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Learning to Love #5
Heppel Ever After
Because every epic romance deserves an epic happy ending...
All Charles Heppel wants is a wedding. It's not much to ask now that he's set his playboy days aside for his almost-ordained fiancé. He can't wait for a lovely, lazy beach honeymoon with His Holy Hotness to continue Hugo’s education in the bedroom.
Surely this third wedding date will be the charm and won't get cancelled, will it? After all, Hugo's followed his calling almost to the end of his path to ordination. Nothing should keep him from gaining his own parish with Charles as his husband.
Hugo's calling thinks differently, demanding he leaves for the remote island of Kara-Enys without Charles.
That news should be shattering, but if Charles Heppel has one thing going for him, it's that he’s relentlessly optimistic. And romantic. Most islands have beaches, don't they? He'll join Hugo to have the honeymoon first on their own version of Love Island. They can get married later!
♥ This conclusion to the Learning to Love series features a host of heartfelt cameos, an embarrassment of romance, and in no way should be used as a guide to the ordination process, which likely involves much less kissing. ♥
All Charles Heppel wants is a wedding. It's not much to ask now that he's set his playboy days aside for his almost-ordained fiancé. He can't wait for a lovely, lazy beach honeymoon with His Holy Hotness to continue Hugo’s education in the bedroom.
Surely this third wedding date will be the charm and won't get cancelled, will it? After all, Hugo's followed his calling almost to the end of his path to ordination. Nothing should keep him from gaining his own parish with Charles as his husband.
Hugo's calling thinks differently, demanding he leaves for the remote island of Kara-Enys without Charles.
That news should be shattering, but if Charles Heppel has one thing going for him, it's that he’s relentlessly optimistic. And romantic. Most islands have beaches, don't they? He'll join Hugo to have the honeymoon first on their own version of Love Island. They can get married later!
♥ This conclusion to the Learning to Love series features a host of heartfelt cameos, an embarrassment of romance, and in no way should be used as a guide to the ordination process, which likely involves much less kissing. ♥
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2022
31 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 30, 2022
I’m so happy yet, I’m so sad. Considering this was one of my most anticipated reads this year, I can confidently say it lived up to any expectations and then some. And yet, I’m heartsick to say goodbye to them. There are very few stories that I read more than once. There are too many other stories waiting for me that I can’t spare the time. There are even fewer books that I finish and immediately flip back to the start for a second read. Charles and Hugo’s happily ever after received this second-wave honor. I couldn’t bear to part with them and worried I might have missed a wordless conversation or hidden gem. I don’t believe I did, but I didn’t mind double-checking. Charles and Hugo are a special couple and I could follow them to the ends of the earth and it still wouldn’t be enough. I feel blessed that Riley shared them with the world, as they went straight from her head to my heart. If there’s ever been love so pure, so true, it’s Hugo and Charles’s…let me tell you why.
The Learning to Love series began with Charles and I was smitten from the beginning. As the series grew, we continued to follow along with the sassy Charles Heppel and His Holy Hotness. No matter what obstacles blocked their path, they forged ahead, strong and steady together. Their relationship is secure, but their future is uncertain. They have been circling a roundabout with a dozen exits and so far, not a single road is the right one. Charles wants many things, including a fairytale wedding to the man of his dreams, but his fervent wish is for Hugo to find his calling. His shepherd needs a flock and every church that dismisses him feels like a personal failure. His vicar-in-waiting should have churches lined up hoping to claim him. As their options narrow down, each interview feels heavier. And Charles feels responsible for every rejection. Hugo insists he just needs to listen harder. Perhaps he is the one that is at fault for not paying attention. When the bishop calls and requests a favor of sorts Hugo is all ears. Which is how he ends up on Kara-Enys, aka Love Island, without his love.
Kara-Enys is magical, mysterious, and magnificent. *sigh* And with a small twist of fate, belongs to Charles ex-boyfriends family. Okay, technically, Heligan wasn’t a boyfriend since Charles was allergic to commitment before Hugo, but he was the closest Charles ever had. Rex was raised by his grandfather and they were an inseparable pair. When Charles learns the duke has not only isolated himself on the island but has severed ties with Rex, alarm bells start ringing. Maybe there is something to this listening thing of Hugos? Charles returns to Casterly for his school break only to discover George needs him. He’s off on holiday and has entrusted Charles with his faithful four-legged child, Agatha. Then another bell chimes and Charles can’t ignore the voice telling him Hugo needs him too. So, he catches a lift to Kara-Enys and does what he does best.
With the title, you might think this is going to be all sunshine and rainbows but Riley delivers mighty storm clouds. The rugged waters allow her to do what she does best, resulting in an epic ending to this series. And when the skies clear, the sun is brighter than before. Charles and Hugo create a list of must-haves for their future. Charles accepts that he can’t support Hugo without feeding his own soul. He can’t only worry about Hugo’s happiness, as his own is entwined with it. Their time on the island is full of rest and restoration. Together they helped lead those who are lost and lent a hand or ear when needed. I loved their passion and quest to perfect their sexual alphabet; leave it to Charles to come up with a sex alphabet! I loved watching an abandoned boat moored again, sparking hope and rescue missions. I loved witnessing the power of unconditional love, from loyal dogs to innocent children. I loved returning to Glynn Harber and was mesmerized by Kara-Enys. I loved taking part in their unforgettable journey and will always cherish their happily ever after. I cried, happy tears and sad. I laughed with fondness and wonder. I melted from their scorching passion and burning love. And most of all, I wished it wouldn’t end.
Alas, all good things come to an end. Or do they? *no* I think Rex might have his own story to tell. And maybe we’ll drop in and see how His Holy Hotness and his husband are getting on and hopefully growing in numbers…I can only pray my whispers make it all the way to Cornwall.
Beware of: There is no such thing as too much romance on Love Island. New faces merge with familiars, but their history is essential. Life can be hard but our burdens are always easier when shared. And a honeymoon before the wedding? I think they’re onto something!
This book is for: If you know this enchanting family and are willing to share their heartaches and triumphs, there’s no question that you need this heavenly last act. And if Charles Heppel and His Holy Hotness are strangers, I urge you to dive headfirst into this incredible series. You can thank me later. *wink*
Book UNfunk
The Learning to Love series began with Charles and I was smitten from the beginning. As the series grew, we continued to follow along with the sassy Charles Heppel and His Holy Hotness. No matter what obstacles blocked their path, they forged ahead, strong and steady together. Their relationship is secure, but their future is uncertain. They have been circling a roundabout with a dozen exits and so far, not a single road is the right one. Charles wants many things, including a fairytale wedding to the man of his dreams, but his fervent wish is for Hugo to find his calling. His shepherd needs a flock and every church that dismisses him feels like a personal failure. His vicar-in-waiting should have churches lined up hoping to claim him. As their options narrow down, each interview feels heavier. And Charles feels responsible for every rejection. Hugo insists he just needs to listen harder. Perhaps he is the one that is at fault for not paying attention. When the bishop calls and requests a favor of sorts Hugo is all ears. Which is how he ends up on Kara-Enys, aka Love Island, without his love.
