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Side by Side
New Development
It’s wedding week, and Brady Griffin is already in a bad mood about it. Watching one of his best friends marry the love of his life should be awesome, but Brady is dealing with layers of confusion and denial when it comes to his feelings for his friend. His sour mood hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, it’s earned him a babysitter. Cole Fawn, a fellow groomsman, is more than happy to help make sure his friends can relax on their wedding day. And it isn’t a hardship. Brady is cute, and right off the bat, Cole likes getting under his skin. As Brady acknowledges that his feelings for his friend might be attraction, Cole suggests some no-strings-attached exploratory activities to keep his mind off the groom and see if that attraction applies to men in general. New Development is a 20k opposites attract MM romance with an HEA, set at Blake and Matthew from Empty Netter's wedding.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
21 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 11, 2024
Brady has definitely redeemed himself, I even got teary eyed 🥺🥺
I did like that we finally get Brady's POV and his realisation of exactly why he doesn't like Matthew. Cole was really sweet with him and I actually would read more about these guys.
The wedding for Blake and Matthew sounded amazing too 😍
I did like that we finally get Brady's POV and his realisation of exactly why he doesn't like Matthew. Cole was really sweet with him and I actually would read more about these guys.
The wedding for Blake and Matthew sounded amazing too 😍
July 10, 2024
Really wish this was a full length novel, it was good but too short I wanted more 🩵
April 30, 2024
this was so cute!! i’m such a fan of hannah and everything she writes so obviously i knew i was gonna love this!! it was so fun getting to see brady again and to meet cole
i secretly wish this was a full-length novel but i love hannah & her writing and i’m happy with cole & brady’s story so i’m not complaining <3
thank you hannah for the arc!!
i secretly wish this was a full-length novel but i love hannah & her writing and i’m happy with cole & brady’s story so i’m not complaining <3
thank you hannah for the arc!!
June 30, 2024
5 stars
Loved it! I'm so glad Brady found in Cole a good person who helped him sorting out his feelings.
I loved how Cole never judged Brady, how he was there for him, even if they weren't friends. Cole understood him like anyone else and never made him feel inadequate or dismissed his feeling.
The whole story has zero angst, it's just two people falling in love and being sweet and adorable with each other. Thankfully, there's no miscommunication or unnecessary drama and I'm glad Brady and Cole became even closer to Blake and Matthew without any jealousy.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Loved it! I'm so glad Brady found in Cole a good person who helped him sorting out his feelings.
I loved how Cole never judged Brady, how he was there for him, even if they weren't friends. Cole understood him like anyone else and never made him feel inadequate or dismissed his feeling.
The whole story has zero angst, it's just two people falling in love and being sweet and adorable with each other. Thankfully, there's no miscommunication or unnecessary drama and I'm glad Brady and Cole became even closer to Blake and Matthew without any jealousy.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 13, 2024
It was so fantastic seeing Blake and Matthew again! I read Empty Netter right before this so I loved getting more of them.
But more importantly, I loved seeing Brady move on. I was desperate for a HEA for him and man did this deliver.
Brady felt light for the first time when thinking about the two of them together. Blake was a great person, but he would never be Brady’s person. It was time to move on.
Cole was exactly what he needed.
He wasn’t looking for a boyfriend. If a cute boy who was a little hung up on someone else wanted to fool around, that was fine with him.
I love no-strings hookups that lead to more seamlessly. Hannah writes the loveliest hockey romances with little to no angst and so much swoon. I especially love that her hockey players aren’t necessarily the best on the team as they always seem to be in other books.
“I’m literally a backup goalie. Not a lot of alpha energy here.”
I definitely recommend picking up this quick novella.
But more importantly, I loved seeing Brady move on. I was desperate for a HEA for him and man did this deliver.
Brady felt light for the first time when thinking about the two of them together. Blake was a great person, but he would never be Brady’s person. It was time to move on.
Cole was exactly what he needed.
He wasn’t looking for a boyfriend. If a cute boy who was a little hung up on someone else wanted to fool around, that was fine with him.
I love no-strings hookups that lead to more seamlessly. Hannah writes the loveliest hockey romances with little to no angst and so much swoon. I especially love that her hockey players aren’t necessarily the best on the team as they always seem to be in other books.
“I’m literally a backup goalie. Not a lot of alpha energy here.”
I definitely recommend picking up this quick novella.
May 3, 2024
As someone who is obsessed with Blake and Matthew, getting to see them have their happy ending was everything to me!! Also @ Brady - I don't blame you!! I also am in love with Blake!
