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friends2lovers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
“Everything you said was heart-warming. Human,” he whispered. “Gave me hope.”
“Even the crabs?” Charles said, his voice thick.
“Especially the crabs. To be honest, they were my favourite.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death, Infertility, and War
relly's review against another edition
4.0
4 Fabulous Stars
Audio Review
This is a fantastic listen, as Cornell Collins does a fabulous job of bringing the characters to life
I love Charles and his upbeat personality. He is just a genuinely nice person, who has his struggles but doesn't let that get him down for too long.
The relationships highlighted in this book are so well done.
Great listen
Audio Review
This is a fantastic listen, as Cornell Collins does a fabulous job of bringing the characters to life
I love Charles and his upbeat personality. He is just a genuinely nice person, who has his struggles but doesn't let that get him down for too long.
The relationships highlighted in this book are so well done.
Great listen
atarnus's review
4.0
4⭐
This is a funny and warm romance with lovely leads. Both men are wonderfully human and also kind. It's almost a bit too sweet at points with all the kids and healing. Not to die for, but a quality romance with distinctive main characters.
This is a funny and warm romance with lovely leads. Both men are wonderfully human and also kind. It's almost a bit too sweet at points with all the kids and healing. Not to die for, but a quality romance with distinctive main characters.
jairereads's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I enjoyed the disability rep at first (dyslexia, mobility challenges, and facial trauma), but once they start smashing, the disabilities strangely disappear from the relationship dynamic and no longer service the plot.
One example: why did Charles struggle with verbal instructions and working memory at his job, but these verbal communication struggles never appear in the relationship?
Either make the disabilities “matter of fact” or truly integrate them into the character’s lives and relationships. Fall somewhere in the middle, and we risk the disabilities feeling exploited as plot devices.
One example: why did Charles struggle with verbal instructions and working memory at his job, but these verbal communication struggles never appear in the relationship?
Either make the disabilities “matter of fact” or truly integrate them into the character’s lives and relationships. Fall somewhere in the middle, and we risk the disabilities feeling exploited as plot devices.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Infertility, Blood, and War
Minor: Death of parent
j_bookaholic's review against another edition
2.0
Really struggled to get into this one. I liked the story well enough but the story telling didn't grab me.
roguesmith's review against another edition
4.0
4-4.5 stars.
When I read His Haven by Con Riley, I really liked the book but I always felt Charles stole it and I was so happy when I discovered he was going to get his own story, and here it is.
I liked Charles in His Haven, but I LOVED him here. If anyone deserves to be happy then it's Charles. Dismissed by his brother and overlooked by everyone else as some sort of shallow playboy, that's so far from the truth it really made me feel for him. I'm not sure even his best friend knows how deeply he feels things. I know we met Hugo briefly before too but I really loved these two together here, it was such a sweet slow burn and I loved every moment of it.
So why isn't it 5 stars then? I don't know, while I liked it, I think maybe I didn't resonate with Hugo as much as I wanted to. I liked him, but I'm not sure I liked him for Charles until later on in the book. Charles seemed to be doing most of the work in the relationship. I'm glad Charles got his happy ending though, really did deserve it, and I'm glad we got to see the side of him that's so good with his children (maggots!).
I received an ARC of this from GRR and this is my honest review.
When I read His Haven by Con Riley, I really liked the book but I always felt Charles stole it and I was so happy when I discovered he was going to get his own story, and here it is.
I liked Charles in His Haven, but I LOVED him here. If anyone deserves to be happy then it's Charles. Dismissed by his brother and overlooked by everyone else as some sort of shallow playboy, that's so far from the truth it really made me feel for him. I'm not sure even his best friend knows how deeply he feels things. I know we met Hugo briefly before too but I really loved these two together here, it was such a sweet slow burn and I loved every moment of it.
So why isn't it 5 stars then? I don't know, while I liked it, I think maybe I didn't resonate with Hugo as much as I wanted to. I liked him, but I'm not sure I liked him for Charles until later on in the book. Charles seemed to be doing most of the work in the relationship. I'm glad Charles got his happy ending though, really did deserve it, and I'm glad we got to see the side of him that's so good with his children (maggots!).
I received an ARC of this from GRR and this is my honest review.
bee_thebibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Con Riley novel and it definitely won’t be my last! I wish I realized this new series was a spin-off of the His series before I dove in, but I still really enjoyed Charles.
Charles Heppel is trying to find his way in the world - he’s dyslexic which makes him question his usefulness but he loves working with preschool aged kids. His dyslexia caused him to struggle with school and can’t find a permanent job because of his lack of formal training. Despite all that, Charles is so kind, patient, creative, funny and sweet - the kids at Glynne Harber and a certain padre are naturally drawn to his light.
Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness or HHH) has been questioning his path forward and knows that priesthood isn’t in his future, but is struggling to figure out what’s next. After being injured abroad, he’s left with scarring on his face and leg which makes him withdraw from the students at Glynne Harber, fearing that the scars scare them. He’s an incredible listener, instinctively knows what people need, is so thoughtful and insightful, knows how to bring out the best in those around him and just wants to be helpful.
Hugo stumbles on Charles in the school’s chapel and you can feel the easy connection between them immediately. They’re both trying to find their next step in life but have landed in the same place together. While they’re opposites in many ways, they make each other happy - something both of them have been searching for but haven’t found until now. Charles and Hugo bring out the best in each other, build each other’s confidence and make each other smile more than ever before. Their relationship constantly made me smile and, a few times, left me crying happy tears.
The side characters in this story helped to push it along - Tor tore my heart out at every turn but his relationship with Charles Heppel was the sweetest, Luke knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to take risks for his friend’s happiness, Ruth was never afraid to meddle in Charles and Hugo’s budding relationship and George was bossy and headstrong but once he tells Charles what’s been happening with him all these years, it all makes so much sense.
I’m really excited for more stories from the Glynne Harber staff to see how they end up finding love of their own. And of course getting more glimpses of Charles, Hugo and their happiness along the way!
Charles Heppel is trying to find his way in the world - he’s dyslexic which makes him question his usefulness but he loves working with preschool aged kids. His dyslexia caused him to struggle with school and can’t find a permanent job because of his lack of formal training. Despite all that, Charles is so kind, patient, creative, funny and sweet - the kids at Glynne Harber and a certain padre are naturally drawn to his light.
Hugo (aka His Holy Hotness or HHH) has been questioning his path forward and knows that priesthood isn’t in his future, but is struggling to figure out what’s next. After being injured abroad, he’s left with scarring on his face and leg which makes him withdraw from the students at Glynne Harber, fearing that the scars scare them. He’s an incredible listener, instinctively knows what people need, is so thoughtful and insightful, knows how to bring out the best in those around him and just wants to be helpful.
Hugo stumbles on Charles in the school’s chapel and you can feel the easy connection between them immediately. They’re both trying to find their next step in life but have landed in the same place together. While they’re opposites in many ways, they make each other happy - something both of them have been searching for but haven’t found until now. Charles and Hugo bring out the best in each other, build each other’s confidence and make each other smile more than ever before. Their relationship constantly made me smile and, a few times, left me crying happy tears.
The side characters in this story helped to push it along - Tor tore my heart out at every turn but his relationship with Charles Heppel was the sweetest, Luke knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to take risks for his friend’s happiness, Ruth was never afraid to meddle in Charles and Hugo’s budding relationship and George was bossy and headstrong but once he tells Charles what’s been happening with him all these years, it all makes so much sense.
I’m really excited for more stories from the Glynne Harber staff to see how they end up finding love of their own. And of course getting more glimpses of Charles, Hugo and their happiness along the way!
geeknb's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous. What a lovely romance and a brilliant performance on the audio too.
All the characters are so engaging but Charles Hepple stole my heart, with a small space left over for Tor (that kid damn near broke me).
On to Sol's story next.
All the characters are so engaging but Charles Hepple stole my heart, with a small space left over for Tor (that kid damn near broke me).
On to Sol's story next.
alinetrochu's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Despite the fact this book contained two things I don’t normally enjoy in romance - small children and mentions of Christian faith - I really liked this book. The children weren’t annoying (Tor was actually quite adorable) and the religious aspect was played very much down, so the focus was mostly on Charles and Hugh and their lovely relationship. You’ll have to ignore the reason why Charles ended up with a job offer at Hugh’s school (probably not something that would normally get past HR) and simply enjoy Charles and Hugh who pretty much click from their hilarious first meeting. I loved both of them.
It’s apparent that there are side characters who feature in other books but having read none of them, I didn’t feel like I was missing too much. It has made me want to go back and read a few, however, especially Keir’s story.
Anyhow, CW for mentions of Christian religion and pregnancy struggles/loss
Despite the fact this book contained two things I don’t normally enjoy in romance - small children and mentions of Christian faith - I really liked this book. The children weren’t annoying (Tor was actually quite adorable) and the religious aspect was played very much down, so the focus was mostly on Charles and Hugh and their lovely relationship. You’ll have to ignore the reason why Charles ended up with a job offer at Hugh’s school (probably not something that would normally get past HR) and simply enjoy Charles and Hugh who pretty much click from their hilarious first meeting. I loved both of them.
It’s apparent that there are side characters who feature in other books but having read none of them, I didn’t feel like I was missing too much. It has made me want to go back and read a few, however, especially Keir’s story.
Anyhow, CW for mentions of Christian religion and pregnancy struggles/loss