Kara-Enys is magical, mysterious, and magnificent. *sigh* And with a small twist of fate, belongs to Charles ex-boyfriends family. Okay, technically, Heligan wasn’t a boyfriend since Charles was allergic to commitment before Hugo, but he was the closest Charles ever had. Rex was raised by his grandfather and they were an inseparable pair. When Charles learns the duke has not only isolated himself on the island but has severed ties with Rex, alarm bells start ringing. Maybe there is something to this listening thing of Hugos? Charles returns to Casterly for his school break only to discover George needs him. He’s off on holiday and has entrusted Charles with his faithful four-legged child, Agatha. Then another bell chimes and Charles can’t ignore the voice telling him Hugo needs him too. So, he catches a lift to Kara-Enys and does what he does best.
With the title, you might think this is going to be all sunshine and rainbows but Riley delivers mighty storm clouds. The rugged waters allow her to do what she does best, resulting in an epic ending to this series. And when the skies clear, the sun is brighter than before. Charles and Hugo create a list of must-haves for their future. Charles accepts that he can’t support Hugo without feeding his own soul. He can’t only worry about Hugo’s happiness, as his own is entwined with it. Their time on the island is full of rest and restoration. Together they helped lead those who are lost and lent a hand or ear when needed. I loved their passion and quest to perfect their sexual alphabet; leave it to Charles to come up with a sex alphabet! I loved watching an abandoned boat moored again, sparking hope and rescue missions. I loved witnessing the power of unconditional love, from loyal dogs to innocent children. I loved returning to Glynn Harber and was mesmerized by Kara-Enys. I loved taking part in their unforgettable journey and will always cherish their happily ever after. I cried, happy tears and sad. I laughed with fondness and wonder. I melted from their scorching passion and burning love. And most of all, I wished it wouldn’t end.
Alas, all good things come to an end. Or do they? *no* I think Rex might have his own story to tell. And maybe we’ll drop in and see how His Holy Hotness and his husband are getting on and hopefully growing in numbers…I can only pray my whispers make it all the way to Cornwall.
Beware of: There is no such thing as too much romance on Love Island. New faces merge with familiars, but their history is essential. Life can be hard but our burdens are always easier when shared. And a honeymoon before the wedding? I think they’re onto something!
This book is for: If you know this enchanting family and are willing to share their heartaches and triumphs, there’s no question that you need this heavenly last act. And if Charles Heppel and His Holy Hotness are strangers, I urge you to dive headfirst into this incredible series. You can thank me later. *wink*
Book UNfunk
Currently reading
August 25, 2022I've brought forward Heppel Ever After's release date to Wednesday 31st August.
This will update on Amazon soon.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1N52TSY
GLOBAL: getbook.at/HeppelEverAfter
I hope you enjoy this super-romantic conclusion to the series. As always, there will be an exclusive bonus scene for newsletter subscribers:
https://www.conriley.com/newsletter-s...
This will update on Amazon soon.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1N52TSY
GLOBAL: getbook.at/HeppelEverAfter
I hope you enjoy this super-romantic conclusion to the series. As always, there will be an exclusive bonus scene for newsletter subscribers:
https://www.conriley.com/newsletter-s...
September 5, 2022
This book is a wonderful rounding out of the story which began back in Charles when Con first introduced us to the amazing Glynn Harber and the people who live and work around there.
Charles was an irrepressible spirit, a man who did the best he could at living with the hurdles his disabilities brought him and with an unfettered joy that spread happiness in his wake.
Unfortunately, as the book opens, Charles' happiness is becoming a bit tarnished by the horrible experiences he keeps having on the interviews for Hugo's potential new Parish. Charles is worrying he's holding His Holy Hotness back and that maybe it might be best if he stays out of the way.
Of course, Hugo's faith is more than just a nebulous thing and he knows there is no way he's going anywhere without Charles, or to somewhere which won't welcome his husband-to-be with as much grace as they're offering him.
When the new Bishop (our lovely one having now retired) sends Hugo off on another mission and Charles is left behind, it looks like things are taking a downward turn. However, what it turns out to be is the first step on a journey of healing for many people.
We get to see more of the delightful Heligan, there's surprise guest appearances from some of the series' most favourite characters and - which made me laugh like a drain - Charles gets a pre-wedding honeymoon on his very own Love Island (Kara-Enys being Cornish for the very same!)
This is a beautifully romantic end to what has been a quite outstanding Learning to Love series from Con and perhaps a little hint at what might be coming up next.
Disclaimer: I alpha read this for Con as she was writing it, then beta read it once it was drafted. All thoughts and opinions however would have been the same had I never laid eyes on it earlier. It's a truly beautiful book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Charles was an irrepressible spirit, a man who did the best he could at living with the hurdles his disabilities brought him and with an unfettered joy that spread happiness in his wake.
Unfortunately, as the book opens, Charles' happiness is becoming a bit tarnished by the horrible experiences he keeps having on the interviews for Hugo's potential new Parish. Charles is worrying he's holding His Holy Hotness back and that maybe it might be best if he stays out of the way.
Of course, Hugo's faith is more than just a nebulous thing and he knows there is no way he's going anywhere without Charles, or to somewhere which won't welcome his husband-to-be with as much grace as they're offering him.
When the new Bishop (our lovely one having now retired) sends Hugo off on another mission and Charles is left behind, it looks like things are taking a downward turn. However, what it turns out to be is the first step on a journey of healing for many people.
We get to see more of the delightful Heligan, there's surprise guest appearances from some of the series' most favourite characters and - which made me laugh like a drain - Charles gets a pre-wedding honeymoon on his very own Love Island (Kara-Enys being Cornish for the very same!)
This is a beautifully romantic end to what has been a quite outstanding Learning to Love series from Con and perhaps a little hint at what might be coming up next.
Disclaimer: I alpha read this for Con as she was writing it, then beta read it once it was drafted. All thoughts and opinions however would have been the same had I never laid eyes on it earlier. It's a truly beautiful book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 8, 2023
4.25 stars
Heppel Ever After is one of my most anticipated reads in the second semester of 2022. As someone who pretty much "started" the Learning to Love series, I will ALWAYS have a soft spot in my heart for Charles Heppel and his Holy Hotness, Hugo Eavis. And boy, do they DESERVE their happily ever after. Filled with laughters and glitters if possible!
But before it gets to that, Con Riley again, manages to insert some heartwarming and touching storyline. My eyes were filled during some scenes, darn it! This is a story of forgiveness, healing, and acceptance.
Hugo is being sent into Kara-Enys, Cornwall's version of Love Island. Charles, of course can't let him go alone. There, they not only help Duke of Kara Enys reconcile with his grandson, and let love heal the two of them, but Charles and Hugo also learn more about themselves and their relationship. That happiness should NOT rely to one person only: Hugo's decision with his religious duty and Charles' love for his kids... they should be align. There should be compromise. And I am so happy that they find it by the end of this book.
I loved everyone here, although of course, Tor also steals some spotlight from Charles. I don't mind, that kid is beyond awesome. I may be a little concern at first with the duke's grandson being one of Charles' lovers, though. Also, it takes a little long for Hugo to understand that he doesn't NEED to leave Glynn Harbor to serve God. Gosh, Hugo, you're breaking Charles' heart you know. This is why it is not yet a 5-stars read like their first book.
It's a wonderful read nonetheless. There's a bonus scene specifically for the newsletter subscribers, and I am brimming with happiness when I read it. It's all good in Heppel-Eavis household
Heppel Ever After is one of my most anticipated reads in the second semester of 2022. As someone who pretty much "started" the Learning to Love series, I will ALWAYS have a soft spot in my heart for Charles Heppel and his Holy Hotness, Hugo Eavis. And boy, do they DESERVE their happily ever after. Filled with laughters and glitters if possible!
But before it gets to that, Con Riley again, manages to insert some heartwarming and touching storyline. My eyes were filled during some scenes, darn it! This is a story of forgiveness, healing, and acceptance.
Hugo is being sent into Kara-Enys, Cornwall's version of Love Island. Charles, of course can't let him go alone. There, they not only help Duke of Kara Enys reconcile with his grandson, and let love heal the two of them, but Charles and Hugo also learn more about themselves and their relationship. That happiness should NOT rely to one person only: Hugo's decision with his religious duty and Charles' love for his kids... they should be align. There should be compromise. And I am so happy that they find it by the end of this book.
I loved everyone here, although of course, Tor also steals some spotlight from Charles. I don't mind, that kid is beyond awesome. I may be a little concern at first with the duke's grandson being one of Charles' lovers, though. Also, it takes a little long for Hugo to understand that he doesn't NEED to leave Glynn Harbor to serve God. Gosh, Hugo, you're breaking Charles' heart you know. This is why it is not yet a 5-stars read like their first book.
It's a wonderful read nonetheless. There's a bonus scene specifically for the newsletter subscribers, and I am brimming with happiness when I read it. It's all good in Heppel-Eavis household
August 31, 2022
No words...I HAVE NO WORDS! I love everything about this book and now I have to wait for everyone else to read it before I can talk about it!! This gives you everything you want in another Charles and HHH book, I laughed, I cried, I swooned and of course fell in love with even more characters!!
October 21, 2022
i've given this an A- at AAR, so 4.5 stars rounded up.
Back in 2021 when I reviewed Charles, the first book in Con Riley’s Learning to Love series, I said that he seemed to be one of those characters who elbowed their way into an author’s brain and demanded their story be written. Vibrant, funny, larger-than-life and a complete scene-stealer Charles Heppel certainly lit up the pages whenever he appeared, and the book was one of my top reads of the year. Charles and his fiancé Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness) have made cameo appearances in the other books in the series, so I was pleased when the author announced that she was writing a series finale that would once again put Charles and Hugo centre stage and take a peek at them after their happy ever after.
Heppel Ever After is definitely best read as part of the series – after Charles (and maybe Luke) – and is the only book in the set that doesn’t really stand alone. Please be aware there may be spoilers for the rest of the series in this review.
Charles and Hugo have been engaged for a year, but something always gets in the way of their actually being able to set a wedding date. They’ve had to change it twice already because it’s been so difficult to fit in around Hugo’s duties as school padre and ‘stand-in’ vicar for the various local parishes. Hugo is still waiting to secure a permanent post, even though his experience as an army chaplain and at the school should have made it an easy next step, and Charles is convinced that he is the weak link. As a vicar’s spouse, Charles will be expected to play a key role in the community and so he, too, has to go through an interview process – and he (so he thinks) just can’t seem to get it right. When the book begins, they’re on their way to another interview, but Charles’ old insecurities about not being good enough have come roaring back, that small voice telling him that maybe Hugo would be better off with someone smarter, someone more sophisticated and better informed rather than someone who seems to cost him every job he’s interviewed for. Hugo, of course, believes nothing of the sort. He knows just what an asset Charles will be, wherever they end up, and is adamant that he isn’t prepared to accept a position anywhere that won’t also welcome Charles with open arms. Charles knows Hugo loves him and wants him to be as happy and fulfilled by their new life as Hugo hopes to be – but that little voice just won’t go away.
Sadly, the interview doesn’t go well – which is completely the fault of the bigoted old farts on the parish council who make clear their disapproval of Charles and Hugo’s living arrangements and belittle Charles’ profession. Hugo decides then and there that it isn’t the place for them and terminates the procedings, but Charles worries that they may have lost their last chance to find somewhere in Cornwall that’s close enough for Charles to be able to continue working at Glynn Harber school. Hugo, however, is very chipper about it, firmly believing that the inner voice that has guided him thus far will speak to him again and point him where he needs to go when the time is right.
It’s the last day of the term at school, and Charles and Hugo make it back just in time to say goodbye to the maggots for the summer holidays. Charles is quickly surrounded by kids while Hugo heads off to phone his supervisor to tell him about the interview. Half an hour later, Charles is heading home when he picks up a message from Hugo, apologising for leaving without saying goodbye. The bishop is sending him on a short assignment to a small island off the Cornish coast, a kind of welfare check on the elderly Duke of Kara-Enys, who has suddenly become very reclusive and has begun closing off the island. Hugo is sure that Kara-Enys is where he’s supposed to be, and assures Charles he’ll be back as soon as he can.
Somewhat downcast, Charles heads off to Casterley (his family home) alone. He misses Hugo dreadfully and, after a couple of days, decides to follow him to Kara-Enys, although he’ll need a bit of help to get there. As it turns out, help is at hand in the form of one of his former – er… conquests. Not only does Rex Helligan own a helicopter, he knows the island like the back of his hand. Which he should do, seeing as the Duke of Kara-Enys is his grandfather and he was practically brought up there.
Heppel Ever After is a lovely continuation of Charles and Hugo’s story, and is so much more than the simple wrap-up novella full of cameos I’d been half-expecting. The couple is solid and as much in love as ever, but here, on a quiet island with time to themselves away from the hustle and bustle of life and work, they get a chance to take a breath and step back to take a good look at where they are and where they want to be. Their conversations are funny and philosophical, tender, heartfelt and sometimes difficult, but they’re always honest, as both men come to realise what is most important to them indivudially and as a couple. At the heart of the story is Charles’ continued growth and his coming to accept that he’s important, too. He so badly wants Hugo to be happy and to get a parish of his own, but still can’t believe he’s worthy of the same degree of personal satisfaction, and Hugo badly wants Charles to be able to clearly see himself as an equal partner who is fully deserving of happiness and fulfillment.
“We’re going to tie the knot, right?”
Charles nodded.
“One that’s going to hold fast?”
Charles nodded again, harder. “Forever.”
“Then it can’t constrict you.”
As Hugo says later, “It can’t be all about me.” He works hard to show Charles, in different ways – some big, some small – that he really is enough, just as he is – dearly loved and wonderfully imperfect, but perfect for him. And while they’re working on their relationship, they also get to do what they both do best, which is to help others through some tough times.
I really appreciated the way the matter of Hugo’s faith is handled in this book. I’m not religious, but it strikes me that Hugo is exactly what a man of God should be; dependable, compassionate and loving, believing his faith will guide him to do the right thing. And Charles, while he may not be an obvious choice to be a vicar’s spouse, is a genuinely good and kind man with a huge heart – and a naughty streak a mile long *wink*.
If you enjoyed the other books in the Learning to Love series, then you probably won’t need any encouragement from me to go out and pick this one up, but just in case you’re wavering, then let me assure you that Heppel Ever After is well worth the read. It’s an emotional, funny and charming story that is both a wonderfully happy ending and a beautiful beginning to Charles and Hugo’s future together.
Back in 2021 when I reviewed Charles, the first book in Con Riley’s Learning to Love series, I said that he seemed to be one of those characters who elbowed their way into an author’s brain and demanded their story be written. Vibrant, funny, larger-than-life and a complete scene-stealer Charles Heppel certainly lit up the pages whenever he appeared, and the book was one of my top reads of the year. Charles and his fiancé Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness) have made cameo appearances in the other books in the series, so I was pleased when the author announced that she was writing a series finale that would once again put Charles and Hugo centre stage and take a peek at them after their happy ever after.
Heppel Ever After is definitely best read as part of the series – after Charles (and maybe Luke) – and is the only book in the set that doesn’t really stand alone. Please be aware there may be spoilers for the rest of the series in this review.
Charles and Hugo have been engaged for a year, but something always gets in the way of their actually being able to set a wedding date. They’ve had to change it twice already because it’s been so difficult to fit in around Hugo’s duties as school padre and ‘stand-in’ vicar for the various local parishes. Hugo is still waiting to secure a permanent post, even though his experience as an army chaplain and at the school should have made it an easy next step, and Charles is convinced that he is the weak link. As a vicar’s spouse, Charles will be expected to play a key role in the community and so he, too, has to go through an interview process – and he (so he thinks) just can’t seem to get it right. When the book begins, they’re on their way to another interview, but Charles’ old insecurities about not being good enough have come roaring back, that small voice telling him that maybe Hugo would be better off with someone smarter, someone more sophisticated and better informed rather than someone who seems to cost him every job he’s interviewed for. Hugo, of course, believes nothing of the sort. He knows just what an asset Charles will be, wherever they end up, and is adamant that he isn’t prepared to accept a position anywhere that won’t also welcome Charles with open arms. Charles knows Hugo loves him and wants him to be as happy and fulfilled by their new life as Hugo hopes to be – but that little voice just won’t go away.
Sadly, the interview doesn’t go well – which is completely the fault of the bigoted old farts on the parish council who make clear their disapproval of Charles and Hugo’s living arrangements and belittle Charles’ profession. Hugo decides then and there that it isn’t the place for them and terminates the procedings, but Charles worries that they may have lost their last chance to find somewhere in Cornwall that’s close enough for Charles to be able to continue working at Glynn Harber school. Hugo, however, is very chipper about it, firmly believing that the inner voice that has guided him thus far will speak to him again and point him where he needs to go when the time is right.
It’s the last day of the term at school, and Charles and Hugo make it back just in time to say goodbye to the maggots for the summer holidays. Charles is quickly surrounded by kids while Hugo heads off to phone his supervisor to tell him about the interview. Half an hour later, Charles is heading home when he picks up a message from Hugo, apologising for leaving without saying goodbye. The bishop is sending him on a short assignment to a small island off the Cornish coast, a kind of welfare check on the elderly Duke of Kara-Enys, who has suddenly become very reclusive and has begun closing off the island. Hugo is sure that Kara-Enys is where he’s supposed to be, and assures Charles he’ll be back as soon as he can.
Somewhat downcast, Charles heads off to Casterley (his family home) alone. He misses Hugo dreadfully and, after a couple of days, decides to follow him to Kara-Enys, although he’ll need a bit of help to get there. As it turns out, help is at hand in the form of one of his former – er… conquests. Not only does Rex Helligan own a helicopter, he knows the island like the back of his hand. Which he should do, seeing as the Duke of Kara-Enys is his grandfather and he was practically brought up there.
Heppel Ever After is a lovely continuation of Charles and Hugo’s story, and is so much more than the simple wrap-up novella full of cameos I’d been half-expecting. The couple is solid and as much in love as ever, but here, on a quiet island with time to themselves away from the hustle and bustle of life and work, they get a chance to take a breath and step back to take a good look at where they are and where they want to be. Their conversations are funny and philosophical, tender, heartfelt and sometimes difficult, but they’re always honest, as both men come to realise what is most important to them indivudially and as a couple. At the heart of the story is Charles’ continued growth and his coming to accept that he’s important, too. He so badly wants Hugo to be happy and to get a parish of his own, but still can’t believe he’s worthy of the same degree of personal satisfaction, and Hugo badly wants Charles to be able to clearly see himself as an equal partner who is fully deserving of happiness and fulfillment.
“We’re going to tie the knot, right?”
Charles nodded.
“One that’s going to hold fast?”
Charles nodded again, harder. “Forever.”
“Then it can’t constrict you.”
As Hugo says later, “It can’t be all about me.” He works hard to show Charles, in different ways – some big, some small – that he really is enough, just as he is – dearly loved and wonderfully imperfect, but perfect for him. And while they’re working on their relationship, they also get to do what they both do best, which is to help others through some tough times.
I really appreciated the way the matter of Hugo’s faith is handled in this book. I’m not religious, but it strikes me that Hugo is exactly what a man of God should be; dependable, compassionate and loving, believing his faith will guide him to do the right thing. And Charles, while he may not be an obvious choice to be a vicar’s spouse, is a genuinely good and kind man with a huge heart – and a naughty streak a mile long *wink*.
If you enjoyed the other books in the Learning to Love series, then you probably won’t need any encouragement from me to go out and pick this one up, but just in case you’re wavering, then let me assure you that Heppel Ever After is well worth the read. It’s an emotional, funny and charming story that is both a wonderfully happy ending and a beautiful beginning to Charles and Hugo’s future together.
August 25, 2022
I have no words for how beautiful and amazing and meaningful this book was. I expected maybe a lighthearted romp (Charles is one of my all-time FAVORITE characters), and there were plenty of moments that made me laugh, but there was so much depth, too, making me tear up a couple of times.
Charles and Hugo both show such care both for each other and those around them. I wish they were real people because I would love to have them in my life!
This whole series is amazing, and while this book caps it off nicely, I hope there are spin-offs because I can’t bear to say goodbye (plus I have high hopes for some possible future main characters).
Charles and Hugo both show such care both for each other and those around them. I wish they were real people because I would love to have them in my life!
This whole series is amazing, and while this book caps it off nicely, I hope there are spin-offs because I can’t bear to say goodbye (plus I have high hopes for some possible future main characters).
August 14, 2024
So, I still love all of these characters and this story world, but for some reason this book just irritated me and I found myself trying to skip ahead a lot! I think it was just frustrating that not all that much happened until the very end and the epilogue, and I prefer a bit more to be going on, like in the other books.
I also would have liked to have seen more of the actual wedding! It was really skimmed over and I wanted to enjoy that moment, so it was a little disappointing that it was so brief.
I'm intrigued by Rex though and now his book is being added to my TBR - so much for my goal of getting it below 200 by the end of the year 😂😂😂
I also would have liked to have seen more of the actual wedding! It was really skimmed over and I wanted to enjoy that moment, so it was a little disappointing that it was so brief.
I'm intrigued by Rex though and now his book is being added to my TBR - so much for my goal of getting it below 200 by the end of the year 😂😂😂
August 31, 2022
What a story. Here they are, Hugo and Charles, at a crossroads.
Both want the best for the other. Charles wants Hugo to have his own parish.
Hugo will never accept a job where Charles isn’t accepted or live happy.
When Hugo is needed on the island of Kara-Enys, Charles is left behind.
Luckily Charles is very inventive and ever optimistic. Thank you, lord!
“You . . . You make me believe I’m enough. As I am. Just me.”
I can talk long or short about this book, this series, and the characters.
Just believe me, just like this last one, the series is one of the best.
Marvelously developed characters, and heartfelt plots, I cried and laughed. I think Charles is my favorite.
My heart couldn’t handle him. All stunningly written, never superficial, never!
Both want the best for the other. Charles wants Hugo to have his own parish.
Hugo will never accept a job where Charles isn’t accepted or live happy.
When Hugo is needed on the island of Kara-Enys, Charles is left behind.
Luckily Charles is very inventive and ever optimistic. Thank you, lord!
“You . . . You make me believe I’m enough. As I am. Just me.”
I can talk long or short about this book, this series, and the characters.
Just believe me, just like this last one, the series is one of the best.
Marvelously developed characters, and heartfelt plots, I cried and laughed. I think Charles is my favorite.
My heart couldn’t handle him. All stunningly written, never superficial, never!
September 4, 2022
This book is everything you could wish for as the final (hopefully not!) book in the series. Will His Holy Hotness get a parish, will Charles get him down the alter despite all the scheduling delays, what will happen with Glynn Harber and the children if/when they move on? All those questions and more are answered here in a book that is so much more than I expected.
Yes there is some comedy - what else would you expect from a story that centres on Charles? - but there is a lot of unexpected emotion too and I’m not ashamed to say parts of it made me cry. There is an undercurrent to the wedding story that focuses heavily on what is going on in the world at the moment - hinted at by what the folly was turned into and used for in the earlier books.
I mentioned religion in my review of Charles and again here there is a religious aspect to parts of the story, but only in that Hugo has faith and a belief that he will be guided to do what’s right. This is balanced out by Charles who is so inherently good, despite in his mind not being at all appropriate to be a vicar’s wife and being worried that he is holding Hugo back. If you are someone that avoids religion in books please don’t let this small aspect of the story put you off as you’d be missing out on a treat. And in particular I can say that living in a small English village makes me 100% sure that the interview Charles was subjected to by the parish council is quite believable!
This story is topped off by the wonderful Rex and the Duke, who I hope we see more of in future - I’m sure Con Riley must have a Rex booked planned! And of course the wonderful children of Tor (one of my favourite children in books) and the more shy but no less sweet Hadi. It’s a book I know I’ll go back to and read again when it’s not so fresh in my mind.
Yes there is some comedy - what else would you expect from a story that centres on Charles? - but there is a lot of unexpected emotion too and I’m not ashamed to say parts of it made me cry. There is an undercurrent to the wedding story that focuses heavily on what is going on in the world at the moment - hinted at by what the folly was turned into and used for in the earlier books.
I mentioned religion in my review of Charles and again here there is a religious aspect to parts of the story, but only in that Hugo has faith and a belief that he will be guided to do what’s right. This is balanced out by Charles who is so inherently good, despite in his mind not being at all appropriate to be a vicar’s wife and being worried that he is holding Hugo back. If you are someone that avoids religion in books please don’t let this small aspect of the story put you off as you’d be missing out on a treat. And in particular I can say that living in a small English village makes me 100% sure that the interview Charles was subjected to by the parish council is quite believable!
This story is topped off by the wonderful Rex and the Duke, who I hope we see more of in future - I’m sure Con Riley must have a Rex booked planned! And of course the wonderful children of Tor (one of my favourite children in books) and the more shy but no less sweet Hadi. It’s a book I know I’ll go back to and read again when it’s not so fresh in my mind.
September 1, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up. Big happy sigh...what else needs to be said? 💕💕
October 18, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELVINO 1831
Ed eccoci purtroppo giunti alla conclusione di questa splendida serie della talentuosa autrice britannica, dove ritroviamo Charles Heppel e Hugo Eavis i protagonisti del primo volume della serie che si barcamenano tra l’organizzazione del loro matrimonio e la ricerca di una parrocchia per Hugo, circostanze che sembrano essere davvero difficili da fare accadere, perché il matrimonio è stato rimandato due volte e trovare una parrocchia in cui Eavis possa esercitare le sue funzioni di Vicario sembra estremamente complicato, visto che ad ogni colloquio con un nuovo consiglio parrocchiale Heppel sembra essere sempre in qualche maniera manchevole sotto una o più delle varie caratteristiche che i membri dello stesso si aspettano dal coniuge di un Vicario.
Quando, dopo che l’ennesimo colloquio con l’ultimo consiglio parrocchiale è terminato in maniera decisamente non ottimale, e i nostri due protagonisti si apprestano a passare le vacanze di metà semestre a campeggiare, Hugo, viene urgentemente chiamato dal Vescovo per essere inviato sull’isola di Kara-Enys a svolgere un incarico decisamente particolare.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Ed eccoci purtroppo giunti alla conclusione di questa splendida serie della talentuosa autrice britannica, dove ritroviamo Charles Heppel e Hugo Eavis i protagonisti del primo volume della serie che si barcamenano tra l’organizzazione del loro matrimonio e la ricerca di una parrocchia per Hugo, circostanze che sembrano essere davvero difficili da fare accadere, perché il matrimonio è stato rimandato due volte e trovare una parrocchia in cui Eavis possa esercitare le sue funzioni di Vicario sembra estremamente complicato, visto che ad ogni colloquio con un nuovo consiglio parrocchiale Heppel sembra essere sempre in qualche maniera manchevole sotto una o più delle varie caratteristiche che i membri dello stesso si aspettano dal coniuge di un Vicario.
Quando, dopo che l’ennesimo colloquio con l’ultimo consiglio parrocchiale è terminato in maniera decisamente non ottimale, e i nostri due protagonisti si apprestano a passare le vacanze di metà semestre a campeggiare, Hugo, viene urgentemente chiamato dal Vescovo per essere inviato sull’isola di Kara-Enys a svolgere un incarico decisamente particolare.
Continua sul nostro blog!
September 2, 2022
Wow! What an emotional and beautiful story, I couldn't put it down once I started to read!Charles Heppell was his absolutely adorable amazing self, pulling all of those around him together. The bond between His Holy Hotness and himself was beautiful, it's even more obvious in this story that they were destined to be a part of one another's lives. Their love here becomes even more powerful, like a force in motion you just know will bring good things. Not only is their chemistry amazing, they really are perfect for each other in all ways, and I loved their interactions. As usual, where there is a Charles Heppell, there's also humour:
“I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone so in need of comfort. He’s desperate for more human contact, not less. You know what he needs most?”
“Prayers?”Charles suggested, wincing, because he was so terrible at them, his thoughts so often drifting to what angels wore under their robes or if heaven had a Nando’s."
The Epilogue was perfect, it was everything I love in a story. Old friends dropping by didn't hurt either. Written with Con's usual depth of feeling and heart, it's everything you need in a book. Such a beautifully written story, part of a beautifully written series.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone so in need of comfort. He’s desperate for more human contact, not less. You know what he needs most?”
“Prayers?”Charles suggested, wincing, because he was so terrible at them, his thoughts so often drifting to what angels wore under their robes or if heaven had a Nando’s."
The Epilogue was perfect, it was everything I love in a story. Old friends dropping by didn't hurt either. Written with Con's usual depth of feeling and heart, it's everything you need in a book. Such a beautifully written story, part of a beautifully written series.
April 29, 2023
His Holy Hotness
and joyful Charles settle
down and save others.
3.5 rounded down, because mostly fan service.
and joyful Charles settle
down and save others.
3.5 rounded down, because mostly fan service.
September 1, 2022
Heppel Ever After has everything readers have come to love about a Con Riley story: deep emotion, passion, and so much heart. As Charles and Hugo struggle with what their future will look like, they never lose sight of how important they are to one another. With cameos by series favorites, and a new look at a person from Charles' past, Heppel Ever After is another beautiful, wonderful, deeply engaging addition to the series.
August 28, 2022
Heppel Ever After was everything I wanted for Charles and Hugo and more! Once I picked this one up, I didn’t put it down until I was done.
Charles Heppel and Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness) are together, happy and trying to figure out what their next step is going to be. Hugo is interviewing for vicar positions in Cornwall and Charles is along for the ride, trying to prove his worth to the congregations. Things aren’t going well and Charles feels like he’s to blame. Instead of planning their wedding during school break, Hugo is called away to tend to a decommissioned church and Charles does everything he can to be there alongside him, calling on an old hookup to help out.
I wasn’t sure where this story would take Charles and Hugo, but this was better than I could have even imagined. Not only do Charles and Hugo have an opportunity to continue to work on their relationship and have honest, candid conversations in their funny and philosophical way but they also have a chance to do what they both love - help people in need through tough moments in their lives. This story is emotional, funny, incredibly charming and so totally appropriate for these two men. I laughed and cried and couldn't imagine a better way for Charles and Hugo to move on to married life together.
It was the perfect send-off for the Learning to Love crew but I’m really hoping this isn’t the last we see of everyone - this group at Glynn Harber is so unique and fun to read, I’m not ready to say goodbye completely!
Charles Heppel and Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness) are together, happy and trying to figure out what their next step is going to be. Hugo is interviewing for vicar positions in Cornwall and Charles is along for the ride, trying to prove his worth to the congregations. Things aren’t going well and Charles feels like he’s to blame. Instead of planning their wedding during school break, Hugo is called away to tend to a decommissioned church and Charles does everything he can to be there alongside him, calling on an old hookup to help out.
I wasn’t sure where this story would take Charles and Hugo, but this was better than I could have even imagined. Not only do Charles and Hugo have an opportunity to continue to work on their relationship and have honest, candid conversations in their funny and philosophical way but they also have a chance to do what they both love - help people in need through tough moments in their lives. This story is emotional, funny, incredibly charming and so totally appropriate for these two men. I laughed and cried and couldn't imagine a better way for Charles and Hugo to move on to married life together.
It was the perfect send-off for the Learning to Love crew but I’m really hoping this isn’t the last we see of everyone - this group at Glynn Harber is so unique and fun to read, I’m not ready to say goodbye completely!
August 27, 2022
The final book in the Learning to Love series brings us a full circle back to Charles and Hugo and their hope to get married.
Hugo, sweet, lovely man. He’s dealt with so much. Struggled with his calling and his path within it. Finally close to achieving his dreams, he has one last hurdle, finding a parish of his own. All the while trying to plan a wedding. One that keeps getting postponed as he tries to find one that will fit both himself and Charles. Oh boy, there’s been some doozy of interviews. More and more it seems like sacrifices will have to be made to make this dream come true.
What follows is a beautiful adventure where they both finally start to understand what’s truly important to them, and what they truly need to be happy. And most of all, that they can make it happen together.
Complete with some terrific cameos and a beautiful future for these two and many others.
Hugo, sweet, lovely man. He’s dealt with so much. Struggled with his calling and his path within it. Finally close to achieving his dreams, he has one last hurdle, finding a parish of his own. All the while trying to plan a wedding. One that keeps getting postponed as he tries to find one that will fit both himself and Charles. Oh boy, there’s been some doozy of interviews. More and more it seems like sacrifices will have to be made to make this dream come true.
What follows is a beautiful adventure where they both finally start to understand what’s truly important to them, and what they truly need to be happy. And most of all, that they can make it happen together.
Complete with some terrific cameos and a beautiful future for these two and many others.
August 28, 2023
I love you Charlie Heppel! I didn't know I needed this story, but I absolutely needed this story. I love Charlie and Hugo together. Charlie's just the sweetest soul and Hugo has the most caring heart. Together these two can do so much good for those under their care. Hugo deserves his own congregation and Charlie will be the best support for them all as Hugo's husband...that is if they can ever find the time to finalize their wedding plans.
There was so many wonderful moments in this story. It's a happily ever after and sweet as hell, but of course it wouldn't be a Con Riley book without its own bit of angst as well. Of course between Charlie and Hugo the best kind of patient help is on its way.
I loved this so much and now I absolutely need Rex's story! I'm glad that the author is going to continue with other stories in this world. I just love it all so much.
There was so many wonderful moments in this story. It's a happily ever after and sweet as hell, but of course it wouldn't be a Con Riley book without its own bit of angst as well. Of course between Charlie and Hugo the best kind of patient help is on its way.
I loved this so much and now I absolutely need Rex's story! I'm glad that the author is going to continue with other stories in this world. I just love it all so much.
January 13, 2025
Awwwww Charles Heppel is my favourite human being on the planet. I flipping love him. I know he isn’t a real person and Glynn Harber isn’t real, but I don’t care. He’s real to me.
Charles is still totally loved up with his holy hotness, Hugo and they are looking for a permanent vicar position for Hugo. It could very well mean that Charles will have to leave his little maggots behind and leave Glynn Harber, but his love for Hugo comes first.
I love their love.
Hugo goes to a small island off Cornwall to help a Duke to re-open the church on the island. He just happens to be the grandfather of Mr Fucking Fabulous, a one or two (possibly a few more) time flame of Charles. Charles stays on the island to help Hugo and fun times are had in rock pools. How fabulous!
I could read stories about Glynn Harber for the rest of my days and still not have had enough.
Charles is still totally loved up with his holy hotness, Hugo and they are looking for a permanent vicar position for Hugo. It could very well mean that Charles will have to leave his little maggots behind and leave Glynn Harber, but his love for Hugo comes first.
I love their love.
Hugo goes to a small island off Cornwall to help a Duke to re-open the church on the island. He just happens to be the grandfather of Mr Fucking Fabulous, a one or two (possibly a few more) time flame of Charles. Charles stays on the island to help Hugo and fun times are had in rock pools. How fabulous!
I could read stories about Glynn Harber for the rest of my days and still not have had enough.
August 31, 2022
Wow just wow. I have loved Charles and his holy hotness, Hugo from when they first met. Gosh I am
Left speechless as I am so in love with them even more so. What a beautiful ending for them. I really balled my eyes out throughout their story well ok and laughed ALOT too.
They are meant to be each other’s soul mate and are the perfect piece to each other’s puzzle. Simply put this book is perfection. I do not think there could ever be enough of them and the maggots. Lol.
I really hope we see more of everyone in the future and if you haven’t read this series. GET ON IT RIGHT NOW
Left speechless as I am so in love with them even more so. What a beautiful ending for them. I really balled my eyes out throughout their story well ok and laughed ALOT too.
They are meant to be each other’s soul mate and are the perfect piece to each other’s puzzle. Simply put this book is perfection. I do not think there could ever be enough of them and the maggots. Lol.
I really hope we see more of everyone in the future and if you haven’t read this series. GET ON IT RIGHT NOW
September 21, 2022
I couldn't wait for this to come out, and I couldn't wait to read it, and I can't express how much I loved it.
Charles and Hugo are #relationshipgoals and the found family that surround them are everything.
Sadness here, yes, and nostalgia and hope and community and above all love.
I cannot gush enough about this amazing book and wonderful series
(also, more Rex please)
Charles and Hugo are #relationshipgoals and the found family that surround them are everything.
Sadness here, yes, and nostalgia and hope and community and above all love.
I cannot gush enough about this amazing book and wonderful series
(also, more Rex please)
October 9, 2022
The best book of the series.
What a wonderful way to end this series with another story about Charles and Hugo. Every book has been amazing but I think this one might just be my favourite. Full of emotion, love, happy endings and terrific characters this is a must read for anyone who enjoys works by this author. Highly recommended.
What a wonderful way to end this series with another story about Charles and Hugo. Every book has been amazing but I think this one might just be my favourite. Full of emotion, love, happy endings and terrific characters this is a must read for anyone who enjoys works by this author. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2022
This book was everything I wanted it to be!! My heart broke at times for Charles as he still isn't as sure in himself as he should be but him and Hugo were so sweet and strong together. Charles still has that hilarious snark which was a perfect contrast to the big feelings this book brought out in me. Charles and Hugo are just so full of love for eachother and everyone around them and it was an absolute joy to visit them again. I loved the new setting and am hoping it's the backdrop for Con's next series! As always just full of romantic swoony feelings and everything I've come to expect from a Con book
September 15, 2022
Nooooo
Well I loved this but I didn't want this series to end! Have loved every bit of it, but Charles is my favourite and this 2nd story of his and Hugo's is just perfect!
Well I loved this but I didn't want this series to end! Have loved every bit of it, but Charles is my favourite and this 2nd story of his and Hugo's is just perfect!
December 6, 2022
Simply Terrific
Here's a love story and a mystery rolled into one potentially hazardous and ridiculous setting that will tease you along for a while but never lose interest because of that man on the cover, Charles.
Charles kicked off this series and along the way stumbled upon a vicar-in-the-making named Hugo and if lightning could strike two people without burning them but turning their lives totally around then this is the way it should always happen.
Read the blurb to see what you might be getting, but let me leave you with just one thought: Forget what has come before, get your giggles and most of all your heart ready for a wonderful trip.
Here's a love story and a mystery rolled into one potentially hazardous and ridiculous setting that will tease you along for a while but never lose interest because of that man on the cover, Charles.
Charles kicked off this series and along the way stumbled upon a vicar-in-the-making named Hugo and if lightning could strike two people without burning them but turning their lives totally around then this is the way it should always happen.
Read the blurb to see what you might be getting, but let me leave you with just one thought: Forget what has come before, get your giggles and most of all your heart ready for a wonderful trip.
August 19, 2024
This was so sweet! I love how accessible these books are, and how based in humanity Hugo's faith is. Charles is, as always, the best. They support each other so beautifully, it's impossible not to smile when reading about their relationship. I also like that there is a lot of social commentary that is just part of the story, that's not always done well. I do hope we will get Rex's story some day!
Audio: Collins was wonderful.
Audio: Collins was wonderful.
September 27, 2023
I can't believe I only give this book 2 stars, but there you go. Despite featuring one of my favorite mm couples of all time, Charles and Hugo, this book was oddly flat for me and ultimately felt like a let-down compared to some of the author's other books.
For me, it felt like the book was written for these reasons:
To expand on a secondary character introduced in Austin (Rex Heligan), including bringing in his family (a grandfather) and the island of Kara-Enys as a potential setting. (Turns out there is indeed a separate book centering on Rex and his grandfather.) Readers are given a very in-depth view of Rex's grandfather, the island that constitutes the entirety of their family's duchy, and the current family dynamic between Rex and his grandfather.
The other reason is the very last scene, which, because it became so obvious so early on, actually felt like a fairly uninteresting add-in meant to cap off the book. That's unfortunate, because that event should have been a highlight for the entire series.
This book is presented as a follow-up story about Charles and Hugo's relationship, and that alone really should have been worth the price of admission for me, but oddly, it just wasn't. Yes, there were some beautiful lines in the book; yes, Charles was his usual hilarious, fascinating, endearing self; and yes, Hugo was still complex (almost complicated really, although not in a bad way) and expressive towards Charles in a way that was off-the-charts lovely, and yet . . . their interactions were nowhere near as heart-stopping or compelling as in Charles. Of course, Charles has all the advantages by virtue of being this couple's origin story, but I have read many series where the MCs remain the same and there is a book 2, 3, 4, etc and in each book the development of the relationship brings you to a new plateau that is as just as fulfilling and fascinating as in book 1 (my examples would be series by KJ Charles or Josh Lanyon). For some reason, this book didn't bring me any new perspectives on Charles and Hugo and ultimately felt like it was overly dialog-heavy. (That's actually a very unusual reaction for me, because I tend to love dialog-heavy relationships.)
I wish I could have loved this book more, but alas, it was not meant to be. On the other hand, if you loved Charles, you will more than likely love this book as well, so this is in no way a non-recommendation. Personally, it just didn't take me anywhere near to the happy place that Charles did, and that's unfortunate.
For me, it felt like the book was written for these reasons:
To expand on a secondary character introduced in Austin (Rex Heligan), including bringing in his family (a grandfather) and the island of Kara-Enys as a potential setting. (Turns out there is indeed a separate book centering on Rex and his grandfather.) Readers are given a very in-depth view of Rex's grandfather, the island that constitutes the entirety of their family's duchy, and the current family dynamic between Rex and his grandfather.
The other reason is the very last scene, which, because it became so obvious so early on, actually felt like a fairly uninteresting add-in meant to cap off the book. That's unfortunate, because that event should have been a highlight for the entire series.
This book is presented as a follow-up story about Charles and Hugo's relationship, and that alone really should have been worth the price of admission for me, but oddly, it just wasn't. Yes, there were some beautiful lines in the book; yes, Charles was his usual hilarious, fascinating, endearing self; and yes, Hugo was still complex (almost complicated really, although not in a bad way) and expressive towards Charles in a way that was off-the-charts lovely, and yet . . . their interactions were nowhere near as heart-stopping or compelling as in Charles. Of course, Charles has all the advantages by virtue of being this couple's origin story, but I have read many series where the MCs remain the same and there is a book 2, 3, 4, etc and in each book the development of the relationship brings you to a new plateau that is as just as fulfilling and fascinating as in book 1 (my examples would be series by KJ Charles or Josh Lanyon). For some reason, this book didn't bring me any new perspectives on Charles and Hugo and ultimately felt like it was overly dialog-heavy. (That's actually a very unusual reaction for me, because I tend to love dialog-heavy relationships.)
I wish I could have loved this book more, but alas, it was not meant to be. On the other hand, if you loved Charles, you will more than likely love this book as well, so this is in no way a non-recommendation. Personally, it just didn't take me anywhere near to the happy place that Charles did, and that's unfortunate.
September 21, 2025
Absolutely Beautiful💜
This was a perfect ending for one of my all time favourite characters. Charles and his Holy Hotness Hugo finally get their HEA and it was only fitting that they get another book and the final one in the series. I am really upset that this wonderful series has finished and I’m sure this will be a reread for me.
The series was a joy from start to finish and for me amongst all the wonderful characters Charles stood out. He was a contradiction in so much as he came over as a worldly character but had a beautiful childlike naivety about him and a dry sense of humour. He would say what he thought and didn’t really have a filter which gave him most of the best lines. This, the fact that he and Hugo are in a gay relationship and Charles’ dyslexic brain, was making Hugo’s search for his own Parrish rather difficult as basically the old straight laced people on the Parrish committee’s made Charles interviews very uncomfortable. Poor Charles, he tried so hard blaming himself when it was so obvious he would have been deeply unhappy in these stuffy parrish’s and would have missed his beautiful children at Glynn Harber school.
This final book in the series had a bit of everything and I cried for the poor Duke when we found out just what had changed him from a lovely old man into an angry one that kept everyone at arms length and off his island. Poor Rex, the Dukes grandson, was distraught that his grandfather had cut him out of his life as well. As an ex of Charles and an even bigger man whore, there was a lot of funny banter between them and he loved trying to wind Hugo up. We didn’t get little Maisie in this book but we did get the wonderful Tor. This little boy has so much wisdom and love in his heart and he has taken little Hadi, the Syrian refugee who is now the son of headmaster Luke and his partner Nathan, under his wing as he struggles to believe he and his little sister are now safe.
Absolutely loved this book and I’m now on the hunt for a Con Riley book I haven’t read.
This was a perfect ending for one of my all time favourite characters. Charles and his Holy Hotness Hugo finally get their HEA and it was only fitting that they get another book and the final one in the series. I am really upset that this wonderful series has finished and I’m sure this will be a reread for me.
The series was a joy from start to finish and for me amongst all the wonderful characters Charles stood out. He was a contradiction in so much as he came over as a worldly character but had a beautiful childlike naivety about him and a dry sense of humour. He would say what he thought and didn’t really have a filter which gave him most of the best lines. This, the fact that he and Hugo are in a gay relationship and Charles’ dyslexic brain, was making Hugo’s search for his own Parrish rather difficult as basically the old straight laced people on the Parrish committee’s made Charles interviews very uncomfortable. Poor Charles, he tried so hard blaming himself when it was so obvious he would have been deeply unhappy in these stuffy parrish’s and would have missed his beautiful children at Glynn Harber school.
This final book in the series had a bit of everything and I cried for the poor Duke when we found out just what had changed him from a lovely old man into an angry one that kept everyone at arms length and off his island. Poor Rex, the Dukes grandson, was distraught that his grandfather had cut him out of his life as well. As an ex of Charles and an even bigger man whore, there was a lot of funny banter between them and he loved trying to wind Hugo up. We didn’t get little Maisie in this book but we did get the wonderful Tor. This little boy has so much wisdom and love in his heart and he has taken little Hadi, the Syrian refugee who is now the son of headmaster Luke and his partner Nathan, under his wing as he struggles to believe he and his little sister are now safe.
Absolutely loved this book and I’m now on the hunt for a Con Riley book I haven’t read.
January 11, 2023
A favorite and warm-hearted must read
Rating: 5🌈
Charles and Hugo.
I should leave it at that but once more Con Riley has written a deeply emotional multi layered story that’s only supposed to be about a couple’s journey to get married.
With this author and couple, it’s never that superficial. Honestly, Charles and Hugo might not even have gotten married and the readers would have been surprisingly ok with that.
The reason why is because it’s always going to be about the relationship , the men, and the meandering nature of the path they take together towards any goal they’ve set for themselves.
Marriage? It’s been postponed several times already because of other issues, things we find out about here in this story as it gets discussed between Charles and Hugo. Yes, open communication is a great element here. It’s an aspect of the story that becomes key to understanding people and their motivations, important aspects of their lives.
We go through some surprisingly complex issues and topics. Death, grief, and coping. Or the lack of.
Riley threads the use of history, wildlife, wars, and the current victimization of refugees in a raw and brutal manner into a story of about love and compassion.
It ends on such a wonderful note of hope, laughter, and love that makes me want to bind all the Charles stories into one single piece so I’ll have them forever in place for continuing rereading.
I’m highly recommending this and all the Charles books and shorts. There are several out there, including free holiday ones that are among my favorites.
Learning to Love series:
- [x] Charles #1
- [ ] Sol #2
- [ ] Luke #3
- [ ] Austin #4
- [x] Heppel Ever After #5
Rating: 5🌈
Charles and Hugo.
I should leave it at that but once more Con Riley has written a deeply emotional multi layered story that’s only supposed to be about a couple’s journey to get married.
With this author and couple, it’s never that superficial. Honestly, Charles and Hugo might not even have gotten married and the readers would have been surprisingly ok with that.
The reason why is because it’s always going to be about the relationship , the men, and the meandering nature of the path they take together towards any goal they’ve set for themselves.
Marriage? It’s been postponed several times already because of other issues, things we find out about here in this story as it gets discussed between Charles and Hugo. Yes, open communication is a great element here. It’s an aspect of the story that becomes key to understanding people and their motivations, important aspects of their lives.
We go through some surprisingly complex issues and topics. Death, grief, and coping. Or the lack of.
Riley threads the use of history, wildlife, wars, and the current victimization of refugees in a raw and brutal manner into a story of about love and compassion.
It ends on such a wonderful note of hope, laughter, and love that makes me want to bind all the Charles stories into one single piece so I’ll have them forever in place for continuing rereading.
I’m highly recommending this and all the Charles books and shorts. There are several out there, including free holiday ones that are among my favorites.
Learning to Love series:
- [x] Charles #1
- [ ] Sol #2
- [ ] Luke #3
- [ ] Austin #4
- [x] Heppel Ever After #5
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