven and this book is one of their snark babies. More to come, and I’m off to book three in the series. I’ve loved the first two, so I have high hopes.

Fantastically sweet

Super addition to the series by Lily Morton. Charlie and Misha are fantastic characters to get to now better and have a super sweet story to their hea. Joel Leslie did a great job with the narration.

I’m over the snark

Lily Morton has always been a firm favourite of mine, but to be honest I’m over the snark now, people just don’t speak to each other like that, All THE TIME and I hate to say it, but Joel Leslie has narrated that many MM books, it’s starting to get difficult to tell stories apart, I’ve been put off buying books because he’s the narrator, it’s just all a bit samey

Great characters

Charlie is such a sweetie in this book, but it was Misha who really held my attention. I love a character who is convinced love isn't for him and who then slowly but surely realizes he's found Mr. Right. Here, the fact that Charlie and Misha are already best friends made Misha's falling even better. I thought it was interesting that the author chose to show us with Charlie that there can be drawbacks to falling for your bestie who knows you inside and out. That's great for a friend, but Charlie really has to think about what it means for a lover to be that close. Interesting conundrum. Joel Leslie seems to know both these men inside and out and he gives and amazingly layered performance. He also captures all the secondary characters distinctively and superbly as always.

Fantastic

Charlie Sunshine is the second book in the Close Proximity series. It can be read as a standalone, but I personally believe the best enjoyment comes from reading this series in order. This is a slow burn, best friends to lovers romance that had a nice balance between fluff and angst. I’m a big fan of sweet romance mixed with fluff and humor, so this book was right up my alley. Charlie is a character that’s easy to adore. He’s a sweet man who has his own flaws, and that’s what really resonated with me.

The audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie who does an amazing job. I loved how he voiced each character and brought the story to life. The audiobook production was also well done.

Absolutely Lovely!

I had a hunch when we met Charlie in Best Man he'd have a great story, and he does! What an absolute sweetheart... There's nobody more deserving of a happily ever after than Charlie Sunshine. And thankfully Lily Morton spares most of the angst in this one. It's beautifully paced, and hits all the right notes.

Misha is a great guy, and I loved the life-long besties angle. The two families are filled with interesting characters, and I could have listened to their banter for hours.

This romance is just as lovely as I knew it would be...

Audio perfectly performed Joel Leslie.

A new favorite

M/M
Friends to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Epilepsy rep
Uk slang

This story was so sweet and heartwarming and yes steamy. I loved every minute of it and couldn't put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the funny quick wit banter and hilarious snarky sarcasm. This was definitely the kind of book I love. It is a nice slow burn but there was plenty of steamy scenes in the 2nd half. I love friend to lovers stories and this one just might be my new favorite. It was really well written and enjoyed the addition of Charlie suffering from epilepsy and his friend helping him. I don't know anything about it but I think the author did a great job explaining it and was respectful. The characters were fabulous and so perfect together. I also really enjoyed all the side characters.

This can be read as a standalone. Though I also really loved the first book and recommend both. I am definitely eager for more in this series.

I really enjoy Joel's voice/accent and it fit the English characters perfectly. He expressed the emotions perfectly and brought the story to life. It was a joy to listen to. He does great with making side character stand out and can do female voices great however I couldn't really tell a difference between the 2 MCs voices so that's the only disappointing aspect.

Charlie and his best friend!

Charlie is a great character, living with a debilitating condition and yet never losing his sunny disposition. His best friend Misha is now his roommate, one who is very protective and loving. They are perfect for each other but Misha is a commitment fobe and Charlie has a bf. They are so entertaining, good friends with funny and awesome banter. I laugh, smiled widely and cursed a few times. This book gave me all the good feelings. There’s also friends and family that makes it that much interesting. Loved it, loved the narration too.

Fab 5 stars

Another wonderful book by Lily Morton, I adored Misha and Charlie such great best friends who were completely oblivious to what was right in front of them.

The amazing wit and banter we come to expect from Lily is packed in this book and a great set of side characters, Zeb and Jessie from Book 1 and Max and Felix who I hope will be the focus of the next book in the series. Special mention to Doug who was absolutely hilarious.

I really love the relationship building in Lily’s books, makes me swoon every time. The love is so genuine and real, you can’t help fall in love with each couple.

Although fairly low angst there is some tough topics which are handled very well, Misha might just be my favourite book boyfriend for his support and tenderness towards Charlie before they even get together.

Fab 5 stars