Reading 'Sidebarred' felt like attending a farewell party—bittersweet but full of joy. The novella ties up loose ends for Janie and Nico while giving side characters their moment. Reid’s writing is as charming as ever, though the pacing wobbles between courtroom scenes and personal moments. Still, the emotional payoff for long-time readers is worth it. That scene with the knitting needles? Iconic. It’s a love letter to fans, through and through.
I blasted through 'Sidebarred' in one sitting—it’s that addictive. The blend of legal comedy and romance is unique, though the plot’s simplicity might not wow everyone. What hooked me were the tiny details: a character’s coffee obsession, the judge’s exasperation, the way the group rallies together. It’s a snack-sized story with big heart, best enjoyed after the main series for maximum impact.
If you’re on the fence about 'Sidebarred,' ask yourself: do you adore ensemble casts and inside jokes? This novella thrives on its established relationships. The legal premise is fun but secondary to the character chemistry. It’s like attending a reunion where everyone’s quirks are dialed up to eleven. Not essential, but delightful for fans who want one last hangout with these characters.
I stumbled upon 'Sidebarred' after binge-reading the entire 'Knitting in the City' series, and wow, it was like reuniting with old friends! This novella wraps up the chaotic, heartwarming stories of the knitting group with hilarious courtroom antics and romantic payoffs. The banter between the characters is sharper than ever—think rapid-fire wit mixed with genuine emotional depth. If you loved the earlier books, this is a must-read for closure and extra laughs.
That said, it’s definitely not a standalone. New readers might feel lost without the backstory of Janie and Nico’s relationship or the group’s dynamic. But for fans? It’s pure comfort food. The legal subplot feels a bit rushed, but the character moments more than make up for it. I finished it with a goofy grin, especially during the epilogue scenes.
As a romance junkie who devours anything with witty dialogue, 'Sidebarred' hit the spot. It’s short but packs a punch—imagine 'Legally Blonde' vibes meets a tight-knit friend group’s final hurrah. The courtroom drama is lighthearted, and the romance is low-angst, which makes it perfect for a cozy afternoon read. Penny Reid’s signature humor shines here, though I wish it had more knitting-circle shenanigans like the earlier books.
2026-03-10 15:38:05
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My name is Christian Thompson, and once upon a time, I was the best striker in European football.
That was until he came along—Ashford Ryder, young and carefree, 10 years my junior and the new shining star.
I hate him.
At least that's what I tell myself.
Not just because he's taken my spot, but because he's everything I've struggled all my life to be, and not to be.
He's vibrant, he's happy, and the worst of all, he's openly gay.
I'm not homophobic, quite the opposite—I've lived in the closet all my life.
All my life, I've had to hide who I am to please the people around me.
European football hasn't always been this accepting of gay men, and I'd squeezed myself into a box to fit in with what they wanted of me.
It isn’t that hard when you think about my family who'd rather disown me than have an openly gay son.
So imagine how I feel when the world decides to be more accommodating to people like Ashford Ryder when they shoved me in a box.
It's not so easy to hate the happy-go-lucky striker, when he does everything to get close to me, despite my insistent hatred for him.
He's like a thorn in my side—a hot, sexy, blonde, 5ft9 thorn I can't stop thinking about.
But when one day I lose my cool around the popular striker and land myself in bad press, I end up needing his help.
It's supposed to be easy.
Spend some time with Ashford Ryder, and show our fans that we can work together—it's what I need to do to save my career.
But no one tells you how hard it is to hate someone you spend every waking hour dreaming about.
Amani as simple as she has always been ,moved away from her old life in order to start afresh and build her career as a lawyer.But she also came chasing a dream she should have let go of, Avan Cole a rising celebrity actor she has watched from afar for years.When a high profile case pulls him into her world, and forces her into close proximity with powerful men who shape the city’s legal empire, her life takes a turn she never saw coming.What begins as obsession slowly turns into something far more complicated… and far more dangerous.
de·flected: When an object changes direction after hitting something, or the cause to deviate from an intended purpose.
See examples Tiffany and Rowen Flanigan:
After surviving the biggest sex scandal to rock major league soccer, the Flanigan’s are finally living the dream. They’re newlyweds, have great friends, and are both making names for themselves in their respective careers. They have goals for their future and big plans on how to make it all happen.
But when a new and unexpected development suddenly arises, Tiffany and Rowen realize all those carefully made plans are about to become irrelevant. Things will never be the same when their lives are deflected.
Contains explicit content and is recommended for ages 18+.
Deflected is created by M.E. Carter, an eGlobal Creative
Publishing Signed Author.
'Since when did so much hate become affection, no, NEED'
Callum Reyes has spent his entire life earning his place. A scholarship wide receiver at Crestfield University — one of the most elite football programs in the country — he knows exactly what he is to the people here: a charity case with fast legs and a GPA they didn't expect. He keeps his head down, his grades up, and his heart locked behind something no one has ever bothered to pick.
Then there's Jaxon Whitfield.
Quarterback. Team captain. Golden boy of Crestfield's football dynasty. Jaxon is everything Callum isn't — legacy money, a famous last name, and a jaw that could cut glass. He's also, by every measurable standard, the most infuriating human being Callum has ever been forced to share oxygen with.
From the first day Callum stepped onto that field, Jaxon decided he was a problem. Too fast. Too good. Too'there.' He rides Callum harder than any other player, gets under his skin in ways that shouldn't be possible, and looks at him with those dark green eyes like Callum is something he can't figure out — and hates himself for trying.
But when a career-threatening injury, a locker room secret, a rivalry that's starting to feel like something else entirely, and one night neither of them planned for collide — Callum and Jaxon have to reckon with something they were never supposed to feel.
'Offside' is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers MM sports romance about two young men learning that the person who makes your blood boil might just be the person setting you on fire. It's about class and legacy, found family and loneliness, the weight of expectation, and what happens when the one person you want to hate is the only one who actually'sees' you.
Okay, so this one's for everyone whose imagination has a mind of its own.
You know exactly who you are.
For the readers who love stories that linger long after the last page. The ones who chase tension, chemistry, forbidden attraction, and characters who blur the line between right and wrong. And for those who insist they're "just here for the plot"... I'll let you keep telling yourself that.
Consider this your judgment-free corner—a collection of stories filled with temptation, longing, obsession, and unforgettable connections.
Some stories will make you smile. Some will leave your heart racing. Others may have you questioning every decision your favorite characters make.
Whatever you're looking for, there's a story waiting for you.
Enjoy... and don't say I didn't warn you.
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Content Advisory
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My best friend's boyfriend was cheating, so I tagged along to bust him at a hotel.
Fifteen hours until go time.
Felicity Cook booked a room right next to Jake's, jaw tight. "They'll be here tonight. When the time comes, we'll catch them red-handed."
Inside, I could barely keep my eyes open. She'd been a wreck since last night, and I hadn't slept a minute trying to keep her sane. Figured I had time, so I set an alarm and crashed.
When I opened my eyes, a guy was lying next to me.
Felicity kicked the door in and pointed at me. "Lydia Lloyd! I can't believe you betrayed me! You're my best friend! Why would you sneak around and steal my boyfriend?"
I just stared, mind blank, trying to get words out.
She snapped, yanked out a kitchen knife, and in front of everyone, drove it into me again and again. I hit the floor, drowning in my own blood, eyes stuck open like my body refused to let me go.
I came here to catch a cheater—how did I end up the side chick?
Then I blinked... and I was right back at the moment I first walked into that hotel with Felicity.
Oh, 'From the Sidelines' totally caught me off guard in the best way! At first, I picked it up because the cover art looked cozy—like one of those slice-of-life stories you curl up with on a lazy afternoon. But wow, it digs way deeper than that. The protagonist’s voice is so raw and relatable; she’s not some flawless underdog hero, just a girl navigating messy friendships and self-doubt while watching the soccer team from afar. The way the author weaves humor into her internal monologue had me snort-laughing one minute and tearing up the next. And the slow-burn subplot with the team’s manager? Chef’s kiss. It’s not a flashy story, but it’s the kind that lingers in your head like a favorite song.
What really sold me was how it balances everyday school drama with these quiet, profound moments—like when the main character realizes she’s been hiding behind her 'observer' role instead of living. It’s got that 'March Comes in Like a Lion' vibe where the mundane feels magical. If you’re into character-driven narratives with heart, this one’s a gem. Just don’t expect non-stop action; it’s more like a warm hug with occasional emotional gut punches.
I picked up 'Taking Sides' on a whim after seeing it recommended in a forum thread about sports dramas, and wow, it totally surprised me! The story dives deep into the messy, emotional world of high school basketball, but it’s not just about the game—it’s about the people. The protagonist’s struggle with loyalty, identity, and the pressure to choose a side hit me hard. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the tensions between teammates or the raw, unfiltered emotions of adolescence. What really stood out was how the book explores the gray areas of competition; it’s not just 'good vs. evil,' but a tangled web of personal stakes.
I’d say it’s worth reading if you enjoy character-driven stories with a side of sports action. The pacing is brisk, but the emotional moments linger. It reminded me of 'Friday Night Lights' but with a more introspective vibe. Bonus points for the authentic dialogue—it feels like eavesdropping on real locker-room conversations. I finished it in two sittings because I couldn’t put it down.