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Sports #6
Side by Side
Sports Series Book #6. This series is related by a sports theme, not by characters.
As teenagers, Belle Elrod and Chandler Wolfe had been chosen to be part of Team USA figure skating’s elite training program. But when something happened, and Belle left the program, they were both left wondering what might have been.
Now a professional skater trying to make the Olympic team for the first time, Chandler is looking for a new partner, while Belle hasn’t skated competitively in over a decade.
The two are thrust back together unexpectedly when Team USA allows same-sex pairs to skate in the domestic competitions, and after convincing Belle to give her another chance, Chandler begins to believe she might have a chance to make the team.
A bossy coach of a sister wants to get in the way, but Chandler is determined not to lose Belle again, and not just as a skating partner.
Will the two of them crash out of the competition or will they show the country and each other what they’re capable of?
As teenagers, Belle Elrod and Chandler Wolfe had been chosen to be part of Team USA figure skating’s elite training program. But when something happened, and Belle left the program, they were both left wondering what might have been.
Now a professional skater trying to make the Olympic team for the first time, Chandler is looking for a new partner, while Belle hasn’t skated competitively in over a decade.
The two are thrust back together unexpectedly when Team USA allows same-sex pairs to skate in the domestic competitions, and after convincing Belle to give her another chance, Chandler begins to believe she might have a chance to make the team.
A bossy coach of a sister wants to get in the way, but Chandler is determined not to lose Belle again, and not just as a skating partner.
Will the two of them crash out of the competition or will they show the country and each other what they’re capable of?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2024
138 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
80 books822 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I am a such a fan of second chance romance, especially when it’s with a first love. The chemistry between Belle and Chandler was off the charts and as always, the author graces us with incredible character growth. I cannot recommend this book enough.
March 14, 2024
First love and a second chance! Belle and Chandler met in their early teens and fell in love, but a bad circumstance pulled them apart and Belle left the national figure skating program. Now 12 years later, they meet again. Chandler needs help, she's doing pairs now and her partner was hurt. Same sex partners are now allowed in the nationals, and she asks Belle to be her partner. This is such a wonderful book! You see what goes into being a skater vying for perfection. This one is a favorite! Deserves more than 5 stars!
March 3, 2024
Nicole Pyland is back with another sports romance, and this one takes the reader into the world of elite figure skating. Book six, Side By Side, like the previous five in the Sports Series, is a stand-alone, sharing the theme only.
Belle had a crush on Chandler as a teenager. They trained together in a program designed to turn them into elite figure skaters and one day represent the USA. Belle is forced out after a bout of bullying and moves on with her life.
Chandler does not. As an adult, Chandler is still chasing her dream, hoping to make the US team and medal in the Olympics. At twenty-seven, she knows this is likely her last chance.
Belle is happy running The Ice Park, a skating rink her father brought when she quit figure skating. She works hard, skates religiously, and plays ice hockey for fun. When Chandler comes back into her life, and the attraction she felt as a kid is still there, she agrees to return to figure skating to help Chandler’s odds in being selected.
It takes coming into Belle’s life for Chandler to realise that her dreams may not have always been her own and that there could be more to life than she ever imagined for herself.
I loved Side by Side. I wasn’t sure I would because figure skating is alien to me, but in true Nicole Pyland style, she completely infuses the reader into the sport. She uses the appropriate language and explains the techniques and skills artfully, as if she herself has lived the life of an elite figure skater.
There are no long-winded sporty explanations and no angst, just two MCs who ooze chemistry. There is the right amount of sweetness and steaminess, making Side by Side a perfect romance to lose yourself in.
Belle had a crush on Chandler as a teenager. They trained together in a program designed to turn them into elite figure skaters and one day represent the USA. Belle is forced out after a bout of bullying and moves on with her life.
Chandler does not. As an adult, Chandler is still chasing her dream, hoping to make the US team and medal in the Olympics. At twenty-seven, she knows this is likely her last chance.
Belle is happy running The Ice Park, a skating rink her father brought when she quit figure skating. She works hard, skates religiously, and plays ice hockey for fun. When Chandler comes back into her life, and the attraction she felt as a kid is still there, she agrees to return to figure skating to help Chandler’s odds in being selected.
