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Lick It! #1
Licked
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.
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.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Charlie Novak
69 books644 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 181 reviews
May 25, 2026
This was kind of boring for me… Maybe it was just my slumpy mood, but these MCs had so much potential, and somehow they ended up being the most painfully polite people in existence. Their conversations genuinely started putting me to sleep. 😀
Because how can you make this boring???
LIKE COME ON. That’s objectively adorable and after this I never thought I would be bored… but here I’am…
The romance itself was good. It’s a very soft slow burn, and I actually think the inexperienced MC was handled really well. The relationship develops naturally, nothing feels rushed, and the sweetness between them feels genuine. But again… All that constant validation is so tiresome… Are you ok, are you sure, positive? really? super sure? like sure? But really, are you sure it's ok? 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
The only real source of “angst” seemed to be Alfie’s hectic schedule at the ice cream shop—apparently five staff still isn’t enough to allow for any free time, since he goes weeks without seeing Jonathan. It felt like a very light, almost manufactured obstacle, but it was treated as the main emotional tension.
My issue was mostly with the dialogue and pacing. There was so much internal monologue, not enough chemistry in the actual conversations, almost no conflict, and the dialogue started dragging despite how fun the setup was. For me, the concept and characters were stronger than the execution, but the actual conversations just didn’t land and ended up feeling a bit flat and repetitive.
Because how can you make this boring???
“I’m the least cool person in the world.”
Alfie grinned again[…] “You’re at a Sword & Flame tournament in a fucking suit and harness, you paint minis to a god-tier level, you work in a funeral home, and you know people who do MyFans. And you have gorgeous make-up and nails, don’t think I didn’t see them.” He winked. “Like it or not, you’re the coolest person in this whole damn hotel.”
LIKE COME ON. That’s objectively adorable and after this I never thought I would be bored… but here I’am…
The romance itself was good. It’s a very soft slow burn, and I actually think the inexperienced MC was handled really well. The relationship develops naturally, nothing feels rushed, and the sweetness between them feels genuine. But again… All that constant validation is so tiresome… Are you ok, are you sure, positive? really? super sure? like sure? But really, are you sure it's ok? 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
The only real source of “angst” seemed to be Alfie’s hectic schedule at the ice cream shop—apparently five staff still isn’t enough to allow for any free time, since he goes weeks without seeing Jonathan. It felt like a very light, almost manufactured obstacle, but it was treated as the main emotional tension.
My issue was mostly with the dialogue and pacing. There was so much internal monologue, not enough chemistry in the actual conversations, almost no conflict, and the dialogue started dragging despite how fun the setup was. For me, the concept and characters were stronger than the execution, but the actual conversations just didn’t land and ended up feeling a bit flat and repetitive.
May 28, 2026
I’m so sorry, I did find this book slightly boring 😭 nothing big or exciting really happened, but I also didn’t totally hate it-it was super low angst with a kinda slow burn & Jonathan and Alfie were super sweet. I liked how nerdy they were together & I feel like they fit together really well. I loved their meet cute!
But idk, I feel like there wasn’t enough going on to really keep my interest & I sorta felt like Jonathan & Alfie were just wayyyy too polite even after knowing each other for a bit & that annoyed me too.
“I love you, Jonathan, more than anything in this world. You are everything to me and I don’t ever want to lose you. I need you in my life because you are the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. And if you’ll let me, I’ll spend every day showing you how much I love you. Because I do. I really do. I love you, Jonathan.”
But idk, I feel like there wasn’t enough going on to really keep my interest & I sorta felt like Jonathan & Alfie were just wayyyy too polite even after knowing each other for a bit & that annoyed me too.
“I love you, Jonathan, more than anything in this world. You are everything to me and I don’t ever want to lose you. I need you in my life because you are the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. And if you’ll let me, I’ll spend every day showing you how much I love you. Because I do. I really do. I love you, Jonathan.”
August 15, 2026
This was cute and sweet but maybe a bit too sweet at times.
May 14, 2026
Thank you for this early copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion. I absolutely loved this book. Having a goth MMC was such a refreshing change, and his chemistry with the other lead was incredible. The nerdy tournament meet-cute was a total highlight. It was unique, sweet, and set the perfect tone for the rest of the story.
The ice cream shop setting provided a fun backdrop, especially with the creative pin-up art board plot point. I also found myself just as invested in the side characters as I was in the main couple. They both had such fun and likable best friends that were couples. The MMCs are incredibly likable, making this a perfect blend of sweet moments and high heat spice. I honestly couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for any MM romance fan! I can't wait to continue this series.
The ice cream shop setting provided a fun backdrop, especially with the creative pin-up art board plot point. I also found myself just as invested in the side characters as I was in the main couple. They both had such fun and likable best friends that were couples. The MMCs are incredibly likable, making this a perfect blend of sweet moments and high heat spice. I honestly couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for any MM romance fan! I can't wait to continue this series.
May 18, 2026
Licked is the first book in the Lick it series by Charlie Novak. This book is the story of Alfie and Jonathan. I loved their story. It was sweet, full of feels and very well written.
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026DNF @80% while skimming a bunch.
I'm always summoned when there's a low angst romance read so here I am!✨️
Unfortunately didn't like it tho. 🥲
The side characters were way too involved and the MCs were just...too polite, like even after they went on a date is was so..stilted? 😵💫
The final nail in the coffin for me was
Ugh, why do so many ' low angst ' books think having secondary characters swoop in to safe the day is a good idea? Talking things out with friends is one thing but having friends get this involved is crazy work. 😩
The positives?
Goth!💗
Ice cream 💗
Hand holding. 💗
Flowers + date💗
Kisses that didn't immediately lead to sex.💗
(Seriously, more kisses in romance pls!)
Can't comment on the steaminess because I skimmed it!
This wasn't for me and I probably won't continue the series. ✌🏻
I'm always summoned when there's a low angst romance read so here I am!✨️
Unfortunately didn't like it tho. 🥲
The side characters were way too involved and the MCs were just...too polite, like even after they went on a date is was so..stilted? 😵💫
The final nail in the coffin for me was
Ugh, why do so many ' low angst ' books think having secondary characters swoop in to safe the day is a good idea? Talking things out with friends is one thing but having friends get this involved is crazy work. 😩
The positives?
Goth!💗
Ice cream 💗
Hand holding. 💗
Flowers + date💗
Kisses that didn't immediately lead to sex.💗
(Seriously, more kisses in romance pls!)
Can't comment on the steaminess because I skimmed it!
This wasn't for me and I probably won't continue the series. ✌🏻
Read
May 12, 2026I'm so excited that we're back in Heather Bay (and not just for the name, lol) It's lovely to read a low angst read that centers around both friendship and ice cream! We get to see Jonathon (from Theo and Laurie's story) find his man in one of the three friends opening the new ice cream parlour in town! We get great small town vibes, a little tabletop gaming and two sweet men falling in love! We also get to meet Milo and Darcy who will be finding love soon!
May 14, 2026
Licked - Charlie Novak
🌟 5/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I swear, I’m just so addicted to Charlie’s books and this was so cute and very low angst. Also, if you like a little bit of comedy in books, this one is for you.
I’m such a sucker for found family and when the found family makes you laugh, you know you’re going to have a good time. Theo had me laughing from the moment we meet him when he opens his mouth. And his love for ice cream is utterly perfect because who doesn’t love ice cream.
I love how Alfie and Jonathan meet because nerd meets cute is definitely one of my favorite tropes because too cute. When Theo wants more ice cream and drags Jonathan to get more, I was giggling especially when he tried to hide it from Laurie that he had some. Those two are definitely entertaining.
I just love how Alfie and Jonathan both like their scheduled time together because it truly works for them. When Laurie and Theo seek out Alfie, that had to be my favorite scene from pretty much dragging him out for tea and cake.
I love how they both want the same thing but in their own way, they are scared to admit how they truly feel. Like I said, nerd meets cute is definitely my favorites because I love how they fumble with their feelings.
If you haven’t read any of Charlie’s books, this is truly a good one to start with just because there is so many emotions flying through the pages, lingerie because why not and just all the feels.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
🌟 5/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I swear, I’m just so addicted to Charlie’s books and this was so cute and very low angst. Also, if you like a little bit of comedy in books, this one is for you.
I’m such a sucker for found family and when the found family makes you laugh, you know you’re going to have a good time. Theo had me laughing from the moment we meet him when he opens his mouth. And his love for ice cream is utterly perfect because who doesn’t love ice cream.
I love how Alfie and Jonathan meet because nerd meets cute is definitely one of my favorite tropes because too cute. When Theo wants more ice cream and drags Jonathan to get more, I was giggling especially when he tried to hide it from Laurie that he had some. Those two are definitely entertaining.
I just love how Alfie and Jonathan both like their scheduled time together because it truly works for them. When Laurie and Theo seek out Alfie, that had to be my favorite scene from pretty much dragging him out for tea and cake.
I love how they both want the same thing but in their own way, they are scared to admit how they truly feel. Like I said, nerd meets cute is definitely my favorites because I love how they fumble with their feelings.
If you haven’t read any of Charlie’s books, this is truly a good one to start with just because there is so many emotions flying through the pages, lingerie because why not and just all the feels.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Licked is the first book in Charlie Novak’s new Lick It! series, featuring the three owners of the ice cream shop. I found this one sweet, charming, and cozy. There is just a lovely, warm vibe to the book that I enjoyed and this one was a quick, easy read. Both Alfie and Jonathan think of themselves as sort of awkward and geeky. They both enjoy pursuits that make them at times feel out of step with other guys, but that are a perfect fit for one another. After their weekend tournament, both men are regretting not getting the other’s contact information, but it isn’t long before they reconnect back at home in Heather Bay. There is a a slow build, with almost a courtship vibe as the men slowly get to know one another.
I did like the introduction to the shop, the town, and the three friends. I checked out the upcoming pairings (and already had a pretty good guess as to who Milo would be matched with), and I am looking forward to continuing on. I found this one charming and an easy, enjoyable read.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Licked is the first book in Charlie Novak’s new Lick It! series, featuring the three owners of the ice cream shop. I found this one sweet, charming, and cozy. There is just a lovely, warm vibe to the book that I enjoyed and this one was a quick, easy read. Both Alfie and Jonathan think of themselves as sort of awkward and geeky. They both enjoy pursuits that make them at times feel out of step with other guys, but that are a perfect fit for one another. After their weekend tournament, both men are regretting not getting the other’s contact information, but it isn’t long before they reconnect back at home in Heather Bay. There is a a slow build, with almost a courtship vibe as the men slowly get to know one another.
I did like the introduction to the shop, the town, and the three friends. I checked out the upcoming pairings (and already had a pretty good guess as to who Milo would be matched with), and I am looking forward to continuing on. I found this one charming and an easy, enjoyable read.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 1, 2026
4.5 stars!
This was such a cute book! The cover is what got me in the first place but oh my god I loved the story
Jonathan and Alfie meet at a tournament and instantly hit it off but neither of them get each other’s numbers so when Jonathan walks into alfies new ice cream shop he just opened it’s like fate! They both are nerdy and can easily talk to each other about things
Jonathan is on the shy side but Alfie is attracted to everything about him especially how he dresses! How Alfie described what Jonathan was wearing to the tournament I could absolutely picture it
Their relationship was slow and deliberate with them getting to know each other and with their conflicting schedules
But when the spice hit it was perfect it wasn’t over the top it was the right pace for them
I loved that Theo and Laurie snapped Alfie out of his thinking because he was worried he wasn’t enough for Jonathan that he deserved more because of Alfies schedule with the shop so their I love yous after were perfect too!
The universe of this book is so fun with all the side characters so I can’t wait to read book 2!
This was such a cute book! The cover is what got me in the first place but oh my god I loved the story
Jonathan and Alfie meet at a tournament and instantly hit it off but neither of them get each other’s numbers so when Jonathan walks into alfies new ice cream shop he just opened it’s like fate! They both are nerdy and can easily talk to each other about things
Jonathan is on the shy side but Alfie is attracted to everything about him especially how he dresses! How Alfie described what Jonathan was wearing to the tournament I could absolutely picture it
Their relationship was slow and deliberate with them getting to know each other and with their conflicting schedules
But when the spice hit it was perfect it wasn’t over the top it was the right pace for them
I loved that Theo and Laurie snapped Alfie out of his thinking because he was worried he wasn’t enough for Jonathan that he deserved more because of Alfies schedule with the shop so their I love yous after were perfect too!
The universe of this book is so fun with all the side characters so I can’t wait to read book 2!
May 16, 2026
This is an opposites attract romance, featuring Alfie and Jonathan, and is book one in the Lick It series.
Alfie never expects to reconnect with the gorgeous gothic guy he awkwardly met at a wargaming tournament, but when Jonathan walks into his new ice cream shop, their instant connection feels impossible to ignore.
This was all kinds of sweet! Alfie and Jonathan have the cutest meet-cute, and it feels like fate when they reconnect. i had a smile on my face the entire time. I loved all the meddling found family and can’t wait to read the next book.
I absolutely love this cover.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Small town
Low angst
Wargaming meet-cute
Insta-connection
Opposites attract
Nerd x Goth
Reconnecting
Inexperienced MC
Dates
Brought him flowers
MC in lingerie
Spicy times
First times
Meddling found family
Pet dads: cat
HEA
Alfie never expects to reconnect with the gorgeous gothic guy he awkwardly met at a wargaming tournament, but when Jonathan walks into his new ice cream shop, their instant connection feels impossible to ignore.
This was all kinds of sweet! Alfie and Jonathan have the cutest meet-cute, and it feels like fate when they reconnect. i had a smile on my face the entire time. I loved all the meddling found family and can’t wait to read the next book.
I absolutely love this cover.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Small town
Low angst
Wargaming meet-cute
Insta-connection
Opposites attract
Nerd x Goth
Reconnecting
Inexperienced MC
Dates
Brought him flowers
MC in lingerie
Spicy times
First times
Meddling found family
Pet dads: cat
HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
May 14, 2026
I read along while listening to the audiobook. The narration was a smidge too slow, but that’s an easy fix since I just changed the speed. As for the story, it was cute but a bit fluffy for my tastes; the “conflict” was barely one. That said, I enjoyed the progression of the couple’s relationship, with the dates and taking their time when it came to physical intimacy.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
May 18, 2026
This was cute and sweet, and so incredibly wholesome. It’s got a nerdy tournament meet-cute, goth representation, and fun, likeable MCs, and ice cream. I even loved the meddling found family, although I do wish Alfie had realised certain things on his own. But overall, this was such a refreshing, low angst read, perfect to make you smile and kick your feet.
May 15, 2026
Two gorgeous young men, a budding romance, and ice cream, what more could you need in a lovely story! It's a light, gentle read, sweet and at times funny, just a perfect cozy tale. Alfie and Jonathan are so adorable as they slowly get close, even with the opening of a new business they make time to be together often. I also managed to get the quick short but adorable bonus read.
June 18, 2026
Adorable nerd babies falling in love over ice cream...Swoon! Super light-hearted, feel-good British MM romance. I'm looking forward to book 2.
June 23, 2026
Idkkkk maybe toooo sweet for me.
May 12, 2026
This was the perfect summer read! I absolutely loved the setting so much in this one and the love story was just adorable. Charlie really got me hooked from page one.
Alfie meets a gorgeous gothic man at a wargaming tournament but he doesn't ask for his number. So when Jonathan makes his way into the ice cream shop he just opened with his friends it is fate. They click immediately and even though Jonathan doesn't have much experience relationship wise they make it work. But as the summer hectics turn up it keeps getting harder to make time and can their new relationship survive it all.
I really loved the romance between Jonathan and Alfie as it felt so real. They are both not perfect and try to make their relationship work comes with ups and downs. Alfie is super busy with Lick it! and so he thinks he doesn't do enough for Jonathan. While Jonathan really wants to make it work between them. Their struggle felt real and something I could relate to. So if you are looking for a cute summer romance story this one is for you!
Thanks to Charlie Novak for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alfie meets a gorgeous gothic man at a wargaming tournament but he doesn't ask for his number. So when Jonathan makes his way into the ice cream shop he just opened with his friends it is fate. They click immediately and even though Jonathan doesn't have much experience relationship wise they make it work. But as the summer hectics turn up it keeps getting harder to make time and can their new relationship survive it all.
I really loved the romance between Jonathan and Alfie as it felt so real. They are both not perfect and try to make their relationship work comes with ups and downs. Alfie is super busy with Lick it! and so he thinks he doesn't do enough for Jonathan. While Jonathan really wants to make it work between them. Their struggle felt real and something I could relate to. So if you are looking for a cute summer romance story this one is for you!
Thanks to Charlie Novak for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2026
My reviews contain spoilers and include both plot summary and critical analysis. My star rating reflects my overall opinion of the book. Come back when you're done reading to view (and hopefully weigh in on) my take.
I received a free copy of Dripped, the sequel to this book, from the author's fan club page on Facebook. I wanted to read this story before I read that book.
I liked the premise and the setup of Licked by Charlie Novak, but the execution never quite matched the potential. The meet-cute at the Sword and Flame tournament is genuinely charming, although Sword and Flame is essentially the author’s version of Dungeons and Dragons, which makes sense given her own stated love of D&D and other nerdy pursuits. I am also a longtime fan of Dungeons and Dragons, though I prefer the tabletop RPG version rather than the miniature battle format used here, and I genuinely appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into painting miniatures, having done it myself as a teenager.
Jonathan’s physical aesthetic is not one I am personally drawn to, and Alfie’s immediate attraction to him is framed as instant chemistry. The contrast between Jonathan’s feminine-coded presentation and Alfie’s very gender-conforming look should have created a dynamic with more texture than what the book ultimately delivers.
Their early interactions often read more like shy teenagers negotiating a first crush than adults in their late twenties and thirties. Jonathan’s romantic goth outfit appears on the second page of the novel, but the book does not describe what goth fashion looks like, and I initially interpreted his elaborate presentation the same way I would someone dressing up for a themed event, like the range of outfits people wear to Star Trek conventions or Renaissance festivals. Alfie’s blushing compliments and nervous deflection reinforce how adolescent their dynamic feels. Alfie also calls Jonathan “sweetheart” repeatedly, and although that term is used in Britain, it felt imported from heterosexual romance rather than something that reflects how gay men typically speak to each other in my experience.
The pacing is extremely slow. They go on several dates where the romantic progression stalls because nearly all they do is kiss, and the repetition makes the early relationship feel static. Despite Alfie being around thirty, he is written with an emotional register that feels much younger. The book makes clear that several weeks have passed, yet their physical relationship remains limited to kissing, and the narration treats those kisses as the primary engine of their connection. During a later sex scene, Jonathan unexpectedly reveals lace underwear that he says Theo suggested, and Alfie reacts with immediate enthusiasm. The scene is confusing because the book never establishes that Jonathan would choose lingerie or that Alfie is attracted to it, and the moment feels imported from heterosexual romance rather than arising naturally from either character’s established personality. Even in the middle of sex, Jonathan sometimes uses hesitant phrases like “if you do not mind,” which feel out of place given his clear enthusiasm. The effect is unintentionally awkward, and it reinforces how often the book relies on the language and emotional beats of heterosexual romance rather than the more grounded communication that reflects how gay men typically speak during sex. Even in their final fuck scene, the language is not gay-coded at all. Jonathan is written with the hesitancy of a teenage virgin, and Alfie speaks in the protective, praise-heavy style of a heterosexual romance hero, using phrases like “my love” and “good boy.” The book even uses “bottom” as a body part, which no gay man would say in a scene that otherwise uses words like “cock.” The result is a dynamic that feels imported from straight romance rather than arising naturally from two gay men in their late twenties or early thirties.
Side-character involvement is heavy. Milo and Darcy appear early and are established as part of Alfie’s work life. Laurie and Theo function as Jonathan’s found family, but they also step directly into the central relationship conflict. Theo’s introduction is loud, and his flamboyant energy briefly overwhelms the scene in a way that feels at odds with the book’s otherwise gentle tone. His aesthetic is so different from Jonathan’s romantic goth style that Alfie’s familiarity with him feels inconsistent, especially since Laurie’s gothic finery aligns more closely with the look Alfie is shown to find attractive. Their intervention scene is written with such a whimsical tone, complete with pastel dresses, cake orders, milkshakes, and theatrical dialogue, that it becomes impossible to take the emotional stakes seriously. The mismatch between the intended seriousness of the intervention and the playful presentation makes the moment feel more like a comedic skit than a grounded conversation between adults.
Milo’s scenes also highlight how uneven the book’s tone can be. His ongoing feud with Rupert sets up the third book in the series, and moments like his attempt to bait a flock of gulls made me laugh, especially the exchange in the kitchen:
It is telling that the most memorable lines in the book come from side characters rather than the central couple. Milo’s chaotic humor, including lines like wanting seagulls to “shit all over the doorstep,” sits oddly beside the much gentler tone of Alfie and Jonathan’s relationship, and the contrast makes the worldbuilding feel asynchronous.
The epilogue continues the same pattern. Eighteen months later, Jonathan still narrates with the emotional register of someone experiencing a first crush, and the relationship remains gentle, cozy, and conflict-free. The domestic scenes are warm, but they reinforce how little the romance has grown. Even the epilogue highlights how strange the book’s tonal choices can be, with Theo’s taxidermy rat tradition adding to the overall bizarreness of his character, who already feels exhausting with his cross-dressing, tea-wielding interventions, and MyFans (read: OnlyFans) side career. The side characters remain louder and more distinctive than the leads, and the tonal mismatch never resolves.
Overall, the concept is stronger than the execution. The characters are likable, and the setting is warm, but the romance never develops the emotional maturity it needs. The dynamic between Alfie and Jonathan often reads like adolescent courtship rather than a relationship between grown men, and the intimacy is written with the language and emotional beats of heterosexual romance instead of gay-coded communication. The tonal inconsistency across the story makes the world feel uneven, and the most memorable moments come from the side characters rather than the central couple. The book had the ingredients for a compelling romance, but the mismatched emotional register, the reliance on borrowed heterosexual-romance conventions, and the absence of meaningful growth keep it from reaching its potential. By the end, I was left wishing the story had trusted its own premise enough to give these characters a relationship that felt genuinely adult, genuinely gay, and genuinely lived-in. I expect the sequel will be superior given Darcy and Owen have more depth and dynamic in their limited scenes in this book.
I received a free copy of Dripped, the sequel to this book, from the author's fan club page on Facebook. I wanted to read this story before I read that book.
I liked the premise and the setup of Licked by Charlie Novak, but the execution never quite matched the potential. The meet-cute at the Sword and Flame tournament is genuinely charming, although Sword and Flame is essentially the author’s version of Dungeons and Dragons, which makes sense given her own stated love of D&D and other nerdy pursuits. I am also a longtime fan of Dungeons and Dragons, though I prefer the tabletop RPG version rather than the miniature battle format used here, and I genuinely appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into painting miniatures, having done it myself as a teenager.
Jonathan’s physical aesthetic is not one I am personally drawn to, and Alfie’s immediate attraction to him is framed as instant chemistry. The contrast between Jonathan’s feminine-coded presentation and Alfie’s very gender-conforming look should have created a dynamic with more texture than what the book ultimately delivers.
Their early interactions often read more like shy teenagers negotiating a first crush than adults in their late twenties and thirties. Jonathan’s romantic goth outfit appears on the second page of the novel, but the book does not describe what goth fashion looks like, and I initially interpreted his elaborate presentation the same way I would someone dressing up for a themed event, like the range of outfits people wear to Star Trek conventions or Renaissance festivals. Alfie’s blushing compliments and nervous deflection reinforce how adolescent their dynamic feels. Alfie also calls Jonathan “sweetheart” repeatedly, and although that term is used in Britain, it felt imported from heterosexual romance rather than something that reflects how gay men typically speak to each other in my experience.
The pacing is extremely slow. They go on several dates where the romantic progression stalls because nearly all they do is kiss, and the repetition makes the early relationship feel static. Despite Alfie being around thirty, he is written with an emotional register that feels much younger. The book makes clear that several weeks have passed, yet their physical relationship remains limited to kissing, and the narration treats those kisses as the primary engine of their connection. During a later sex scene, Jonathan unexpectedly reveals lace underwear that he says Theo suggested, and Alfie reacts with immediate enthusiasm. The scene is confusing because the book never establishes that Jonathan would choose lingerie or that Alfie is attracted to it, and the moment feels imported from heterosexual romance rather than arising naturally from either character’s established personality. Even in the middle of sex, Jonathan sometimes uses hesitant phrases like “if you do not mind,” which feel out of place given his clear enthusiasm. The effect is unintentionally awkward, and it reinforces how often the book relies on the language and emotional beats of heterosexual romance rather than the more grounded communication that reflects how gay men typically speak during sex. Even in their final fuck scene, the language is not gay-coded at all. Jonathan is written with the hesitancy of a teenage virgin, and Alfie speaks in the protective, praise-heavy style of a heterosexual romance hero, using phrases like “my love” and “good boy.” The book even uses “bottom” as a body part, which no gay man would say in a scene that otherwise uses words like “cock.” The result is a dynamic that feels imported from straight romance rather than arising naturally from two gay men in their late twenties or early thirties.
Side-character involvement is heavy. Milo and Darcy appear early and are established as part of Alfie’s work life. Laurie and Theo function as Jonathan’s found family, but they also step directly into the central relationship conflict. Theo’s introduction is loud, and his flamboyant energy briefly overwhelms the scene in a way that feels at odds with the book’s otherwise gentle tone. His aesthetic is so different from Jonathan’s romantic goth style that Alfie’s familiarity with him feels inconsistent, especially since Laurie’s gothic finery aligns more closely with the look Alfie is shown to find attractive. Their intervention scene is written with such a whimsical tone, complete with pastel dresses, cake orders, milkshakes, and theatrical dialogue, that it becomes impossible to take the emotional stakes seriously. The mismatch between the intended seriousness of the intervention and the playful presentation makes the moment feel more like a comedic skit than a grounded conversation between adults.
Milo’s scenes also highlight how uneven the book’s tone can be. His ongoing feud with Rupert sets up the third book in the series, and moments like his attempt to bait a flock of gulls made me laugh, especially the exchange in the kitchen:
“I plead the fifth.”
“You cannot plead the fifth, we are in England!”
It is telling that the most memorable lines in the book come from side characters rather than the central couple. Milo’s chaotic humor, including lines like wanting seagulls to “shit all over the doorstep,” sits oddly beside the much gentler tone of Alfie and Jonathan’s relationship, and the contrast makes the worldbuilding feel asynchronous.
The epilogue continues the same pattern. Eighteen months later, Jonathan still narrates with the emotional register of someone experiencing a first crush, and the relationship remains gentle, cozy, and conflict-free. The domestic scenes are warm, but they reinforce how little the romance has grown. Even the epilogue highlights how strange the book’s tonal choices can be, with Theo’s taxidermy rat tradition adding to the overall bizarreness of his character, who already feels exhausting with his cross-dressing, tea-wielding interventions, and MyFans (read: OnlyFans) side career. The side characters remain louder and more distinctive than the leads, and the tonal mismatch never resolves.
Overall, the concept is stronger than the execution. The characters are likable, and the setting is warm, but the romance never develops the emotional maturity it needs. The dynamic between Alfie and Jonathan often reads like adolescent courtship rather than a relationship between grown men, and the intimacy is written with the language and emotional beats of heterosexual romance instead of gay-coded communication. The tonal inconsistency across the story makes the world feel uneven, and the most memorable moments come from the side characters rather than the central couple. The book had the ingredients for a compelling romance, but the mismatched emotional register, the reliance on borrowed heterosexual-romance conventions, and the absence of meaningful growth keep it from reaching its potential. By the end, I was left wishing the story had trusted its own premise enough to give these characters a relationship that felt genuinely adult, genuinely gay, and genuinely lived-in. I expect the sequel will be superior given Darcy and Owen have more depth and dynamic in their limited scenes in this book.
May 9, 2026
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.
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.
May 13, 2026
*ARC review*
“Alfie made me feel safe, desired, cherished, and it made me yearn to give him everything.”
Let me just start by saying I ABSOLUTELY ADORED Jonathan. He was a perfectly adorable character. He was so sweet and innocent with the perfect spicy side when needed. I want to put him in my pocket and take him home. If he had fallen in love with anyone else, this book would be amazing.
My rating falls due to the other MMC, Alfie. Talk about the miscommunication trope at its finest. No motivation to work on anything, no motivation to communicate. Yet he claims he would give everything to Jonathan. Make it make sense.
Overall the writing was awesome, the other characters were perfect. I just did not vibe with Alfie at all. Jonathan deserved better.
“Alfie made me feel safe, desired, cherished, and it made me yearn to give him everything.”
Let me just start by saying I ABSOLUTELY ADORED Jonathan. He was a perfectly adorable character. He was so sweet and innocent with the perfect spicy side when needed. I want to put him in my pocket and take him home. If he had fallen in love with anyone else, this book would be amazing.
My rating falls due to the other MMC, Alfie. Talk about the miscommunication trope at its finest. No motivation to work on anything, no motivation to communicate. Yet he claims he would give everything to Jonathan. Make it make sense.
Overall the writing was awesome, the other characters were perfect. I just did not vibe with Alfie at all. Jonathan deserved better.
July 19, 2026
This was the perfect summer romance. It was a sweet, fun and just overall a good time. It doesn’t do anything crazy or dramatic but if you’ve read any of the authors other books in this universe then you will absolutely love all the easter eggs we get in this book.
That’s one of the things I really enjoyed about this book. We get to see so many past characters from other books and lots of honorable mentions. I loved that Laurie and Theo were main side characters in this book. I loved their story so much so seeing them in this was fantastic. Also their friendship with Jonathan, their absolute love and care for him was really amazing. He was part of the family no matter what and they made sure he knew it as well.
I loved how supportive they were throughout the whole book. Theo always making sure that he was there for Jonathan if he ever needed any advice or anything. And when he was struggling with what to do in his relationship with Alfie Laurie and Theo made sure they went to have a little chat with him to wake him up and help him realize what an idiot he was being. They even invited them to their wedding.
We also can’t forget about Alfie friends as well. We will be getting their books next but I loved their friendship with Alfie. We don’t see much of Darcy in this but Milo was so much fun. Always causing chaos wherever he goes. But always there for Alfie as support and making sure he’s okay.
I definitely wish we had gotten more background about Alfie and his friends. I wanted to see a little bit more of them all together. I wanted to see their bond and affection for each other. Especially since Alfie left his job to come help out Darcy with his dream of opening an ice cream shop. It was mention early on in the book that they had drifted apart over the years so I wanted to see more of what brought them back together.
The story evolves around Alfie and Jonathan. Alfie just recently moved back to Heather Bay from leaving his job and came to help Darcy and Milo his childhood best friends open up an ice cream shop. Before opening week he decided to take a weekend away for himself and go to a Sword & Flame tournament and this is where he meets Jonathan for the first time.
Jonathan we have met previously in other books. Mostly in Laurie and Theo book. He works with them at their funeral home and was also nerdy and gothic like them. He happened to be at the same tournament as Alfie and goes up against him in their first match up.
That following night at a hotel bar and restaurant Alfie was having a drink and waiting on a table when Jonathan asks if the chair next to his was open. Things flowed between them right from the beginning. Alfie was automatically smitten with Jonathan and thought he was the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen. And loved talking to him. After that night both went their separate ways and went back home but both regretted not getting the other’s phone numbers or anyway to contact the other person. But that didn’t stop them from trying to find each other.
Not even a week later on the opening day of Lick It! Who happens to walk through the door? Jonathon and Alfie couldn’t believe their luck at meeting again. This time neither of them was going to waste this chance. Alfie ends up asking for Jonathon’s number and things go from there.
I really enjoyed how the pacing of the story went. It wasn’t too fast or slow and I enjoyed seeing them go from blushing fools to being in a relationship. I loved that they spent time together getting to know one another being Alfie asked Jonathon out on a date. Which was the cutest thing ever! Jonathon not very experienced and only had one boyfriend back in high school and never had a date before. I loved how Alfie got flowers for him and both making an effort to make things special. Even when it came to being sexually involved they took their time. Alfie making sure Jonathon knows that they aren’t any rush and they can go at his pace. I loved the cared he took with Jonathon and it was so sweet.
The main conflict of the story is Alfie managing his work life with his private life and making time for Jonathon. It’s never easy starting a new relationship at the same time opening a new business. He takes his relationship with Jonathon very seriously and doesn’t want him to think he isn’t a priority. At the same time the business is doing very well and since it’s summer it’s been very busy. While the guys are trying to figure things out while things are happening.
Luckily Jonathon completely understands and actually prefers having a schedule when to meet up and do things. He’s not big on spontaneous meetings up. He loves having things planned out so this works for him personally. He makes sure Alfie knows he understands and isn’t upset when he’s busy or exhausted from work.
In the beginning he ends up helping out at Lick It! While the boys are looking to hire people. He comes on his days off and helps out and he loves being around Alfie as much as possible. Even when he isn’t needed anymore he goes to have lunch with him whenever he is able to. I just love seeing them make that effort with each other.
Things get hard towards the end with Alfie thinking Jonathon is better off without him. If things are hard now and going to fall apart anyway might as well let him go now rather than later. Thankfully Theo and Laurie are on it and make sure he knows how big an idiot he is being and go talk to Jonathon and tell him his feelings. I swear the way Alfie runs toward Jonathon job and pushes through the doors just to make sure he gets to him to confess his feelings and apologize for being an ass was everything! That’s exactly how you should be when you love someone and want to make up.
Everything works out and they make a game plan going forward that works for the both of them. It isn’t easy but the love they have for each other helps them overcome everything. I love seeing them in the epilogue together in the future and living together. We even get a bonus epilogue from the author in her newsletter with Jonathon proposing to Alfie! It was seriously everything! I loved every moment of it.
Overall this was such a good time and I’m glad I decided to get to this sooner rather than later. It was the perfect time for me to pick up and read for the summer.
That’s one of the things I really enjoyed about this book. We get to see so many past characters from other books and lots of honorable mentions. I loved that Laurie and Theo were main side characters in this book. I loved their story so much so seeing them in this was fantastic. Also their friendship with Jonathan, their absolute love and care for him was really amazing. He was part of the family no matter what and they made sure he knew it as well.
I loved how supportive they were throughout the whole book. Theo always making sure that he was there for Jonathan if he ever needed any advice or anything. And when he was struggling with what to do in his relationship with Alfie Laurie and Theo made sure they went to have a little chat with him to wake him up and help him realize what an idiot he was being. They even invited them to their wedding.
We also can’t forget about Alfie friends as well. We will be getting their books next but I loved their friendship with Alfie. We don’t see much of Darcy in this but Milo was so much fun. Always causing chaos wherever he goes. But always there for Alfie as support and making sure he’s okay.
I definitely wish we had gotten more background about Alfie and his friends. I wanted to see a little bit more of them all together. I wanted to see their bond and affection for each other. Especially since Alfie left his job to come help out Darcy with his dream of opening an ice cream shop. It was mention early on in the book that they had drifted apart over the years so I wanted to see more of what brought them back together.
The story evolves around Alfie and Jonathan. Alfie just recently moved back to Heather Bay from leaving his job and came to help Darcy and Milo his childhood best friends open up an ice cream shop. Before opening week he decided to take a weekend away for himself and go to a Sword & Flame tournament and this is where he meets Jonathan for the first time.
Jonathan we have met previously in other books. Mostly in Laurie and Theo book. He works with them at their funeral home and was also nerdy and gothic like them. He happened to be at the same tournament as Alfie and goes up against him in their first match up.
That following night at a hotel bar and restaurant Alfie was having a drink and waiting on a table when Jonathan asks if the chair next to his was open. Things flowed between them right from the beginning. Alfie was automatically smitten with Jonathan and thought he was the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen. And loved talking to him. After that night both went their separate ways and went back home but both regretted not getting the other’s phone numbers or anyway to contact the other person. But that didn’t stop them from trying to find each other.
Not even a week later on the opening day of Lick It! Who happens to walk through the door? Jonathon and Alfie couldn’t believe their luck at meeting again. This time neither of them was going to waste this chance. Alfie ends up asking for Jonathon’s number and things go from there.
I really enjoyed how the pacing of the story went. It wasn’t too fast or slow and I enjoyed seeing them go from blushing fools to being in a relationship. I loved that they spent time together getting to know one another being Alfie asked Jonathon out on a date. Which was the cutest thing ever! Jonathon not very experienced and only had one boyfriend back in high school and never had a date before. I loved how Alfie got flowers for him and both making an effort to make things special. Even when it came to being sexually involved they took their time. Alfie making sure Jonathon knows that they aren’t any rush and they can go at his pace. I loved the cared he took with Jonathon and it was so sweet.
The main conflict of the story is Alfie managing his work life with his private life and making time for Jonathon. It’s never easy starting a new relationship at the same time opening a new business. He takes his relationship with Jonathon very seriously and doesn’t want him to think he isn’t a priority. At the same time the business is doing very well and since it’s summer it’s been very busy. While the guys are trying to figure things out while things are happening.
Luckily Jonathon completely understands and actually prefers having a schedule when to meet up and do things. He’s not big on spontaneous meetings up. He loves having things planned out so this works for him personally. He makes sure Alfie knows he understands and isn’t upset when he’s busy or exhausted from work.
In the beginning he ends up helping out at Lick It! While the boys are looking to hire people. He comes on his days off and helps out and he loves being around Alfie as much as possible. Even when he isn’t needed anymore he goes to have lunch with him whenever he is able to. I just love seeing them make that effort with each other.
Things get hard towards the end with Alfie thinking Jonathon is better off without him. If things are hard now and going to fall apart anyway might as well let him go now rather than later. Thankfully Theo and Laurie are on it and make sure he knows how big an idiot he is being and go talk to Jonathon and tell him his feelings. I swear the way Alfie runs toward Jonathon job and pushes through the doors just to make sure he gets to him to confess his feelings and apologize for being an ass was everything! That’s exactly how you should be when you love someone and want to make up.
Everything works out and they make a game plan going forward that works for the both of them. It isn’t easy but the love they have for each other helps them overcome everything. I love seeing them in the epilogue together in the future and living together. We even get a bonus epilogue from the author in her newsletter with Jonathon proposing to Alfie! It was seriously everything! I loved every moment of it.
Overall this was such a good time and I’m glad I decided to get to this sooner rather than later. It was the perfect time for me to pick up and read for the summer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐
Licked was my first Charlie Novak book, and I can't believe how much I smiled reading Alfie & Jonathan! Their love story is simple yet amazing, and I loved that the author shows us EVERYTHING about their relationship in this book. I also loved that both characters have very different but equally fun and nosy groups of friends, all in the best ways.
Alfie is the sweetest guy in the world. I really liked his personality, the way he talks about Darcy & Milo because it shows how important their friendship is to him, and I LOVE the way he falls in love with Jonathan, and even though the endless work in Lick It! (his icecream parlor) stresses me out along with him, I still really liked that the author showed us this side of him, and it's refreshing to read about a couple having such mundane, yet equally important, problems.
Jonathan stole my heart from the first chapter! I loved the detailed way Charlie Novak described his outfits, his shy, sometimes insecure personality, and the way he offers to help Alfie and the guys at the ice cream shop. I also loved that Laurie & Theo are always willing to protect and help Jonathan, and that despite their different personalities, he knows he can trust them.
Alfie & Jonathan meet in a very original way, and I really liked that they're both such nerds, that they have so much in common, and that they constantly talk about it. I really enjoyed reading about them finding each other again and taking advantage of this opportunity to explore their feelings. I love how sweet they are, how well they always communicate, and how they gave me the most adorable moments.
🍦Alfie: 5/5
🍦Jonathan: 5/5
🍦Plot: 4/5
🍦Love story: 5/5
🍦Secondary characters: 5/5
🍦Cover: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
Puntuación: 4.5⭐
Licked fue mi primer libro de Charlie Novak y no puedo creer lo mucho que sonreí leyendo a Alfie & Jonathan! Su historia de amor es simple pero encantadora y amé que la autora nos muestre TODO de su relación en este libro. También me encantó que ambos personajes tengan grupos de amigos muy diferentes pero igual de divertidos y metiches de las mejores maneras.
Alfie es el más dulce del mundo, me gustó mucho su personalidad, la manera en la que habla de Darcy & Milo porque demuestra lo importante que es su amistad para él, y AMO la manera en la que se enamora de Jonathan. Y aunque me estrese junto con él las tareas interminables en Lick It! (su nueva heladería) me gustó mucho que la autora nos mostrara esta parte de él y la verdad es que es refrescante leer a una pareja teniendo problemas tan mundanos, pero igual de importantes.
Jonathan me robó el corazón desde el primer capitulo! Me encantó la manera tan detallada en la que Charlie Novak describió sus atuendos, su personalidad tímida, a veces insegura y la manera en la que se ofrece a ayudar a Alfie y los chicos en la heladería. También me encantó que Laurie & Theo siempre estén dispuestos a proteger y ayudar a Jonathan, y que a pesar de lo diferente de sus personalidades él sepa que puede confiar en ellos.
Alfie & Jonathan se conocen de una manera muy original y me gustó muchísimo que ambos sean tan nerds, que tengan tantas cosas en común y hablen constantemente de eso. Disfruté mucho leerlos encontrarse de nuevo y aprovechar esa oportunidad del destino para explorar sus sentimientos, me encanta que sean tan tiernos, que SIEMPRE tengan buena comunicación y que me hayan dado los momentos más adorables.
🍦Alfie: 5/5
🍦Jonathan: 5/5
🍦trama: 4/5
🍦historia de amor: 5/5
🍦personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍦portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
Licked was my first Charlie Novak book, and I can't believe how much I smiled reading Alfie & Jonathan! Their love story is simple yet amazing, and I loved that the author shows us EVERYTHING about their relationship in this book. I also loved that both characters have very different but equally fun and nosy groups of friends, all in the best ways.
Alfie is the sweetest guy in the world. I really liked his personality, the way he talks about Darcy & Milo because it shows how important their friendship is to him, and I LOVE the way he falls in love with Jonathan, and even though the endless work in Lick It! (his icecream parlor) stresses me out along with him, I still really liked that the author showed us this side of him, and it's refreshing to read about a couple having such mundane, yet equally important, problems.
Jonathan stole my heart from the first chapter! I loved the detailed way Charlie Novak described his outfits, his shy, sometimes insecure personality, and the way he offers to help Alfie and the guys at the ice cream shop. I also loved that Laurie & Theo are always willing to protect and help Jonathan, and that despite their different personalities, he knows he can trust them.
Alfie & Jonathan meet in a very original way, and I really liked that they're both such nerds, that they have so much in common, and that they constantly talk about it. I really enjoyed reading about them finding each other again and taking advantage of this opportunity to explore their feelings. I love how sweet they are, how well they always communicate, and how they gave me the most adorable moments.
🍦Alfie: 5/5
🍦Jonathan: 5/5
🍦Plot: 4/5
🍦Love story: 5/5
🍦Secondary characters: 5/5
🍦Cover: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
Puntuación: 4.5⭐
Licked fue mi primer libro de Charlie Novak y no puedo creer lo mucho que sonreí leyendo a Alfie & Jonathan! Su historia de amor es simple pero encantadora y amé que la autora nos muestre TODO de su relación en este libro. También me encantó que ambos personajes tengan grupos de amigos muy diferentes pero igual de divertidos y metiches de las mejores maneras.
Alfie es el más dulce del mundo, me gustó mucho su personalidad, la manera en la que habla de Darcy & Milo porque demuestra lo importante que es su amistad para él, y AMO la manera en la que se enamora de Jonathan. Y aunque me estrese junto con él las tareas interminables en Lick It! (su nueva heladería) me gustó mucho que la autora nos mostrara esta parte de él y la verdad es que es refrescante leer a una pareja teniendo problemas tan mundanos, pero igual de importantes.
Jonathan me robó el corazón desde el primer capitulo! Me encantó la manera tan detallada en la que Charlie Novak describió sus atuendos, su personalidad tímida, a veces insegura y la manera en la que se ofrece a ayudar a Alfie y los chicos en la heladería. También me encantó que Laurie & Theo siempre estén dispuestos a proteger y ayudar a Jonathan, y que a pesar de lo diferente de sus personalidades él sepa que puede confiar en ellos.
Alfie & Jonathan se conocen de una manera muy original y me gustó muchísimo que ambos sean tan nerds, que tengan tantas cosas en común y hablen constantemente de eso. Disfruté mucho leerlos encontrarse de nuevo y aprovechar esa oportunidad del destino para explorar sus sentimientos, me encanta que sean tan tiernos, que SIEMPRE tengan buena comunicación y que me hayan dado los momentos más adorables.
🍦Alfie: 5/5
🍦Jonathan: 5/5
🍦trama: 4/5
🍦historia de amor: 5/5
🍦personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍦portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
May 12, 2026
Here’s a warm Goodreads-style review you can post:
Licked by Charlie Novak is the first book in the new Lick It! series, and it’s such a fun, cozy, and ridiculously charming MM romance. Set around an ice cream shop and packed with geeky hobbies, flirty tension, emotional softness, and plenty of spice, this book feels like the perfect comfort read with extra heat.
The story follows an outgoing ice cream shop owner and a quieter, more reserved goth love interest who reconnect after meeting through a wargaming tournament, and honestly? Their dynamic worked so well for me. The contrast between the sunshine energy and the shy, awkward sweetness created so many adorable moments, but what made this story stand out was how genuine the emotional connection felt underneath all the flirting.
One thing I really appreciated was how easy this book was to sink into. The writing felt warm and natural, the pacing moved smoothly, and the chemistry between the characters never felt forced. The banter was playful, the attraction was instant, and the softer moments hit even harder because the relationship developed with so much care. Charlie Novak writes intimacy in a way that feels both comforting and incredibly steamy at the same time, and this book balanced those two sides perfectly.
I also loved the cozy atmosphere throughout the story. Between the small-business setting, found-family vibes, nerdy gaming references, and supportive friendships, the entire book felt full of queer joy and emotional safety. Even when the characters struggled with vulnerability or self-doubt, the relationship itself stayed supportive and healthy, which made the romance even more satisfying to read.
And yes — the spice absolutely delivered. The chemistry was HOT, but it never overshadowed the emotional connection. Every scene felt like it belonged in the story instead of existing just for shock value.
Overall, this was sweet, sexy, funny, and genuinely comforting all at once. If you love queer romances with soft emotional depth, lovable characters, and chemistry that jumps off the page, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Licked by Charlie Novak is the first book in the new Lick It! series, and it’s such a fun, cozy, and ridiculously charming MM romance. Set around an ice cream shop and packed with geeky hobbies, flirty tension, emotional softness, and plenty of spice, this book feels like the perfect comfort read with extra heat.
The story follows an outgoing ice cream shop owner and a quieter, more reserved goth love interest who reconnect after meeting through a wargaming tournament, and honestly? Their dynamic worked so well for me. The contrast between the sunshine energy and the shy, awkward sweetness created so many adorable moments, but what made this story stand out was how genuine the emotional connection felt underneath all the flirting.
One thing I really appreciated was how easy this book was to sink into. The writing felt warm and natural, the pacing moved smoothly, and the chemistry between the characters never felt forced. The banter was playful, the attraction was instant, and the softer moments hit even harder because the relationship developed with so much care. Charlie Novak writes intimacy in a way that feels both comforting and incredibly steamy at the same time, and this book balanced those two sides perfectly.
I also loved the cozy atmosphere throughout the story. Between the small-business setting, found-family vibes, nerdy gaming references, and supportive friendships, the entire book felt full of queer joy and emotional safety. Even when the characters struggled with vulnerability or self-doubt, the relationship itself stayed supportive and healthy, which made the romance even more satisfying to read.
And yes — the spice absolutely delivered. The chemistry was HOT, but it never overshadowed the emotional connection. Every scene felt like it belonged in the story instead of existing just for shock value.
Overall, this was sweet, sexy, funny, and genuinely comforting all at once. If you love queer romances with soft emotional depth, lovable characters, and chemistry that jumps off the page, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
August 11, 2026
Hmm, 3⭐️ but not because it's bad…
Licked was cute. Very cute, actually. Alfie and Jonathan are two tender, slightly awkward nerds who meet over miniature war gaming, immediately click, somehow fail to exchange numbers, and then get a second chance when Jonathan walks into Alfie’s newly opened ice cream shop (Lick it!). Between the miniature painting, funeral home shenanigans, ridiculous ice cream flavours and an aggressively supportive collection of friends, this had plenty of little details I enjoyed.
Jonathan being my favourite part. I liked his shyness, his very specific brand of nerdiness, and especially watching him become more comfortable with Alfie, both emotionally and sexually. Alfie is incredibly gentle with him, never treating his lack of relationship experience like something that needs fixing, and their relationship has that lovely feeling of two people who genuinely just enjoy being around each other. Jonathan literally being happy simply working beside Alfie because it means sharing the same space was just lovely.
Unfortunately, lovely was also doing most of the heavy lifting for me. There just isn't much friction here for a fairly full-length romance. The main conflict eventually becomes Alfie being completely consumed by the success of Lick It! It makes sense as a problem, but it never generated enough tension or emotional complexity to really pull me in. And if you are in need of a light palate cleanser, this will 100% work for you. But I think I just needed more…
And that's basically where I landed with the whole book: sweet, fluffy, low-angst and lovely… but also kind of mundane. I liked Alfie and Jonathan. I liked their friends. I liked the nerdy little world around them. I even liked that the eventual relationship crisis is solved by communication, apologies, and Alfie finally getting out of his own way rather than some giant manufactured third-act catastrophe. But there weren't enough moments that made me feel particularly strongly about any of it. I also could not stop comparing this to Taxes and Tardis by NR Walker (which was similarly nerdy and mundane but had more character depth) so I kinda overshadowed my own reading experience.
Licked was cute. Very cute, actually. Alfie and Jonathan are two tender, slightly awkward nerds who meet over miniature war gaming, immediately click, somehow fail to exchange numbers, and then get a second chance when Jonathan walks into Alfie’s newly opened ice cream shop (Lick it!). Between the miniature painting, funeral home shenanigans, ridiculous ice cream flavours and an aggressively supportive collection of friends, this had plenty of little details I enjoyed.
Jonathan being my favourite part. I liked his shyness, his very specific brand of nerdiness, and especially watching him become more comfortable with Alfie, both emotionally and sexually. Alfie is incredibly gentle with him, never treating his lack of relationship experience like something that needs fixing, and their relationship has that lovely feeling of two people who genuinely just enjoy being around each other. Jonathan literally being happy simply working beside Alfie because it means sharing the same space was just lovely.
Unfortunately, lovely was also doing most of the heavy lifting for me. There just isn't much friction here for a fairly full-length romance. The main conflict eventually becomes Alfie being completely consumed by the success of Lick It! It makes sense as a problem, but it never generated enough tension or emotional complexity to really pull me in. And if you are in need of a light palate cleanser, this will 100% work for you. But I think I just needed more…
And that's basically where I landed with the whole book: sweet, fluffy, low-angst and lovely… but also kind of mundane. I liked Alfie and Jonathan. I liked their friends. I liked the nerdy little world around them. I even liked that the eventual relationship crisis is solved by communication, apologies, and Alfie finally getting out of his own way rather than some giant manufactured third-act catastrophe. But there weren't enough moments that made me feel particularly strongly about any of it. I also could not stop comparing this to Taxes and Tardis by NR Walker (which was similarly nerdy and mundane but had more character depth) so I kinda overshadowed my own reading experience.
Review of advance copy
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
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
May 22, 2026
OH MY GOD. STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING AND READ THIS IMMEDIATELY! 😭😭😭
I am completely, utterly, and hopelessly obsessed with Licked by Charlie Novak! If you love mm romance that makes your heart physically ache from cuteness, this is your next hyperfixation. It is a literal shot of serotonin straight to the brain! 🍦✨
The Vibes & Tropes:
🍦Very Nerdy Meet Cute
🍦Low Angst
🍦Slow Burn
🍦Lingerie
🍦First Times
🍦Blowjobs in Beach Huts
🍦Supportive & Nosy Friends
🍦Sweetness & Spice
🍦“Let Me Help You”
🍦MM Romance
🍨Alfie is a sweet, stressed-out former accountant who just dumped his soul-sucking career to open an artisan ice cream shop with his chaotic besties. Jonathan is a drop-dead gorgeous goth who paints miniatures like a god, wears a leather harness to tournaments, and works as a funeral home receptionist. Like, hello?! What an absolute icon!
The chemistry? UNMATCHED. The banter? ELECTRIFYING. I was screaming at how cute they are! Alfie is completely floored by Jonathan, thinking, "Nice to meet you too... I’m Jonathan Bell... I’m your opponent this morning" while literally forgetting how to speak English because Jonathan is so hot. And the way they talk about their hobbies is pure domestic perfection! My favorite line ever: "And everyone knows buying and painting minis are two completely different hobbies". TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN!
The absolute agony when they parted ways without exchanging info had me wanting to throw my e-reader across the room! But the universe said "I got you" and threw them right back together. I could not stop smiling. It’s warm, it's cozy, it's funny, and it features an ice cream shop sign that says "I licked it so it’s mine!" which is exactly how I feel about this entire book.
If you need a low-angst, high-sugar, comfort read that features a stunning goth boy choking on a cheeseburger out of pure endearment, please do your soul a favor and click buy right now! 5 million stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am completely, utterly, and hopelessly obsessed with Licked by Charlie Novak! If you love mm romance that makes your heart physically ache from cuteness, this is your next hyperfixation. It is a literal shot of serotonin straight to the brain! 🍦✨
The Vibes & Tropes:
🍦Very Nerdy Meet Cute
🍦Low Angst
🍦Slow Burn
🍦Lingerie
🍦First Times
🍦Blowjobs in Beach Huts
🍦Supportive & Nosy Friends
🍦Sweetness & Spice
🍦“Let Me Help You”
🍦MM Romance
🍨Alfie is a sweet, stressed-out former accountant who just dumped his soul-sucking career to open an artisan ice cream shop with his chaotic besties. Jonathan is a drop-dead gorgeous goth who paints miniatures like a god, wears a leather harness to tournaments, and works as a funeral home receptionist. Like, hello?! What an absolute icon!
The chemistry? UNMATCHED. The banter? ELECTRIFYING. I was screaming at how cute they are! Alfie is completely floored by Jonathan, thinking, "Nice to meet you too... I’m Jonathan Bell... I’m your opponent this morning" while literally forgetting how to speak English because Jonathan is so hot. And the way they talk about their hobbies is pure domestic perfection! My favorite line ever: "And everyone knows buying and painting minis are two completely different hobbies". TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN!
The absolute agony when they parted ways without exchanging info had me wanting to throw my e-reader across the room! But the universe said "I got you" and threw them right back together. I could not stop smiling. It’s warm, it's cozy, it's funny, and it features an ice cream shop sign that says "I licked it so it’s mine!" which is exactly how I feel about this entire book.
If you need a low-angst, high-sugar, comfort read that features a stunning goth boy choking on a cheeseburger out of pure endearment, please do your soul a favor and click buy right now! 5 million stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 ❤️
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 ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Altro
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 incontrano 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 livello 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 frequentarsi 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.
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 incontrano 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 livello 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 frequentarsi 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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Goth in lace + Gaming tournament nerds? Say no more!
Licked is such a sweet story! Two giant nerds connecting over a gaming tournament? Give me more of that immediately. This is the kind of fun, sugary read that will have you melting into a puddle in the summer heat.
First, we have Johnathan an awkward, goth-wearing nerd who works at a funeral home. I couldn’t adore him more! He meets Alfie after absolutely demolishing him in a Sword & Flame tournament, and the sparks start flying instantly. But the night ends without either of them grabbing the other’s info (classic!). Luckily, the universe works in mysterious ways, and Johnathan walks into a new ice cream parlor only to find that same tall, blonde, curly-haired man behind the counter.
Alfie is just launching a new business with his best friend in his hometown when he finds himself drawn to the "pretty goth with blood-red lips." He definitely struggles to find a balance between his new business and a new relationship, but he’s so willing to fight for time with Johnathan.
These two were just beautiful together. Watching the ease and acceptance with which they blended into their relationship was everything. Just two giant nerds falling in love over ice cream and chaos! Plus, their best friends are hilarious, always wanting the dirty details and being fully involved in their sweet little story.
This book was such a great representation of what it means to make someone a priority. It’s not always perfect, but it shows that with communication and dedication, it is so worth it. And seriously… a goth in lace? That’s a reward in itself.
Side character shout-out: Theo! You wonderful, loud, chaotic lover boy. I want a million of you and your strawberry-themed outfits!
Bottom line: If you want a low-stress, high-sweetness MM romance… BUY THE BOOK!
Licked is such a sweet story! Two giant nerds connecting over a gaming tournament? Give me more of that immediately. This is the kind of fun, sugary read that will have you melting into a puddle in the summer heat.
First, we have Johnathan an awkward, goth-wearing nerd who works at a funeral home. I couldn’t adore him more! He meets Alfie after absolutely demolishing him in a Sword & Flame tournament, and the sparks start flying instantly. But the night ends without either of them grabbing the other’s info (classic!). Luckily, the universe works in mysterious ways, and Johnathan walks into a new ice cream parlor only to find that same tall, blonde, curly-haired man behind the counter.
Alfie is just launching a new business with his best friend in his hometown when he finds himself drawn to the "pretty goth with blood-red lips." He definitely struggles to find a balance between his new business and a new relationship, but he’s so willing to fight for time with Johnathan.
These two were just beautiful together. Watching the ease and acceptance with which they blended into their relationship was everything. Just two giant nerds falling in love over ice cream and chaos! Plus, their best friends are hilarious, always wanting the dirty details and being fully involved in their sweet little story.
This book was such a great representation of what it means to make someone a priority. It’s not always perfect, but it shows that with communication and dedication, it is so worth it. And seriously… a goth in lace? That’s a reward in itself.
Side character shout-out: Theo! You wonderful, loud, chaotic lover boy. I want a million of you and your strawberry-themed outfits!
Bottom line: If you want a low-stress, high-sweetness MM romance… BUY THE BOOK!
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