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The Court #2
Scene Queen
Note to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.
Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste.
It was only supposed to be a one time thing, but now Rhys seems determined to charm his way into my world. And when he gets his nose broken at a rock concert, I'm the one who comes to his rescue.
But there's no time in my life for a relationship. Juggling drag, a paramedic career, and helping with my sister's kids has already pushed me close to burnout, and I'm walking a fine line between survival and exhaustion.
I've always been the one helping everyone else and I can't remember the last time I put myself first.
Maybe it's time to cause a scene and go after the thing I really want: a chance with the sparkling man next door who has terrible taste in music.
Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste.
It was only supposed to be a one time thing, but now Rhys seems determined to charm his way into my world. And when he gets his nose broken at a rock concert, I'm the one who comes to his rescue.
But there's no time in my life for a relationship. Juggling drag, a paramedic career, and helping with my sister's kids has already pushed me close to burnout, and I'm walking a fine line between survival and exhaustion.
I've always been the one helping everyone else and I can't remember the last time I put myself first.
Maybe it's time to cause a scene and go after the thing I really want: a chance with the sparkling man next door who has terrible taste in music.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
69 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
64 books592 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 5, 2024
Another good book in this series. Love this authors interconnected world and seeing characters from past series pop up. This one was a fun enjoyable read. The next one sounds pretty good too.
January 27, 2024
Loved, loved, loved, this book!
I really enjoyed the first book in Charlie's The Court series, but this one spoke to me in dozens of ways that just made me happy when I was reading.
There's not much more I enjoy reading than a selfless man - who always puts others first, often to their own detriment - finding the one person who's willing to fight for them and make them see how valuable they are.
Rhys was that for Evan. What might have originally started out as unbridled lust, slowly became a deep-rooted need to be able to care for a man who was struggling to give up any of the pressures pushing him right towards a burnout.
Evan’s a complicated man, he's a paramedic, a devoted uncle, a brother who feels he owes a debt, a drag queen who's losing the love for his Gothic alter ego, and his life's spiralling without him even realising.
I loved how Rhys just pushed his way inside Evan's walls through the judicious use of his own stubborn personality and basically annoyed him even to get a reaction.
But, of course, Rhys isn't invulnerable either. He's having to get used to life as a solo twin, his brother Ianto has moved in with his boyfriend and their lives are diverting.
Charlie navigates the narrative clearly and cleverly through each man's weaknesses and their fears, both are scared to give in, but they know leaps of faith can bring great reward.
There's plenty of humour too, Bitch Fit, Bubblegum Galaxy and the rest of the Queens and Kings are on hand to bring everyone back in earth with a well timed snarky retort or an insult delivered with love.
Oh, and did I say it was hot?! Good lawd, this book is smoking, there's a particular scene that is so delicious, it'll have you needing a cold shower.
And there's so much potential for more books to come. I won't be giving away the book three pairing but I'm definitely intrigued to find out more!
#ARC kindly received from the author via ForewordPR, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the first book in Charlie's The Court series, but this one spoke to me in dozens of ways that just made me happy when I was reading.
There's not much more I enjoy reading than a selfless man - who always puts others first, often to their own detriment - finding the one person who's willing to fight for them and make them see how valuable they are.
Rhys was that for Evan. What might have originally started out as unbridled lust, slowly became a deep-rooted need to be able to care for a man who was struggling to give up any of the pressures pushing him right towards a burnout.
Evan’s a complicated man, he's a paramedic, a devoted uncle, a brother who feels he owes a debt, a drag queen who's losing the love for his Gothic alter ego, and his life's spiralling without him even realising.
I loved how Rhys just pushed his way inside Evan's walls through the judicious use of his own stubborn personality and basically annoyed him even to get a reaction.
But, of course, Rhys isn't invulnerable either. He's having to get used to life as a solo twin, his brother Ianto has moved in with his boyfriend and their lives are diverting.
Charlie navigates the narrative clearly and cleverly through each man's weaknesses and their fears, both are scared to give in, but they know leaps of faith can bring great reward.
There's plenty of humour too, Bitch Fit, Bubblegum Galaxy and the rest of the Queens and Kings are on hand to bring everyone back in earth with a well timed snarky retort or an insult delivered with love.
Oh, and did I say it was hot?! Good lawd, this book is smoking, there's a particular scene that is so delicious, it'll have you needing a cold shower.
And there's so much potential for more books to come. I won't be giving away the book three pairing but I'm definitely intrigued to find out more!
#ARC kindly received from the author via ForewordPR, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
4.75/5⭐️
☆ Drag Queens
☆ Grumpy/Sunshine
☆ Opposites Attract
☆ Bratty, Annoying Neighbour
I absolutely adored this book! It had everything I could ask for - intense emotions, a fabulous group of friends, incredible chemistry and the most delightful British banter. I'm completely obsessed with it.
Evan and Rhys are truly a match made in heaven. They fit together like puzzle pieces, complementing each other in the most perfect ways. Rhys has the need to take care of someone, and Evan needs to be taken care of. Evan's life is a whirlwind, working full-time as a paramedic, performing as a drag queen on the weekends, and being a constant babysitter for his niblings. But when Rhys enters the picture, he lightens the load. He's like a ray of sunshine, bringing light and warmth to Evan's world. And just like in the first book, we get a supportive boyfriend who loves his man as much as his drag alter ego.
The chemistry between them is off the charts, and their shared fantasies in the bedroom are 🔥🔥🔥. This time, it's Evan's turn to take care of Rhys because this one is a bit bratty and wants to be a good boy.
I was very happy to see the little group of drag queens again with their banter, support and love for each other. They know how to throw shade but also lift each other up when it matters most.
This series continues to captivate me, the couple's dynamic is always amazing. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
☆ Drag Queens
☆ Grumpy/Sunshine
☆ Opposites Attract
☆ Bratty, Annoying Neighbour
I absolutely adored this book! It had everything I could ask for - intense emotions, a fabulous group of friends, incredible chemistry and the most delightful British banter. I'm completely obsessed with it.
Evan and Rhys are truly a match made in heaven. They fit together like puzzle pieces, complementing each other in the most perfect ways. Rhys has the need to take care of someone, and Evan needs to be taken care of. Evan's life is a whirlwind, working full-time as a paramedic, performing as a drag queen on the weekends, and being a constant babysitter for his niblings. But when Rhys enters the picture, he lightens the load. He's like a ray of sunshine, bringing light and warmth to Evan's world. And just like in the first book, we get a supportive boyfriend who loves his man as much as his drag alter ego.
The chemistry between them is off the charts, and their shared fantasies in the bedroom are 🔥🔥🔥. This time, it's Evan's turn to take care of Rhys because this one is a bit bratty and wants to be a good boy.
I was very happy to see the little group of drag queens again with their banter, support and love for each other. They know how to throw shade but also lift each other up when it matters most.
This series continues to captivate me, the couple's dynamic is always amazing. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
February 24, 2024
I was so happy when I realised Rhys is Ianto's brother from the Kiss Me series!!!! I love Aaron and Josh, Ben and Ianto, and Patrick and Connor so it was fun to see almost all of them again.
It was really easy to empathise with Evan and the responsibility he felt, and it was lovely to see another side of Rhys.
I would have liked a bit more about why Rhys shut himself off from relationships because his heartbreak wasn't really discussed, and his heart to heart with Ianto was off page. I want that emotional content so I was a little disappointed not to see it!
I do like how all of Charlie Novak's series are set in the same story universe though, and all the mentions of other characters feels like a reunion.
Also I always love when a book.is set somewhere that I've lived because it's so much easier to picture, and I lived in Nottingham for ages!
Excited for the next book in this series.
It was really easy to empathise with Evan and the responsibility he felt, and it was lovely to see another side of Rhys.
I would have liked a bit more about why Rhys shut himself off from relationships because his heartbreak wasn't really discussed, and his heart to heart with Ianto was off page. I want that emotional content so I was a little disappointed not to see it!
I do like how all of Charlie Novak's series are set in the same story universe though, and all the mentions of other characters feels like a reunion.
Also I always love when a book.is set somewhere that I've lived because it's so much easier to picture, and I lived in Nottingham for ages!
Excited for the next book in this series.
February 1, 2024
- neighbors to lovers
- low angst/high heat
Evan never expected to hook up with his very hot but very annoying neighbor Rhys, or the friendship and relationship that grew between them, but Rhys wiggled his adorable way into his heart.
These two were adorable and I loved that Rhys saw how overwhelming Evan’s life (work, drag, and taking care of his niblings) was and just jumped right into the thick of it and did whatever he could to help take care of Evan. Rhys was seriously too precious for his own good!
The Court is such a great serious and I cannot wait for more!
- low angst/high heat
Evan never expected to hook up with his very hot but very annoying neighbor Rhys, or the friendship and relationship that grew between them, but Rhys wiggled his adorable way into his heart.
These two were adorable and I loved that Rhys saw how overwhelming Evan’s life (work, drag, and taking care of his niblings) was and just jumped right into the thick of it and did whatever he could to help take care of Evan. Rhys was seriously too precious for his own good!
The Court is such a great serious and I cannot wait for more!
March 28, 2024
okay. i really wasn't feeling it in the beginning, but i actually sincerely enjoyed it. i think i would have loved it if i skipped the audiobook and continued with the ebook because the narration made me sleepy from the impersonal intonation.
Rhys and Evan are perfect for each other !!!
Rhys and Evan are perfect for each other !!!
March 17, 2024
Well this was just lovely, just exactly what I’ve come to expect from Charlie’s books. Especially the ones on audio narrated by Dan Calley
February 22, 2024
I so enjoyed this story of what appears to be some very mismatched men. It became apparent quickly that first opinions can be very wrong, and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. The MCs are just perfect for each other, but the trick will be for them to realize this!
Evan is a man with too full a plate. His paramedic schedule can be grueling. Evan’s side passion is performing drag where he becomes Eva Nessence. It used to be fun, but with so many responsibilities, his favorite outlet is becoming work. Then, top it all off, he is fiercely protective of his older sister and often babysits his niece and nephew.
After a brutal shift, an annoying next-door neighbor is blaring obnoxious music. The disruptive neighbor immediately captured my heart. Rhys is sunshine with a Welsh accent. The fitness trainer is very drawn to his angry neighbor complaining about his music choices. The two, despite their initial differences can’t seem to avoid each other.
Evan has trouble opening up about his personal life, even as Eva. She has a host of friends to perform with her, but Eva keeps them all at arm’s distance. Rhys is stubborn and begins to realize that Evan is everything he could want in a partner. I loved how determined and sneaky he was, as he slowly became someone important to Evan.
The story intertwines with a different series, and I got to visit some of my favorites who work at the Pear Tree Restaurant. I promise you, once you start reading Ms. Novak’s books, you will want to explore her other books and series to get to know the side characters better.
It is a highly recommendable novel, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.**
Evan is a man with too full a plate. His paramedic schedule can be grueling. Evan’s side passion is performing drag where he becomes Eva Nessence. It used to be fun, but with so many responsibilities, his favorite outlet is becoming work. Then, top it all off, he is fiercely protective of his older sister and often babysits his niece and nephew.
After a brutal shift, an annoying next-door neighbor is blaring obnoxious music. The disruptive neighbor immediately captured my heart. Rhys is sunshine with a Welsh accent. The fitness trainer is very drawn to his angry neighbor complaining about his music choices. The two, despite their initial differences can’t seem to avoid each other.
Evan has trouble opening up about his personal life, even as Eva. She has a host of friends to perform with her, but Eva keeps them all at arm’s distance. Rhys is stubborn and begins to realize that Evan is everything he could want in a partner. I loved how determined and sneaky he was, as he slowly became someone important to Evan.
The story intertwines with a different series, and I got to visit some of my favorites who work at the Pear Tree Restaurant. I promise you, once you start reading Ms. Novak’s books, you will want to explore her other books and series to get to know the side characters better.
It is a highly recommendable novel, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.**
February 22, 2024
review pendingEvan is burning out, he’s been putting pressure on himself to be everything everyone needs & he doesn’t know how to stop. He doesn’t do much for himself, the only thing he does is drag & even though being Eva Nessence brings him joy, she is also starting to feel like work. She no longer provides him with the escape & fun he craves.
Rhys is all about having fun, he’s not looking for anything serious. His twin has always been his other half. However, when Ianto moves in with is boyfriend it leaves Rhys a bit too much time to reflect.
When they finally meet Evan is annoyed, Rhys is attracted & chaos reigns.
I thought Evan would be who I gravitated towards, however Rhys did what Rhys does & annoyed me until he won me over. Although he doesn’t want to share a lot of himself, he saw what Evan needed & began to provide it for him. No questions asked. Their attraction became friendship & their friendship became more. I loved watching them learn to accept themselves through getting to know each other.
I wish there was more of the drag scene in the book, but I don’t think it would have felt right for their story. While drag is important to Evan it wasn’t the primary focus of his life & their relationship. This book is building the family of The Court. Showing how they all interconnect & love each other on a soul deep level. It goes beyond the stage & extends to who they are in their real lives as well.
What I loved most about Rhys is how he helped Evan find balance & in that balance he became free to be the Gothic Queen reigning over The Court with blood red lips and 8 inch heels.
I look forward to seeing who falls next.
Rhys is all about having fun, he’s not looking for anything serious. His twin has always been his other half. However, when Ianto moves in with is boyfriend it leaves Rhys a bit too much time to reflect.
When they finally meet Evan is annoyed, Rhys is attracted & chaos reigns.
I thought Evan would be who I gravitated towards, however Rhys did what Rhys does & annoyed me until he won me over. Although he doesn’t want to share a lot of himself, he saw what Evan needed & began to provide it for him. No questions asked. Their attraction became friendship & their friendship became more. I loved watching them learn to accept themselves through getting to know each other.
I wish there was more of the drag scene in the book, but I don’t think it would have felt right for their story. While drag is important to Evan it wasn’t the primary focus of his life & their relationship. This book is building the family of The Court. Showing how they all interconnect & love each other on a soul deep level. It goes beyond the stage & extends to who they are in their real lives as well.
What I loved most about Rhys is how he helped Evan find balance & in that balance he became free to be the Gothic Queen reigning over The Court with blood red lips and 8 inch heels.
I look forward to seeing who falls next.
Read
February 22, 2024I absolutely love how interconnected Charlie Novak's worlds are because you never know who'll pop up with a cameo! But on to the main story.. I've been waiting for Eva/n's story for a while.. wanting to see what was behind the snark and spice that we saw when we met her in Drama Queen.
