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A review by bookshelflawyer
Sidelined Love by Emery Paige
3.5
- black cat girl/golden retriever boy
- college romance
- no third act breakup
- opposites attract
The book was cute. Overall, it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, but it did have an element of lighthearted cuteness that made it easy to read. That cuteness was at times way too cheesy, but it’s a romance book, what else is new?
Honestly, what irked me the most about this book was the “meet cute” that was supposed to serve as the plot and how we don’t really get to see them fall in love. From the moment he sees her, Levi seems to be in insta love with Hailey. Then, despite not really seeing much substantive interaction between them, she seems to fall in love with him too. Somehow having barely much of an interaction and a couple of text messages turns into this trauma dump session that we are supposed to take as bonding? Just didn’t feel the romance and chemistry between these two the way I expected.
Things just felt like they were too perfect and there seemed to be things going on off page that was supposed to make me believe that they had gotten closer. Also just the constant referring to Levi as some sort of celebrity irked me. He’s a guy. Between that and the internal battle of whether or not to like him that Hailey kept having with herself made me feel there just wasn’t much going on between these two chemistry wise.
That being said, if one does feel chemistry between them, I could see how they would enjoy this book. There’s some cliche (and cheesy) romance moments and some nods to popular tropes. He’s also very much the golden retriever boyfriend who is all in very quickly and does considerate things for her just because he cares and wants to. He’s attentive to her and does seem to be down bad. Plus the spicy scenes were definitely something to enjoy and he was certainly aware of her interests (iykyk).
In theory, Levi would be a great boyfriend. I’m just apparently a very jaded person who needs a little more grit and drama.
So, if you don’t mind cheese and want something lighthearted and quick to get through this weekend, this book may just scratch that itch for you. Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
- college romance
- no third act breakup
- opposites attract
The book was cute. Overall, it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, but it did have an element of lighthearted cuteness that made it easy to read. That cuteness was at times way too cheesy, but it’s a romance book, what else is new?
Honestly, what irked me the most about this book was the “meet cute” that was supposed to serve as the plot and how we don’t really get to see them fall in love. From the moment he sees her, Levi seems to be in insta love with Hailey. Then, despite not really seeing much substantive interaction between them, she seems to fall in love with him too. Somehow having barely much of an interaction and a couple of text messages turns into this trauma dump session that we are supposed to take as bonding? Just didn’t feel the romance and chemistry between these two the way I expected.
Things just felt like they were too perfect and there seemed to be things going on off page that was supposed to make me believe that they had gotten closer. Also just the constant referring to Levi as some sort of celebrity irked me. He’s a guy. Between that and the internal battle of whether or not to like him that Hailey kept having with herself made me feel there just wasn’t much going on between these two chemistry wise.
That being said, if one does feel chemistry between them, I could see how they would enjoy this book. There’s some cliche (and cheesy) romance moments and some nods to popular tropes. He’s also very much the golden retriever boyfriend who is all in very quickly and does considerate things for her just because he cares and wants to. He’s attentive to her and does seem to be down bad. Plus the spicy scenes were definitely something to enjoy and he was certainly aware of her interests (iykyk).
In theory, Levi would be a great boyfriend. I’m just apparently a very jaded person who needs a little more grit and drama.
So, if you don’t mind cheese and want something lighthearted and quick to get through this weekend, this book may just scratch that itch for you. Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!