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Learning to Love #1
Charles
Opposites attract in this low-angst romance filled with British snark and humour.
Life should be a breeze for a playboy like Charles Heppel. As the third son of an earl, he lives for the moment, partying and playing. Settling down isn’t for him. Not when London is full of beautiful men who he hasn’t one-and-done yet.
To escape his family’s nagging, Charles applies for a temp job that matches his playful skill set. A role in a Cornish classroom could be his until the summer, if Charles meets two conditions: he must move in with the headmaster’s best friend, and teach him to be happy.
Living with Hugo should be awkward. Charles is a free spirit, but Hugo’s a man of faith, with morals. A man who almost took holy orders before disaster changed his direction. Only far from being a chore, Charles finds that making Hugo happy soon becomes his passion.
Together, they share physical and emotional first times. Ones that change Charles, touching his soul. He wants Hugo for longer than they have left, but learning to love with his heart, not just his body, will take a leap of faith from Charles — in himself as well as Hugo.
New from Con Riley, Charles: Learning to Love is the first novel in a series based at Glynn Harber, a very special boarding school set in England’s glorious Cornwall.
♥ This shared-world series starts with Charles and Hugo, but each book follows a different couple in their own standalone novel, with a fulfilling happily ever after. Want to hear more from Charles? He stole the show in His Haven. ♥
Life should be a breeze for a playboy like Charles Heppel. As the third son of an earl, he lives for the moment, partying and playing. Settling down isn’t for him. Not when London is full of beautiful men who he hasn’t one-and-done yet.
To escape his family’s nagging, Charles applies for a temp job that matches his playful skill set. A role in a Cornish classroom could be his until the summer, if Charles meets two conditions: he must move in with the headmaster’s best friend, and teach him to be happy.
Living with Hugo should be awkward. Charles is a free spirit, but Hugo’s a man of faith, with morals. A man who almost took holy orders before disaster changed his direction. Only far from being a chore, Charles finds that making Hugo happy soon becomes his passion.
Together, they share physical and emotional first times. Ones that change Charles, touching his soul. He wants Hugo for longer than they have left, but learning to love with his heart, not just his body, will take a leap of faith from Charles — in himself as well as Hugo.
New from Con Riley, Charles: Learning to Love is the first novel in a series based at Glynn Harber, a very special boarding school set in England’s glorious Cornwall.
♥ This shared-world series starts with Charles and Hugo, but each book follows a different couple in their own standalone novel, with a fulfilling happily ever after. Want to hear more from Charles? He stole the show in His Haven. ♥
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First published July 22, 2021
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July 26, 2021
Voices in your head.
I'm slightly jealous of Con, considering Charles lives in her head.
I would love to have him with me every day.
Have you ever met a character like that?
One that brings the sunshine with them.
A soothing presence that warms you and you can't help but catch a contagious smile.
That's Charles Heppel.
He’s a tart but not ashamed, a sexual prowess lifting those around him. Unfortunately, he often does so while berating himself. It hurts my heart that he fought the struggles he faced. He’s a stunning man with endless wealth and few responsibilities. Despite having the ability to party like the elite he is, Charles is happiest in the midst of glue and glitter, surrounded by his precious maggots. Oh, I should clarify…maggots are the children he longs to spend his days with. Preschoolers to be exact. Their innocence, sticky hands, and endless wonder bring him great joy. When his dream job presents itself, he’s hit with an acute pang of want. This is it! The path he’s been searching for. Things don’t go as planned but plan B might be even better. He’s offered a provisional position with the school with the stipulation of an extra “chore”. In no time he discovers making Hugo happy isn’t a chore at all, in fact, it becomes his new favorite hobby.
His Holy Hotness, aka Hugo, was briefly introduced before in His Haven, where we also met Charles, Kier’s best friend. And I can honestly tell you, I never pictured them together. Never. And now, I can’t imagine them apart! Hugo has lost his way. He had plans and was merrily following along until…tragedy hit. He’s taking some time to heal at Glynne Harbour, both physically and mentally. The gruesome scar on his face and the new hitch in his step is the least of his worries. His pain runs deeper. His core beliefs have been rattled. His faith is a huge part of his identity and he’s suddenly doubting his purpose. How can he help others when he can’t trust his own convictions? Will he ever be able to guide again when he’s been blinded by uncertainty? And can he be a man of the cloth and have a partner? Because one thing is for sure…if he has any hopes of being the shepherd he believes he’s meant to be, he can’t do it alone. It’s a shame no man would have the serene and compassionate nature to join him on such a journey. Or…could there be someone? *cough, yes! cough*
Let’s cut to the chase, religion is a guiding force in Hugo’s life and consequently this story. It is oppressive? No. It’s simply a key component of Hugo. Just like it wasn’t a problem for Charles, it wasn’t a problem for me. Hugo is warm-hearted, patient and radiates a sense of calmness to those around him. His bad knee may force him to take things slowly but he’s steady and grounded. He’s an insanely good listener and never judges those looking to release the burdens wearing their shoulders down. He’s positive, optimistic, and goes with the flow. Until the rapids nearly took him under. Now he’s trying to keep his head above insecurities and disbelief. He’s mastered many skills but there’s one area he’s completely green. Sex. As luck would have it, his new roommate is well versed with sexual relations and has expansive carnal knowledge. But Hugo can’t give his body without his heart and finds himself at another quandary. Come to find out, his sexual expert is also a novice. When it comes to relationships Charles is the amateur. Soon they discover they are both virgins, one of the body and one of the heart, and they embark on an entirely new path together. As if often happens with counterparts, they each take part in illuminating the route ahead of them. I wish to tell you so much more but I shall leave it at this…It was bloody brilliant!
Beware of: It’s true, you don’t need His Haven tucked securely on your ‘read’ shelf, but you may find a familiarity with the secondary cast beneficial. Charles is an expert teacher but Hugo adds his own expertise and unlocks a shielded heart. It’s not a requirement to love children or God but they are at the center of our couple and can’t be avoided. And prepare for a slow burn and steamy discovery of carnal delights…I adored all their ‘firsts’.
This book is for: If you believe we all have a purpose to fulfill, why not follow the hearts laid bare here and uncover the destiny of these brave and tender souls? Their love is honest and true and surprising in the very best way.
Book UNfunk
I'm slightly jealous of Con, considering Charles lives in her head.
I would love to have him with me every day.
Have you ever met a character like that?
One that brings the sunshine with them.
A soothing presence that warms you and you can't help but catch a contagious smile.
That's Charles Heppel.
He’s a tart but not ashamed, a sexual prowess lifting those around him. Unfortunately, he often does so while berating himself. It hurts my heart that he fought the struggles he faced. He’s a stunning man with endless wealth and few responsibilities. Despite having the ability to party like the elite he is, Charles is happiest in the midst of glue and glitter, surrounded by his precious maggots. Oh, I should clarify…maggots are the children he longs to spend his days with. Preschoolers to be exact. Their innocence, sticky hands, and endless wonder bring him great joy. When his dream job presents itself, he’s hit with an acute pang of want. This is it! The path he’s been searching for. Things don’t go as planned but plan B might be even better. He’s offered a provisional position with the school with the stipulation of an extra “chore”. In no time he discovers making Hugo happy isn’t a chore at all, in fact, it becomes his new favorite hobby.
His Holy Hotness, aka Hugo, was briefly introduced before in His Haven, where we also met Charles, Kier’s best friend. And I can honestly tell you, I never pictured them together. Never. And now, I can’t imagine them apart! Hugo has lost his way. He had plans and was merrily following along until…tragedy hit. He’s taking some time to heal at Glynne Harbour, both physically and mentally. The gruesome scar on his face and the new hitch in his step is the least of his worries. His pain runs deeper. His core beliefs have been rattled. His faith is a huge part of his identity and he’s suddenly doubting his purpose. How can he help others when he can’t trust his own convictions? Will he ever be able to guide again when he’s been blinded by uncertainty? And can he be a man of the cloth and have a partner? Because one thing is for sure…if he has any hopes of being the shepherd he believes he’s meant to be, he can’t do it alone. It’s a shame no man would have the serene and compassionate nature to join him on such a journey. Or…could there be someone? *cough, yes! cough*
Let’s cut to the chase, religion is a guiding force in Hugo’s life and consequently this story. It is oppressive? No. It’s simply a key component of Hugo. Just like it wasn’t a problem for Charles, it wasn’t a problem for me. Hugo is warm-hearted, patient and radiates a sense of calmness to those around him. His bad knee may force him to take things slowly but he’s steady and grounded. He’s an insanely good listener and never judges those looking to release the burdens wearing their shoulders down. He’s positive, optimistic, and goes with the flow. Until the rapids nearly took him under. Now he’s trying to keep his head above insecurities and disbelief. He’s mastered many skills but there’s one area he’s completely green. Sex. As luck would have it, his new roommate is well versed with sexual relations and has expansive carnal knowledge. But Hugo can’t give his body without his heart and finds himself at another quandary. Come to find out, his sexual expert is also a novice. When it comes to relationships Charles is the amateur. Soon they discover they are both virgins, one of the body and one of the heart, and they embark on an entirely new path together. As if often happens with counterparts, they each take part in illuminating the route ahead of them. I wish to tell you so much more but I shall leave it at this…It was bloody brilliant!
Beware of: It’s true, you don’t need His Haven tucked securely on your ‘read’ shelf, but you may find a familiarity with the secondary cast beneficial. Charles is an expert teacher but Hugo adds his own expertise and unlocks a shielded heart. It’s not a requirement to love children or God but they are at the center of our couple and can’t be avoided. And prepare for a slow burn and steamy discovery of carnal delights…I adored all their ‘firsts’.
This book is for: If you believe we all have a purpose to fulfill, why not follow the hearts laid bare here and uncover the destiny of these brave and tender souls? Their love is honest and true and surprising in the very best way.
Book UNfunk
July 17, 2021
My review will be out nearer release day.
Let's just say Charles and HHH are my absolute favourite Con Riley couple (well, atm because the guys in book two of this series are giving them a right run for the money atm 😁🤣😉😂💕 )
***
As release day is now next month, I'm coming back to this one.
Charles and HHH (His Holy Hotness) make me heart happy. They're such a study in contrasts and neither of them is expecting the other at the point their lives intersect.
If you've read His Haven then you've already met Charles (and Hugo at a distance) and should already be utterly in love with him, because he is just the most huggable character Con's ever written.
He's risen above some almost insurmountable odds with his particular type of dyslexia/low working memory and he's found a career at which he excels, if only his family could see it too.
Hugo's having a crisis, not of faith, that is unshakeable, but he's suffered a real physical and mental blow to where he thought his life was taking him.
This book is not religious, even though at one point Hugo thought he was on the way to being a Padre in the British Army.
It's about faith, both personal and in a wider understanding of how our lives change when we least expect it. It's powerful and profoundly moving when both Charles and Hugo come to realise that the journey they're taking might not be where they were originally heading.
When the two meet, it sets them on a path which will make you smile, make you cry (even me!), have you desperately turning the pages because it couldn't really take such a turn and everything not end up perfectly right?!
On the way you'll meet another bunch of wonderful characters, be introduced to some of the men who will be appearing in the other two books in this series, and you'll find that God moves in mysterious ways 😉😁
As ever my disclaimer, I alpha read this book for Con and so you can blame me for any bits you might not like 😎 but I really hope you don't find any because this book is the very definition of beautiful.
Let's just say Charles and HHH are my absolute favourite Con Riley couple (well, atm because the guys in book two of this series are giving them a right run for the money atm 😁🤣😉😂💕 )
***
As release day is now next month, I'm coming back to this one.
Charles and HHH (His Holy Hotness) make me heart happy. They're such a study in contrasts and neither of them is expecting the other at the point their lives intersect.
If you've read His Haven then you've already met Charles (and Hugo at a distance) and should already be utterly in love with him, because he is just the most huggable character Con's ever written.
He's risen above some almost insurmountable odds with his particular type of dyslexia/low working memory and he's found a career at which he excels, if only his family could see it too.
Hugo's having a crisis, not of faith, that is unshakeable, but he's suffered a real physical and mental blow to where he thought his life was taking him.
This book is not religious, even though at one point Hugo thought he was on the way to being a Padre in the British Army.
It's about faith, both personal and in a wider understanding of how our lives change when we least expect it. It's powerful and profoundly moving when both Charles and Hugo come to realise that the journey they're taking might not be where they were originally heading.
When the two meet, it sets them on a path which will make you smile, make you cry (even me!), have you desperately turning the pages because it couldn't really take such a turn and everything not end up perfectly right?!
On the way you'll meet another bunch of wonderful characters, be introduced to some of the men who will be appearing in the other two books in this series, and you'll find that God moves in mysterious ways 😉😁
As ever my disclaimer, I alpha read this book for Con and so you can blame me for any bits you might not like 😎 but I really hope you don't find any because this book is the very definition of beautiful.
August 23, 2021
this was unbelievably sweet and lovely and just such a good read for me. i don't think i even have the vernacular to explain why this book moved me so much... i just loved it.
July 27, 2021
So Charles is a spinoff of another series, I didn't know but that wouldn't have stopped me from reading this. 🤷🏻♀️🤣💜
I really enjoyed a lot of this, it was a sweet story where misunderstood characters got a chance to prove who they were, they met someone who believed in them, so they got the strength to be who they wanted to be. I really enjoyed that actually, I felt a kinship with Charles because as the youngest you get taken less seriously, not because of lack of love but because when so many people in your family circle changed your diapers is difficult to be a grown up in their eyes. 🤣🤣
Charles took that to another level because of his insecurities and I know his brothers didn't help, but I'm glad he understood that people did appreciated him and that he just needed to let them in.
I also adored Hugo's character, he was deep and calm and a bear and calm. I ached for his situation, his hurt, but I knew he could get over it. I loved how he delivered so many truths. For example:
"We all have things we haven’t mastered, Charles. Things that makes us feel like beginners instead of accomplished.”
Having said that, I do think there were a lot of sermons in this, a lot of conversations that maybe, were too much, I mean I liked everything but I felt in a classroom sometimes, hence there were two or three chapters that dragged *cringes*. But I did love the characters and the side characters and the story. I really, really did. 🥰❤
So that is that. 🤷🏻♀️💜
I really enjoyed a lot of this, it was a sweet story where misunderstood characters got a chance to prove who they were, they met someone who believed in them, so they got the strength to be who they wanted to be. I really enjoyed that actually, I felt a kinship with Charles because as the youngest you get taken less seriously, not because of lack of love but because when so many people in your family circle changed your diapers is difficult to be a grown up in their eyes. 🤣🤣
Charles took that to another level because of his insecurities and I know his brothers didn't help, but I'm glad he understood that people did appreciated him and that he just needed to let them in.
I also adored Hugo's character, he was deep and calm and a bear and calm. I ached for his situation, his hurt, but I knew he could get over it. I loved how he delivered so many truths. For example:
"We all have things we haven’t mastered, Charles. Things that makes us feel like beginners instead of accomplished.”
Having said that, I do think there were a lot of sermons in this, a lot of conversations that maybe, were too much, I mean I liked everything but I felt in a classroom sometimes, hence there were two or three chapters that dragged *cringes*. But I did love the characters and the side characters and the story. I really, really did. 🥰❤
So that is that. 🤷🏻♀️💜
July 27, 2021
I will properly review this later but I have to gather my thoughts and stop crying first.
This book says how it's low-angst in the first sentence of the blurb and yet I cried for half the book, I love this for me. The book just got to me and made me so emotional, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
This book says how it's low-angst in the first sentence of the blurb and yet I cried for half the book, I love this for me. The book just got to me and made me so emotional, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
July 31, 2021
Charles Heppel is a wonderful character, a man who has dealt with substantial challenges from his severe dyslexia, and not let them stop him. A man who has used sex as fun and a mood-elevator happily and unashamedly, with enthusiasm and humor. He loves children and feels enormously protective of their right to emotional security and self-expression, and since his disability makes teaching unlikely, he's found himself a niche working with the preschoolers and play.
And yet Charles doesn't see his own worth very well. All those hits to his self-esteem in his childhood have left their mark, and he considers himself frivolous, forgettable, too lightweight to make a difference.
Meeting Hugh, finding a man for whom he is a light in darkness, begins a journey for both of them. This is sweet and lovely, and the hint of poignancy while based in misunderstandings, feels true to character. I'll be rereading this one.
And yet Charles doesn't see his own worth very well. All those hits to his self-esteem in his childhood have left their mark, and he considers himself frivolous, forgettable, too lightweight to make a difference.
Meeting Hugh, finding a man for whom he is a light in darkness, begins a journey for both of them. This is sweet and lovely, and the hint of poignancy while based in misunderstandings, feels true to character. I'll be rereading this one.
i-m-a-quitter
September 20, 2021Yet another one I just couldn't get in to.
And again, it wasn't necessarily bad but I just never found myself wanting to read it. It just never grabbed me.
Made it to about 50%.
I mean it was nice. Charles was nice. Helping the children was nice. Hugo was nice. The school was nice. George was NOT nice.
The pacing was just a bit slow. And I just never connected to the story or the characters and so I found myself picking this one up and putting it back down a lot.
But the cover was really lovely.
And again, it wasn't necessarily bad but I just never found myself wanting to read it. It just never grabbed me.
Made it to about 50%.
I mean it was nice. Charles was nice. Helping the children was nice. Hugo was nice. The school was nice. George was NOT nice.
The pacing was just a bit slow. And I just never connected to the story or the characters and so I found myself picking this one up and putting it back down a lot.
But the cover was really lovely.
July 24, 2022
All the stars for this one. It wrecked me and put me back together in the nicest of ways. I didn't think anything could better His Haven...but OMG, the feels in this one 🥰🥰🥰 blew that out of the water!! I want more stories about that ridiculously lovely [but oh so slutty] Charles Heppel and his Holy Hotness [scarred but full of faith wannabe man of the cloth], Hugo Eavis. I also want more of little Tor and the other children of Glynn Harber 💕💕, and will confess to crying particularly ugly tears 😭😭😭 throughout the reading of this story, so box of tissues warning for everyone. I even loved George [Charles' grumpy and frustrated elder brother] and felt so sorry for what he and his wife were going through...Onto my Creme-de-la-Creme shelf with you my beauty, and well done Con Riley. Thank you for this beautifully written story, it's a sheer delight.
July 24, 2021
Tugs at my heartstrings is probably the most apt description of what
Charles
means for me. This is a beautiful and precious book.
Charles Heppel is the third son of an Earl, a position that makes him, well, gets sort of freedom to live without too much of responsibilities. But at the same time, it is only one layer of Charles that the world has seen. Charles is SO MUCH MORE than that. His heart is SO BIG, I cannot believe that his body can contain it.
Charles suffers from dyslexia - and NOBODY in his previous schools are aware of it. It makes him struggling all his life. But it doesn't stop Charles to do what he does best, to be the champion for the children (who may struggle in their life, just like he did). Charles is AMAZING with kids. He sees them as individuals with all their wonders. They are MAGIC, like maggots ready to metamorphose and Charles is ready to guide them to that new part of their lives.
However, yes, nobody really sees Charles that way, except maybe his best friend, Keir, who knows first-hand of Charles's kindness, loyalty, bravery, and brilliance.
Until His Holy Hotness, Hugo Eavis, a temporary pastoral charge at Glynn Harber - who by accident listen to Charles's confession.
Hugo SEES Charles... and he LISTENS to him. This patience and understanding makes Charles undone. And I guess, like the kids that Charles takes care of, with Hugo by his side, Charles is ready to metamorphose as well. Learning to love with all his heart (and not just his body) and also know what he is worth to everyone around him, that changes for the better BECAUSE they have the luck of knowing and having Charles in their lives.
And of course Charles also pushes Hugo to the better. Hugo loves with his heart, but the scars he bears makes Hugo unable to believe that people can love him completely. In that sense, Hugo's scars limits him to completely embrace life, chances, and love from others. Charles breaks that wall for Hugo, for loving Hugo pass the scars, for teaching Hugo to learn to love Charles completely, embracing his faith as well.
I can probably write more words but this opinion is already too long isn't it? I can't help it, I want to tell the world how my heart SOARS reading this one. I cherish every words, every scene. There are lumps in my throats and tears in my eyes, especially during the last quarter, when Charles is having that doubts again about himself.
I love this book with all my heart and soul.
And truly, I cannot wait to read what is next from Con Riley. She has cemented herself as one of my favorite contemporary MM authors.
PS: I hope the third book of this series will feature Luke and Nathan. Because OH. MY. GOD. that one scene (!) ()
Charles Heppel is the third son of an Earl, a position that makes him, well, gets sort of freedom to live without too much of responsibilities. But at the same time, it is only one layer of Charles that the world has seen. Charles is SO MUCH MORE than that. His heart is SO BIG, I cannot believe that his body can contain it.
Charles suffers from dyslexia - and NOBODY in his previous schools are aware of it. It makes him struggling all his life. But it doesn't stop Charles to do what he does best, to be the champion for the children (who may struggle in their life, just like he did). Charles is AMAZING with kids. He sees them as individuals with all their wonders. They are MAGIC, like maggots ready to metamorphose and Charles is ready to guide them to that new part of their lives.
However, yes, nobody really sees Charles that way, except maybe his best friend, Keir, who knows first-hand of Charles's kindness, loyalty, bravery, and brilliance.
Until His Holy Hotness, Hugo Eavis, a temporary pastoral charge at Glynn Harber - who by accident listen to Charles's confession.
Hugo SEES Charles... and he LISTENS to him. This patience and understanding makes Charles undone. And I guess, like the kids that Charles takes care of, with Hugo by his side, Charles is ready to metamorphose as well. Learning to love with all his heart (and not just his body) and also know what he is worth to everyone around him, that changes for the better BECAUSE they have the luck of knowing and having Charles in their lives.
And of course Charles also pushes Hugo to the better. Hugo loves with his heart, but the scars he bears makes Hugo unable to believe that people can love him completely. In that sense, Hugo's scars limits him to completely embrace life, chances, and love from others. Charles breaks that wall for Hugo, for loving Hugo pass the scars, for teaching Hugo to learn to love Charles completely, embracing his faith as well.
I can probably write more words but this opinion is already too long isn't it? I can't help it, I want to tell the world how my heart SOARS reading this one. I cherish every words, every scene. There are lumps in my throats and tears in my eyes, especially during the last quarter, when Charles is having that doubts again about himself.
I love this book with all my heart and soul.
And truly, I cannot wait to read what is next from Con Riley. She has cemented herself as one of my favorite contemporary MM authors.
PS: I hope the third book of this series will feature Luke and Nathan. Because OH. MY. GOD. that one scene (!) ()
May 3, 2023
“In sickness and in health, Charles. You modeled that from our first day together. Turned those words into actions, over and over and over. You make every day richer rather than poorer. I’m so much better with you, not worse.”
“You mean…?”
“Charles, in my heart, you’re already my husband.”
This was such a delightful surprise! I started this with some trepidation given that half of my GR friends loved it while the rest didn’t. I’m glad I fell in the former camp. I loved everything about it. The beautiful writing, which alternated between snarky British humor and gorgeous imagery. I loved the relationship buildup. And I also loved the characterization. It’s a slow burn with excellent pacing.
I loved the premise of a manwhoring last born son of an earl, Charles, who works with kids as a play instructor, paired with a man of strong faith. Hugo is struggling to recover from physical and emotional wounds sustained during a humanitarian mission in a warzone—a process that has lead to much soul searching about his future. Meanwhile Charles hides his insecurities about being dyslexic and the ridicule he suffers for being a play instructor by sleeping his way through an impressive retinue of men. Hugo, however, sees the depth and good in him underneath his frivolous attitude. He strikes up a friendship with Charles, one that brings him joy and restores his zest for life. There is a lot of beauty and tenderness in their emotional connection. But it isn’t sappy. There’s also much laughter, introspection and wonderful side characters. The kids in the school where Charles teaches are so precious!
“You mean…?”
“Charles, in my heart, you’re already my husband.”
This was such a delightful surprise! I started this with some trepidation given that half of my GR friends loved it while the rest didn’t. I’m glad I fell in the former camp. I loved everything about it. The beautiful writing, which alternated between snarky British humor and gorgeous imagery. I loved the relationship buildup. And I also loved the characterization. It’s a slow burn with excellent pacing.
I loved the premise of a manwhoring last born son of an earl, Charles, who works with kids as a play instructor, paired with a man of strong faith. Hugo is struggling to recover from physical and emotional wounds sustained during a humanitarian mission in a warzone—a process that has lead to much soul searching about his future. Meanwhile Charles hides his insecurities about being dyslexic and the ridicule he suffers for being a play instructor by sleeping his way through an impressive retinue of men. Hugo, however, sees the depth and good in him underneath his frivolous attitude. He strikes up a friendship with Charles, one that brings him joy and restores his zest for life. There is a lot of beauty and tenderness in their emotional connection. But it isn’t sappy. There’s also much laughter, introspection and wonderful side characters. The kids in the school where Charles teaches are so precious!
July 24, 2021
4.5 stars
I jumped into the book without even knowing what it was about, and I'm glad because I usually skip books with characters involved in organized religions. What a stupid mistake I'd made because this is BEAUTIFUL, and it's by far my favorite book from Con Riley.
Charles Happel, what a light-hearted lovely man; I loved him from page one and felt ridiculously protective of him both as a child and adult.
It was an unexpectedly emotional read about two souls at a crossroad looking for their life purpose and finding each other.
I jumped into the book without even knowing what it was about, and I'm glad because I usually skip books with characters involved in organized religions. What a stupid mistake I'd made because this is BEAUTIFUL, and it's by far my favorite book from Con Riley.
Charles Happel, what a light-hearted lovely man; I loved him from page one and felt ridiculously protective of him both as a child and adult.
It was an unexpectedly emotional read about two souls at a crossroad looking for their life purpose and finding each other.
September 20, 2021
Finished this a while back but forgot about it.
I liked it.. I didn't love it.
Charles was fun and quirky. The first chapters in particular were very funny.
The writing was enjoyable.
The dyslexia and the kids aspect was charming.
I didn't connect with the second MC though.
There was just something that held me back...
I put it down and picked it up alot.
It wasn't a book that consumed me.
All in all it was a good read.
I liked it.. I didn't love it.
Charles was fun and quirky. The first chapters in particular were very funny.
The writing was enjoyable.
The dyslexia and the kids aspect was charming.
I didn't connect with the second MC though.
There was just something that held me back...
I put it down and picked it up alot.
It wasn't a book that consumed me.
All in all it was a good read.
Read
June 1, 2022DNF at 11%
I’m cursed.
I’m cursed.
August 12, 2024
I swear I actually felt my heart break reading this.
I struggled to like Charles for a good part of this book, although I loved his teaching beliefs and style - I'd definitely let him teach my kid and if you know me, you know how big of a statement that is!
He struggles with low self-esteem and settles for less than the bare minimum, but seeing him start to see his self-worth and build meaningful relationships made me so happy. I loved the elephant explanation too.
I loved Hugo to begin with, but when Nathan came back I thought he was a dickhead for not making everything clearer to Charles! I did end up going back to loving him though and they just fit together so well.
I did already read the first spin-off book from this series, so coming back to get to know all of the established characters is really enjoyable so far because I don't feel like I learnt all that much about them in Second Song.
There's a lot of emotion in this story, and I love how it showed struggles for all different ages, from Tor the small child, to Charles, to George and his wife and their fertility battle. There were so many issues covered but it didn't feel like there was too much going.
Genuinely can't wait to see what happens in Sol's book, and now I want to go back even further for Keir's story 🤦🏻♀️😂
I struggled to like Charles for a good part of this book, although I loved his teaching beliefs and style - I'd definitely let him teach my kid and if you know me, you know how big of a statement that is!
He struggles with low self-esteem and settles for less than the bare minimum, but seeing him start to see his self-worth and build meaningful relationships made me so happy. I loved the elephant explanation too.
I loved Hugo to begin with, but when Nathan came back I thought he was a dickhead for not making everything clearer to Charles! I did end up going back to loving him though and they just fit together so well.
I did already read the first spin-off book from this series, so coming back to get to know all of the established characters is really enjoyable so far because I don't feel like I learnt all that much about them in Second Song.
There's a lot of emotion in this story, and I love how it showed struggles for all different ages, from Tor the small child, to Charles, to George and his wife and their fertility battle. There were so many issues covered but it didn't feel like there was too much going.
Genuinely can't wait to see what happens in Sol's book, and now I want to go back even further for Keir's story 🤦🏻♀️😂
July 24, 2021
Charles is a beautiful , slow burn, heart touching romance .
I love the fluidity , the organic and hilarious way the heroes meet and how their friendship and relationships progressed over the course of the story. These guys truly get to know , understand and love each other before becoming sexually involved.
A hurt-comfort , steamy , humorous and emotional - yet not angsty and dramatic - love story of Charles and Hugh . Two of the most likeable , relatable, charming and perfectly suited heroes I have "met" in a while.
I also loved , the strong cast of secondary characters. They all have very distinctive personalities, were vital to the plot and story arc.
There is one special character named Tor . IMO , Kids are difficult to write in romance stories. Often they're nothing more then a caricature , either they're wise beyond their years or are props to bring drama , conflict or saccharine sweetness. Yet, Tor isn't any of those. He is the real deal ; a well adjusted , 4 years, rambunctious, sweet little boy whom acts and behave his age and circumstances. He is also a scene stealer. He stole my heart.
This was my first Con Riley book and I enjoyed it very much. Will definitely be checking out other books from her backlist .
I love the fluidity , the organic and hilarious way the heroes meet and how their friendship and relationships progressed over the course of the story. These guys truly get to know , understand and love each other before becoming sexually involved.
A hurt-comfort , steamy , humorous and emotional - yet not angsty and dramatic - love story of Charles and Hugh . Two of the most likeable , relatable, charming and perfectly suited heroes I have "met" in a while.
I also loved , the strong cast of secondary characters. They all have very distinctive personalities, were vital to the plot and story arc.
There is one special character named Tor . IMO , Kids are difficult to write in romance stories. Often they're nothing more then a caricature , either they're wise beyond their years or are props to bring drama , conflict or saccharine sweetness. Yet, Tor isn't any of those. He is the real deal ; a well adjusted , 4 years, rambunctious, sweet little boy whom acts and behave his age and circumstances. He is also a scene stealer. He stole my heart.
This was my first Con Riley book and I enjoyed it very much. Will definitely be checking out other books from her backlist .
June 26, 2021
All the stars ⭐️ for this one!
We met Charles in Keir’s book “His Haven”.
I’m so happy we are getting his story.
Charlie thinks so negatively about himself. When he meets Hugo, Charlie is tasked with cheering him but I think the opposite happened. They cheered each other and it was epic.
This book is really beautiful. How love and friendship can really change the trajectory of your life.
I fell in love with both characters. Charlie needs love and Hugo is eager to give it. But Charlie keeps him at arms length until he really makes an error in judgment. This made my stomach drop. Don’t worry there’s a hard fought HEA in this one and it ends absolutely gorgeously.
Side note. Excellent side characters made this a really multi-layered & rich story. Tor even gets an happy reunion!
Now I want book 2 which I’m pretty sure is Nathan’s book.
We met Charles in Keir’s book “His Haven”.
I’m so happy we are getting his story.
Charlie thinks so negatively about himself. When he meets Hugo, Charlie is tasked with cheering him but I think the opposite happened. They cheered each other and it was epic.
This book is really beautiful. How love and friendship can really change the trajectory of your life.
I fell in love with both characters. Charlie needs love and Hugo is eager to give it. But Charlie keeps him at arms length until he really makes an error in judgment. This made my stomach drop. Don’t worry there’s a hard fought HEA in this one and it ends absolutely gorgeously.
Side note. Excellent side characters made this a really multi-layered & rich story. Tor even gets an happy reunion!
Now I want book 2 which I’m pretty sure is Nathan’s book.
July 27, 2021
I have been a massive fan of Con Riley's writing since reading "After Ben" in January 2013. Her stories and writing, characters and plot lines just get better and better.
I managed a lot of crying reading this novel, happy tears and sad tears, even tears at the end because of the wonderful prologue and the fact I couldn't continue reading more about these wonderful characters.
This is exactly what I want and love in this genre.
5 Stars+
I managed a lot of crying reading this novel, happy tears and sad tears, even tears at the end because of the wonderful prologue and the fact I couldn't continue reading more about these wonderful characters.
This is exactly what I want and love in this genre.
5 Stars+
July 12, 2021
Full review to come closer to release...just saying though, HUGE BOOK HANGOVER ALERT! I'm in that "I will never love another couple as much as I love these two" stage right now LOL.
dnf
February 27, 2025I’ve fallen asleep to this one 2 nights in a row, so pulling a DNF at 35%. My mind was even wandering during the day, so it’s not meant to be.
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ England setting
~ MM romance ~ no clue if steamage
Narration notes:
He sounded perfectly fine, but he could be the reason I was snoozing.
