What do you think?
Rate this book
Lincoln Knights #1
The Tighthead
Wanted: A Way To Get Tackled On And Off The Pitch
When I walk in on my roommate jerking off, I’m supposed to walk away and shut the door, not stand and watch.
I’ve always wondered if I might not be totally straight and watching Ryan has made me question things more than ever. So when he offers a low-key, no strings attached hook-up arrangement to help me explore my bisexuality, I jump at the chance. We’re great friends and there’s no feelings involved. What could go wrong?
Ryan is gorgeous, funny, and I love spending time with him both in and out of bed. On paper, we’re completely different people but Ryan gets me in a way that nobody ever has before. And he’s even learning the rules of rugby.
But now the only problem is that I can’t imagine ever being with anyone else.
And I can’t picture my life without Ryan in it.
It might have started as something casual, but now I need it to have a happy ending.
When I walk in on my roommate jerking off, I’m supposed to walk away and shut the door, not stand and watch.
I’ve always wondered if I might not be totally straight and watching Ryan has made me question things more than ever. So when he offers a low-key, no strings attached hook-up arrangement to help me explore my bisexuality, I jump at the chance. We’re great friends and there’s no feelings involved. What could go wrong?
Ryan is gorgeous, funny, and I love spending time with him both in and out of bed. On paper, we’re completely different people but Ryan gets me in a way that nobody ever has before. And he’s even learning the rules of rugby.
But now the only problem is that I can’t imagine ever being with anyone else.
And I can’t picture my life without Ryan in it.
It might have started as something casual, but now I need it to have a happy ending.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2024
300 people are currently reading
803 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…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
August 17, 2024
Very cutesy as usual but I just struggled to feel connected to either character. It was nice and pleasant and sweet but it just felt like not much really happened 🤷🏼♀️
August 6, 2024
I'm book boyfriend jealous. Mason is just my type, and this book is a massive dose of feel-good factor that just puts a smile on my face.
This is the second time I've read it as I was entrusted with an early beta copy as I'm a Rugby Union (and Rugby League) nerd who's covered both sports professionally as a journalist back in the day and Charlie wanted to make sure she'd got things right.
Well, needless to say, she absolutely had and her delve into the world of a team of professional Rugby Union players is a complete delight, especially as it ties in with her Drag Queens series and her wider universe.
Both Ryan and Mason are beautifully depicted in their complexity, but there's nothing overly dramatic about the way their friendship expands, just a sweet inevitability that they'll end up together and fall in love.
On the way, Mason's exploration of his queer awakening and the clueless way he fails to spot that him and Ryan have essentially practised their way into a relationship is super cute.
I love everything about both of them, they're supportive, they converse like grown ups, they don't dick about ot cause problems because of their feelings.
The rugby union playing side of things integrated perfectly with Ryan's drag queen activities and brought an added depth to the narrative outside of their sexual encounters.
And, speaking of, this book manages to walk the line between the scorching heat of Mason and Ry getting down and dirty, with plenty of mild submission and praise kink for our big tighthead prop as he finds out just how much he loves being with a man, and the softness of them emotionally connecting on such a strong level.
I've got so many ideas now on who else will be getting stories in the team, but I'm delighted by who the next pairing is going to be!
No spoilers here, but I'm expecting it to be just as great as this one.
PS: This cover is gorgeous!
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
This is the second time I've read it as I was entrusted with an early beta copy as I'm a Rugby Union (and Rugby League) nerd who's covered both sports professionally as a journalist back in the day and Charlie wanted to make sure she'd got things right.
Well, needless to say, she absolutely had and her delve into the world of a team of professional Rugby Union players is a complete delight, especially as it ties in with her Drag Queens series and her wider universe.
Both Ryan and Mason are beautifully depicted in their complexity, but there's nothing overly dramatic about the way their friendship expands, just a sweet inevitability that they'll end up together and fall in love.
On the way, Mason's exploration of his queer awakening and the clueless way he fails to spot that him and Ryan have essentially practised their way into a relationship is super cute.
I love everything about both of them, they're supportive, they converse like grown ups, they don't dick about ot cause problems because of their feelings.
The rugby union playing side of things integrated perfectly with Ryan's drag queen activities and brought an added depth to the narrative outside of their sexual encounters.
And, speaking of, this book manages to walk the line between the scorching heat of Mason and Ry getting down and dirty, with plenty of mild submission and praise kink for our big tighthead prop as he finds out just how much he loves being with a man, and the softness of them emotionally connecting on such a strong level.
I've got so many ideas now on who else will be getting stories in the team, but I'm delighted by who the next pairing is going to be!
No spoilers here, but I'm expecting it to be just as great as this one.
PS: This cover is gorgeous!
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
March 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. Liked the cross over with the last series. Liked both the characters. Looking forward to the next book.
February 24, 2025
I just couldn't get into the relationship I'm afraid. They bored me which I didn't think was possible because I love books that center around bi-awakenings.
