Licked

Lick It! #1

by Charlie Novak

Lick It Like A Good Boy

It’s not often you meet gorgeous gothic men at wargaming tournaments. So, of course I tripped over my tongue instead of asking for his number. And despite my friends’ numerous offers to help find him online, we’re too busy opening Lick It!, our new ice cream shop, to spare time for my non-existent love life.

But when Jonathan walks through the door on a sunny Friday afternoon, I can’t help but feel like it’s fate.

He’s shy, sweet, and we immediately click. Jonathan doesn’t have much experience with relationships, so I’m determined to give him the attention he deserves, even if it means I’m pulled in two directions.

With summer heating up and the shop getting hectic, spending time together is getting harder and harder. I don’t know how to balance the long hours and being a good boyfriend, but I know I have to figure it out.

Because meeting Jonathan is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Found Family, Slow Burn, LGBT, Audiobook, Contemporary

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 12, 2026

About the author

Charlie 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…

Reviews

[Shannai · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This was my first book by Charlie Noavk and Jonathan and Alfie's story was such a cute and very sweet one; if not sweeter than the ice-cream that Alfie and his friends sold at Lick It!, haha!

I read this amongst other ARCs I had, and it was such a nice break and palate cleanser from the rather intense and high angst I usually read, and it was great; it had very little conflict, but there was still some incredible tension between Jonathan and Alfie, and what I loved most was how comfortable they was with each other and how healthily they communicated, too.

Equally, I was just as amused and intrigued by the side characters, too, who were all in support and pushing for Jonathan and Alfie together. I have seen that there will be a second book in the series, so very much looking forward for what is in store for Darcy and Owen.

Thank you kindly to the Author Agency for the e-ARC of Licked in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Licked

ARC REVIEW
Licked (Lick It! #1) di Charlie Novak
Recensione: I protagonisti di questo libro sono Alfie e Jonathan entrambi appassionati di wargames e micropittura. I due si oincontrano proprio durante un torneo ma tra i due nasce quasi immediatamente una connessione che li porta a volersi conoscere meglio, ma le tempistiche non sono molto dalla loro perché Alfie ha aperto da pochissimo una nuova gelateria e complice l'arrivo dell'estate, i due giovani non riescono a vedersi tanto quanto vorrebbero. Nonostante tutto in supporto alla coppia ci sono i loro amici che faranno di tutto per aiutarli a farli stare insieme il più possibile. Ho amato il posto, il fatto che nelle pagine del libro si respirasse già l'estate e i protagonisti secondari sono stati non solo preziosi a livelo di trama, ma molto simpatici! E' un libro molto dolce, Jonathan per primo è davvero un ragazzo che mi ha fatto molta tenerezza mentre leggevo il libro e Alfie è stato perfetto! Peccato per il lavoro che si è messo in mezzo e quindi il tempo per frequerntarsi era davvero molto poco, ma la chimica tra i due protagonisti è stata molto ben descritta. Licked è stata una lettura molto piacevole e non vedo l'ora di leggere il prossimo libro. Ho ricevuto una copia Arc in cambio della mia opinione sincera.

English Review: The main characters in this book are Alfie and Jonathan, both are passionate about wargames and miniatures painting. The two meet at a tournament, and the friendship between them develops almost immediately but they want to know each other better. Unfortunately the two can't see each other as much as they’d like. The couple has the support of their friends, who will do everything they can to help them spend as much time together as possible. I loved the setting; the summer mood and the secondary characters were not only important but I liked them a lot! It’s a very sweet book, Jonathan is very sweet and Alfie was perfect for him! It’s a shame that work got in the way, leaving them very little time to spend together. Licked was a very enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to read the next book. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a certified nerd with a Dark Elf Warhammer 40k army - yes mostly painted - this book was right up my alley!

Stick in a return to the beloved Yorkshire seaside town of Heather Bay and I was in my element and, while it's an obvious descriptor to use given the Ice Cream shop setting, this romance is sweetness personified.

Both Alfie and Jonathan are nerdy guys with specific interests that beautifully align and I loved their hesitant step into friendship and then more.

Alfie definitely needed the hard word that he got from Theo and Laurie mind, he was right on his way to a bit of self-sabotage because of his fears, but I loved how he'd already started to realise he was fulfilling his own worst prophesies.

Jonathan is such a sweetheart, his shy Gothic goodness is the perfect foil for Alfie's slightly more outgoing nature and their shared love of Sword & Flame, the nerdy wargame which provides their initial meet/cute, is really fun to read.

Adorable is the most accurate descriptor for how these two navigate their journey into love, and big props for the clear communication around consent and feeling comfortable with the intimacy changes as things progress.

Jonathan isn't very experienced and the way Alfie takes this into account is a big plus point for this story. That's not to say Jonathan doesn't know what he wants mind, and seeing him become more confident in asking for things is very sexy.

There's no stupid misunderstandings or my most hated Third Act breakups, but there are stumbles along the way which feel believable given the nature of the two men. Fortunately though, they're both adult enough to talk things through after being given a wee nudge.

Loved seeing Theo & Laurie so much in this book two and I hope we get to catch up with the rest of the Heather Bay gang as this series progresses.

#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[kirstie butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay another amazing ARC read from Charlie, those who have followed me for a while will know how much I love her 😍

I have enjoyed this so much, I love how Charlie finds relatable characters, insecurities we all have and have struggled to overcome home in our lives . The places ( especially for me who is local to some of the locations mentioned ) are real and you can easily picture these things happening in real life.

Side note I want honeycomb ice cream right now and to watch seagull wars 🤣😂 iykyk

Alfie and Jonathan were a delight to read, the instant safe connection they felt in a room full of lynx body spray and potentially a lingering smell of paint drying with those last minute touch ups.

I was silently yelling “phone number” at my kindle.

( I didn’t read the blurb I just saw Charlie Novak and started to read )

So finding myself back in Heather Bay was a dream and a chance to check in with some old friends ( including my favourite ) and then that old as time storyline with a splash of goth and pastels ( fancy seeing you here ) moment I was kicking my feet in joy

Every step through this I was dreading the end, because I just needed more and loved every second of it.

I have had to google Angel Eater too

Loved it, will be ordering the Physical for my shelf the moment it’s available ❤️


Oh and for those that haven’t read the Heather Bay series ( you don’t have to ) I was so excited to get more Theo and Laurie theirs was my favourite book of all of Charlie’s and the fact Theo plays a big part in this made me so happy 😁

The characters cross over characters are so fun and amazing giving you extra snips of past favourites or just tempting you to read more, ONE Charlie Novak book is all it takes to become and addict ❤️ so be warned before you crack those spines ❤️

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Licked from the author in exchange for an honest review. ✨

In Licked , Charlie Novak delivers a beautifully crafted, low-angst romance that serves as the perfect escape. Set against the charming backdrop of Heather Bay’s new artisan ice cream parlor, this story introduces us to Alfie and Jonathan—two characters whose chemistry is as sweet as the treats served by the parlor.

The Narrative Impact:
The meet-cute in this book is truly one for the books; it is imaginative, nerdy, and immediately endearing. While I typically gravitate toward darker themes, the fluff in this story hit me hard in the best way possible. Jonathan’s shy, nerdy, and gothic aesthetic is a standout, providing a wonderful contrast to the sunny, supportive atmosphere of the Lick It! crew.

The Anatomy of the Romance:
What sets this story apart is the unwavering focus on consent and communication. Novak ensures that every intimate scene is built on a foundation of clear communication and mutual respect.
Seeing characters offer and ask for consent as a non-negotiable part of their relationship is incredibly refreshing and sets a high standard for the genre.
The little misunderstanding between the leads are handled with a sweet, youthful energy that makes their eventual HEA feel earned and deeply satisfying.

The Verdict:
Licked is a heartwarming, spicy, and joyous celebration of love. If you are looking for a story that combines nerdy hobbies, incredible side characters, and a healthy approach to relationships, this is a must-read. It is exactly the kind of HEA the world needs right now.

[AnnaKitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the sweetest book I’ve read this year 🍦 

And it’s not only because of all the ice-cream 🤭



Alfie and Jonathan are such an adorable couple, nerdy but sunshiny accountant and an unexpectedly sweet and gentle goth 🖤 And their story is an actual balm to your soul - warm, fun and cute, packed with healthy communication and a very realistic relationship development.

What I loved the most was how tenderly they were getting to know each other. Not being a big fan of slow burn, I really appreciated how gently it was done, with so much care and attention to all the smallest reactions, feelings and emotions 🥹

“How could I deny him? I’d give Jonathan anything he wanted. I would fall down on my knees if he asked, give him everything I had and more.”

You could actually feel how much they enjoyed each other’s company, literally from the moment they have met. How comfortable they felt, helping, sharing interests and navigating first times 💛

This book is like a picture perfect consent manual with a healthy and steady relationship development.

Also, you know how in romance books our MCs usually love everything, they are all crazy about the touches, the tastes, the feelings.. What stood out for me here was the fact that Charlie allowed her characters more freedom and it was refreshing to see them actually prefer some of the intimate things and be not very fond of the others. It made them more human and relatable.

And I know that nosy and meddling friends are, like, one of the tropes, but it was so fun watching them meddle 😄

I guess it’s time for some ice-cream now 🍦

Thank you very much to Charlie Novak and TAA for this ARC 🙌

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so blooming sweet I think it gave me diabetes!

Alfie and Jonathan are literally the cutest couple!!

When Charlie said this book had a nerdy meet cute i wasn't expecting these two guys to be the cutest guys to ever cute!

Our little gothic Jonathan and our golden boy Alfie are both just adorable in their own ways.

Both have pretty much zero experience in people-ing yet they just get each other from the minute they meet (at a tournament similar to dungeons and dragon's - so nerdy and cute!)

When they part ways without exchanging numbers they realise the error of their ways as they both can't stop thinking of each other.
As luck would have it, Alfie has just opened an ice cream shop with two of his best friends, down the road from where Jonathan works. And when Jonathan's co-worker and friend decides they are having an ice cream lunch - well its almost like fate 🥰

Jonathan is so inexperienced with everything, life, partners, friends, communication - the list goes on. And Alfie is just the most patient and kindest soul with him ever. He wants to make Jonathan feel the most comfortable he possibly can in every situation and it's really endearing to read.

They both have great friends, nosey and hillarious but they only want the best for both Jonathan and Alfie, they do have to step in at one point and do a bit of meddling but the payoff is worth it.

A super cute read, perfect for a pallete cleanser and a heart warmer! My heart is full of love for these two!

The bonus chapter - the sweetest of sweetness! Jonathan has my heart bless him! I want to protect him at all costs.

I can't wait for more!

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was gifted an ARC copy of this book*

Alfie and Jonathan were such a sweet, lovable couple. I mean—an accountant/ice cream shop owner paired with a goth guy who works at a funeral home? It’s such a unique and charming combo. Their connection over shared interests like Sword and Flame (a Dungeons & Dragons–style game), painting miniatures, and watching historical documentaries made their relationship feel really genuine and grounded.

Their romance is a soft, slow burn that develops in a very natural, realistic way. I really enjoyed watching Alfie juggle the challenges of being a new business owner while also navigating a new relationship—it felt relatable and true to life. It was especially heartwarming to see both of them choose each other and commit to making things work, even with their busy and sometimes conflicting schedules.

This isn’t a super spicy read, but the moments we do get are thoughtful and fit the tone of their relationship really well. I also loved that these characters felt real—no over-the-top, perfect romance heroes here. Just two slightly nerdy, genuinely kind guys who you can’t help but root for.

The side characters added a lot of personality and warmth to the story, especially Theo and Laurie. I also enjoyed watching Milo and Darcy support and encourage Alfie in his relationship with Jonathan—it really gave the story a strong sense of their friendship.

Overall, this is a fun, sweet, low-angst MM romance with a cozy slow-burn feel—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light, heartwarming, and a little bit nerdy.

[Spice Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous Series Start

I flew through the remaining Heather Bay books I’d yet to read before starting this to get the interlinked character’s back stories - I’m glad I did seeing as two of them are quite involved in this, but you could start your journey with either series (I’ve initially read Charlie’s books backwards).

Jonathan and Alfie are the cutest, with their confidence issues, awkwardness and difficulties making friends. Though both thought this of themselves, neither think it of each other and their fumbling and second guessing is sweet and endearing.

As this is a Heather Bay spin off, it’s a very similar feel to those books - English seaside, heartwarming, charming, uncomplicated - just with more ice cream!

I love how Jonathan and Alfie’s relationship progresses - softly-softly - with nervousness and consent being front and centre. Their treatment and respect for each other draws you in and their relationship has such a cautious innocence about it I was smiling along with each interaction.

They’re both really adorable - Jonathan with his doubts about handling a relationship correctly, Alfie with his romantic gestures and both fretting that they’re not enough for each other. It’s just a really sweet, low angst romance with a good helping of spice. What those of us Novak readers are used to.

It was good to see Theo and Laurie again and I’m looking forward to Darcy and Milo’s stories to come.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but this book was missing something for me.
Jonathan and Alfie meet cute at a wargaming tournament (think D&D). They are both shy but there is an instant attraction. Cut to them running into each other again in the small, seaside town in Northern England where Jonathan lives and Alfie has just opened an ice cream shop with his childhood friends. Their awkward romance begins but can it survive their insecurities and Alfie’s busy schedule?
That’s the gist of it. This book was described as low angst but it felt very angsty, but over something that seemed very silly to be angsty about. There are a good deal of lovely, sweet moments between these guys and the spice is very satisfying, but the conflict seemed a bit drummed up and the resolution so simple it left little impact. I really like this quaint little town in an amazingly tolerant bubble where no one bats an eye at men in summer dresses or full make up. I truly hope there are places like this in the world. I absolutely would be thrilled to visit an ice cream shop run by three adorable gay men with a sign over the counter that says “I Licked It So It’s Mine”.
If you are a big fan of cozy MM romance and have a very high threshold for discussion of wargaming, miniature model painting and very detailed clothing descriptions, this one may well be for you.
Thank you to The Author Agency and author Charlie Novak for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Time seemed to slow down and stop, as if the universe wanted the two of us to savour this moment. As if it knew this was something important we needed to remember for the rest of our lives."

Alfie and Jonathan met in a tournament and formed instant connection. But they didn't exchanged numbers and went their separate ways, but fate had a different plan they met again in Alfie's new ice cream parlour shop.

I finished this in a few hours, and what a worth-my-time read.

This book is very low stakes, heart felt, and such a feel-good book.

Both characters are adorable and endearing. I can see them getting married and having a happy ever after beyond the book. They instantly clicked. They both have a lot in common and shared interests. There's no drama, there's no tension, its all very good to read. I was rooting for them right from the start because you can see that they're made for each other.

I love that they were both nerds, with them attending tournaments, doing mini painting on figurines and love to do games. It was v entertaining to read. Also I love to read a business owner of an ice cream shop struggling, because I get to see the behind-the-scenes of being of being an entrepreneur.

I love all side characters. Both of them had a great support system in terms of friends, and I am looking forward to reading this series in the future.

Def will be rereading this book.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie and Jonathan's story is a great start to a new series from Charlie Novak. I'm already looking forward to the books for Darcy and Milo, Alfie's best friends and business partners at Lick It, the new ice-cream shop they open in Heather Bay. Yes, back to that wonderful coastal English town that was a big favourite of mine to read from this author. It also means we get cameo's from previous characters, this time being Laurie and Theo, who always entertain.
Alfie and Jonathan's romance is a slow burn, just taking their time for two reasons, I think.
1- Alfie is insanely business with a new shop opening and it being the start of the summer season, there is just no stopping.
2- Jonathan's only boyfriend was in highschool where not a lot happened. I love just how important it is to Alfie that Jonathan is comfortable, feels safe and happy with everything that they do.
Of course, the slight drama is them getting in their own way. Say it with me, people - #Communication. The thing necessary to keep relationships going/happy but just a little visit from your favourite undertakers is all it needs.
An entertaining read that is fairly low angst, and a wonderful relationship that grows over a love of miniatures, table top games, and a newfound love of lace.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: If you need a sweet, low angst romance with a couple of geeky guys, this is a great book for you. This falls solidly in the slice-of-life category.

These MCs aren’t the popular guy or jock. They are average guys who love a tabletop battle game where they first meet as competitors. Both men are attracted immediately, and they get the chance to know each other during and after the tournament.

When they realized they lived in the same community, albeit a little shy, they decided to get to know each other and date. Life is hard, dating is hard, and falling in love is easy, but keeping all the balls in the air is hard. The book takes us through them, learning how to keep up with life and recognize what the most important thing is.

There are some lovely firsts for both men, lots of heart, and a happily ever after. This is a great book after a long work week, where you need to be reminded that life can be hard, but there are great things you shouldn’t let slip away.

This is the first of a series, and I am excited to see what the next book brings. The friend group on both sides is a great part of the story. A good amount of one-liners and plenty of ice cream. There is some spice, a solid mix between open door and explicit. Getting to read their love story was a joy. Don’t forget the seagull army!

[ashreads.a.lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I purchased my copy of Licked directly from Charlie Novak’s online store and received the ebook before the original release date. **

Jonathan and Alfie are such sweet cinnamon roll angels and I love them so much! 💜 I loved the original Heather Bay series and getting to come back and revisit this town and one of my favorite couples, Theo and Laurie, was icing on the cake! When we first met Jonathan in Like I Wanted, I knew I wanted to learn more about him and I’m happy we got to. He’s a shy, sweetheart goth pushing himself out of his comfort zone to give a relationship with Alfie a shot when they reconnect after meeting at a wargaming tournament. Alfie is a charming and kind new business owner who wants nothing more than to give Jonathan the world while balancing his work obligations with a new relationship. They’re both so understanding of each other and although Alfie struggles to find the perfect work life balance, they find their footing and are stronger for it. They fit so well together and put so much love and care into being with each other in ways that completely melted my heart! 💜 I’m excited to see what comes next for Alfie’s business partners, Darcy and Milo, after meeting them and seeing the dynamic between the three friends.

[Ine Vanherle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨️
🌶️🌶️

Licked by Charlie Novak is such a fun, flirty, and genuinely sweet romance. The chemistry between the characters is immediate, with playful banter and attraction that feels effortless right from the start.

What I really appreciated is that even though this is a shorter romance at around 200 pages, the story never feels rushed or underdeveloped. Every page feels well used, giving enough time for both the romance and the emotional connection to grow naturally. It manages to be spicy, funny, and heartfelt without dragging or trying to do too much.

I also absolutely loved getting to visit our beloved Heather Bay again. There’s something so comforting and familiar about returning to this world and seeing glimpses of characters and places we already love. It adds such a cozy charm to the reading experience.

Charlie Novak has a talent for writing comforting romances, and Licked fits perfectly into that category! A Quick to read, easy to get invested in, and incredibly satisfying by the end. I already can’t wait for the next book later this year.

And lastly, a big thank you to Charlie Novak and the team for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, I’m very grateful to have received the chance of visiting Heather bay a bit early.

[Barbara Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍦ARC 🍦Review
MC’s: 💛Alfie & 🖤 Jonathan

5/5 ⭐️Overall
3/5 🌶️ Spice

This book was fun — a budding romance between two somewhat awkward & adorable MC’s. I found their story was cheerful without being cloying. There was definitely more spice than I expected, despite the MCs’ inexperience.

The book accomplished a low angst storyline without being dull, in part because each character had so much nuance it kept the plot flowing along.

Because of the ages and back stories of the MC’s, they fumble here and there and I enjoyed how their friend groups helped keep them on track. Speaking of — the book is full of side characters with enough depth that I could sense the possibility of other stories to be told without distracting from the plot of this one.

Tropes:
🍦MM New Adult Romance
🍦Soft Dom-Sub Awakening
🍦Inexperienced MC
🍦Nerdy Hobbies
🍦Sunshine-Sunshine
🍦Praise Kink
🍦Low Angst

#MMromancebooks
#ARCreview #bookstagram

Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deliciously sweet summer romance! 🍦

Charlie Novak continues to write such fun & swoony characters who all have really interesting hobbies! I loved that our two MCs met at a warhammer tournament where they each felt like the odd ones out, but felt so at ease with each other, but yet were too nervous to get each others numbers.

It was giving “lost connections” energy and anyone else who has seen the Coleman Domingo story about meeting his husband on the Graham Norton show will know exactly how romantic those stories can end up being!

Once we are back with our characters in Heather Bay, the plot continues from there with Alfie starting up a new ice cream parlor with his two childhood besties, and Jonathan working for my FAVES, Theo & Laurie! I loved having them back on page as characters and I hope we get bonus/patreon content about their wedding soon 😍

That being said, if you’ve not read any of Charlie’s previous Heather Bay books, you can totally read this as an independent standalone. It’ll just make you want to read the Heather Bay series stat.

*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is so happy after reading Licked, the first in this summer sunshine ice cream shop romance. This is a slow burning, meandering, heartwarming love story between introverted and inexperienced Jonathan and the perpetually stressed new business owner Alfie.

These two are just adorable. Their story gives exploring together, consent seeking, confidence building, go at his pace vibes. They are head over heels for each other but take things slow to build a strong connection first. Its never explicitly defined but Jonathan is ND. He is focused and schedule driven. Alfie wants to give him the world and adapts to his sensory needs. I loved how they start with all the kissing and progress slowly towards physical intimacy. It feels the perfect pace just for them.

The thing I adored the most is how British the story is. It felt so familiar. I felt like ive been to this ice cream shop and the small town in which the story is based. It has a real feel of British summertime (although probably needs more rain!). The shop and its host of characters is a perfect backdrop to this beautifully crafted love story from Charlie Novak.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Heather Bay and with a whole new cast of characters.

While Jonathan appeared before, Alfie and his friends are new with their dream of an ice cream shop. They grew up in Heather Bay but there is no crossover to the previous characters outside Laurie and Theo from the "Like I" series.

These two guys are utterly sweet, the story is a bit less steamy than previous books by this author, I see it more like her Christmas ones. It's a great, easy to read, book for the Summer time.

A nerdy goth who is feeling anxious about people, is basically a virgin but still wants to be loved. Alfie is the guy who is worrying about time, ice cream and not being good enough for Jonathan. It takes a while to get them to realise that they are perfect for each other, just the way they are.

The story is a bit highjacked by our favourite chaos gremlin Theo, while I absolutely adore his character, he was a bit much but with the heart at the right place.

Can't wait for Alfie's friends to fall in love.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So nice to be back in Heather Bay.

Alfie and Jonathon’s story is just what I needed. A low angst romance between two wonderful men who meet at a gamers tournament and soon find themselves falling in love. It’s a gentle slow burn as they navigate their way to their HEA. There’s some minor worry surrounding Alfie with the new ice cream shop being so busy but a bit of a talking to from Theo and Laurie (from the Heather Bay series) soon has him on the right track. Jonathon is shy gamer goth who made his way into my heart. I loved watching him bloom as the relationship with the very understanding Alfie develops.
If you’re looking for a very enjoyable relaxing read with wonderful characters, a good balance of steam and sweet, a satin and lace wearing goth and a HEA to make you feel all warm and fuzzy then this is for you. I can’t wait for Alfie’s business partners Darcy and Milo to get their individual stories told.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in series (Lick It!), a spin-off of the author’s Heather Bay series. Small town. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.

Alfie and Jonathan meet as competitors at an RPG tournament and are mutually drawn to each other over shared interests. Unfortunately, they forget to swap contact information but luckily Jonathan enters Alfie’s ice cream parlor and they are able to pursue their attraction.

This is a sweet and fluffy story featuring an innocent and shy goth funeral home receptionist and a former accountant trying to start a new business with his best friends. Both Alfie and Jonathan were likable characters, and both have supportive friends that do their best to help the budding relationship along. I liked the easiness of Alfie and Jonathan’s growing relationship, and how they communicated honestly about intimacy and their feelings. A nice start to a new series, it’s pretty clear where the series is going with the other owners of Lick It!, and it should be fun and sweet!

[Copper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan and Alfie are such cute sky nerds, coming back to Heather Bay was so fun and I'm excited about this new series and how the 3 new lad fit with the town. Starting a Ice cream business in a seaside town is busy work and Alfie and his friends could never be prepared for the way it takes over their lives or the love they find on the way. Can't wait to read the other 2 books!

Meeting Jonathan at a war games tournament then by chance seeing him walk into his new ice cream shop a week later sets off the story so we'll and after both spent the week after pining over each. The pair hit it off and quickly both to shy to say their full feelings and both being a little inexperienced with relationships.

I loved the way their push them to have more time and work on their issues making them communicate and work together to make time for each other. I can't wait to see Milo and Dancy stories after getting little hints to each story coming soon.

[Michelle Exploringwithchapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as bubble gum sweet as you would think it would be from the cover. I love Charlie's writing style. So fun and playful, packed with heart and of course that sweet sweet spice. This will be a total comfort read for me! I loved it. We got Alfie and Jonathan's story in book one and the rest of the characters are quickly forming attachments in my mind. I just know that Milo and Rupert's story is going to blow me out of the water. I am already dying. Measuring property line. Crumbling the cone by the back door.... well I won't spoil it for you, but lets say I had as much fun reading about the side characters as I did the main. And I absolutely fell for sweet Johnathan. His character description made me just want to eat him up. I can't wait to see character art on this one!

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two cute tabletop battle gamers. I trully had a good time reading about Alfie and Jonathan. It was great being back in Heather Bay and having Theo and Laurie be a part of this cute love story.

Our two main characters are so cute. They meet at a miniatures tabletop war game tournament and are just the cutest with each other. They both wish they had said more and kept in touch after the event so of course our wonderful author makes that happen for them.

I think that their story is fun, sweet, realistic, and there are some problems that they face that they need to figure out without letting doubts get in their way. Theo does what Theo always does and yes, there is a taxidermy rat. IYKYK.

I think this is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and freely given review of this book.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be the cutest, nerdiest book I've read! Everything is so sweet and fun, and this book would be perfect for a holiday read by the pool or on the beach.

Alfie and Jonathan are just adorable together. Their shared love of games and ability to talk about anything and everything was just fun to read, plus there's an abundance of ice cream! Honestly I'm intrigued by the Tea and Biscuits flavour, but I've never been a biscuit fan... I do love a good cup of tea though 😂

It was nice to be back in Heather Bay again, and Laurie and Theo feature heavily as Jonathan's best friends and employers. I can't wait to see what happens with Milo's vendetta against the sweet shop, but I'm super keen to read Darcy's story next.

*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Edit:
Dan Calley once again has been paired with Charlie, and once again shows why these two make the perfect author and narrator combination. Dan never fails at bringing these men to life and showing us their idiosyncrasies and their undying loyalty to their found families. You never question who is speaking or whose POV you are in. Another beautiful piece of narration brought to us from Dan Calley.

Charlie is returning to Heathers Bay wit Lick IT! the new ice cream shoppe ran by lifelong best friends Darcy, Milo & Alphie. LICK IT! has been Darcys dream and he ropes his best friends into this wild adventure with him back in their hometown of Heathers Bay.
Jonathon is the baby goth receptionist we met in LIKE I WANTED, Theo & Laurie story, he is sweet and innocent as we remembered and Alphie just happens to be his perfect figurine painting match. Jonothan & Alphie meet at a gaming tournament with an immediate connection, not knowing they soon will be in the same small town of Heathers Bay. They have a beautiful laid-back relationship that had its growing pains, with both their insecurities surfacing. Theo being the chaos gremlin that he is along with his Laurie can't help but intervene to help show both men they not only deserve but make each other better. Darcy & Milo were also great new characters that I look forward to seeing who is paired up with them and in Milos case who can handle his 'unique' style and personality. A great start to an reintroduction to a world we all know and love.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anytime we get a visit to Heather Bay, I know we are in for a treat. This time we get a yummy treat set in a newly opened ice cream shop by a trio of friends. Our first HEA has a meet cute for the numbers guy, Allie, and our funeral home receptionist, Jonathan (yes, that funeral home!). But it’s not in HB, no cell numbers exchanged, oh no, will they find each other?! Really? What do you think? It sets the stage for a delightful summer romance that will make you kick your heels and squeel. Alfie’s friends are great, can’t wait for their stories. And you know who is there to help Jonathan make his way through the dating, working too hard, thinking too much. And of course Heather Bay is as much a character as our beloved Angus and their pet, Fred. That cover, perfection!

[Courtney Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie and Jonathan are the sweetest couple, a chance meeting, forgetting to exchange phone numbers and amazingly finding each other in Heather bay just sounds magical. Add in an accountant turned newly opened ice cream shop owner x gothic funeral home worker and see those sparks fly.
Slow burn romance, immediate connection, I love how Alfie took things at Jonathan’s pace with him being inexperienced, I love how supportive of each other they were. The romance blooms throughout the book and the spice was well written as with most of Charlie’s books!
Of course we have some meddling Heather Bay characters, a lot of Theo and Laurie mixed in was perfect. Let’s not forget Alfie’s friends antics with their business neighbour, my goodness I can’t wait to see what’s next

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy we are back in Heather Bay. The story starts with Alfie being away at a tournament. His opponent came to the table and Alfie was gobsmacked. After Jonathan introduced himself they started the tournament. After Alfie lost, he went to the bar and Jonathan came to see him and they had supper together. Fast forward one week and Alfie is back home as he and his friends are setting up a new ice cream shop in town. Alfie is kicking himself for not getting Jonathan’s number. Jonathan works for Laurie at the funeral parlour and when Theo convinces him to go, that is when the two meet again. This is the start of their story of how the two of them started their relationship. I loved the progression of the book and how they just fit. I cannot wait to read more in this series.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adored this book!
I love Heather Bay and it’s so good to be back with a whole new set of characters. Also, Lick It! – the new ice cream parlour in town – seems amazing, and the three guys running are sure to keep us entertained.
The first to fall (in love) is Alfie, an ex-accountant who decided to embark on this ice-cream adventure with his best friends, and who loves tabletop games. A hobby he shares with Johnathan, a shy gothic receptionist in a funeral house owned and run by a couple we know well (remember Theo and Laurie from Like I Wanted?).
The book is relatively low-angst (apart from a mild panic-induced almost meltdown by Alfie) and very sweet. Charlie Novak’s writing, as always, is fresh, vibrant, and captivating.