But wow this was a short read, but it felt genuine the whole time. I loved Brady and Cole! I thought their dynamic was good, and I liked how transparent they were once Brady sort of figured out his feelings. He knew he was essentially being given a babysitter and I feel like their acknowledgement of Brady's feelings about Blake getting married the whole time made it feel more realistic when they started to have feelings for each other. Cole knew what he was getting into, but he was happy just to provide a distraction for Brady until it became more than that. Brady and Cole's chemistry was evident in even the smallest interactions they had.
I also liked getting to see how Brady felt about everything that happened in Starter Home since he was away for the climax of that book. I loved the nice things he had to say about Hunter and Jonathan because they both deserve all the nice things too!!
*i received an arc and this is my honest review
But wow this was a short read, but it felt genuine the whole time. I loved Brady and Cole! I thought their dynamic was good, and I liked how transparent they were once Brady sort of figured out his feelings. He knew he was essentially being given a babysitter and I feel like their acknowledgement of Brady's feelings about Blake getting married the whole time made it feel more realistic when they started to have feelings for each other. Cole knew what he was getting into, but he was happy just to provide a distraction for Brady until it became more than that. Brady and Cole's chemistry was evident in even the smallest interactions they had.
I also liked getting to see how Brady felt about everything that happened in Starter Home since he was away for the climax of that book. I loved the nice things he had to say about Hunter and Jonathan because they both deserve all the nice things too!!
*i received an arc and this is my honest review
July 13, 2024
A DISTRACTION LEADS TO SO MUCH MORE!💕
To me this story was far too short but fun and cute!
A favour Cole does for his best friend Matthew to distract the guy who has a massive crush on his soon to be husband Blake- Brady Griffin- leads to so much more for both Cole and Brady…
Wedding shenanigans and steamy encounters builds up to a realisation for Brady regarding his feelings for Blake his fellow goalie and Cole- the sexy Chef!
This was basically Brady and Cole’s backstory how they got together as we encounter them in book 2 with the Griffin family!
It was very fast paced and entertaining with a gay awakening of a repressed goalie and a sweet, sexy chef!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
To me this story was far too short but fun and cute!
A favour Cole does for his best friend Matthew to distract the guy who has a massive crush on his soon to be husband Blake- Brady Griffin- leads to so much more for both Cole and Brady…
Wedding shenanigans and steamy encounters builds up to a realisation for Brady regarding his feelings for Blake his fellow goalie and Cole- the sexy Chef!
This was basically Brady and Cole’s backstory how they got together as we encounter them in book 2 with the Griffin family!
It was very fast paced and entertaining with a gay awakening of a repressed goalie and a sweet, sexy chef!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
This was such a cute little novella to tie in the two series, looking forward to seeing where these character interact in the future of Side by Side series.
The gist:
- Brady, from Empty Netter and Starter Home, is the central character going thru a bit of a late awakening and is introduced to the charming Cole, during a week long wedding celebration
Pros
- Super easy read, while touching on some tougher topics, but in a simple way that allows the story to flow very smoothly
- A fun cast of characters, however definitely more enjoyable if familiar with Matthew and Blake’s story, as well as Hunter and Jonathon’s as spoilers/context occur
- Low stakes drama with a happy ending !
Cons
- As mentioned the wider supporting cast are from previous books (i possibly would recommend refreshing on the empty netter cast if you’re like me and forget immediately)
Fave quote simply because i can relate so much:
- “Cole got him a drink, and Brady sat in his small kitchen nook as he pulled out a blender.
“Oh my god. I have never pulled out an appliance for a snack before.”
“I have all the stuff for salsa. I swear it’s easy.”
(Snacks are firmly minimal prep = no appliances in my book too)
Thank you to the author for the ARC
The gist:
- Brady, from Empty Netter and Starter Home, is the central character going thru a bit of a late awakening and is introduced to the charming Cole, during a week long wedding celebration
Pros
- Super easy read, while touching on some tougher topics, but in a simple way that allows the story to flow very smoothly
- A fun cast of characters, however definitely more enjoyable if familiar with Matthew and Blake’s story, as well as Hunter and Jonathon’s as spoilers/context occur
- Low stakes drama with a happy ending !
Cons
- As mentioned the wider supporting cast are from previous books (i possibly would recommend refreshing on the empty netter cast if you’re like me and forget immediately)
Fave quote simply because i can relate so much:
- “Cole got him a drink, and Brady sat in his small kitchen nook as he pulled out a blender.
“Oh my god. I have never pulled out an appliance for a snack before.”
“I have all the stuff for salsa. I swear it’s easy.”
(Snacks are firmly minimal prep = no appliances in my book too)
Thank you to the author for the ARC
May 21, 2024
4.25 stars. So adorable!
May 8, 2024
This was the sweetest novella - I can’t believe Hannah Henry was able to fit so much in just 20k words! I honestly could have read more, but loved this quick love story for Brady and Cole.
This novella takes place during Blake and Matthew (from Empty Netter)’s wedding weekend, where Brady is struggling to be a happy participant and Cole is tasked with keeping an eye on Brady. The weekend leads to lots of forced proximity goodness, new discoveries when it comes to sexuality and some real talks that lead to swoony moments. Brady and Cole were so much fun to read and the quick but real journey that they go on together during the wedding activities and even after made me smile.
Really hoping for more glimpses of these two in the second Side by Side book later this year!
This novella takes place during Blake and Matthew (from Empty Netter)’s wedding weekend, where Brady is struggling to be a happy participant and Cole is tasked with keeping an eye on Brady. The weekend leads to lots of forced proximity goodness, new discoveries when it comes to sexuality and some real talks that lead to swoony moments. Brady and Cole were so much fun to read and the quick but real journey that they go on together during the wedding activities and even after made me smile.
Really hoping for more glimpses of these two in the second Side by Side book later this year!
July 15, 2024
NEW DEVELOPMENT
SIDE BY SIDE BOOK 1.5
HANNAH HENRY
This book is a short 20k novella related to the author's hockey series. It takes place around a wedding for established couple Matthew and his hockey player partner Blake.
Brady is a goalie who has a major hero worship thing for Blake and is in denial about it being more.
Matthew gets his friend Cole to 'babysit' Brady during the wedding events.
It's a nice introduction to the series and some of the characters, but despite the sexuality confusion Brady is facing, it's relatively low angst.
Brady and Cole become friends and it's during this period, that Brady realises his feelings for Cole have changed.
It's a decent novella, with steam, a few laughs, romance and friendship.
SIDE BY SIDE BOOK 1.5
HANNAH HENRY
This book is a short 20k novella related to the author's hockey series. It takes place around a wedding for established couple Matthew and his hockey player partner Blake.
Brady is a goalie who has a major hero worship thing for Blake and is in denial about it being more.
Matthew gets his friend Cole to 'babysit' Brady during the wedding events.
It's a nice introduction to the series and some of the characters, but despite the sexuality confusion Brady is facing, it's relatively low angst.
Brady and Cole become friends and it's during this period, that Brady realises his feelings for Cole have changed.
It's a decent novella, with steam, a few laughs, romance and friendship.
May 19, 2024
New Development was everything I hoped for.. and more. It’s a sequel of sorts to Empty Netter (Matthew and Blake’s wedding) and shares a timeline with Starter Home - which are great books you should absolutely read.
Cole promises his friend Matthew he’ll keep an eye on his fiancé Blake’s back up goalie, Brady, during their wedding weekend festivities. He’s sure Brady hates him and is a bit afraid he’ll make a scene. So Cole is appointed his secret handler/babysitter.
Brady had been dreading this weekend. He’s trying to process his feelings for Blake. He’d had his poster on his wall growing up, and even though he wasn’t gay, two of his siblings were and he appreciated him being one of the first out NHL players. Was that hero worship or love? Or both? And he’s pretty sure Cole is only hanging out with him because people think he’s going cause trouble.
But between cooking lessons, Brady’s family drama (if you read Starter Home, you know), and an overly competitive game of mini golf, the chef and backup goalie find themselves drawn to each other. They’re both a bit wistful at the wedding. When Cole finds Brady alone, he’s not sad about the loss of Blake, but the lack of having a connection like that in his life.
Cole knows that feeling. They share a magical night…
“Brady had dreaded this weekend for all the wrong reasons, and now he didn’t want it to end.”
I loved these two together. Brady embraces a relationship with Cole with an enthusiasm and acceptance that was refreshing. Cole is an amazing character - you’ll love him.
And the wedding subplot with Brady and Matthew continuing their HEA was the perfect backdrop for this sweet and sexy novella.
My only complaint? I want more! Hopefully we’ll get Brady and Cole updates as the series continues. Hannah has been promoted to my list of auto-buy authors. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cole promises his friend Matthew he’ll keep an eye on his fiancé Blake’s back up goalie, Brady, during their wedding weekend festivities. He’s sure Brady hates him and is a bit afraid he’ll make a scene. So Cole is appointed his secret handler/babysitter.
