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Heather Bay #0.5
Like I Pictured
What if taking a chance photo led to love?
Bastian Roche is lonely and drifting. While he adores his photography job, he still hasn’t found a place to call home. Until he takes a chance photo of the elusive fantasy author Anders Flynn and makes a life changing connection.
Anders is grumpy, reclusive, and convinced he's better off alone. But that doesn’t stop him from replying to Bastian’s emails. When Anders suggests Bastian scouts out his hometown of Heather Bay as a shoot location, Anders realises he’s falling fast for the man who brings sunshine into his life.
As Heather Bay pulls them together, both men must make a choice. Can a chance meeting give them the life they’ve always pictured?
Like I Pictured is a contemporary MM novella and is a prequel to the Heather Bay series but can be read as a standalone. It’s got a sweetness, steam, a small, British seaside town, and some grumpy cats.
Bastian Roche is lonely and drifting. While he adores his photography job, he still hasn’t found a place to call home. Until he takes a chance photo of the elusive fantasy author Anders Flynn and makes a life changing connection.
Anders is grumpy, reclusive, and convinced he's better off alone. But that doesn’t stop him from replying to Bastian’s emails. When Anders suggests Bastian scouts out his hometown of Heather Bay as a shoot location, Anders realises he’s falling fast for the man who brings sunshine into his life.
As Heather Bay pulls them together, both men must make a choice. Can a chance meeting give them the life they’ve always pictured?
Like I Pictured is a contemporary MM novella and is a prequel to the Heather Bay series but can be read as a standalone. It’s got a sweetness, steam, a small, British seaside town, and some grumpy cats.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
31 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
64 books595 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 42 reviews
February 10, 2024
So glad I finally got around to starting this series!
I have serious coast envy right now though because I'm a Midlander and I NEVER see the sea! I could picture Heather Bay exactly and I would love to go on a holiday right now even though our weather is still freezing and wet 😂
Excited to read the rest of the series.
I have serious coast envy right now though because I'm a Midlander and I NEVER see the sea! I could picture Heather Bay exactly and I would love to go on a holiday right now even though our weather is still freezing and wet 😂
Excited to read the rest of the series.
June 28, 2023
Read as part of the free giveaway. I've reviewed it at least twice before but Goodreads kept removing it.
Anyway, good opener for the series and sets up the location well. Perhaps a bit instalove but I wasn't too bothered as it's a short story.
Anyway, good opener for the series and sets up the location well. Perhaps a bit instalove but I wasn't too bothered as it's a short story.
March 5, 2023
Liked the low angst/no drama. The insta love when they met again for the second time - not so much.
February 11, 2023
Eh. I knew this book was short going in, and I really did like the epistolary style that we got for a chapter or so in the beginning. However, once the two MMCs meet again, things go so fast that it totally drew me out of the story. I also wasn't totally a fan of the author's writing style, but I'll give it at least one more try.
March 14, 2023
To be fair, this one was on me. I broke up with this author months ago, but I am weak, and I couldn't resist the lure of a free short story. But alas, it's still not meant to be. The writing style still reminds me of the kind of fanfic I just don't enjoy (grown ass men calling each other sas, and though the set-up had promise, while technically the characters don't get together for months after cooresponding via email, it somehow still managed to feel like insta-love and devolve into a total cheese-fest the moment the characters finally meet. The pacing was all wrong and I didn't buy it. I am going to be FIRM this time and not give in to temptation, as this author just isn't for me and it keeps ending in disappointment.
August 22, 2023
a foundation story, not as deep as those to come
Rating: 3.5🌈
Like I Pictured is the prequel to Novak’s Heather Bay series. It introduces the reader to the series setting, a richly detailed and glorious scenic Yorkshire coastal landscape, complete with horseshoe bay, quaint village and hilltop castle.
We meet several of the series regulars including the two main characters here in this romance. That’s the fantasy author Anders Flynn, who’s from Heather Bay and photographer Bastian Roche, whose home it will become because of Anders.
I liked this story because of the introduction Novak gives us to Heather Bay. We see it in far greater depth and detail than we do in the later stories. From the moment Bastian views it from his car to his walks through the streets exploring shops and looking at the residences, it’s an closeup portrait of this village we won’t see again. And it’s one that will resonate with the reader, making Heather Bay come alive in every way.
Like I Pictured also does an amazing job in defining both main characters. Each totally different in from their age and outlook, Novak is able to create fully dimensional personalities with realistic backgrounds and depth of character. It’s easy to believe in them , their professions, and the manner in which they interact with each other.
Alas, it’s the last the suffers from the shortness of length here. While Novak has written a splendid location, given the story two fully realized, well defined characters, it’s in their relationship development where the romance faltered.
It starts off promising. I love the texts between them as they get closer to each other. But for the majority of the exploratory conversations and important part of the relationship, it happens “off page “. So the other aspect is one of a “meet, one night, move in” sequence. It just doesn’t do justice to the rest of the story and foundation work.
Rushed? Uh yes.
Like I Pictured (Heather Bay, #0.5) by Charlie Novak lays the groundwork for the series and the group of people that will be the found family of friends to find their HEA in this magical world Novak has created.
In truth, it’s a lovely romance and I enjoyed it. It’s just I had read the other books and backtracked to this one so I knew the voices and had them as an established couple already.
For me this is Heather Bay light compared to the other stories. But I wouldn’t have readers who are fans of the series or author miss out on it. It’s very lovely and a recommendation for you.
Heather Bay series :
- [x] Like I Pictured #0.5
- [x] Like I Promised #1
- [x] Like I Wished #2
- [x] Like I Needed #3
- [x] Like I Pretended #4
- [ ] Like I Wanted #5 - Sept 28,2023
Rating: 3.5🌈
Like I Pictured is the prequel to Novak’s Heather Bay series. It introduces the reader to the series setting, a richly detailed and glorious scenic Yorkshire coastal landscape, complete with horseshoe bay, quaint village and hilltop castle.
We meet several of the series regulars including the two main characters here in this romance. That’s the fantasy author Anders Flynn, who’s from Heather Bay and photographer Bastian Roche, whose home it will become because of Anders.
I liked this story because of the introduction Novak gives us to Heather Bay. We see it in far greater depth and detail than we do in the later stories. From the moment Bastian views it from his car to his walks through the streets exploring shops and looking at the residences, it’s an closeup portrait of this village we won’t see again. And it’s one that will resonate with the reader, making Heather Bay come alive in every way.
Like I Pictured also does an amazing job in defining both main characters. Each totally different in from their age and outlook, Novak is able to create fully dimensional personalities with realistic backgrounds and depth of character. It’s easy to believe in them , their professions, and the manner in which they interact with each other.
Alas, it’s the last the suffers from the shortness of length here. While Novak has written a splendid location, given the story two fully realized, well defined characters, it’s in their relationship development where the romance faltered.
It starts off promising. I love the texts between them as they get closer to each other. But for the majority of the exploratory conversations and important part of the relationship, it happens “off page “. So the other aspect is one of a “meet, one night, move in” sequence. It just doesn’t do justice to the rest of the story and foundation work.
Rushed? Uh yes.
Like I Pictured (Heather Bay, #0.5) by Charlie Novak lays the groundwork for the series and the group of people that will be the found family of friends to find their HEA in this magical world Novak has created.
In truth, it’s a lovely romance and I enjoyed it. It’s just I had read the other books and backtracked to this one so I knew the voices and had them as an established couple already.
For me this is Heather Bay light compared to the other stories. But I wouldn’t have readers who are fans of the series or author miss out on it. It’s very lovely and a recommendation for you.
Heather Bay series :
- [x] Like I Pictured #0.5
- [x] Like I Promised #1
- [x] Like I Wished #2
- [x] Like I Needed #3
- [x] Like I Pretended #4
- [ ] Like I Wanted #5 - Sept 28,2023
January 24, 2023
#0.5 Like I Pictured: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
This was a great introduction to a new series, and perfect if you're looking for some grumpy/sunshine goodness.
Bastian Roche is a freelance photographer who takes an impromptu picture of a handsome man sitting alone at comic convention. When he introduces himself to get his subject's opinion on the photo, he learns that he's none other than reclusive fantasy author Anders Flynn. An offer to send the photo leads to an email communication that leads to an offer of a visit. Anders isn't great with people and convinced he's better off alone; Bastian is kind and outgoing, but also searching for a place to belong. Together these two may find that they are exactly what the other is looking for.
Bastian and Anders are such great characters and they compliment each other so well. I hope they make cameo appearances in the full-length books in the series. Also, the epilogue was exactly what I want when I'm reading a short little novella. It just makes me believe in their HEA so much more.
Three Thoughts:
1. I really liked all the email communications at the beginning. It allowed for us to actually see how their friendship got started without having to devote chapters and chapters to establishing it. And, kept this from feeling like an insta-love situation.
2. More cat dads please.
3. "Then he wrapped me up in his arms and kissed me, and it felt like I'd come home." *swoon*
Charlie Novak has become an auto-read author for me. And, if you are looking for a low-angst, cozy romance I definitely suggest you pick this one up.
This was a great introduction to a new series, and perfect if you're looking for some grumpy/sunshine goodness.
Bastian Roche is a freelance photographer who takes an impromptu picture of a handsome man sitting alone at comic convention. When he introduces himself to get his subject's opinion on the photo, he learns that he's none other than reclusive fantasy author Anders Flynn. An offer to send the photo leads to an email communication that leads to an offer of a visit. Anders isn't great with people and convinced he's better off alone; Bastian is kind and outgoing, but also searching for a place to belong. Together these two may find that they are exactly what the other is looking for.
Bastian and Anders are such great characters and they compliment each other so well. I hope they make cameo appearances in the full-length books in the series. Also, the epilogue was exactly what I want when I'm reading a short little novella. It just makes me believe in their HEA so much more.
Three Thoughts:
1. I really liked all the email communications at the beginning. It allowed for us to actually see how their friendship got started without having to devote chapters and chapters to establishing it. And, kept this from feeling like an insta-love situation.
2. More cat dads please.
3. "Then he wrapped me up in his arms and kissed me, and it felt like I'd come home." *swoon*
Charlie Novak has become an auto-read author for me. And, if you are looking for a low-angst, cozy romance I definitely suggest you pick this one up.
September 27, 2023
A low angst contemporary m/m novella.
Reclusive author, Anders Flynn is irritated when a random photographer takes a photo of him without asking - and even more annoyed when the man sits to chat. But with one quick meeting Bastian Roche manages to work his way past Anders gruff exterior.
Bastian Roche can't resist taking a photo of the handsome stranger all by his lonesome - or going to talk to him. Between emails and visits, soon Anders Flynn is the most important person in Bastian's life.
Being a novella, it's not particularly surprising that this felt rushed. The relationship development was primarily through emails and while this can work really well to advance a connection, in this case it felt a bit thin. Although it was a sweet read it felt more like a sketch rather than an full scale rendering.
In terms of being a prequel, it didn't really do much to set up the characters and town of Heather Bay. There's a brief appearance of Spencer (from book #2: Like I Wished) and his cafe A Novel Idea and a quick mention of Oliver (from book #1: Like I Promised) but the Heather Bay gang is otherwise absent which was a bit disappointing. One of the best parts of the other books in the series is the supportive friendships and inclusive nature of the town. So it would've been nice to see this present in the prequel.
Still it was an easy read. 2 stars.
Reclusive author, Anders Flynn is irritated when a random photographer takes a photo of him without asking - and even more annoyed when the man sits to chat. But with one quick meeting Bastian Roche manages to work his way past Anders gruff exterior.
Bastian Roche can't resist taking a photo of the handsome stranger all by his lonesome - or going to talk to him. Between emails and visits, soon Anders Flynn is the most important person in Bastian's life.
Being a novella, it's not particularly surprising that this felt rushed. The relationship development was primarily through emails and while this can work really well to advance a connection, in this case it felt a bit thin. Although it was a sweet read it felt more like a sketch rather than an full scale rendering.
In terms of being a prequel, it didn't really do much to set up the characters and town of Heather Bay. There's a brief appearance of Spencer (from book #2: Like I Wished) and his cafe A Novel Idea and a quick mention of Oliver (from book #1: Like I Promised) but the Heather Bay gang is otherwise absent which was a bit disappointing. One of the best parts of the other books in the series is the supportive friendships and inclusive nature of the town. So it would've been nice to see this present in the prequel.
Still it was an easy read. 2 stars.
November 10, 2023
When Anders catches Bastian taking his photo, he’s irritated. But Bastian is so sweet and charming that he can’t bring himself to hurt his feelings and accepts Bastian’s offer to send him a copy. After receiving a digital copy of the photo via email, the two begin a months long correspondence, eventually developing feeling for each other. Once they finally get an opportunity to meet in person again, they each realize that this thing between them is not casual and not fleeting.
Novak does a good job of making both characters feel fleshed out in such a short time. And even though they mostly communicate via email for the first part of the story, it’s easy to see how Bastian’s sunshine character opens up and lightens Anders grumpiness. They compliment each other and are able to give each other something that the other was missing. The story is short but sweet. As with most short stories, I wish it were longer and that I got spend more time with these characters. I also really enjoyed both Bastian and Anders’ brothers and their families.
Novak does a good job of making both characters feel fleshed out in such a short time. And even though they mostly communicate via email for the first part of the story, it’s easy to see how Bastian’s sunshine character opens up and lightens Anders grumpiness. They compliment each other and are able to give each other something that the other was missing. The story is short but sweet. As with most short stories, I wish it were longer and that I got spend more time with these characters. I also really enjoyed both Bastian and Anders’ brothers and their families.
February 28, 2023
This is a novella of the Heather Bay series by Charlie Novak. The book cover is what attracted me to the series! It’s simply gorgeous and I love the vibrant color choices used. Simply breathtaking! I look forward to reading the series!
The story focuses on Bastian, a photographer who happened to be at a Comic-con type of event. He was taking photos of the cosplays and costumes. He decided to take a short break and walked outside. While he was sitting, he saw a gorgeous guy sitting on a bench. He decided to take photos. That guy, Anders saw him and didn’t like it. He frowned so Bastian decided to walk over there and showed him the photos. While doing that, Bastian found out that Anders was an author and was at the event signing books. This started something between them. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book and read to find out what happens and how Heather Bay comes in the picture! 5 stars reading from me.
The story focuses on Bastian, a photographer who happened to be at a Comic-con type of event. He was taking photos of the cosplays and costumes. He decided to take a short break and walked outside. While he was sitting, he saw a gorgeous guy sitting on a bench. He decided to take photos. That guy, Anders saw him and didn’t like it. He frowned so Bastian decided to walk over there and showed him the photos. While doing that, Bastian found out that Anders was an author and was at the event signing books. This started something between them. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book and read to find out what happens and how Heather Bay comes in the picture! 5 stars reading from me.
March 18, 2023
Short and somewhat melodramatic story. Anders is an introverted and grumpy writer at London Comic Con, taking a break on a bench outside while working on his laptop. Bastian is an extroverted younger photographer who takes a photo of Anders, then offers to send it to him. The two of them begin an email exchange over the next year, and become friends. When Anders invites Bastian to visit his tiny town on the coast suggesting some photo work for him, (uh, Heather Bay, get it?) Anders readily accepts. Then they fall in the luvre and are all weepy at being parted. Finally Bastian moves in and everything's better. The end.
Bastian was somewhat opaque. There was a bit about his family early on. However, I found Anders to be the better developed of the pair. We got why he was grumpy and closed off. This also sets up the beginning of the author's new series, so obviously there's a cameo scene with one of the characters.
Two stars - not an awful read but didn't quite grab me.
Bastian was somewhat opaque. There was a bit about his family early on. However, I found Anders to be the better developed of the pair. We got why he was grumpy and closed off. This also sets up the beginning of the author's new series, so obviously there's a cameo scene with one of the characters.
Two stars - not an awful read but didn't quite grab me.
December 31, 2024
This 106-page paperback novella begins the HEATHER BAY series by Charlie Novak. I didn’t realize it took place in the UK when I bought the series and I’m very happy about this. I love variety, and this location will greatly switch it up. This is also the first time I’ve read one of Charlie Novak's projects. I highly enjoyed it and her writing style. It was detailed and smooth with great characterization and development, and with some good spice, 3.5/5🌶. However, it is very short and moves at a very fast pace with a time jump in the plot. We lost some plot points and character development details with the skipping like a rock across the bay. I would have loved to know more about Anders and Bastian's background. But this prequel did set up the location and the vibe for the rest of the series very well! I can't wait to read the rest of this series and explore more of CN's work.
January 26, 2023
I know, it's a prequel and they are never long but the author just has a way to suck you into the worlds she creates and you just want more and more.
You have the grumpy author and optimistic photographer who fell in love while being penpals (well email-pals) after meeting and starting on the wrong foot.
Anders is hiding in the seaside town of Heather Bay, just writing and not wanting to talk to anyone. Bastian is a photographer who searches for his home, fed up with London but doesn't know where to go to. An invite from Andres makes both of them realise they are it for each other.
It's a great introduction to Heather Bay. Not a lot of future characters are in this novella but the set up makes you want to go there, visit and just enjoy.
You have the grumpy author and optimistic photographer who fell in love while being penpals (well email-pals) after meeting and starting on the wrong foot.
Anders is hiding in the seaside town of Heather Bay, just writing and not wanting to talk to anyone. Bastian is a photographer who searches for his home, fed up with London but doesn't know where to go to. An invite from Andres makes both of them realise they are it for each other.
It's a great introduction to Heather Bay. Not a lot of future characters are in this novella but the set up makes you want to go there, visit and just enjoy.
April 24, 2024
4/5 After meeting Anders and Bastian in Like I Promised, I was curious about them, and this novella was a great way to get more of their story. I loved how Bastian’s spontaneous picture changed their world. I liked the connection back to Edward and the others from the Roll for Love Series. I appreciated that these two had lots of time for further connection via email before they met and tried to figure out what they could mean to one another on a long-term basis. It was lovely how Bastian felt at home with Anders and Heather Bay, and Anders felt like he could be himself but also gained so much love and companionship. They’re a cute couple.
January 6, 2026
so I completely forgot about this book…
I accidentally started with book 1 in the series & it’s interesting, because I would consider this to be book 1 as it is similar in page length to the others, but I digress. Anders and Sebastian are so stinking cute, I’m still thinking that in Oh So Oscar we met Anders & I want to say in another book in another series we met Bastian so I really want to make a Canva to figure out how everybody connects across the series 😂. But I loved this & can’t wait to read more of Heather Bay! 💜💜💜
I accidentally started with book 1 in the series & it’s interesting, because I would consider this to be book 1 as it is similar in page length to the others, but I digress. Anders and Sebastian are so stinking cute, I’m still thinking that in Oh So Oscar we met Anders & I want to say in another book in another series we met Bastian so I really want to make a Canva to figure out how everybody connects across the series 😂. But I loved this & can’t wait to read more of Heather Bay! 💜💜💜
February 28, 2026
I love a grumpy guy. Especially when he gets sweet on someone.
Anders and Bastian make a sweet couple. Writer and photographer find home and happiness together in the gorgeous seaside town of Heather Bay.
Anders has retreated into himself, and largely hides away, only venturing out when forced, or when his brother bangs on his door. Bastian is a bit adrift in the world, wanting to find ‘home’, a place to settle.
Finding each other is cozy and beautiful.
We also get some glimpses of some favourite people, and hints at what’s to come in this beloved series.
Anders and Bastian make a sweet couple. Writer and photographer find home and happiness together in the gorgeous seaside town of Heather Bay.
Anders has retreated into himself, and largely hides away, only venturing out when forced, or when his brother bangs on his door. Bastian is a bit adrift in the world, wanting to find ‘home’, a place to settle.
Finding each other is cozy and beautiful.
We also get some glimpses of some favourite people, and hints at what’s to come in this beloved series.
February 2, 2023
Once again I come across a book I know I've read before but it's not on my Goodreads page. This has happened to me quite a few times, I'm beginning to wonder if Goodreads randomly takes books down or something. Anyway, this story was just as enjoyable second time around, two lovely men, little bit of an age gap(squee) meeting by chance, start off as friends but something deepens. It's a gorgeous tale with very low angst while they figure things out.
March 20, 2023
I don’t want it to end
I have read the three other books in this series and I am not sure why I came to this one last. I have known about these two guys, because they appear in the other books in the series. It is great to see now how they met, and I would love to read more about their story. Well written and a very enjoyable read. If you have come across this and wonder if you want to read it, go for I, you will enjoy it.
I have read the three other books in this series and I am not sure why I came to this one last. I have known about these two guys, because they appear in the other books in the series. It is great to see now how they met, and I would love to read more about their story. Well written and a very enjoyable read. If you have come across this and wonder if you want to read it, go for I, you will enjoy it.
June 9, 2023
Yes, it moves quickly, but it’s an email relationship and that’s how I fell in love with my partner, so it worked for me. I mean, I don’t know that is a typical first date activity, but to each their own. This was just a lovely little story and I look forward to more books in this idyllic setting.
July 23, 2023
A lovely read
A nice short read for a lazy Sunday. It is a sweet love story of grumpy/sunshine and age gap, in other words, everything to like. The book is short so the romance progresses quickly but I do feel the chemistry between the two MCs and they are a perfect match. The writing is excellent and I will continue with the series.
A nice short read for a lazy Sunday. It is a sweet love story of grumpy/sunshine and age gap, in other words, everything to like. The book is short so the romance progresses quickly but I do feel the chemistry between the two MCs and they are a perfect match. The writing is excellent and I will continue with the series.
August 26, 2023
Lovely short novella from the Heather Bay series. I read this last and thin you can read it at any point - in timeline it is a prequel.
It’s a good east read for a weekend afternoon, low angst, low drama. A grumpy sunshine trope, age gap and bit of a slow burn but good amount of spice for the length.
It’s a good east read for a weekend afternoon, low angst, low drama. A grumpy sunshine trope, age gap and bit of a slow burn but good amount of spice for the length.
April 14, 2024
3.0
Anders Flynn, 40, author, introvert, funny, clever
Dark hair, graying at the temples
Blue eyes
Bastian Roche, 27, photographer, cheerful, curious, creative
Brown hair
Honey eyes
First person dual POV
London, England
Heather Bay, England
Novella, grumpy/sunshine, small town
A fun little jaunt back to Heather Bay.
Anders Flynn, 40, author, introvert, funny, clever
Dark hair, graying at the temples
Blue eyes
Bastian Roche, 27, photographer, cheerful, curious, creative
Brown hair
Honey eyes
First person dual POV
London, England
Heather Bay, England
Novella, grumpy/sunshine, small town
A fun little jaunt back to Heather Bay.
September 20, 2024
Bastian and Anders's story is a short and sweet prequel to Like I Promised. I really liked the chapter in the beginning where they were writing mails to each other for months without meeting.
January 29, 2023
I love this beautiful town on the coast and it’s men… they’re sweet, funny, sexy and so compelling. Charlie Novak has given us a grumpy/sunshine pairing with her trademark stellar storytelling. Anders and Bastian stole my heart and I can’t wait for more!
January 28, 2023
Bastian and Anders are great together. I love how things develop over email. Great intro to the series!
February 18, 2023
I read this book awhile back and just realized it. I enjoyed it the first time around and it was a great introduction to Heather Bay. Anders and Bastian are sweet together.
April 24, 2023
Sweet.
June 23, 2023
3.5 stars
July 22, 2023
Cute but a bit dry - my work emails have more chemistry than these guys did.
August 30, 2023
This novella was so fluffy and cute! It was my first read from Charlie Novak, and it definitely won’t be my last. Can’t wait to keep reading this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews