Adulting is a foreign concept to a man who spends all of his money on designer underwear and body waxing.Giovanni’s life is funded by the women who pay top dollar for his company. Being wanted isn’t the same as being loved.And being desired doesn’t mean you’re needed.When his best friend’s ex shows up in the middle of the night begging for a shoulder to cry on; Gio isn’t prepared for what happens … prepared for what happens next. Not in his bed and certainly not in his heart.
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Side Game by Nicole Loufas was a nice little treat – a sexy fun quick read that you can devour in one sitting.
The beginning seemed really promising, so I was expecting endless of swoons and spice. There were plenty for sure, but I have to admit… I wasn’t crazy about everything. I thought the storyline was good, the characters were interesting, and the drama was quite intense. It was just missing that “it” factor for me. Maybe I need to read the first book or maybe I just wasn’t particularly fond of how the story was set up. That being said, even though I wasn’t ridiculously hooked, I was still intrigued enough to keep going and I’m really glad I did because the ending was satisfyingly delicious and so heartwarming. I also really enjoyed the humor and there were some really outrageous moments that made me laugh out loud. By the end, I definitely felt like I had gotten what I needed from this book – a sexy, relaxing, and entertaining few hours.
The romance wasn’t what I thought it would be, so I actually didn’t know how to feel about it…at least not at first. I was into it in the beginning, then I wasn’t and then I was and then not. I don’t know why, but for more than half of the story, I just didn’t like Gio and Leeyan together that much. I didn’t feel the sparks right away and even when they were in the friend zone, I couldn’t understand how they were just okay with each other. But, just as the story got really spicy towards the end, so did the chemistry between Gio and Leeyan. So yes, they won me over and as cheesy as it was, I liked the way their relationship turned out. Not perfect, still complicated, but full of love, laughter, and hope.
The characters were all relatable in their owns ways. I really liked Leeyan from the start and thought she was uniquely interesting. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to admit her flaws and insecurities. I admired her opinion on things and her determination to right her wrongs. I wouldn’t say I was instantly drawn to Gio, but he had this charming sex appeal and personality that kept me interested. I did want to slap him a few times, but in the end, I was totally swooning over him. Without a doubt, my favorite character was Lulu. She’s just too smart, spunky and so cute.
Overall, I wasn’t head over heels in love, but I felt the swoons, got a few laughs and had a a really fun time reading this book. Oh and the Twilight references were just the best!! So if you’re looking for a quick romance story to read while taking a break from wrapping presents, then pick this up.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, and feels are my own.
Side Game is book two in the Men of Trance. It can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book, Got Mine, and I had no issues getting into this story but I’m definitely going to go back to read book one to get Theo’ story. Side Game is Gio’s story. Gio works at Trance which is the city’s only women’s club. He also takes side jobs to make more money, some of his side jobs are funny. Gio seems to be a decent sweet guy. Leeyan blows back into town. I wasn’t really sure whether to like her or not. Leeyan is Theo’s ex baby mama. It’s a little different because she’s the one that left Theo and her daughter. Gio’s is Theo friend. There’s a connection between Leeyna and Gio. Leeyna had me on edge a little because I didn’t know where she stood with her feeling for Gio. This was a good read but it was a little too quick and I would of liked to get more insight of Gio and Leeyan.
I was super excited to read this book, after reading book 1 in the series. This story and the characters were absolutely perfect. I enjoyed reading Gio’s story and seeing where Leeyan played her part. Lulu is just the cutest. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the other men of Trance.