Brady had been dreading this weekend. He’s trying to process his feelings for Blake. He’d had his poster on his wall growing up, and even though he wasn’t gay, two of his siblings were and he appreciated him being one of the first out NHL players. Was that hero worship or love? Or both? And he’s pretty sure Cole is only hanging out with him because people think he’s going cause trouble.
But between cooking lessons, Brady’s family drama (if you read Starter Home, you know), and an overly competitive game of mini golf, the chef and backup goalie find themselves drawn to each other. They’re both a bit wistful at the wedding. When Cole finds Brady alone, he’s not sad about the loss of Blake, but the lack of having a connection like that in his life.
Cole knows that feeling. They share a magical night…
“Brady had dreaded this weekend for all the wrong reasons, and now he didn’t want it to end.”
I loved these two together. Brady embraces a relationship with Cole with an enthusiasm and acceptance that was refreshing. Cole is an amazing character - you’ll love him.
And the wedding subplot with Brady and Matthew continuing their HEA was the perfect backdrop for this sweet and sexy novella.
My only complaint? I want more! Hopefully we’ll get Brady and Cole updates as the series continues. Hannah has been promoted to my list of auto-buy authors. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 8, 2024
I was super excited for this one because - as the dedication states - it's for everyone who loves Blake & Matthew from Empty Netter (one of my fave books from the Delay of Game series) and I definitely do. In this novella, we get to see more of Brady, who was introduced in Empty Netter and who is the backup goalie for the same team as Blake, on whom Brady has had more than a bit of hero worship and crush.
Poor Brady has all these feelings...but he doesn't seem to recognize that's what they are, though everyone around him does, especially Matthew. During the week leading up to the next step in Matthew and Blake's HEA - their wedding - Matthew enlists his friend and co-worker Cole to keep an eye on Brady.
During the course of this week, Cole and Brady grow close and an attraction develops. Brady sorts out his feelings for Blake (and I definitely had emotions) and also comes to terms with his queerness, all with very little drama.
Brady and Cole's coming together is sweet and so is the spice. They are so great together! They just get each other. “I’m only a backup goalie.” “You are a whole person.” And while the wedding week does conclude, Blake and Cole continue to get to know one another over time and what started as attraction develops into more.
And Blake and Matthew's wedding day? It was lovely and yes, I maybe had a happy tear or two at the vow exchange!
I was so happy to see more from some of my fave characters - Blake, Matthew, Brady, the Griffin family, and now Cole! This story maybe brief, but it is packed full of heartfelt emotion and some sexy times!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Poor Brady has all these feelings...but he doesn't seem to recognize that's what they are, though everyone around him does, especially Matthew. During the week leading up to the next step in Matthew and Blake's HEA - their wedding - Matthew enlists his friend and co-worker Cole to keep an eye on Brady.
During the course of this week, Cole and Brady grow close and an attraction develops. Brady sorts out his feelings for Blake (and I definitely had emotions) and also comes to terms with his queerness, all with very little drama.
Brady and Cole's coming together is sweet and so is the spice. They are so great together! They just get each other. “I’m only a backup goalie.” “You are a whole person.” And while the wedding week does conclude, Blake and Cole continue to get to know one another over time and what started as attraction develops into more.
And Blake and Matthew's wedding day? It was lovely and yes, I maybe had a happy tear or two at the vow exchange!
I was so happy to see more from some of my fave characters - Blake, Matthew, Brady, the Griffin family, and now Cole! This story maybe brief, but it is packed full of heartfelt emotion and some sexy times!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 10, 2024
Hannah Henry was a new author for me, and I managed to snag all three books as ARCs (two novels and this novella from the Side By Side series). I'm so glad I did because it was incredibly sweet!
I haven’t read Blake and Matthew’s book, (it's on my list) so I wasn’t familiar with the dynamic involving Brady, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this novella at all. I felt sad for Brady at the beginning—you can really feel his distress—but Cole is such a sweetheart from the very start.
New Development is a quick read full of good feels. Brady is experiencing mixed emotions while attending the wedding of his mentor and best friend, Blake. Blake, completely focused on his fiancé, Matthew, is oblivious to Brady’s distress. Matthew, however, notices potential red flags and sends his bestie, Cole, to keep an eye on Brady during the wedding festivities. Initially, Brady and Cole seem quite different, but as they spend more time together, things begin to heat up.
Yes, it’s short, but you can really feel how meant to be these two are. Cole is patient and understanding of Brady’s feelings and when they finally come together, it just makes sense!
I would love to read more about Blake, Cole and all the guys from the series.
I haven’t read Blake and Matthew’s book, (it's on my list) so I wasn’t familiar with the dynamic involving Brady, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this novella at all. I felt sad for Brady at the beginning—you can really feel his distress—but Cole is such a sweetheart from the very start.
New Development is a quick read full of good feels. Brady is experiencing mixed emotions while attending the wedding of his mentor and best friend, Blake. Blake, completely focused on his fiancé, Matthew, is oblivious to Brady’s distress. Matthew, however, notices potential red flags and sends his bestie, Cole, to keep an eye on Brady during the wedding festivities. Initially, Brady and Cole seem quite different, but as they spend more time together, things begin to heat up.
Yes, it’s short, but you can really feel how meant to be these two are. Cole is patient and understanding of Brady’s feelings and when they finally come together, it just makes sense!
I would love to read more about Blake, Cole and all the guys from the series.
July 16, 2024
This was a good short quick read. I am glad that the author did give Brady his story however I just wish it was a little bit longer.
Brady attends his teammate's wedding and also his biggest crush of a hockey player. He doesn't realize how he is until Cole points it out. He feels bad that his teammate's husband had to have someone watch him so he doesn't do anything stupid. When Brady finally comes to terms with what everyone has been trying to tell him, he doesn't know what else to do but cry. He doesn't expect Cole to hang out by him or be by his side but he is grateful that he did. Cole didn't want to play babysitter but he doesn't mind looking after Brady. How could he not when he is a hot hockey player. Cole doesn't expect things to turn out good between him and Brady but the more they get to know each other, the more they want to be around each other.
The connection is there and you do get to feel it between the two. The quick learning of each other stage does go fast but well worth it. These two come together and it's up to Brady & Cole to make it work.
#I received an ARC through GRR and this is my honest review.
Brady attends his teammate's wedding and also his biggest crush of a hockey player. He doesn't realize how he is until Cole points it out. He feels bad that his teammate's husband had to have someone watch him so he doesn't do anything stupid. When Brady finally comes to terms with what everyone has been trying to tell him, he doesn't know what else to do but cry. He doesn't expect Cole to hang out by him or be by his side but he is grateful that he did. Cole didn't want to play babysitter but he doesn't mind looking after Brady. How could he not when he is a hot hockey player. Cole doesn't expect things to turn out good between him and Brady but the more they get to know each other, the more they want to be around each other.
The connection is there and you do get to feel it between the two. The quick learning of each other stage does go fast but well worth it. These two come together and it's up to Brady & Cole to make it work.
#I received an ARC through GRR and this is my honest review.
May 20, 2024
New Development is a quick little read full of good feels. Brady is having some mixed feelings while attending the wedding of his mentor/bestie Blake. Blake is completely oblivious, only having eyes for his fiance, Matthew. But Matthew is seeing some possible red flags with this and sends in his bestie, Cole, to keep an eye on Brady during the wedding festivities. Blake and Cole seem pretty different at first, but with proximity and all Brady’s mixed feelings, things begin to heat up between the two.
New Development is a super-quick, low-angst novella set in Hannah Henry’s Side by Side series. It also refers to characters from her Delay of Game series, which is a nice little peek into those characters’ lives after the fact. I believe you could still enjoy this novella without having read the Delay of Game series, but you’d definitely benefit from having read it. Plus it’s a fun little series, so why not enjoy? 🙂
I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
New Development is a super-quick, low-angst novella set in Hannah Henry’s Side by Side series. It also refers to characters from her Delay of Game series, which is a nice little peek into those characters’ lives after the fact. I believe you could still enjoy this novella without having read the Delay of Game series, but you’d definitely benefit from having read it. Plus it’s a fun little series, so why not enjoy? 🙂
I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
July 10, 2024
This is a very short story that doesn't have enough length to fully explore the characters. The world and character building aren't flushed out which doesn't help the story IMO. Brady and Cole are thrown together at the wedding festivities of Blake and Matthew at the behest of Matthew. Cole gets Brady out of his head and Brady is soon having fun. Brady and Cole end up in bed pretty fast and not long after that they're in love. Cole didn't want a boyfriend in the beginning and now three weeks later he's thinking long term. Brady didn't even consider himself gay in the beginning and now three weeks later he's thinking of them moving in together and buying Cole a car. It was just way to fast to be believable. Brady and Cole did have chemistry but it didn't feel like they had progressed to long term status. There's no drama, no excitement. It was just a plain, kind of boring friends to lovers romance.
July 12, 2024
Lovely short story
This is in the Side By Side series and takes place during Empty Netter from Hannah's previous series that I haven't read. I have read Starter Home so I'd already met Brady and knew about his friendship with Blake and the upcoming wedding.
The blurb tells you what to expect but it doesn't give away how good it is. It's only a short story and so everything happened very quickly. I wanted it to be longer, to have more time with Brady and Cole and to see their feelings really develop. They were worth a full length novel.
They were so much fun together from the off, with Cole keeping an eye on Brady but also realising how sweet the man actually is. Cole was easy to love, with his positive attitude and work ethic, and the mini-golf made me laugh. Brady's overdue realisation then his easy acceptance of his new feelings made him loveable too.
I really want to see more of them in the rest of the series.
This is in the Side By Side series and takes place during Empty Netter from Hannah's previous series that I haven't read. I have read Starter Home so I'd already met Brady and knew about his friendship with Blake and the upcoming wedding.
The blurb tells you what to expect but it doesn't give away how good it is. It's only a short story and so everything happened very quickly. I wanted it to be longer, to have more time with Brady and Cole and to see their feelings really develop. They were worth a full length novel.
They were so much fun together from the off, with Cole keeping an eye on Brady but also realising how sweet the man actually is. Cole was easy to love, with his positive attitude and work ethic, and the mini-golf made me laugh. Brady's overdue realisation then his easy acceptance of his new feelings made him loveable too.
I really want to see more of them in the rest of the series.
July 17, 2024
It's not that, it's this. Brady, is a groomsman in one of his good friend's wedding. He's in a bad mood and not really sure why. He should be happy for his friend but he doesn't understand what's going on. Matthew, one of the grooms is aware and asks Cole, a groomsman to make sure Brady is okay. Cole enjoys the task because he's attracted to Brady and enjoyes teasing him. Everyone else has an idea of Brady's problem. Once Brady spends more time with Cole, he discovers many new feelings and confesses his thoughts and feelings to him. He has questions, but as Brady and Cole become closer, many are answered. Good flow, riviting working through the puzzle of Brady's emotional awakening. Nice cover art. Nice series, I would have liked longer stories. A good author leaves you wanting more. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2024
Ooooh, our poor sweet conflicted Brady and sweet, open, caring Cole!
Brady is having a tough time attending the wedding of his bestie/childhood hero/sexual awakening and doing a bad job of hiding it. When Cole is sneakily assigned to keep an eye on him... Cole discovers there's more to Brady than even he knows?
Brady and Cole were a delight from page one of this novella, really only a shame that it's only 20k words! It's a super quick read, but still has a good blend of spice, plot, and character development.
I'm really enjoying this new Side by Side series by Henry, and looking forward to book 2! And hopefully we'll see Brady and Cole pop up over there too!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
Brady is having a tough time attending the wedding of his bestie/childhood hero/sexual awakening and doing a bad job of hiding it. When Cole is sneakily assigned to keep an eye on him... Cole discovers there's more to Brady than even he knows?
Brady and Cole were a delight from page one of this novella, really only a shame that it's only 20k words! It's a super quick read, but still has a good blend of spice, plot, and character development.
I'm really enjoying this new Side by Side series by Henry, and looking forward to book 2! And hopefully we'll see Brady and Cole pop up over there too!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
June 28, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
New Development by Hannah Henry is a novella set after Hunter and Jonathan’s story. It features Brady who is starting to realize he may be gay and have feelings for his teammate Blake. However, Blake is getting married to the love of his life. Matthew, Blake’s fiance, asks his friend Cole to watch over Brady at the wedding to make sure he doesn’t make a scene.
I did like these two together, but it was so short and it was hard to completely believe their connection. I would have loved to have seen more from them. I loved how easily Brady accepted who he was and that he was attracted to men. Cole was a bit more mysterious and I would have liked to have seen more of him. It was a short, enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
New Development by Hannah Henry is a novella set after Hunter and Jonathan’s story. It features Brady who is starting to realize he may be gay and have feelings for his teammate Blake. However, Blake is getting married to the love of his life. Matthew, Blake’s fiance, asks his friend Cole to watch over Brady at the wedding to make sure he doesn’t make a scene.
I did like these two together, but it was so short and it was hard to completely believe their connection. I would have loved to have seen more from them. I loved how easily Brady accepted who he was and that he was attracted to men. Cole was a bit more mysterious and I would have liked to have seen more of him. It was a short, enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
June 28, 2024
This was a fun short and quick read.
Brady and Cole are well-developed characters and the plot is simple. Because Brady is backup goalie to the man he considers his best friend he is included in the wedding party. It turns out Brady is really in love with his friend and jealous of him marrying. The other groom notes Brady's sour mood and asks his friend Cole, who is also in the wedding party to see that Brady has a good time.
Cole and Brady enjoy each other's attention and eventually that leads to a post-wedding hookup with Brady realizing he is on the gay spectrum - something not recognized previously. Cole and Brady arrange to get together again as Brady goes off to prepare for the hockey season.
As I say, the plot is simple and the result is positive but almost predictable.
Brady and Cole are well-developed characters and the plot is simple. Because Brady is backup goalie to the man he considers his best friend he is included in the wedding party. It turns out Brady is really in love with his friend and jealous of him marrying. The other groom notes Brady's sour mood and asks his friend Cole, who is also in the wedding party to see that Brady has a good time.
Cole and Brady enjoy each other's attention and eventually that leads to a post-wedding hookup with Brady realizing he is on the gay spectrum - something not recognized previously. Cole and Brady arrange to get together again as Brady goes off to prepare for the hockey season.
As I say, the plot is simple and the result is positive but almost predictable.
June 30, 2024
3.5/5 The beginning of this left me pretty uncomfortable (but it left the characters uncomfortable, so maybe this was inevitable, lol). I think I had trouble with Brady being both un-self-aware and making himself and Matthew (and Blake by proxy) unhappy. I guess I should have more sympathy because it was mostly unconscious, but Brady’s behaviour towards Blake and his marriage was just awkward.
I liked Cole a lot, and I enjoyed how Brady and Cole got to have a fair number of intense conversations and just hang out with one another. I’m glad that Brady was able to let go of the bad feelings and be genuinely happy for his friend. I like the idea of him and Cole figuring things out for the future.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
I liked Cole a lot, and I enjoyed how Brady and Cole got to have a fair number of intense conversations and just hang out with one another. I’m glad that Brady was able to let go of the bad feelings and be genuinely happy for his friend. I like the idea of him and Cole figuring things out for the future.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
April 30, 2024
That was incredibly sweet 🥹
I haven’t read Blake and Matthew’s book so I didn’t know the whole dynamic with Brady there, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this novella at all. I felt so sad for Brady at the beginning, you can clearly fell his distress, but Cole is such a sweetheart from the very start.
Yea it’s short, but it doesn’t mean you can’t feel just how meant to be these two are. Cole is patient and understanding with Brady’s feelings, and when they come together it just makes sense!
I would love to read more about them 👀
*i received an arc from the author and this is my honest review*
I haven’t read Blake and Matthew’s book so I didn’t know the whole dynamic with Brady there, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this novella at all. I felt so sad for Brady at the beginning, you can clearly fell his distress, but Cole is such a sweetheart from the very start.
Yea it’s short, but it doesn’t mean you can’t feel just how meant to be these two are. Cole is patient and understanding with Brady’s feelings, and when they come together it just makes sense!
I would love to read more about them 👀
*i received an arc from the author and this is my honest review*
May 12, 2024
🏒Thoughts 👨🏻🍳
Thank you, Hannah, for my eARC.
I have read everything Hannah has written and I was excited to read New Development a novella from the Side by Side series. This book is set primarily during Blake and Matthew's wedding, we first met Blake and Matthew as the MCs in Empty Netter book 4 in the Delay of Game series. I loved how this book interconnected with Hannah's other books. This book is short full of feels and spicy. I really hope Brady and Cole make lots of cameos in future books by Hannah Henry.
Things I enjoyed
🏒 Novella
👨🏻🍳 Cameos
🏒 Hockey Goalie
👨🏻🍳 Chef
🏒 Dual POV
👨🏻🍳 Opposites Attract
Thank you, Hannah, for my eARC.
I have read everything Hannah has written and I was excited to read New Development a novella from the Side by Side series. This book is set primarily during Blake and Matthew's wedding, we first met Blake and Matthew as the MCs in Empty Netter book 4 in the Delay of Game series. I loved how this book interconnected with Hannah's other books. This book is short full of feels and spicy. I really hope Brady and Cole make lots of cameos in future books by Hannah Henry.
Things I enjoyed
🏒 Novella
👨🏻🍳 Cameos
🏒 Hockey Goalie
👨🏻🍳 Chef
🏒 Dual POV
👨🏻🍳 Opposites Attract
May 13, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was a wonderful way to catch up with Blake and Matthew and meet a lovely new couple- Cole and Brady. This is a quick read and takes place mostly over the week of Matthew and Blake’s wedding, where Cole agrees to keep an eye on Brady. I loved how kindly Cole approaches being Brady’s sitter, to make sure he doesn’t do anything rash to interfere with the wedding. It’s a really sweet way for Cole and Brady to get to know each other quickly. They are pretty lovely together, and for such a short book this really had such a wonderful arc to the characters and relationship. Loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This was a wonderful way to catch up with Blake and Matthew and meet a lovely new couple- Cole and Brady. This is a quick read and takes place mostly over the week of Matthew and Blake’s wedding, where Cole agrees to keep an eye on Brady. I loved how kindly Cole approaches being Brady’s sitter, to make sure he doesn’t do anything rash to interfere with the wedding. It’s a really sweet way for Cole and Brady to get to know each other quickly. They are pretty lovely together, and for such a short book this really had such a wonderful arc to the characters and relationship. Loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 9, 2024
Necessary Awakening
Cole and Brady were a delight. Who knew doing a favor for Matthew would lead Cole to his future. I loved how organically their bond formed. Cole was so understanding about what Brady was going through, which isn't always easy to find. Brady didn't truly understand his hostility toward Matthew, even though everyone else could clearly see how he felt about Blake. I am glad he was able to realize that he would never be Blake's person and dive into exploring his relationship with Cole. It was good that he took the 2.5 weeks they were apart to process everything and figure out what he wanted. I am glad they decided to give it a shot.
Cole and Brady were a delight. Who knew doing a favor for Matthew would lead Cole to his future. I loved how organically their bond formed. Cole was so understanding about what Brady was going through, which isn't always easy to find. Brady didn't truly understand his hostility toward Matthew, even though everyone else could clearly see how he felt about Blake. I am glad he was able to realize that he would never be Blake's person and dive into exploring his relationship with Cole. It was good that he took the 2.5 weeks they were apart to process everything and figure out what he wanted. I am glad they decided to give it a shot.
July 9, 2024
3.5 Stars - ARC Read
I liked this story better than the first book because I felt like we got to know Brady and Cole more that we got to know Hunter and Johnathan. The downside of this book over the first book however is that I just couldn't believe that they actually loved each other and would stay as a couple their relationship just felt like a lusty haze were both lonely at a wedding lets hook-up vibes. Cole had a lot of sweet moments with Brady even though he was a 'babysitter' he didn't treat Brady like a chore.
I personally feel like this needed to be a full book to properly capture the type of love story Brady and Cole are having.
I liked this story better than the first book because I felt like we got to know Brady and Cole more that we got to know Hunter and Johnathan. The downside of this book over the first book however is that I just couldn't believe that they actually loved each other and would stay as a couple their relationship just felt like a lusty haze were both lonely at a wedding lets hook-up vibes. Cole had a lot of sweet moments with Brady even though he was a 'babysitter' he didn't treat Brady like a chore.
I personally feel like this needed to be a full book to properly capture the type of love story Brady and Cole are having.
May 8, 2024
4.5 Stars, rounded up.
This is such a cute novella! We get to experience Matthew & Blake’s wedding, which is absolutely beautiful, and brings Brady & Cole together.
After meeting Brady in Starter Home, I was so excited we got some more from him! He seemed shy and quiet, so getting to be in his mind and getting to see him around Cole was amazing. Plus his queer awakening!!!
I loved the match of Cole & Brady, and really felt their chemistry.
Honestly the only thing is I wish it was longer so we could get more of them!
This is such a cute novella! We get to experience Matthew & Blake’s wedding, which is absolutely beautiful, and brings Brady & Cole together.
After meeting Brady in Starter Home, I was so excited we got some more from him! He seemed shy and quiet, so getting to be in his mind and getting to see him around Cole was amazing. Plus his queer awakening!!!
I loved the match of Cole & Brady, and really felt their chemistry.
Honestly the only thing is I wish it was longer so we could get more of them!
May 12, 2024
Cute short read in the Side by Side series. (With characters from the Delay of Game series!)
Two men, thrown together at a wedding, Cole so he can keep an eye on Brady, which he quickly realises he doesn’t mind doing at all! Cole is sweet, romantic, understanding, just an all round nice guy. Brady is quiet, unsure, it’s a bit of a guy awakening for him (is he gay/bi or just Cole sexual?!)
It’s quick but realistic, it’s an enjoyable read and I want more from them and the rest of the family now please!
Two men, thrown together at a wedding, Cole so he can keep an eye on Brady, which he quickly realises he doesn’t mind doing at all! Cole is sweet, romantic, understanding, just an all round nice guy. Brady is quiet, unsure, it’s a bit of a guy awakening for him (is he gay/bi or just Cole sexual?!)
It’s quick but realistic, it’s an enjoyable read and I want more from them and the rest of the family now please!
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