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ England setting
~ MM romance ~ no clue if steamage
Narration notes:
He sounded perfectly fine, but he could be the reason I was snoozing.
July 23, 2021
Masterly written story! All the feels!
Charles... you can only love him, deeply. The world is so much brighter with Charles in it!
He’s leaving home, for a temp job, far from home where he feels unacknowledged, and even unloved.
In this new place, he meets Hugo under some extraordinary circumstances.
I don’t want to dive too deep into Charles's personality, it’s something you have to discover yourself, he stole my heart and I’m still searching for it.
Believe me, he’s absolutely marvelous. Same with Hugo. Both men have scars from life.
Hugo sees the man behind the pretty features, one-night stands, money, dyslexia, and the title before his name.
Charles sees through all Hugo’s walls. Searching for ways to see him smile, to heal.
Hugo made Charles feel things he couldn’t dream of, no way he’s falling...
They are so opposites and fit well.
I was moved to tears and smiles, so so many feelings. Absolutely stunning!!
“I’m so happy to be here.”
Oke, just a little bit about Charles, lol. He’s funny, witty, passionate, and endearing. He has the biggest heart full of love and compassion. He made me laugh so hard, what an amazing man. His inner conversations are so wonderful. He’s hurt and I felt it all. Feeling useless, unloved, not appreciated, dismissed. Until Hugo was there.
Charles is dedicated to his “maggots” he loves them dearly and is the best with them. He has his own refreshing way to work with them, and all the children adored him.
Both Charles and Hugo’s lives and characters are beautifully developed. It showed every important layer, so much depth.
I love every story coming from this author, this one was exceptional, super romantic, beautifully layered, extraordinary, a must-read, period!
Charles... you can only love him, deeply. The world is so much brighter with Charles in it!
He’s leaving home, for a temp job, far from home where he feels unacknowledged, and even unloved.
In this new place, he meets Hugo under some extraordinary circumstances.
I don’t want to dive too deep into Charles's personality, it’s something you have to discover yourself, he stole my heart and I’m still searching for it.
Believe me, he’s absolutely marvelous. Same with Hugo. Both men have scars from life.
Hugo sees the man behind the pretty features, one-night stands, money, dyslexia, and the title before his name.
Charles sees through all Hugo’s walls. Searching for ways to see him smile, to heal.
Hugo made Charles feel things he couldn’t dream of, no way he’s falling...
They are so opposites and fit well.
I was moved to tears and smiles, so so many feelings. Absolutely stunning!!
“I’m so happy to be here.”
Oke, just a little bit about Charles, lol. He’s funny, witty, passionate, and endearing. He has the biggest heart full of love and compassion. He made me laugh so hard, what an amazing man. His inner conversations are so wonderful. He’s hurt and I felt it all. Feeling useless, unloved, not appreciated, dismissed. Until Hugo was there.
Charles is dedicated to his “maggots” he loves them dearly and is the best with them. He has his own refreshing way to work with them, and all the children adored him.
Both Charles and Hugo’s lives and characters are beautifully developed. It showed every important layer, so much depth.
I love every story coming from this author, this one was exceptional, super romantic, beautifully layered, extraordinary, a must-read, period!
July 15, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I'll just cut the chase by saying that I'm pretty sure it'll be my last. The writing is proficient, the editing good, but it just really wasn't to my taste. I did not think when I requested the ARC that religion would be so prevalent in the book, and as an atheist, I really don't want religion in the books I read for pleasure. I'll put up with it in the literary fiction that I have to read for school, but I don't want it in my romance novels. I was expecting something quite different than what I got, frankly. I would put this book in the hurt/comfort category rather than the fun, lightly comedic romp that I was expecting from the description of the book as being filled with snark and humor. I didn't really spot any instances of snark or humor, so I'm not particularly sure where that description comes in. I'm very sure that there will be plenty of people who will love this book, especially those who really like sweet, slow burns with that twist of hurt/comfort and a bit of manufactured misunderstanding near the end.
January 5, 2022
I've given this an A at AAR.
I’ve often heard/read authors say – ‘this character just took over my brain and demanded their own book’. I don’t know if that’s what happened to Con Riley when she created Charles Heppel, a major secondary character in His Haven , but whatever the case, he’s one of those characters. Vibrant, funny, larger-than-life and a complete scene-stealer, Charles lit up the pages whenever he appeared, and I was delighted when I learned he would be getting his own book.
Charles: Learning to Love is book one in the Learning to Love series, and it’s a gorgeously romantic, sexy and poignant story about two quite different men learning not just to love, but about themselves, who they truly are and what they truly want. The writing is superb, the setting is expertly rendered and the characterisation is excellent; I honestly can’t think of anything about this book that I didn’t love or that didn’t work for me.
Readers of His Haven will already know that Charles has a somewhat uneasy relationship with his older brother George – heir to their father’s earldom – and that he goes home to the family estate, as infrequently as possible. When this book opens, Charles is trying to sneak out without George knowing; he’s got a job interview and isn’t in the mood to listen to George criticising (again) his choice of profession (Charles works with pre-schoolers, helping them learn through play) and his lack of success in finding or holding down a permanent position. Alas for Charles, he can’t get away that easily. George catches him and isn’t pleased; he wanted Charles to stay to help him out with the various projects he’s got going on, but Charles knows he’ll only screw up, and that would make things between them even worse.
Glynn Harber is a small, independent school close to The Haven in Cornwall and although the job is another temporary position, Charles likes the place immediately. Unfortunately, the interview doesn’t go well leaving Charles once again feeling like a total failure who is just Not Good Enough.
Heartsick and defeated, Charles decides to go for a walk, taking shelter in the chapel in the woods when it starts to rain. The quiet soothes him a bit, and he sits behind the curtain of the ‘confessional’, allowing himself a few moments of honesty to feel his disappointment. Then he hears someone sit down on the other side of the curtain, and assuming it’s Keir (his best friend) come to pick him up, decides to have a bit of fun and starts to confess his sins, in a typically self-deprecating way:
But can’t keep up the act in front of his oldest friend:
Of course, it’s not Keir on the other side of the curtain at all – it’s His Holy Hotness, aka Hugo Eavis (whom we also met briefly in His Haven), formerly an army padre who is temporarily in charge of pastoral support at the school. He immediately puts Charles at his ease by sharing something about himself, explaining that he “stepped off the ordination track” a year earlier and decided to take a sabbatical overseas which didn’t end well. He was injured in a shelling attack in Syria, and now he’s at one of life’s crossroads. He’s returned home to rest and recover from his injuries and to work out what he’s called to do next.
While they’re talking, they’re told about a missing child and immediately rush to help. All ends well when Charles finds him, and the combination of Charles’ obvious affinity with young children and the way he’s making Hugo smile for the first time in ages, makes the headmaster of the school extend an olive branch and an offer. He asks Charles to stay to help the very pregnant class teacher until he can find a suitably qualified replacement – but most importantly, Hugo is a dear friend he’d like to see happier… and he thinks Charles is the man for the job.
Charles is, as I said at the beginning, one of those characters who just leaps off the page. He has a huge heart and an equally huge capacity for joy, love and compassion; his dedication to the children in his care is inspiring and it’s clear that not only does he love his job but he has a deeply insightful understanding of the way children develop and how important play is in that development. And yet, owing to severe but undiagnosed dyslexia and low working memory, Charles has been made to feel like a failure his entire life and believes himself to be “shallow as a puddle”, good for little other than a good laugh and a good fuck. Yet he’s so intensely loveable, a deeply good, kind person (to everyone but himself, that is), and his inability to see that his value is beyond price is heart-breaking.
There is so much to love and enjoy about Hugo and Charles’ romance. It’s funny, it’s touching and real and insightful; Hugo is Charles’ opposite in many ways, yet they just click; his unconditional understanding and ability to listen to what isn’t said as much as what is encourages Charles to open up about things he’s never spoken of, not even to Keir, and Hugo’s unwavering belief in Charles, in his ability to change lives for the better – including Hugo’s – and to see him and celebrate him for the man he is give Charles something he so desperately needs, especially at those moments of almost crushing self-doubt. And in return, Hugo flourishes under Charles’ care and support, learning to smile and enjoy life again even as he is trying to understand the true nature of his spiritual calling and to work out what he wants to do with his life.
The secondary characters are wonderfully drawn, especially a little boy named Tor with whom Charles develops a special bond, and George. I adored the relationship between the brothers, and how Charles comes to a new appreciation of what George has been dealing with. It’s clear that George loves Charles dearly, even though sometimes he’s a bit tactless, and Charles realises that he’s been struggling and determines to be a better brother.
It’s not unusual for me to find myself tearing up or with a lump in my throat while reading an emotional story, but something about this particular story really got to me – tugged at my heartstrings, hit me in the feels, however you want to describe it – and I cried tears of happiness and heartbreak through the last quarter of the book! Charles gradually coming to see himself the way Hugo sees him and really, truly beginning to believe in himself is unforgettable and just marvellously written, as is the moment where he fears he’s been mistaken and he’s Not Enough after all.
I feel as though I’ve barely scraped the surface of Charles: Learning to Love, because there’s so much more to it than I’ve had space to talk about here. Charles himself is a truly memorable character, and watching him falling in love with possibly the most unlikely man makes for one of the most beautiful romances I’ve ever read. This book earns Con Riley another DIK and puts her firmly on my list of ‘must read’ authors.
I’ve often heard/read authors say – ‘this character just took over my brain and demanded their own book’. I don’t know if that’s what happened to Con Riley when she created Charles Heppel, a major secondary character in His Haven , but whatever the case, he’s one of those characters. Vibrant, funny, larger-than-life and a complete scene-stealer, Charles lit up the pages whenever he appeared, and I was delighted when I learned he would be getting his own book.
Charles: Learning to Love is book one in the Learning to Love series, and it’s a gorgeously romantic, sexy and poignant story about two quite different men learning not just to love, but about themselves, who they truly are and what they truly want. The writing is superb, the setting is expertly rendered and the characterisation is excellent; I honestly can’t think of anything about this book that I didn’t love or that didn’t work for me.
Readers of His Haven will already know that Charles has a somewhat uneasy relationship with his older brother George – heir to their father’s earldom – and that he goes home to the family estate, as infrequently as possible. When this book opens, Charles is trying to sneak out without George knowing; he’s got a job interview and isn’t in the mood to listen to George criticising (again) his choice of profession (Charles works with pre-schoolers, helping them learn through play) and his lack of success in finding or holding down a permanent position. Alas for Charles, he can’t get away that easily. George catches him and isn’t pleased; he wanted Charles to stay to help him out with the various projects he’s got going on, but Charles knows he’ll only screw up, and that would make things between them even worse.
Glynn Harber is a small, independent school close to The Haven in Cornwall and although the job is another temporary position, Charles likes the place immediately. Unfortunately, the interview doesn’t go well leaving Charles once again feeling like a total failure who is just Not Good Enough.
Heartsick and defeated, Charles decides to go for a walk, taking shelter in the chapel in the woods when it starts to rain. The quiet soothes him a bit, and he sits behind the curtain of the ‘confessional’, allowing himself a few moments of honesty to feel his disappointment. Then he hears someone sit down on the other side of the curtain, and assuming it’s Keir (his best friend) come to pick him up, decides to have a bit of fun and starts to confess his sins, in a typically self-deprecating way:
“Father, first I need to confess about all of the sex I’ve had before marriage… It’s a lot, and we probably don’t have time for a complete run-through but would you pass on my thanks for making me both gay and a magnet to men? Especially to the ones I like best – allergic to commitment like me? It’s made being a man-whore so much easier.”
But can’t keep up the act in front of his oldest friend:
“… it keeps getting harder to do this. I get to know the children, and learn all their maggoty ways. Then I have to leave them. I never, ever get to see any of them flourish. Grow their little wings and take off.”
Of course, it’s not Keir on the other side of the curtain at all – it’s His Holy Hotness, aka Hugo Eavis (whom we also met briefly in His Haven), formerly an army padre who is temporarily in charge of pastoral support at the school. He immediately puts Charles at his ease by sharing something about himself, explaining that he “stepped off the ordination track” a year earlier and decided to take a sabbatical overseas which didn’t end well. He was injured in a shelling attack in Syria, and now he’s at one of life’s crossroads. He’s returned home to rest and recover from his injuries and to work out what he’s called to do next.
While they’re talking, they’re told about a missing child and immediately rush to help. All ends well when Charles finds him, and the combination of Charles’ obvious affinity with young children and the way he’s making Hugo smile for the first time in ages, makes the headmaster of the school extend an olive branch and an offer. He asks Charles to stay to help the very pregnant class teacher until he can find a suitably qualified replacement – but most importantly, Hugo is a dear friend he’d like to see happier… and he thinks Charles is the man for the job.
Charles is, as I said at the beginning, one of those characters who just leaps off the page. He has a huge heart and an equally huge capacity for joy, love and compassion; his dedication to the children in his care is inspiring and it’s clear that not only does he love his job but he has a deeply insightful understanding of the way children develop and how important play is in that development. And yet, owing to severe but undiagnosed dyslexia and low working memory, Charles has been made to feel like a failure his entire life and believes himself to be “shallow as a puddle”, good for little other than a good laugh and a good fuck. Yet he’s so intensely loveable, a deeply good, kind person (to everyone but himself, that is), and his inability to see that his value is beyond price is heart-breaking.
There is so much to love and enjoy about Hugo and Charles’ romance. It’s funny, it’s touching and real and insightful; Hugo is Charles’ opposite in many ways, yet they just click; his unconditional understanding and ability to listen to what isn’t said as much as what is encourages Charles to open up about things he’s never spoken of, not even to Keir, and Hugo’s unwavering belief in Charles, in his ability to change lives for the better – including Hugo’s – and to see him and celebrate him for the man he is give Charles something he so desperately needs, especially at those moments of almost crushing self-doubt. And in return, Hugo flourishes under Charles’ care and support, learning to smile and enjoy life again even as he is trying to understand the true nature of his spiritual calling and to work out what he wants to do with his life.
The secondary characters are wonderfully drawn, especially a little boy named Tor with whom Charles develops a special bond, and George. I adored the relationship between the brothers, and how Charles comes to a new appreciation of what George has been dealing with. It’s clear that George loves Charles dearly, even though sometimes he’s a bit tactless, and Charles realises that he’s been struggling and determines to be a better brother.
It’s not unusual for me to find myself tearing up or with a lump in my throat while reading an emotional story, but something about this particular story really got to me – tugged at my heartstrings, hit me in the feels, however you want to describe it – and I cried tears of happiness and heartbreak through the last quarter of the book! Charles gradually coming to see himself the way Hugo sees him and really, truly beginning to believe in himself is unforgettable and just marvellously written, as is the moment where he fears he’s been mistaken and he’s Not Enough after all.
I feel as though I’ve barely scraped the surface of Charles: Learning to Love, because there’s so much more to it than I’ve had space to talk about here. Charles himself is a truly memorable character, and watching him falling in love with possibly the most unlikely man makes for one of the most beautiful romances I’ve ever read. This book earns Con Riley another DIK and puts her firmly on my list of ‘must read’ authors.
August 22, 2022
DNF @ 53%
This started out really good and I loved the cozy, soft atmosphere that the author established using the Cornwall setting. Unfortunately, the story was boring, everything that I wanted to read about was conveyed through telling instead of showing and for a story that was supposed to be a slowburn, the characters spend way too much time in the bedroom.
Hugo's Religious Views
I was excited to get an MC who had serious Christian religious beliefs because MM romance tends to always portray Christian religions negatively. I like nuanced explorations of topics so I was looking forward to Hugo struggling with his religious views and having this take up a big portion of the story. Unfortunately, the entire religious angle was barely present in the story.
Hugo constantly says he 'still has faith' but this faith never manifests in his day to day life or the majority of his conversations. I did a search and the word 'God' is only used once - when Hugo is talking to one of the kids about prayer. Every other instance of the word is used in slang references (Oh my God, Thank God etc), which I found funny but also annoying. This guy was apparently very close to becoming an official priest (or whatever the term is) so I disliked having his religion be a non-issue in the story. It felt like the author thought the whole gay-former-priest thing was a great source of angst, but she had no idea what to actually do with it except for trying to give Hugo even more of a sob backstory. His military experiences had a much more prominent impact on the story and his day to day life and I wish the religious angle would have been left out entirely.
The Kids And Teachers
Every character in this story could have been puking rainbows. Every child always said and did the perfect thing with many of them not sounding like four year old children. All the teachers and every adult always said and did the perfect thing, which was annoying. But to top it all off, every single conversation between a child and an adult was an opportunity for Meaningful Learning or Deep Philosophical Life Lessons. This is a me thing but I find it cringey and it made all the kid scenes annoying to read.
The Romance
The blurb talks a lot about Charles being a happy slut and Hugo being very religious so I assumed the story would be an epic slowburn where the march towards sexy times would take a while. Unfortunately, the author had other plans. The MCs kiss during their very first meeting and two weeks later, they're constantly making out and jerking each other off. They keep saying that they should wait until 'having sex', by which the author clearly means penetrative sex because they do basically everything else right off the bat. Not what I wanted. Speaking of sex...
Reverse Slut Shaming
I dislike slut shaming so I like that neither Charles nor Hugo had issues with Charles being promiscuous and enjoying casual sex. However, on a somewhat hilarious but mostly annoying note, the author pushed things the other way and weirdly chose to have both Charles and Hugo claim that anybody who isn't comfortable having casual sex with strangers isn't normal...? At one point, Hugo literally complains that his desire for commitment from a partner (ie having a long term relationship) makes him 'not normal'. Charles' response to that is equally bizarre, basically agreeing with Hugo and reassuring him that he'll get better...or something? It was all very odd. Anyway, I really didn't like having the author proclaim multiple times that somebody not enjoying casual sex is a bad thing, especially that it's a thing that needs to change.
Lack Of Plot
I love character driven narratives but I felt the author had no idea what to do with these characters. We're told instead of being shown that they're living together, watching movies together, sharing meals together etc. We get to see Charles helping Hugo take care of his knee, which was great. But the rest of the story was mostly the MCs making out or having the same conversation over and over again. Speaking of that conversation - my problem wasn't just that it was repetitive. MC1 would be on the verge of tears, having a lengthy internal woe-is-me lament, MC2 would step in to reassure him that MC1 is the most perfect and awesome human being to ever exist, MC1 would cheer up immediately...and then the entire cycle would repeat a few pages later. They would switch roles back and forth but the whole thing was repetitive and got on my nerves.
Charles' Dyslexia
This was my biggest disappointment. While the author does a good job having Charles explain the minute technical details of his form of dyslexia, his difficulties are only talked about, instead of being shown. There's a huge deal made out of Charles having extreme difficulty reading, particularly handwriting. So when part of his prep work includes taking home dozens of children's handwritten journals, I was excited to see how he'd get through them and how Hugo would help. But no - we don't get to see any of that. We're only told that Charles does the prep work and Hugo helps him in unspecified ways. Instead, we get to listen to the hundredth repetition of Charles and Hugo reassuring each other that they're awesome and making out.
Conclusion
Overall, I think this author's work isn't for me. The basic building blocks were all there but nothing about the execution appealed to me.
This started out really good and I loved the cozy, soft atmosphere that the author established using the Cornwall setting. Unfortunately, the story was boring, everything that I wanted to read about was conveyed through telling instead of showing and for a story that was supposed to be a slowburn, the characters spend way too much time in the bedroom.
Hugo's Religious Views
I was excited to get an MC who had serious Christian religious beliefs because MM romance tends to always portray Christian religions negatively. I like nuanced explorations of topics so I was looking forward to Hugo struggling with his religious views and having this take up a big portion of the story. Unfortunately, the entire religious angle was barely present in the story.
Hugo constantly says he 'still has faith' but this faith never manifests in his day to day life or the majority of his conversations. I did a search and the word 'God' is only used once - when Hugo is talking to one of the kids about prayer. Every other instance of the word is used in slang references (Oh my God, Thank God etc), which I found funny but also annoying. This guy was apparently very close to becoming an official priest (or whatever the term is) so I disliked having his religion be a non-issue in the story. It felt like the author thought the whole gay-former-priest thing was a great source of angst, but she had no idea what to actually do with it except for trying to give Hugo even more of a sob backstory. His military experiences had a much more prominent impact on the story and his day to day life and I wish the religious angle would have been left out entirely.
The Kids And Teachers
Every character in this story could have been puking rainbows. Every child always said and did the perfect thing with many of them not sounding like four year old children. All the teachers and every adult always said and did the perfect thing, which was annoying. But to top it all off, every single conversation between a child and an adult was an opportunity for Meaningful Learning or Deep Philosophical Life Lessons. This is a me thing but I find it cringey and it made all the kid scenes annoying to read.
The Romance
The blurb talks a lot about Charles being a happy slut and Hugo being very religious so I assumed the story would be an epic slowburn where the march towards sexy times would take a while. Unfortunately, the author had other plans. The MCs kiss during their very first meeting and two weeks later, they're constantly making out and jerking each other off. They keep saying that they should wait until 'having sex', by which the author clearly means penetrative sex because they do basically everything else right off the bat. Not what I wanted. Speaking of sex...
Reverse Slut Shaming
I dislike slut shaming so I like that neither Charles nor Hugo had issues with Charles being promiscuous and enjoying casual sex. However, on a somewhat hilarious but mostly annoying note, the author pushed things the other way and weirdly chose to have both Charles and Hugo claim that anybody who isn't comfortable having casual sex with strangers isn't normal...? At one point, Hugo literally complains that his desire for commitment from a partner (ie having a long term relationship) makes him 'not normal'. Charles' response to that is equally bizarre, basically agreeing with Hugo and reassuring him that he'll get better...or something? It was all very odd. Anyway, I really didn't like having the author proclaim multiple times that somebody not enjoying casual sex is a bad thing, especially that it's a thing that needs to change.
Lack Of Plot
I love character driven narratives but I felt the author had no idea what to do with these characters. We're told instead of being shown that they're living together, watching movies together, sharing meals together etc. We get to see Charles helping Hugo take care of his knee, which was great. But the rest of the story was mostly the MCs making out or having the same conversation over and over again. Speaking of that conversation - my problem wasn't just that it was repetitive. MC1 would be on the verge of tears, having a lengthy internal woe-is-me lament, MC2 would step in to reassure him that MC1 is the most perfect and awesome human being to ever exist, MC1 would cheer up immediately...and then the entire cycle would repeat a few pages later. They would switch roles back and forth but the whole thing was repetitive and got on my nerves.
Charles' Dyslexia
This was my biggest disappointment. While the author does a good job having Charles explain the minute technical details of his form of dyslexia, his difficulties are only talked about, instead of being shown. There's a huge deal made out of Charles having extreme difficulty reading, particularly handwriting. So when part of his prep work includes taking home dozens of children's handwritten journals, I was excited to see how he'd get through them and how Hugo would help. But no - we don't get to see any of that. We're only told that Charles does the prep work and Hugo helps him in unspecified ways. Instead, we get to listen to the hundredth repetition of Charles and Hugo reassuring each other that they're awesome and making out.
Conclusion
Overall, I think this author's work isn't for me. The basic building blocks were all there but nothing about the execution appealed to me.
July 25, 2021
My first 4.75 star book of 2021, and one of the most purely romantic books I've ever read. I devoured this with a huge smile, while mopping my (uncharacteristic) tears. Thoroughly recommended.
Con Riley's writing never wastes a word, but conjures poetry from the miracle of finding another soul who understands. There's wit, a proper respect for belief in a liberal humane Deity, and an unsentimental regard for the value of playing. A slightly clumsy last-minute Big Mis and an overly simplistic foreshortened ending pulled this down from a heartfelt 5 stars. But this will go on my DIK shelf.
Con Riley's writing never wastes a word, but conjures poetry from the miracle of finding another soul who understands. There's wit, a proper respect for belief in a liberal humane Deity, and an unsentimental regard for the value of playing. A slightly clumsy last-minute Big Mis and an overly simplistic foreshortened ending pulled this down from a heartfelt 5 stars. But this will go on my DIK shelf.
January 21, 2023
I really wish I could give this book more than five 🌟
I read this book back in 2021 and loved it. Now I listened to it and fell in love all over again.
This was the first time hearing Cornell narrate a book and he really brought teo of my favorite characters to life. I could listen to it over and over
I was swept away from the first page to the very last. This couple, Charles and Hugo, are my favorite Con Riley couple and they have big big big shoes to fill if anyone ever bumps them. My heart is so full of love right now. Con did break me. I cried a few times, especially one spot you wouldn’t expect, but it was
Because I felt it I felt it on my bones. This book will be staying with me.
Charles, we previously met and fell in love with. He’s free spirited and down on himself and takes a lot of criticism from his family member which hurt my heart for him. He finds the place he belongs and more
Importantly who he belongs with when he arrives in Glenn Harber.
Hugo, padre, HHH is hasn’t smiled in a long time until he meets Charles, and let me say what a meeting that was. LOL He is just living life without love and happiness.
This book made me laugh , ok Charles made me laugh a lot, and cry. The secondary characters are amazing as is a little boy named Tor that knew just how to bury himself in my heart too.
I love an awesome reunion and a HEA that is swoon worthy. Bring on Book 2.
I read this book back in 2021 and loved it. Now I listened to it and fell in love all over again.
This was the first time hearing Cornell narrate a book and he really brought teo of my favorite characters to life. I could listen to it over and over
I was swept away from the first page to the very last. This couple, Charles and Hugo, are my favorite Con Riley couple and they have big big big shoes to fill if anyone ever bumps them. My heart is so full of love right now. Con did break me. I cried a few times, especially one spot you wouldn’t expect, but it was
Because I felt it I felt it on my bones. This book will be staying with me.
Charles, we previously met and fell in love with. He’s free spirited and down on himself and takes a lot of criticism from his family member which hurt my heart for him. He finds the place he belongs and more
Importantly who he belongs with when he arrives in Glenn Harber.
Hugo, padre, HHH is hasn’t smiled in a long time until he meets Charles, and let me say what a meeting that was. LOL He is just living life without love and happiness.
This book made me laugh , ok Charles made me laugh a lot, and cry. The secondary characters are amazing as is a little boy named Tor that knew just how to bury himself in my heart too.
I love an awesome reunion and a HEA that is swoon worthy. Bring on Book 2.
July 26, 2021
I do think this story is about healing and learning to love. Both characters have their own issues when they meet. One who has never been in love and feels inadequate in certain aspects of his life because of his disability and the other has doubts due to a tragic life event he went through. I think both work well together and both help each other heal.
I also enjoyed the connection Charles had with the children at Glynn Harbor, especially Tor. Charles also helped Hugo rebuild his joy for working at Glynn Harbor. It was all really sweet.
I do have to say when selecting this ARC there was no information of these character’s being part of a previous series by this author but I felt that in this book every time Keir was mentioned. I was so lost with Kier’s and Charles’s background story that it annoyed me. I’m one of those readers who has to know the whole story and I didn’t feel like I did. A recap would have been nice to those who did not read Keir’s book. Maybe the emotional connection with the author’s other books is why so many have 5 starred it. I can’t say I feel the same. I do think one has to, at least, read book 3 in the author’s His series.
Besides that it was an ok read with a HEA and a likable MC.
*I was provided an ARC from GRR, this is my honest review.*
I also enjoyed the connection Charles had with the children at Glynn Harbor, especially Tor. Charles also helped Hugo rebuild his joy for working at Glynn Harbor. It was all really sweet.
I do have to say when selecting this ARC there was no information of these character’s being part of a previous series by this author but I felt that in this book every time Keir was mentioned. I was so lost with Kier’s and Charles’s background story that it annoyed me. I’m one of those readers who has to know the whole story and I didn’t feel like I did. A recap would have been nice to those who did not read Keir’s book. Maybe the emotional connection with the author’s other books is why so many have 5 starred it. I can’t say I feel the same. I do think one has to, at least, read book 3 in the author’s His series.
Besides that it was an ok read with a HEA and a likable MC.
*I was provided an ARC from GRR, this is my honest review.*
Read
June 23, 2022Time of death: 35%
I really wanted to like it, but I’m bored and I don’t even know why. The premise is cute: Charles is dyslexic, and he loves to work with pre school kids. He meets Hugo aka „His Holy Hotness“, who’s scarred and who’s looking for his vocation (he’s a pater, but has somehow lost the enthusiasm he’s had before).
And the school they both work in is in Cornwall, all the people are nice, the kids are cute and there’s a bit of potential for heartbreak.
But I just don’t feel it.
It seems to be an unpopular opinion, because the ratings are pretty high. But as I’m not interested in story and characters, I’ll just stop here. I won’t rate it at this point because I can’t put my finger on why it’s not working. It’s probably me and the mood I’m in, so I won’t blame the book or the author.
Onwards to greener pastures 😬
I really wanted to like it, but I’m bored and I don’t even know why. The premise is cute: Charles is dyslexic, and he loves to work with pre school kids. He meets Hugo aka „His Holy Hotness“, who’s scarred and who’s looking for his vocation (he’s a pater, but has somehow lost the enthusiasm he’s had before).
And the school they both work in is in Cornwall, all the people are nice, the kids are cute and there’s a bit of potential for heartbreak.
But I just don’t feel it.
It seems to be an unpopular opinion, because the ratings are pretty high. But as I’m not interested in story and characters, I’ll just stop here. I won’t rate it at this point because I can’t put my finger on why it’s not working. It’s probably me and the mood I’m in, so I won’t blame the book or the author.
Onwards to greener pastures 😬
March 29, 2025
Divertida, entretenida, emotiva
Charles es un hombre sin trabajo, sin una misión y con muchos deseos de ayudar. Pero también es un casanova, casa de noche con una pareja diferente. Sin embargo, la oferta de un trabajo en un colegio especial lo llevará a replantearse su vida y sus sentimientos. Será capaz de aceptar esos cambios? Que pasará con su futuro?
Es una linda, dulce y emotiva novela romántica. Nuestro prota Charles, es todo lo que esperas, divertido, dulce, con problemas y en búsqueda del amor (aunque no lo admite). Personalmente, me gustó más Hugo (el interés amoroso), y sentí que falto mucho cuando no hubo ni un capítulo desde su punto de vista, sentí que le faltó mucho por definir, con todo y que era un gran personaje.
Sin embargo, el autor hizo un gran trabajo con este libro y es seguro que leeré más d está serie más adelante.
Charles es un hombre sin trabajo, sin una misión y con muchos deseos de ayudar. Pero también es un casanova, casa de noche con una pareja diferente. Sin embargo, la oferta de un trabajo en un colegio especial lo llevará a replantearse su vida y sus sentimientos. Será capaz de aceptar esos cambios? Que pasará con su futuro?
Es una linda, dulce y emotiva novela romántica. Nuestro prota Charles, es todo lo que esperas, divertido, dulce, con problemas y en búsqueda del amor (aunque no lo admite). Personalmente, me gustó más Hugo (el interés amoroso), y sentí que falto mucho cuando no hubo ni un capítulo desde su punto de vista, sentí que le faltó mucho por definir, con todo y que era un gran personaje.
Sin embargo, el autor hizo un gran trabajo con este libro y es seguro que leeré más d está serie más adelante.
July 23, 2021
I knew I'll love Charles and Hugo as soon as I 'heard' Charles's confession of sins. And Hugo's reaction about that, also Charles's reaction knowing the the Padre heard all of sins, was epic.
As a son of an Earl and never taken seriously at his jobs made Charles didn't really appreciated how talented he was with children.
But soon as Hugo met him, Hugo knew that Charles is special. Especially after his interaction with the missing boy, Tor.
Tor is a very important addition in this story, an adorable four year old boy who admired 'The Charles Heppel', and became Charles biggest fan ever!
I really liked how Con Riley portrayed Tor, so adorable, and full of life, also still a baby. I am a fan of Tor :)
As for Hugo and Charles, the chemistry was undeniable from the get go, since their first encounter.
It makes it easier because Charles is not a shy person as well. That was the 'quality' Hugo found interesting.
There was a little 'angst' near the end, with Charles assumption that made me wanted to rolled my eyes. But yeah, all ended well.
And of course, the little Tor, made appearance until the happy ending :)
Recommended!
As a son of an Earl and never taken seriously at his jobs made Charles didn't really appreciated how talented he was with children.
But soon as Hugo met him, Hugo knew that Charles is special. Especially after his interaction with the missing boy, Tor.
Tor is a very important addition in this story, an adorable four year old boy who admired 'The Charles Heppel', and became Charles biggest fan ever!
I really liked how Con Riley portrayed Tor, so adorable, and full of life, also still a baby. I am a fan of Tor :)
As for Hugo and Charles, the chemistry was undeniable from the get go, since their first encounter.
It makes it easier because Charles is not a shy person as well. That was the 'quality' Hugo found interesting.
There was a little 'angst' near the end, with Charles assumption that made me wanted to rolled my eyes. But yeah, all ended well.
And of course, the little Tor, made appearance until the happy ending :)
Recommended!
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