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Heather Bay #3
Like I Needed
One night isn’t supposed to lead to love.
Jamie Stone is rich, beautiful, and bored out of his skull. The past few years have been an endless round of parties, and the decadence has lost its lustre. When a late night decision to get away lands him in the small seaside town of Heather Bay, Jamie's convinced he's made a mistake.
Heather Bay is no Ibiza, but it does have Will.
Will is stressed, stretched, and doesn't have time for anything but work. He's too busy trying to keep his head above water to focus on the London party boy who keeps ending up in his bed. Jamie is nothing but a distraction, but Will can't resist coming back for more, especially with the harsh realities of farming nipping at his heels.
With the clock ticking on Jamie’s stay and the chaos of lambing season fast approaching, both men will have to look beyond themselves and let go of their fears. If they can, they might find the one thing they’ve always needed.
Like I Needed is a steamy and sweet hook-ups to lovers contemporary MM romance featuring a city boy with a hedonistic reputation, a gruff farmer in need of a break, endless amounts of snow, friends with no boundaries, terrible scrambled eggs, and the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire moors.
It is book three in the Heather Bay series and while it can be read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series.
Jamie Stone is rich, beautiful, and bored out of his skull. The past few years have been an endless round of parties, and the decadence has lost its lustre. When a late night decision to get away lands him in the small seaside town of Heather Bay, Jamie's convinced he's made a mistake.
Heather Bay is no Ibiza, but it does have Will.
Will is stressed, stretched, and doesn't have time for anything but work. He's too busy trying to keep his head above water to focus on the London party boy who keeps ending up in his bed. Jamie is nothing but a distraction, but Will can't resist coming back for more, especially with the harsh realities of farming nipping at his heels.
With the clock ticking on Jamie’s stay and the chaos of lambing season fast approaching, both men will have to look beyond themselves and let go of their fears. If they can, they might find the one thing they’ve always needed.
Like I Needed is a steamy and sweet hook-ups to lovers contemporary MM romance featuring a city boy with a hedonistic reputation, a gruff farmer in need of a break, endless amounts of snow, friends with no boundaries, terrible scrambled eggs, and the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire moors.
It is book three in the Heather Bay series and while it can be read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
104 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
61 books565 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 11, 2023
Utterly gorgeous romance from Charlie
This book just makes me happy and its simplicity is what makes it special.
Two men who couldn't be more different, or have had backgrounds as many poles apart find they just click together like missing puzzle pieces.
Will and Jamie are fabulous characters, the stoic and hard-working Yorkshire sheep farmer and the trust fund London part boy really shouldn't work, but they do.
And it's also much more than just the insane sexual chemistry they have. Jamie automatically finds himself wanting to take care of Will, to be the rock he can rest against after a long day. In turn, Jamie brings a lightness into Will's life that helps him think of more than just the pressures of holding the reins to the family's farming legacy.
This is a low angst read, it has subtle humour and lots of heart-to-heart conversations as Will helps Jamie find a purpose.
The Yorkshire setting comes alive here as Jamie joins Will in the daily tasks of running a moorland farm and he falls in love with both landscape and man.
There's plenty of catching up with the wider Heather Bay gang too and a huge bombshell dropped for book three which I am DYING for now!
I've read this twice now and I fell in love even more with this pair second time round.
This book just makes me happy and its simplicity is what makes it special.
Two men who couldn't be more different, or have had backgrounds as many poles apart find they just click together like missing puzzle pieces.
Will and Jamie are fabulous characters, the stoic and hard-working Yorkshire sheep farmer and the trust fund London part boy really shouldn't work, but they do.
And it's also much more than just the insane sexual chemistry they have. Jamie automatically finds himself wanting to take care of Will, to be the rock he can rest against after a long day. In turn, Jamie brings a lightness into Will's life that helps him think of more than just the pressures of holding the reins to the family's farming legacy.
This is a low angst read, it has subtle humour and lots of heart-to-heart conversations as Will helps Jamie find a purpose.
The Yorkshire setting comes alive here as Jamie joins Will in the daily tasks of running a moorland farm and he falls in love with both landscape and man.
There's plenty of catching up with the wider Heather Bay gang too and a huge bombshell dropped for book three which I am DYING for now!
I've read this twice now and I fell in love even more with this pair second time round.
June 5, 2024
Pretty much zero angst opposites attract small town romance
It was alright
It was alright
August 21, 2024
This was so good, I am obsessed with it. I loved every second of it! The whole series has been good, love the small town setting. And this one was on a sheep farm. I really love the trope of a one night stand and next thing you know you realize at some point you accidentally are dating. I kind of feel like I need to immediately start book 4 now because the set up for that is so good I’m not sure I can wait!
February 12, 2024
This is the most feel good series I've read in ages and I'm loving every single character and story.
Will and Jamie fit together so well! I also liked how it was really emphasised that Will is much closer to Lane and Oliver than anyone else, and those two with their relationship pep talks were so cute.
Will and Jamie fit together so well! I also liked how it was really emphasised that Will is much closer to Lane and Oliver than anyone else, and those two with their relationship pep talks were so cute.
February 21, 2023
3+
To była naprawdę słodka i miła książka - bez dwóch zdań. Najlepsza z serii. Poziom gniewu jest na poziomie wręcz minusowym. Autorka sporo pracy włożyła w opisanie życia na farmie owiec - skłamałbym, mówiąc, że się na tym znam, ale mogę zapewnić, że wszystko brzmi niezwykle wiarygodnie. Bohaterów oczywiście nie sposób nie polubić, choć nie są zbyt skomplikowanymi charakterami. Generalnie szukałam czegoś, co jest lekkie, łatwe i przyjemne i to właśnie dostałam, nawet w nadmiarze 😉
Bo mam taką refleksję po przeczytaniu książek z tej serii. która była moim pierwszym spotkaniem z tą autorką. Wszystko w tych historiach jest idealne. Zbyt idealne. Na drodze naszych bohaterów nie leżą żadne kamienie, kamyczki czy nawet żwir. Wszystko rozwija się niezmiernie gładko, nie ma "obowiązkowego" rozstania pod koniec (co zawsze doceniam, bo zazwyczaj jest to robione na siłę, rzadko ma to ręce i nogi), panowie są pewni swoich uczuć raczej szybko i nie mają co do nich żadnych wątpliwości. W odpowiednim momencie wkraczają przyjaciele z mówką motywacyjną i niezmierną przenikliwością - często niemalże w tym samym czasie do obydwu MC, a nawet dokładnie w tym samym czasie w tej konkretnej historii. Wszyscy są dobrzy, wręcz idealni, wszyscy wyrozumiali, homofobia jest słowem i zachowaniem nieznanym. Kobiety w tym świecie praktycznie nie istnieją - epizodycznie pojawia się jakaś postać mamy czy przyjaciółki, i nawet czasami są uwzględnione w jakimś dialogu.
Po prostu świat życzeniowy. I tenże świat sprawił, że chyba wrócę już do normalnego czytania, gdzie jednak będzie choć odrobina dramatu i emocji, bo takiej idealności też można mieć przesyt 😉
Ta historia zasługuje wg mnie na dokładnie 3,5 gwiazdki - ale, że oczywiście GR nas nie rozpieszcza połówkami, to żeby ją jednak odróżnić od pozostałych, zaznaczam cztery - choć i w tym przypadku to jednak trochę naciągane...
To była naprawdę słodka i miła książka - bez dwóch zdań. Najlepsza z serii. Poziom gniewu jest na poziomie wręcz minusowym. Autorka sporo pracy włożyła w opisanie życia na farmie owiec - skłamałbym, mówiąc, że się na tym znam, ale mogę zapewnić, że wszystko brzmi niezwykle wiarygodnie. Bohaterów oczywiście nie sposób nie polubić, choć nie są zbyt skomplikowanymi charakterami. Generalnie szukałam czegoś, co jest lekkie, łatwe i przyjemne i to właśnie dostałam, nawet w nadmiarze 😉
Bo mam taką refleksję po przeczytaniu książek z tej serii. która była moim pierwszym spotkaniem z tą autorką. Wszystko w tych historiach jest idealne. Zbyt idealne. Na drodze naszych bohaterów nie leżą żadne kamienie, kamyczki czy nawet żwir. Wszystko rozwija się niezmiernie gładko, nie ma "obowiązkowego" rozstania pod koniec (co zawsze doceniam, bo zazwyczaj jest to robione na siłę, rzadko ma to ręce i nogi), panowie są pewni swoich uczuć raczej szybko i nie mają co do nich żadnych wątpliwości. W odpowiednim momencie wkraczają przyjaciele z mówką motywacyjną i niezmierną przenikliwością - często niemalże w tym samym czasie do obydwu MC, a nawet dokładnie w tym samym czasie w tej konkretnej historii. Wszyscy są dobrzy, wręcz idealni, wszyscy wyrozumiali, homofobia jest słowem i zachowaniem nieznanym. Kobiety w tym świecie praktycznie nie istnieją - epizodycznie pojawia się jakaś postać mamy czy przyjaciółki, i nawet czasami są uwzględnione w jakimś dialogu.
Po prostu świat życzeniowy. I tenże świat sprawił, że chyba wrócę już do normalnego czytania, gdzie jednak będzie choć odrobina dramatu i emocji, bo takiej idealności też można mieć przesyt 😉
Ta historia zasługuje wg mnie na dokładnie 3,5 gwiazdki - ale, że oczywiście GR nas nie rozpieszcza połówkami, to żeby ją jednak odróżnić od pozostałych, zaznaczam cztery - choć i w tym przypadku to jednak trochę naciągane...
February 16, 2023
4.5 stars. They couldn’t have been more opposite, but the attraction from both sides is strong!
Jamie is absurdly rich but bored as hell, he’s finished with parties and shopping. So he settled himself in a hotel for a week in Heather Bay a small town.
At the local bar, he made a move on Will, who was also in for a sexy evening.
One night got two and a visit at Will’s farm.
Watching hard-working Will, who had minimum fun in his life, made Jamie wonder about his own purpose in life.
A one-night stand was the plan, well it got something more, way more. Jamie is smitten with Will, and Will could get head over heels but he withholds. Image the heartbreak after Jamie’s time is over.
Will is not just a farmer, he’s caring and insightful, and Jamie is not only a rich guy, and not only smitten with Will, but with his whole way of life, he’s not afraid to get dirty and work hard. Watch how they worked together when the lambing season began.
What a lovely story, with hilariously nosy friends who loved to meddle, and all just for Will to be happy!
The writing was really greatly done, the story nicely developed, and the plot well thought out, with adorable characters! Altogether an awesome read I highly enjoyed.
Jamie is absurdly rich but bored as hell, he’s finished with parties and shopping. So he settled himself in a hotel for a week in Heather Bay a small town.
At the local bar, he made a move on Will, who was also in for a sexy evening.
One night got two and a visit at Will’s farm.
Watching hard-working Will, who had minimum fun in his life, made Jamie wonder about his own purpose in life.
A one-night stand was the plan, well it got something more, way more. Jamie is smitten with Will, and Will could get head over heels but he withholds. Image the heartbreak after Jamie’s time is over.
Will is not just a farmer, he’s caring and insightful, and Jamie is not only a rich guy, and not only smitten with Will, but with his whole way of life, he’s not afraid to get dirty and work hard. Watch how they worked together when the lambing season began.
What a lovely story, with hilariously nosy friends who loved to meddle, and all just for Will to be happy!
The writing was really greatly done, the story nicely developed, and the plot well thought out, with adorable characters! Altogether an awesome read I highly enjoyed.
February 19, 2023
Jamie is a rich city boy who needs a break from his party life and travels to the countryside, Will is a sheep farmer who loves his job, even if it is hard and barely pays the bills.
When the lives of those two collide it is a whirlwind of fun and sex, although both are quite sure it could never be more than that.
But time passes and Jamie becomes the one night stand that never left.
I must admit that seeing Jamie adjust to the farm life was not always completely convincing, nevertheless, it was great to read about and I really loved that there was no unnecessary drama added just to keep things interesting, the story didn't need it.
The HEA could have been a little more spectacular, but once again, it fitted the whole story perfectly. 4 stars and I will probably check out some other books in the series.
When the lives of those two collide it is a whirlwind of fun and sex, although both are quite sure it could never be more than that.
But time passes and Jamie becomes the one night stand that never left.
I must admit that seeing Jamie adjust to the farm life was not always completely convincing, nevertheless, it was great to read about and I really loved that there was no unnecessary drama added just to keep things interesting, the story didn't need it.
The HEA could have been a little more spectacular, but once again, it fitted the whole story perfectly. 4 stars and I will probably check out some other books in the series.
Read
July 11, 2024DNF @ 42%
Welp another miss for me ☹️ I was not feeling the chemistry here and was pretty bored most of the time. I think it’s a case of “me not the book” 🤷🏻♀️
Welp another miss for me ☹️ I was not feeling the chemistry here and was pretty bored most of the time. I think it’s a case of “me not the book” 🤷🏻♀️
February 6, 2023
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
Jamie lives a life of luxury, yet no matter how luxurious his life is, it still bores him. Day in and day out, doing the same things over and over. On a whim, he books a two-week stay at a hotel in Heather Bay in Yorkshire. Heather Bay is nothing like his life in London, and Jamie is convinced he's made a mistake.
But, he meets Will, the stressed and overworked farmer who dove headfirst into his work to prep for lambing season. Jamie catches his eye, and the attention he gives Will is even more enticing. Will doesn't have time for anything serious, but one hook-up won't hurt. Except one just isn't enough for either of them.
Going into this one, I was a bit nervous since I had not read any of the previous works in the Heather Bay series. Even though it would have been nice to have the backstory on the rest of the characters, I really enjoyed this one. There was enough information provided that I figured out who ended up with who in previous books, and I did not feel like I was missing out on any vital information.
I loved both Jamie and Will, and the slow burn in this was so good. The romance in my last read was too fast for my liking, so I needed this slow burn to balance it out. Both men grew as the book progressed, and I loved watching them slowly remove the barriers they had put in place to allow each other in. I plan to go back and read the first two books in the series as soon as I can.
Like I Needed releases on February 9th, so make sure to get your copy!
Jamie lives a life of luxury, yet no matter how luxurious his life is, it still bores him. Day in and day out, doing the same things over and over. On a whim, he books a two-week stay at a hotel in Heather Bay in Yorkshire. Heather Bay is nothing like his life in London, and Jamie is convinced he's made a mistake.
But, he meets Will, the stressed and overworked farmer who dove headfirst into his work to prep for lambing season. Jamie catches his eye, and the attention he gives Will is even more enticing. Will doesn't have time for anything serious, but one hook-up won't hurt. Except one just isn't enough for either of them.
Going into this one, I was a bit nervous since I had not read any of the previous works in the Heather Bay series. Even though it would have been nice to have the backstory on the rest of the characters, I really enjoyed this one. There was enough information provided that I figured out who ended up with who in previous books, and I did not feel like I was missing out on any vital information.
I loved both Jamie and Will, and the slow burn in this was so good. The romance in my last read was too fast for my liking, so I needed this slow burn to balance it out. Both men grew as the book progressed, and I loved watching them slowly remove the barriers they had put in place to allow each other in. I plan to go back and read the first two books in the series as soon as I can.
Like I Needed releases on February 9th, so make sure to get your copy!
October 7, 2023
Yorkshire Relish with Lambs
Jamie Stone is fed up of his London 24 hour Partying Lifestyle because he’s bored.
He’s been funding his friends evenings of fine dining and drinking to such an extent that his father’s accountants are complaining of his spending habits. Plus he’s been sleeping around with his gay friend Kai and anyone else who care to join their threesomes. Last evening it was the server at the bar who joined them.
Days later he decides to get out of Chelsea and on Friday he arrives in Heather Bay where he has booked a suite in the best hotel in the town.
Admiring the view from his suite out over the sea he decides to take a walk around the waterfront.
Realising he hasn’t eaten in a while he walks towards a pub p near the edge of the town. The sign says ‘The Sleeping Goose’ and there’s a tiny rainbow coloured sticker saying “All Welcome Here”. Smiling to himself, Jamie walks in and jostles through the crowd to the bar.
He notices a bunch of guys sitting at a couple of tables chatting and laughing and one of them is takings the order for their drinks. When he squeezes in beside him to attract the Barman attention Jamie. At he’s his eye and introduces himself.
That’s how Rich Posh Boy Jamie Stone met Will, the poor Yorkshire Farmer that would teach him how to scramble eggs without burning them, among a lot of other things.
************
So Ive finished book three of Heather Bay and this is definitely another 5 Star read for me.
Have they used the same model here as they did on Book 1? Not good.
Loved Farmer Will, he’s the strong, quiet one of the groups of friends in Heather Bay who meet every Friday in ‘The Sleeping Goose’, Oliver and Lane Book 1, Spencer and Noah Book 2, other characters are Alex, plus Theo, Laurie, Bastien, Anders.
I enjoyed this one more than Book 2 because there was a more solid storyline and plot and Will and Jamie were so opposites they were perfect together. Loved the setting on the farm and all that went into the daily life of a farmer, plus the Lambing Season, all those adorable lambs.
Book 4 awaits my immediate attention.
Jamie Stone is fed up of his London 24 hour Partying Lifestyle because he’s bored.
He’s been funding his friends evenings of fine dining and drinking to such an extent that his father’s accountants are complaining of his spending habits. Plus he’s been sleeping around with his gay friend Kai and anyone else who care to join their threesomes. Last evening it was the server at the bar who joined them.
Days later he decides to get out of Chelsea and on Friday he arrives in Heather Bay where he has booked a suite in the best hotel in the town.
Admiring the view from his suite out over the sea he decides to take a walk around the waterfront.
Realising he hasn’t eaten in a while he walks towards a pub p near the edge of the town. The sign says ‘The Sleeping Goose’ and there’s a tiny rainbow coloured sticker saying “All Welcome Here”. Smiling to himself, Jamie walks in and jostles through the crowd to the bar.
He notices a bunch of guys sitting at a couple of tables chatting and laughing and one of them is takings the order for their drinks. When he squeezes in beside him to attract the Barman attention Jamie. At he’s his eye and introduces himself.
That’s how Rich Posh Boy Jamie Stone met Will, the poor Yorkshire Farmer that would teach him how to scramble eggs without burning them, among a lot of other things.
************
So Ive finished book three of Heather Bay and this is definitely another 5 Star read for me.
Have they used the same model here as they did on Book 1? Not good.
Loved Farmer Will, he’s the strong, quiet one of the groups of friends in Heather Bay who meet every Friday in ‘The Sleeping Goose’, Oliver and Lane Book 1, Spencer and Noah Book 2, other characters are Alex, plus Theo, Laurie, Bastien, Anders.
I enjoyed this one more than Book 2 because there was a more solid storyline and plot and Will and Jamie were so opposites they were perfect together. Loved the setting on the farm and all that went into the daily life of a farmer, plus the Lambing Season, all those adorable lambs.
Book 4 awaits my immediate attention.
February 9, 2023
What an absolutely beautiful story. Loved. Recommended.
February 7, 2023
Like I Needed is the third book the Heather Bay series by Charlie Novak. This book is about Jamie and Will. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
February 17, 2023
#0.5 Like I Pictured: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1 Like I Promised: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2 Like I Wished: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Like I Needed: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
This was exactly what I have come to expect from a Charlie Novak story: low-angst, loveable characters, steamy interactions, and a great friend group.
Jaime is a big city playboy who is growing increasingly disenchanted with his life. So he decides to take a break, and spend some time in the English countryside to find what he really wants in life. Will is a hardworking farmer who is literally working himself into the ground to try to keep the family farm afloat. When sparks fly between the two in what was supposed to be a one night fling, they learn that maybe what they've really been needing is each other.
I really loved both Jamie and Will as main characters, and I especially loved their growth over the course of the book. Jaime had to learn to expect things of himself, and let others expect things of him too. And, Will had to learn how to depend on other people and that there is no shame is asking or accepting help. They really are a perfect match, and it was really lovely seeing them open up to each other.
Honestly, my only "issue" with this book is that Jamie and Will never use protection - not even the first time they are together. Now, yes. They do have a conversation about their testing status and that they are both on PrEP which is good. Those conversations are important, but they weren't enough in this situation for two reasons:
1. Jamie, by his own admission, will sleep with pretty much any man who is interested. We even see him setting up a threesome in the first chapter with his regular buddy as well as a waiter at the club they're hanging out at all. So even if he is getting tested regularly, it is entirely possible that he has been with 10-15+ people since his last test. And, if he is willing to have unprotected text with Will, how many of his other partners did he go without condoms with? Your last test being negative is great, but if you are regularly having unprotected sex with multiple partners, you can't guarantee that you are still negative. Also, PrEP does not protect against other STIs.
2. These two characters forgoing condoms seems wildly out of character for both of them. Jaime is a playboy, yes. But, most playboy characters (that I've read anyway) are actually really good about always using protection so the fact that he doesn't seemed off. Also, Will is supposed to be this incredibly responsible character so it also seemed that it didn't fit. If these had been two characters who had already known each other (either a second chance romance or a friends to lovers situation) it probably wouldn't have bothered me (or really even registered as an issue). Especially if they talk about how they haven't been with anyone since there last test. But, these are two strangers who know absolutely nothing about each other and both regularly engage in casual sex, and decide to take the other completely at their word and forgo condoms? Nah, I don't buy it.
While this didn't derail my enjoyment of the book, and I still really loved these characters it did throw me off for a bit. And, make me want to be able to jump into the book, chuck condoms at their foreheads and exit stage left. Haha.
Three Things:
1. "I hate it when people use being honest as a cover for being a right twat." Me too Will. Me too.
2. I really loved that there was no unnecessary drama or miscommunication - especially no third act breakup. It was two adults who had an honest conversation about their feelings.
3. I adore this friend group. And, even though I am a socially awkward introvert I think a pub night/trivia night when these guys would be a blast.
I absolutely love Alex as a character, I am so excited that we get his book next! Can't wait to see what kind of disaster situation he's gotten himself into.
content warnings: sex (on page), animal death (livestock, off page)
#1 Like I Promised: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2 Like I Wished: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Like I Needed: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
This was exactly what I have come to expect from a Charlie Novak story: low-angst, loveable characters, steamy interactions, and a great friend group.
Jaime is a big city playboy who is growing increasingly disenchanted with his life. So he decides to take a break, and spend some time in the English countryside to find what he really wants in life. Will is a hardworking farmer who is literally working himself into the ground to try to keep the family farm afloat. When sparks fly between the two in what was supposed to be a one night fling, they learn that maybe what they've really been needing is each other.
I really loved both Jamie and Will as main characters, and I especially loved their growth over the course of the book. Jaime had to learn to expect things of himself, and let others expect things of him too. And, Will had to learn how to depend on other people and that there is no shame is asking or accepting help. They really are a perfect match, and it was really lovely seeing them open up to each other.
Honestly, my only "issue" with this book is that Jamie and Will never use protection - not even the first time they are together. Now, yes. They do have a conversation about their testing status and that they are both on PrEP which is good. Those conversations are important, but they weren't enough in this situation for two reasons:
1. Jamie, by his own admission, will sleep with pretty much any man who is interested. We even see him setting up a threesome in the first chapter with his regular buddy as well as a waiter at the club they're hanging out at all. So even if he is getting tested regularly, it is entirely possible that he has been with 10-15+ people since his last test. And, if he is willing to have unprotected text with Will, how many of his other partners did he go without condoms with? Your last test being negative is great, but if you are regularly having unprotected sex with multiple partners, you can't guarantee that you are still negative. Also, PrEP does not protect against other STIs.
2. These two characters forgoing condoms seems wildly out of character for both of them. Jaime is a playboy, yes. But, most playboy characters (that I've read anyway) are actually really good about always using protection so the fact that he doesn't seemed off. Also, Will is supposed to be this incredibly responsible character so it also seemed that it didn't fit. If these had been two characters who had already known each other (either a second chance romance or a friends to lovers situation) it probably wouldn't have bothered me (or really even registered as an issue). Especially if they talk about how they haven't been with anyone since there last test. But, these are two strangers who know absolutely nothing about each other and both regularly engage in casual sex, and decide to take the other completely at their word and forgo condoms? Nah, I don't buy it.
While this didn't derail my enjoyment of the book, and I still really loved these characters it did throw me off for a bit. And, make me want to be able to jump into the book, chuck condoms at their foreheads and exit stage left. Haha.
Three Things:
1. "I hate it when people use being honest as a cover for being a right twat." Me too Will. Me too.
2. I really loved that there was no unnecessary drama or miscommunication - especially no third act breakup. It was two adults who had an honest conversation about their feelings.
3. I adore this friend group. And, even though I am a socially awkward introvert I think a pub night/trivia night when these guys would be a blast.
I absolutely love Alex as a character, I am so excited that we get his book next! Can't wait to see what kind of disaster situation he's gotten himself into.
content warnings: sex (on page), animal death (livestock, off page)
February 13, 2023
3.9, or 4 rounded up ✨
(thank you Charity VanHuss for providing me with the ARC.)
i went into this book with zero expectations and i am really glad to have really enjoyed it!
it's the third book in the series, and revolves around Will, the calm and quiet farmer, who falls for the big-city posh boy he was only hooking up with. i had read the first two books in the series before this, and maybe that's why it's easier to detect the stark improvement in this one. the writing was gripping and not dreary, the flow of the story was smooth, but mainly the difference was made for me in the characterization.
i am not really a fan of small-town romance, or rather the whole "big city boy leaves his posh life because he finally found a place to belong to in the small town" schtick, but i think here the author made it work, because of how well-fleshed-out the characters were. i loved how Jamie's disillusion with his charmed, posh life in London - with his relentless partying becoming the root of his boredom, his disdain and inattention from his absentee parents becoming more prominent and stinging, the meaninglessness of his string of nightly hookups starting to press on him - was expansively laid out so we could easily see why he would be attracted toward the novelty of the small town and its close-knittedness, why he would be attached to the sense of purpose the town (and Will) was giving him that he had lacked all his life.
i also loved the interactions between him and Will, how they weren't stilted, their potential unexplored as i'd feared. I loved Will for Jamie, and vice-versa, how Jamie slotted into Will's farming life with ease and enthusiasm and zero disdain and never opted out even with all his inexperience, how patient Will was with his learning, how their progress from hook-ups to boyfriends wasn't rushed but natural, taking over the course of two months. their whole relationship arc was pretty SWEET. and i loved how they communicated their concerns to each other, rather than letting them fester into an unnecessary drama (tho i love that too lol).
and of course, their friend group. it is one of my favorite parts of the whole series. their dynamics with one another, their bonds that travelled over years and decades were so adorable to see.
what i didn't like:
• there were too many, too long stretches of farming and lambing description that dragged the story for me. all that detailed insight into farming, unfortunately, was too much farming knowledge i didn't need or was interested in.
• really, too many reiterations of "this is boring" by practically everyone, but esp. Jamie. they were all 30- something men. i didn't think that would be a reasonable explanation for them doing or not doing anything important.
but mainly it kind of annoyed me when Jamie was saying it regarding why he wanted to move down to Heather Bay, because that seemed really insufficient and childish and not properly correct by his own admission. the way his feelings about his London life were described, how he wanted to find a purpose to his life, was perfectly valid and had me empathize with his situation. but then adding "i was bored" to encompass this broad feeling of disillusionment with his early life? it somehow reduced the sincerity of his situation to me. like, you cannot abandon your entire life and take up farming - something hard and laborious and that you've never done before - just because you are *bored*. it is more than that, we can see it, so i didn't understand why that addition of "boring" was necessary.
but overall, I really enjoyed it and if you're a small town romance trope lover, i would definitely recommend it.
(thank you Charity VanHuss for providing me with the ARC.)
i went into this book with zero expectations and i am really glad to have really enjoyed it!
it's the third book in the series, and revolves around Will, the calm and quiet farmer, who falls for the big-city posh boy he was only hooking up with. i had read the first two books in the series before this, and maybe that's why it's easier to detect the stark improvement in this one. the writing was gripping and not dreary, the flow of the story was smooth, but mainly the difference was made for me in the characterization.
i am not really a fan of small-town romance, or rather the whole "big city boy leaves his posh life because he finally found a place to belong to in the small town" schtick, but i think here the author made it work, because of how well-fleshed-out the characters were. i loved how Jamie's disillusion with his charmed, posh life in London - with his relentless partying becoming the root of his boredom, his disdain and inattention from his absentee parents becoming more prominent and stinging, the meaninglessness of his string of nightly hookups starting to press on him - was expansively laid out so we could easily see why he would be attracted toward the novelty of the small town and its close-knittedness, why he would be attached to the sense of purpose the town (and Will) was giving him that he had lacked all his life.
i also loved the interactions between him and Will, how they weren't stilted, their potential unexplored as i'd feared. I loved Will for Jamie, and vice-versa, how Jamie slotted into Will's farming life with ease and enthusiasm and zero disdain and never opted out even with all his inexperience, how patient Will was with his learning, how their progress from hook-ups to boyfriends wasn't rushed but natural, taking over the course of two months. their whole relationship arc was pretty SWEET. and i loved how they communicated their concerns to each other, rather than letting them fester into an unnecessary drama (tho i love that too lol).
and of course, their friend group. it is one of my favorite parts of the whole series. their dynamics with one another, their bonds that travelled over years and decades were so adorable to see.
what i didn't like:
• there were too many, too long stretches of farming and lambing description that dragged the story for me. all that detailed insight into farming, unfortunately, was too much farming knowledge i didn't need or was interested in.
• really, too many reiterations of "this is boring" by practically everyone, but esp. Jamie. they were all 30- something men. i didn't think that would be a reasonable explanation for them doing or not doing anything important.
but mainly it kind of annoyed me when Jamie was saying it regarding why he wanted to move down to Heather Bay, because that seemed really insufficient and childish and not properly correct by his own admission. the way his feelings about his London life were described, how he wanted to find a purpose to his life, was perfectly valid and had me empathize with his situation. but then adding "i was bored" to encompass this broad feeling of disillusionment with his early life? it somehow reduced the sincerity of his situation to me. like, you cannot abandon your entire life and take up farming - something hard and laborious and that you've never done before - just because you are *bored*. it is more than that, we can see it, so i didn't understand why that addition of "boring" was necessary.
but overall, I really enjoyed it and if you're a small town romance trope lover, i would definitely recommend it.
August 14, 2023
so heartwarming, a instant comfort read!
Rating: 5🌈
Like I Needed is one man’s deeply revelatory and redefining journey from a purposeless wealthy party boy living in London to the committed, grounded and incredibly happy partner of a farmer in Heather Bay.
Novak really outdid herself with this story. It’s my favorite not just of the series but of any recent contemporary romance I’ve read.
It’s with the beautifully written characters , the incredible landscape and storylines that that pulls a narrative that often feels poetic from Novak. And it’s the truth you get from the lives that they are leading as farmers that engages the reader so completely that you forget you’re reading a book as you lose yourself in lambing season or whatever is happening on that farm.
“The first lamb of the season was born just after midnight on the seventeenth of March, a date I knew I’d never forget for as long as I lived.”
That’s Jamie Stone, who fled to Heather Bay in search of new direction for himself and answers for why he was so dissatisfied with himself and life in London.
It’s always amazed me when an author can take a certain “type” of main character and turn him into someone we find we empathize with and deeply care about. That certainly happens with Jamie. A man who’s decision to flee the city for something completely different lands him in Heather Bay where every step he takes leads he further down the path towards the man and life he’s always wanted and never knew he could live.
That’s with Will Foster, the last of the Fosters on a farm that’s been in his family for hundreds of years. The weight of that responsibility and the pressure on him to insure the farm’s future is heavy. The reader feels every bit of the love he has for his heritage, the land and farming as well as the toll it’s taken on him.
Novak’s picture of the reality of a farming life, right in the middle of winter, the cold, early hours, constant cold , snow, and bitter winds, is raw and believable. But so is the wood fired stove that heats the old farmhouse, Mog the cat the moved in and never leaves, and farm dogs, the pain and joys that needs to be shared.
It’s lambing season.
“We’d gone out to do one last check before bed because Will had been pacing up and down the kitchen with a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. So we’d wrapped up warm, loaded Nell up onto the back of the quad bike, and headed out to the fields. The sky was cloudless and studded with a million stars, the moon so close to full it looked like someone had tried to draw an approximation of a circle and flattened it on one side. It was crisp and cold, our breath fogging in the air, and the world felt almost empty.”
— Like I Needed (Heather Bay Book 3) by Charlie Novak
The beauty in the descriptions, the warmth of two men finding each other. Truly a favorite story for me.
And of course, all the wonderful meddling friends, the Friday nights at The Sleeping Goose, it’s enough for me to want to head there right now and pull up a chair.
I love this so much. Right to the end, it’s pretty perfect.
The series is great. Low angst, loving, full of people finding a home and HEA in the most beautiful places and inspiring ways. Read them in order for the events and couples. Then arrive here at one of my favorites!
Heather Bay series :
- [x] Like I Promised #1
- [x] Like I Wished #2
- [x] Like I Needed #3
- [ ] Like I Pretended #4
- [ ] Like I Wanted #5 - Sept 28,2023
Rating: 5🌈
Like I Needed is one man’s deeply revelatory and redefining journey from a purposeless wealthy party boy living in London to the committed, grounded and incredibly happy partner of a farmer in Heather Bay.
Novak really outdid herself with this story. It’s my favorite not just of the series but of any recent contemporary romance I’ve read.
It’s with the beautifully written characters , the incredible landscape and storylines that that pulls a narrative that often feels poetic from Novak. And it’s the truth you get from the lives that they are leading as farmers that engages the reader so completely that you forget you’re reading a book as you lose yourself in lambing season or whatever is happening on that farm.
“The first lamb of the season was born just after midnight on the seventeenth of March, a date I knew I’d never forget for as long as I lived.”
That’s Jamie Stone, who fled to Heather Bay in search of new direction for himself and answers for why he was so dissatisfied with himself and life in London.
It’s always amazed me when an author can take a certain “type” of main character and turn him into someone we find we empathize with and deeply care about. That certainly happens with Jamie. A man who’s decision to flee the city for something completely different lands him in Heather Bay where every step he takes leads he further down the path towards the man and life he’s always wanted and never knew he could live.
That’s with Will Foster, the last of the Fosters on a farm that’s been in his family for hundreds of years. The weight of that responsibility and the pressure on him to insure the farm’s future is heavy. The reader feels every bit of the love he has for his heritage, the land and farming as well as the toll it’s taken on him.
Novak’s picture of the reality of a farming life, right in the middle of winter, the cold, early hours, constant cold , snow, and bitter winds, is raw and believable. But so is the wood fired stove that heats the old farmhouse, Mog the cat the moved in and never leaves, and farm dogs, the pain and joys that needs to be shared.
It’s lambing season.
“We’d gone out to do one last check before bed because Will had been pacing up and down the kitchen with a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. So we’d wrapped up warm, loaded Nell up onto the back of the quad bike, and headed out to the fields. The sky was cloudless and studded with a million stars, the moon so close to full it looked like someone had tried to draw an approximation of a circle and flattened it on one side. It was crisp and cold, our breath fogging in the air, and the world felt almost empty.”
— Like I Needed (Heather Bay Book 3) by Charlie Novak
The beauty in the descriptions, the warmth of two men finding each other. Truly a favorite story for me.
And of course, all the wonderful meddling friends, the Friday nights at The Sleeping Goose, it’s enough for me to want to head there right now and pull up a chair.
I love this so much. Right to the end, it’s pretty perfect.
The series is great. Low angst, loving, full of people finding a home and HEA in the most beautiful places and inspiring ways. Read them in order for the events and couples. Then arrive here at one of my favorites!
Heather Bay series :
- [x] Like I Promised #1
- [x] Like I Wished #2
- [x] Like I Needed #3
- [ ] Like I Pretended #4
- [ ] Like I Wanted #5 - Sept 28,2023
February 7, 2023
4.5 stars
I couldn’t figure out why I had mixed feelings about this book until I slept on it after finishing. No uncertainty about the quality of the book—as usual, Novak delivers with her well-developed characters and strong writing. However, I gleaned a different sort of satisfaction from this story, which didn’t immediately resolve until I figured out that the satisfaction stemmed from the character development separate from the romance aspect of the story.
There is a love story here, and a wonderfully unexpected one. We’re already familiar with stalwart Will from previous books in this series, and he more than deserves his happily ever after. For a bit, I had a hard time envisioning that long-term happiness with Jamie, who comes off as nothing more than the quintessential “poor little rich boy.” Together, Will and Jamie don’t even evoke all the usual “opposites attract” vibes, and I was waiting for more of a connection beyond pure sexual chemistry (that they certainly have in spades).
Then, I didn’t make any other notes to myself for the remaining two-thirds of this book, of which I easily binge-read the entire thing in a single evening. I had no complaints, certainly, and went to bed with the final impression that the story turned out to be way sweeter than I expected. At first, I blamed the cold medicine, but everything solidified the next morning. If anything, the romance is almost the external plot of this book, because the character development that Will and Jamie undergo is the true story here.
This is a story about finding a passion alongside your purpose, which Will finds with Jamie. But it’s also about finding a purpose within your passion. Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent certain whether Jamie falls in love with Will first, or with Will’s life. Then, it is a credit to Novak’s excellent storytelling ability that I know these characters would remain true to each other even if circumstances forced them away from Heather Bay.
Not every book in a series can be a stand-out. Like I Needed might not be, but don’t take that as a criticism. However, this is the type of book that every series still needs (pun not intended), because it firmly establishes the solid base of place, connection, and heart that supports the rest of the lovely Heather Bay stories.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
I couldn’t figure out why I had mixed feelings about this book until I slept on it after finishing. No uncertainty about the quality of the book—as usual, Novak delivers with her well-developed characters and strong writing. However, I gleaned a different sort of satisfaction from this story, which didn’t immediately resolve until I figured out that the satisfaction stemmed from the character development separate from the romance aspect of the story.
There is a love story here, and a wonderfully unexpected one. We’re already familiar with stalwart Will from previous books in this series, and he more than deserves his happily ever after. For a bit, I had a hard time envisioning that long-term happiness with Jamie, who comes off as nothing more than the quintessential “poor little rich boy.” Together, Will and Jamie don’t even evoke all the usual “opposites attract” vibes, and I was waiting for more of a connection beyond pure sexual chemistry (that they certainly have in spades).
Then, I didn’t make any other notes to myself for the remaining two-thirds of this book, of which I easily binge-read the entire thing in a single evening. I had no complaints, certainly, and went to bed with the final impression that the story turned out to be way sweeter than I expected. At first, I blamed the cold medicine, but everything solidified the next morning. If anything, the romance is almost the external plot of this book, because the character development that Will and Jamie undergo is the true story here.
This is a story about finding a passion alongside your purpose, which Will finds with Jamie. But it’s also about finding a purpose within your passion. Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent certain whether Jamie falls in love with Will first, or with Will’s life. Then, it is a credit to Novak’s excellent storytelling ability that I know these characters would remain true to each other even if circumstances forced them away from Heather Bay.
Not every book in a series can be a stand-out. Like I Needed might not be, but don’t take that as a criticism. However, this is the type of book that every series still needs (pun not intended), because it firmly establishes the solid base of place, connection, and heart that supports the rest of the lovely Heather Bay stories.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
February 17, 2023
"𝑯𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔."
𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝, the third book in the Heather Bay series by Charlie Novak is Will and Jamie's story.
Jamie was bored with his life in London so he took off to the country to find himself instead, he found a farmer named Will who changed his entire view on life.
Will and Jamie's love story is as magical as the fresh sparkling snow during the sunrise. I loved seeing how much Jamie transformed and grew from the beginning of the book and how he was just what Will needed to break down his walls and finally let someone else in.
This was my first Charlie Novak book and I am looking forward to reading more.
Get ready for... mm, small town, opposites attract, strangers, one-night stand, hook-ups, and dual first-person point of view.
𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 has a heat level of 3 flames and gets 4 maple leafs!
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝, the third book in the Heather Bay series by Charlie Novak is Will and Jamie's story.
Jamie was bored with his life in London so he took off to the country to find himself instead, he found a farmer named Will who changed his entire view on life.
Will and Jamie's love story is as magical as the fresh sparkling snow during the sunrise. I loved seeing how much Jamie transformed and grew from the beginning of the book and how he was just what Will needed to break down his walls and finally let someone else in.
This was my first Charlie Novak book and I am looking forward to reading more.
Get ready for... mm, small town, opposites attract, strangers, one-night stand, hook-ups, and dual first-person point of view.
𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 has a heat level of 3 flames and gets 4 maple leafs!
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
Follow → ❤️ Facebook 🖤 Instagram ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Twitter ❤️ Blog
February 18, 2023
I was looking forward to this book so much and I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed. I absolutely loved this book! Another amazing book in the series!
This book has hook ups to lovers, low angst, framer/city boy.
They isn’t much I can honestly say about this book. I loved everything about it, they wasn’t anything I didn’t like or would change. It was exactly what I wanted. I loved the build up between hooking up and slowly becoming more. I love watching them flirt and banter with each other. The chemistry between them was through the roof. I enjoyed all the little moments between Will and Jamie. Everything between them and the story felt natural, nothing was rush and everything was flesh out. It was such a feel good book. They wasn’t any unnecessary drama and it was so sweet. I even loved Will’s friend group. Gosh they are so funny and supportive no matter what. They make the story even better.
Everything ended perfectly, I ended up falling in love with Will and Jamie as characters and has lovers. It was so sweet I loved watching them fall in love with each other. The ending also had me laughing my ass off with a scene we get to see Alex with his new boyfriend. It was so funny and it just made me even more curious about him and I can’t wait for his book which is next but won’t be out until July. July couldn’t come fast enough. It just made me fall in love with they friend group even more. Easily a 5 star read for me and can’t wait for more.
This book has hook ups to lovers, low angst, framer/city boy.
They isn’t much I can honestly say about this book. I loved everything about it, they wasn’t anything I didn’t like or would change. It was exactly what I wanted. I loved the build up between hooking up and slowly becoming more. I love watching them flirt and banter with each other. The chemistry between them was through the roof. I enjoyed all the little moments between Will and Jamie. Everything between them and the story felt natural, nothing was rush and everything was flesh out. It was such a feel good book. They wasn’t any unnecessary drama and it was so sweet. I even loved Will’s friend group. Gosh they are so funny and supportive no matter what. They make the story even better.
Everything ended perfectly, I ended up falling in love with Will and Jamie as characters and has lovers. It was so sweet I loved watching them fall in love with each other. The ending also had me laughing my ass off with a scene we get to see Alex with his new boyfriend. It was so funny and it just made me even more curious about him and I can’t wait for his book which is next but won’t be out until July. July couldn’t come fast enough. It just made me fall in love with they friend group even more. Easily a 5 star read for me and can’t wait for more.
March 8, 2023
Like I Needed is a low angst sweet book about finding home and yourself along the way.
Jamie is a bored trust fund baby. As he drifted through life, his biggest worries were the latest fashion and the location of the best party. Feeling unsettled, Jamie knows he wants more but he can't pinpoint what "more" entails. His decision to go to Heather Bay in the dead of winter will change his life in so many ways.
Will is a sheep farmer who gives his heart and soul to his farm. The farm has been in his family for generations, and Will doesn't want to be the one to fail. He works to the point of exhaustion and does little for himself. Upon meeting Jamie, Will decides that a few casual hookups may just be the escape he needs.
Surprisingly to both Jamie and Will, "casual" turns into more. For all their differences, their lives mesh well together. Jamie takes to sheep farming like a duck to water. The Posh Party Boy is gone. Jamie gets dirty, raises before the sun, helps with the lambing, and loves it all.
Will finally has someone to lean on and share his life with. The burden of the farm is less daunting with someone to share the load.
This is a low-key book. The men have hot chemistry in bed, but they also spend time talking, sharing, and building a life. If you want a book about falling in love, finding your place in the world, and finding your person, give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
Jamie is a bored trust fund baby. As he drifted through life, his biggest worries were the latest fashion and the location of the best party. Feeling unsettled, Jamie knows he wants more but he can't pinpoint what "more" entails. His decision to go to Heather Bay in the dead of winter will change his life in so many ways.
Will is a sheep farmer who gives his heart and soul to his farm. The farm has been in his family for generations, and Will doesn't want to be the one to fail. He works to the point of exhaustion and does little for himself. Upon meeting Jamie, Will decides that a few casual hookups may just be the escape he needs.
Surprisingly to both Jamie and Will, "casual" turns into more. For all their differences, their lives mesh well together. Jamie takes to sheep farming like a duck to water. The Posh Party Boy is gone. Jamie gets dirty, raises before the sun, helps with the lambing, and loves it all.
Will finally has someone to lean on and share his life with. The burden of the farm is less daunting with someone to share the load.
This is a low-key book. The men have hot chemistry in bed, but they also spend time talking, sharing, and building a life. If you want a book about falling in love, finding your place in the world, and finding your person, give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
March 9, 2023
Like I Needed is the third book in the Heather Bay series, and is my favorite of the series yet. It can be read as a standalone, but I’d highly recommend reading the first two so you learn more about Will’s friends and get a little more background on Will himself. As the blurb describes, we have Jamie, the hedonistic trust funder, running off to Heather Bay to try to find himself. What he finds is Will, the workaholic sheep farmer. One night leads to more nights, which lead to Jamie helping Will through the most strenuous time of his year. We get lots of steamy scenes with the only relationship angst coming from both characters’ inner monologues worrying about not being enough for the other to stay. And given their differences, the amount of worrying is justified and not excessive. The only real tension in the book is the lambing season itself. I will say that there’s some descriptive sheep birthing scenes, so if you’re squeamish about that sort of thing, you might want to skip over those parts. But then we get to hear about adorable lambs, along with Will’s dogs and cat. Makes my animal loving heart smile.
I always volunteer to listen to Charlie Novak’s audiobooks because I enjoy Dan Calley. His low keyed tones worked well for this book. I particularly like how he portrays Will’s friends, and I can’t wait to listen to Alex and Henry’s book next.
I received a promotional copy of this audiobook, and am happy to leave an honest review.
I always volunteer to listen to Charlie Novak’s audiobooks because I enjoy Dan Calley. His low keyed tones worked well for this book. I particularly like how he portrays Will’s friends, and I can’t wait to listen to Alex and Henry’s book next.
I received a promotional copy of this audiobook, and am happy to leave an honest review.
February 1, 2023
This is another winner in the Heather Bay series.
It's Opposite Attracts with posh trust fund baby Jamie and the overworked and stressed out Will.
But, these two just make it work. Jamie, bored with his life in London but not knowing what to do with himself to change it, and Will, not able to accept help and letting other people care for them.
Both guys need the other, Jamie finds a purpose for himself and discovers a side he didn't know he had and relishes in it. Will lears that people won't just abandon him in rough times and that is't not a failure to rely on others to burden not only the physical farming but also the emotional part of life.
I love the way these two click and Jamie's panic to deal with mundane tasks like shopping and cooking are just written hillariously as we can expect from this author. I like it that Jamie just doesn't jump in and uses his money but he teaches himself and is the source of help.
The other Heather Bay friends could have been a bit more present in the beginning though but the evening at the pub at the end of the book makes up for it, if you read Charlie Novak books you are in for a treat.
I can't wait until Summer to see the gang from Heather Bay again. I would love to see some of the side characters in this book again, Will's livery manager needs his story told.
It's Opposite Attracts with posh trust fund baby Jamie and the overworked and stressed out Will.
But, these two just make it work. Jamie, bored with his life in London but not knowing what to do with himself to change it, and Will, not able to accept help and letting other people care for them.
Both guys need the other, Jamie finds a purpose for himself and discovers a side he didn't know he had and relishes in it. Will lears that people won't just abandon him in rough times and that is't not a failure to rely on others to burden not only the physical farming but also the emotional part of life.
I love the way these two click and Jamie's panic to deal with mundane tasks like shopping and cooking are just written hillariously as we can expect from this author. I like it that Jamie just doesn't jump in and uses his money but he teaches himself and is the source of help.
The other Heather Bay friends could have been a bit more present in the beginning though but the evening at the pub at the end of the book makes up for it, if you read Charlie Novak books you are in for a treat.
I can't wait until Summer to see the gang from Heather Bay again. I would love to see some of the side characters in this book again, Will's livery manager needs his story told.
February 4, 2023
Can two opposites find happiness when Jamie has never worked a day in his life and Will fears the harsh farm life will eventually drive him away and love wont be enough.Third in series (Heather Bay), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. City/country opposites. Dual POV. Playboy Jamie is bored of his life filled with parties and hookups, so he books a stay in the countryside to evaluate his life. When Jamie meets Will, a local farmer, they agree to a casual hookup while Jamie is in town, but Jamie can’t seem to get enough of spending time with Will, but Will is certain Jamie will get bored soon and return to the high flying life Jamie had in London. This story has a sweet build up for two men from different lives meeting and finding that this other person makes everything better, meaningful, happier. Jamie really matures and finds a purpose for himself as well as falling in love with a man that is a companion and friend. Will is patient, kind, caring, and finds a true partner in Jamie and has to overcome his fears that life on the farm will be too difficult for Jamie. The relationship is easy, no angst, a true romance for two very different men that find a person that meets all their needs and wants and hopes to find their HEA. 4.5 rounded up
February 15, 2023
Absolutely adored Jamie and Will. This was book 3 in the series and I can’t say enough about this book. This was a new series for me that focuses on a group of characters in Heather Bay in the Yorkshire area. It’s away from the fast pace of London, which is exactly what Jamie is looking for, not expecting he would find Will in addition to finding himself.
Jamie is at a crossroads in life. Nights spent constantly partying with empty hookups-he’s realized that his lifestyle has left him with very little at the end of the day. Will has immersed himself being the fifth generation of his family’s sheep farm. He leaves barely any time for himself and the sole focus is the farm.
This was a great read that pulled me in from the very beginning. I enjoyed both characters and really thought they complimented each other very well. Their dynamic was full of fun back and forth and an absolute tenderness to it.
The other characters were also well done and definitely added to the story and provided added laughs. Did I go searching for the chess set mentioned-absolutely yes! I want to read the other characters stories that came before because Lane seems like such a sweetheart. And whatever is Alex and Henry’s deal-I can’t wait!
Jamie is at a crossroads in life. Nights spent constantly partying with empty hookups-he’s realized that his lifestyle has left him with very little at the end of the day. Will has immersed himself being the fifth generation of his family’s sheep farm. He leaves barely any time for himself and the sole focus is the farm.
This was a great read that pulled me in from the very beginning. I enjoyed both characters and really thought they complimented each other very well. Their dynamic was full of fun back and forth and an absolute tenderness to it.
The other characters were also well done and definitely added to the story and provided added laughs. Did I go searching for the chess set mentioned-absolutely yes! I want to read the other characters stories that came before because Lane seems like such a sweetheart. And whatever is Alex and Henry’s deal-I can’t wait!
February 15, 2023
This has got to be one of Charlie's best books yet. Jamie and Will are hastag goals. These characters couldn't be more opposite but are somehow so perfectly suited to each other.
Will runs his family farm in Heather's Bay. He feels the weight of several generations of family legacy to make sure it keeps on running well. It's a lot for any one person even with the help of some family and a small team. Having limited time for a social life or romance is the norm. The last thing he expects is someone like Jamie to stumble into his life.
Trust fund kid, Jamie, is over the whole patty scene. He's just not really sure what, if anything, he'd be good at. So he goes to a random place where his friends won't follow to do some soul searching. Heather Bay seemed boring enough to do so. He never envisioned meeting a farmer who could show him a different way to live. A life with purpose and true friendships.
My heart broke for Jamie and Will because of their loneliness before they found each other. This book was truly sweet and comforting. It was great visiting with other Heather Bay friends and seeing what's next on the horizon for them.
I for sure recommend this book. This will become a comfort read of mine for sure.
Will runs his family farm in Heather's Bay. He feels the weight of several generations of family legacy to make sure it keeps on running well. It's a lot for any one person even with the help of some family and a small team. Having limited time for a social life or romance is the norm. The last thing he expects is someone like Jamie to stumble into his life.
Trust fund kid, Jamie, is over the whole patty scene. He's just not really sure what, if anything, he'd be good at. So he goes to a random place where his friends won't follow to do some soul searching. Heather Bay seemed boring enough to do so. He never envisioned meeting a farmer who could show him a different way to live. A life with purpose and true friendships.
My heart broke for Jamie and Will because of their loneliness before they found each other. This book was truly sweet and comforting. It was great visiting with other Heather Bay friends and seeing what's next on the horizon for them.
I for sure recommend this book. This will become a comfort read of mine for sure.
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars
Best book of the series so far. I liked Will in the previous books and Jamie was a pleasant surprise.
I loved how their story began with amazing sex, but then the sex shifted into the background and emotions and feeling started prevailing and growing stronger. I loved how they could be the right person, how they could support and be strong for each other. And I also loved heir intimate and simple life at the farm.
Will and Jamie's story was very interesting and captivating and there wasn't any unnecessary angst: they were able to trust their feelings and communicate with each other.
One thing I didn't like much: during their first sexual intercourse, they agree to avoid condoms because they're both clean and on Prep; I believe that that was dangerous because they didn't know each other at all and they shouldn't have trusted one another with that kind of faith.
The rest of the gang was sparkling as usual: I found Jamie's first Friday at the pub very amusing, Theo was hilarious and I hope the author will write his story soon.
In the meantime, we'll have Alex and Henry's: from their first brief appearance together, it already seems a blast.
Highly recommended
Best book of the series so far. I liked Will in the previous books and Jamie was a pleasant surprise.
I loved how their story began with amazing sex, but then the sex shifted into the background and emotions and feeling started prevailing and growing stronger. I loved how they could be the right person, how they could support and be strong for each other. And I also loved heir intimate and simple life at the farm.
Will and Jamie's story was very interesting and captivating and there wasn't any unnecessary angst: they were able to trust their feelings and communicate with each other.
One thing I didn't like much: during their first sexual intercourse, they agree to avoid condoms because they're both clean and on Prep; I believe that that was dangerous because they didn't know each other at all and they shouldn't have trusted one another with that kind of faith.
The rest of the gang was sparkling as usual: I found Jamie's first Friday at the pub very amusing, Theo was hilarious and I hope the author will write his story soon.
In the meantime, we'll have Alex and Henry's: from their first brief appearance together, it already seems a blast.
Highly recommended
January 21, 2023
How I loved these two men. Will is a stressed out gruff but charming farmer with no time for anything else but work. Jamie is a trust fund city boy who lives a hedonistic lifestyle but is looking for something more.
This leads him to Heather Bay and after settling into his hotel he makes his way to the local pub and hooks up with Will for a very steamy encounter. The chemistry between them is absolutely sizzling and after a push from meddling friends, Will and Jamie get together again, and again, and again.
It’s a joy watching Will slowly fall in love with his ‘posh boy’ and how his insightful comments help Jamie find purpose in his life. A purpose that has him falling for his ‘farm boy’, the farm and Heather Bay. There’s no dramatic moments or upheavals as they work towards their HEA, just the logistics of two people falling in love, living together and surviving lambing season in winter!
This is a beautifully written romance with plenty of heat, a great cast of main and secondary characters and a happy ending that warmed my heart.
This can be read as a standalone but reading the previous books in the series would enhance the experience.
This leads him to Heather Bay and after settling into his hotel he makes his way to the local pub and hooks up with Will for a very steamy encounter. The chemistry between them is absolutely sizzling and after a push from meddling friends, Will and Jamie get together again, and again, and again.
It’s a joy watching Will slowly fall in love with his ‘posh boy’ and how his insightful comments help Jamie find purpose in his life. A purpose that has him falling for his ‘farm boy’, the farm and Heather Bay. There’s no dramatic moments or upheavals as they work towards their HEA, just the logistics of two people falling in love, living together and surviving lambing season in winter!
This is a beautifully written romance with plenty of heat, a great cast of main and secondary characters and a happy ending that warmed my heart.
This can be read as a standalone but reading the previous books in the series would enhance the experience.
January 25, 2023
Nothing ever happens in Heather Bay by pure chance. Both Will and Jamie need a shake up in their lives: a wake up call that can set them back on the path they are meant to be traveling. Neither man expected that event to start with a hot as fire hookup that they just couldn’t get out of their head. It has to be the magic of the bay that made Jamie escape to the seaside town when he needed to leave London for his own peace of mind…and to visit the bar at the same time as Will and his friends. Life has a way of taking care of itself and it brought both of these men just what they needed. I just can’t get enough of Charlie Novak’s characters. She just has a way of writing that draws me in and doesn’t let go until I have read the entire book without realizing it. Will and Jamie were made for each other and I loved watching both of them realize this fact. Small towns, found family, interfering friends, and the magic of real love and finding your purpose. I love this town! I also love the recurring cameo of a certain person and just KNEW it had to mean something special….Write the next book faster Charlie!
February 9, 2023
I was so excited to visit Heather Bay again, and get to know more about farmer Will. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d like Jamie with his party boy ways but I soon warmed to him. I ended up finding his posh boy ways cute. I really felt for him when he was trying to be a better version of himself. When he takes himself out of London and up to Yorkshire, Jamie finds what his life has been missing in the form of sexy farmer Will. You’d think that they wouldn’t work but they are each others missing piece. Jamie gives Will the support he needs in return Jamie finds that will and the farm give him the purpose he’s been missing from his life.
As always the Heather bay boys show up and with that comes some fun in the pub. I liked how easily Jamie was accepted into the group.
I really loved the character development in this, while it is as romantic as the past books in the series, I think looking at the series as a whole Jamie is the character that has really grown from the beginning of the story to the end. I also like to get in to see more of wills loving side. I’ve had a soft spot for Will for a while now and it was lovely to see the hard-working farmer share his burdens and his workload.
As alway Charlie have delivered a well written fun and sweet story. I am now looking forward to Alex’s story.
I received an arc in return for my honest review
As always the Heather bay boys show up and with that comes some fun in the pub. I liked how easily Jamie was accepted into the group.
I really loved the character development in this, while it is as romantic as the past books in the series, I think looking at the series as a whole Jamie is the character that has really grown from the beginning of the story to the end. I also like to get in to see more of wills loving side. I’ve had a soft spot for Will for a while now and it was lovely to see the hard-working farmer share his burdens and his workload.
As alway Charlie have delivered a well written fun and sweet story. I am now looking forward to Alex’s story.
I received an arc in return for my honest review
February 9, 2023
Another heartwarming story by Charlie Novak and book 3 in her Heather Bay Series.
Again, reading a story by this author just makes me happy. We have viewed Will from a distance in the first 2 books in the series and now fate strolls its way into Will’s life in the form of Jamie, a London Posh boy who’s looking for a little escape from his reality. He finds this in helping Will on his sheep farm. As we see the two of them quickly catching feelings for each other they both realize that this isn’t a simple road for either of them to take. With Baggage from the past on both ends we have the pleasure of experiencing their journey together every step of the way. I love the emotion that the Author writes with and the expressive language that she uses in all of her stories. And with a little ending preview of what is to come, I can’t wait to see her worlds all start to collide as I am a huge fan of all of her series. I do recommend starting with the first in this series before reading this one, or if you are adventurous, start with the Roll for Love series as all of her characters seem to make pop-up visits in her other worlds.
Again, reading a story by this author just makes me happy. We have viewed Will from a distance in the first 2 books in the series and now fate strolls its way into Will’s life in the form of Jamie, a London Posh boy who’s looking for a little escape from his reality. He finds this in helping Will on his sheep farm. As we see the two of them quickly catching feelings for each other they both realize that this isn’t a simple road for either of them to take. With Baggage from the past on both ends we have the pleasure of experiencing their journey together every step of the way. I love the emotion that the Author writes with and the expressive language that she uses in all of her stories. And with a little ending preview of what is to come, I can’t wait to see her worlds all start to collide as I am a huge fan of all of her series. I do recommend starting with the first in this series before reading this one, or if you are adventurous, start with the Roll for Love series as all of her characters seem to make pop-up visits in her other worlds.
April 20, 2023
Oh my gosh! Will and Jamie’s story was so dang good! Will is a sheep farmer and Jamie is a London boy who has more money then sense. When his life get monotonous and boring, Jamie takes a trip to Heather Bay to see if he can figure things out. Will and Jamie meet in the pub and end up in bed together which is explosive! And they just mesh. Will doesn’t have time for a relationship, but when Jamie decides to stay for a bit longer and needs a place to stay, he rents one of the cottages on Will’s farm and he integrates himself into Will’s life. He starts helping with the farm and with lambing season and watching Jamie grow into himself is really cool. Watching Will accept that he deserves to be happy and have someone in his corner to help ease the burden was also so refreshing. They group of friends is still there and are still supportive nosy buttheads but only in the best way! I even ended up looking up a video of a sheep lambing on YouTube because I was so invested in these two! Highly recommended series from me! Especially if you listen to the audible narration by Dan Calley! I adore his voice!
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