Rating: 4.5🌈
Eva Nessence
“If they ever put me on trial for murder, the temptation to burst into a rendition of ‘The Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago would be impossible to resist.”
So begins the wonderful Scene Queen , the second book in The Court series by Charlie Novak, about a fabulous group of drag queens.
Scene Queen is Eva Nessence, goth drag queen: she/ her in drag, he/ him out of it. In fact he’s Evan, overworked paramedic, babysitter to his sister’s kids, and generally stressed out over trying to make all the areas of his life work.
Novak’s Evan has so many layers to his personality, all of them making him vulnerable, emotionally relatable, and a character that the reader can invest in. He grows so strong through his relationships in this book, not just with the one he starts with his neighbor, Rhys, but also with his other queens. It’s a great journey to go along with.
Rhys, marathoner, pole dance instructor, with a twin brother who he’s always been attached to, until his brother found love. Now he’s lonely, a bit lost, and, with the complex nature of character Novak gifted him with, looking for trouble next door.
I admit it took a chapter or two for me to realize what the author was doing and really commit to the type of journey these men were going to take. But the author invited us into their heads and the emotional connections they were making with each other, and I was hooked.
Add to Evan and Rhys’ evolving (and very sexual) relationship, there’s the wonderful dynamics of the different queens of the Court and how they support Eva and her man. It’s sassy, warm-hearted realness served up in high heels and glam.
I love this book and its entire cast of characters. Somehow I missed the first and will grab it up while waiting for Baby Queen to be released. I’m highly recommending you read this and do the same.
The Court:
◦ Drama Queen #1
✓ Scene Queen #2
◦ Baby Queen #3 – May 23,2024
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blurb
Note to self: just because he’s hot and funny doesn’t change the fact he’s annoying AF.
Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn’t on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste.
It was only supposed to be a one time thing, but now Rhys seems determined to charm his way into my world. And when he gets his nose broken at a rock concert, I’m the one who comes to his rescue.
But there’s no time in my life for a relationship. Juggling drag, a paramedic career, and helping with my sister’s kids has already pushed me close to burnout, and I’m walking a fine line between survival and exhaustion.
I’ve always been the one helping everyone else and I can’t remember the last time I put myself first.
Maybe it’s time to cause a scene and go after the thing I really want: a chance with the sparkling man next door who has terrible taste in music.
• Notes:
• Publisher: (February 22, 2024)
• Publication date: February 22, 2024
• Print length: 289 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 