August 9, 2024
The Tighthead is book one in the Lincoln Knights series. This friends to lovers MM romance story is about Mason and Ryan.
Mason is a twenty-six year old professional rugby player. He is big, strong, and just so happens to be the sweetest golden retriever. Ryan is a twenty-nine year old graphic designer and a sexy drag artist. Ryan is sweet, nerdy, and a demiboy that uses he pronouns but likes they too.
Mason and Ryan are roommates, and their story begins when Mason walks in on Ryan pleasuring himself. Mason is confused by his reaction and starts to think he might be bisexual. Ryan offers Mason a no strings attached, casual arrangement to help him with his sexual exploration.
Mason and Ryan were so sweet together. You could see how much they cared for each other and they always supported one another. They didn’t expect their casual hookups to evolve into something more, but I liked how they both didn’t resist it. Mason and Ryan’s love story was low angst, sweet and spicy.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Mason is a twenty-six year old professional rugby player. He is big, strong, and just so happens to be the sweetest golden retriever. Ryan is a twenty-nine year old graphic designer and a sexy drag artist. Ryan is sweet, nerdy, and a demiboy that uses he pronouns but likes they too.
Mason and Ryan are roommates, and their story begins when Mason walks in on Ryan pleasuring himself. Mason is confused by his reaction and starts to think he might be bisexual. Ryan offers Mason a no strings attached, casual arrangement to help him with his sexual exploration.
Mason and Ryan were so sweet together. You could see how much they cared for each other and they always supported one another. They didn’t expect their casual hookups to evolve into something more, but I liked how they both didn’t resist it. Mason and Ryan’s love story was low angst, sweet and spicy.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
August 3, 2024
4/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
- MM romance
- Drag Queen X rugby player
- Queer awakening
- Friends with benefits to lovers
- Roommates
- Golden retriever MMC
Mason and Ryan’s love story was so freaking cute. They were perfect for each other in every single way. I loved how they supported one another and always had each other’s best interests at heart.
Mason was the biggest golden retriever, always eager to please Ryan and so very thoughtful that it made my heart melt. He was just a big softy, which was refreshing to read as he was also a huge rugby player who people assumed was an alpha. Ryan was sweet and very kind to offer Mason a safe space to explore his sexuality. I enjoyed reading about his drag shows and his nerdy side.
I really appreciated that there was no third act break up and that their romance progressed so positively. All of the side characters were loveable and supportive.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a MM romance where one of the MC’s is exploring their sexuality and ends up finding their perfect match in the process.
- MM romance
- Drag Queen X rugby player
- Queer awakening
- Friends with benefits to lovers
- Roommates
- Golden retriever MMC
Mason and Ryan’s love story was so freaking cute. They were perfect for each other in every single way. I loved how they supported one another and always had each other’s best interests at heart.
Mason was the biggest golden retriever, always eager to please Ryan and so very thoughtful that it made my heart melt. He was just a big softy, which was refreshing to read as he was also a huge rugby player who people assumed was an alpha. Ryan was sweet and very kind to offer Mason a safe space to explore his sexuality. I enjoyed reading about his drag shows and his nerdy side.
I really appreciated that there was no third act break up and that their romance progressed so positively. All of the side characters were loveable and supportive.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a MM romance where one of the MC’s is exploring their sexuality and ends up finding their perfect match in the process.
February 20, 2025
It was an okay read but I almost DNFed a few times and I skimmed some parts. I still wanted to know what happened but I didn’t really feel anything for Ryan and Mason, no connection. It was still sweet and I always enjoy Charlie Novak’s writing. I hope I’ll like the second book better.
August 15, 2024
**FULL ARC REVIEW*
This is my first book book from this author and I absolutely loved it. It was a quick read with great banter, good spice & really good characters that I enjoyed. I want every side character to have a book, I absolutely loved it.
Mason was such a baby boy & I absolutely adored Ryan since being introduced to him.
This was also my first Rugby/Drag book and I was so here for it.
I would definitely read this book if you need a good short and sweet palette cleanser with good spice & good banter. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
💋Rugby Player x Nerdy Drag Artist
💋Friends to lovers
💋Bi Awakening
💋Super low angst & Spice
💋Roommates to lovers
💋"Good Boy "
5 ⭐
2.5ish 🌶️
This is my first book book from this author and I absolutely loved it. It was a quick read with great banter, good spice & really good characters that I enjoyed. I want every side character to have a book, I absolutely loved it.
Mason was such a baby boy & I absolutely adored Ryan since being introduced to him.
This was also my first Rugby/Drag book and I was so here for it.
I would definitely read this book if you need a good short and sweet palette cleanser with good spice & good banter. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
💋Rugby Player x Nerdy Drag Artist
💋Friends to lovers
💋Bi Awakening
💋Super low angst & Spice
💋Roommates to lovers
💋"Good Boy "
5 ⭐
2.5ish 🌶️
dnf
September 5, 2024DNF @ 23%. No rating. Just not into it.
September 16, 2024
DNF
A little too much over-explaining, over discussion, just over it in general. I'm sure it gets a lot better but getting through the awkward beginning just ruined the flow for me.
A little too much over-explaining, over discussion, just over it in general. I'm sure it gets a lot better but getting through the awkward beginning just ruined the flow for me.
March 25, 2025
Swoony AF! Gave me lots of giggles and I just loveeeee Ryan & Mason
October 2, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Mason and Ryan
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Mason and Ryan
August 21, 2024
Oh this book was fun and very light to read, Mason and Ryan were a couple that I loved: from roommates to lovers, I really liked the journey they took. Let's see, I didn't think this book was going to be so spicy but I was in the mood for it and it worked for me, the two learned about each other and not just physically but sentimentally. Seeing Mason be completely open when discovering his sexual orientation was something nice to read, I liked that he didn't give it another thought and that Ryan was there for him. The representation in all this book? Let's see, I thought it was short for all the beautiful story that the author wrote (this is how the real world should be please). A Drag Artist with a Rugby player? Give me three to take away because without a doubt this book became a favorite.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
Oh este libro fue divertido y muy ligero de leer, Mason y Ryan fueron un par que me encantaron: desde compañeros de cuarto a ser amantes, el viaje que tuvieron me gusto y mucho. A ver que no pensé que este libro fuera hacer tan spicy pero estaba en el mood para ello y funciono para mi, los dos aprendieron del uno del otro y no solo físicamente si no sentimentalmente . Ver a Mason ser completamente abierto al descubrir su orientación sexual fue algo lindo de leer, me gusto que no le diera otro pensamiento y que Ryan estuviera allí para el ¿la representación es todo este libro? a ver que me pareció corto para toda la historia hermosa que se escribió la autora (así debería ser el mundo real por favor) ¿Un Drag Artist con un jugador de Rugby? denme tres para llevar porque sin duda este libro paso a ser un favorito.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
Oh este libro fue divertido y muy ligero de leer, Mason y Ryan fueron un par que me encantaron: desde compañeros de cuarto a ser amantes, el viaje que tuvieron me gusto y mucho. A ver que no pensé que este libro fuera hacer tan spicy pero estaba en el mood para ello y funciono para mi, los dos aprendieron del uno del otro y no solo físicamente si no sentimentalmente . Ver a Mason ser completamente abierto al descubrir su orientación sexual fue algo lindo de leer, me gusto que no le diera otro pensamiento y que Ryan estuviera allí para el ¿la representación es todo este libro? a ver que me pareció corto para toda la historia hermosa que se escribió la autora (así debería ser el mundo real por favor) ¿Un Drag Artist con un jugador de Rugby? denme tres para llevar porque sin duda este libro paso a ser un favorito.
August 9, 2024
Thank you to the author agency and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first ever Charlie Novak read, and it won't be my last. Book one of this new series follows Mason, a professional Rugby Union player who has been questioning his sexuality for a while, especially since he saw one of his roommates Ryan Drag Queen performance months ago. After accidentally walking in on Ryan during a solo session and joining in, Ryan makes Mason an offer to be his safe space whilst he explores his bisexuality and the story goes from there.
These two were adorable AF, and the story between them was so sweet. They complimented, balanced, and supported each other so well and always had the others' best interests at heart. I liked that Charlie steered away from making Mason the stereotypical "dominant" one of the dynamic because of his size and profession, his golden retriever energy was on point and I appreciated both his & Ryans nerdy sides, the D&D flirting scene made me smile. I, too, would watch the crap out of a fantasy soap opera. There was some great dialogue about gender & sexuality in this, and I appreciated the ADHD rep in Ryans character. The pacing of the story was good. It has some good humour, and the spice only added to the overall story and helped make the connection between these two feel stronger. I liked that there was no third act break up, and the communication between the MCs and the side characters was great throughout. Overall this was a really enjoyable, easygoing read that combines sports, friendship & the exploration of bisexuality and if you are a fan of MM romance I highly recommend giving this a read when it is released on August 13th. 🌶🌶
This was my first ever Charlie Novak read, and it won't be my last. Book one of this new series follows Mason, a professional Rugby Union player who has been questioning his sexuality for a while, especially since he saw one of his roommates Ryan Drag Queen performance months ago. After accidentally walking in on Ryan during a solo session and joining in, Ryan makes Mason an offer to be his safe space whilst he explores his bisexuality and the story goes from there.
These two were adorable AF, and the story between them was so sweet. They complimented, balanced, and supported each other so well and always had the others' best interests at heart. I liked that Charlie steered away from making Mason the stereotypical "dominant" one of the dynamic because of his size and profession, his golden retriever energy was on point and I appreciated both his & Ryans nerdy sides, the D&D flirting scene made me smile. I, too, would watch the crap out of a fantasy soap opera. There was some great dialogue about gender & sexuality in this, and I appreciated the ADHD rep in Ryans character. The pacing of the story was good. It has some good humour, and the spice only added to the overall story and helped make the connection between these two feel stronger. I liked that there was no third act break up, and the communication between the MCs and the side characters was great throughout. Overall this was a really enjoyable, easygoing read that combines sports, friendship & the exploration of bisexuality and if you are a fan of MM romance I highly recommend giving this a read when it is released on August 13th. 🌶🌶
August 25, 2024
4.5⭐️ this was so adorable & sweet and if I hadn’t been slumping this month I’d have definitely finished it in one sitting!
What I continue to love most about Charlie’s books is that her characters all have their own unique personalities, interests & hobbies. They aren’t just cut & paste repeats of each other, which can happen a lot when authors write a lot of interconnected stories.
What I absolutely was not expecting was for our *large in stature* rugby player Mason to be out here with a submissive side & praise kink. Like MA’AM this is a Wendy’s! 😮💨 Ryan (aka Legs Luthor) & Mason had instant chemistry and the progression of the relationship from friends, to fwb’s, to boyfriends was so natural!
I can’t wait for this one to be on audio so I can relisten & also for the next book! So many side characters on this rugby team with book potential 🙌
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
What I continue to love most about Charlie’s books is that her characters all have their own unique personalities, interests & hobbies. They aren’t just cut & paste repeats of each other, which can happen a lot when authors write a lot of interconnected stories.
What I absolutely was not expecting was for our *large in stature* rugby player Mason to be out here with a submissive side & praise kink. Like MA’AM this is a Wendy’s! 😮💨 Ryan (aka Legs Luthor) & Mason had instant chemistry and the progression of the relationship from friends, to fwb’s, to boyfriends was so natural!
I can’t wait for this one to be on audio so I can relisten & also for the next book! So many side characters on this rugby team with book potential 🙌
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
August 13, 2024
This first spinoff book from Charlie's drag queens series shows us how diverse the authors interests are. The love of Rugby is evident in the passion for the league and how it affects the men on and off the field.
I've been in love with Ryan since meeting him in the Court series and so happy he got someone as amazing as Mason. The cluelessness of these two meeting their match, while at the same time a deep understanding of their partner, made for a beautiful dichotomy of a relationship. We have two men learning what it is be to be themselves while talking about it and having heated moments as well. Loved everything about this book and can not wait to read more from this combined universe. Who would have ever thought rugby players and drag queens could have so much in common that their lives play so well together
I've been in love with Ryan since meeting him in the Court series and so happy he got someone as amazing as Mason. The cluelessness of these two meeting their match, while at the same time a deep understanding of their partner, made for a beautiful dichotomy of a relationship. We have two men learning what it is be to be themselves while talking about it and having heated moments as well. Loved everything about this book and can not wait to read more from this combined universe. Who would have ever thought rugby players and drag queens could have so much in common that their lives play so well together
August 15, 2024
This was a great read! I loved both of the main characters (though Mason was definitely more of a favorite). I also really loved some of the characters on the team and am really hoping to see some of them get their own books in the future.
Mason and Ryan were really perfect for each other. There’s very little angst in this story so it’s a perfect breather from some of the trails of dark romances I tend to get into. There’s no third act breakup which make me super happy. The drag aspects were also a lot of fun to read about and I loved the support from their group of friends over basically everything they did.
This was only my second rugby romance read and oh my goodness, I need to go find more to read now. I just hope they can live up to how much I really loved Mason and Ryan.
Mason and Ryan were really perfect for each other. There’s very little angst in this story so it’s a perfect breather from some of the trails of dark romances I tend to get into. There’s no third act breakup which make me super happy. The drag aspects were also a lot of fun to read about and I loved the support from their group of friends over basically everything they did.
This was only my second rugby romance read and oh my goodness, I need to go find more to read now. I just hope they can live up to how much I really loved Mason and Ryan.
March 5, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a fun, steamy little book with little to no angst. I did skim the parts that described rugby games, but it wasn't a huge part of the book thankfully, because I am not a sports person.
I think my rating would have been higher if there was some mild angst. The bi curious MC could have struggled with some latent homophobia or commitment issues. Maybe their relationship could have been outed before either of them were ready, etc.
I'm not thirsty for angst but it did feel like this book had no central conflict, which made it fun and easy to read but also less impactful. Would still recommend to anyone looking for a spicy, stress free break from a painfully angst-riddled novel!
I think my rating would have been higher if there was some mild angst. The bi curious MC could have struggled with some latent homophobia or commitment issues. Maybe their relationship could have been outed before either of them were ready, etc.
I'm not thirsty for angst but it did feel like this book had no central conflict, which made it fun and easy to read but also less impactful. Would still recommend to anyone looking for a spicy, stress free break from a painfully angst-riddled novel!
August 14, 2024
✨ Arc Review ✨
3.5⭐️ rounded to 4 stars
what to expect:
- mm romance
- roommates
- drag queen x rugby player
- friends w/ benefits
- sexual discovery
- low angst
this was such a cute fun and spicy read! Mason and Ryan were the sweetest characters. I loved their progression from roommates/friends to lovers, it was incredibly sweet. I am a sucker for good banter, and this book had that between Mason and Ryan as well as all our side characters.
if you want a low angst, sweet romance between two roommates/friends with some spicy lessons and great banter, check this out!
3.5⭐️ rounded to 4 stars
what to expect:
- mm romance
- roommates
- drag queen x rugby player
- friends w/ benefits
- sexual discovery
- low angst
this was such a cute fun and spicy read! Mason and Ryan were the sweetest characters. I loved their progression from roommates/friends to lovers, it was incredibly sweet. I am a sucker for good banter, and this book had that between Mason and Ryan as well as all our side characters.
if you want a low angst, sweet romance between two roommates/friends with some spicy lessons and great banter, check this out!
August 10, 2024
Enjoy ‘For the Fans’? You will love this.
We have our Rugby playing MMC going through a bi-awakening and our Drag artist MMC being a ‘pal’ and helping him ‘explore’.
The spice was off the charts good, and there were so many adorable moments!
I think my favourite microtrope from this book is when the bedroom dynamic is reversed from what you’d expect (e.g. a submissive jock)
We have our Rugby playing MMC going through a bi-awakening and our Drag artist MMC being a ‘pal’ and helping him ‘explore’.
The spice was off the charts good, and there were so many adorable moments!
I think my favourite microtrope from this book is when the bedroom dynamic is reversed from what you’d expect (e.g. a submissive jock)
August 16, 2024
Very light hearted easy read. Mason was adorable.
February 24, 2025
Story 3.0
Narration 4.0
Narration 4.0
September 1, 2024
First M/M romance I’ve read in a while. This was a cute and sexy story. I tend to like a little more depth or complexity in my romances and just felt I was missing it a bit with this one but it was a nice read that I enjoyed overall. 3-3.5 ⭐️
August 25, 2024
The first book in the hotly anticipated Rugby series, I love how Charlie is weaving this one with her other series with characters from the Drag Queens mingling with the new Rugby characters.
I also really enjoyed all the Rugby narrative, I’m a big Rugby fan and having such great descriptions of the training and games was great. The training sessions are the ones that are never seen by fans, and I felt every bruise, and sore muscles. It helped to really understand how much effort goes into training, before the team plays 80 minutes on the pitch.
I love how the relationship between Mason and Ryan developed, it wasn’t loud and flashy, it felt like a natural progression with no need for dramatics or contrived breakups and I really appreciated that.
Mason is the quintessential Rugby player, big and brawny, always expected to be that “Macho Alpha Male” who is straight and has women falling at his feet.
Ryan is unashamedly himself, performs his Drag at the Court, is nerdy loves Dungeons and Dragons and all things superhero/villain, his Drag is one of his outlets for his nerdy creative side and his graphic design is the other.
What do you do when your supposedly straight roommate walks in on you, mid-act and stays to watch? Proposition him to help him explore his bi-side? Or throw him out and move out? You can guess which one Ryan prefers.
I really liked how tongue-tied Mason is, how his brain wars with his desires, not in an I shouldn’t be doing this way, but more like I want him so much I can’t express it. I also like the differences between how Mason is as a Rugby player and his silly, tender, submissive side as he explores his sexuality. I laughed at how clueless Mason is, not only about himself but the others around him, oblivious is the only way to describe him.
Ryan is perfect going in with eyes wide open but feeling he is getting in deeper than he expected. I was so glad he turned to his Drag Queen friends for help and advice and took the advice. Taking the plunge is always scary but there can be good things waiting if he is brave.
As well as the Rugby training scenes I really liked the behind the scenes, at the Court, what happens in the dressing rooms, the snacks, the snark, the comradeship, the miles of tape all of which makes Drag Queens so fantastic.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I also really enjoyed all the Rugby narrative, I’m a big Rugby fan and having such great descriptions of the training and games was great. The training sessions are the ones that are never seen by fans, and I felt every bruise, and sore muscles. It helped to really understand how much effort goes into training, before the team plays 80 minutes on the pitch.
I love how the relationship between Mason and Ryan developed, it wasn’t loud and flashy, it felt like a natural progression with no need for dramatics or contrived breakups and I really appreciated that.
Mason is the quintessential Rugby player, big and brawny, always expected to be that “Macho Alpha Male” who is straight and has women falling at his feet.
Ryan is unashamedly himself, performs his Drag at the Court, is nerdy loves Dungeons and Dragons and all things superhero/villain, his Drag is one of his outlets for his nerdy creative side and his graphic design is the other.
What do you do when your supposedly straight roommate walks in on you, mid-act and stays to watch? Proposition him to help him explore his bi-side? Or throw him out and move out? You can guess which one Ryan prefers.
I really liked how tongue-tied Mason is, how his brain wars with his desires, not in an I shouldn’t be doing this way, but more like I want him so much I can’t express it. I also like the differences between how Mason is as a Rugby player and his silly, tender, submissive side as he explores his sexuality. I laughed at how clueless Mason is, not only about himself but the others around him, oblivious is the only way to describe him.
Ryan is perfect going in with eyes wide open but feeling he is getting in deeper than he expected. I was so glad he turned to his Drag Queen friends for help and advice and took the advice. Taking the plunge is always scary but there can be good things waiting if he is brave.
As well as the Rugby training scenes I really liked the behind the scenes, at the Court, what happens in the dressing rooms, the snacks, the snark, the comradeship, the miles of tape all of which makes Drag Queens so fantastic.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 1, 2024
🔥Rugby Player x Nerdy Drag Artist
🔥Rugby/Sports Romance
🔥Hookups to Lovers
🔥Friends to Lovers
🔥Roommates to Lovers
🔥Hookup Arrangement
🔥Super low angst
🔥Smutty
🔥Bisexual Exploration
🔥British set
🔥Idiots in love
🔥Queer Romance
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
"The Tighthead" by Charlie Novak is a captivating romance novel that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love through the lens of sports and sexuality. The story follows Mason, who is thrown into a journey of sexual exploration and emotional growth after an unexpected and intimate encounter with his roommate, Ryan.
The novel begins with a provocative and somewhat humorous scenario that sets the stage for Mason's internal conflict about his sexuality. The initial awkwardness quickly evolves into a mutually beneficial arrangement as Ryan offers a no-strings-attached hookup to help his friend explore his bisexuality. This arrangement, intended to be purely physical, gradually becomes emotionally significant as the two characters develop a deep bond.
Charlie Novak does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of modern relationships, especially those involving sexual identity and the fluidity of attraction. The character development is a highlight, with both Mason and Ryan displaying growth and vulnerability. Mason’s journey from confusion to self-acceptance is both relatable and heartwarming, and Ryan’s supportive and understanding nature makes him an endearing character.
The backdrop of rugby adds an interesting layer to the story, providing a contrast between the physicality of the sport and the tenderness of the emerging romance. Charlie Novak's writing style is engaging, with a good balance of humor, emotional depth, and steamy scenes that will keep readers hooked.
Overall, "The Tighthead" is a well-crafted romance novel that combines sports, friendship, and the exploration of bisexuality into a compelling narrative. It’s a story about finding love in unexpected places and realizing that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that start as friendships. "The Tighthead" is a highly recommended read.
🔥Rugby/Sports Romance
🔥Hookups to Lovers
🔥Friends to Lovers
🔥Roommates to Lovers
🔥Hookup Arrangement
🔥Super low angst
🔥Smutty
🔥Bisexual Exploration
🔥British set
🔥Idiots in love
🔥Queer Romance
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
"The Tighthead" by Charlie Novak is a captivating romance novel that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love through the lens of sports and sexuality. The story follows Mason, who is thrown into a journey of sexual exploration and emotional growth after an unexpected and intimate encounter with his roommate, Ryan.
The novel begins with a provocative and somewhat humorous scenario that sets the stage for Mason's internal conflict about his sexuality. The initial awkwardness quickly evolves into a mutually beneficial arrangement as Ryan offers a no-strings-attached hookup to help his friend explore his bisexuality. This arrangement, intended to be purely physical, gradually becomes emotionally significant as the two characters develop a deep bond.
Charlie Novak does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of modern relationships, especially those involving sexual identity and the fluidity of attraction. The character development is a highlight, with both Mason and Ryan displaying growth and vulnerability. Mason’s journey from confusion to self-acceptance is both relatable and heartwarming, and Ryan’s supportive and understanding nature makes him an endearing character.
The backdrop of rugby adds an interesting layer to the story, providing a contrast between the physicality of the sport and the tenderness of the emerging romance. Charlie Novak's writing style is engaging, with a good balance of humor, emotional depth, and steamy scenes that will keep readers hooked.
Overall, "The Tighthead" is a well-crafted romance novel that combines sports, friendship, and the exploration of bisexuality into a compelling narrative. It’s a story about finding love in unexpected places and realizing that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that start as friendships. "The Tighthead" is a highly recommended read.
August 14, 2024
🔥Sports Romance Rugby
🔥Rugby Player x Nerdy Drag Artist
🔥Friends with benefits to Lovers
🔥They were roommates
🔥Super low angst/no third act breakup
🔥Smutty/"Good Boy"
🔥Bisexual Exploration
🔥British boys
🔥Idiots in love
🔥Queer Romance
I adored this book! Mason is a rugby player sharing a flat with his teammate Jonny. Their newest roommate is the geeky but gorgeous drag queen, Ryan (he/they). They all have been living together for a few months and get along great. I love the sporty and artsy dynamic.
One night, Mason accidentally walks in on Ryan in a compromising position. But instead of leaving, curiosity gets the best of him, and he he joins Ryan, and the guys give each other a show.
Intrigued by this development, Mason starts to question his sexuality. Ryan, being the great friend he is, offers to help Mason explore his bisexuality.
As these two start having some very sexy rendezvous, it is quickly apparent that they are feeling a lot more than they anticipated. This is one of those stories where you love the MCs together and can't wait for these oblivious love sick idiots to get together officially and publicly.
I love the trope of two seemingly opposite people being perfect for each other. Ryan is so self-assured and extroverted. He starts teaching their friend group D&D and is a confident dungeon master. I love the scenes of them flirting while gaming. He is so crafty and works hard on his nerdy drag persona, Legs Luthor. I love the name! 😂
Mason is the epitome of the golden retriever boyfriend. He just wants to make his partner happy, in and out of the bedroom. He is always complimenting Ryan, and he loves to receive praise. After the two were debating, who is hotter Angel vs Spike and singing Taylor Swift, I was starting to get a little jealous of Ryan. Mason is top-tier boyfriend material.
So I'm absolutely recommending this one. And I'm excited that it's the beginning of a series about all the Rugby boys, The Lincoln Knights. I'll be eagerly anticipating the next one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A huge thank you to the author and @theauthor.agency for this ARC copy.
🔥Rugby Player x Nerdy Drag Artist
🔥Friends with benefits to Lovers
🔥They were roommates
🔥Super low angst/no third act breakup
🔥Smutty/"Good Boy"
🔥Bisexual Exploration
🔥British boys
🔥Idiots in love
🔥Queer Romance
I adored this book! Mason is a rugby player sharing a flat with his teammate Jonny. Their newest roommate is the geeky but gorgeous drag queen, Ryan (he/they). They all have been living together for a few months and get along great. I love the sporty and artsy dynamic.
One night, Mason accidentally walks in on Ryan in a compromising position. But instead of leaving, curiosity gets the best of him, and he he joins Ryan, and the guys give each other a show.
Intrigued by this development, Mason starts to question his sexuality. Ryan, being the great friend he is, offers to help Mason explore his bisexuality.
As these two start having some very sexy rendezvous, it is quickly apparent that they are feeling a lot more than they anticipated. This is one of those stories where you love the MCs together and can't wait for these oblivious love sick idiots to get together officially and publicly.
I love the trope of two seemingly opposite people being perfect for each other. Ryan is so self-assured and extroverted. He starts teaching their friend group D&D and is a confident dungeon master. I love the scenes of them flirting while gaming. He is so crafty and works hard on his nerdy drag persona, Legs Luthor. I love the name! 😂
Mason is the epitome of the golden retriever boyfriend. He just wants to make his partner happy, in and out of the bedroom. He is always complimenting Ryan, and he loves to receive praise. After the two were debating, who is hotter Angel vs Spike and singing Taylor Swift, I was starting to get a little jealous of Ryan. Mason is top-tier boyfriend material.
So I'm absolutely recommending this one. And I'm excited that it's the beginning of a series about all the Rugby boys, The Lincoln Knights. I'll be eagerly anticipating the next one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A huge thank you to the author and @theauthor.agency for this ARC copy.
August 19, 2024
If anything is going to make my day, it's book 1 in a new Charlie Novak Series and we get that with The Tighthead. We have been introduced to Ryan and Mason in previous stories and it's their turn for the authors Magic to take place. Ryan and Mason became roommates through 2 friends who were dating. Ryan, who is a Drag Queen, felt an instant connection with Mason the Rugby player and they have become fast close friends but a surprise encounter changes their interactions and allows Mason to explore parts of himself that he wasn’t aware of. As the two men start down a non-committed path in the long run, is that actually what they both want. This story shows us that sometimes people you never think matchup are the perfect puzzle pieces when they finally are put together. This is another fantastic story of love and the strange places you can find it in life. There are so many things I enjoy about the writing style of Charlie Novak, but I think what I enjoy the most is that deep down, these are just stories of people finding the person that they were meant to be with. If you remove the fact that these are MM romances, you could drop any gender identity or sexual orientation into the basic storyline (more roomies here than Drag Queen and Rugby Player) and it would still work because the writing is about the emotions that everyone goes through when falling in love, both the good and the bad. The author always brings the characters' feelings to the forefront of their stories and helps them figure their ways through the tough times to come out on the other end the happiest they can be and that is what a Romance is supposed to be. As always, can’t wait for more from Charlie Novak in the future.
January 16, 2025
I feel terrible for this review, but.... I'm pretty sure I would've dnfed this if I wasn't reading it for a challenge.
I read the prequel short story (The Head Coach, a Prolific Works giveaway) and I was so mesmerized and so captivated. That story was simply sublime. It would've been impossible to overstate how much I was looking forward to the series just because of that prequel. Unfortunately, this book left me sorely disappointed.
.
I really am so disappointed because Charlie Novak is a decent author and although I've only read two full-length novels and two short stories I did enjoy all of those. I have yet to read anything as magical as The Head Coach though. I'm still thinking about whether I'll give the next book in the series a chance, but if I do, hopefully it's better than this one was.
I read the prequel short story (The Head Coach, a Prolific Works giveaway) and I was so mesmerized and so captivated. That story was simply sublime. It would've been impossible to overstate how much I was looking forward to the series just because of that prequel. Unfortunately, this book left me sorely disappointed.
.
I really am so disappointed because Charlie Novak is a decent author and although I've only read two full-length novels and two short stories I did enjoy all of those. I have yet to read anything as magical as The Head Coach though. I'm still thinking about whether I'll give the next book in the series a chance, but if I do, hopefully it's better than this one was.
August 7, 2024
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐀𝐑𝐂
𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭
𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐈𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Mason and Ryan were so cute! My god did my heart smile so much at reading them. I adored them together. The way they supported each other. Even the whole hookup arrangement was so cute. Cute in a way that they were so respectful of each each other, communicated so well with their arrangement. I love how Ryan was with Mason, talking him through things, always making sure he was okay with things, always with the sweet nothings.
Mason was just so adorable. The way he always asked for permission, well, more so wanted Ryan’s consent before doing something, made me smile. He was so new to things, but always so eager and needed. I loved it! I think it was funny how their closest friends knew about them, lol. There was no way they thought they were always being subtle.
Their feelings for one another were so beautiful. They were meant to be, for sure.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧… 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.”
This is actually my first read by this author, well, my first full-length novel read, but I truly enjoyed it.
𝐀𝐑𝐂
𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭
𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐈𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Mason and Ryan were so cute! My god did my heart smile so much at reading them. I adored them together. The way they supported each other. Even the whole hookup arrangement was so cute. Cute in a way that they were so respectful of each each other, communicated so well with their arrangement. I love how Ryan was with Mason, talking him through things, always making sure he was okay with things, always with the sweet nothings.
Mason was just so adorable. The way he always asked for permission, well, more so wanted Ryan’s consent before doing something, made me smile. He was so new to things, but always so eager and needed. I loved it! I think it was funny how their closest friends knew about them, lol. There was no way they thought they were always being subtle.
Their feelings for one another were so beautiful. They were meant to be, for sure.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧… 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.”
This is actually my first read by this author, well, my first full-length novel read, but I truly enjoyed it.
August 13, 2024
4.5 stars 2.5 chilli spices.
This is a super low angst fun summer read that will just leave you in a happy mood. There is no relationship drama or third act break ups here.
Mason is a professional rugby player who, whilst only having dated women, has been curious about exploring more than friendship with men. And when his roommate Ryan gives him an offer he can’t refuse.
Ryan is a loud and proud drag queen who is comfortable in his own skin and has the confidence to offer the roommate he’s been low key crushing on a safe space to explore the physical side of dating men.
He can totally do a no strings attached hook up casual situation - at least that’s what he tells himself.
Obviously this turns into more and I adored the organic progression of these two’s relationship. Whilst they might not have any drama they certainly don’t lack heat and spice.
I also enjoyed the exploration of gender identity that this book gives. Ryan identifies as male but not entirely, seeing gender as a spectrum rather than a black or white category.
We get some great little cameos from Charlie’s other series and we get to know some other fringe characters a bit more - who I’m guessing are getting their own books soon.
I enjoyed this thoroughly as a book that won’t rip you shreds or leave you with your emotions in tatters. It’s a wholesome, completely green light and sweet relationship with a deep passionate love between two people who so clearly are each other’s halves.
I received an ARC copy of this to which I thank the author and her team.
This is a super low angst fun summer read that will just leave you in a happy mood. There is no relationship drama or third act break ups here.
Mason is a professional rugby player who, whilst only having dated women, has been curious about exploring more than friendship with men. And when his roommate Ryan gives him an offer he can’t refuse.
Ryan is a loud and proud drag queen who is comfortable in his own skin and has the confidence to offer the roommate he’s been low key crushing on a safe space to explore the physical side of dating men.
He can totally do a no strings attached hook up casual situation - at least that’s what he tells himself.
Obviously this turns into more and I adored the organic progression of these two’s relationship. Whilst they might not have any drama they certainly don’t lack heat and spice.
I also enjoyed the exploration of gender identity that this book gives. Ryan identifies as male but not entirely, seeing gender as a spectrum rather than a black or white category.
We get some great little cameos from Charlie’s other series and we get to know some other fringe characters a bit more - who I’m guessing are getting their own books soon.
I enjoyed this thoroughly as a book that won’t rip you shreds or leave you with your emotions in tatters. It’s a wholesome, completely green light and sweet relationship with a deep passionate love between two people who so clearly are each other’s halves.
I received an ARC copy of this to which I thank the author and her team.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews