This is how I feel about Carter and Khela...
It's been 2-3 months since their weekend together and in the meantime we meet Khela's smarmy ex-husband. The ex is portrayed as an extreme parody of the worst gold-digging gigolo you can imagine. I hate when the heroine's ex is painted as an epic bastard to make the hero look like the shining knight in comparison. Just a personal peeve of mine.
I've been picking on Khela's antics and hoping that Carter would save this book for me.
Now I'm not so sure. Exhibit A...
Carter and his friend go to a bar to watch baseball where Carter gets gifted with some food and drinks by some adoring fans. Carter's not having it and sends it all back and storms out of the bar...
Really, dude?!
I'm not the only one who thinks Carter's reaction is a bit much...This isn't normal behavior for Carter according to his buddy...
"Since when do you pass on free food?"
"You haven't paid for a meal in years."
And poor, pretty, put upon Carter responds with...
“I don’t want to be adored. At least not without earning it”
I must note that this is a direct quote from romance writer, Khela's, book which Carter's been reading...ahem, researching.
Then...
“Women look at me and decide who and what I am based on this,” he said, jabbing a finger at his face. “I want someone who looks in here.” He slapped a hand against his chest.”
Don't get me wrong, I get it. No one wants to be objectified. We all want to be adored for more than our physical attributes. Sadly, the way Carter is written also make him another extreme caricature. Instead of a bastard like the aforementioned ex, Carter is a sensitive, insecure and emo hero.
How extreme the characters in Mr. Fix-It are portrayed is just a bit too much for me. It feels unnecessary to beat me over the head to get the point across as to who they are.
3
 - Crystal Hubbard)