Evan is such a sweetheart and I'm so glad he found someone up to the challenge of putting him first! I absolutely love how Rhys sees Eva/n and how much he takes on for him and with him. I also love their absolutely steamy chemistry!
Evan is such a sweetheart and I'm so glad he found someone up to the challenge of putting him first! I absolutely love how Rhys sees Eva/n and how much he takes on for him and with him. I also love their absolutely steamy chemistry!
May 11, 2024
Oh yes!
I'm playing catch up to read the next book and oh Evan and Rhys are just wondeful!
Evan and Eva are snarky and strong and proud but loved Rhys IG stalking ...cos we all do it right?
I can imagine him a bit like a bulldozer but with feelings!
I'm playing catch up to read the next book and oh Evan and Rhys are just wondeful!
Evan and Eva are snarky and strong and proud but loved Rhys IG stalking ...cos we all do it right?
I can imagine him a bit like a bulldozer but with feelings!
January 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
February 22, 2024
Scene Queen is the second book in The Court series by Charlie Novak. This is the story of Evan/Eva Nessence and Rhys. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
February 22, 2024
4 stars
Second book in The Court series, a very lovely story.
Rhys and Evan's story starts with annoyance and lust but then it becomes a story of love and support: Rhys will help Evan taking care of himself and putting his needs into consideration, while Evan will make Rhys feel not lonely anymore and, especially, will make him feel safe and understood with his preferences and desires. I loved how they were able to understand and trust each other.
The sex scenes are very steamy but maybe a little bit too long.
The side characters are all amazing and a lot of them come from the Kiss Me series (I haven't read it so I think I miss something about their dynamic).
Next book will be about Barbie and Colin, I'm surely going to read it.
I received an Arc of this book from ForewordPR and this is my honest review
Second book in The Court series, a very lovely story.
Rhys and Evan's story starts with annoyance and lust but then it becomes a story of love and support: Rhys will help Evan taking care of himself and putting his needs into consideration, while Evan will make Rhys feel not lonely anymore and, especially, will make him feel safe and understood with his preferences and desires. I loved how they were able to understand and trust each other.
The sex scenes are very steamy but maybe a little bit too long.
The side characters are all amazing and a lot of them come from the Kiss Me series (I haven't read it so I think I miss something about their dynamic).
Next book will be about Barbie and Colin, I'm surely going to read it.
I received an Arc of this book from ForewordPR and this is my honest review
February 24, 2024
4.5 stars - Love this series so far. This time we have Rhys and Evan/Eva who start out as not-quite-friendly neighbors. That seems to be more about Rhys being annoying, both as a personality trait and as a method to garner Evan's attention, and Evan being overextended, overscheduled, overwhelmed, and not asking for help. Through a series of events and intereactions, they find that they are perfect for each other, especially hot together, and maybe more ready and willing to have a relationship than they previously thought.
February 22, 2024
Cannot even begins to say how fast I devoured this book! Evan (Eva Nessense) is the epitome of a snarky, salty Gothic queen, and I love them so hard! Rhys (Iantos twin from Spiced Kisses) is their perfect balance, he is protective yet not controlling, he let's Evan be his true self in and out of drag, and loves both sides of him.
These two start off as snarky neighbors with undeniable chemistry and slowly realize they could be something brilliant if they just let themselves be loved. Both men need to learn to accept others into their lives and let some of their past insecurities go. It was such a fun ride from start to finish.
The cameos are top-notch! Including ones from a certain Heather's Bay sass that brought my love to Charlie Novak to life! I'm so happy to see all these separate stories combine into this amazing story! Cannot wait to see whose next in this universe!
These two start off as snarky neighbors with undeniable chemistry and slowly realize they could be something brilliant if they just let themselves be loved. Both men need to learn to accept others into their lives and let some of their past insecurities go. It was such a fun ride from start to finish.
The cameos are top-notch! Including ones from a certain Heather's Bay sass that brought my love to Charlie Novak to life! I'm so happy to see all these separate stories combine into this amazing story! Cannot wait to see whose next in this universe!
February 25, 2024
Rhys and Evan!
I really enjoyed Rhys and Evan's story! I wanted Rhys to find his special someone after we met him in Spiced Kisses and Evan was just perfect for him. Evan is such a selfless soul, putting everyone ahead of his own needs and that caused him to put a wall up on relationships. Evan was lonely, burnt out, and had lost his passion for the things he loved. He struggled to ask for help, and ask someone to share the lifes burdens with him, until Rhys annoyed his way into his heart. Their love story was so swoony. And so smoking hot! There was one scene that left me needing a cold shower! We also get tons of time with the other drag queens and get to visit with some familiar faces from past stories. There was snark, humor, romance, and so much sweetness. Looking forward to the next one!
I really enjoyed Rhys and Evan's story! I wanted Rhys to find his special someone after we met him in Spiced Kisses and Evan was just perfect for him. Evan is such a selfless soul, putting everyone ahead of his own needs and that caused him to put a wall up on relationships. Evan was lonely, burnt out, and had lost his passion for the things he loved. He struggled to ask for help, and ask someone to share the lifes burdens with him, until Rhys annoyed his way into his heart. Their love story was so swoony. And so smoking hot! There was one scene that left me needing a cold shower! We also get tons of time with the other drag queens and get to visit with some familiar faces from past stories. There was snark, humor, romance, and so much sweetness. Looking forward to the next one!
June 12, 2024
4.5 stars
You know what really stayed with me after this book? I mean I adored the story and characters, but the thing that was like WHAM was that one MC had the option to go to part time so he had more time for the rest of his life (with other paying gigs). And he never had to worry about losing his healthcare. In the USA your healthcare is tied to your employment. Your employer decides what healthcare company and services you have (and can even restrict what you have access to based on their own personal religious beliefs), and if you don’t work full time you don’t get healthcare. I really hope England doesn’t let itself be scammed into hobbling the NHS. It’s not perfect, but here your insurance company can deny you access to life-saving or life-changing care even if it technically fits their algorithm for what they’ll agree to cover. It sucks and it’s inhumane. Even more so for people with “pre-existing conditions” (like diabetes, heart failure, history of Covid, history of injury, or any health history at all).
Anyway, I loved that the MC wasn’t restricted by that. I hate that my country wants people to work to the bone and die young.
Back to the book!
Rhys is a 30 year old white cis gay(?) man who is muscular with pale skin, green eyes, dark hair, and a lot of tattoos and piercings. He’s reluctant to be close with many people due to a painful incident in his past. He’s very close with his twin brother Ianto. He finds himself doing something unusual for him: wanting to support and care for Evan. He basically sweetly annoys Evan into letting him in his life. Normally I’d hate that story mechanic but it was done well here by the author, she did a good job.
Evan is a 29 year old gay cis white man. He’s got blonde hair, blue eyes, and is fit but on the leaner side. He’s a paramedic and a drag queen. He also helps with his niblings who are 6 and 10. He’s overworked in his life and on the edge of burnout. He keeps his life carefully separate (work, drag, family never intersect) but this isn’t working well for him. He’s surprised but reluctantly happy when Rhys kind of shreds these barriers and is a sweetie about it. He has friends he loves but not someone he tells everything to, like Rhys has with Ianto. Rhys becomes that for Evan.
I really liked the caring dynamic between the MCs. They were sweet to each other and also filthy. Rhys is bossy and caring in regular life to support those he loves. Evan is strung tight but dedicated to others, and he loves being able to be bossier and more in charge in bed as a relief from feeling on the edge of out of control in his life. It was pretty adorable. This dynamic doesn’t always work for me but it did here.
This book was mostly fluff with an edge of angst and it was very fun. The MCs were embarrassingly into each other and that was pretty amusing to read. They just kind of gradually let go of their delusions that they didn’t want to date each other
Content warnings and tropes:
—Burnout experienced by MC
—Burnout recovery
—Some anti-queer sentiment from OCs and recollection of being harassed for being in drag
—Neighbors
—Casual sex to lovers
—Drag performer MC
—Slightly bigger and stronger MC who prefers both to bottom and a more submissive role in bed
—MC who loves his niblings (I still think neblings is a better word but alas no one asked me)
—MC with a twin brother
Other
—First person dual POV
—Romantic rival: no
—Cheating: no
—Kids: Evan has two niblings he babysits sometimes
—Breakup: no (they don’t even admit they’re dating until later in the book
—Sexual roles: no switching in the book, but Rhys says he likes topping fine (this is usually all his sexual partners want from him) but LOVES to bottom and be more submissive in bed, though rarely gets the chance due to how he looks (big and muscular with tattoos). Evan has switched in the past but prefers to top and be in charge in bed, he gets a high from having his partner submit to him and let him top them.
—HEA: yes
You know what really stayed with me after this book? I mean I adored the story and characters, but the thing that was like WHAM was that one MC had the option to go to part time so he had more time for the rest of his life (with other paying gigs). And he never had to worry about losing his healthcare. In the USA your healthcare is tied to your employment. Your employer decides what healthcare company and services you have (and can even restrict what you have access to based on their own personal religious beliefs), and if you don’t work full time you don’t get healthcare. I really hope England doesn’t let itself be scammed into hobbling the NHS. It’s not perfect, but here your insurance company can deny you access to life-saving or life-changing care even if it technically fits their algorithm for what they’ll agree to cover. It sucks and it’s inhumane. Even more so for people with “pre-existing conditions” (like diabetes, heart failure, history of Covid, history of injury, or any health history at all).
Anyway, I loved that the MC wasn’t restricted by that. I hate that my country wants people to work to the bone and die young.
Back to the book!
Rhys is a 30 year old white cis gay(?) man who is muscular with pale skin, green eyes, dark hair, and a lot of tattoos and piercings. He’s reluctant to be close with many people due to a painful incident in his past. He’s very close with his twin brother Ianto. He finds himself doing something unusual for him: wanting to support and care for Evan. He basically sweetly annoys Evan into letting him in his life. Normally I’d hate that story mechanic but it was done well here by the author, she did a good job.
Evan is a 29 year old gay cis white man. He’s got blonde hair, blue eyes, and is fit but on the leaner side. He’s a paramedic and a drag queen. He also helps with his niblings who are 6 and 10. He’s overworked in his life and on the edge of burnout. He keeps his life carefully separate (work, drag, family never intersect) but this isn’t working well for him. He’s surprised but reluctantly happy when Rhys kind of shreds these barriers and is a sweetie about it. He has friends he loves but not someone he tells everything to, like Rhys has with Ianto. Rhys becomes that for Evan.
I really liked the caring dynamic between the MCs. They were sweet to each other and also filthy. Rhys is bossy and caring in regular life to support those he loves. Evan is strung tight but dedicated to others, and he loves being able to be bossier and more in charge in bed as a relief from feeling on the edge of out of control in his life. It was pretty adorable. This dynamic doesn’t always work for me but it did here.
This book was mostly fluff with an edge of angst and it was very fun. The MCs were embarrassingly into each other and that was pretty amusing to read. They just kind of gradually let go of their delusions that they didn’t want to date each other
Content warnings and tropes:
—Burnout experienced by MC
—Burnout recovery
—Some anti-queer sentiment from OCs and recollection of being harassed for being in drag
—Neighbors
—Casual sex to lovers
—Drag performer MC
—Slightly bigger and stronger MC who prefers both to bottom and a more submissive role in bed
—MC who loves his niblings (I still think neblings is a better word but alas no one asked me)
—MC with a twin brother
Other
—First person dual POV
—Romantic rival: no
—Cheating: no
—Kids: Evan has two niblings he babysits sometimes
—Breakup: no (they don’t even admit they’re dating until later in the book
—Sexual roles: no switching in the book, but Rhys says he likes topping fine (this is usually all his sexual partners want from him) but LOVES to bottom and be more submissive in bed, though rarely gets the chance due to how he looks (big and muscular with tattoos). Evan has switched in the past but prefers to top and be in charge in bed, he gets a high from having his partner submit to him and let him top them.
—HEA: yes
April 14, 2024
YAY! Super excited to finally get my hands on this book! After the last book in this series I was super curious about Evan and his mysterious neighbor that annoyed that shit out of him.
The book automatically opens up to Evan coming home from a very long overnight shift and trying to get some sleep but due to his neighbor and his god awful music it keeps him up and unable to go to sleep. It gets to the point that he has had enough over the last several months and decides it’s time to go meet his neighbor and ask politely to turn off his music. I didn’t know that up to this point they have never meet before only in passing and never spoke to each other.
This meeting ends up piping Rhys interest in the grumpy neighbor he has only seen from away and causes the man to start annoying the shit out of Evan to get the man to fuck him. And boy does he ever! It was so hot and spicy and this really starts their relationship moving forward without even knowing.
I swear I really loved the progression and build up between these two. After their first encounter and first spicy scene everything just started happening little by little. Everything felt flush out and happened naturally. They ended up having a lot of stuff in common that they didn’t expect and when they didn’t it just became something else for them to enjoy about the other.
Of course everything wasn’t always smooth sailing and Rhys did have to put in a lot of work to build trust and get Evan to bring down his walls and let him in. I loved watching Rhys be supportive and caring and patient with Evan knowing some of his struggles but never giving up or stopping to help lessen his daily stress. He would help with his nephew and niece, cook meals for him and help him unstressed after long work days. It was really sweet seeing him learn more things to cook just to feed him. Seriously swoon worthy.
When it comes to Rhys finding out about Evan doing drag shows and being a queen and going to where he works. At first I though he was being a little pushy but I think it was handled well and it did wonders for Evan having someone show how much they care and was interested in his life and the other part of himself that he loves. And getting to see all the drag queens again while seeing West and Rory was amazing like always. Love them and how much they protect one another no matter what while also encouraging them.
I notice halfway through that this author was referencing some of her characters from her previous series called Kiss Me. I knew of them but haven’t read them yet but after all the Easter eggs she dropped from them in this book and with Rhys being related to one of them after reading this book it made me seriously want to go back and read that series and read about all the characters I only got a little glimpse of in this.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Probably a little more than the first one. I loved all the discussions about burn out and letting and learning to accept help from others. Seeing old characters and making me want to pick up their books next while I wait for the next Charlie Novak book to release. Rhys was such a great character and such a rock and caring man towards Evan. I just loved everything about him. We even get a sex machine scene in this book which I absolutely loved reading about in a book for once! Just wish we gotten more of it. We still have many more drag queens in desperate need of a little love and happiness and I can’t wait to read more in this series!
The book automatically opens up to Evan coming home from a very long overnight shift and trying to get some sleep but due to his neighbor and his god awful music it keeps him up and unable to go to sleep. It gets to the point that he has had enough over the last several months and decides it’s time to go meet his neighbor and ask politely to turn off his music. I didn’t know that up to this point they have never meet before only in passing and never spoke to each other.
This meeting ends up piping Rhys interest in the grumpy neighbor he has only seen from away and causes the man to start annoying the shit out of Evan to get the man to fuck him. And boy does he ever! It was so hot and spicy and this really starts their relationship moving forward without even knowing.
I swear I really loved the progression and build up between these two. After their first encounter and first spicy scene everything just started happening little by little. Everything felt flush out and happened naturally. They ended up having a lot of stuff in common that they didn’t expect and when they didn’t it just became something else for them to enjoy about the other.
Of course everything wasn’t always smooth sailing and Rhys did have to put in a lot of work to build trust and get Evan to bring down his walls and let him in. I loved watching Rhys be supportive and caring and patient with Evan knowing some of his struggles but never giving up or stopping to help lessen his daily stress. He would help with his nephew and niece, cook meals for him and help him unstressed after long work days. It was really sweet seeing him learn more things to cook just to feed him. Seriously swoon worthy.
When it comes to Rhys finding out about Evan doing drag shows and being a queen and going to where he works. At first I though he was being a little pushy but I think it was handled well and it did wonders for Evan having someone show how much they care and was interested in his life and the other part of himself that he loves. And getting to see all the drag queens again while seeing West and Rory was amazing like always. Love them and how much they protect one another no matter what while also encouraging them.
I notice halfway through that this author was referencing some of her characters from her previous series called Kiss Me. I knew of them but haven’t read them yet but after all the Easter eggs she dropped from them in this book and with Rhys being related to one of them after reading this book it made me seriously want to go back and read that series and read about all the characters I only got a little glimpse of in this.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Probably a little more than the first one. I loved all the discussions about burn out and letting and learning to accept help from others. Seeing old characters and making me want to pick up their books next while I wait for the next Charlie Novak book to release. Rhys was such a great character and such a rock and caring man towards Evan. I just loved everything about him. We even get a sex machine scene in this book which I absolutely loved reading about in a book for once! Just wish we gotten more of it. We still have many more drag queens in desperate need of a little love and happiness and I can’t wait to read more in this series!
February 26, 2024
The grumpy/sunshine trope, that particular twist on “opposites attract,” is one of my favorites. Novak does the trope justice here by adding a dose of spice to the dynamic that initially develops between Rhys and Evan. Their undeniable chemistry, fueled by the heady combination of attraction and annoyance, leads to an explosive early encounter before settling into something resembling a friendship…with excellent benefits.
However, Evan and Rhys bring plenty of baggage to any attempt at a relationship, both related to close ties with siblings. While Rhys is navigating the freedom of living without his twin for the first time, Even dedicates much of his free time to supporting the older sister who helped raise him. This is one of the many ways in which Evan has overloaded every aspect of his life, trying to balance his obligations with his personal goals. Unfortunately, this ends up leading to that point of agony when a dream starts to feel like a burden when even the drag performance that he loves turns into yet another item on Evan’s already heavy plate. The way Evan also attempts to silo the various facets of his life means no one is aware of how much he struggles—until a certain neighbor is in the perfect position to see it all and makes it his mission in life to support Evan even before romance is much involved.
Rhys threads the line between being a creepy stalker and being completely respectful at the same time by finding Evan’s drag persona online and showing up to a performance. This disruption in Evan’s barriers, while also showing how Rhys is attracted to him no matter what, is the first crack in Evan’s carefully constructed life. However, I also appreciate that Rhys doesn’t become Evan’s only support when he needs it most. Friendships are as important as romantic relationships for emotional health, and Novak’s trend of writing stand-alone stories that also exist in an intricate shared world highlights her ability to create well-developed characters who don’t exist in a vacuum.
Elements of this book echo other stories by Novak, and it includes plenty of familiar faces, but the story is simultaneously wholly original. I had a blast getting to know Evan (and Eva) and Rhys and seeing them fall in lust, then in love. Evan’s individual character arc, of learning how to value his time and energy more effectively, is also a satisfying journey that will resonate for any creative person juggling a day job and other commitments. I’m looking forward to the next installment of this series as much as I’m looking forward to attending performances to support local drag artists, now that I know so much more about this incredible art from Novak’s writing.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
However, Evan and Rhys bring plenty of baggage to any attempt at a relationship, both related to close ties with siblings. While Rhys is navigating the freedom of living without his twin for the first time, Even dedicates much of his free time to supporting the older sister who helped raise him. This is one of the many ways in which Evan has overloaded every aspect of his life, trying to balance his obligations with his personal goals. Unfortunately, this ends up leading to that point of agony when a dream starts to feel like a burden when even the drag performance that he loves turns into yet another item on Evan’s already heavy plate. The way Evan also attempts to silo the various facets of his life means no one is aware of how much he struggles—until a certain neighbor is in the perfect position to see it all and makes it his mission in life to support Evan even before romance is much involved.
Rhys threads the line between being a creepy stalker and being completely respectful at the same time by finding Evan’s drag persona online and showing up to a performance. This disruption in Evan’s barriers, while also showing how Rhys is attracted to him no matter what, is the first crack in Evan’s carefully constructed life. However, I also appreciate that Rhys doesn’t become Evan’s only support when he needs it most. Friendships are as important as romantic relationships for emotional health, and Novak’s trend of writing stand-alone stories that also exist in an intricate shared world highlights her ability to create well-developed characters who don’t exist in a vacuum.
Elements of this book echo other stories by Novak, and it includes plenty of familiar faces, but the story is simultaneously wholly original. I had a blast getting to know Evan (and Eva) and Rhys and seeing them fall in lust, then in love. Evan’s individual character arc, of learning how to value his time and energy more effectively, is also a satisfying journey that will resonate for any creative person juggling a day job and other commitments. I’m looking forward to the next installment of this series as much as I’m looking forward to attending performances to support local drag artists, now that I know so much more about this incredible art from Novak’s writing.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
February 26, 2024
Check out our full post for SCENE QUEEN on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
SCENE QUEEN is the second book in The Court series. It can be read as a standalone without issue. But it does help to read what's come before it.
Evan has his hands full. He works full-time as a paramedic, helps his sister by babysitting his niblings, and does his drag shows. The stress of trying to maintain everything is becoming too much but he can't and won't disappoint anyone. When he comes off a particularly hard night shift from his day job, all he wants to do is sleep but his neighbor's horrible music is at a level that won't allow for that to happen. Evan isn't expecting the sexy Welsh man who answers the door. Hooking up with him almost seems inevitable but all it can be is a one-time thing – he has no time to offer for a relationship.
Rhys is having a hard time since his twin brother found himself in a committed relationship. Rhys feels out of sorts being alone. He hates the silence of living alone, the only thing that seems to help is playing his music loud. When his sexy neighbor begs for the music to be turned down, Rhys has a new plan – annoy the neighbor until they hook up. Once Rhys actually sees how much stress Evan is under, he wants to help, to take care of him, to ease his burdens. Little does Rhys realize that while he's trying to do all these things for Evan, he's slowly falling for the man.
There was instant chemistry between Rhys and Evan. I enjoyed seeing Evan's walls coming down little by little and letting Rhys in. Rhys wouldn't take no for an answer and was determined to help Evan in the only ways he knew how. Sweet read. I can't wait for more in this series.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
February 22, 2024
It was so nice to return to The Court series and find out more about the Drag Queens and their lives.
Evan (Eva Nessence) keeps his cards close to his chest, he has a lot of plates spinning and is frightened of dropping any of them. He has a full-time job as a paramedic, babysits for his sisters children and his drag shows, getting by on very little sleep and finding it impossible to say no to anyone, he knows he is under pressure but he thinks he’ll be fine he just needs a bit of sleep.
Rhys is a fitness trainer, a twin and has honed the art of being annoying, he views it as his superpower and plays his music far too loud for Evan who is trying to sleep. He isn’t lonely, he tries to convince himself, though he does find it hard to be in the quiet house by himself.
They are both so sweet together, Evan is grumpy, dominant, and determined not to need anyone, and any help but Rhys is getting under his skin. Rhys is determined that Evan needs someone to look out for him and he is up for the job. The more Evan grumps at him the more he wants to help him and whilst neither of them “do relationships” they seem to be sliding into one slowly but surely.
I particularly loved the chapter where Rhys tries to sneak in and watch Eva Nessence perform, instead of being inconspicuous at the back he ends up at the front and the dynamic between Rhys and Eva was hilarious. Rhys makes internet stalking Eva cute and funny, rather than weird. Rhys is annoying but in a sweet way that captures Evan’s attention rather than turning him off.
There are so many lovely scenes, Rhys learning to cook so Evan doesn’t have to after a long shift. The interaction between them and Evan’s niece and nephew and my favourite, the other Drag Queens visiting Evan and how he finally lets down his guard and admits they are friends and tells them about his life outside of Drag.
Evan and Rhys are a cute couple, and the complexities of their characters are captured perfectly, the difficulties they both face and how they manage to navigate their new relationship and the realisation they both have, that nothing is more important to them, than giving their relationship every chance to succeed and grow.
I’m really enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the next book.
Evan (Eva Nessence) keeps his cards close to his chest, he has a lot of plates spinning and is frightened of dropping any of them. He has a full-time job as a paramedic, babysits for his sisters children and his drag shows, getting by on very little sleep and finding it impossible to say no to anyone, he knows he is under pressure but he thinks he’ll be fine he just needs a bit of sleep.
Rhys is a fitness trainer, a twin and has honed the art of being annoying, he views it as his superpower and plays his music far too loud for Evan who is trying to sleep. He isn’t lonely, he tries to convince himself, though he does find it hard to be in the quiet house by himself.
They are both so sweet together, Evan is grumpy, dominant, and determined not to need anyone, and any help but Rhys is getting under his skin. Rhys is determined that Evan needs someone to look out for him and he is up for the job. The more Evan grumps at him the more he wants to help him and whilst neither of them “do relationships” they seem to be sliding into one slowly but surely.
I particularly loved the chapter where Rhys tries to sneak in and watch Eva Nessence perform, instead of being inconspicuous at the back he ends up at the front and the dynamic between Rhys and Eva was hilarious. Rhys makes internet stalking Eva cute and funny, rather than weird. Rhys is annoying but in a sweet way that captures Evan’s attention rather than turning him off.
There are so many lovely scenes, Rhys learning to cook so Evan doesn’t have to after a long shift. The interaction between them and Evan’s niece and nephew and my favourite, the other Drag Queens visiting Evan and how he finally lets down his guard and admits they are friends and tells them about his life outside of Drag.
Evan and Rhys are a cute couple, and the complexities of their characters are captured perfectly, the difficulties they both face and how they manage to navigate their new relationship and the realisation they both have, that nothing is more important to them, than giving their relationship every chance to succeed and grow.
I’m really enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the next book.
February 23, 2024
It’s sassy, warm-hearted realness served up in high heels and glam
Rating: 4.5🌈
Eva Nessence
“If they ever put me on trial for murder, the temptation to burst into a rendition of ‘The Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago would be impossible to resist.”
So begins the wonderful Scene Queen , the second book in The Court series by Charlie Novak, about a fabulous group of drag queens.
Scene Queen is Eva Nessence, goth drag queen: she/ her in drag, he/ him out of it. In fact he’s Evan, overworked paramedic, babysitter to his sister’s kids, and generally stressed out over trying to make all the areas of his life work.
Novak’s Evan has so many layers to his personality, all of them making him vulnerable, emotionally relatable, and a character that the reader can invest in. He grows so strong through his relationships in this book, not just with the one he starts with his neighbor, Rhys, but also with his other queens. It’s a great journey to go along with.
Rhys, marathoner, pole dance instructor, with a twin brother who he’s always been attached to, until his brother found love. Now he’s lonely, a bit lost, and, with the complex nature of character Novak gifted him with, looking for trouble next door.
I admit it took a chapter or two for me to realize what the author was doing and really commit to the type of journey these men were going to take. But the author invited us into their heads and the emotional connections they were making with each other, and I was hooked.
Add to Evan and Rhys’ evolving (and very sexual) relationship, there’s the wonderful dynamics of the different queens of the Court and how they support Eva and her man. It’s sassy, warm-hearted realness served up in high heels and glam.
I love this book and its entire cast of characters. Somehow I missed the first and will grab it up while waiting for Baby Queen to be released. I’m highly recommending you read this and do the same.
The Court:
- [ ] Drama Queen #1
- [x] Scene Queen #2
- [ ] Baby Queen #3 - May 23,2024
Rating: 4.5🌈
Eva Nessence
“If they ever put me on trial for murder, the temptation to burst into a rendition of ‘The Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago would be impossible to resist.”
So begins the wonderful Scene Queen , the second book in The Court series by Charlie Novak, about a fabulous group of drag queens.
Scene Queen is Eva Nessence, goth drag queen: she/ her in drag, he/ him out of it. In fact he’s Evan, overworked paramedic, babysitter to his sister’s kids, and generally stressed out over trying to make all the areas of his life work.
Novak’s Evan has so many layers to his personality, all of them making him vulnerable, emotionally relatable, and a character that the reader can invest in. He grows so strong through his relationships in this book, not just with the one he starts with his neighbor, Rhys, but also with his other queens. It’s a great journey to go along with.
Rhys, marathoner, pole dance instructor, with a twin brother who he’s always been attached to, until his brother found love. Now he’s lonely, a bit lost, and, with the complex nature of character Novak gifted him with, looking for trouble next door.
I admit it took a chapter or two for me to realize what the author was doing and really commit to the type of journey these men were going to take. But the author invited us into their heads and the emotional connections they were making with each other, and I was hooked.
Add to Evan and Rhys’ evolving (and very sexual) relationship, there’s the wonderful dynamics of the different queens of the Court and how they support Eva and her man. It’s sassy, warm-hearted realness served up in high heels and glam.
I love this book and its entire cast of characters. Somehow I missed the first and will grab it up while waiting for Baby Queen to be released. I’m highly recommending you read this and do the same.
The Court:
- [ ] Drama Queen #1
- [x] Scene Queen #2
- [ ] Baby Queen #3 - May 23,2024
February 18, 2024
SCENE QUEEN is the second book in The Court series. It can be read as a stand alone without issue. But it does help to read what's come before it.
Evan has his hands full. He works full time as a paramedic, helps his sister by babysitting his niblings and does his drag shows. The stress of trying to maintain everything is becoming too much but he can't and won't disappoint anyone. When he comes off a particularly hard night shift from his day job all he wants to do is sleep but his neighbor's horrible music is at a level that won't allow for that to happen. Evan isn't expecting the sexy Welsh man that answers the door. Hooking up with him almost seems inevitable but that's all it can be is a one time thing he has no time to offer for a relationship.
Rhys is having a hard time since his twin brother has found himself in a committed relationship. Rhys feels out of sorts being alone. He hates the silence of living alone, the only thing that seems to help is playing his music loud. When his sexy neighbor begs for the music to be turned down Rhys has a new plan annoy the neighbor until they hook up. Once Rhys actually sees how much stress Evan is under he wants to help, to take care of him, to ease his burdens. Little does Rhys realize that while he's trying to do all these things for Evan he's slowly falling for the man.
There was instant chemistry between Rhys and Evan. I enjoyed seeing Evan's walls coming down little by little and letting Rhys in. Rhys wouldn't take no for an answer and was determined to help Evan in the only ways he knew how. Sweet read. I can't wait for more in this series.
I was given a free copy of this book.
Evan has his hands full. He works full time as a paramedic, helps his sister by babysitting his niblings and does his drag shows. The stress of trying to maintain everything is becoming too much but he can't and won't disappoint anyone. When he comes off a particularly hard night shift from his day job all he wants to do is sleep but his neighbor's horrible music is at a level that won't allow for that to happen. Evan isn't expecting the sexy Welsh man that answers the door. Hooking up with him almost seems inevitable but that's all it can be is a one time thing he has no time to offer for a relationship.
Rhys is having a hard time since his twin brother has found himself in a committed relationship. Rhys feels out of sorts being alone. He hates the silence of living alone, the only thing that seems to help is playing his music loud. When his sexy neighbor begs for the music to be turned down Rhys has a new plan annoy the neighbor until they hook up. Once Rhys actually sees how much stress Evan is under he wants to help, to take care of him, to ease his burdens. Little does Rhys realize that while he's trying to do all these things for Evan he's slowly falling for the man.
There was instant chemistry between Rhys and Evan. I enjoyed seeing Evan's walls coming down little by little and letting Rhys in. Rhys wouldn't take no for an answer and was determined to help Evan in the only ways he knew how. Sweet read. I can't wait for more in this series.
I was given a free copy of this book.
February 23, 2024
Scene Queen is a great book in The Court series, getting reacquainted with characters met in the previous book and giving Evan the chance at his HEA.
Both Evan and his annoying neighbour, Rhys, are men in need of some TLC and it turns out, despite certain first impressions that they are an amazing fit for each other. Evan has taken on so much responsibility with his full time paramedic job, working The Court as Eva Nessence, and helping his sister whenever he can with childcare. If he has time to sleep then he counts himself lucky. The first interaction between the two men is fun to read, much like the rest of their relationship, as Rhys has no problem being his annoying, caring, and hot self, trying to win Evan.
There are many emotional moments, quite a few intensely hot ones where they show exactly how well matched they are. My favourites were when Rhys would take over caring for Evan in his vulnerable moments and Evan allowed him, which is such a big step for both men for several reasons. Each has had a relationship that has left them wary of trusting others as well as childhood trauma in regards to losing a parent. Evan's Eva perfectly showcases the side of himself that is kept buttoned up during the work day but it's also something that he has to come to love again just because of the amount of pressure he has been under.
The cast of characters are brilliant. It's so good to see Rhys's brother, Ianto, who had his own HEA in Spiced Kisses (Charlie's Kiss me series), along with other characters from that series, and see that close sibling bond from Rhys's perspective. Evan's niblings are adorable, each bringing their own personality in their short moments on page. It's so great to read Rhys connect with them so easily too.
Another great story with wonderfully lovable characters getting their HEA. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Both Evan and his annoying neighbour, Rhys, are men in need of some TLC and it turns out, despite certain first impressions that they are an amazing fit for each other. Evan has taken on so much responsibility with his full time paramedic job, working The Court as Eva Nessence, and helping his sister whenever he can with childcare. If he has time to sleep then he counts himself lucky. The first interaction between the two men is fun to read, much like the rest of their relationship, as Rhys has no problem being his annoying, caring, and hot self, trying to win Evan.
There are many emotional moments, quite a few intensely hot ones where they show exactly how well matched they are. My favourites were when Rhys would take over caring for Evan in his vulnerable moments and Evan allowed him, which is such a big step for both men for several reasons. Each has had a relationship that has left them wary of trusting others as well as childhood trauma in regards to losing a parent. Evan's Eva perfectly showcases the side of himself that is kept buttoned up during the work day but it's also something that he has to come to love again just because of the amount of pressure he has been under.
The cast of characters are brilliant. It's so good to see Rhys's brother, Ianto, who had his own HEA in Spiced Kisses (Charlie's Kiss me series), along with other characters from that series, and see that close sibling bond from Rhys's perspective. Evan's niblings are adorable, each bringing their own personality in their short moments on page. It's so great to read Rhys connect with them so easily too.
Another great story with wonderfully lovable characters getting their HEA. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
January 31, 2024
I just loved, loved, loved that book ! I was immersed in it from the beginning til the end, Rhys and Evan were just right for each other.
Evan or “Eva Nessense” in drag is juggling a paramedic job, drag, helping his sister out with her kids; he doesn’t even have time to think or just rest and it is without counting on his noisy Welsh neighbour and his awful music. Rhys can be loud annoying and particularly determined when he wants something, after a first interesting meeting, he has set his attention on Evan and decides that he wants him. He will have to thank his broken nose during a concert, from that moment little by little he makes his way into Evan’s life, helping him with little things, showing him that he doesn’t have to bear the burden of everything and burn himself out.
They have a beautiful relationship and complement each other well, Rhys also comes with his own emotional baggage and that makes him even more perfect for Evan.
Also, Rhys is totally subdued by Eva Nessense who is a fierce gothic drag queen, sooo everything that he loves, and his adoration for her is just sweetly cute.
I really loved that book, I was feeling deeply for Evan during his struggles and seeing him burning out brought back some personal memories (which is fine because doing better). But truly a wonderful story.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Foreword PR, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Evan or “Eva Nessense” in drag is juggling a paramedic job, drag, helping his sister out with her kids; he doesn’t even have time to think or just rest and it is without counting on his noisy Welsh neighbour and his awful music. Rhys can be loud annoying and particularly determined when he wants something, after a first interesting meeting, he has set his attention on Evan and decides that he wants him. He will have to thank his broken nose during a concert, from that moment little by little he makes his way into Evan’s life, helping him with little things, showing him that he doesn’t have to bear the burden of everything and burn himself out.
They have a beautiful relationship and complement each other well, Rhys also comes with his own emotional baggage and that makes him even more perfect for Evan.
Also, Rhys is totally subdued by Eva Nessense who is a fierce gothic drag queen, sooo everything that he loves, and his adoration for her is just sweetly cute.
I really loved that book, I was feeling deeply for Evan during his struggles and seeing him burning out brought back some personal memories (which is fine because doing better). But truly a wonderful story.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Foreword PR, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
February 20, 2024
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Perfect!
Evan is a wet dream for anyone with a competency kink and a love for a martyr. Those characters who will do anything for the people they care about, forgetting about their own needs in the process speak to me. Why, because there is nothing better than when they find that person who is willing to put them first, willing to care about them the way they do others. Swoon.
Rhys does that for Evan. It requires him using his powers of annoyance to get past Evan’s defences, but he never stops making the effort.
And, Rhys…his story will melt your heart (in between also driving you a little crazy). He’s feeling a little lost since his twin brother has found love. They used to be joined at the hip. Turns out living alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And thanks to Evan, the one-and-done lifestyle seems less appealing the more time he spends with his drowning neighbour.
There are a lot of tender moments, soul searching, and growth, but there’s also so much humour. From Rhys and his antics, but also from the rest of the Queens and Kings of The Court. They show such fierce love, even if it is through snark and sass.
Perfect!
Evan is a wet dream for anyone with a competency kink and a love for a martyr. Those characters who will do anything for the people they care about, forgetting about their own needs in the process speak to me. Why, because there is nothing better than when they find that person who is willing to put them first, willing to care about them the way they do others. Swoon.
Rhys does that for Evan. It requires him using his powers of annoyance to get past Evan’s defences, but he never stops making the effort.
And, Rhys…his story will melt your heart (in between also driving you a little crazy). He’s feeling a little lost since his twin brother has found love. They used to be joined at the hip. Turns out living alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And thanks to Evan, the one-and-done lifestyle seems less appealing the more time he spends with his drowning neighbour.
There are a lot of tender moments, soul searching, and growth, but there’s also so much humour. From Rhys and his antics, but also from the rest of the Queens and Kings of The Court. They show such fierce love, even if it is through snark and sass.
February 29, 2024
I’ve still not recovered. This book is incredible. I knew from about 25% in it was a five star read. From 40% in Rhys and Evan were my favourite couple Charlie has ever written. It’s beautiful and funny and steamy as all heck. It’s grumpy sunshine. It’s falls hard. It’s annoying neighbours to lovers. It’s a great rep of mental well-being and burnout and having the support of someone who’s your person. I cannot express enough how much I adored this book.
Evan, who is a drag queen, works full time alongside being Eva and helps his sister with her kids. The man is running on fumes and then his new neighbour keeps blasting obnoxious music in the mornings he is trying to sleep.
Said neighbour is golden retriever Rhys (whom we have met in previous books).
After a steamy confrontation they cannot stay away from each other and both have walls they let crumple as we go through the book.
I love the found family elements and the learning to let friends in and on learning to ask for help.
I can relate so hard to this book, it nearly had me in tears.
I also loved the cameos we get in this and the visit to the Pear Tree - there may have been some squealing at returning to this pub.
You can definitely read this as a standalone but note that some side characters already have books out. You’ll probs end up reading them.
10/5 stars!!!!!
Evan, who is a drag queen, works full time alongside being Eva and helps his sister with her kids. The man is running on fumes and then his new neighbour keeps blasting obnoxious music in the mornings he is trying to sleep.
Said neighbour is golden retriever Rhys (whom we have met in previous books).
After a steamy confrontation they cannot stay away from each other and both have walls they let crumple as we go through the book.
I love the found family elements and the learning to let friends in and on learning to ask for help.
I can relate so hard to this book, it nearly had me in tears.
I also loved the cameos we get in this and the visit to the Pear Tree - there may have been some squealing at returning to this pub.
You can definitely read this as a standalone but note that some side characters already have books out. You’ll probs end up reading them.
10/5 stars!!!!!
February 29, 2024
4 Stars!
Rhys and Evan were perfect for each other. I loved that Rhys was so stubborn and made his way into Evan's life. Evan's walls were so tight and high; I liked seeing the walls start to fall. Their chemistry was off the charts, but I liked the more subtle aspects that made them so compatible, too. They were both good at reading each other at times. I liked that Evan could see what Rhys was looking for sexually just as much I liked that Rhys could anticipate when Rhys needed help, but couldn't figure out how to ask for it. I liked that Rhys was able to give Evan a safe place to work things through as well as calling Evan on things when needed. I liked that Evan opened up to his friends and let them help him when he needed it. They both found pieces that they needed to be better people and to take care of themselves.
I loved seeing old characters from other series in this one, even if it reminded me I need to catch up on a few of those books yet. The Queens at the club were awesome as usual, and I loved how they were there for Evan. I liked that Rhys and Ianto had a good long talk about how their relationship was changing and worked through it together. All in all, a very good addition to the series.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
Rhys and Evan were perfect for each other. I loved that Rhys was so stubborn and made his way into Evan's life. Evan's walls were so tight and high; I liked seeing the walls start to fall. Their chemistry was off the charts, but I liked the more subtle aspects that made them so compatible, too. They were both good at reading each other at times. I liked that Evan could see what Rhys was looking for sexually just as much I liked that Rhys could anticipate when Rhys needed help, but couldn't figure out how to ask for it. I liked that Rhys was able to give Evan a safe place to work things through as well as calling Evan on things when needed. I liked that Evan opened up to his friends and let them help him when he needed it. They both found pieces that they needed to be better people and to take care of themselves.
I loved seeing old characters from other series in this one, even if it reminded me I need to catch up on a few of those books yet. The Queens at the club were awesome as usual, and I loved how they were there for Evan. I liked that Rhys and Ianto had a good long talk about how their relationship was changing and worked through it together. All in all, a very good addition to the series.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
February 2, 2024
~ARC review~
Evan – Eva Nessence – is the stressed out, overworked gothic drag queen of The Court. Rhys is the neighbour that listens to weird music too loud. And after one long night shift Evan has had enough of not being able to sleep and goes to knock on the neighbour’s door. Rhys becomes slightly obsessed with his neighbour after the encounter but even he didn’t plan on getting his nose broken on a rock concert – to which Evan-the-nurse-next-door attends to.
Evan and Rhys know they want each other, Evan just doesn’t see how a relationship could ever fit his extremely busy and stressful life. Rhys is there for him at all turns, helping Evan to see that there’s more to life than other people’s happiness.
I loved the fact that this book talked about burnout and stress. It was a good reminder that by putting others first, we are only hurting ourselves. I loved Rhys for being there for Evan but also realizing when he needs help himself. And that Evan finally realized he is important and should really go for what he wants. Both are just loveable characters and I loved seeing Bubblegum Galaxy and other drag queens again in the pages.
Will definitely keep reading books from this series!
Evan – Eva Nessence – is the stressed out, overworked gothic drag queen of The Court. Rhys is the neighbour that listens to weird music too loud. And after one long night shift Evan has had enough of not being able to sleep and goes to knock on the neighbour’s door. Rhys becomes slightly obsessed with his neighbour after the encounter but even he didn’t plan on getting his nose broken on a rock concert – to which Evan-the-nurse-next-door attends to.
Evan and Rhys know they want each other, Evan just doesn’t see how a relationship could ever fit his extremely busy and stressful life. Rhys is there for him at all turns, helping Evan to see that there’s more to life than other people’s happiness.
I loved the fact that this book talked about burnout and stress. It was a good reminder that by putting others first, we are only hurting ourselves. I loved Rhys for being there for Evan but also realizing when he needs help himself. And that Evan finally realized he is important and should really go for what he wants. Both are just loveable characters and I loved seeing Bubblegum Galaxy and other drag queens again in the pages.
Will definitely keep reading books from this series!
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