It takes coming into Belle’s life for Chandler to realise that her dreams may not have always been her own and that there could be more to life than she ever imagined for herself.
I loved Side by Side. I wasn’t sure I would because figure skating is alien to me, but in true Nicole Pyland style, she completely infuses the reader into the sport. She uses the appropriate language and explains the techniques and skills artfully, as if she herself has lived the life of an elite figure skater.
There are no long-winded sporty explanations and no angst, just two MCs who ooze chemistry. There is the right amount of sweetness and steaminess, making Side by Side a perfect romance to lose yourself in.
February 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Read this per a friend’s recommendation and wow did I love it!! I can’t wait to read even more of this author’s work, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. These two had electric chemistry, and I immediately was invested. I will say, the Taylor Swift references weren’t favorite, so that’s why it’s not a full 5 stars for me.
Read this per a friend’s recommendation and wow did I love it!! I can’t wait to read even more of this author’s work, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. These two had electric chemistry, and I immediately was invested. I will say, the Taylor Swift references weren’t favorite, so that’s why it’s not a full 5 stars for me.
March 10, 2024
this one was my favorite!!
March 11, 2024
Side by Side
Another marvelous book by Nicole Pyland. I started devouring the book as as it became available.
One of the things I look forward to when reading Pyland"s is the way she delves into the psych of her characters and creates the perfect partner, flaws, and all. Yet she makes them turn out as people you want to meet and be friends with.
Beyond her pairings, the characters seem real, and you can't help but cheer them on from daily struggles to falling in love with the other MC.
This second chance, enemies to lovers was oozing with chemistry and grew as the story went on.
Another thing I appreciate from Pyland is the low angst aspect. She brings angst in the beginning of building the relationship. However, if there is further angst, it comes from outside the MCs, It pottrays the MCs working together.
From Pyland"s City, Holiday, Royalty and Sport series, her books will not disappoint. Her stand-alone books as well delves into other areas that provide comforting entertainment. Although you do not need to read each book in a series, it will help with further character development when we get to see them as they find their perfect love match.
I was thrilled when the Sport Series was going to continue. The down to earth athletes and the struggles they have to get through with the support of their partner is heartwarming. As they succeed in making their goals is thrilling.
I look forward to the next installment of the Sport Series and any other contemporary romance Pyland wants to bring us.
Another marvelous book by Nicole Pyland. I started devouring the book as as it became available.
One of the things I look forward to when reading Pyland"s is the way she delves into the psych of her characters and creates the perfect partner, flaws, and all. Yet she makes them turn out as people you want to meet and be friends with.
Beyond her pairings, the characters seem real, and you can't help but cheer them on from daily struggles to falling in love with the other MC.
This second chance, enemies to lovers was oozing with chemistry and grew as the story went on.
Another thing I appreciate from Pyland is the low angst aspect. She brings angst in the beginning of building the relationship. However, if there is further angst, it comes from outside the MCs, It pottrays the MCs working together.
From Pyland"s City, Holiday, Royalty and Sport series, her books will not disappoint. Her stand-alone books as well delves into other areas that provide comforting entertainment. Although you do not need to read each book in a series, it will help with further character development when we get to see them as they find their perfect love match.
I was thrilled when the Sport Series was going to continue. The down to earth athletes and the struggles they have to get through with the support of their partner is heartwarming. As they succeed in making their goals is thrilling.
I look forward to the next installment of the Sport Series and any other contemporary romance Pyland wants to bring us.
March 13, 2024
Another amazing sports series book from Nicole Pyland. Reminded me a bit of the movies Ice Princess and Go Figure. I always love reading about sports that aren't usually written about. Perfect balance between the time on the ice and characters interacting. There is palpable chemistry between Belle and Chandler that is noticeable from the beginning especially with their backstory. As always I recommend reading any of Nicole Pylands books, but her sports series is one of my favs and can be read stand alone.
March 12, 2024
This story of second chance love for Belle & Chandler is truly heartwarming. From their backstory of ice skating training to their reconnection in the rink years later, we become invested in these beautifully written characters. How Belle & Chandler unite to find their stride not just on the ice but also in life – their love is meant to be. Side by Side has now been moved up as my favorite book of Nicole Pyland’s Sports series.
June 6, 2024
Enjoyable
Another enjoyable read, and I liked Chandler and Belle a lot. Great chemistry and great storyline behind it. Still hate when the author says the woman, but I'm trying to see past it.
Another enjoyable read, and I liked Chandler and Belle a lot. Great chemistry and great storyline behind it. Still hate when the author says the woman, but I'm trying to see past it.
Read
April 23, 2024Just could not get into this one. DNF
March 8, 2024
This book is so much more than a romance about 2 women in figure skating. It’s a story about forgiveness and letting things go, about finding joy in your life and not regretting the past. It’s a story about first loves, second chances and happy endings.
Nicole Pyland shows what she does best by pairing 2 very different characters to create perfectly matched couple who are exactly what each other needs.
I love the Sports Series because we get very likable women who we can literally cheer to their dreams. The only problem with this series of stand alone stories is that doesn’t allow for Pyland’s much loved “What Happens After” books. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Nicole Pyland shows what she does best by pairing 2 very different characters to create perfectly matched couple who are exactly what each other needs.
I love the Sports Series because we get very likable women who we can literally cheer to their dreams. The only problem with this series of stand alone stories is that doesn’t allow for Pyland’s much loved “What Happens After” books. I highly recommend this book and this series.
March 12, 2024
Another good heart tug!
I love this sports series 💙 and this one didn't disappoint. I love all the feels of athletes , friends, and lovers, whether it's on the ice or in the bedroom. I may have to read this one again!
I love this sports series 💙 and this one didn't disappoint. I love all the feels of athletes , friends, and lovers, whether it's on the ice or in the bedroom. I may have to read this one again!
March 8, 2024
Side By Side Was Lovely.
Without spoilers, Chandler and Belle finding each other again after so many years and what had happened to Belle made for a lovely reconciliation story.
But on top of that, the sub-story where Chandler finally figures out what she wants versus what she’s been told she wants added a bit of spice and realism to the story for me. A lot of us can probably relate to a parent who tried to live vicariously through our own.
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But at least in Nicole Pyland’s world, love gets to win.
Without spoilers, Chandler and Belle finding each other again after so many years and what had happened to Belle made for a lovely reconciliation story.
But on top of that, the sub-story where Chandler finally figures out what she wants versus what she’s been told she wants added a bit of spice and realism to the story for me. A lot of us can probably relate to a parent who tried to live vicariously through our own.
-
But at least in Nicole Pyland’s world, love gets to win.
March 11, 2024
This book couldn’t have landed in my inbox at a better time! It was exactly the book I needed to read at this time in my life! 🥰
Belle & Chandler attended an elite figure skating program when they were teenagers. When they reconnect years later, they have to work through a significant moment from their past together.
I have loved all of Nicole Pyland’s books and I especially love her Sports Series! I was so glad to see her continue writing them and thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! I particularly identified Chandler’s storyline as she navigated making a life of her own outside of her always hovering family! I loved how her journey melded well with Belle’s as well!
As always…another fantastic, low-angst story from Nicole!
Belle & Chandler attended an elite figure skating program when they were teenagers. When they reconnect years later, they have to work through a significant moment from their past together.
I have loved all of Nicole Pyland’s books and I especially love her Sports Series! I was so glad to see her continue writing them and thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! I particularly identified Chandler’s storyline as she navigated making a life of her own outside of her always hovering family! I loved how her journey melded well with Belle’s as well!
As always…another fantastic, low-angst story from Nicole!
March 2, 2024
Side by Side by Nicole Pyland is a low angst sports romance set in a small town. From their early days of figure skate training, Belle Elrod and Chandler Wolfe developed a connection that abruptly ended, with each going their separate ways. Over a decade later, their lives come together again.
Belle and Chandler are charming, well-developed characters. Both face challenges that have you rooting for their future, and success, as the author brings the ice rink to life, with Belle and Chandler skating together. This novel sets a good pace that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Belle and Chandler are charming, well-developed characters. Both face challenges that have you rooting for their future, and success, as the author brings the ice rink to life, with Belle and Chandler skating together. This novel sets a good pace that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 29, 2024
Side by Side is a fantastic book. I've always loved figure skating and getting to read a book with that being apart of it was cool. Belle and Chandler are to cute. You can tell right from the start that they are meant to be. It didn't take to long for the sparks to start flying. I really enjoy a book with low angnst and a HEA and this one did not disappoint. I've really enjoyed the rest of the sports series. Keep them coming Nicole! :-)
February 19, 2024
Second change love stories are one of my favorites, not gonna lie this one brought tears to my eyes, but the happy kind. Two girls meet in their teens at an ice skating training school and have an immediate connection but one ends up leaving the program soon after. Fast forward 12 years and they meet again, the connection is still there.
March 17, 2024
*Honest review as part of Arc*
Honestly, I wasn't sure how to feel about this book when I first got my copy and started reading it. My first thought was, " a book about figure skating, how interesting can that be?" I'm happy to report that Side by Side was a very interesting and entertaining story with some angst sprinkled in.
The story follows Belle who is living a small town life, co-owning and running an ice park with her dad. She'd given up on her dreams of making the Olympic figure skating team and love at just 14 years old. But the one thing she never denied herself was her ice time, which she gets by playing hockey and skating before/after operating hours at the Ice Park.
Chandler is the exact opposite. Chandler grew up in a rich family that gave her everything she needed to succeed in the world of figure skating in the hopes that she'd make the US team. Unfortunately, after an injury in solos and the loss of her male partner, her dreams seem a million miles away. However, when the National committee announces that same-sex partners can compete these two women come back together after over a decade apart.
My favorite thing about this story was the way that Belle loved Chandler - she was constantly trying to encourage Chandler to do the things that made her happy and to take back control of her life from her family. She was loyal, patient, present, and understanding. In my opinion, that's how love works. And Chandler did a great job of showing Belle her love as well - Chandler basically gave up her perceived dreams in order to chase after who/what she actually wanted and she showed that by making herself available to help Belle in her time of need.
I feel like these two ladies complimented each other well. Not just the poor/rich aspect but their mutual love for their sport and their willingness to do whatever it took to be and stay together. It was sweet and so easy to fall into. 10/10 would recommend and read again. It was a beautiful story about forgiveness and love.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how to feel about this book when I first got my copy and started reading it. My first thought was, " a book about figure skating, how interesting can that be?" I'm happy to report that Side by Side was a very interesting and entertaining story with some angst sprinkled in.
The story follows Belle who is living a small town life, co-owning and running an ice park with her dad. She'd given up on her dreams of making the Olympic figure skating team and love at just 14 years old. But the one thing she never denied herself was her ice time, which she gets by playing hockey and skating before/after operating hours at the Ice Park.
Chandler is the exact opposite. Chandler grew up in a rich family that gave her everything she needed to succeed in the world of figure skating in the hopes that she'd make the US team. Unfortunately, after an injury in solos and the loss of her male partner, her dreams seem a million miles away. However, when the National committee announces that same-sex partners can compete these two women come back together after over a decade apart.
My favorite thing about this story was the way that Belle loved Chandler - she was constantly trying to encourage Chandler to do the things that made her happy and to take back control of her life from her family. She was loyal, patient, present, and understanding. In my opinion, that's how love works. And Chandler did a great job of showing Belle her love as well - Chandler basically gave up her perceived dreams in order to chase after who/what she actually wanted and she showed that by making herself available to help Belle in her time of need.
I feel like these two ladies complimented each other well. Not just the poor/rich aspect but their mutual love for their sport and their willingness to do whatever it took to be and stay together. It was sweet and so easy to fall into. 10/10 would recommend and read again. It was a beautiful story about forgiveness and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
This story gets the Gold!
Side by Side is a pretty cool book that I highly recommend. The story focuses on the ice rink whether it be in a small town, the olympics, a fancy training facility, or at home. The ice skating aspect is a perfect balance for readers (like me) if you don’t know much about figure skating. It’s a low angst, second chance, rich girl/ poor girl story that was simply enjoyable to read. It was so easy to root for Belle and Chandler’s HEA. You get to know so much about Belle and Chandler you feel like you really know them. Even the supporting characters seem to go through challenges and have positive changes along the way by the time the book was over. It was easy to get so caught up while reading that I felt like I was there. It had parts that were funny, sad, and really all the feels. I also was pretty ecstatic that it had a satisfying ending… and by that I mean it wrapped up nicely. It didn’t leave me begging to wish for more. (And while I feel like saying that comes across as bad, I promise it’s not) For me this book was a perfect 10!
Side by Side is a pretty cool book that I highly recommend. The story focuses on the ice rink whether it be in a small town, the olympics, a fancy training facility, or at home. The ice skating aspect is a perfect balance for readers (like me) if you don’t know much about figure skating. It’s a low angst, second chance, rich girl/ poor girl story that was simply enjoyable to read. It was so easy to root for Belle and Chandler’s HEA. You get to know so much about Belle and Chandler you feel like you really know them. Even the supporting characters seem to go through challenges and have positive changes along the way by the time the book was over. It was easy to get so caught up while reading that I felt like I was there. It had parts that were funny, sad, and really all the feels. I also was pretty ecstatic that it had a satisfying ending… and by that I mean it wrapped up nicely. It didn’t leave me begging to wish for more. (And while I feel like saying that comes across as bad, I promise it’s not) For me this book was a perfect 10!
March 8, 2024
Love a Good Skating Romance & Redemption Story
I really loved this book. It reminded me of many Saturdays spent watching skating competitions, transfixed by the combination of athleticism and beauty.
This story brought me all of that in addition to a redemption love story. The characters were great. The family dynamics were just dramatic enough to keep me engaged. The ice-skating references were descriptive without going overboard, and I couldn’t help but root for the two main characters at the center of it all.
It’s a slow burn in the best possible way. When the lovers finally unite, it’s very satisfying.
Highly recommend.
I really loved this book. It reminded me of many Saturdays spent watching skating competitions, transfixed by the combination of athleticism and beauty.
This story brought me all of that in addition to a redemption love story. The characters were great. The family dynamics were just dramatic enough to keep me engaged. The ice-skating references were descriptive without going overboard, and I couldn’t help but root for the two main characters at the center of it all.
It’s a slow burn in the best possible way. When the lovers finally unite, it’s very satisfying.
Highly recommend.
June 26, 2024
Cute and feel good romance story. It can be read as a stand alone from the others in the series. I would rate this as my 2nd favorite in the series so far, the 1st being Finding a Keeper. And that’s mostly because I’m into soccer more than figure skating.
February 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this story. I’m always down for a second chance love story! When you see the one that got away once again and your life changes! That’s what I feel this story did.
You truly never know when you might be able to get that chance again but here we get to see how amazing these characters are together!!! Second book in the sports series that I’ve read and I really thought it was great!
You truly never know when you might be able to get that chance again but here we get to see how amazing these characters are together!!! Second book in the sports series that I’ve read and I really thought it was great!
February 20, 2024
I always have a soft spot for sports romance books. I have always loved women’s sports but admittedly I have very little knowledge of figure skating outside of the big names (Tonya, Nancy, Kristi, etc.) and I know even less about how the sport works. So I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy the book.
But as you can see by the 5 stars that I very much enjoyed the book. Chandler and Belle were both well written characters and I am also a sucker for rich girl/poor girl novels so this was a great bonus.
Overall I felt like we got to see how both of Chandler and Belle’s childhood and familial relationships have shaped them. One of my favorite things is that though Belle didn’t want to end her skating career when she did, she still loved and was happy with her life and that she didn’t need a career in skating to be happy.
My favorite thing though is the story of Chandler. I thought it was great to see her at the beginning wanting to go to the Olympics at all costs and then learn that she probably wouldn’t make it to the Games but that that was okay. Her life became more than just figure skating. Of course I enjoy reading characters accomplish their sports career dreams but it was honestly refreshing to see that not everyone accomplishes their ultimate dream. I loved that at the end of the day Belle and Chandler were happy. They were together and continued their lives doing what they love. They were able to build a life together.
I recommend this book for pretty much everyone. Pyland continued to create characters who were able to fall in love with and root for (I think everyone wants to have a father like Belle’s). It was just a very enjoyable read. Great characters, great pacing, great story, and great ending.
But as you can see by the 5 stars that I very much enjoyed the book. Chandler and Belle were both well written characters and I am also a sucker for rich girl/poor girl novels so this was a great bonus.
Overall I felt like we got to see how both of Chandler and Belle’s childhood and familial relationships have shaped them. One of my favorite things is that though Belle didn’t want to end her skating career when she did, she still loved and was happy with her life and that she didn’t need a career in skating to be happy.
My favorite thing though is the story of Chandler. I thought it was great to see her at the beginning wanting to go to the Olympics at all costs and then learn that she probably wouldn’t make it to the Games but that that was okay. Her life became more than just figure skating. Of course I enjoy reading characters accomplish their sports career dreams but it was honestly refreshing to see that not everyone accomplishes their ultimate dream. I loved that at the end of the day Belle and Chandler were happy. They were together and continued their lives doing what they love. They were able to build a life together.
I recommend this book for pretty much everyone. Pyland continued to create characters who were able to fall in love with and root for (I think everyone wants to have a father like Belle’s). It was just a very enjoyable read. Great characters, great pacing, great story, and great ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
As someone who grew up watching my older cousins compete in figure skating and constantly watched it on tv, I was excited to read Nicole Pyland's Side by Side. This book was a low-angst, second chance, enemies to lovers story that had just the right amount of figure skating throughout the book. It was another one of Nicole Pyland's books that I just couldn’t put down until I finished it.
The two MCs, Belle and Chandler, were part of the same elite skating program as teens, but circumstances and bullying separated the two. Now as adults, they meet again at the rink, and are given the chance to heal old wounds, figure out who they are and in Chandler’s case, figure out what she wants out of life versus what she’s always been told she should want.
This book really brought out the emotions, from laughter, sadness, fear and uncertainty among many others. I found right from the beginning these two characters had a lot of chemistry and it just grew and developed as the story went on. Belle and Chandler really complemented and balanceed each other out. Without giving too much away I loved how both MCs step up to show the other, that they can count on each other to be there when they really need each other.
This is definitely a book I recommend reading.
The two MCs, Belle and Chandler, were part of the same elite skating program as teens, but circumstances and bullying separated the two. Now as adults, they meet again at the rink, and are given the chance to heal old wounds, figure out who they are and in Chandler’s case, figure out what she wants out of life versus what she’s always been told she should want.
This book really brought out the emotions, from laughter, sadness, fear and uncertainty among many others. I found right from the beginning these two characters had a lot of chemistry and it just grew and developed as the story went on. Belle and Chandler really complemented and balanceed each other out. Without giving too much away I loved how both MCs step up to show the other, that they can count on each other to be there when they really need each other.
This is definitely a book I recommend reading.
March 14, 2024
Belle and Chandler meet as teenagers in a program that could help them make it to the Olympics. Chandler used to be an individual skater but changed to be a couples skater. While skating in a competition, Chandler’s partner gets hurt. Now Chandler needs to either find another partner, go solo, or possibly retire. Cat has registered her for a competition at Ice Park and a meet up for a possible new partner. Lo and behold, she discovers that Belle works at Ice Park and realizes there’s still sparks. Chandler decides that she wants to skate with Belle and see if it’ll work to be skating partners. Do they medal at the competition? Read Side By Side to find out and read the awesome dialogue between these characters.
I love the chemistry dynamics between Belle and Chandler and even the scenes with Cat. Belle is really down to earth and has that special something that Chandler saw as teens. The writing really brings these characters to life. We're shown the camaraderie through friendship to quite possibly being more.
This was a page flipping read for me and I can’t wait for the next sport story from Nicole Pyland!
I love the chemistry dynamics between Belle and Chandler and even the scenes with Cat. Belle is really down to earth and has that special something that Chandler saw as teens. The writing really brings these characters to life. We're shown the camaraderie through friendship to quite possibly being more.
This was a page flipping read for me and I can’t wait for the next sport story from Nicole Pyland!
May 14, 2024
Easily my favorite Nicole Pyland book, as well my favorite second-chance romance and favorite opposite-sides-of-the-track couple. This story surpassed all my hopes for a sapphic version of The Cutting Edge (though it wasn’t an adaptation, more of a unique spin on couples skating with some cute nods to the film). It’s been a while since a book kept me up until 5AM pretending I’d only read “just one more chapter” but this absolutely did. Sorry sleep, figure skaters take priority.
Belle and Chandler were nuanced, relatable, beautifully written, and perfect for each other. I loved both of their journeys to figure out what they truly want and the way their childhood crushes on each other blossomed into a lovely slow burn. I also enjoyed Chandler’s redemption arc, which felt well earned. There also is some spice toward the end, just not Voyeur levels of it (which was fine by me).
Highly recommended to anyone who loves figure skating, sporty sapphics, and second chances.
Belle and Chandler were nuanced, relatable, beautifully written, and perfect for each other. I loved both of their journeys to figure out what they truly want and the way their childhood crushes on each other blossomed into a lovely slow burn. I also enjoyed Chandler’s redemption arc, which felt well earned. There also is some spice toward the end, just not Voyeur levels of it (which was fine by me).
Highly recommended to anyone who loves figure skating, sporty sapphics, and second chances.
April 27, 2024
Never would've thought to see Figure skating in a fictional Sports series book but I'm glad it's gotten some shine in this and some accuracy. A lot of the times Figure skating as a sport is underplayed by random people who don't really know the dedication and time that goes into it on and off the ice. They think Hockey and speed skating are tough, and they are tough sports physically, but mentally, Figure skating is when you are literally being judged for your presentation on the ice from start to finish.
It helps to have a realistic story with realistic characters, like in this story, and one where the characters really care for each other and grow together. They have a knowing and shared experience that they themselves only went through that not many do have to deal with. Well written.
It helps to have a realistic story with realistic characters, like in this story, and one where the characters really care for each other and grow together. They have a knowing and shared experience that they themselves only went through that not many do have to deal with. Well written.
March 16, 2024
This is the 6th stand-alone book in the sports series by Nicole Pyland which focuses on figure skating. It follows Belle and Chandler who knew each other as young adults in a figure skating school, but had a falling out and haven’t seem or spoken to each other for over a decade.
Belle has been working at her family’s ice skating rink and skating for her own enjoyment while Chandler is trying to make the Olympic team as part of a skating pair. When Chandler’s current partner is injured and likely unable to pair with her for this cycle she is tasked with trying to find a new partner. After she tries and fails to find a male partner she asks Belle to partner with her after they meet again at Belle’s family ice rink.
This second chance romance is my favourite of the entire sports so far! The reconnection of the two characters and how they work through the past and present challenges in their relationship is cute, charming and believable. An A++ read that I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys Pyland’s writing and any new readers as well!
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Belle has been working at her family’s ice skating rink and skating for her own enjoyment while Chandler is trying to make the Olympic team as part of a skating pair. When Chandler’s current partner is injured and likely unable to pair with her for this cycle she is tasked with trying to find a new partner. After she tries and fails to find a male partner she asks Belle to partner with her after they meet again at Belle’s family ice rink.
This second chance romance is my favourite of the entire sports so far! The reconnection of the two characters and how they work through the past and present challenges in their relationship is cute, charming and believable. An A++ read that I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys Pyland’s writing and any new readers as well!
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 16, 2024
Two figure skaters who met when they were younger get a second chance. It had an interesting cast of characters and many got to have a story arc. I'm a fan of this author and so happy she puts all of her books on KU :-). The sports series are all separate so no peeks into the lives of characters from previous books. Which is ok here as the sports series has been hit or miss for me.
In this case, it was a hit. I enjoyed the characters, their interactions, their communication and their growth. The HEA was believable. (For me that is saying something as a lot books in this genre, i don't believe the HEA). I've already read it twice.
In this case, it was a hit. I enjoyed the characters, their interactions, their communication and their growth. The HEA was believable. (For me that is saying something as a lot books in this genre, i don't believe the HEA). I've already read it twice.
June 24, 2025
A sweet slow burn, low spice book that leaves you with all the 2nd chance romance goodness one would hope for. Young love gets a second chance when they are older and trying to find themselves. Chandler has done everything by the book for forever and finally reconnecting with Belle she learns to live for herself while Belle gets a chance to do something she loved but gave up a long time ago! I love that there was no 3rd act break up and that these two had healthy adult conversations. Such a great story!
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