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About C.R. Barnes
C.R. Barnes (aka Charlie) studied literature and journalism in college and went to work for a global news organization immediately after graduation. During his time there the team won 5 Peabody awards and a Columbia-Dupont Award (this is true!). He now spends his time writing fiction because the news was never good, and one thing Charlie likes is a good time. "Happy Holidays!" is his first foray into LGBTQ fiction and its follow-up, "Adulting" is due in Fall 2021 (if he stops slacking and starts writing). He might change that title. We'll see. Charlie does not take himself too seriously, and neither should you. Just buy his book so he can buy groceries. Please. And thank you.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Happy Holidays: The Charlie Barnes Experience - Vol. 1 is a crime-comedy novel by C.R. Barnes that follows the first-person narrative of a protagonist who goes by the author's namesake Charles Barnes. Charles Barnes wakes up bruised and battered in the parking lot of a gay nightclub, wearing a Dorothy costume, and finds himself being rescued by a handsome detective named Luke Goode. The incident provides tons of free publicity to Charlie that results in a bump in his book sales. Charlie and Luke hit it off and soon start a burgeoning relationship. Meanwhile, Charlie's publisher Desiree Adalicia Masters sets a one-month deadline on Charlie's next book that is yet to be written. To make matters worse, Charlie finds himself trapped in the midst of a drug deal gone bad.
Happy Holidays is a fast-paced and hilarious rendition of a series of unfortunate events. The book will entertain readers who enjoy stories about antagonists and their misadventures. C.R. Barnes' novel is littered with instances of dark humor that seamlessly blend into an engaging plot, providing a highly enriching reading experience. The characters feel vivid and colorful with distinct quirks that make them compelling to read. The story feels enhanced by the twists and turns of the plot, some of which I honestly couldn't predict. My favorite aspect of the book was Charlie and Brian's relationship dynamic. I adored the banter between the two of them. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it.
