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Side by Side: A Cozy Slice of Life Men's Romance
Chris Wright has one shot at his dream.
After years of late nights and countless revisions, an agent finally takes notice of Chris’s novel—but with one he has a tight deadline to deliver a major rewrite. With bills stacking up and no extra time to pick up more shifts, Chris feels like he's barely holding his life together.
Then, fate throws him a curveball in the form of Mia.
Mia, his former high school nemesis—the gorgeous, untouchable girl he spent years feuding with—has just moved in next door. Despite their rocky past, both of them are now facing similar struggles to make ends meet. In an unexpected twist, they find themselves relying on each other. As they grow closer, Chris realizes that publishing his novel isn’t the only thing he’s racing toward. He’s falling for the one girl he never thought he’d get close to.
Will chasing his dream cost him his heart—or lead him to everything he’s ever wanted?
After years of late nights and countless revisions, an agent finally takes notice of Chris’s novel—but with one he has a tight deadline to deliver a major rewrite. With bills stacking up and no extra time to pick up more shifts, Chris feels like he's barely holding his life together.
Then, fate throws him a curveball in the form of Mia.
Mia, his former high school nemesis—the gorgeous, untouchable girl he spent years feuding with—has just moved in next door. Despite their rocky past, both of them are now facing similar struggles to make ends meet. In an unexpected twist, they find themselves relying on each other. As they grow closer, Chris realizes that publishing his novel isn’t the only thing he’s racing toward. He’s falling for the one girl he never thought he’d get close to.
Will chasing his dream cost him his heart—or lead him to everything he’s ever wanted?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2024
254 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 20, 2025
This is a fun book. Good, not great. In no particular order:
► As it says in the title, it's a cozy slice of life romance with a male protagonist
► It's got a fun enemies-to-lovers trope going on
► There's not a lot to dislike; the writing is fine, the characters are likeable enough, the dialogue isn't wooden, the premise isn't absurdly unbelievable
It's fine. However I will note that it's part of a series, and the sequels are a bit…different. Slightly spoilery-comments, so:
Book 2:
Book 3:
In short, I'd recommend this book, but the sequels are quite different (less cozy, and less slice of life), so if you're strictly interested in that vibe, you might not enjoy them as much.
► As it says in the title, it's a cozy slice of life romance with a male protagonist
► It's got a fun enemies-to-lovers trope going on
► There's not a lot to dislike; the writing is fine, the characters are likeable enough, the dialogue isn't wooden, the premise isn't absurdly unbelievable
It's fine. However I will note that it's part of a series, and the sequels are a bit…different. Slightly spoilery-comments, so:
Book 2:
Book 3:
In short, I'd recommend this book, but the sequels are quite different (less cozy, and less slice of life), so if you're strictly interested in that vibe, you might not enjoy them as much.
January 11, 2025
One of the best in the genre.
This book is fairly unique. You don’t get many well written books in this genre that are set in the modern world and just good slice of life. If that were everything this book had going for it, it would still be worth reading.
However, what really makes this book shine is the love story and the building connections between the two main characters. The interactions are so well written and the growth the two have is just so realistic. Add to that the incredibly well done spicy scenes and the future addition of another love interest, and you get possibly of the best books in this genre.
This book is fairly unique. You don’t get many well written books in this genre that are set in the modern world and just good slice of life. If that were everything this book had going for it, it would still be worth reading.
However, what really makes this book shine is the love story and the building connections between the two main characters. The interactions are so well written and the growth the two have is just so realistic. Add to that the incredibly well done spicy scenes and the future addition of another love interest, and you get possibly of the best books in this genre.
December 26, 2024
Rough all around. As a man, I feel a lot of "romance for men" books amount to really boring wish fulfillment, but this one absolutely takes that to an extreme.
This book sells you on the idea of of a struggling writer ending up in an enemies to lovers situation wish his high school bully, and how he'll have to figure out how to navigate through life with her so close by. Instead, the book starts with him already well used to her being around, and they have one singular antagonistic encounter (if even that) before they're literally inseparable. You might take that as "oh, well, forced proximity is nice for some tension" but no, even though they were apparently mortal enemies in high school, everything immediately goes just fine.
Our main man comes off as a pretentious "nerd" who isn't a nerd at all, while the woman in question spends the entire book as a walking talking object who's constantly worried about how she needs to make up for how horrible she was in the past even though she is never, ever, horrible in the present.
Only reason I finished the book is because of how short it was. The spice scenes were...fine, for the most part. But they quickly become "just another thing that happens" and lack much of a point beyond "I'm a guy and guys like to screw."
This book sells you on the idea of of a struggling writer ending up in an enemies to lovers situation wish his high school bully, and how he'll have to figure out how to navigate through life with her so close by. Instead, the book starts with him already well used to her being around, and they have one singular antagonistic encounter (if even that) before they're literally inseparable. You might take that as "oh, well, forced proximity is nice for some tension" but no, even though they were apparently mortal enemies in high school, everything immediately goes just fine.
Our main man comes off as a pretentious "nerd" who isn't a nerd at all, while the woman in question spends the entire book as a walking talking object who's constantly worried about how she needs to make up for how horrible she was in the past even though she is never, ever, horrible in the present.
Only reason I finished the book is because of how short it was. The spice scenes were...fine, for the most part. But they quickly become "just another thing that happens" and lack much of a point beyond "I'm a guy and guys like to screw."
January 21, 2025
That was fun
This story was a lot of fun. Lots of loveable characters, great story, true to life experiences. Great fun, can't wait for the next one.
This story was a lot of fun. Lots of loveable characters, great story, true to life experiences. Great fun, can't wait for the next one.
May 25, 2025
Wonderful story, as long as you understand
The important thing to understand are the two key identifiers in the title: Cozy, and slice-of-life.
Despite the title, I kept forgetting the cozy part. Cozy means that while there's going to be some bumps in the road, nothing horrific or traumatic is going to happen. This is mental comfort food (and it, like your favorite meal your loved one makes, is so good). The MCs don't betray each other, they don't have horrible heartbreaking things happen. You're not going to live the romance version of the red wedding.
.
The other important thing is slice-of-life. This is a story that meanders along because that's what's going on with the characters. This is not a plot driven story. It's a small slice out of the life of two characters who end up being lovely and lovable.
.
At the end, I was left with a warm heart and a smile on my face. The meta-narrative about the MMC being a slice-of-life author, and the comments on what that was like were like fun easter eggs to gather along the way. But most of all, the two characters were lovely to each other. They were fun. And yes, they were sexy AF. Wonderful book
The important thing to understand are the two key identifiers in the title: Cozy, and slice-of-life.
Despite the title, I kept forgetting the cozy part. Cozy means that while there's going to be some bumps in the road, nothing horrific or traumatic is going to happen. This is mental comfort food (and it, like your favorite meal your loved one makes, is so good). The MCs don't betray each other, they don't have horrible heartbreaking things happen. You're not going to live the romance version of the red wedding.
.
The other important thing is slice-of-life. This is a story that meanders along because that's what's going on with the characters. This is not a plot driven story. It's a small slice out of the life of two characters who end up being lovely and lovable.
.
At the end, I was left with a warm heart and a smile on my face. The meta-narrative about the MMC being a slice-of-life author, and the comments on what that was like were like fun easter eggs to gather along the way. But most of all, the two characters were lovely to each other. They were fun. And yes, they were sexy AF. Wonderful book
January 20, 2025
I didn't get far into this book before deciding the MC and first woman didn't do it for me. I usually enjoy a "friends to lovers" style book, but it requires a bit more build-up of hostility before they come together in passion. But in this case, they were two people that didn't like each other in highschool, and it's like 5+ years later. Neither of them is doing well financially for different reasons, and they meet because she's recently moved in next door in the same awful apartment complex a the MC. And he sees her "ultimate low point" and offers her a beer. That's all in the first 25 pages, and it just loses some of the "oomph" that a enemies to lovers style story normally goes through.
Add in the fact that the MC is pretty down on his luck and barely scraping by, and I just couldn't get into the first 25 pages to want to continue.
Add in the fact that the MC is pretty down on his luck and barely scraping by, and I just couldn't get into the first 25 pages to want to continue.
November 6, 2024
This book delivers! It's a feel-good story with relatable characters, witty banter, and just the right amount of steam. Chris and Mia's journey from high school nemeses to something more is both entertaining and heartwarming. They have distinct personalities and the playful interactions are fun. The intimate scenes were well-written.
While the romance is central, the subplot about Chris's writing career adds another layer of interest. I had fun reading this and can't wait for the next installment!
While the romance is central, the subplot about Chris's writing career adds another layer of interest. I had fun reading this and can't wait for the next installment!
January 25, 2025
So heartwarming, it hurts
Man, this book is fantastic, I'm a 6'2" burley man who loves fishing and building stuff, and I happy cried so much from this book my eyes are raw. I'm not even ashamed of it! The characters are fantastic and incredibly relatable. They feel real very well fleshed out. I'm probably going to binge the next book tomorrow, so here's hoping for a third book soon!
Man, this book is fantastic, I'm a 6'2" burley man who loves fishing and building stuff, and I happy cried so much from this book my eyes are raw. I'm not even ashamed of it! The characters are fantastic and incredibly relatable. They feel real very well fleshed out. I'm probably going to binge the next book tomorrow, so here's hoping for a third book soon!
January 30, 2025
I REALLY enjoyed this story!!!!
The way the storyline bills was very well written! The characters are believable, the sex scenes are very, very erotic!! The path to life as described is very believable. The author makes mentions of social changes and how society shifting. The author integrates it well into the story and builds the characters from it. I will be snapping the next one up ASAP!!
The way the storyline bills was very well written! The characters are believable, the sex scenes are very, very erotic!! The path to life as described is very believable. The author makes mentions of social changes and how society shifting. The author integrates it well into the story and builds the characters from it. I will be snapping the next one up ASAP!!
March 19, 2025
Better than expected
I'd like to read about good sex. Sex that turns me on and makes me want to have sex. That is the only reason I started reading this book. But halfway through, I got involved in the story of these two characters. And it was a good story. Melodramatic, but good. There is nothing wrong with an upbeat ending. Thanks for putting the work in to make this a good, thoughtful book.
I'd like to read about good sex. Sex that turns me on and makes me want to have sex. That is the only reason I started reading this book. But halfway through, I got involved in the story of these two characters. And it was a good story. Melodramatic, but good. There is nothing wrong with an upbeat ending. Thanks for putting the work in to make this a good, thoughtful book.
April 26, 2025
Some Really Good Some Really Sad
I really enjoyed parts of this, the characters are good, their backgrounds woven nicely together, their compatibility off the charts…but then there’s so much unnecessary heavy drama as Mia tries and tries to make amends for her past life. Sorry, if you have half a brain you don’t let your partner take total control of your life and business. Just too much unnecessary drama.
I really enjoyed parts of this, the characters are good, their backgrounds woven nicely together, their compatibility off the charts…but then there’s so much unnecessary heavy drama as Mia tries and tries to make amends for her past life. Sorry, if you have half a brain you don’t let your partner take total control of your life and business. Just too much unnecessary drama.
October 25, 2024
Great Slice of Life Romance
This one was just a fun story. It was a little slow at first but once the two characters get together it gets moving quick and we really get to see them have fun. Love the two main characters and how they interact with each other. Just a fun romance. Can’t wait for book 2!
This one was just a fun story. It was a little slow at first but once the two characters get together it gets moving quick and we really get to see them have fun. Love the two main characters and how they interact with each other. Just a fun romance. Can’t wait for book 2!
May 17, 2025
Enjoyable story.
I truly enjoyed how the characters developed during the story's arc. The characters are believable and human. The romance and sex is well crafted and the story evolves naturally. Before I had finished this book, I knew I would read the next book and look forward to an extended series.
I truly enjoyed how the characters developed during the story's arc. The characters are believable and human. The romance and sex is well crafted and the story evolves naturally. Before I had finished this book, I knew I would read the next book and look forward to an extended series.
February 16, 2025
Enemies to Friends and then Lovers
Enemies in High School who become Friends and then Lovers in their mid 20s. A wonderful tale of two who become roommates, friends and lovers. A beautiful story of two people who join together in pursuit of their dreams.
Enemies in High School who become Friends and then Lovers in their mid 20s. A wonderful tale of two who become roommates, friends and lovers. A beautiful story of two people who join together in pursuit of their dreams.
April 29, 2025
great book
I loved it! Really realistic with the characters feeling on show and the showing of how life works! Ending was good too I’m glad everything worked out. Now for book two!
I loved it! Really realistic with the characters feeling on show and the showing of how life works! Ending was good too I’m glad everything worked out. Now for book two!
May 17, 2025
Absolutely loved it!
Really enjoyed the first book as a fan of slice of life. Also was great to see a modern setting without any fantasy/ supernatural elements which is very common in haremlit.
Really enjoyed the first book as a fan of slice of life. Also was great to see a modern setting without any fantasy/ supernatural elements which is very common in haremlit.
December 7, 2024
Pretty good first book.
I like the way the author portrayed the lead characters.
It's a feel-good story with a little bit of drama just the spice things up.
10/10 would recommend.
I like the way the author portrayed the lead characters.
It's a feel-good story with a little bit of drama just the spice things up.
10/10 would recommend.
December 9, 2024
Look forward to the next one
Cover sucked me in. To be honest I didn’t expect to like the story as much as I did. Really enjoyed the characters and their back story.
Cover sucked me in. To be honest I didn’t expect to like the story as much as I did. Really enjoyed the characters and their back story.
January 7, 2025
Great story
I enjoyed this story. Lots of life points brought up. The sex scenes are hot.
Please hurry for part two.
I enjoyed this story. Lots of life points brought up. The sex scenes are hot.
Please hurry for part two.
May 27, 2025
excellent!
A real story.
Well written.
I typically jump from one book to another book, but not with this one! Held my interest the entire time.
A real story.
Well written.
I typically jump from one book to another book, but not with this one! Held my interest the entire time.
July 5, 2025
There is as much cuteness as there is spice. The build up between the couple is insane. And also the layup for the next girl was really good. Like it is a really good set up.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews