What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever Love #1
Always Eli
What happens when a sassy drag queen falls for his brother’s best friend?
Eli Baker needs a job. Drag isn’t paying the bills and the life of a starving artist isn't as fun when he’s the one living it. Taking a temporary office job is meant to be a quick fix. It's not supposed to reintroduce him to the funny, sharp, and sweet Tristan Rose… who just so happens to be Eli's oldest brother’s best friend.
Eli can’t stand his brother, and the feeling is more than mutual. Getting involved with Tristan could mean family trouble, but Eli's never been one for following the rules, especially when breaking them means annoying his brother.
Tristan is far too intriguing to ignore, especially when he takes an interest in Eli’s life outside the office. He’s not at all what Eli expects, and maybe that’s exactly what Eli needs. But if push comes to shove, will Tristan choose Eli over his best friend?
Always Eli is a 78,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring fabulous drag shows, secret biscuits, an office romance, and numerous siblings who can't help getting involved.
Eli Baker needs a job. Drag isn’t paying the bills and the life of a starving artist isn't as fun when he’s the one living it. Taking a temporary office job is meant to be a quick fix. It's not supposed to reintroduce him to the funny, sharp, and sweet Tristan Rose… who just so happens to be Eli's oldest brother’s best friend.
Eli can’t stand his brother, and the feeling is more than mutual. Getting involved with Tristan could mean family trouble, but Eli's never been one for following the rules, especially when breaking them means annoying his brother.
Tristan is far too intriguing to ignore, especially when he takes an interest in Eli’s life outside the office. He’s not at all what Eli expects, and maybe that’s exactly what Eli needs. But if push comes to shove, will Tristan choose Eli over his best friend?
Always Eli is a 78,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring fabulous drag shows, secret biscuits, an office romance, and numerous siblings who can't help getting involved.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2021
178 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
64 books590 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
April 21, 2022
Time of Death - 60%
I am not that invested in this story.
I am not that invested in this story.
November 29, 2023
This is a spinoff of the Roll For Love series which I really enjoyed so it was fun to be back in the same universe. Lewis was in this a bit as well as brief cameos of everyone else from the series so I really liked that. I really liked Eli and his over the top personality and the opposites attract vibes he had with Tristan. I thought this best friend's brother was done pretty well here. Overall an enjoyable read. Felt a lot shorter than what it was I read the whole thing so quickly and but it was really good.
February 13, 2022
This was bloody lovely!
13/2/22 - just finished the audio, Dan Calley was marvellous, his Eli and Tristan were spot on.
13/2/22 - just finished the audio, Dan Calley was marvellous, his Eli and Tristan were spot on.
April 26, 2022
Sweet spin off from the Roll for Love series
3.5*
This was a fun opener for the new series focusing on Lewis' brothers Eli, Finn and Oscar.
I loved Eli's sass and unrepentant bravado as he blazed his way performing as a Drag Queen while also having to hold down an office job.
Tristan was a total cinnamon bun wrapped up in a little bit of a submissive package.
The dirty talk didn't always work for me, but I did love how there was no stupid misunderstanding or lack of communication between them.
Also I thought the friction between Eli and his older brother Richard, who was Tristan's best friend since school, worked really well as a conflict point.
I also appreciate each of them was both right and wrong in the situation and that it was all born from a place of caring.
Great to get some guest appearances from the rest of the gang and now on to Finn!
3.5*
This was a fun opener for the new series focusing on Lewis' brothers Eli, Finn and Oscar.
I loved Eli's sass and unrepentant bravado as he blazed his way performing as a Drag Queen while also having to hold down an office job.
Tristan was a total cinnamon bun wrapped up in a little bit of a submissive package.
The dirty talk didn't always work for me, but I did love how there was no stupid misunderstanding or lack of communication between them.
Also I thought the friction between Eli and his older brother Richard, who was Tristan's best friend since school, worked really well as a conflict point.
I also appreciate each of them was both right and wrong in the situation and that it was all born from a place of caring.
Great to get some guest appearances from the rest of the gang and now on to Finn!
September 21, 2021
This was a delightful fun, sexy read!
I absolutely adored Eli - how he knew what he wanted and did what made him happy, despite it not being the "normal" career path, how confident he was. I also enjoyed his relationship with Tristan and how just easy and natural and adult it was. I loved the two of them together. Plenty of fun, sass, and steam between the two of them!
I wish that there had been a bit more that went into exactly why there was such animosity between Eli and his brother. I get the basic gist of it all, but all the anger that his brother felt towards Eli just seemed like out of left field? I don't know, that was my main little niggle within this story for me.
I also really loved the drag culture and what drag meant for Eli and how individual an experience it is for him, I love that it's not all Ru-Paul TV glam drag queens and this book did a great job with it.
I didn't know that this was a spin-off from another series, but now I need to go back and read Lewis' story! And please someone tell me that Eli's roommate, Orlando, is getting a story with his men!?
Definitely looking forward to the next one!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored Eli - how he knew what he wanted and did what made him happy, despite it not being the "normal" career path, how confident he was. I also enjoyed his relationship with Tristan and how just easy and natural and adult it was. I loved the two of them together. Plenty of fun, sass, and steam between the two of them!
I wish that there had been a bit more that went into exactly why there was such animosity between Eli and his brother. I get the basic gist of it all, but all the anger that his brother felt towards Eli just seemed like out of left field? I don't know, that was my main little niggle within this story for me.
I also really loved the drag culture and what drag meant for Eli and how individual an experience it is for him, I love that it's not all Ru-Paul TV glam drag queens and this book did a great job with it.
I didn't know that this was a spin-off from another series, but now I need to go back and read Lewis' story! And please someone tell me that Eli's roommate, Orlando, is getting a story with his men!?
Definitely looking forward to the next one!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2022
I almost walked away from this book after only 40 pages. After all I don’t usually like books about drag queens, and I usually like my Doms to be butch. So why did I give this book 5 stars? That’s easy it was wonderful and I loved it. I loved Eli and Tristan. This was my first book by Charlie Novak and I’m so glad I discovered her through a book give away for Pride. I highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2025
You just have to love Eli. He was irreverent, he was brash...but he was simply, wonderful. Tristan was perfect for Eli. He was quiet, mature and just submissive enough to receive all that Eli and his "drag-queen" persona could throw at him.
There is the added "wrinkle" of Eli and Richard's strained, on again-off again relationship that added the right amount of angst to the story without going overboard. I hate romance stories of any genera that the couple spends more than half the book being apart or "working" out their relationship instead of just getting on with it and actually having one. The story is well paced, very sweet, hot and steamy, and even capable of producing a laugh at times. If you have read any of the "Roll For Love" series, you will recognize several cameos from that series and see a hint of more books to come for Eli's siblings. Also, Mom, Dad and Paul are back again and sharing their family and wisdom...which we probably don't want to take too much to heart:)
There is the added "wrinkle" of Eli and Richard's strained, on again-off again relationship that added the right amount of angst to the story without going overboard. I hate romance stories of any genera that the couple spends more than half the book being apart or "working" out their relationship instead of just getting on with it and actually having one. The story is well paced, very sweet, hot and steamy, and even capable of producing a laugh at times. If you have read any of the "Roll For Love" series, you will recognize several cameos from that series and see a hint of more books to come for Eli's siblings. Also, Mom, Dad and Paul are back again and sharing their family and wisdom...which we probably don't want to take too much to heart:)
October 18, 2021
DNf ~30%
This was my final attempt at this author and I think it's safe to say they just don't work for me. They're a fanfic author, and absolutely nothing against that, but I feel like it's obvious in their writing in a way that I personally just don't enjoy. I feel like I'm on the most self-congratulatory work parts of tumblr. The banter was forced, I didn't buy the chemistry, and the feud between the brothers seemed weird. I appreciated that they author was playing around with themes and dynamics that are outside of the norm for this genre, but it just didn't land for me.
This was my final attempt at this author and I think it's safe to say they just don't work for me. They're a fanfic author, and absolutely nothing against that, but I feel like it's obvious in their writing in a way that I personally just don't enjoy. I feel like I'm on the most self-congratulatory work parts of tumblr. The banter was forced, I didn't buy the chemistry, and the feud between the brothers seemed weird. I appreciated that they author was playing around with themes and dynamics that are outside of the norm for this genre, but it just didn't land for me.
September 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this once I got into it. For me there were a few issues with the pacing and I kept coming out of the story.
I adored Eli and Tristan, the whole drag thing was fab and the Eli's family were great.
The Richard and Eli animosity never really took off for me. Why specifically Eli and not Lewis for example?
The sweet moments and the usual steamy moments really brought at smile to my face.
I adored Eli and Tristan, the whole drag thing was fab and the Eli's family were great.
The Richard and Eli animosity never really took off for me. Why specifically Eli and not Lewis for example?
The sweet moments and the usual steamy moments really brought at smile to my face.
Read
May 18, 2022DNF 74%. I’m so bored and my kindle says an hour and four minutes left and I just can’t possibly imagine what else is going to happen to bore me to death.
The characters are all fine but I’m soooo bored!
The characters are all fine but I’m soooo bored!
May 26, 2024
rep - drag queen
tristan.. hearts on you because, man, you are so soft and adorable !! eli is the perfect match for you. the balance each other out and create a stunning couple. even better when they positively influence the other.
i love them 🫶🏼
tristan.. hearts on you because, man, you are so soft and adorable !! eli is the perfect match for you. the balance each other out and create a stunning couple. even better when they positively influence the other.
i love them 🫶🏼
September 23, 2021
Strong sense of self-worth
Chemistry
Opposites attract
Brother's best friend
Family
Dual POVs
Happily ever after
Always Eli was absolutely charming, full of loveable characters. The first kissing scene: swoon!
I won't lie- I do wish it'd had some relationship angst, but overall, it was a win. You couldn't help but be happy for these two.
Great start to the series!
Chemistry
Opposites attract
Brother's best friend
Family
Dual POVs
Happily ever after
Always Eli was absolutely charming, full of loveable characters. The first kissing scene: swoon!
I won't lie- I do wish it'd had some relationship angst, but overall, it was a win. You couldn't help but be happy for these two.
Great start to the series!
October 29, 2021
DNF @ 15%.
Third time wasn’t the charm… unfortunately Charlie Novak’s writing just doesn’t suit me
Third time wasn’t the charm… unfortunately Charlie Novak’s writing just doesn’t suit me
July 10, 2022
Always Eli (Forever Love Book 1) MM
Eli comes from a huge blended family, both his parents now live with same gender partners, two of his three brothers, 3 step brothers and his only sister are all in same sex relationships. Richard, his oldest brother hates him and makes his life a misery.
Even though Eli received a First in his Law Degree he doesn’t practice Law, he wants to be a Drag Queen. He’s strapped for cash just to eat and takes a temping job at an Estate Agents and there he meets Tristan, best friend of his brother Richard.
Eli and Tristan have great chemistry and Tristan is very supportive of Eli’s dreams. Eli insists that they keep their relationship secret from his brother Richard.
All goes well until a family gathering at Eli’s madhouse home.
This story lots of stuff about the Drag Queen scene and is quite a fun easy read. First one I’ve read by Charlie Novak, and there are bonus follow ups on the relationships of some Eli’s brothers.
Loved the Artwork on the Cover of this book too.
Eli comes from a huge blended family, both his parents now live with same gender partners, two of his three brothers, 3 step brothers and his only sister are all in same sex relationships. Richard, his oldest brother hates him and makes his life a misery.
Even though Eli received a First in his Law Degree he doesn’t practice Law, he wants to be a Drag Queen. He’s strapped for cash just to eat and takes a temping job at an Estate Agents and there he meets Tristan, best friend of his brother Richard.
Eli and Tristan have great chemistry and Tristan is very supportive of Eli’s dreams. Eli insists that they keep their relationship secret from his brother Richard.
All goes well until a family gathering at Eli’s madhouse home.
This story lots of stuff about the Drag Queen scene and is quite a fun easy read. First one I’ve read by Charlie Novak, and there are bonus follow ups on the relationships of some Eli’s brothers.
Loved the Artwork on the Cover of this book too.
October 4, 2022
good angst free read
This was a pretty good angst free read. This author has been a hit or miss for me in the past, but I enjoyed this book. The reason why I gave it three instead of four stars was that there really wasn’t a whole lot of tension. Not that I need a lot of tension in my books. I just feel like this book would have done well to have a little bit more. Although if you are in the mood for a fairly angst free read, this is definitely the book for you.
This was a pretty good angst free read. This author has been a hit or miss for me in the past, but I enjoyed this book. The reason why I gave it three instead of four stars was that there really wasn’t a whole lot of tension. Not that I need a lot of tension in my books. I just feel like this book would have done well to have a little bit more. Although if you are in the mood for a fairly angst free read, this is definitely the book for you.
October 9, 2024
4,5⭐️ I loved Eli and Tristan, they’re real opposites and yet just made for each other. Eli is the dramatic of his extended family, wishing to be a drag queen full time he still has to get a temporary office job to pay his bills and his art. Little did he know that he would end up working in the firm of his brother’s best friend.
Mostly Tristan knows about Eli, for what he has been told, but the more and more time they spend together, they just realise that there is a connection here.
Eli is the one who doesn’t find Tristan boring, getting to know him was his best decision and seeing their love bloom was so sweet. Also, I live for their family drama !!
Eli was as awesome as I thought he would be and I loved his story.
Mostly Tristan knows about Eli, for what he has been told, but the more and more time they spend together, they just realise that there is a connection here.
Eli is the one who doesn’t find Tristan boring, getting to know him was his best decision and seeing their love bloom was so sweet. Also, I live for their family drama !!
Eli was as awesome as I thought he would be and I loved his story.
January 31, 2022
My first book by Charlie Novak and I quite enjoyed it. I really liked this author's writing style and the story was cute, sweet, and fluffy!
August 21, 2022
It was cute. Feel good. Sweet, in a slight tooth aching way. I feel like it was missing some conflict to balance it out. It was way too smooth, it became a bit boring at times.
May 27, 2023
Loved these two! And now I obviously need to read the 9 books that come before this one to get all the goodness of these crazy family of friends!
December 14, 2024
Eli + Tristan
-mm romance dynamic
-workplace romance
-brothers best friend
-drag queen mc
-…who’s also the top
-meddling siblings
-low angst
-large queer family
-mm romance dynamic
-workplace romance
-brothers best friend
-drag queen mc
-…who’s also the top
-meddling siblings
-low angst
-large queer family
September 23, 2021
Always Eli is the first book in Charlie Novak's new series Forever Love. Eli was first introduced as Lewis' brother in Proficiency Bonus (Roll for Love #3). I was intrigued by Eli's introduction in that story, so I was thrilled to see that he got his own book.
Always Eli has all the characteristics you expect from a Charlie Novak novel: beautiful, genuine characters; engaging story; laughs; a good dose of steam; all the romance and intimacy you could possibly want; and just a touch of angst (outside of the relationship) to keep the story interesting.
A large part of this story involves Eli’s performances as a drag queen, and it was great to see how this plays out on the page. I do not have a lot of experience with representations of this performance art, but to me anyway, it was presented very tastefully and sensitively. Honestly, it made me want to go and look up a show in my local area to experience it for myself; it looked like a lot of fun!
One of the defining characteristics of Charlie's stories is her characters. I haven't met one yet that I haven't been 100% invested in, and Eli and Tristan were no exception. These men were beautiful together, with Tristan 110% behind Eli. They were the perfect counterbalances for each other: Eli's sunshiney, light and free personality and lifestyle balanced Tristan’s more reserved qualities. They complemented but never overshadowed each other.
Eli and Lewis' family once again played a significant role in the story. Loud and loving, they are a group of whacky characters, and I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of them have books of their own at some stage. It was also lovely to be reacquainted with characters from previous books. Apart from Jason and Lewis, Leo and Jay also make a couple of appearances, and it was nice to see them pop up again.
A bit of angst or drama was scattered throughout the story until it reached its climax. The tension was not between Eli and Tristan but from outside, and it was quickly and satisfactorily resolved.
Always Eli can be read as a standalone; it is not necessary to have read any of the other related series. However, there will be some 'in jokes' and references to things that happened in the previous stories that you won't understand. This lack of background knowledge will not impact your enjoyment of Eli's story.
If you enjoy a smart and funny story with captivating characters, who are devoted to each other and not afraid to show it leading to so. much. romance. then I'd highly recommend checking out Charlie Novak's Always Eli.
All my reviews can be found on my blog: The Word Nerd Reviews
Follow Me: Facebook & Twitter
September 27, 2021
Sweet and Low Angst!
We first met Eli in Proficiency Bonus as one of Lewis' brothers from their big, happy family. I was excited to hear he was getting his own book in a spin off series! He was just as much fun as I was hoping for as he lived life the way he wanted and spent a lot of his time as a drag queen, which he just adored doing. When he runs into Tristan at a temp job he has to take to pay the bills they immediately hit it off. They spend time together, start dating and really just slowly fall in love. They really are a perfect balance for each other and their time behind closed doors is smoking hot with lots of great dirty talk! I enjoyed all the time we got to spend with Eli's family and the pop in visits from the guys in the Roll for Love series too!
Overall, the book was sweet and I liked Eli and Tristan together. It did take a little bit for me to get into it as I thought it had a slow start. I also never really understood the animosity between Eli and Richard that was such a driver in the story. 3.5 stars overall.
We first met Eli in Proficiency Bonus as one of Lewis' brothers from their big, happy family. I was excited to hear he was getting his own book in a spin off series! He was just as much fun as I was hoping for as he lived life the way he wanted and spent a lot of his time as a drag queen, which he just adored doing. When he runs into Tristan at a temp job he has to take to pay the bills they immediately hit it off. They spend time together, start dating and really just slowly fall in love. They really are a perfect balance for each other and their time behind closed doors is smoking hot with lots of great dirty talk! I enjoyed all the time we got to spend with Eli's family and the pop in visits from the guys in the Roll for Love series too!
Overall, the book was sweet and I liked Eli and Tristan together. It did take a little bit for me to get into it as I thought it had a slow start. I also never really understood the animosity between Eli and Richard that was such a driver in the story. 3.5 stars overall.
April 6, 2025
Content warnings: homophobia, classism, violence, bullying
3.5 stars
So here's the thing: I really liked that this is set in the UK. I really liked the way Eli's drag career was central to the story. I really liked the romance that develops between Eli and Tristan. I really liked the inclusion of Eli's big, messy, very gay family.
That being said, there wasn't enough depth to the dynamic between Eli and his brother Richard for me to find Richard's "you're a massive disappointment who needs to grow up" schtick compelling in any way. Especially when Richard is a teacher. I thought at first that he was some kind of finance bro because he's acting like wholeheartedly embracing capitalism is the be all and end all of life. But he's a TEACHER. Homeboy ain't making the big bucks. So......why does he care so much about Eli not having a 9 to 5 corporate job??
Also there were a LOT of fluids in the sex scenes and I am entirely too asexual for that nonsense.
3.5 stars
So here's the thing: I really liked that this is set in the UK. I really liked the way Eli's drag career was central to the story. I really liked the romance that develops between Eli and Tristan. I really liked the inclusion of Eli's big, messy, very gay family.
That being said, there wasn't enough depth to the dynamic between Eli and his brother Richard for me to find Richard's "you're a massive disappointment who needs to grow up" schtick compelling in any way. Especially when Richard is a teacher. I thought at first that he was some kind of finance bro because he's acting like wholeheartedly embracing capitalism is the be all and end all of life. But he's a TEACHER. Homeboy ain't making the big bucks. So......why does he care so much about Eli not having a 9 to 5 corporate job??
Also there were a LOT of fluids in the sex scenes and I am entirely too asexual for that nonsense.
Read
September 23, 2021So when Eli said that he tried dating once with Orlando, his best friend slash roommate, and it didn't workout, I think that's okay until Eli dropped another bomb. When they were stressed or bored, they were just casually fooled around meaning having sex together. So, Orlando is not only his best friend slash roommate but also a fuck buddy or friends with benefits, too bad Eli didn't admitted that! And Orlando is kinda seeing "someone", meaning a married couple who like to add a 3rd person to their adventurous sex life.
This book is not for me and I already despise Eli's character and Orlando. DNF on page 12!!!
This book is not for me and I already despise Eli's character and Orlando. DNF on page 12!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
I love when side characters in a series wind up getting their own book and I love it even more when they start a whole spin off series! Eli was such an endearing part of Charlie Novak's Proficiency Bonus, the final book in the Roll for Love Series that he got his own book, Always Eli, and what that means for us is that his brothers are also getting their HEA!
Read my full review here: http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review.
Read my full review here: http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review.
September 23, 2021
Oh my God I loved this book so so much!! I was having the worst reading slump and this book was my cure.
Eli was sassy and clever, a person full of life and depth and Tristan was incredibly sweet and kind,a real sweetheart. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. They completed each other beautifully.The pacing of the book was amazing, I didn’t want to put it down. It was absolutely amazing. It warmed my heart and it made me laugh, just perfect. And I really want to know more about Orlando, Eli's roommate. He was a very interesting side character. Actually, all the side characters were amazing.
I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Eli was sassy and clever, a person full of life and depth and Tristan was incredibly sweet and kind,a real sweetheart. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. They completed each other beautifully.The pacing of the book was amazing, I didn’t want to put it down. It was absolutely amazing. It warmed my heart and it made me laugh, just perfect. And I really want to know more about Orlando, Eli's roommate. He was a very interesting side character. Actually, all the side characters were amazing.
I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Read
September 23, 2021This was enjoyable. My favorite parts were the drag queen parts - need! more! drag queens!
Eli and Tristan went on this date in the park to watch a movie, and that was my favorite scene in the book. It was sweet and romantic and seemed to be the best example of both of their personalities.
I didn’t really understand the animosity with Richard. It was way over the top and never really made any sense.
Eli and Tristan went on this date in the park to watch a movie, and that was my favorite scene in the book. It was sweet and romantic and seemed to be the best example of both of their personalities.
I didn’t really understand the animosity with Richard. It was way over the top and never really made any sense.
September 30, 2021
3.25 stars. This started out cute, but along the way it lost its balance and it felt like the story was about Eli with Tristan as a side character. I never got a good idea of who Tristan really was as a person, aside from being Eli's love interest and Richard's best friend. I also didn't really understand the cause of the animosity between Eli and Richard. I did like their loud and boisterous family.
April 24, 2023
Very much loved this one. Eli is such a great character. So much sass and confidence. Have to admit I was pleased with how Tristan turned out as well. Flipping the dynamic so that the partner with more social standing/financial power/whatever is the less dominant in a relationship is often so much fun. Still adore how so many of Charlie Novak's series seem to interweave. Leo and Jay showing up in this one was perfect.
July 10, 2024
This was super cute! Impeccable narration by Dan Calley as always. If I didn’t have three library loans burning a hole in my pocket I’d be listening to the next book in the series stat.
It’s fun to work thru these books backwards as I already know all the side characters get their HEAs 🤣
It’s fun to work thru these books backwards as I already know all the side characters get their HEAs 🤣
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews